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THE 


FAMILY     EXPOSITOR; 


PARAPHRASE  AND  VERSION 


NEW       TESTAMENT; 


WITH  CRITICAL  NOTES, 


A  PRACTICAL  IMPROVEMENT  TO  EACH  SECTION, 


BY  PHILIP  DODDRIDGE,  D.D. 

WITH    MEMOIRS    OF    THE    AUTHOR,   BY   JOB    ORTON, 
AND  EXTRACTS  FROM  DR.  KIPPIS. 

WITH  A  PORTRAIT,  ENGRAVED  FROM  AN  ORIGINAL  PICTURE  IN  WYMONDLEY  HOUSE,  HERTS, 
BY  PERMISSION  OF  THE  TRUSTEES  OF  THE  LATE  WILLIAM  COWARD,  ESQ. 


LONDON : 

FREDERICK  WESTLEY  AND  A.  H.   DAVIS. 
CAMBRIDGE:  ELIJAH  JOHNSON. 

NEW   YORK  :    JONATHAN    LEAVITT. 

BOSTON :  CROCKER  AND  BREWSTER. 
MDCCCXXXI. 


STEREOTYPED  AND  PRINTED  BY  I  R.  AND  C.  GUILDS,  BUNGAY. 


MEMOIRS 


LIFE,    CHARACTER,   AND    WRITINGS, 


OF  THE   I.ATE 


REV.    PHILIP    DODDRIDGE,    D.  D. 


BY  JOB  ORTON. 


Had  he  dropt 


That  eagle-genius  !  O  had  he  let  fall 

One  feather  as  he  flew ;  I,  then,  had  wrote 

What  friends  might  flatter,  prudent  foes  forbear. 

Yet  what  I  can  I  must ;  it  were  profane 

To  quench  a  glory  lighted  at  the  skies. 

And  cast  in  shadows  his  illustrious  close  ! 

Night-Thoughts,  No.  Z 


CONTENTS. 


CHAP.  I. 

Dr.  Doddridge's  birth,  education,  early  diligence,  and 
piety  » 

CHAP.  II. 

His  entrance  on  the  ministry,  and  settlement  in  Leices- 
tershire        

CHAP.  III. 
His  entrance  on  the  work  of  a  tutor         .... 

CHAP.  IV. 
His  settlement  at  Northampton 

CHAP.  V. 
His  discharge  of  his  ministry  at  Northampton 

CHAP.  VI. 

His  method  of  education  and  behaviour  as  a  tutor 

CHAP.  VII. 

His  genius,  learning,  and  writings         .... 

CHAP.  VIII. 
His  private  character  


SECTION    I. 


His  uncommon  diligence,  activity,  and  resolution  in  the 
despatch  of  business  xxx 


SECTION    II. 

PAGE 

His  attempts  to  do  good,  and  to  promote  and  encourage 
the  zeal  of  others,  beyond  the  limits  of  his  own  con- 
gregation and  family xxxii 

SECTION    III. 

His  Catholicism,  moderation,  and  friendly  behaviour  to 
persons  of  different  sentiments  and  persua.sions    .        .  xxxiv 

SECTION  IV. 

His  benevolence,  afiFability,  public  spirit,  and  liberality    xxxvii 

SECTION    V. 

His  humility,  and  dependence  on  divine  assistances        .        xl 

SECTION    VI. 

His  patience,  serenity,  and  cheerfulness,  under  afflic- 
tions ;  ancl  upon  what  principles  these  graces  were 
exercised  and  supported xlii 

SECTION  VII. 

His  temper  and  behaviour  under  unjust  and  unkind  treat- 
ment   xliii 

SECTION    VIII. 

His  piety  towards  God,  and  his  devotion,  as  the  support 

of  that  and  every  other  virtue xlviii 

CHAP.  IX. 

His  last  sickness  and  death liv 

Poem  to  the  memory  of  the  late  Dr.  Doddridge        .        .      Ixi 


PREFACE   TO    THE    LIFE. 


THE  lives  of  worthy  and  pious  men  are  generally  reckoned 
some  of  the  most  useful  books  which  have  been  published. 
But  there  seems  a  peculiar  propriety  in  laying  before  the 
world  what  can  be  known  of  the  jnety,  benevolence,  and 
zeal  of  those,  who  have  filled  more  eminent  stations  in  it ; 
and  distinguished  themselves  by  their  writnigs  in  the  service 
of  religion.  There  is  a  natural  curiosity  m  mankind  to 
know  some  particulars  of  the  lives  of  those,  whose  works 
they  have  read  with  pleasure  and  advantage.  Even  minute 
circumstances,  which  to  others  may  appear  unworthy  of 
public  notice,  are  to  them  interesting  events.  Nor  is  this 
kind  of  history  merely  calculated  to  entertain  and  amuse, 
but  is  evidently  capable  of  answering  much  more  valuable 
ends.  When  there  ap|)ears  an  exact  correspondence  be- 
tween a  man's  writings  and  temper ;  between  the  duties 
he  recommended  to  others  and  his  own  practice,  his 
works  are  read  with  greater  attention,  and  are  more  likely, 
through  a  divine  blessing,  to  produce  the  desired  effect. 
The  lives  of  holy,  zealous  ministers,  are  particularly  useful ; 
as  in  them  may  be  seen  a  pattern  of  a  christian  conversa- 
tion for  all,  and  of  ministerial  faithfulness  and  activity 
for  their  brethren  ;  and  thus  the  good  influence  of  such  ex- 
amples may  be  widely  diffused  :  and  when  a  person  of  solid 
worth,  learning,  and  piety,  has  been  employed  in  training 
up  young  men  for  usefulness,  especially  in  the  ministry,  his 
character  must  be  allowed  to  demand  a  particular  attention, 
and  may  be  peculiarly  beneficial  to  the  world.  It  may 
excite  those  who  have  been  under  his  care,  to  recollect  his 
instruction  and  example,  and  their  consequent  obligations. 
His  conduct  in  that  important  office  may  serve,  in  some 
degree,  for  a  model  to  other  tutors ;  and,  if  he  hath  appeared 
among  protestant  dissenters,  may  tend  to  remove  some  pre- 
judices, if  such  remain,  against  their  seminaries,  as  if  they 
were  nurseries  of  schism,  entiiusiasm,  and  faction.  That 
these  several  valuable  ends  may  be  answered,  is  the  design 
of  this  work,  and  the  earnest  wish  of  its  author.  He  is 
sensible  that  he  wants  some  qualifications  for  executing  it 
in  such  a  manner,  as  to  do  justice  to  the  character  and 
worth  of  Dr.  Doddridge,  and  present  it  in  a  proper  form  to 
the  public.  He  has  laboured,  but  in  vain,  to  engage  some 
better  hand  to  undertake  it;  and  hath  at  length,  with  re- 
luctance, submitted  to  the  reasons  urged  by  the  Doctor's 
friends  and  the  admirers  of  his  writings;  among  which  the 
principal  was,  their  apprehension  of  its  usefulness  to  the 
world.  Upon  the  whole,  he  thought  it  better  to  expose 
himself  to  censure  for  attempting  it  without  due  qualifica- 
tions, than  to  withhold  an  excellent  pattern  from  mankind, 
when  the  influence  of  every  good  example  is  so  needful  for 
their  reformation  and  happiness. 

My  purpose  is  to  lay  before  the  world,  in  the  following 
sheets,  what  appears  to  be  most  instructive  in  his  life  and 
character,  according  to  the  best  judgment  I  could  form 
from  a  long  and  intimate  acquaintance,  and  the  best  in- 
formation I  could  procure.  A  striking  likeness  of  a  person 
may  be  drawn  by  a  hand  not  skilful  in  colouring;  and 
unable  to  give  the  picture  that  grace,  which  would  render 
it  more  generally  admired,  especially  by  the  best  judges.  I 
shall  dwell  chiefly  on  those  exemplary  effects,  which  the 


sincere  and  lively  piety  of  the  Doctor's  heart  produced,  in 
a  beautiful  correspondence  to  those  circumstances  in  life  in 
wiiich  he  was  placed.  Herein  perhaps  modern  writers  of 
lives  have  been  defective;  either  from  a  mistaken  appre- 
hension, that  it  was  of  little  moment,  or,  as  I  would 
rather  hope,  through  want  of  materials.  Had  I  satisfied 
myself  with  giving  an  account  of  his  public  and  literary 
character,  especially  if  I  could  have  embellished  it  with  the 
beauties  of  description  and  language,  it  miglit  have  been 
more  agreeable  to  the  modern  taste,  and  the  politer  part  of 
my  readers.  But  I  am  fully  convinced,  it  is  the  more  pri- 
vate part  of  a  man's  character  from  which  we  may  expect 
the  greatest  benefit.  What  is  it  to  me,  that  another  had  a 
bright  genius,  was  learned,  elegant,  and  polite.  But  to  see 
a  display  of  his  piety,  humility,  zeal,  benevolence,  and  tlie 
principles  by  which  they  were  supported,  this,  if  it  be  not 
my  own  fault,  may  be  very  beneficial  to  me.  I  thought  I 
should  do  the  most  real  service  to  the  world  by  bringing  to 
ligiit  those  graces  of  the  christian,  which,  though  they  do 
not  make  the  most  shining  part  of  a  character  in  the  eyes  of 
men,  are  his  fairest  ornaments  in  the  siglit  of  God,  and  the 
surest  proofs  of  the  sincerity  of  his  outward  profession.  In 
order  to  execute  this  design,  I  have  made  such  extracts  from 
his  diary  and  other  papers,  written  solely  for  his  own  use, 
and  his  letters  to  his  intimate  friends  in  which  he  laid  open 
his  whole  heart,  as  I  judged  most  proper  to  give  my  readers 
a  just  idea  of  his  inward  sentiments,  and  the  grand  motives 
on  which  he  acted  through  life.  And  if  these  appear  to  be 
in  every  respect  agreeable  to  his  profession  and  public 
character,  I  think  it  must  be  acknowledged  the  strongest 
proof  that  can  be  given  of  his  integrity,  and  consequently 
greatly  tend  to  heighten  our  idea  and  excite  our  imitation 
of  him. 

I  am  sensible  it  hath  been  objected,  that  "  what  was 
principally  written  for  a  person's  own  use,  ought  not  to  be 
made  public."  And  no  doubt  a  prudent  caution  should  be 
used  in  making  extracts  from  such  papers.  But  (as  Mr. 
Howe  hath  observed  on  a  like  occasion)  what  are  many  of 
the  psalms  of  David,  and  other  holy  men,  what  the  medi- 
tations of  that  renowned  philosopher  and  emperor,  Marcus 
Antoninus,  but  records  of  the  most  secret  dispositions  and 
motions  of  the  liidden  man  of  the  heart,  made  public  for  the 
instruction  of  their  own  and  succeeding  ages?  As  there  is 
so  much  resemblance  in  the  frame  of  our  minds,  nothing 
certainly  can  be  of  more  advantage,  than  to  see  the  secret 
workings  of  the  hearts  of  great  and  good  men  upon  different 
occasions ;  and  especially  to  be  informed,  what  methods 
they  took  to  conquer  their  particular  temptations,  to  improve 
their  religious  character,  and  to  keep  alive  that  sacred 
ardour  of  love  and  zeal,  which  carried  them  through  so 
many  labours  and  difficulties.  The  great  advantage  which 
many  humble  cliristians  have  received  from  sucli  extracts  in 
othei-  lives,  is,  I  tiunk,  a  sufficient  vindication  of  the  use 
here  made  of  them.  The  acceptance  and  usefulness  of  Mr. 
P.  Henry's  life,  in  particular,  encouraged  me  to  ]jursue  this 
method.  Some  few  of  these  extracts  may  not  be  thought 
necessary  to  illustrate  Dr.  Doddridge's  character;  but  as 
they  appeared  likely  to  impress  the  reader's  lieart  with  pious 


PREFACE  TO  THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


sentiments,  and  to  subserve  my  leading  design,  I  was  not 
willing  to  suppress  them.  Some  quotations  from  his  writings 
are  intended  to  show  the  consistency  between  the  rules  Ke 
gave  to  others  and  his  own  conduct;  and  they  may  lead 
some  to  read  his  works,  who  might  before  know  nothing  or 
little  of  them.  Accuracy  of  style  is  not  to  be  expected  in 
what  a  person  writes  merely  for  his  own  use,  or  to  his  inti- 
mate friends ;  yet  it  may  be  as  serviceable  to  others  as  any 
of  his  publications.  I  am  sensible  tliese  extracts  and 
quotations  spoil  the  uniformity  of  this  work,  and  make  some 
sentences  abrupt  and  imperfect;  yet,  as  they  are,  in  my 
judgment,  the  best  part  or  it,  I  could  not  satisfy  myself  to 
omit  them,  merely  ujjon  those  accounts. 

When  I  inform  my  readers  what  were  his  sentiments 
upon  particular  subjects  and  occasions,  where  it  is  not  sup- 
ported by  his  writings  and  papers,  I  can  with  great  truth 
assure  them,  that  my  representation  is  just,  from  the  oppor- 
tunities I  had  of  learning  them  from  his  lectures,  conversa- 
tion, or  correspondence ;  and  I  am  persuaded,  that  they 
who  were  intimately  acquainted  with  him  will  acknowledge 
the  same. 

It  may  be  thought  an  objection  to  some  part  of  this 
work,  "  that  the  model  here  proposed,  especially  of  devo- 
tional exercises,  is  too  high  for  tlie  generality  of  mankind, 
amidst  the  necessary  cares  of  their  respective  families  and 
stations."  And  it  must  be  acknowledged,  that  it  is  no 
man's  duty  to  be  in  his  closet,  when  his  business  in  his 
shop,  tields,  or  family  demands  his  attention  :  nor  would  I 
bind  it  upon  any  one's  conscience  to  follow  the  particular 
method  here  described  too  strictly.  No  one's  practice  can 
serve  as  a  model  for  every  one.  That  may  be  a  very  good 
rule  for  one,  which  is  not  so  for  another  :  and,  therefore, 
every  one  must  use  his  own  discretion  in  copying  after  tiie 
examples  set  before  him.  lie  must  consider  his  abilities 
of  body  and  mind,  his  circumstances  and  connexions  in 
life,  that  every  part  of  duty  may  have  proper  time  allotted 
to  it  according  to  its  importance.  Nevertheless,  there  are 
few  persons  but  might  employ  more  time  than  they  do,  in 
cultivating  their  understandings  and  improving  their  graces, 
by  reading,  meditation,  and  devotion,  without  breaking  in 
upon  any  of  the  necessary  duties  of  life,  if  their  iiearts  were 
in  these  exercises,  and  they  were  more  careful  to  redeem 
their  time,  from  unnecessary  sleep,  visits,  and  recreations.* 
Dr.  Doddridge's  extraordinary  diligence  in  the  services  of 
his  station,  and  that  constant"  atterition  which  he  paid  to 
relative  duties,  i)lainly  evince,  that  his  devotional  exercises 
had  a  good  effect  upon  him.  He  found  (as  Dr.  Boerliaave 
acknowledged  he  found)  "  that  an  hour  spent  every  morn- 
ing in  private  prayer  and  meditation  gave  him  spirit  and 
vigour  for  the  business  of  the  day,  and  kept  his  temper 
active,  patient,  and  calm."— Yet  I  must,  on  the  other  hand, 
caution  persons  of  a  serious  spirit,  especially  those  of  a 
cool  temper  and  a  sickly  frame,  that  they  be  not  uneasy,  if 
they  find  themselves  surpassed  by  him  in  the  fervour  of 
devotion.  Allowance  must  be  made  for  the  great  difference 
of  natural  tempers  ;  and  persons  must  carefully  distinsjuish 
between  that  ardour  of  pious  affection,  which  is  indeed  de- 
sirable, and  that  sincerity  of  heart,  which  is  essential  to  true 
and  acceptable  devotion.  His  temper  was  remarkably 
afiisctionate  and  impressible ;  and  therefore  I  give  this 
caution  for  the  sake  of  young  and  less  experienced  Chris- 
tians, who  make  a  crnscience  of  secret  duty  ;  and  I  should 
be  sorry  if  any  real  christians  should  suspect  their  integrity, 
because  they  do  not  experience  an  equal  warmth  of  holy 
affections.  Nevertheless,  let  them  press  on  after  more  lively 
and  animated  devotion,  as  it  will  afford  them  the  sublimest 
pleasure. 

Some,  when  they  have  gone  through  this  life,  or  perhaps 
only  dipped  into  it,  may  pronounce,  or  think,  the  Doctor 
an  enthusiast,  because  there  was  so  much  of  a  devotional 
spirit  in  him,  and  he  lays  some  stress  on  his  particular  feel- 
ings and  impressions.  This  is  the  random  charge  of  the 
day  ;  and  brought  by  some  against  every  affection  of  the 
mind  which  hath  God  for  its  object,  and  against  every 
person  who  hath  more  piety  and  zeal  than  the  generality. 
But  here,  also,  allowance  must  be  made  for  difierent  tem- 
pers. His  whole  conduct  was  steady  and  uniform,  and 
formed  upon  those  principles  which  in  private  lie  endea- 

•  See  Rise  and  Progress,  &c.  chap.  xx.  sect.  1. 


voured  to  cultivate.  His  piety  was  not  a  warm  sally  of 
passion,  nor  the  effect  of  a  heated  imagination,  leading  him 
to  do  things  not  warranted  by  the  dictates  of  sound  sense 
and  the  word  of  God  ;  but  a  strong,  active  principle,  influ- 
encing his  whole  life,  and  leading  him  to  such  vigorous 
efforts  for  the  good  of  mankind.  "  If  there  be,  saith  the 
judicious  Dr.  Duchal,  what  we  may  call  raptures  in  the 
love  of  God,  they  do  not  destroy  nor  interrupt  the  serenity 
of  the  soul ;  but  establish  it  rather,  and  raise  it  into  a  tem- 
per, which  the  most  cool  reflecting  thoughts  approve,  and 
which  yieldeth  a  pure  and  solid  delight."  f 

Some  of  his  friends  may  think  me  too  particular  in  the 
vindication  of  his  character  from  some  aspersions  which 
were  thrown  upon  it.  But  as  I  know  that  prejudices 
against  it  are  still  propagated,  to  the  hinderance  of  the  credit 
and  usefulness  of  his  writings,  I  thought  it  an  act  of  justice 
to  plead  his  cause  and  the  cause  of  moderation  and  charity 
at  the  same  time.  If  any  come  to  their  first  knowledge  of 
the  censures  cast  upon  him,  from  this  account,  they  must 
be  unacquainted  with  Scripture  or  human  nature,  if  they 
are  surprised  that  he  met  with  them. 

The  form  of  this  work  may  perhaps  be  objected  to,  and 
particularly  throwing  the  several  parts  of  his  private  charac- 
ter into  distinct  sections.  It  may  appear  like  a  designed 
panegyric,  and  many  things  may  be  thought  to  have  been 
inserted  under  each  head,  to  make  the  article  and  character 
as  complete  as  possible.  Yet  I  hope  persons  of  candour 
will  find  little  reason  for  this  reflection ;  because  what  is 
said  upon  the  several  parts  of  his  character,  is  supported 
either  by  facts  or  extracts  from  his  own  [lapers,  which  are, 
I  think,  in  many  instances,  equivalent  to  facts.  A  general 
harangue  would,  in  my  opinion,  have  appeared  more  like  a 
panegyric.  My  design  was  not  to  exhibit  a  fine  character, 
but  to  show  my  readers  that  Dr.  Doddridge's  was  such  ; 
and  by  what  method  that  character  was  formed  and  his  ex- 
cellent spirit  maintained.  The  divisions  may  be  more 
serviceable  in  this  view,  than  if  the  whole  had  been  thrown 
under  one  general  head.  It  would  probably  be  a  vain 
attempt  in  any  one,  I  am  sure  it  would  be  so  in  me,  to  unite 
the  several  advantages,  attending  the  different  ways  in  which 
a  life  may  be  drawn  up.  A  writer  must  fix,  not  so  much  on 
that  method,  which  may  be  best  in  itself,  as  that  which  is 
most  suited  to  his  own  temper,  abilities,  and  manner  of 
writing ;  and  this  the  candid  reader  will  suppose  I  have  done. 

I  am  apprehensive  many  particulars  in  the  narrative  will 
appear,  to  some  readers,  minute,  trifling,  and  not  worthy  a 
place  in  it.  Others,  I  know,  will  be  of  a  difterent  judgment. 
My  own  is,  that  by  these  a  man's  character  and  views  may 
be  best  known  ;  and  that  they  contribute  to  render  the 
narrative  more  extensively  useful,  than  if  the  author  had 
rested  in  generals.  The  good  effects  which  I  have  seen, 
heard  of,  and,  I  bless  God,  experienced,  from  such  par- 
ticulars in  the  lives  of  other  good  men,  especially  Mr.  P. 
Henry,  have  led  me  to  mention  them  here.  I  have  inserted 
nothing  but  what  I  thought  was,  by  itself  or  its  connexion, 
adapted  to  answer  some  important  end.  It  is  in  these  little 
instances,  that  religious  men  frequently  fail,  and  need  the 
caution  both  of  precept  and  example.  It  is  not  to  be  ex- 
pected, that  any  work,  especially  one  of  this  kind,  which  is 
well  known  to  have  its  peculiar  difficulties,  can  be  equally 
adapted  to  |)ersons  of  different  tastes  and  views.  My  prin- 
cipal intention  was  to  consult  the  advantage  of  ymin" 
ministers  and  students  in  divinity,  who  may  be  directed  and 
animated  by  so  fair  a  model,  in  which  the  scholar  and  chris- 
tian minister  are  so  happily  united :  and  this  view  of  the 
work  will  show  the  reason,  why  I  have  sometimes  entered 
into  a  more  particular  detail  than  might  otherwise  have  been 
needful.  But  I  hope  that  others  too,  whatever  their  station 
and  profession  may  be,  will  receive  improvement  from  an 
attentive  perusal  of  this  life.  They  will  here  find  an  ex- 
ample, in  many  respects  worthy  of  their  imitation  ;  and  will 
see  what  care,  self-denial,  and  resolution,  are  necessary  to 
form  the  christian  character. 

So  many  years  have  elapsed  since  Dr.  Doddridge  died, 
and  since  I  gave  the  world,  in  my  funeral  sermon  for  him, 
some  reason  to  expect  a  larger  account  of  him,  than  is  con- 
tained there,  that  it  may  be  expected  I  should  give  the 
reasons  of  its  delay.    A  deep  conviction  of  my  own  in- 

+  Duchal's  Sermons,  vol.  i.  p.  246.  and  Col.  Gardiner's  Life.  8vo.  p. 
78,  85. 


PREFACE  TO  THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


capacity  for  executing  it  in  the  most  desirable  manner, 
kept  me  long  from  the  attempt.  After  I  had  entered  upon 
it.  It  was  interrupted  for  months  and  years  by  my  ill  state  of 
health,  and  the  necessary  duties  of  my  station,  which  took 
up  all  the  time  I  could  devote  to  study.  It  hath  been  often 
quite  laid  aside,  without  hope  of  pursuing  it;  and,  through 
repeated  solicitations  from  some  persons  of  eminence  abroad, 
wlio  knew  the  Doctor  only  by  his  writings,  hath,  at  some 
lucid  intervals,  been  resumed.  As  it  hath  been  executed 
with  great  care  and  honesty,  and  those  of  my  brethren  who 
have  revised  it  have  thought  it  adapted  to  serve  the  cause  of 


religion  and  charity,  I  now,  notwithstanding  all  its  defects, 
venture  it  abroad  into  the  world  ;  following  it  with  my 
earnest  prayers,  and  desiring  the  concurrent  intercessions  of 
my  friends,  that  God  would  be  pleased  to  prosper  this  feeble 
attempt  to  quicken  the  ministers  of  Christ  in  their  Lord's 
work,  and  to  promote  the  holiness  and  happiness  of  all  his 
disciples,  into  whose  hands  it  may  come.     Amen. 


JOB  ORTON. 


Shrewsbury,  Nov.  6,  1765. 


MEMOIRS 


OF  THE  LATE 


REV.    DR.    PHILIP    DODDRIDGE. 


CHAP.  I. 

DR.  DOUDraUGK'S  BIRTH,  EDUCATION,  EARLY  DILIGENCE  AND  PIETY. 


I  CANNOT  trace  the  family  from  which  Dr.  Doddridge 
sprung  very  far  back  ;*  nor  is  it  material.  Wise  and  good 
men  lay  very  little  stress  on  any  hereditary  honours,  but 
those  which  arise  from  the  piety  and  usefulness  of  their 
ancestors.  Of  what  profession  his  great  grandfather  was  I 
cannot  learn  ;  but  he  had  a  brother,  John  Doddridge,  who 
was  bred  to  the  law,  and  made  a  considerable  figure  in  the 
reign  of  King  James  I.,  by  whom  he  was  knighted,  and 
made  one  of  the  judges  of  the  court  of  King's  Bench.  He 
wrote  several  learned  treatises  in  his  profession.f  He  left 
an  estate  of  about  two  thousand  pounds  per  annum,  whe- 
ther hereditary  or  acquired  I  cannot  learn  ;  but  it  was  lost 
out  of  the  family  in  the  time  of  the  civil  wars.  The  Doc- 
tor's father,  as  eldest  surviving  branch  of  the  family,  was 
heir-at-law  to  it,  and  often  urged  by  his  friends  to  attempt 
to  regain  it ;  but  through  an  apprehension  of  the  great 
hazard  and  expense  attending  the  attempt,  he  chose  to  de- 
cline it.  The  Doctor  sometimes  acknowledged  the  good 
providence  of  God,  in  so  ordering  events,  that  the  estate 
never  came  into  his  father's  possession ;  as  it  would  then 
have  descended  to  him  at  a  time  of  life,  when,  through  the 
natural  warmth  and  gaiety  of  his  temper,  it  might  have  been 
his  ruin. 

The  Doctor's  grandfather  was  John  Doddridge,  who  was 
educated  for  the  ministry  at  the  university  of  Oxford.  He 
was  minister  of  Shepperton  in  Middlesex,  and  was  ejected 
from   thence  August  24,  1662,  by  the  act  of  uniformity. 

*  The  family  from  which  Dr.  Doddridge  descended,  appears  to  have  been 
originally  settled  in  Devonshire. — K. 

+  He  was  born  at  or  near  Barnstable,  in  Devonshire,  and  educated  at 
Exeter  college,  in  Oxford  ;  from  whence  he  removed  to  tlie  Middle  Temple, 
where  he  became  so  eminent  in  the  practice  of  the  common  law,  that  he 
was  tirst  made  setjeant-at-law  to  Prince  Henry,  then  solicitor-general  to 
King  James  I. ;  after  that,  principal  Serjeant  at-law  to  the  said  king  in  1607. 
and  knighted  the  next  year.  In  1612  he  was  constituted  one  of  the  justices 
of  the  Common  Pleas,  and  afterwards  second  judge  of  the  King's  Bench, 
where  he  spent  the  rest  of  his  days,  being  17  years.  He  was  so  general  a 
scholar,  that  it  is  hard  to  say  whether  he  were  a  better  artist,  philosopher, 
divine,  common  or  civil  lawyer.  He  had  likewise  the  character  of  a  person 
of  great  integrity  and  courage,  being  perfectly  proof  against  interest  and 
fear.  He  died  at  Forsters,  near  Egham,  in  .Surrey,  Sept.  13,  1628,  about 
the  7Sd  year  of  his  age  ;  and  according  to  his  desire,  was  intened  in  the 
LadyChapel  of  Exeter  cathedral,  where  there  is  a  handsome  monument 
erected  to  his  memory,  on  which  his  efh^ies  is  lively  portrayed  in  alabas- 


Dr.  Calamy,  in  his  account  of  the  ejected  ministers,  gives 
him  this  character,  that  "  he  was  an  ingenious  man  and  a 
scholar,  an  acceptable  preacher,  and  a  very  peaceable  di- 
vine." X  Some  of  his  sermons,  which  I  have  seen,  show 
him  to  have  been  a  judicious  and  serious  preacher.  This 
his  grandson,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  saith  oi  him,  "  he  had 
a  family  of  ten  children  unprovided  for ;  but  he  quitted  his 
living,  which  was  worth  to  him  about  two  hundred  pounds 
per  annum,  rather  than  he  would  violate  his  conscience,  in 
the  manner  he  must  have  done,  by  submitting  to  the  sub- 
scriptions and  declarations  required,  and  the  u.sages  im- 
posed, by  the  act  of  uniformity,  contrived  by  some  wicked 
politicians  to  serve  their  own  interest,  and  most  effectually 
to  humble  those  who  had  been  most  active  in  that  general 
struggle  for  public  liberty,  in  which  the  family  of  the 
Stuarts  had  fallen."  His  funeral  sermon  was  preached  by 
one  Mr.  Marriot,  September  8,  1689;  from  thence  it  ap- 
pears that  he  had  preached  to  a  congregation  at  or  near 
Brentford,  that  he  died  suddenly,  and  was  much  respected 
and  beloved  by  his  people. 

Tlie  Doctor's  father,  Daniel  Doddridge,  was  brought  up 
to  trade,  and  was  an  oilman  in  London ;  he  had  a  very 
large  family,  all  of  which  died  young,  but  one  daughter,§ 
and  the  Doctor,  who  was  the  twentieth  and  last  child  of 
his  father's  marriage.  His  mother  was  the  daughter  of  the 
reverend  Mr.  John  Bauman,  of  Prague,  in  Bohemia.  This 
worthy  confessor,  foreseeing  the  troubles  which  so  soon 

ter,  in  his  scarlet  gown  and  robes,  and  a  court-roll  in  his  hand.  In  an  es- 
cutcfieon  are  his  arms,  sc.  argent,  two  pales,  wavy,  azure,  beneath  nine 
cross  croslets,  i7w&i  /  with  this  epitaph  inscribed. 

Learning,  adieu  ;  tor  Doderidge  is  gone  # 

To  tix  his  earthly  to  a  heavenly  throne  : 
Ti  ich  urn  of  learned  dust !  scarce  can  be  found 
More  worth  inshrined  in  six  foot  of  ground. 
N  VnC  obllt  DoDerlgVs  J  VDeX. 
Izacke's  Antiquities  of  Exeter,  p.  151, 152.     Fuller's  Worthies,  and  Athen. 
Oxon,  where  a  list  of  his  works  may  be  seen.  t  Vol.  ii.  p.  664. 

i,  .She  married  !\lr.  John  Nettletoo,  a  dissenting  minister  at  Ongar  in 
Essex,  and  died  in  the  year  17.34.  .She  was  a  lady  of  distinguished  good 
sense  and  piety,  and  bore  some  heavy  afflictions  with  great  patience  and 
tranquillity  ;  under  which  her  brother  behaved  to  her  with  the  greatest 
tenderness,  and  even  while  at  the  academy,  and  in  his  first  settlement, 
generously  contributed  all  he  could  spare  out  ot  bis  small  stock  for  her 
assistance. 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


followed  the  expulsion  of  Frederick,  Elector-Palatine,  left 
his  native  country  about  the  year  1G26.  He  was  tiien  but 
just  come  to  ai^e,  and  quitted  a  considerable  estate,  and  all 
his  friends,  for  liberty  of  conscience.  He  withdrew  in  the 
habit  of  a  peasant,  on  foot,  carrying  with  him  nothing  but 
a  hundred  broad  pieces  of  gold,  plaited  in  a  leathern  girdle,* 
and  a  Bible  of  Luther's  translation,  which  the  Doctor  had. 
He  spent  some  time  at  Saxe-Gotha,  and  other  parts  of  Ger- 
many, and  came  to  England,  in  what  year  is  uncertain,  with 
ample  testimonials  from  many  of  the  principal  divines  in 
Germany.  He  was  made  master  of  the  free  school  at 
Kingston-upon-Thames.  He  died  about  the  year  1668, 
and  left  one  daughter,  afterwards  Mrs.  Doddridge,  then  a 
little  child.  The  Doctor  thought  it  a  great  honour  to  be 
descended  from  these  suffering  servants  of  Christ,  who  had 
made  such  sacrifices  to  conscience  and  liberty.  The  care 
of  Providence  over  them  and  their  families  was  remarkable : 
for  though  none  of  their  descendants  were  rich  and  great, 
yet  they  were  all  comfortably  and  honourably  supported. 

Dr.  Doddridge  was  born  in  London,  June  26,  1702.  At 
his  birth  he  showed  so  little  sign  of  life,  that  he  was  thrown 
aside  as  dead.  But  one  of  the  attendants,  thinking  she 
perceived  some  motion  or  breath,  took  that  necessary  care 
of  him,  upon  which,  in  those  tender  circumstances,  the 
feeble  flame  of  life  depended,  which  was  so  near  expiring 
as  soon  as  it  was  kindled.  He  had  from  his  infancy  an 
infirm  constitution,  and  a  thin  consumptive  habit,  which 
made  him  and  his  friends  apprehensive  that  his  life  would 
be  very  short :  and  therefore  I  find  him  frequently,  especi- 
ally on  the  returns  of  his  birth-day,  expressing  his  wonder 
and  thankfulness  that  he  was  so  long  preserved.  He  was 
brought  up  in  the  early  knowledge  of  religion  by  his  pious 
parents,  who  were,  in  their  character,  very  worthy  their  birth 
and  education.  I  have  heard  him  relate,  that  his  mother 
taught  him  the  history  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament, 
before  he  could  read,  by  the  assistance  of  some  Dutch  tiles 
in  the  chimney  of  the  room  where  they  commonly  sat :  and 
her  wise  and  pious  reflections  upon  the  stories  there  repre- 
sented, were  the  means  of  making  some  good  impressions 
upon  his  heart,  which  never  wore  out :  and  therefore  this 
method  of  instruction  he  frequently  recommended  to 
parents. — He  was  first  initiated  in  the  elements  of  the  learned 
languages  under  one  Mr.  Stott,  a  minister  who  taught  a 
private  school  in  London.  In  the  year  1712  he  was  re- 
moved to  Kingston-upon-Thames,  to  the  school  which  his 
grandfather  Bauman  had  taught,  and  continued  there  till  the 
year  1715.  During  this  period  he  was  remarkable  for  piety 
and  diligent  application  to  learning.  His  father  died  July 
17,  1715,  upon  which  he  made  this  reflection,  "  God  is  an 
iinmortal  Father.  My  soul  rejoiceth  in  him.  He  has 
hitherto  helped  me  and  provided  for  me.  May  it  be  my 
study  to  approve  myself  a  more  affectionate,  grateful,  dutiful 
child !"  That  his  mother  likewise  died  when  he  was  youn^, 
appears  from  a  passage  in  his  sermon  to  young  people,  en- 
titled, The  Orpnan's  Hope,  "  I  am  under  some  peculiar 
obligations  to  desire  and  attempt  the  relief  of  orphans,  as  I 
know  the  heart  of  an  ori)han;  having  been  deprived  of  both 
my  parents  at  an  age,  in  which  it  might  reasonably  be 
supposed  a  child  shcoild  be  most  sensible  of  such  aloss."f 

About  the  time  of  his  father's  death  he  was  removed  to 
a  private  school  at  St.  Albans,  under  the  care  of  a  worthy 
and  learned  master,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Wood.  Here  he  was 
so  happy  as  to  commence  his  first  acquaintance  with  Mr. 
(afterwards  Dr.)  Samuel  Clark,  minister  of  the  dissenting 
congregation  there;  to  whom,  under  God,  he  owed  his 
capacities  and  opportunities  of  service  in  the  church.  For, 
■while  he  continued  at  St.  Albans,  the  person,  into  whose 
hands  the  care  of  his  affairs  fell  after  his  father's  death, 
proved  so  imprudent,  as  to  waste  the  whole  of  his  own  and 
Mr.  Doddridge's  substance.  Dr.  Clark  was  an  entire 
stranger  to  him  ;  but,  with  that  condescension  and  benevo- 
lence for  which  he  was  remarkable,  he  took  notice  of  him, 
and  when  he  heard  of  his  necessities,  diligence,  and  seri- 
ousness, stood  in  the  place  of  a  father  to  him.     Had  not 

.  *  It  is  observable,  that  he  unhappily  left  his  girdle  behind  him  at  the  inn 
111  which  he  la^',  the  first  night  after  the  comnnencement  of  his  journey  ; 
«nd,  not  being  used  to  such  a  cincture,  did  not  miss  it,  till  he  came  to  his 
inn  the  next  evenins.  He  immediately  went  back  to  his  former  lodt'inL'S, 
with  the  united  painful  apprehensions  of  bein?  met  by  pursuers,  and  unabie 
to  recover  his  substance.  When  he  arrived  at  the  ion,  he  inqniied  of  the 
cliamherinaKi  it  she  had  seen  a  girdle  he  had  left  in  his  chaml)er  ■>  She 
told  him  she  saw  it,  but  imagining  it  of  no  value,  she  had  thrown  it  awav, 


Providence  raised  him  up  such  a  generous  friend,  he  could 
not  have  been  carried  on  in  the  course  of  his  studies. 
And  I  hope  the  wonderful  kindness  of  God  to  him  in  this 
respect,  will  be  considered  by  orphans  as  an  encourage- 
ment to  commit  themselves  to  that  ever-gracious  Being, 
in  whom  the  fatherless  findeth  mercy. 

During  his  residence  at  St.  Albans  he  began  to  keep  a 
diary  of  his  life,  in  the  year  1716  :  from  thence  it  appears, 
that  he  kept  an  exact  account  how  he  spent  his  time,  took 
great  pains  to  improve  his  understanding,  and  make  hmi- 
self  master  of  the  several  lectures  and  books  which  he  was 
taught.  He  likewise  set  himself  to  do  good  to  his  school- 
fellows, by  assisting  them  in  their  studies,  introducing 
religious  discourse,  strengthening  any  good  dispositions 
which  he  saw  in  them,  and  encouraging  and  assisting  at 
social  meetings  for  prayer,  especially  on  the  Lord's  day. 
When  he  was  walking  alone  in  the  fields,  he  either  read,  or 
reflected  upon  what  he  had  read  ;  and  would  sometimes,  m 
his  walks,  call  upon  poor  ignorant  persons  at  their  houses, 
give  them  a  little  money  out  of  his  own  small  allowance, 
converse  seriously  with  them,  read  to  them,  and  lend  them 
books.  He  often  mentions  the  great  satisfaction  he  felt  in 
his  own  mind  in  consequence  of  these  attempts  to  serve 
them,  especially  in  their  best  interest,  and  some  instances, 
in  which  he  had  reason  to  hope  they  had  not  been  in  vain. — 
As  he  had  then  the  ministry  in  view,  besides  his  application 
to  the  languages,  he  read  portions  of  the  Scriptures  every 
morning  and  evening,  with  some  commentary  upon  them  ; 
and  this  was  seldom  neglected,  whatever  were  his  school 
business,  avocations,  or  amusements.  He  recorded  the 
substance  and  design  of  the  sermons  he  heard,  what  im- 
pression they  made  upon  his  heart,  what  resolutions  he 
formed  in  consequence  of  them,  and  what  in  the  preacher 
he  was  most  desirous  of  imitating.  It  was  his  signal  felicity 
to  have  so  kind  and  experienced  a  friend  as  Dr.  Clark,  to 
direct  him  in  these  important  concerns. 

On  February  1,  1718-19,  he  was  admitted  to  the  Lord's 
supper  with  the  church  under  Dr.  Clark's  care,  who  had 
taken  much  pains  to  give  iiim  right  notions  of  that  ordi- 
nance, and  prepare  him  for  it.  His  own  reflections  upon  it 
will  show  the  seriousness  of  his  spirit  in  that  early  part  of 
life ;  and,  I  hope,  be  an  encouragement  to  young  christians 
to  make  a  solemn  dedication  of  themselves  to  the  Lord  in 
that  ordinance.  "  I  rose  early  this  morning,  read  that  part 
of  Mr.  Henry's  book  on  the  Lord's  supper  which  treats  of 
due  approach  to  it.  I  endeavoured  to  excite  in  myself  those 
dispositions  and  affections,  which  he  mentions  as  projier  for 
that  ordinance.  As  I  endeavoured  to  prepare  my  heart, 
according  to  the  preparation  of  the  saricluari/,  though  with 
many  defects,  God  was  pleased  to  meet  me,  and  give  me 
sweet  communion  with  himself,  of  which  1  desire  always  to 
retain  a  grateful  sense.  I  this  day,  in  the  strength  of  Christ, 
renewed  my  covenant  with  God,  and  renounced  my  cove- 
nant with  sin.  1  vowed  against  every  sin,  and  resolved 
carefully  to  perform  every  duty.  The  Lord  keep  this  in 
the  innigination  of  my  heart,  and  grant  I  may  not  deal 
treacherously  with  him  !  In  the  evening  I  read  and  thought 
on  some  of  Mr.  Henry's  directions  for  a  suitable  conversa- 
tion after  the  Lord's  supper  :  and  then  prayed,  begging  that 
God  would  give  me  grace  so  to  act  as  he  requires  and  as  I 
have  bound  myself  I  then  looked  over  the  memorandums 
of  this  day,  comparing  the  manner  in  which  I  spent  it,  and 
in  which  I  designed  to  spend  it,  and  blessed  be  God,  I  had 
reason  to  do  it  with  some  pleasure,  though  in  some  in- 
stances I  found  cause  for  humiliation.'' 

In  his  Sermons  on  the  Education  of  Children,  he,  in  a 
note,  returns  his  public  thanks  to  Mr.  Mayo,  of  Kingston  in 
Surrey,  and  Dr.  Clark  of  St.  Albans,  for  the  many  excellent 
instructions  they  had  given  him  both  in  public  and  private, 
when  under  their  ministerial  care  in  the  years  of  childhood  ; 
of  which  he  expresseth  his  resolution  to  retain  a  grateful 
and  affectionate  remembrance.  He  often  acknowledged 
his  great  obligations  to  the  latter  of  these  gentlemen,  and, 
in  his  sermon  on  iiis  death,  says,  "  I  may  properly  call  him 

and  cnuld  not  recollect  where.  After  having  told  her,  that  he  had  a  great 
value  for  his  old  belt,  that  it  would  f)e  very  useful  to  him  in  the  long  jour- 
ney lie  had  before  him,  and  promised  her  a  reward  if  she  found  it,  she 
searched  diligently,  and  at  length  found  it  in  a  hole  under  the  stairs,  where 
the  family  used  to  throw  their  worn-out  useless  furniture.  The  good  man 
received  his  girdle  with  great  joy,  and  pursued  his  journey  with  thankful- 
ness to  Providence  for  its  recovery,  and  often  spoke  of  it  to  his  friends  as  a 
wonderful  and  seasonable  mercv.  Sermon  v. 


Ills  BIRTH,  EDUCATION,  EARLY  DILIGENCE  AND    PIETY. 


my  friend  and  fatlier,  if  all  the  offices  of  paternal  tenderness 
and  care  can  merit  that  title.  To  him  I  may  truly  say  that, 
under  God,  I  owe  even  myself,  and  all  my  opportunities  of 
public  usefulness  in  the  church  ;  to  him,  who  was  not  only 
the  instructor  of  my  childhood  and  youth  in  the  principles  of 
reli2:ion  ;  but  my  guardian  when  a  helpless  orphan,  as  well 
as  the  generous," tender,  faithful  friend  of  all  my  advancing 
years."  He  here  refers  to  the  influence  Dr.  Clark  had 
over  him  to  persuade  him  to  devote  himself  to  the  ministry, 
the  encouragement  he  gave  hmi  to  pursue  his  academical 
studies,  and  the  sufficient  supply  with  which,  by  his  own 
and  his  friends'  contribution,  he  furnished  him  to  go  through 
with  them.  Serious  minds  observe  with  pleasure  and  thank- 
fulness the  methods  of  Providence  in  leading  persons  into 
public  and  useful  stations,  contrary  to  their  own  expecta- 
tions. Those  by  which  Mr.  Doddridge  was  led  into  the 
ministry  were  remarkable. 

In  the  year  1718,  he  had  left  the  school  at  St.  Albans, 
and  was  retired  to  his  sister's  house  to  consider  of  his  future 
))rofession.  He  had  an  uncle,  Philip  Doddridge,  after 
whom  he  was  named,  who  was  bred  to  the  law,  was  a 
steward  to  the  Earl,  afterwards  Duke,  of  Bedford,  and  lived 
in  his  family  at  least  from  the  year  1674  to  1G88.  By  this 
means  his  nephew  became  intimately  acquainted  with  some 
of  that  noble  family :  and  while  his  mind  was  in  this  state 
of  suspense,  the  Duchess  of  Bedford,  being  informed  of  his 
circumstances,  character,  and  strong  inclination  to  study, 
marie  him  an  offer,  that  if  he  chose  to  be  educated  for  the 
ministry  in  the  church  of  England,  and  would  go  to  either 
of  Its  universities,  she  would  support  the  expense  of  his 
education ;  and,  if  she  should  live  till  he  had  taken  orders, 
would  provide  for  him  in  tlie  church.  He  received  this 
proposal  widi  the  warmest  gratitude,  but  in  the  most  re- 
spectful manner  declined  it ;  as  he  could  not  then  satisfy 
his  conscience  to  comply  with  the  terms  of  ministerial  con- 
formity. He  continued  some  time  in  great  distress  from  an 
apprehension,  that  he  should  not  be  able  to  prosecute  his 
studies  for  the  ministry.  Thus  he  writes,  "  I  waited  upon 
Dr.  Edmund  Calamy  to  beg  his  advice  and  assistance,  that 
I  might  be  brought  up  a  minister,  which  has  always  been 
my  great  desire.  He  gave  me  no  encouragement  in  it,  but 
advised  me  to  turn  my  thoughts  to  something  else.  It  was 
with  great  concern  that  I  received  such  advice  :  but  I 
desire  to  follow  Providence  and  not  force  it.  The  Lord 
give  me  grace  to  glorify  him  in  whatever  station  he  sets  me  : 
then,  here  am  I,  let  him  do  with  me  what  seemeth  good  in  his 
sight." 

About  three  weeks  after  this  discouragement,  he  had 
thoughts  of  entering  on  the  study  of  the  law,  to  which  he 
was  encouraged  by  the  celebrated  Mr.  Horseman.  He  re- 
commended hiiT'  to  a  counsellor,  Mr.  Eyre,  who  made  him 
some  very  good  proposals ;  and  he  was  just  on  the  point 
of  determining  to  settle  with  him.  But  before  he  returned 
his  final  answer,  he  devoted  one  morning  solemnly  to  seek 
to  God  for  direction  ;  and  while  he  was  actually  engaged 
in  this  suitable  exercise,  the  post-man  called  at  the  door 
with  a  letter  from  Dr.  Clark,  in  which  he  told  him,  that 
he  had  heard  of  his  difficulties,  and  offered  to  take  him 
under  his  care,  if  he  chose  the  ministry  on  Christian  prin- 
ciples: and  there  were  no  other  that  in  those  circumstances 
could  invite  him  to  such  a  choice.  "  This,"  to  use  his  own 
words,"  I  looked  upon  almost  as  an  answer  from  heaven ; 
and,  while  I  live,  shall  always  adore  so  seasonable  an  in- 
terposition of  Divine  Providence.  I  have  sought  God's 
direction  in  all  this  matter,  and  I  hope  I  have  had  it.  My 
only  view  in  my  choice  hath  been  that  of  more  extensive 
service ;  and  I  beg  God  would  make  me  an  instrument  of 
doing  much  good  in  the  world."  Thus  was  he  led  into  the 
ministry,  and  a  foundation  laid  for  his  eminent  usefulness. 
He  continued  some  months  at  St.  Albans  under  the  in- 
structions of  his  generous  friend,  who  furnished  him  with 
proper  books,  directed  him  in  his  studies,  and  laboured  to 
cherish  religious  dispositions  and  views  in  his  heart. 

These  discourses  were  translated  and  published  in  the  German  language, 
by  order  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Frank,  professor  of  divinity  in  tlie  university  of 
Halle  in  Saxony.  They  were  reprinted  in  London  17."6,  and  there  was 
added  to  them  Dr.  David  Jennings's  translation  of  a  Latin  letter  from  the 
professor's  father  to  a  friend,  concerning  the  most  useful  way  of  preaching. 
this  is  a  hook  that  deserves  the  serious  attention  of  every  minister;  and  I 
have  been  informed,  that  at  its  first  publication,  two  bishops  of  tlie  church 
of  hnaland,  with  an  amiable  candour,  publicly  recominended  it  to  the  pe- 
rusal of  their  clergy,  at  their  visitations. 


In  October  1719,  he  was  placed  under  the  tuition  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  John  Jennings,  who  kept  an  academy  at  Kib- 
worth  in  Leicestershire,  a  gentleman  of  great  learning,  piety, 
and  usefulness ;  author  of  two  Discourses  on  Preaching 
Christ,  and  particular  and  experimental  Preaching,  first 
published  in  1723,*  and  also  a  Genealogical  Table  of  the 
kings  of  England,  Scotland,  and  France,  for  the  space  of 
900  years.  He  was  brother  to  Dr.  David  Jennings,  lately 
an  eminent  minister  and  tutor  in  London.  Dr.  Doddridge 
always  spoke  with  the  highest  veneration  and  respect  of 
his  tutor.  During  the  course  of  his  studies  at  Kibworth, 
he  was  noted  for  his  diligent  application  to  his  proper  busi- 
ness, serious  spirit,  and  extraordinary  care  to  improve  his 
time. 

As  a  specimen  of  his  vigorous  pursuit  of  knowledge,  I 
find,  from  a  paper  in  which  he  kept  an  account  of  what  he 
read,  that,  besides  attending  and  studying  the  academical 
lectures,  and  reading  the  particular  parts  of  books,  to  which 
his  tutor  referred  his  pupils  for  the  illustration  of  his  lec- 
tures, he  had  in  one  half  year  read  sixty  books,  and  about 
as  many  more  in  the  same  proportion  of  time  afterwards. 
Some  of  these  were  large  volumes,  viz.  Patrick's  Commen- 
taries, Tillotson's  Works,  most  of  the  sermons  that  had 
been  preached  at  Boyle's  Lecture,  and  all  the  rest  were 
learned  or  useful  treatises.  Nor  did  he  read  these  books 
in  a  hasty  careless  manner,  but  with  great  care  and  close 
study.  Some  of  them  he  abridged ;  from  others  he  made 
extracts  in  his  common-place  book ;  and  when  he  found  in 
any  of  them  a  remarkable  interpretation  or  illustration  of  a 
text  of  Scripture,  he  inserted  it  in  his  interleaved  Testament 
or  Bible.  Thus  he  laid  up  rich  stores  of  knowledge;  and 
It  contributed  greatly  to  his  improvement,  that  Dr.  Clark 
favoured  him  with  his  correspondence,  through  his  aca- 
demical course,  and  gave  him  his  reflections  and  advices, 
grounded  on  the  accounts  Mr.  Doddridge  had  sent  him  of 
his  lectures,  studies,  and  particular  circumstances.  He 
applied  himself  in  this  period  to  the  further  study  of  the 
classics,  especially  the  Greek  wTiters.  I  find,  from  his 
papers,  that  he  read  these  with  much  attention,  and  wrote 
remarks  upon  them,  for  the  illustration  of  the  authors  them- 
selves or  the  scriptures ;  and  selected  such  passages  as 
might  be  serviceable  to  him  in  his  preparations  for  the  pul- 
pit. His  remarks  upon  Homer,  in  particular,  would  make 
a  considerable  volume.  "  Thus  a  foundation  was  laid  for 
that  solidity,  strength,  and  correctness,  both  of  sentiment 
and  style,  which  must  seldom  be  expected,  where  those 
great  originals  are  unknown  or  disregarded." f 

But  he  still  kept  the  ministry  in  view,  and  therefore  made 
divinity  his  principal  study,  especially  the  Scriptures  and 
the  best  practical  writers.  He  furnished  himself  with 
Clark's  Annotations  on  the  Old  Testament,  for  the  sake  of 
many  valuable  interpretations,  a  judicious  collection  of 
parallel  texts,  and  the  conveniency  of  a  large  margin,  on 
which  to  WTite  his  own  remarks  ;  and  with  an  interleaved 
Testament.  In  these  he  inserted  illustrations  of  Scripture 
which  occurred  to  him  in  reading,  conversation,  or  reflec- 
tion; together  with  practical  remarks,  which  might  be 
drawn  from  particular  passages,  their  connexion  with 
others,  or  the  general  design  of  the  sacred  writers ;  especi- 
ally those  which  might  not,  on  a  cursory  reading,  appear  so 
obvious,  but  on  that  account  might  be  more  striking  and 
useful.  He  laid  it  down  as  an  inviolable  rule,  (and  herein 
he  was  an  excellent  model  for  students,)  to  read  some  prac- 
tical divinity  every  day.  He  laboured  assiduously  to  attain 
an  eminent  degree  of  the  gift  of  prayer.  For  this  purpose  he 
made  a  large  collection  of  proper  expressions  of  supplication 
and  thanksgiving,  on  common  and  special  occasions,  both 
from  Scripture  and  devotional  writers,  that  he  might  be 
qualified  to  perform  this  part  of  public  service  in  a  copious, 
pertinent,  and  edifying  manner. 

While  he  was  thus  pursuing  his  sttidies  for  the  ministry, 
he  was  intent  upon  his  work  as  a  christian,  and  ambitious 
to  improve  in  all  the  graces  of  the  christian  character.     To 

+  By  forming  his  taste  upon  the  great  models  of  antiquity,  to  which  he 
added  an  acquaintance  with  the  polite  writers  of  his  own  country,  lie  ac- 
quired an  ease  and  elegance  of  style  wliich  he  would  not  otherwise  have 
attained.  His  merit  whs  the  greater  in  this  respect,  as  few  of  the  dissenters 
hail  hitherto  cultivated  the  graces  of  composition,  and  perhaps  not  many  of 
them  had  excelled  even  in  the  perspicuity  and  correctness  of  their  language. 
It  is  desirable  that  the  cause  of  truth,  piety,  and  virtue,  should  come  lecom- 
mencled  with  every  possible  advantage. — K. 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


this  end  he  spent  much  time  in  secret  devotion,  examin- 
ing the  state  and  workings  of  his  own  heart,  and  keeping 
aUve  an  habitual  sense  of  God,  religion,  and  eternity.     I 
find  under  his  hand  a  solemn  form  of  covenant  with  God, 
■written  in  this  period,  agreeable  to  the  advice  of  many 
writers  upon  religious  subjects.    There  he  expressed!  his 
views,  purposes,  and  resolutions  with  regard  to  inward  reli- 
gion and  his  whole  behaviour ;  and  devotes  himself,  his 
time,  and  abilities,  to  the  service  of  God  with  the  greatest 
solemnity  and  cheerfulness.     It  so  nearly  resembles  the 
form  he  recommends  to  others,  in  his  Rise  and  Progress  of 
Religion,  chap.  17,  that  it  need  not  be  here  inserted.    At 
the  close,  he  records  his  determination  to  read  this  cove- 
nant engagement  over,  once  a  month,  as  in  the  presence  of 
God,  to  keep  him  in  mind  of  his  vows.     It  appears^  from 
his  diai-y,  that  he  did  so,  and  generally  the  first  Lord's  day 
of  every  month,  and  then  made  such  additions,  as  in  pre- 
sent circumstances  seemed  best  calculated  to  answer  the 
great  end  he  proposed  by  it.     He  drew  up  some  rules  for 
the  direction  of  his  conduct,  while  a  student,  which  he 
wrote  at  the  beginning  of  his  interleaved  Testament,  that 
he  might  be  often  reminded  of  them  and  review  them.     I 
shall  here  insert  them,  as  they  may  be  useful  to  the  rising 
generation,  especially  students.    "  1.  Let  my  first  thoughts 
be  devout  and  thankful.     Let  me  rise  early,  immediately 
return  God  more  solemn  thanks  for  the  mercies  of  the 
night,  devote  myself  to  him,  and  beg  his  assistance  in  the 
intended  business  of  the  day.     2.  In  this  and  every  other 
act  of  devotion,  let  me  recollect  my  thoughts,  speak  di- 
rectly to  him,  and  never  give  way  to  any  thing  internal  or 
external,  that  may  divert  my  attention.    3.  Let  me  set 
myself  to  read  the  Scriptures  every  morning :  in  the  first 
reading  let  me  endeavour  to  impress  my  heart  with  a  prac- 
tical sense  of  divine  things,  and  then  use  the  help  of  com- 
mentators ;  let  these  rules,  with  proper  alterations,  be  ob- 
served every  evening.    4.  Never  let  me  trifle  with  a  book 
with  which  I  have  no  present  concern.     In  applying  my- 
self to  any  book,  let  me  first  recollect  what  I  may  learn  fey 
it,  and  then  beg  suitable  assistance  from  God,  and  let  me 
continually  endeavour  to  make  all  my  studies  subservient 
to  practical  religion  and  ministerial  usefulness.     5.  Never 
let  me  lose  one  minute  of  time,  nor  incur  unnecessary  ex- 
penses, that  I  may  have  the  more  to  spend  for  God. 
G.  When  I  am  called  abroad  let  me  be  desirous  of  doing 
good  and  receiving  good.     Let  me  always  have  in  readi- 
ness some  subject  of  contemplation,  and  endeavour  to  im- 
prove my  time  by  good  thoughts  as  I  go  along.     Let  me 
endeavour  to  render  myself  agreeable  and  useful  to  all 
about  me  by  a  tender,  compassionate,  friendly  behaviour, 
avoiding  all  trifling  impertinent  stories  ;  remembering  that 
imprudence  is  sin.    7.  Let  me  use  great  moderation  at 
meals,  and  see  that  I  am  not  hypocritical  in  prayers  and 
thanksgivings  at  them.     8.  Let  me  never  delay  any  thing, 
unless  I  can  prove,  that  another  time  will  be  more  fit  than 
the  present,  or  that  some  other  more  important  duty  requires 
my  immediate  attendance.     9.  Let  me  be  often  lifting  up 
my  heart  to  God  in  the  intervals  of  secret  worship,  repeat- 
ing those  petitions,  which  are  of  the  greatest  importance, 
and  a  surrender  of  myself  to  his  service.     10.  Never  let  me 
enter  into  long  schemes  about  future  events,  but  in  the 
general  refer  myself  to  God's  care.    1 1 .  Let  me  labour  after 
habitual  gratitude  and  love  to  God  and  the  Redeemer,  prac- 
tise self-denial,  and  never  indulge  any  thing  that  may  prove 
a  temptation  to  youthful  lusts.     Let  me  guard  against  pride 
and  vain  glory,  remembering  that  I  have  all  from  God's  hand, 
and  that  I  have  deserved  the  severest  punishment.    12.  In  all 
my  studies  let  me  remember,  that  the  souls  of  men  are  im- 
mortal, and  that  Christ  died  to  redeem  them.     13.  Let  me 
consecrate  my  sleep  and  all  my  recreations  to  God,  and  seek 
them  for  his  sake.     14.  Let  nie  fi-equently  ask  myself,  what 
duty  or  what  temptation  is  now  before  me  ?     15.  Let  me 
remember,  that  through  the  mercy  of  God  in  a  Redeemer, 
I  hope  I  am  within  a  few  days  of  heaven.    16.  Let  me  be 
frequently  surveying  these  rules,  and  my  conduct  as  com- 
pared with  them.     17.  Let  me  frequently  recollect,  which 
of  these  rules  I  have  present  occasion  to  practise.     18.  If 
I  have  grossly  erred  in  any  one  of  these  particulars,  let  me 
not  think  it  an  excuse  for  erring  in  others."    Then  follow 
some  rules  about  the  hours  of  rising  and  study,  what  part  of 

*  To  be  assistant  (o  IWr.  Warren. — K. 


the  day  to  be  devoted  to  particular  studies,  &c. — Such  pains 
did  he  take  to  train  up  himself  for  usefulness  in  the  church  ! 
I  think  it  proper  here  to  remind  the  reader,  once  for  all, 
that,  when  such  specimens  as  these  are  inserted  of  the  rules 
he  laid  down,  and  the  resolutions  he  formed,  with  respect 
to  his  conduct,  they  are  to  be  considered  chiefly  as  sug- 
gesting hints  that  may  be  useful  to  others  in  like  circum- 
stances ;  and  not  as  testimonies  to  his  character,  or  a  proof 
that  he,  in  every  instance,  acted  up  to  such  a  standard.  Yet 
on  the  other  hand,  it  must  be  owned,  that  when  a  person 
fi-equently  renews  such  pious  resolutions,  and  examines 
himself  by  the  rules  he  has  laid  down,  it  shows  at  least  a 
deep  concern  about  inward  religion,  and  is  a  strong  pre- 
sumption that  he  has  taken  great  pains  with  his  own  heart. 
That  this  was  the  case  with  Dr.  Doddridge,  I  am  well  satis- 
fied from  the  perusal  of  his  private  papers,  in  which  he  has 
kept  a  very  particular  and  exact  account  of  the  state  of  his 
mind,  and  from  which  it  is  easy  to  trace  the  evidences  of 
his  religious  character.  The  extracts  which  I  have  made 
from  his  manuscripts  in  this  work,  when  compared  together, 
and  taken  in  connexion  with  his  public  character,  will 
enable  the  reader  to  judge  of  this  for  himself,  and  will,  I 
believe,  convince  him  of  the  truth  of  what  I  have  asserted. 
It  may  be  proper,  in  this  connexion,  to  repeat  the  caution 
already  given  in  the  preface  to  the  young  christian,  into 
whose  hands  this  book  may  fall,  that  he  is  not  to  be  dis- 
couraged because  he  finds  himself,  after  his  sincere  en- 
deavours, fall  short  of  the  standard  which  such  rules  hold 
forth.  He  should  remember  that  the  person,  of  whom  he  is 
reading,  often  saw  reason,  as  will  appear  in  the  course  of 
this  work,  to  lament  his  neglect  of  some  of  his  own  rules, 
and  his  acting,  in  some  instances,  inconsistently  with  his 
own  best  resolutions.  The  christian  character  is  not  formed 
at  once ;  but  those  who  are  diligent  in  watching  over  them- 
selves and  using  the  means  of  grace,  though  their  good 
resolutions  be  sometimes  overcome,  shall,  through  Divine 
assistance,  gr-mu  stronger  and  stronger,  and  at  length  inherit 
the  reward  of  the  faithful  servant. 


CHAP.  II. 

His  entrance  on  the  ministry,  and  settlement  in  Leicestershire. 

IN  1722,  his  tutor,  Mr.  Jennings,  removed  from  Kibworth 
to  Hinkley,  in  the  same  county,  and  about  a  year  after,  viz. 
July  8,  1723,  died  in  the  prime  of  his  days,  to  the  great 
loss  of  the  church  and  world.  This  his  pupil,  after  a  pre- 
vious examination  by  a  committee  of  ministers,  (who  gave 
an  ample  testimonial  to  his  qualifications  for  it,)  entered  on 
the  ministerial  work,  July  22,  1722,  being  then  just  twenty 
years  old.  In  a  letter  to  a  friend  he  thus  expressedi  him- 
self, "  I  was  struck  with  the  date  of  your  letter.  July  22, 
was  the  anniversary  of  my  entrance  on  the  ministry.  God 
has  been  with  me,  and  wonderfully  supported  me  in  the 
midst  of  almost  incessant  labours  for  the  space  of  twenty- 
seven  years.  I  esteem  the  ministry  the  most  desirable  em- 
ployment in  the  world ;  and  find  that  delight  in  it,  and 
those  advantages  from  it,  which  I  think  hardly  any  other 
employment  upon  earth  could  give  me.  It  would  be  one 
of  the  greatest  satisfactions  of  ray  life  to  see  my  son  de- 
liberately choosing  the  ministry.  But  I  must  leave  this  witli 
God ;  and  be  thankful  for  the  honour  he  has  done  me, 
though  he  should  not  see  fit  to  perpetuate  it  in  my  family." 
He  preached  his  first  sermon  at  Hinkley,  from  1  Corinth- 
ians xvi.  22.  If  am/  7nan  love  not  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  let 
him  be  Anathema  Maran-atha.  I  find  in  his  diary  that  two 
persons  ascribed  their  conversion  to  the  blessing  of  God 
attending  that  sermon ;  with  which  he  appears  to  have  been 
much  affected  and  encouraged.  He  had  continued  at 
Hinkley  about  a  year  after  this,  preaching  occasionally 
there  and  in  the  neighbouring  places,  and  going  on  with  his 
course  of  lectures  and  studies,  when  the  congregation  at 
Kibworth  invited  him  to  be  their  minister ;  at  the  same 
time  a  like  application  was  made  to  him  from  Coventry.* 
But  he  chose  Kibworth,  principally  on  account  of  his 
youth,  and  that  he  might  pursue  his  studies  with  greatei 


HIS  ENTRANCE  ON  THE  MINISTRY. 


advantage.  He  settled  there  in  June  1723.  As  this  con- 
irregation  was  small,  and  he  lived  in  an  obscure  village,  he 
had  much  time  to  apply  himself  to  study,  which  he  did  with 
indefatigable  zeal.  Ministers  in  general  have  been  too  un- 
willing, even  at  their  entrance  on  their  work,  to  live  or 
preach  in  small  country  places  ;  but  he  reflected  on  it  with 
])leasure  all  his  days,  that  he  had  spent  so  many  years  in  a 
country  retirement.  Soon  after  his  settlement  at  Kibworlh, 
one  of  his  fellow-pupils,  in  a  letter,  condoled  with  him  on 
being  buried  alive  there ;  to  which  he  makes  this  sensible 
and  spirited  reply  :  "  Here  I  stick  close  to  those  delight- 
ful studies,  which  a  favourable  Providence  has  made  the 
business  of  my  life.  One  day  passeth  away  after  another, 
and  I  only  know  that  it  passeth  pleasantly  with  me.  As  for 
the  world  about  me,  I  have  very  little  concern  with  it.  I 
live  almost  like  a  tortoise,  shut  up  in  its  shell,  almost  always 
in  the  same  town,  the  same  house,  the  same  chamber:  yet 
I  live  like  a  prince :  not  indeed  in  the  pomp  of  greatness, 
but  the  pride  of  liberty  ;  master  of  my  books,  master  of  my 
time,  and  I  hope  I  may  add,  master  of  myself.  I  can 
willingly  give  up  the  charms  of  London,  the  luxury,  the 
company,  the  popularity  of  it,  for  the  secret  pleasures  of 
rational  employment  and  self-approbation ;  retired  from 
applause  and  reproach,  from  envy  and  contempt,  and  the 
destructive  baits  of  avarice  and  ambition.  So  that  instead 
of  lamenting  it  as  my  misfortune,  you  should  congratulate 
me  upon  it  as  my  happiness,  that  I  am  confined  in  an  ob- 
scure village ;  seeing  it  gives  me  so  many  valuable  advan- 
tages, to  the  most  important  purposes  of  devotion  and 
philosophy  ;  and,  I  hope  I  may  add,  usefulness  too."  Here 
he  studied  and  composed  his  expositions  and  sermons  with 
great  care  and  exactness,  transcribed  almost  every  one  of 
them  in  the  neatest  manner,  and  thus  contracted  a  habit  of 
preaching  judiciously,  when  his  other  business  would  not 
allow  so  much  time  for  composition.  His  favourite  authors 
in  this  retirement  were  Tillotson,  Baxter,*  and  Howe.f 
These  he  read  often  and  carefully.  He  hath  mentioned  it  as 
an  advantage  to  him,  that  having  but  few  books  of  his  own, 
he  borrowed  of  his  congregation  what  books  they  had  in 
their  houses,  which  were  chiefly  the  practical  works  of  the 
earlier  divines  of  the  last  century.  By  reading  these  he  was 
led  into  a  serious,  experimental,  and  useful  way  of  preaching. 
Fond  as  he  was  of  his  study,  he  would  often  leave  it  to 
visit  and  instruct  the  people  under  his  care.  I  find,  in  his 
diary,  hints  of  the  persons  he  had  visited,  what  he  could  dis- 
cern of  their  religious  character  and  state,  what  assistance 
they  needed  in  their  great  concern,  and  what  he  had  learn- 
ed in  conversation  with  them,  which  might  improve  himself 
as  a  christian  and  a  minister.  He  condescended  to  men  of 
low  estate  in  his  sermons,  visits,  and  manner  of  converse ; 
and  as  his  congregation  chiefly  consisted  of  persons  in  the 
lower  rank  of  life,  he  was  careful  to  adapt  his  discourses  to 
their  capacities.  He  thus  expresseth  himself  in  one  of  his 
devotional  exercises  at  this  time,  "  I  fear  my  discourse  to- 
day was  too  abstruse  for  my  hearers.  I  resolve  to  labour 
after  greater  plainness  and  seriousness,  and  bring  down  my 
preaching  to  the  understanding  of  the  weakest." — Concern- 
ing his  settlement  at  Kibworth,  and  care  of  the  congrega- 
tion, he  thus  wrote  to  his  friend  and  counsellor  Dr.  Clark ; 
"  I  bless  God  that  he  hath  provided  so  comfortably  for  me 
here,  where  I  may  be  doing  some  good,  and  shall  be  no 
longer  burdensome  to  my  friends.  I  heartily  thank  you  for 
the  excellent  advices  you  give  me,  especially  relating  to  hu- 
mility. I  must  be  extremely  unacquainted  with  my  own 
heart,  if  I  thought  that  I  did  not  need  them.  I  am  fully 
convinced  in  my  sober  judgment,  that  popularity  is,  in  it- 
self, a  very  mean  as  well  as  uncertain  thing ;  and  that  it  is 
only  valuable,  as  it  gives  us  an  opportunity  to  act  for  God 
with  greater  advantage.  Yet  I  find  by  the' little  of  it  that  I 
have  tasted,  that  it  is  of  an  intoxicating  nature.  I  desire 
not  to  be  solicitous  about  it ;  and  can  honestly  say,  that 
when  I  think  I  have  been  instrumental  in  making  or  pro- 
moting good  impressions  upon  the  hearts  of  some  of  my 

*  In  a  letter  written  in  1723  to  a  friend,  giving  him  some  account  of  liis 
studies,  he  saith,  "  Baxter  is  my  particular  favourite.  It  is  impossible  to 
tell  you,  how  much  ]  am  charmed  with  tlie  devotion,  good  sense,  and  pathos, 
whicli  is  every  where  to  be  found  in  him.  I  cannot  t'orbeai-  looking  upon 
nim  as  one  of  the  greatest  orators,  both  with  regard  to  copiousness,  acute- 
n«ss,  and  encr!?y,  that  our  nation  hath  produced:  and  if  he  iiath  described, 
as  1  believe,  the  temper  of  his  own  heart,  he  appears  to  have  been  so  far 
superior  to  the  generality  of  those,  whom  we  charitably  hope  to  be  good 
men,  that  one  would  imagine  God  raised  him  up  to  disgrace  and  condemn 
lus  brethren  ;  to  show  what  a  christian  is,  and  how  few  in  the  world  deserve 


hearers,  it  gives  me  a  much  nobler  and  more  lasting  satis- 
faction, than  I  ever  received  from  any  approbation,  with 
which  my  plain  discourses  have  sometimes  been  entertained. 
I  have  now  taken  a  particular  survey  and  account  of  the 
state  of  religion  in  my  congregation,  and  I  bless  God  I  find 
it  in  a  better  condition  than  I  exfiected.  My  attempts  to 
introduce  prayer  and  a  proper  method  of  instruction  into 
some  families  have,  through  the  divine  blessing,  been  so 
successful,  that  I  shall  be  encouraged  further  to  pursue  my 
scheme.  The  knowledge  I  have  obtained  of  the  temper  and 
chaidcter  of  the  people,  and  the  interest  which  I  have  in 
their  affections,  make  me  hope  that  my  settlement  among 
them  will  be  to  mutual  satisfaction.  The  marks  which  1 
daily  discern  of  an  honest  undissembled  fnendsliip  and  re- 
spect, expressed  with  the  greatest  plainness  and  sincerity,  is 
a  thousand  times  more  agreeable  to  me,  than  the  formal  and 
artificial  behaviour,  which  is  to  be  found  in  more  polite 
places.  And  now,  sir,  I  cannot  but  reflect,  as  I  very  fre- 
quently do,  that,  under  God,  I  owe  this  pleasure  and  satis- 
faction to  the  goodness  of  my  friends,  and  particularly  to 
your  generosity  and  kindness.  If  God  had  not  wonder- 
fully provided  for  me  by  your  means,  instead  of  this  hon- 
ourable and  delightful  employment,  which  I  am  now 
entering  upon,  and  which  I  should  from  my  heart  choose 
before  any  other  in  the  world,  I  should  in  all  probability 
have  been  tied  down  to  some  dull  mechanic  business,  or  at 
best  been  engaged  in  some  profession,  in  which  I  should 
not  have  had  any  of  these  advantages  for  improving  my 
mind,  or  so  comfortable  a  prospect  of  usefulness  now,  and 
happiness  hereafter." 

Though  he  kept  up  the  same  plan  of  devotion  which  he 
had  followed  while  a  student,  yet  upon  his  settlement  with 
the  congregation,  considering  the  importance  and  difficulty 
of  his  work,  he  thought  it  necessary  to  perform  some  extra- 
ordinary acts  of  devotion.  Accordingly,  having  read  that 
most  useful  treatise,  Bennett's  Christian  Oratory,  he  came 
to  these  resolutions;  "  1.  I  will  spend  some  extraordinary 
time  in  devotion  every  Lord's-day  morning  or  evening,  as 
opportunity  shall  offer,  and  will  then  endeavour  to  preach 
over  to  my  own  soul  that  doctrine  which  I  preach  to  others, 
and  consider  what  improvement  I  am  to  make  of  it.  2.1 
will  take  one  other  evening  in  the  week,  in  which  I  will 
spend  half  an  hour  in  these  exercises,  on  such  subjects  as 
I  think  most  suitable  to  the  present  occasion.  3.  At  the 
close  of  every  week  and  month,  I  will  spend  some  time  in 
the  review  of  it,  that  I  may  see  how  time  has  been  im- 
proved, innocence  secured,  duties  discharged,  and  whether 
I  get  or  lose  in  religion.  4.  When  I  have  an  affair  of  more 
than  ordinary  importance  before  me,  or  meet  with  any  re- 
markable occurrence,  merciful  or  afflictive,  I  will  set  apart 
some  time  to  think  of  it  and  seek  God  upon  it.  5.  I  will 
devote  some  time  every  Friday  evening  more  particularly  to 
seek  God,  on  account  of  those  who  recommend  themselves 
to  my  prayers,  and  of  public  concerns,  which  I  will  never 
totally  exclude.  In  all  the  duties  of  the  oratory  I  will  en- 
deavour to  maintain  a  serious  and  affectionate  temper.  I 
am  sensible  that  I  have  a  heart  which  will  incline  me  to 
depart  from  God.  May  his  Spirit  strengthen  and  sanctify 
it,  that  I  may  find  God  in  this  retirement;  that  my  heavenly 
Father  may  now  see  me  with  pleasure,  and  at  length  openly 
reward  me,  through  Jesus  Christ.     Amen." 

It  will  not  be  unpleasing  nor  unprofitable  to  the  serious 
reader,  if  I  insert  some  specimens  of  the  manner  in  which 
he  preached  over  his  sermons  to  his  own  soul ;  heartily  wish- 
ing that  it  may  excite  ministers  to  do  the  like.  "July  23, 
1727, 1  this  day  preached  concerning  Christ,  as  the  physician 
of  souls,  from  Jer.  viii.  22.  and  having,  among  other  j)arti- 
culars,  addressed  to  those  sincere  christians,  who  through 
the  neglect  of  the  gospel  remedy  are  in  a  bad  state  of  spiritual 
health,  it  is  evident  to  me,  upon  a  serious  review,  that  I  am 
of  that  number.  I  know  by  experience,  that  my  remaining 
distempers  are  painful.  God  knows  they  are  the  great 
affliction  of  my  life ;  such  an  affliction  that,  methinks,  if  I 

the  character.  1  have  lately  been  reading  his  Gildas  Salvianus,  which  hath 
cut  me  out  much  work  among  my  people.  This  will  take  me  off  from  so 
close  an  application  to  my  private  studies,  as  I  could  otherwise  covet,  but 
may  answer  some  valuable  ends  with  regard  to  others  and  to  myself." 

t  I  remember  to  have  heard  him  speak  of  Barrow  with  great  energy  of 
commendation.  Many  of  the  divines  of  the  latter  part  ot  the  last  century 
were  incomparably  excellent  for  the  high  spirit  of  devotion,  the  fulness  of 
sentiment,  and  the  energy  and  copiousness  of  style;  and  the  neglect  of  them 
has  been  of  no  advantage  to  modern  times. — K. 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


were  free  from  it,  any  worldly  circumstances  would  be  more 
tolerable,  and  even  more  delightful,  than  that  full  flow  of 

frosperity,  by  which  I  am  so  often  insnared  and  injured, 
know  Christ  is  able  to  help  me,  and  restore  me  to  more 
perfect  health  than  I  have  ever  yet  attained  :  and  my  expe- 
rience of  his  power  and  grace  is  a  shameful  aggravation  of 
my  negligence.  Therefore  with  humble  shame  and  sorrow 
•  for  my  former  indifference  and  folly,  I  would  now  seriously 
attempt  a  reformation.      To  this  purpose  I  would  resolve ; 

1.  That  I  will  carefully  examine  into  my  own  soul,  that  I 
may  know  its  constitution,  and  its  particular  weakness  and 
distempers.  2.  I  would  apply  to  Christ,  as  my  physician, 
to  heal  these  distempers,  and  restore  me  to  greater  vigour  in 
the  service  of  God.  3.  I  would  remember  that  he  heals  by 
the  Spirit ;  and  would  therefore  pray  for  his  influences  to 
produce  in  me  greater  devotion,  humility,  diligence,  gravity, 
purity,  and  steadiness  of  resolution.  4.  I  would  wait  upon 
him  in  the  use  of  appointed  means  for  this  purpose ;  espe- 
cially prayer,  the  study  of  the  Scriptures,  and  the  Lord's 
supper.  Lord,  if  thou  wilt,  thou  canst  make  we  clean. 
Pronounce  the  word,  thou  great  Physician,  and  save  7ne  for 
thy  meiry  sake.  Thou  hast  given  me  a  degree  of  bodily 
health  and  vigour  far  superior  to  what,  from  the  nature  of 
my  constitution,  I  had  reason  to  expect.  Yet  I  here  record 
it  before  thee,  that  I  desire  spiritual  health  abundantly  more. 
I  would  rather  choose,  if  thou  seest  it  a  necessary  means,  to 
he  visited  with  any  grievous  illness,  that  might  awaken  me 
to  greater  zeal  for  thee,  and  be  the  means  of  purifying  my 
soul,  than  to  live  at  a  distance  from  thee,  and  sin  against 
thee,  amidst  such  health  as  I  have  for  many  years  enjoyed. 
— I  woyld  further  consider  my  concern  in  this  subject  as  a 
minister.  God  has  provided  a  remedy.  He  has  appointed 
me  to  proclaim,  and  in  some  measure  to  apply  it.  Yet 
many  are  not  recovered.  And  why?  I  can  appeal  to  thee 
that  I  have  faithfully  warned  them.  My  heart  does  not 
upbraid  me  with  having  kept  back  any  thing  that  may  be 
profitable  to  them.  I  have  endeavoured  to  speak  tlie  most 
important  truths  with  all  possible  plainness  and  seriousness, 
but  I  fear,  1.  I  have  not  followed  them  sufficiently  with 
domestic  and  personal  exhortations.  2.  I  have  not  been 
sufficiently  careful  to  piay  for  tiie  success  of  my  ministorial 
labours.  It  lias  rather  be^n  an  incidental  tiling,  than  matter 
of  solemn  request.  .3.  I  have  lived  so  as  to  forfeit  those 
influences  of  thy  Spirit,  by  which  they  miirht  have  been  ren- 
dered more  effectual.  I  resolve  therefore,  for  the  time  to 
come,  to  be  more  close  in  applying  to  tliem  in  their  own 
houses,  to  pray  for  them  more  frequently  ;  to  set  a  greater 
value  upon  thy  co-operating  Spirit ;  and  take  care  to  avoid 
every  thing,  which  may  provoke  him  to  withdraw  himself 
from  my  ministrations.  Such  caution  may  I  always  main- 
tain ;  and,  O,  may  the  health  of  my  people  he  recovered! 

Nov.  12,  1727.  I  preached  this  day  from  those  words, 
I  know  you,  that  ye  have  not  the  love  of  God  in  you.  I 
endeavoured  to  fix  upon  unconverted  sinners  the  charge  of 
not  loving  God,  and  described  at  large  the  character  of  the 
christian  in  several  expressions  of  that  affection.  My  own 
heart  condemned  me  of  being  deficient  in  many  of  them.  I 
humbled  myself  deeply  before  God,  and  do"  now,  in  the 
divine  strength,  renew  my  resolutions  as  to  the  following 
particulars  :  1 .  I  will  endeavour  to  think  of  God  more 
frequently  than  I  have  done,  and  to  make  the  thought  of 
him  familiar  to  my  mind  in  seasons  of  leisure  and  solitude. 

2.  I  will  labour  after  communion  with  him,  especially  in 
every  act  of  devotion  through  this  week.  For  this  purpose 
I  would  recollect  my  thoughts  before  I  begin,  watch  over 
my  heart  in  the  duty,  and  consider  afterwards  how  I  have 
succeeded.  3.  I  will  pray  for  conformity  to  God,  and  en- 
deavour to  imitate  him  iii  wisdom,  justice,  truth,  fiiithful- 
ness,  and  goodness.  4.  I  will  rejoice  in  God's  government 
of  the  world,  and  regard  his  interposition  in  all  my  per- 
sonal concerns.  5.  1  will  pray  for  zeal  in  my  master's 
interest,  and  will  make  the  advancement  of  his  glory  the 
great  end  of  every  action  of  life.  6.  I  will  cultivate  a 
peculiar  affection  to  christians,  as  such.  7.  I  will  study 
the  divine  will,  and  endeavour  to  practise  every  duty.  8.  I 

•  "  I  will  here  record  an  observation,  ivliich  I  have  found  of  great  use  to 
myself,  and  to  whicli  1  may  say,  that  the  production  of  this  work  and  most 
ot  my  other  wrilinss,  is  owing  ;  viz.  that  the  difference  between  risinaat  five 
and  at  seven  o'clcick  in  the  mornin?,  for  the  space  of  forty  years,  supposing 
a  man  to  go  to  bed  at  the  same  lionr  at  night,  is  nearly  equivalent  to  the 
addition  of  ten  ye;irs  to  a  man's  life,  of  which  (supposing  the  two  liours  in 
question  be  .so  spent)  eight  hours  every  day  should  be  employed  in  study 


will  be  diligently  upon  my  guard  against  every  thing  which- 
may  forfeit  the  favour  of  God  and  provoke  his  displeasure. 
I  resolve  particularly  to  make  these  things  my  care  for  the 
ensuing  week,  and  hope  I  shall  find  the  benefit  of  it,  and 
perceive,  at  the  close,  that  my  evidences  of  the  sincerity  of 
my  love  to  God  are  more  stable  and  flourishing  than  they 
at  present  are." — Tlius  careful  was  he  to  maintain  the  life 
of  religion  in  his  own  soul,  and  among  his  people.  Nor 
was  he  less  solicitous  to  improve  every  other  opportunity 
of  doing  good.  He  showed  a  pious  concern  for  the  welfare 
of  the  children  and  servants  in  the  family  where  he  boarded. 
From  hints  in  his  diary  it  appears,  tnat  tiiere  were  few 
Lord's  days  but  he  had  some  conversation  with  them  in 
private,  concerning  the  state  of  their  souls  and  their  reli- 
gious interests. 

He  was  remarkably  solicitous  to  redeem  his  time ;  and 
with  this  view  generally  rose  at  five  o'clock  through  the 
whole  year,  and  to  this  he  used  to  ascribe  a  great  part  of 
the  progress  he  had  made  in  learning.*'  He  often  express- 
eth  his  grief  and  humiliation  before  God,  that  he  had  made 
some  unnecessary  visits,  and  that  in  others,  he  had  not 
used  the  opportunity  of  introducing  profitable  discourse ; 
that  there  had  been  many  void  spaces,  wiiich  had  not  been 
filled  with  any  employment,  that  might  turn  to  a  good  ac- 
count. He  was  accurate  and  watchful  to  trace  out  the 
causes  of  his  loss  of  time,  and  expresseth  the  strongest 
resolutions  to  avoid  them.  To  prevent  future  waste  of 
time,  he  laid  down,  at  the  beginning  of  every  year,  a  plan 
of  books  to  read  and  business  to  pursue;  of  discourses  he 
intended  to  compose,  and  of  methods  that  were  to  be  taken 
to  promote  religion  in  his  congregation.  At  the  end  of  a 
month,  he  took  a  review  of  the  execution  of  his  plan,  from 
his  diary  ;  how  far  he  had  proceeded,  wherein  he  had 
failed,  and  to  what  the  failure  was  owing.  lie  then  set 
himself  to  rectify  the  defect  for  the  next  month,  and  made 
such  alterations  in  his  plan,  as  present  circumstances  re- 
quired. He  took  a  more  large  and  distinct  review  of  the 
whole  twice  a  year,  on  his  birth-day,  and  New-year's-day, 
attended  with  proper  devotional  exercises  of  humiliation  or 
gi'atitude,  according  as  he  had  failed  or  succeeded  in  it. 
These  days  were  entirely  devoted  to  self-examination  and 
devotion  :  and  upon  those  occasions  he  reviewed  the  cata- 
logue he  kept  of  the  particular  mercies  he  had  received,  of 
the  sins  and  infirmities  into  which  he  had  fallen,  and  the 
various  events  relating  to  him,  during  the  foregoing  pe- 
riod. Having  expressed  before  God  proper  dispositions  of 
mind  upon  the  review,  he  renewed  his  solemn  covenant 
with  God,  and  entered  into  fresh  resolutions  of  diligence 
and  obedience  through  the  ensuing  period. — Before  he 
went  to  visit  his  friends,  and  especially  before  he  undertook 
a  journey,  it  was  his  custom  to  employ  some  time  in  seri- 
ously considering,  what  opportunities  he  might  have  of 
doing  good,  that  he  might  be  prepared  to  embrace  and  im- 
prove them  ;  to  what  temptations  he  might  be  exposed, 
that  he  might  be  armed  against  them :  and  upon  his 
return,  he  examined  himself,  what  his  behaviour  had  been, 
and  whether  he  had  most  reason  for  pain  or  pleasure  on  the 
reflection ;  and  his  previous  and  subsequent  reflections 
were  attended  with  correspondent  devotions. 

In  October  1725,  he  removed  his  abode  to  Market-IIar- 
borough,  near  Kibworth.  He  continued  his  relation  to  the 
congreiration  at  Kibworth,  and  preached  to  them,  except 
when  Mr.  David  Some,  minister  at  Harborough,  (who  had 
taken  this  small  society  under  his  pastoral  care,  together 
with  his  own,)  went  to  administer  the  Lord's  supper  to 
them  ;  and  then  Mr.  Doddridge  supplied  his  place.  He 
had  been  long  happy  in  the  acquaintance  and  friendship 
of  Mr.  Some,  and  was  led  to  Harborough  by  his  desire  to 
be  near  a  person  of  such  uncommon  piety,  zeal,  prudence, 
and  sagacity.  "  In  him,"  to  use  his  own  words,  "  he  had 
found  a  sincere,  wise,  faithful,  and  tender  friend.  From 
him  he  had  met  with  all  the  goodness  he  could  have  ex- 
pected from  a  father,  and  had  received  greater  assistance, 
than  from  any  person,  except  Dr.  Clark,  in  the  aftair  of 
his  education."     Tiiis  truly  reverend  and  excellent  man 

and  devotion."  Fam.  Expos.  Horn.  xiii.  13.  note  k.  The  manner  of  ex- 
pression here  is  a  little  ambiguous  ;  but  his  meaning  is,  that  tliey  would 
amount  to  ten  years,  made  up  of  days  of  eight  hours  each,  which  is  as  much 
as  niDSt  persons  would  be  able,  or  choose,  to  spend  in  study  and  ilevolion  ; 
so  that  it  is  the  same  as  if  tlie  studying  hours  of  ten  years  were  added  to  a 
man's  life. 


HIS  ENTRANCE  ON  THE  MINISTRY. 


died  May  29,  1737.  "  God  was  pleased  to  favour  him 
with  a  serene  and  cheerful  exit,  suited  to  the  eminent  piety 
and  usefulness  of  his  life;  I  am  well  satisfied,  that,  con- 
siderin<^'  how  very  generally  he  was  known,  he  has  left  a 
most  honourable  testimony  "m  the  hearts  of  thousands,  that 
he  was  one  of  the  brightest  ornaments  of  the  gospel  and 
the  ministry,  which  the  age  hath  produced ;  and  that  all 
who  had  any  intimacy  with  him,  must  have  esteemed  his 
friendship  amongst  the  greatest  blessings  of  life,  and  the 
loss  of  him  amongst  its  greatest  calamities."*  During  this 
period,  in  April  1727,  two  young  ministers  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood, wno  had  been  his  fellow-pupils  and  intimate 
friends,  died.  The  loss  of  them  was  very  distressing  to  him, 
but  helped  to  quicken  his  diligence  and  zeal  in  his  minis- 
terial work.  Concerning  the  death  of  one  of  them,  the  only 
son  of  Mr.  Some  of  Harborough,  he  thus  writes  to  a  per- 
son of  quality,  who,  in  that  early  part  of  life,  honoured  him 
with  her  friendship  :  "  It  hath  "pleased  God  to  remove  my 
dear  friend  Mr.  Some,  after  he  had  lain  several  days  in  a 
very  serene  and  comfortable  frame  of  mind,  and  a  few 
minutes  before  his  death,  expressed  a  very  cheerful  hope  of 
approaching  glory.  He  appointed  me  to  preach  at  his 
funeral,  from  Psal.  Ixxiii.  26.  My  flesh  and  my  heart  fail- 
elh ;  but  God  is  the  strength  of  my  heart  and  my  portion 
for  ever ;  which  he  often  repeated  with  great  pleasure  in 
the  nearest  views  of  the  eternal  world.  To  reflect  that  God 
is  the  portion  of  our  friends  who  are  sleeping  in  Jesus,  and 
that  he  will  be  our  everlasting  portion  and  inheritance,  is 
certainly  the  noblest  support  under  such  an  affliction ;  a 
support,  which  I  doubt  not  but  your  ladyship  hath  often 
felt  the  importance  of:  yet,  madam,  though  this  considera- 
tion may  moderate  our  sorrows,  a  stroke  of  this  nature  will 
be  sensibly  felt,  especially  by  persons  of  a  tender  spirit. 
For  my  own  part,  though  I  have  been  in  daily  expectation 
of  his  death  several  months,  it  strikes  me  deeper  than  I  can 
easily  express,  and  gives  me,  for  the  present,  a  disrelish  to 
all  entertainments  and  employments,  which  do  not  imme- 
diately relate  to  that  world,  whither  he  is  gone.  Yet  in  the 
midst  of  my  sorrows,  it  is  with  great  pleasure  I  reflect  on 
the  divine  goodness  in  continuing  to  me  many  excellent 
friends,  and  among  them  your  ladyship.  I  desire  your 
prayers,  that  God  would  support  me  under  this  affliction, 
and  do  me  good  by  it ;  and  that,  now  he  hath  removed  a 
person  of  so  promising  a  character,  he  would  pour  out  more 
abundant  influences  of  his  Spirit  upon  me,  and  other  young 
ministers,  who  remain,  that  we  may  be  fitter  to  supply  the 
want  of  his  services  upon  earth,  and  to  meet  him  with 
honour  and  pleasure  in  heaven." — The  day  after  he  had 
attended  Mr.  Some's  funeral,  he  received  the  news  of  the 
death  of  the  other  friend,  Mr.  Ragg,  and  was  invited  to  his 
funeral.  These  repeated  afflictions  pressed  heavy  upon  his 
affectionate  spirit ;  but  it  appears,  from  his  letters  and 
papers  written  at  this  time,  that  they  had  a  happy  tendency 
to  increase  his  seriousness  and  fervour. 

The  account  he  sent  to  a  fellow-pupil  of  the  last  scenes 
of  Mr.  Ragg's  life  is  so  agreeable  and  instructive,  that  I 
cannot  persuade  myself  to  omit  it.  "  You  desire  an  account 
of  the  illness  and  death  of  good  Mr.  Ragg ;  and  I  will 
transmit  the  most  remarkable  circumstances  to  you,  in  the 
same  order  as  they  present  themselves  to  my  mind.  He 
was  taken  ill  about  ten  months  before  his  death,  and  imme- 
diately obliged  to  leave  his  place,  as  assistant  to  Mr. 
Watson  of  Mount-Sorrel,  both  in  the  school  and  the  pulpit, 
and  was  never  afterwards  capable  of  public  work.  Though 
his  circumstances  were  low.  Providence  took  care  of  him,  so 
that  he  never  wanted;  but  could  support  the  charge  of 
many  expensive  journeys  and  medicines.  Persons  in  plenti- 
ful circumstances  and  of  the  most  valuable  characters,  were 
fond  of  an  opportunity  of  entertaining  him  at  their  houses 
for  a  considerable  time,  and  contributed  generously  to  his 
support.  I  mention  this,  as  an  encouragement  to  myself 
and  you,  to  repose  ourselves  cheerfully  on  the  care  of 
Providence,  if  we  should  be  brought  into  such  melancholy 
circumstances.  I  saw  him  frequently,  and  my  esteem  and 
affection  for  him  rose,  in  proportion  to  the  intimacy  of  our 
acquaintance.^ — -He  had  formed  his  notions  of  practical  re- 
ligion upon  a  deep  and  attentive  study  of  the  divine  nature 
and  perfections ;  and  placed  religion  in  the  conformity  of  our 
wills  to  the  will  of  God,  rather  than  in  any  height  of  ecstatic 
'  Doddridge's  Sermons  and  Tracts,  vol.  i.  p.  125,  12mo. 


devotion,  which  the  calmness  of  his  temper  did  not  so  fre- 
quently admit.  He  considered  submission  to  afflictive 
providences,  as  a  most  considerable  part  of  it;  and  thought 
It  wisdom  to  confine  his  regards  to  present  duty,  without 
any  solicitous  concern  about  future  events,  which  are  in  the 
hands  of  God.  His  powerful  sense  of  the  divine  perfections 
gave  him  the  most  venerable  and  exalted  ideas  of  that  hap- 
piness, which  God  hath  prepared  for  his  favourites ;  and  it 
was  plain,  through  his  whole  life,  that  he  regarded  the  inter- 
ests of  time  and  sense  as  nothing  when  compared  with  this. 
As  these  governing  maxims  of  his  life  had  engaged  him  to 
a  very  diligent  improvement  of  his  mind,  and  unwearied 
endeavours  for  the  happiness  of  others,  while  he  was  capable 
of  active  services,  so  under  the  decays  of  nature,  he  was  re- 
markably influenced  by  them.  He  was  always  feeble  and 
frequently  in  pain ;  yet  I  never  heard  one  murmuring 
repining  word,  in  those  months  of  vanity,  which  he  was 
made  to  possess,  and  those  wearisome  nights,  which  were 
appointed  for  him.  Nothing  could  be  more  amiable,  than 
that  serenity  of  spirit,  which  he  expressed  through  the  whole 
course  of  his  illness.  He  was  as  diligent  in  searching  out 
proper  assistance,  and  as  exact  in  following  the  physician's 
prescriptions,  with  regard  to  medicine,  diet,  and  exercise,  as 
if  all  his  hopes  had  been  in  this  life ;  and  yet  to  all  appear- 
ance, as  easy  in  mind  under  disappointments  and  increasing 
illness,  as  if  he  felt  no  disorder,  and  apprehended  no  danger. 
I  once  persuaded  him  to  pray  with  me  in  the  chamber, 
where  we  lay  together;  and  never  was  I  more  affected. 
Methinks  in  that  prayer  I  saw  his  very  heart.  He  expressed 
the  most  entire  resignation  to  God,  and  seemed  to  have  no 
will,  no  interest  of  his  own.  Under  extreme  illness,  and  in 
the  near  view  of  death,  he  referred  health,  usefulness,  and 
life,  to  the  divine  disposal,  with  as  much  cheerfulness,  as  he 
could  in  his  most  prosperous  days. — When  his  body  was 
weakest,  his  reason  seemed  as  strong  as  ever.  A  few  weeks 
before  his  death,  I  was  talking  over  with  him  the  plan  of  a 
sermon  on  the  perfection  of  knowledge  in  heaven ;  and 
when  I  mentioned  this  obvious  reflection,  How  unreason- 
able is  it,  that  a  desire  of  knowledge  should  make  any  good 
man  unwilling  to  die,  he  observed,  that  our  present  inquiries 
do  not  serve  to  give  us  full  satisfaction,  as  to  the  subjects 
of  them ;  but  rather  to  make  us  better  acquainted  with  the 
difficulties  that  attend  those  subjects,  that  so  we  may  have  a 
more  exquisite  relish  for  the  discoveries,  which  shall  be 
made  in  a  future  state.  Such  a  sentiment  was  peculiarly 
beautiful,  as  coming  from  the  mouth  of  a  person,  who  could 
hardly  speak  or  breathe.  When  we  were  talking  of  the 
uneasiness  which  some  worthy  men  give  themselves  through 
a  fond  attachment  to  particular  schemes,  or  unscriptural 
phrases,  he  said,  bigotry  is  certainly  a  very  unwholesome 
thing,  and  I  am  afraid  these  good  men  will  ruin  their  con- 
stitutions by  being  so  angry  with  their  brethren.  He  said 
many  other  good  things  with  a  very  agreeable  air,  though  he 
was  so  very  weak  ;  for  he  wore  an  habitual  smile  upon  his 
countenance,  which  was  peculiarly  amiable,  while  he  was 
under  such  a  pressure  of  affliction. — I  never  heard  any  per- 
son speak  with  a  deeper  sense  of  the  evil  of  sin,  than  he  did 
the  last  time  I  was  in  his  company.  He  seemed  particu- 
larly to  enter  into  the  aggravated  circumstances,  which 
attended  the  sins  of  christians,  especially  ministers.  Inno- 
cent and  pious  as  his  life  had  been,  he  seemed  to  have  as 
affectionate  an  apprehension  of  the  need  be  had  of  the 
atonement  and  intercession  of  the  Redeemer,  as  the  most 
profligate  sinner  could  have  had  in  the  like  circumstance. — 
There  is  a  great  deal  of  reason  to  believe,  that  the  thoughts 
of  death  had  been  familiar  to  his  mind  :  frequent  illness 
for  almost  seven  years  had  deeply  impressed  them.  Yet 
when  it  made  its  nearer  approach,  he  started  at  it.  In  the 
beginning  of  his  last  illness,  he  seemed  earnestly  to  desire 
it ;  and  to  the  last  declared,  that  he  should  deliberately 
choose  it,  rather  than  the  continuance  of  a  useless,  afflicted 
life,  and  that  he  had  no  anxious  fears  as  to  the  consequence 
of  it.  Yet  he  told  me,  that  he  felt  nature  recoil  at  the  ap- 
prehension of  it,  and  that  a  life  of  vigour  and  usefulness 
seemed  to  have  something  more  charming  in  it  than  he  had 
formerly  seen.  When  he  found  his  sickness  so  painful,  and 
as  much  as  he  could  well  endure,  he  seemed  to  fear  the 
more  severe  conflict,  and  dreaded  it  in  one  view,  while  he 
longed  for  it  in  another.    This  sentiment  he  expressed,  natu- 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


rally  enough,  in  two  lines  which  he  spoke  extempore  to  me, 
as  he  lay  on  his  bed, 

"  Tir'd  out  with  life's  dead  weight,  I  panting  lie, 
A  wretch,  untit  to  live,  awlcward  to  die." 

He  smiled  at  the  oddness  of  the  phrase,  but  told  me,  he 
could  find  none  that  was  fitter  to  express  some  remainder  of 
natural  reluctance,  in  opposition  to  his  rational  and  deter- 
minate, choice.  This  awkwardness  to  die,  as  he  called  it, 
proceeded  from  a  weakness  of  spirit,  which  started  at  every 
thing  shocking  and  violent,  and  rendered  him  incapable  of 
those  lively  views  of  future  happiness,  which  he  had  some- 
times experienced  in  more  vigorous  days.  Though  he  had 
not  those  transporting  joys,  which  some  good  men  have 
had  in  their  dying  moments,  yet  his  heart  was  fixed,  trust- 
ing in  God. — ^About  a  fortnight  before  he  died,  we  kept  a 
day  of  prayer  on  account  of  him  and  Mr.  Some.  As  I 
went  into  the  pulpit,  he  said  to  me,  very  affectionately. 
Don't  be  importunate  for  my  recovery ;  only  pray  that 
God  would  give  me  a  more  lively  sense  of  his  presence, 
and  that  I  may  pass  my  trial  well,  whatever  it  may  be.  He 
apprehended  his  approaching  end,  and  calmly  desired  to 
be  left  alone  for  some  time.  He  then  called  in  his  mother 
and  friends,  talked  seriously  and  cheerfully  to  them  ;  after 
a  painful  struggle,  he  revived  for  a  few  minutes,  expressed 
his  confidence  in  God,  and  humble  joyful  expectation  of 
approaching  glory,  and  died  very  easily. — I  wish  these 
hints  may  be  of  service  towards  strengthening  your  faith, 
and  awakening  your  desire  after  that  glorious  world, 
whither  our  excellent  brother  is  gone.  Let  us  endeavour 
to  express  our  fi-iendship  by  such  offices  as  may  fit  us  to 
meet  him  and  each  other  there,  where  nothing  sliall  sepa- 
rate us,  or  impair  the  joy  of  our  mutual  conversation." 

In  1729  he  was  chosen  assistant  to  Mr.  Some,  at  Har- 
borough  :  the  congregation  there  being  desirous  to  enjoy 
his  labours  more  frequently  than  before  :  and  he  preached 
there  and  at  Kibworth  alternately. — It  was  highly  impro- 
bable, that  such  a  burning  and  shining  light  should  be  long 
confined  to  so  naiTow  a  sphere.  Some  large  congregations 
having  heard  much,  and  knovm  something,  of  his  worth, 
sought  his  settlement  with  them.  But  his  regard  to  Mr. 
Some,  love  to  his  own  congregation,  and  desire  to  have 
more  time  for  study,  than  he  could  have  had  in  a  populous 
town  and  large  society,  led  him  to  decline  their  application. 
In  1723,  he  had  an  invitation  to  the  pastoral  care  of  a  large 
congregation  in  London  ;  but  he  thought  himself  too  young 
to  undertake  it;  and  was  also  discouraged  by  the  unhappy 
differences  which  at  that  time  subsisted  between  tlie  dis- 
senting ministers  there,  about  subscribmg  or  not  subscrib- 
ing to  articles  of  faith  in  the  words  of  man's  device,  as  a 
test  of  orthodoxy ;  the  majority  of  them  being  non-sub- 
scribers. In  his  answer  to  the  gentleman  who  transmitted 
the  invitation  to  him,  after  mentioning  sqme  other  objec- 
tions to  the  proposal,  he  adds,  "  I  might  also  have  been 
required  to  subscribe,  which  I  am  resolved  never  to  do. 
We  have  no  disputes  on  that  matter  in  these  parts.  A 
neighbouring  gentleman  once  endeavoured  to  introduce  a 
subscription  ;  but  it  was  effectually  overruled  by  the  inter- 
position of  Mr.  Some  of  Harborough,  Mr.  Noriis  of  Wel- 
ford,  and  Mr.  Jennings,  my  tutor.  I  shall  content  myself 
here  with  being  a  benevolent  well-wisher  to  the  interests  of 
liberty  and  peace." 

In  1728,  he  received  a  pressing  invitation  from  one  of 
the  dissenting  congregations  at  Nottingham,  and  a  few 
months  after,  from  the  other.  There  were  many  recom- 
mending circumstances  in  these  invitations.  The  "affection 
many  of  the  people  had  expressed  for  him,  and  the  pros- 
pect of  greater  opportunities  of  usefulness  in  such  a  situa- 
tion, led  him  to  take  some  time  to  consider  the  affair.  It 
appears,  from  some  account  he  hath  left  of  it,  that  he  pro- 
ceeded in  the  deliberation  with  much  caution,  and  carefully 
examined  his  heart,  lest  any  mean,  unw-orthy  motives  should 
influence  him.  He  foresaw  some  inconveniences  attending 
a  settlement  there,  but  professeth  his  readiness  to  expose 
himself  to  them,  if  he  were  convinced  that  duty  required 
it.  After  he  had  weighed  all  circumstances,  consulted  his 
wisest  friends,  and  sought  Divine  direction,  he  chose  to 
decline  both  these  applications,  though  a  settlement  at  Not- 
tingham would  have  been  greatly  favourable  to  his  worldly 
interest.    "  I  desire,"  saith  he,  "  upon  the  whole,  to  make 


this  use  of  the  affair,  to  be  so  much  the  more  diligent  in 
study  and  watchful  in  devotion ;  since  I  see,  that  if  ever 
Providence  fixes  me  with  any  considerable  society,  I  shall 
find  a  great  deal  to  exercise  my  gifts  and  graces,  and  have 
less  time  for  study  and  retirement  than  I  have  here." 


CHAP.  III. 


His  entrance  on  the  worl<  of  a  tutor. 


WHEN  he  left  the  academy,  his  tutor  Mr.  Jennings,  a  few 
weeks  before  his  death,  much  pressed  him  to  keep  in  view 
the  improvement  of  his  course  of  academical  lectures,  and 
to  study  in  such  a  manner,  as  to  refer  what  occurred  to  him, 
to  the  compendiums  which  his  tutor  had  drawn  up,  that 
they  might  be  illustrated  and  enriched.  Mr.  Doddridge 
did  not  then  suspect,  what  he  afterwards  learned,  that  Mr. 
Jennings  had  given  it  as  his  judgment,  that,  if  it  should 
please  God  to  remove  him  early  in  life,  he  thought  Mr. 
Doddridge  the  most  likely  of  any  of  his  pupils,  to  pursue 
the  schemes  which  he  had  formed  ;  and  which  indeed  were 
very  far  from  being  complete,  as  he  died  about  eight  years 
after  he  had  undertaken  tiiat  profession. 

During  this  his  pupil's  settlement  at  Kibworth,  he,  agree- 
ably to  the  advice  of  his  tutor,  reviewed  liis  course  of  lec- 
tures with  care.  An  ingenious  young  gentleman,  Mr. 
Thomas  Benyon,  son  of  Dr.  Samuel  Benyon,  a  celebrated 
minister  and  tutor  at  Shrewsbury,  who  died  in  1708,  had 
thoughts  of  attempting  to  revive  the  scheme  of  his  deceased 
father.  In  conversation  one  day  with  Mr.  Doddridge,  the 
discourse  turned  upon  the  best  method  of  conducting  the 
preparatory  studies  of  young  men  intended  for  the  ministry. 
Mr.  Benyon  earnestly  desired  he  would  write  down  his 
thoughts  upon  the  subject.  This  he  did,  as  a  letter  to  his 
friend,  which  grew  into  a  considerable  volume.  But  when 
he  had  just  finished  this  work,  his  friend,  for  whose  use  it 
was  principally  intended,  died,  and  the  treatise  remained 
in  his  own  hands.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Saunders  of  Kettering, 
happening  to  see  it  in  his  study,  borrowed  it,  and  showed 
it  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Watts,  with  whom  Mr.  Doddridge  had 
then  no  personal  acquaintance.  Dr.  Watts  was  much 
pleased  with  the  plan,  made  some  remarks  upon  it,  and  show- 
ed it  to  several  of  his  friends,  who  all  joined  with  him  in  an 
application  to  Mr.  Doddridge,  to  solicit  his  attempting  to 
carry  it  into  execution.  As  they  were  then  in  a  great  mea- 
sure strangers  to  him,  Mr.  Some  was  the  person  principally 
employed  in  managing  this  affair.  He  had  long  been  well 
acquainted  with  Mr.  Doddridge,  and  knew  he  had  every 
important  and  desirable  qualification  for  the  instruction  of 
youth.  He  therefore  proposed  his  undertaking  it,  and 
pressed  it  in  the  strongest  manner.  He  would  by  no 
means  allow  the  validity  of  his  plea  of  incapacity ;  but  urged, 
that  supposing  him  less  capable  than  his  friends  believed, 
he  might  improve  his  time  in  that  retirement,  when  engaged 
in  such  a  work  with  a  few  pupils,  to  greater  advantage,  than 
without  them.  Mr.  Some  had  likewise,  unknown  to  him, 
engaged  the  friends  of  some  young  men  to  place  them 
under  his  care,  and  thereby  prevented  another  objection, 
which  might  have  arisen ;  and  Mr.  Saunders  offered  his 
own  brother  to  be  the  first  pupil  of  this  intended  academy. 
What  the  state  of  his  mind  was,  while  this  affair  was  in 
agitation,  will  appear  from  this  extract;  "  I  do  most 
humbly  refer  this  great  concern  to  God,  and  am  sincerely 
willing  the  scheme  should  be  disappointed,  if  it  be  not 
consistent  with  the  greater  pm-poses  of  his  glory,  yea-, 
will  not  be  remarkably  subservient  to  them.  I  depend 
upon  him  for  direction  in  this  affair,  and  assistance,  and 
success,  if  I  undertake  it.  While  I  am  waiting  his  deter- 
mination, I  would  apply  more  diligently  to  my  proper 
business,  and  act  more  steadily  by  the  rules  I  have  laid 
down  for  my  conduct.  May  he  grant,  that  in  all  my 
schemes  relating  to  public  service,  I  may,  as  much  as  pos- 
sible, divest  myself  of  all  regard  to  my  own  ease  and  repu- 
tation, and  set  myself  seriously  to  consider  what  I  can  do  for 
the  honour  of  the  Redeemer,  and  the  good  of  the  world  !" 
Before  this  affair  was  quite  determined,  he  acknowledgeth 
it  as  a  kind  providence,  that  the  dissenting  ministers  in  that 


^. 


HIS  ENTRANCE  ON  TUITION. 


neighbourhood  ajsreed  to  meet  at  Lutterworth,  April  10, 
1729,  to  spend  a  day  in  humihation  and  prayer  for  the  re- 
vival of  religion.     Upon  that  occasion  Mr.  Some  preached 
tiiat  admirable  discourse,  which  was  afterwards  printed, 
concerning  the  proper  methods  to  be  taken  by  ministers  for 
the  revival  of  religion  in  their  respective  congregations, 
from  Rev.  iii.  2.     Mr.  Doddridge  appears  to  have  been 
greatly  impressed  with  that  discourse,  as  many  other  minis- 
ters have  been.     It  led  him  to  form  and  record  some  par- 
ticular purposes,  concerning  his  conduct  as  a   minister, 
grounded  upon  the  advices  contained  in  it.    To  this  assem- 
bly Mr.  Some  proposed  the  scheme  he  had  concerted  for 
the  establishment  of  an  academy  at  Harborough,  under  the 
care  of  his  young  friend.     The  ministers  unanimously  con- 
cuned  with  him  in  their  sentiments  of  the  propriety  and 
usefulness  of  the  scheme,  and  Mr.  Doddridge's  quahfica- 
tions  for  conducting  it ;  and  promised  all  the  assistance 
and  encouragement  in  their  power.    This  had  great  weight 
in  forming  his  determination.     He  consulted  some  of  his 
brethren  and  friends  at  a  distance,  particularly  Dr.  Clark. 
They  likewise  urged  his  undertaking  this  design,  and  at 
length  he  consented  to  it.     One  thing  which  much  encou- 
raged him  to  enter  upon  this  office,  was,  the  circumstance 
of  his  retreat  at  Harborough  ;  the  pastoral  care  of  the  con- 
gregation there  and  at  Kibworth,  Mr.  Some  diligently  ful- 
filled ;  so  that  he  had  little  to  do  as  a  minister,  but  to  preach 
once  a  week.    These  were  some  of  his  reflections  and  re- 
solutions upon  the  undertaking  ;  "  Providence  is  opening 
upon  me  a  prospect  of  much  gi-eater  usefulness  than  before, 
though  attended  with  vast  labour  and  difficulty.    In  divine 
strength  I  go  fordi  to  the  work,  and  resolve  upon  the  most 
careful  and  vigorous  discharge  of  all  the  duties  incumbent 
upon  me,  to  labour  for  the  instruction  and  watch  for  the 
souls  of  my  pupils.     I  intend  to  have  some  discourse  with 
them  on  the  Lord's  day  evenings  upon  subjects  of  inward 
religion.     I  will  endeavour  to  give  a  serious  turn  to  our 
conversation  at  other  times,  and  always  bear  them  on  my 
heart  before  God  with  great  tenderness  and  affection.     I 
will  labour  to  keep  such  an  inspection  over  them,  as  may 
be  necessary  to  discover  their  capacities,  tempers,  and  fail- 
ings, that  I  may  behave  in  a  suitable  manner  to  them.     In 
all  I  will  maintain  a  humble  dependence  on  divine  influ- 
ences, to  lead  me  in  the  path  of  duty  and  prudence ;  and 
enable  me  to  behave  in  a  way  answerable  to  the  character 
in  which  I  appear,  and  those  agreeable  expectations,  which 
many  of  my  friends  have  entertained  of  me.     Considering 
the  work  before  me,  I  would  set  myself  with  peculiar  dili- 
gence to  maintain  and  increase  the  life  of  religion  in  my 
own  soul,  and  a  constant  sense  of  the  divine  presence  and 
love.     For  I  find,  when  this  is  maintained,  nothing  gives 
me  any  considerable  disquiet,  and  I  have  vigour  and  reso- 
lution of  spirit  to  can-y  me  through  my  labours.     When  I 
am  conscious  of  the  want  of  this,  and  any  inconsistency  of 
behaviour  towards  the  Divine  Being,  it  throws  a  damp  upon 
my  vigour  and  resolution ;  yea,  upon  all  the  other  plea- 
sures of  life.    In  order  to  maintain  this  habitual,  delightful 
sense  of  God,  I  would  frequently  renew  my  dedication  to 
him,  in  that  covenant,  on  which  all  my  hopes  depend,  and 
my  resolutions  for  universal,  zealous  obedience.     I  will 
study  redeeming  love  more,  and  habitually  resign  myself 
and  all  my  concerns  to  the  Divine  disposal.     I  am  going 
to  express  and  seal  these  resolutions  at  the  Lord's  table : 
and  may  this  be  the  happy  period,  from  which  shall  com- 
mence better  days  of  religion  and  usefulness  than  I  have 
ever  yet  known !" 

He  now  reviewed  his  plan  of  academical  studies,  with 
Dr.  Watts's  remarks,  and  corresponded  with  him  upon  the 
subject.  He  read  every  valuable  book  on  the  education  of 
youth,  which  he  could  meet  with,  and  made  such  extracts 
as  he  thought  might  be  serviceable  in  carrying  on  his  de- 
sign. Besides  which,  I  find  he  wrote  many  letters  to  minis- 
ters of  different  denominations,  with  whom  he  was  ac- 
quainted, desiring  their  advice  in  this  great  undertaking ; 
particularly  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Wright,  of  London,  who 
favoured  him  with  his  sentiments  at  large,  especially  on  the 
subject  of  divinity  lectures.*  He  thought  it  his  wisdom 
to  make  trial  first  in  a  more  private  way,  with  two  or  three 
pupils,  declining  to  receive  others  that  offered. 

•  Mr.  Clark  communicated  to  him  various  transcripts  from  the  lectures 


Accordingly,  at  Midsummer,  1729,  he  opened  his  aca- 
demy. His  first  lecture  to  his  pupils  was  of  the  religious 
kind  ;  showing  the  nature,  reasonableness,  and  advantages 
of  acknowledging  God  in  their  studies.  The  next  contained 
directions  for  tlieir  behaviour  to  him,  to  one  another,  to  the 
family  and  all  about  them  ;  w  ith  proper  motives  to  excite 
their  attention  to  tiiem  :  then  he  proceeded  to  common  lec- 
tures.— The  wise  observers  of  Providence  will  see  the  loving 
kindness  of  God  to  the  church,  in  thus  leading  liim  into  an 
office,  which  he  discharged  in  so  honourable  and  useful  a 
manner.  What  hath  been  observed  likewise  shows  the 
great  caution  with  which  he  undertook  this  charge,  and  the 
deep  sense  he  had  of  its  weight  and  importance ;  and  for 
these  reasons  I  have  been  so  particular  in  relating  the  pro- 
gress of  this  affair. 


CHAP.  IV. 

His  settlement  at  Northampton. 

Mr.  DODDRIDGE  had  been  employed  as  a  tutor  but  a 
few  months,  when  Providence  directed  him  to  a  station  of 
greater  ministerial  usefulness.    The  dissenting  congregation 
at  Castle-hill,  in  Northampton,  being  vacant  by  the  removal 
of  their  pastor,  Mr.  Tingey,  to  London,  he  preached  occa- 
sionally to  them,  with  other  neighbouring  ministers.     His 
services  were  so  acceptable  to  the  people,  that  they  invited, 
and  strongly  urged  him,  to  accept  the  pastoral  charge  of 
them.      Some   of  his   brethren,    particularly    Mr.    Some, 
advised   his    continuance   at   Harborough,  as    he  would, 
by  his    connexion   with    Mr.    Some,  have  more   time  to 
apply  to  his  work  as  a  tutor,   than  if  he  had  the  sole 
care    of  a  large   congregation;    and   there    was    another 
minister,  who,  they  thought,  would  sxipply  the  vacancy 
at  Northampton,  though  not  equally  to  the  satisfaction  of 
the  congregation.     I  find,  in  his  papers,  the  arguments  for 
and  against  his  settlement  there  stated  at  large,  and  his 
own  thoughts  upon  them ;  which  .show  with  how  much 
caution  he  proceeded  in  this  affair.    The  arguments  urged 
by  his  friends  above  mentioned  and  their  opinion,  had  so 
niuch  weight  with  him,  that  he  resolved  to  continue  at 
Harborough.     But  the  Supreme  Disposer  determined  other- 
wise.    Mr.  Some,  in  pursuance  of  his  view  of  the  case, 
went  to  Northampton  to  persuade  the  people  to  wave  their 
application.     But  instead  of  this,  when  he  saw  their  aflfec- 
tion  and  zeal  in  the  affair,  and  heard  the  motives  on  which 
they  acted,  and  the  circumstances  in  which  they  were,  he 
was,  as  he  expressed  it,  like  Saul  among  the  prophets,  and 
immediately  wrote  to  Mr.  Doddridge  to  press  his  accept- 
ance of  the  "invitation.     Dr.  Clark  strongly  urged  him  to  it. 
He  was  nevertheless,  on  many  accounts,  averse  to  it ;  but 
he  was  willing  to  show  so  much  respect  to  that  congrega- 
tion, as  to  give  them  his  reasons  for  declining  it  in  person. 
—As  this  was  his  last  settlement  in  life,  his  own  account 
of  the  manner  in  which  he  was  conducted  to  it,  will,   I 
hope,  be  agreeable  and    instructive ;    particularly  to   his 
friends.     "  While  I  was  pleasing  myself  with  the  view  of 
a  continuance  at  Harborough,  I  little  thought  how  few 
days  would  lead  me  to  a  determination  to  remove  from  it. 
Biit  Providence  had  its  own  secret  designs,  at  that  time  in- 
visible to  me.     I  went  to  Northampton  the  last  Lord's  day 
in  November,  1729,  to  take  leave  of  my  good  friends  there 
as  gently  as  I  could ;  and  preached  a  sermon,  to  dispose 
them  to  submit  to  the  will  of  God,  in  events  which  might 
be  most  contrary  to  their  views  and  inclinations,  from 
Acts  xxi.  14.  And  when  he  would  not  he  peisuaded,  we  ceased, 
saying,  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.     On  the  morning  of 
that  day  an  incident  happened,  which  affected  me  greatly. 
Having  been  much  urged  on  Saturday  evening,  and  much 
impressed  with  the  tender  entreaties  of  my  fi-iends,  I  had, 
in  my  secret  devotion,  been  spreading  the  affair  before  God, 
though  as  a  thing  almost  determined  in  the  negative ;  ap- 
pealing to  him,  that  my  chief  reason  for  declining  the  call, 
was  the  apprehension  of  engaging  in  more  business  than  I 
was  capable  of  performing,  considering  my  age,  the  large- 

of  Mr.  Jones,  who  had  been  a  tutor  of  distinguished  ability  and  learning,  at 
Tewksbury  in  Gloucestershire. — K. 


THE  LIFE  OF  DK.  DODDRIDGE. 


ness  of  the  congregation,  and  that  I  had  no  prospect  of  an 
assistant.  As  soon  as  ever  this  address  was  ended,  I 
passed  through  a  room  of  the  house  in  which  I  lodged, 
where  a  child  was  reading  to  his  mother,  and  the  only 
words  I  heard  distinctly  were  these,  and  as  thy  days,  so 
shall  thy  strength  be.  Though  these  words  were  strongly 
impressed  upon  my  mind,  and  remained  there  with  great 
force  and  sweetness,  yet  I  persisted  in  my  refusal.  But 
that  very  evening,  happening  to  be  in  company  with  one  of 
the  deacons  of  that  congregation,  he  engaged  me  to  pro- 
mise to  preach  his  father's  funeral  sermon,  from  a  particu- 
lar text,  on  timely  notice  of  his  death ;  which  it  was  ima- 
gined would  be  in  a  few  weeks.  It  pleased  God  to  remove 
him  that  night,  which  kept  me  there  till  Wednesday. 
Going  in  the  interval  to  some  houses,  where  I  had  been  a 
stranger,  and  receiving  visits  from  persons  of  the  congrega- 
tion, whom  I  had  not  so  much  as  heard  of,  I  was  con- 
vinced, beyond  all  doubt,  of  the  earnest  desire  of  my  friends 
there  to  have  me  settled  among  them.  I  saw  those  appear- 
ances of  a  serious  spirit,  which  were  very  affecting  to  me. 
Several  attended  the  funeral,  who  were  not  stated  hearers 
there,  and  expressed  much  satisfaction  in  my  labours.  Be- 
fore I  went  away,  the  young  persons  came  to  me  in  a 
body,  earnestly  entreated  my  coming  among  them,  and  pro- 
mised to  submit  to  all  such  methods  of  instruction  as  I 
should  think  proper."  This  last  circumstance  he  acknow- 
ledgeth,  in  his  dedication  of  his  Sermons  to  Young  People, 
was  the  consideration  which  turned  the  scales  for  his  going 
to  Northampton,  after  they  had  long  hovered  in  uncertainty. 
"  Upon  the  whole,  I  was  persuaded  it  was  my  duty  to  ac- 
cept the  invitation.  It  was  indeed  with  great  reluctance ; 
as  I  had  gone  contrary  to  the  advice  of  some  friends,  for 
whom  I  had  a  high  regard,  and  it  was  breaking  my  very 
agreeable  connexions  at  Harborough.  I  thougiit  there  was 
a  prospect  of  doing  good  at  Northampton,  equal  to  what  I 
could  ever  hope  to  have  as  a  minister ;  and  was  much 
afraid,  if  I  declined  tlie  invitation,  the  congregation  would 
be  greatly  injured.  There  were  some  steps  in  the  leadings 
of  Providence,  which  seemed  to  me  exceedingly  remark- 
able ;  and  though  some  of  my  friends  have  much  blamed 
and  discouraged  me,  I  could  not  refuse,  without  offering 
the  most  apparent  injury  to  my  own  conscience."  Some 
of  his  friends  here  referred  to,  quickly  saw  reason  to  ap- 
prove his  conduct,  and  adore  the  wisdom  of  Providence  in 
disposing  him  to  settle  there. 

December  24,  1729.  He  removed  to  Northampton; 
and  about  three  weeks  after  entered  upon  house-keeping. 
Being  desirous  to  begin  his  new  relation,  as  a  head  of  a 
family,  with  God,  he  engaged  several  of  his  friends  to  spend 
an  evening  in  prayer  with  him,  for  the  presence  and  blessing 
of  God  in  his  new  habitation.  On  that  occasion  he  ex- 
pounded Psalm  ci.  and  testified  before  God  and  them  what 
were  his  purposes  and  resolutions  as  to  family-government. 
Upon  examining  into  the  state  of  his  own  mind,  he  soon 
found  that  religion  had  been  declining  in  it,  through  his 
anxiety  about  this  new  settlement,  his  concern  to  leave  liis 
Harborough  friends,  and  the  hurries  attending  his  removal 
and  furnishing  his  house.  As  soon,  therefore,  as  he  was 
fixed  in  it,  he  set  himself  to  revive  religion  in  his  heart ; 
and,  among  other  methods,  he  determined  to  set  apart  one 
Avhole  day  for  fasting,  humiliation,  and  prayer,  to  animate 
his  own  soul,  and  engage  the  divine  blessing  on  his  family, 
studies,  and  labours.  It  may  not  be  unprofitable  to  insert 
the  scheme  he  pursued  on  "such  days,  in  his  own  words  : 
"  The  Saturday  immediately  preceding  the  Lord's  day 
on  which  the  Lord's  supper  is  to  be  administered,  1 
propose  to  spend  as  a  day  of  extraordinary  devotion.  I 
will  endeavour  to  have  despatched  all  my  business,  and 
whatever  is  necessary  to  my  preparation  for  such  a  day,  on 
Friday  night ;  particularly  I  will  look  over  my  diary  and 
other  "memorandums,  which  may  be  of  use  to  me  in  the  fast 
itself  I  will  rise  early ;  endeavour,  while  rising,  to  fix 
upon  my  mind  a  sense  of  God  and  my  own  unworthiness, 
and  will  then  solemnly  address  myself  to  God  for  his  assist- 
ance in  all  the  particular  services  of  the  day,  of  which  I 
will  form  a  more  particular  plan  than  this.  I  will  then 
read,  and  afterwards  expound  in  the  family,  some  portion 
of  Scripture  peculiarly  suitable  to  such  an  occasion,  and  will 
make  a  collection  of  such  lessons.  After  family  worship  1 
will  retire  and  pray  over  the  portion  of  Scripture  I  have 


been  explaining.  I  will  then  set  myself,  as  seriously  as 
can,  to  revive  the  memory  of  my  past  conduct ;  especially 
since  the  last  season  of  this  kind.  I  will  put  such  questions 
as  these  to  myself, — What  care  have  I  taken  in  the  exer- 
cises of  devotion  ?  What  regard  have  I  maintained  to  God 
in  the  intervals  of  it  ?  What  diligence  have  I  used  in  re- 
garding Providence  and  redeeming  time  ?  What  command 
have  I  exercised  over  my  appetites  and  passions  ?  What 
concern  have  I  had  to  discharge  relative  duties  ?  How  have 
I  relislied  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  the  gospel  ?  And  upon 
the  whole,  how  am  I  advancing  in  my  journey  to  a  better 
world  ? — I  will  then  record  my  sins  with  their  peculiar  ag- 
gravations, that  I  may  humble  myself  before  God  for  them ; 
and  my  mercies,  with  the  circumstances  that  set  tiiem  ofl', 
that  I  may  return  fervent  thanks  for  them.  Having  made 
a  catalogue  of  hints  upon  both  these  subjects,  I  will  spend 
some  time  in  meditation  upon  them ;  and  having  read  some 
psalms  or  hymns,  which  speak  the  language  of  godly  sor- 
row, I  will  go  into  the  presence  of  God,  particularly  con- 
fessing my  sins  and  the  demerit  of  them,  solemnly  re- 
nouncing them,  and  renewing  my  covenant  against  them. 
I  will  then  consider,  what  methods  are  proper  to  be  taken, 
that  I  may  avoid  them  for  the  future.  A  devotional  lecture 
to  my  pupils  will  be  an  important  part  of  the  work  of  this 
day.  I  will  after  that  spend  some  time  in  prayer  for  them, 
my  family,  and  people.  The  remainder  of  my  work  shall 
be  praise,  with  which  I  think  I  ought  to  conclude  even  days 
of  humiliation  ;  though  sometimes  a  larger  or  smaller  space 
of  time  shall  be  allotted  to  this  work,  as  peculiar  circum- 
stances require.  After  a  little  refreshment,  I  will  converse 
with  some  of  my  pupils  privately  about  inward  religion ; 
which  I  may  do  with  some  peculiar  advantage,  after  having 
been  lecturing  to  them  on  such  a  subject,  and  so  particu- 
larly praying  for  them.  I  would  spend  the  evening  in  grave 
conversation  with  some  pious  friends,  with  whom  I  can 
use  great  freedom  as  to  the  state  of  their  souls  :  and  at 
night  review  the  whole,  and  conclude  the  day  with  some 
religious  exercises,  suited  to  the  work  in  which  I  have  been 
engaged,  and  the  frame  of  my  own  soul ;  and  will  keep  an 
account  of  what  passeth  at  these  seasons.  My  God,  assist 
me  in  this  important  duty.  Make  it  so  comfortable  and 
useful  to  me,  that  I  may  have  reason  to  praise  thee,  that 
my  thoughts  were  directed,  and  my  resolutions  determined, 
to  it."  With  these  pious  exercises,  and  in  this  solemn 
manner,  did  he  enter  on  his  ministry  at  Northam])ton. 

That  he  might  be  better  qualified  for,  and  quickened  to, 
that  large  pastoral  work  now  devolved  upon  him,  he  em- 
ployed some  of  the  time  between  his  settlement  and  ordi- 
nation, in  reading  the  best  treatises  of  the  qualifications  and 
duties  of  ministers  ;  particularly  Chrysostora  on  the  Priest- 
hood, Bowles's  Pastor  Evangelicus,  Burnet  on  the  Pastoral 
Care,  and  Baxter's  Gildas  Salvianus.  He  likewise  read  the 
Lives  of  some  pious  active  ministers;  particularly  of  Mr. 
P.  Henry,  which  he  often  spoke  of  as  affording  him  much 
instruction  and  encouragement.  He  selected  the  most  im- 
portant advices,  reflections,  and  motives,  contained  in  these 
books,  which  he  frequently  reviewed.  He  likewise  at  this 
time  made  a  collection  of  those  maxims  of  prudence  and 
discretion,  which  he  thought  demanded  a  minister's  atten- 
tion, if  he  desired  to  secure  esteem  and  usefulness. 

About  two  months  after  his  settlement  at  Northampton 
it  pleased  God  to  visit  him  with  a  dangerous  illness,  which 
gave  his  friends  many  painful  fears,  that  the  residue  of  his 
years  of  usefulness  to  them  and  to  the  world  would  be  cut 
off.  But,  after  a  few  weeks  of  languishing,  God  mercifully 
restored  his  health.  While  he  was  recovering,  but  yet  in  a 
very  weak  state,  the  time  came,  which  had  been  fixed  for 
his  ordination.  Of  the  transactions  of  that  day,  he  has 
preserved  the  following  account:  "March  19,  1729-30. 
The  afflicting  hand  of  God  upon  me  hindered  me  from 
making  that  preparation  for  the  solemnity  of  this  day,  which 
I  could  otherwise  have  desired,  and  which  might  have 
answered  some  valuable  end.  However,  I  hope  it  hath 
long  been  my  sincere  desire  to  dedicate  myself  to  God  in  i 
the  work  of  the  ministry ;  and  that  the  views,  with  which  >  \ 
I  determined  to  undertake  the  office,  and  which  I  this  day\  i 
solemnly  professed,  have  long  since  been  fixed.  The  work 
of  the  day  was  carried  on  in  a  very  honourable  and  agree- 
able manner.  Mr.  Goodrich  of  Oundle  began  with  prayer 
and  reading  the  Scriptures.     Mr.  Dawson  of  Hinckley  con- 


HIS  DISCHARGE  OF  HIS  MINISTRY  AT  NORTHAMPTON. 


Viued  the  exercise.  Then  Mr.  Watson  of  Leicester  preached 
I  suitable  sermon  from  1  Tim.  iii.  1.  This  is  a  true  sat/ ing, 
fa  man  desire  the  office  of  a  bishop,  he  desireth  a  good  work. 
VIr.  Norris  of  Welford  then  read  the  call  of  the  church,  of 
vhich  I  declared  my  acceptance  :  he  took  my  confession 
)f  faith,  and  ordination-vows,  and  proceeded  to  set  me 
ipart  by  prayer.     Mr.  Clark  of  St.  Albans  gave  the  charge 

0  me,  and  Mr.  Saunders  of  Kettering  the  exhortation  to 
he  people.  Then  Mr.  Mattock  of  Daventry  concluded  the 
vhole  solemnity  with  prayer.*  I  cannot  but  admire  the 
goodness  of  God  to  me  in  thus  accepting  me  in  the  office 
)f  a  minister,  who  do  not  deserve  to  be  owned  by  him  as 
)ne  of  the  meanest  of  his  servants.  But  1  firmly  determine, 
n  the  strength  of  Divine  grace,  that  I  will  be  faithful  to 
5od,  and  the  souls  committed  to  my  charge ;  and  that  I 
vill  perform  what  I  have  so  solemnly  sworn.  The  great 
ndisposition  under  which  I  labour,  gives  me  some  appre- 
lension,  that  this  settlement  may  be  very  short:  but,  through 
nercy,  1  am  not  anxious  about  it.  I  have  some  cheerful 
lope,  that  the  God,  to  whom  I  have  this  day  been,  more 
solemnly  than  ever,  devoting  my  service,  will  graciously 
.use  me  "either  in  this  world  or  "a  better ;  and  I  am  not 
^solicitous  about  particular  circumstances,  where  or  how. 

"  If  I  know  any  thing  of  my  heart,  I  apprehend  I  may  adopt 
■*;the  words  of  the  apostle,"that  it  is  mi/  earnest  expectation 
and  hope,  that  in  nothing  I  shall  be  ashamed,  but  that  Christ 
shall  be  magnijied  in  my  bodi/,  whether  it  be  by  life  or  hi/ 
death  ;  that,  to  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  unspeakable 
min.     May  this  day  never  be  forgotten  by  me,  nor  the 
dear  people  committed  to  my  charge,  whom  I  would  hum- 
bly recommend  to  the  care  of  the  great  Shepherd  !" 
The  annual  return   of  his  ordination-day  was  observed 
..'by  him  with  some  peculiar  solemnity  in  his  secret  devotions. 
Thus  he  writes  upon  it ;  "  It  is  this  day,  fifteen  years,  since 

1  have  borne  the  pastoral  office  in  the  church  of  Christ. 
How  many  mercies  have  I  received  in  this  character !  But, 
alas!  how  many  negligences  and  sins  have  I  to  be  hum- 
bled for  before  God !  Yet  I  can  call  him  to  record  upon 
my  soul,  that  the  office  is  my  delight,  and  I  would  not  re- 
sign the  pleasures  of  it  for  any  price,  which  the  greatest 
prince  upon  earth  could  offer  me. 


CHAP.  V. 

His  discharge  of  his  ministry  at  Northampton. 

Mr.  DODDRIDGE  having  entered  on  the  pastoral  office 
with  so  much  seriousness  and  solemnity,  we  are  now  to  see 
with  how  much  faithfulness  and  zeal  he  performed  his  vows, 
and  fulfilled  the  ministi-ij  he  had  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus. — It 
was  his  first  care,  as  a  pastor,  to  knowtlie  state  of  his  flock. 
As  it  was  large,  and  lay  dispersed  in  most  of  the  neigh- 
bouring villages,  he  had  frequent  meetings  with  the  deacons 
and  a  few  other  persons  belonging  to  it,  of  whom  he  made 
particular  inquiries  concerning  the  members  and  stated 
nearers,  their  names,  families,  places  of  abode,  connexions, 
and  characters.  He  entered  in  a  book  the  result  of  these 
mquiries,  and  what  other  intelligence  of  this  kind  he  could 
honourably  procure.  This  book  he  often  consulted,  that 
he  might  know  how,  in  the  most  prudent  and  effectual 
manner,  to  address  them  in  public  and  private ;  and  made 
such  alterations  from  time  to  time  in  this  list,  as  births, 
deaths,  additions,  and  his  increasing  acquaintance  with  his 
people  required.  By  this  list  he  was  directed  in  the  course 
of  his  pastoral  visits,  and  could  form  some  judgment  what 
degree  of  success  attended  his  labours.  Here  he  mserted 
the  names  and  characters  of  the  lowest  servants  in  the 
families  under  his  care,  that  he  might  remember  what 
instructions,  admonitions,  and  encouragements  they  need- 

*  It  is  rather  surprising;  that  we  do  not  meet  with  the  name  of  Mr.  Some 
>n  this  occasion.    Some  particular  incident,  now  not  known,  perhaps  asud- 

»ii  illnes.5,  might  have  deprived  Mr.   Doddridge  of  the  assistance  of  so 

iluable  and  intimate  a  friend,  'that  the  cause  should  not  have  heen  men- 
loned  by  Mr.  Orton  in  his  memoirs,  or  by  Mr.  Doddridge  in  liis  diary,  is 
an  omission  thatcould  scarcely  have  been  expected.— K. 

+  This  encomium  i.";  to  be  admitted  with  some  slight  degree  of  abatement. 
The  Sermons  of  Dr.  Doddridge  were  different  as  he  was  differently  circum- 
stanced. When  he  had  leisure  to  draw  out  his  plan  and  the  iiintsof  what  he 
proposed  to  say  to  a  considerable  extent,  his  discourses  were  often  excellent 
in  a  high  degree.  But  at  other  times,  when  he  could  but  just  lay  down  his 
scheme,  with  only  a  very  few  thoughts  under  it,  his  sermons,  especialb'  if 


ed ;  what  hints  of  exhortation  he  had  given  to  them  or 
others,  how  they  Avere  received,  what  promises  they  had 
made  him,  and  who  wanted  Bibles,  or  other  religious 
books,  that  he  might  supply  them.  By  this  list  he  was 
directed  how  to  pray  for  them.  He  likewise  wrote  down 
particular  hints  of  this  kind,  as  they  occurred,  which  were 
to  be  taken  notice  of  in  the  historical  register  of  his  congre- 
gation ;  especially  when  the  many  revolutions  of  one  kind 
or  another  made  it  necessary  for  him  to  renew  it. 

It  hath  been  already  observed  what  care  and  pains  he 
took  in  composing  his  sermons,  when  he  first  entered  on 
the  ministry.  His  work  as  a  tutor,  and  the  pastoral  care  of 
a  large  congregation,  rendered  it  next  to  impossible  that 
he  should  be  so  exact  and  accurate  afterwards :  nor  was 
it  needful ;  having  habituated  himself  for  several  years 
to  correct  compositions,  having  laid  up  such  a  fund  of 
knowledge,  especially  of  the  Scriptures,  which  was  daily 
increasing  by  his  studies  and  lectures,  he  sometimes  only 
wrote  down  the  heads  and  leading  thoughts  of  his  sermons, 
and  the  principal  texts  of  Scripture  he  designed  to  intro- 
duce. But  he  was  so  thoroughly  master  of  his  subject, 
and  had  such  a  ready  utterance  and  so  warm  a  heart,  that 
perhaps  few  ministers  can  compose  better  discourses  than 
ne  delivered  from  these  short  hints.f  When  his  other  im- 
portant business  would  permit,  when  he  was  called  to 
preach  upon  particular  occasions,  or  found  his  spirits  de- 
pressed by  bodily  infirmities,  or  other  afflictive  providences, 
he  thought  it  his  duty  to  wi'ite  his  sermons  more  largely. 
Of  what  kind  they  were,  the  world  has  had  a  sufficient 
specimen  in  those  which  have  been  published.  And  it  is 
imagined  all  persons  of  judgment  and  candour  will  allow, 
that  they  are  well  calculated  to  answer  the  gi'eat  end  of 
preaching.  The  vital  truths  of  the  gospel,  and  its  duties,  as 
enforced  by  them,  were  his  favourite  topics.  He  considered 
himself  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  and  therefore  could  not 
satisfy  himself  without  preaching  Christ  and  him  crucified. 
He  never  puzzled  his  hearers  with  dry  criticisms  and  ab- 
struse disquisitions ;  nor  contented  himself  with  moral 
essays  and  philosophical  harangues,  with  which  the  bulk  of 
his  auditory  would  have  been  unaffected  and  unedified.  He 
thought  It  cruelty  to  God's  children  to  give  them  stones, 
when  they  came  for  bread.  "  It  is  my  desire,"  saith  he, 
"  not  to  entertain  an  auditory  with  pretty  lively  things, 
which  is  comparatively  easy,  but  to  come  close  to  their 
consciences,  to  awaken  them  to  a  real  sense  of  their 
spiritual  concerns,  to  bring  them  to  God,  and  keep  them 
continually  near  to  him  ;  which,  to  me  at  least,  is  an  ex- 
ceeding hard  thing."  He  seldom  meddled  with  controver- 
sial points  in  the  pulpit ;  never  with  those,  with  which  he 
might  reasonably  suppose  his  congregation  was  unacquaint- 
ed ;  nor  set  himself  to  confute  errors,  with  which  they  were 
in  no  danger  of  being  infected.  When  his  subject  natu- 
rally led  him  to  mention  some  writers,  from  whom  he 
differed,  he  spoke  of  them  and  their  works  with  candour 
and  tenderness  ;  appealing  constantly  to  the  Scriptures,  as 
the  standard  by  which  all  doctrines  are  to  be  tried.  He 
showed  his  hearers  of  how  little  importance  most  of  the 
differences  between  protestants  are,  and  chose  rather  to  be 
a  healer  ()f  breaches,  than  to  widen  them.  He  always  spoke 
with  abhorrence  of  passionately  inveighing  against  our 
brethren  in  the  pulpit,  and  making  christian  ordinances  the 
vehicle  of  malignant  passions.  He  thought  this  equally 
affionting  to  God  and  pernicious  to  men  ;  poisoning  instead 
of  feeding  the  sheep  of  Christ.  He  seldom  preached  topi- 
cal sermons,  to  which  any  text  of  Scripture  relating  to  the 
subject  might  be  affixed ;  but  chose  to  draw  his  materials 
and  divisions  from  the  text  itself;  and  this  gave  him  an 
opportunity  of  introducing  some  uncommon,  striking 
thoughts,  arising  from  the  text,  its  connexion,  or  the  design 
of  the  sacred  writer.  When  his  subject  was  more  compre- 
hensive than  could  be  well  discussed  on  one  Lord's  day, 
he  generally  chose  a  new  text,  in  order  to  supply  him  with 

he  was  not  in  a  full  flow  of  spirits,  were  less  valuable.  Once,  during  my 
residence  with  him,  a  number  of  pupils  complained  throush  the  medium  of 
Mr.  Orton,  that,  though  their  revered  tutor's  acadetniral  lectures  were  ad- 
mirable, they  had  not  in  him  a  sufhciently  correct  model  ot  pulpit  com- 
position. 1  he  consequence  of  the  intimation  was.  that  his  sermons  became 
far  superior  to  what  they  had  sometimes  formerly  been  ;  fir  he  was  the 
most  candid  of  all  men  to  the  voice  of  gentle  admonition.  When,  however, 
he  took  the  least  pains,  he  was  always  perspicuous  in  his  method,  and 
natural  and  orderly  in  the  arrangement  of  his  sentiments  ;  and  hence  he 
furnished  an  example,  from  which  many  of  the  young  men  educated  under 
him  derived  no  small  benefit  in  their  future  labours. — K. 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


fresh  materials,  keep  up  the  attention  of  his  hearers,  and 
increase  tiieir  acquaintance  with  their  Bibles.  He  chose 
sometimes  to  illustrate  the  scripture-histories,  and  the  cha- 
racter of  persons  there  recorded.  He  selected  the  most 
instructive  passages  in  the  prophets,  relating  to  the  case  of 
the  Israelites,  or  some  particular  good  man  among  them, 
and  accommodated  them  to  the  circumstances  of  christians, 
where  he  thought  there  was  a  just  and  natural  resemblance. 
In  these  discourses  he  had  an  opportunity  of  explaining  the 
designs  of  the  prophecies,  displaying  divine  wisdom,  faith- 
fulness, and  grace,  and  suggesting  many  important  instruc- 
tions. Tnis  metliod  produced  a  variety  in  his  discourses, 
and  was  pleasing  and  edifying  to  his  hearers.  He  thought 
himself  fully  justified  in  these  accommodations  by  the 
])ractice  of  the  inspired  writers  of  the  New  Testament. 

He  was  always  warm  and  affectionate  in  the  application 
of  his  sermons,  and  experimentally  described  the  workings 
of  the  heart,  in  the  various  circumstances  which  he  had 
occasion  to  treat  of:  Thus  he  came  home  to  his  hearers' 
bosoms,  and  led  them  to  see  their  real  characters,  wherein 
they  were  defective,  and  how  far  they  might  justly  be  com- 
forted and  encouraged.  He  gives  this  reason  for  that 
warmth  of  devout  affection,  with  which  he  addressed  his 
hearers : — "  While  I  have  any  reverence  for  Scripture,  or 
any  knowledge  of  human  nature,  I  shall  never  affect  to 
speak  of  the  glories  of  Christ,  and  of  the  eternal  interests  of 
men,  as  coldly  as  if  I  were  reading  a  lecture  on  mathematics, 
or  relating  an  experiment  in  natural  philosophy.  It  is  in- 
deed unworthy  the  character  of  a  man  and  a  christian  to 
endeavour  to  tiansport  men's  passions,  while  the  under- 
standing is  left  uninformed,  and  the  judgment  unconvinced. 
But  so  far  as  is  consistent  with  a  proper  regard  to  this  lead- 
ing power  of  our  nature,  I  would  speak  and  write  of  divine 
truths  with  a  holy  fervency.  Nor  can  I  imagine  that  it 
would  bode  well  to  the  interest  of  religion  to  endeavour  to 
lay  all  tliose  passions  asleep,  which  surely  God  implanted 
111  onr  lieaits  to  serve  the  religious  as  well  as  the  civil  life, 
and  which,  after  all,  will  probably  be  employed  to  some 
very  excellent  or  very  pernicious  purposes."* 

He  thought  it  a  part  of  ministerial  prudence  to  take 
public  notice  of  remarkable  providential  occurrences,  affect- 
ing the  nation,  the  town,  or  any  considerable  number  of  his 
hearers ;  any  uncommon  appearances  in  nature,  or  other 
events,  tliat  were  tlie  subject  of  general  conversation ;  the 
seasons  of  the  year,  and  especially  tiie  mercies  of  harvest; 
and  he  endeavoured  in  his  discourses  to  graft  lessons  of 
wisdom  and  piety  upon  them. — He  chose  to  preach  funeral 
sermons  for  most  of  those  who  died  in  communion  with  his 
church,  even  the  poorest ;  and  for  others,  where  there  was 
any  thing  remarkable  in  their  character  or  removal.  He 
imagined  the  minds  of  their  relations  and  friends  were  at 
such  times  more  disposed  than  usual  to  receive  advice,  and 
would  need  and  drmk  m  the  consolations  of  the  gospel. 
These  discourses  were  also  generally  attended  by  the  ac- 
quaintance and  neighl)ours  of  tlie  deceased  persons,  who 
were  not  his  stated  hearers  ;  and  he  endeavoured  to  improve 
such  occasions  for  conveying  some  useful  impressions  to 
their  minds. — He  never  had  a  stated  assistant,  but  con- 
stantly preached  twice  every  Lord's  day,  when  his  health 
permitted  ;  except  some  of  his  senior  pupils,  who  had 
entered  on  the  ministry,  were  disengaged,  and  then  tliey 
performed  the  services  of  one  part  of  the  day.  But  even 
then,  so  solicitous  was  lie  not  to  do  the  work  of  the  Lord 
negligently,  that  he  often  preached  in  the  evening.  A  set 
of  sermons  against  popery,  the  last  of  which,  viz.  on  "  the 
absurdity  and  iniquity  of  persecution,"  is  published,  and  his 
discourses  on  Regeneration,  were  in  the  number  of  his 
evening  lectures.  Whatever  services  he  had  performed  on 
the  Lord's  day,  when  there  was  no  evening  lecture,  he  re- 
peated his  sermons  to  his  own  family,  and  as  many  of  his 
people  and  neighbours  as  chose  to  attend,  at  his  own 
house  ;  and  then  sometimes  entered  into  a  few  critical 
remarks  on  his  text,  and  learned  reflections  on  his  subject, 
for  the  benefit  of  his  pupils,  which  would  have  been  unpro- 
fitable to  a  popular  auditory. — It  was  his  usual  custom,  on 
a  Lord's  day  morning,  before  sermon,  to  expound  some 
portion  of  the  Scriptures,  and  draw  practical  instructions 

•  This  is  thfi  languaj'p  of  wisdom.  True  eloquence  consists  in  the  union 
of  Ihe  rational,  the  toicible.  anil  the  pathetic ;  ana  to  addiess  to  the  affections, 
as  well  as  to  the  reason  of  mankind,  is  the  dictate  of  the  soundest  philosophy. 


from  it :  directing  his  hearers,  at  the  same  time,  in  what 
manner  they  should  read  and  reflect  upon  the  word  of  God. 
— He  had  an  extraordinary  gift  in  prayer,  cultivated  with 
great  diligence ;  and  upon  particular  as  well  as  commoa 
occasions  expressed  himself  with  ease,  freedom,  and  variety, 
with  all  the  evidences  of  a  solid  judgment,  amidst  the 
greatest  seriousness  and  fervour  of  spirit.  In  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  Lord's  supper,  he  was  remarkably  devout  and 
lively.  He  endeavoured  to  affect  the  hearts  and  excite  the 
graces  of  his  fellow-christians  by  devotional  meditations 
upon  some  pertinent  passages  of  Scripture ;  that  the  sub- 
stance of  what  he  had  said  might  be  more  easily  recollected. 
He  took  the  same  method  in  administering  the  ordinance 
of  baptism. — The  hymns  which  he  composed  to  assist  the 
devotions  of  his  congregation,  have  been  published,  and  are 
another  instance  of  the  pains  he  took  to  promote  their  piety 

Besides  his  stated  work  on  the  Lord's  day,  and  his 
lectures  preparatory  to  the  Lord's  supper,  he  maintained  a 
religious  exercise  every  Friday  evening  at  his  Meeting-place, 
or  his  own  house,  as  the  season  of  tlie  year,  or  the  circum- 
stances of  his  health,  rendered  most  convenient.  On  these 
occasions  he  went  through  the  psalms  in  a  course  of  ex- 
position; afterwards  the  prophecies  of  the  Old  Testament 
relating  to  the  Messiah  and  his  kingdom  ;  the  promises  of 
Scripture ;  and  sometimes  repeated  sermons  he  had  formerly 
preached,  as  his  friends  particularly  desired  or  might  best 
tend  to  keep  up  an  agreeable  variety.  For  several  winters 
he  preached  a  lecture  every  Thursday  evening,  at  another 
Meeting-house  in  the  town,  which  lying  nearer  the  centre  of 
it,  was  more  convenient  than  his  own  There  he  preached 
a  set  of  discourses  on  the  paral)les  of  Christ ;  and  another  on 
the  nature,  offices,  and  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit. — As 
a  great  part  of  his  congregation  came  from  the  neighbour- 
ing villages,  he  used  to  go  once  or  twice  a  year  to  each  of 
them,  and  to  some  oftener,  and  preach  among  them.  He 
chose  to  make  these  visits  at  the  usual  festivals  and  their 
respective  wakes,  as  the  inhabitants  at  those  seasons  had 
leisure  to  attend  his  ser^dces,  and  were  in  some  peculiar 
danger  of  having  their  sense  of  religion  weakened.  At  these 
visits  he  had  opportunities  of  conversing  and  praying  with 
the  infirm  and  aged,  who  could  seldom  attend  his  labours 
at  Northampton.  Wlien  any  of  them  died,  he  chose  to 
preach  their  funeral  sermons  in  the  villages  where  they  had 
lived,  that  their  neighbours  and  acquaintance  might  have 
the  benefit  of  them. 

While  I  am  mentioning  his  abilities,  diligence,  and  zeal, 
as  a  preacher,  I  would  add,  that  he  was  much  esteemed  and 
very  popular.  He  had  an  earnestness  and  pathos  in  his 
manner  of  speaking,  which,  as  it  seemed  to  be  the  natural 
effect  of  a  strong  impression  of  divine  truths  upon  his  own 
heart,  tended  greatly  to  affect  his  hearers,  and  to  render  his 
discourses  more  acceptable  and  useful,  than  if  his  delivery 
had  been  more  calm  and  dispassionate.  His  pronunciation 
and  action  were,  by  some  judges,  thought  rather  too  strong 
and  vehement ;  but  to  those  who  were  acquainted  with  the 
vivacity  of  his  temper,  and  his  usual  manner  of  conversa- 
tion, they  appeared  quite  natural  and  unaffected. 

He  was  very  exact  in  the  exercise  of  christian  discipline, 
and  in  separating  from  the  church  those,  who  were  a  re- 
proach to  their  christian  profession.  To  this  painful  work 
he  was  sometimes  called,  and  a  congregational  fast  was  kept 
on  the  sad  occasion.— When  the  work  of  religion  seemed 
to  be  at  a  stand  ;  when  few  or  none  appeared  to  be  under 
serious  impressions  and  convictions,  or  there  was  a  visible 
coldness  and  remissness  among  his  hearers,  his  heart  was 
much  affected ;  he  laboured  and  prayed  more  earnestly 
both  in  public  and  private;  and  days  of  prayer  were  set 
apart  bv  the  church,  in  order  to  obtain  of  God  an  effusion 
of  his  Spirit  to  revive  religion  amon-j;  them. 

He  had  a  deep  concern  and  afleotionate  regard  for  the 
rising  generation.  Besides  an  annual  sermon  to  young 
persons  on  new-year's  day,  he  often  particularly  addressed 
them  in  the  course  of  his  preaching ;  and  in  his  conversation, 
also,  discovered  that  sense  of  the  importance  of  the  rising 
generation,  which  he  hath  expressed  in  his  sermon  upon 
that  subject,  and  which  he  hath  so  warmly  exhorted  parents 
to  cultivate,  in  his  Sermons  on  the  Education  of  Children. 

The  cold  and  feeble  conclusions  of  many  discourses  from  the  pulpit,  arc  as 
•lissjusting  to  a  just  taste,  as  they  are  unprofitable  with  regard  to  religious 
improvement. — K. 


HIS  DISCHARGE  OF  HIS  MINISTRY  AT  NORTHAMPTON. 


He  much  lamented  the  growing  neglect  of  ministers  to 
catechise  the  children  of  their  congiegations ;  and  to  this 
neglect  imputed  many  of  the  irregularities  wiiich  are  to  be 
seen  in  youth.  Many  parents  are  hardly  capable  of  it ;  and 
many  who  are,  neglect  it.  He  therefore  looked  upon  this 
as  a  most  important  part  of  his  pastoral  work,  and  pursued 
it  during  the  summer  seasons,  throufrh  the  whole  course  of 
his  ministry,  notwithstanding  his  many  avocations.  He 
was  so  sensible  of  the  usefulness  of  this  work,  and  the  skill 
and  prudence  necessary  to  conduct  it,  that  I  find  this, 
among  other  resolutions,  formed  at  his  entrance  on  the 
ministry.  "  I  will  often  make  it  my  humble  prayer,  that 
God  would  teach  me  to  speak  to  children  in  such  a  manner, 
as  may  make  early  impressions  of  religion  upon  their 
hearts."  He  had  much  satisfaction  in  these  pious  attempts. 
Several  children,  who  died  while  they  were  under  his  cate- 
chetical instructions,  manifested  such  a  deep  sense  of  re- 
ligion, such  rational  views  and  lively  hopes  of  glory,  as 
■were  delightful  and  edifying  to  their  parents  and  friends. — 
He  established  and  encouraged  private  meetings  for  social 
prayer :  especially  religious  associations  among  the  young 
persons  of  the  congregation,  who  used  to  meet  weekly  for 
reading,  religious  discourse,  and  prayer;  and  entered  into 
engagements  to  watch  over  one  anotlier  in  the  spirit  of 
meekness,  and  to  animate  and  encourage  each  other  in  their 
christian  course.  These  societies  were  formed  according  to 
their  different  ages ;  and  sometimes  one  young  person  of 
the  greatest  knowledge  and  humility  was  a  kind  of  presi- 
dent, who  kept  up  the  order  of  the  society,  and  gave  the 
pastor  hints  by  which  he  might  be  led  to  establish  those 
who  were  wavering,  and  encourage  those  who  were  timor- 
ous in  religion.  There  was  one  society  of  young  men,  in 
which  some  of  his  younger  students  were  joined,  to  which 
he  used  to  propose  some  practical  question  weekly,  and 
they  returned  an  answer  in  writing  the  next  week.  These 
answers  he  threw  together,  enlarged  upon  and  delivered  on 
Friday  evening,  instead  of  his  usual  exposition  or  sermon 
as  above  mentioned.  He  found  the  advantage  of  these 
associations  in  many  respects  ;  particularly  in  the  readiness 
with  which  those,  who  had  belonged  to  them,  set  up  the 
worship  of  God  in  their  own  families,  and  the  honourable 
manner  in  which  they  conducted  it. — He  was  very  solicitous 
to  bring  sober  and  serious  young  persons  into  communion 
with  the  church,  and  obviate  their  objections  against  it. 
His  reasons  for  this,  and  the  arguments  by  which  he  urged 
it,  may  be  seen  in  his  discourse  to  young  people,  entitled, 
"  Religious  Youth  invited  to  early  Communion." 

To  those  who  were  acquainted  with  the  large  spliere  of 
service  in  which  he  was  engaged,  it  was  matter  of  surprise, 
that  he  could  spare  so  much  time  as  he  did  for  pastoral 
visits;  as  there  were  few  days  in  which  he  was  not  em- 
ployed in  visiting  the  sick  and  afflicted,  and  other  persons, 
with  a  view  to  their  spiritual  interest.  He  knew  the  value 
of  time  too  well,  to  spend  it  in  formal,  unprofitable,  or  long 
visits.  He  was  careful,  when  he  went  into  any  family,  to 
turn  the  discourse  into  a  religious  channel,  and  leave  an 
impression  of  piety  behind  him.  He  seriously  exhorted 
heads  of  families  to  mind  religion  as  the  main  concern,  to 
guard  against  the  love  of  the  world,  and  to  command  their 
children  and  household  to  keep  the  ivay  of  the  Lord.  He 
took  notice  of  the  children  and  ser\'ants  in  families,  gave 
them  hints  of  advice  and  encouragement,  proposed  to  them 
some  te.Kts  of  Scripture  to  remember  and  reflect  upon,  and 
furnished  them  with  Bibles  and  practical  books.  He  visited 
the  cottages  of  the  poor,  and  addressed  them  with  so  much 
condescension  and  familiarity,  that  they  would  be  free  in 
their  conversation  with  him  upon  religious  concerns  and  the 
state  of  their  souls.  No  visits  gave  him  more  satisfaction 
than  these ;  and  he  often  expressed  his  wonder  and  grief, 
that  any  ministers  should  neglect  such  persons,  out  of  too 
much  regard  to  those  who  were  rich,  or  to  any  studies  not 
essential  to  usefulness.— But  finding  that,  with  his  utmost 
diligence,  he  could  not  visit  all  the  families  in  so  large  and 
scattered  a  society,  so  often  as  he  wished,  he,  on  December 
4,  1737,  proposed  to  the  congregation  to  choose  four  per- 
sons of  distinguished  piety,  gravity,  and  experience,  to  the 
office  of  elders;  which  they  accordingly  did.  He  thought 
there  was  a  foundation  for  that  oflSce  in  Scripture ;  at  least, 
that  the  circumstances  of  some  pastors  and  churches  ren- 

*  Theological  Lectures. 


dered  it  expedient,  that  diere  should  be  such  officers  chosen  ; 
who  should  inspect  the  state  of  the  church,  and  assist  the 
pastor  in  some  part  of  his  work.*  These  elders  divided  the 
congregation  among  them,  visited  and  prayed  with  the  sick, 
took  notice  of  and  conversed  with  those,  who  seemed  to  be 
under  religious  impressions,  or  were  proposed  to  commu- 
nion; and  were  sometimes  employed  in  admonishing  and 
exhorting.  Tliey  met  together  weekly,  and  he  generally 
attended  them  ;  that  he  might  receive  the  observations  they 
had  made,  and  might  give  them  his  assistance  and  advice, 
where  cases  of  pecuUar  difficulty  occurred.  These  meetings 
were  always  concluded  with  prayer.  He  found  great  comfort 
and  advantage  from  their  services,  and  the  church  thought 
itself  happy  in  them. 

It  was  a  grief  to  him  to  find,  that  the  children  of  some 
of  his  hearers  had  never  been  taught  to  read,  through  the 
ignorance  or  poverty  of  their  parents.  Therefore,  in  1738, 
he  persuaded  his  people  to  concur  with  him  in  establishing 
a  charity  school.  To  this  end,  they  agreed  to  contribute 
certain  sums  weekly  or  yearly,  as  their  respective  circum- 
stances would  admit.  He  had  the  satisfaction  to  find,  that 
this  benevolent  design  met  with  so  much  encouragement, 
that  there  was  a  foundation  laid  for  instructing  and  clothing 
twenty  boys.  These  were  selected  and  put  under  the  care 
of  a  pious  skilful  master,  who  taught  them  to  read,  write, 
and  learn  their  catechism,  and  brought  them  regularly  to 
public  worship.  An  anniversary  sermon  was  preached  and 
a  collection  made  for  the  benefit  of  the  school.  Several  of 
the  Doctor's  friends  at  a  distance,  often  gave  generous  be- 
nefactions of  money  or  books  for  the  use  of  the  school ;  by 
which  and  from  himself,  the  children  were  supplied  with 
Bibles,  catechisms,  and  other  proper  books.  He  often 
visited  the  school,  to  support  the  master's  authority  and 
respect,  to  examine  the  proficiency  of  the  children,  catechise, 
instruct,  and  pray  with  them ;  and  the  trustees  visited  it 
weekly  by  rotation,  to  observe  the  behaviour  and  improve- 
ment of  the  children,  and  to  receive  the  master's  report 
concerning  them.  This  institution  has  been  serviceable  to 
the  temporal  and  eternal  interest  of  many,  who  might 
otherwise  have  been  exposed  to  great  ignorance  and  wretch- 
edness ;  and  it  is  still  kept  up  by  the  congregation  on  the 
same  plan,  though  it  wants  some  of  those  advantages  which 
it  derived  from  the  Doctor's  large  acquaintance  and  influ- 
ence.— These  are  some  sketches  of  the  manner  in  which  he 
fulfilled  his  ministry :  and  I  have  insisted  the  more  largely 
upon  this  subject,  as  it  may  furnish  some  hints,  which  may 
be  useful  to  those  who  are  engaged  in  the  same  important 
work,  or  are  training  up  for  it. 

The  Doctor  took  great  pains  to  preserve  upon  his  mind 
a  deep  sense  of  the  importance  of  his  office,  that  he  might 
discharge  it  in  the  best  manner  possible ;  and  to  maintain 
a  fervent  affection  for  his  people,  as  what  would  contribute 
to  make  his  labours  easy  to  himself,  and  acceptable  and 
useful  to  them.  He  kept  a  memorandum  book  on  his 
desk,  in  which  he  set  down  hints,  as  they  occurred  to  him, 
of  what  might  be  done  for  the  good  of  the  congregation  ; 
of  persons  to  be  visited,  the  manner  of  addressing  them, 
and  many  such  particulars.  At  the  close  of  every  year  he 
took  a  large  and  distinct  view  of  its  state,  wrote  some  re- 
marks upon  it,  and  laid  down  niles  for  his  future  conduct 
in  his  relation  to  it. — He  was  ])leased  when  he  had  oppor- 
tunities of  attendinsj  the  ordinations  of  his  brethren ;  and 
when  he  returned  from  them,  considered  his  own  concern 
in  them,  as  a  minister,  and  renewed,  before  God,  his  en- 
gagements to  fidelity.  After  one  of  these  services,  he  thus 
v.Tites  :  "  At  this  ordination,  I  preached  from  Heb.  xiii.  17. 
They  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they  that  must  give  account. 
It  was  a  solemn,  useful  day,  and  left;  some  deep  impres- 
sions on  my  heart.  I  would  remember  that,  teaching 
others,  I  teach  myself.  I  have  many  cares  and  labours. 
May  God  forgive  me,  that  I  am  so  apt  to  forget  those  of 
the  pastoral  office  !  1  now  resolve,  1.  To  take  a  more  par- 
ticular account  of  the  souls  committed  to  my  care.  2.  To 
visit,  as  soon  as  possible,  the  whole  congregation,  to  learn 
more  particularly  the  circumstances  of  them,  their  children, 
and  servants.  3.  I  will  make  as  exact  a  list  as  I  can,  of 
those  that  I  have  reason  to  believe  are  unconverted,  awaken- 
ed, converted,  fit  for  communion,  as  well  as  those  that  are 
in  it.    4.  When  I  hear  any  thing  particular,  relating  to  the 

b   2 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


religious  state  of  my  people,  I  will  visit  them  and  talk  witli 
them.  5.  I  will  especially  be  careful  to  visit  the  sick.  I 
will  besin  immediately  with  inspection  over  those  under 
my  own  roof,  that  I  may  with  the  greater  freedom  urge 
other  heads  of  families  to  a  like  care.  O  my  soul,  thy  ac- 
count is  great.  It  is  high  time  that  it  be  got  into  better 
order.  Lord,  I  hope  thou  knovvest  I  am  desirous  of  ap- 
proving myself  a  faithful  servant  of  thee,  and  of  souls.  O, 
watch  over  me,  that  I  may  watch  over  them ;  and  then,  all 
will  be  well.  Continue  these  things  on  the  imagination  of 
ray  heart,  that  my  own  sermon  may  not  another  day  rise 
up  in  judgment  against  me." — This  is  a  specimen  of  his 
reflections  and  resolutions  on  such  occasions,  which  were 
answered  in  his  eeneial  conduct. 

The  reader  will  not  wonder,  that,  amidst  such  great  and.^ 
uncommon  pains  to  serve  his  congregation,  and  promote 
their  present  and  eternal  happiness,  he  should  be  esfceriied 
by  them  /tigJili/  in  love  for  liis  work's  sake :  and  indeed  few 
ministers  have  been  more  esteemed  and  beloved  by  their 
people,  than  he  was  by  his.  At  his  first  settlement  among 
them,  his  ministry  was  attended  with  extraordinary  success, 
and  many  were  added  to  the  church  ;  and  during  the  wiiole 
course  of  his  services,  it  continued  very  numerous  and 
flourishing.  In  some  of  them  indeed  he  had  grief:  some 
whose  tempers  were  uncliaritable  ;  others  who  were  seduced 
by  the  errors  of  the  Moravians,  and  whom  he  endeavoured 
in  vain  to  reclaim ;  and  a  few  of  them  proved  notoriously 
vicious  ;  nor  is  it  surprising  that  in  so  large  a  congregation 
there  should  be  some  disobedient  to  the  word,  and  incor- 
rigible under  the  best  means,  and  most  vigorous,  affection- 
ate attempts  to  reclaim  and  save  them  ;  but  God  overruled 
these  disappointments  for  his  good.  When  he  had  recorded 
some  of  these  trials,  he  adds, "  God  hath  sanctified  all  these 
grievances  to  me ;  hath  made  me  more  humble,  more 
watchful,  more  mortified  to  this  vain  world,  and  its  inter- 
ests and  enjoyments,  than  I  ever  remember  to  have  found 
myself.  He  has  visited  me  from  time  to  time  witii  such 
strong  consolations,  with  such  delightful  efiiisions  of  his 
love,  that,  in  this  connexion,  I  am  his  debtor  for  all  these 
afflictions  ;  and  from  this  growing  experience  of  his  good- 
ness, I  am  encouraged,  and  have  determined,  to  leave 
myself  widi  him,  and  to  have  no  will,  no  interest  of  my 
own,  separate  from  his.  I  have  been  renewing  the  dedica- 
tion of  myself  and  services  to  him,  with  as  entire  a  consent 
of  heart,  as  I  think  myself  capable  of  feeling ;  and  with 
that  calm  acquiescence  in  him,  as  my  portion  and  happi- 
ness, which  I  would  not  resign  for  ten  thousand  worlds." 
— But  in  far  the  greater  part  of  the  church  under  his  care  he 
had  much  comfort,  and  daily  rejoiced  over  them  in  the 
Lo7-d.  So  entire  was  the  friendship  that  subsisted  between 
them,  that  he  declined  invitations  to  settle  in  other  places, 
particularly  in  London,  where  his  secular  interest  would 
have  been  much  advanced,  out  of  the  love  he  bore  to  his 
Northampton  friends.  His  great  concern  was  to  do  as 
much  service  for  them,  and  be  as  little  burdensome  to  them, 
as  possible ;  for  he  sought  not  theirs,  but  them.  And  most 
of  them,  in  return,  studied  to  honour  and  serve  him,  to 
strengthen  his  hands,  and  encourage  his  labours.  He  rec- 
koned the  Providence,  which  fixed  him  with  them,  among 
the  most  singular  blessings  of  his  life ;  and  in  his  last  will, 
where  he  could  not  be  suspected  of  flattery,  he  bears  testi- 
mony to  their  character,  observing,  "  that  he  had  spent  the 
most  delightful  hours  of  his  life  in  assisting  the  devotions 
of  as  serious,  as  grateful,  and  as  deserving  a  people,  as  per- 
haps any  minister  ever  had  the  honour  and  happiness  to 
serve." — I  mention  this  circumstance,  as  a  motive  to  those 
of  them,  who  yet  remain,  not  to  forfeit  the  character  he 
gave  of  them  ;  and  principally,  as  an  encourajrement  to 
ministers  to  imitate  his  diligence,  zeal,  moderation,  and 
contentment,  if  they  wish  to  share  in  the  esteem,  comfort, 
and  success,  with  which  he  was  honoured. 


•  Snch  of  them  as  T  have  been  acquainted  with,  were  very  respectable  for 
their  knowledge  ;  and  in  the  choice  of  them  a  particular  resrard  was  paid  to 
their  skill  in  tlie  Greek  and  T,atjn  classics,  as  well  as  to  their  ability  fr.r  iri- 
structing  the  youiiu  men  in  certain  departments  of  mathematical  and  phi- 


CHAP.  VI. 

His  method  of  education  and  behaviour  as  a  tutor. 

IT  has  been  already  observed,  (chap,  iii.)  what  pains  Dr. 
Doddridge  took  to  furnish  himself  for  this  important  and 
difficult  ofiice,  upon  what  principles  he  had  undertaken  it, 
and  what  encouragement  he  met  witli  in  it,  before  his  removal 
to  Northampton.  Upon  his  settlement  there,  and  his  worth 
being  more  known,  the  number  of  his  pupils  increased,  so 
that  in  the  year  1734,  he  found  it  needful  to  have  an  as- 
sistant in  this  work,  to  whom  he  assigned  part  of  the  care  of 
the  junior  pupils,  and  the  direction  of  the  academy,  during 
his  absence.*  He  was  solicitous  to  maintain  the  esteem  of 
his  successive  assistants  in  the  family,  by  his  own  behaviour 
to  them,  and  the  respect  which  he  required  from  the  students 
to  them  :  and  they  thought  themselves  happy  in  his  friend- 
ship, and  the  opportunities  they  had,  by  his  converse,  in- 
structions, and  example,  to  improve  themselves,  while  they 
were  assisting  in  the  education  of  others. 

As  the  method  of  education  in  the  seminaries  of  protes- 
tant  dissenters  is  little  known,  it  may  be  proper  to  give  some 
general  account  of  his ;  which  bears  a  near  resemblance  to 
odiers  of  the  kind.  He  chose  to  have  as  many  of  his  stu- 
dents in  his  own  family  as  his  house  would  contain,  that 
they  might  be  more  immediately  under  his  eye  and  govern- 
ment. The  orders  of  this  seminary  were  such,  as  suited  a 
society  of  students  ;  in  a  due  medium  between  the  rigour 
of  school  discipline,  and  an  unlimited  indulgence.  As  he 
knew  that  diligence  in  redeeming  their  time  was  necessary 
to  their  attention  to  business,  and  improvement  of  their 
minds,  it  was  an  established  law,  that  every  student  should 
rise  at  six  o'clock  in  the  summer,  and  seven  in  the  winter. 
A  monitor  was  weekly  appointed  to  call  them,  and  they 
were  to  appear  in  the  public  room,  soon  after  the  fixed  hour. 
Those  wlio  did  not  appear  were  subject  to  a  pecuniary 
penalty ;  or,  if  that  did  not  cure  their  sloth,  to  prepare  an 
additional  academical  exercise;  and  the  monitor's  neglect 
was  a  double  fine.  Their  tutor  set  them  an  example  of 
diligence,  being  generally  present  with  them  at  these  early 
hours.  When  they  were  thus  assembled,  a  prayer  was 
oftered  up,  suited  to  their  circumstances,  as  students,  by 
himself  when  present,  or  by  them  in  their  turns.  Then  they 
retired  to  their  respective  closets  till  the  time  of  family 
worship.  The  Doctor  began  that  service  with  a  short  prayer 
for  the  divine  presence  and  blessing.  Some  of  the  students 
read  a  chapter  of  the  Old  Testament  from  Hebrew  info 
English,  which  he  expounded  critically,  and  drew  practical 
inferences  from  it;  a  psalm  was  then  sung,  and  he  prayed. 
But  on  Lord's-day  morning  something  entirely  devotional 
ami  practical  was  read  instead  of  the  usual  exposition.  In 
the  evening,  the  worship  was  conducted  in  the  same  method, 
only  a  chapter  of  the  New  Testament  was  read  by  the 
students  from  Greek  into  English,  which  he  expounded ; 
and  the  senior  students  in  rotation  prayed.  Tney,  who 
boarded  in  other  houses  in  the  town,  were  obliged  to  attend 
his  family  worship  and  take  their  turns  in  reading  and 
prayer,  as  well  as  to  perform  it  in  the  several  houses  where 
tiiey  lived.  Those  who  were  absent  from  it  were  subject  to 
a  fine,  and,  if  it  were  frequent,  to  a  public  reprehension 
before  the  whole  society.  By  this  method  of  conducting 
the  religious  services  of  his  family,  his  pupils  had  an  oppor- 
tunity, during  their  course,  of  hearing  him  expound  most  of 
tiie  Old  Testament,  and  all  the  New  Testament  more  than 
once,  to  their  improvement  as  students  and  christians.  He 
recommended  it  to  them  to  take  hints  of  his  illustrations 
and  remarks,  as  what  would  be  useful  to  them  in  future 
life,  especially  if  their  situation  or  circumstances  prevented 
their  having  the  works  of  the  best  commentators.  He  ad- 
vised them  to  get  the  Old  Testament  and  Wetstein's  Greek 
Testament,  interleaved  in  quarto,  in  which  to  write  the 
most  considerable  remarks  for  the  illustration  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, which  occurred  in  his  expositions,  and  in  their  own 
reading,  conversation,  and  reflections.  The  Family  Expo- 
sitor sufliciently  shows  how  worthy  his  remarks  were  of 

losophical  science.  Among  Dr.  Doddridge's  assistants,  besides  Mr.  Orton, 
may  be  named  the  late  Hev.  Dr.  Aikin,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  James  Robert- 
son, who  has  been  tor  many  years  professor  of  oriental  literature  in  the 
university  of  Edinburgh. — K. 


HIS  METHOD  OF  EDUCATION  AND  BEUAVlOUll  AS  A  TUTOR. 


being  written  and  retained,  and  how  liis  family  was  daily 
entertained  and  instructed.  Soon  after  breakfast,  he  took 
the  several  classes  in  their  order,  and  lectured  to  each  about 
an  hour.  His  lectures  were  generally  confined  to  the  morn- 
ing ;  as  he  chose  to  devote  the  afternoon  to  his  private 
studies  and  pastoral  visits.  His  assistant  was  employed  at 
the  same  time  in  lecturing  to  those  whom  he  had  more 
immediately  under  his  care.  He  has  given  some  general 
account  of  the  course  of  his  pupil's  studies  in  his  short 
memoirs  of  the  life  and  character  of  Mr.  Thomas  Steffe,  so 
that  I  have  little  more  to  do  on  this  head,  tiian  transcribe  it. 
One  of  the  first  things  he  expected  from  his  pupils,  was 
to  learn  Rich's  short-hand,  which  he  wrote  himself,  and  in 
which  his  lectures  were  written ;  that  they  might  transcribe 
them,  make  extracts  from  the  books  they  read  and  consulted, 
with  ease  and  speed,  and  save  themselves  many  hours  in 
their  future  compositions.  Care  was  taken  in  the  first  year 
of  their  course,  that  they  should  retain  and  improve  that 
knowledge  of  Greek  and  Latin,  which  they  had  acquired  at 
school,  and  gain  such  knowledge  of  Hebrew,  if  they  had 
not  learned  it  before,  tliat  they  might  be  able  to  read  the 
Old  Testament  in  its  original  language.  A  care  very  im- 
portant and  necessary !  To  this  end,  besides  the  course  of 
lectures  in  a  morning,  classical  lectures  were  read  every 
evening,  generally  by  his  assistant,  but  sometimes  by  him- 
self. If  any  of  his  pupils  were  deficient  in  their  knowledge 
of  Greek,  the  seniors  who  were  best  skilled  in  it  were  ap- 
pointed to  instruct  them  at  other  times.  Those  of  them, 
who  chose  it,  were  also  taught  French.  He  was  more  and 
more  convinced,  the  longer  he  lived,  of  the  srreat  importance 
of  a  learned,  as  well  as  a  pious,  education  for  the  ministry  : 
and  finding  that  some  who  came  under  his  care  were  not 
competently  acquainted  with  classical  knowledge,  he  form- 
ed a  scheme  to  assist  youths  in  their  preparations  for 
academical  studies,  who  discovered  a  promising  genius 
and  a  serious  temper.  He  met  with  encouragement  in  this 
scheme  from  the  countenance  and  contributions  of  many  of 
his  friends,  and  had  some  instructed  under  his  eye ;  but  as 
it  only  commenced  about  two  years  before  his  death,  much 
progress  could  not  be  made  in  it.* — Systems  of  logic,  rhe- 
toric, geography,  and  metaphysics,  were  read  during  the 
first  year  of  their  course,  and  they  were  referred  to  particu- 
lar passages  in  other  authors  upon  these  subjects,  which 
illustrated  the  points  on  which  the  lectures  had  tuined.f 
To  these  were  added  lectures  on  the  principles  of  geometry 
and  algebra.  These  studies  taught  them  to  keep  their 
attention  fixed,  to  distinguish  their  ideas  with  accuracy,  and 
to  dispose  their  arguments  in  a  clear,  concise,  and  convinc- 
ing manner.  After  these  studies  were  finished,  they  were 
introduced  to  the  knowledge  of  trigonometry,  conic  sec- 
tions, and  celestial  mechanics.^  A  system  of  natural  and 
experimental  philosophy,  comprehending  mechanics,  statics, 
hydrostatics,  optics,  pneumatics,  and  astronomy,  was  read 
to  them  ;  with  references  to  the  best  authors  on  these 
subjects.§  This  system  was  illustrated  by  a  neat  and  pretty 
large  philosophical  apparatus  ;  part  of  which  was  the  gift  of 
some  of  his  friends,  and  the  remainder  purchased  by  a 
small  contribution  from  each  of  the  students  at  his  entrance 
on  tliat  branch  of  science.  Some  other  articles  were  touched 
upon,  especially  history,  natural  and  civil,  as  the  students 
proceeded  in  their  course,  in  order  to  enlarge  their  under- 
standings, and  give  them  venerable  ideas  of  the  works  and 
providence  of  God.||  A  distinct  view  of  the  anatomy  of 
the  human  body  was  given  them,  as  it  tended  to  promote 
their  veneration  and  love  for  the  great  Architect  of  this 
amazing  frame,  whose  wonders  of  providential  influence 
also  are  so  apparent  in  its  support,  nourishment,  and  motion : 
and  all  concurred  to  render  them  agreeable  and  useful  in 
conversation,  and  to  subserve  their  honourable  appearance 

*  Dr.  podilriilge  was  not,  in  every  instance,  so  attentive  to  tlie  classical 
rreparation  of  the' students  received  into  his  seminary  as  could  have  iieen 
wislied.  .Sometimes  he  admitted  serious  young  men,  of  perhaps  three  or 
toiir  and  twenty  years  of  age,  who  had  veVy  little  of  that  preparation,  and 
who  never  distiiiguished  themselves  in  this  respect,  by  their  subsequent  im- 
provement, lie  thought,  however,  that  they  miifht  be  useful  in  plain  country 
congregations  ;  which  was  undoubtedly  the  case.  Several  of  them,  though 
not  abounding  in  learning,  sustained  the  ministerial  character  with  a  decent 
reputation. — K. 

t  I  he  logic  was  T)r.  Watts's,  which  was  very  fully  pursued.  On  rhetoric 
the  lectures  were  slencler  and  imperfect,  being  only  a  slight  enlargement  of 
a  small  compendmm  that  had  been  drawn  up  by  Mr.  Jennings.  Geography 
J.vas  better  taught  ;  but  of  metaphysics  there  was  given  at  this  time  only  a 
briet  epiionie,  as  the  great  objects  it  presents  were  afterwards  more  amply 
toDSKlered. — K.  j  r  i  j 

1  A   collection  of  important  propositions,  taken  chiefly  from   Sir  Isaac 


in  the  ministry. — A  large  system  of  Jewish  antiquities, 
which  tlieir  tutor  had  drawn  up,  was  read  to  them  in  the 
latter  years  of  their  course,  in  order  to  illustrate  numberless 
passages  in  the  Scriptures,  which  cannot  be  well  understood 
without  a  knowledge  of  them.  In  this  branch  of  science 
likewise,  they  were  referred  to  the  best  writers  upon  the 
subject.  Lampe's  Epitome  of  Ecclesiastical  History  was 
the  ground-work  of  a  series  of  lectures  upon  that  subject; 
as  was  Buddasi  Compendium  Ilistorise  Philosophicse  of 
lectures  on  tlie  doctrines  of  the  ancient  philosophers  in 
their  various  sects. 

But  the  chief  object  of  their  attention  and  study,  during 
three  years  of  their  course,  was  his  system  of  divinity,  in 
the  largest  extent  of  the  word  ;  including  what  is  most 
material  in  pneumatology  and  ethics.  Intiiis  compendium 
were  contained,  in  as  few  words  as  perspicuity  would  ad- 
mit, the  most  material  things  which  had  occurred  to  the 
author's  observation,  relating  to  the  nature  and  properties 
of  the  human  mind,  the  proof  of  the  existence  and  attri- 
butes of  God,  the  nature  of  moral  virtue,  the  various  branches 
of  it,  the  means  subservient  to  it,  and  the  sanctions  by 
which  its  precepts,  considered  as  God's  natural  law,  are 
enforced  ;  under  which  head  the  natural  evidence  of  the 
immortality  of  the  soul  was  largely  examined.  To  this  was 
added  some  survey  of  what  is,  and  generally  has  been,  the 
state  of  virtue  in  the  world  ;  from  whence  the  transition 
was  easy  to  the  need  of  a  revelation,  the  encouragement  to 
hope  for  it,  and  the  nature  of  the  evidence,  which  might 
probably  attend  it.  From  hence  the  work  naturally  pro- 
ceeded to  the  evidence  produced  in  proof  of  that  revelation, 
which  the  Scriptures  contain.  The  genuineness,  credibility, 
and  inspiration  of  these  sacred  books  were  then  cleared  up 
at  large,  and  vindicated  from  the  most  considerable  objec- 
tions, which  infidels  have  urged.  When  tliis  foundation 
was  laid,  the  chief  doctrines  of  Scripture  were  drawn  out 
into  a  large  detail ;  those  relating  to  the  Father,  Son,  and 
Spirit,  to  the  original  and  fallen  state  of  man,  to  the  scheme 
of  our  redemption  by  Christ,  and  the  offices  of  the  Spirit,  as 
the  great  agent  in  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  The  nature 
of  the  covenant  of  grace  was  particularly  stated,  and  the 
several  precepts  and  institutions  of  the  gospel,  with  the 
views  which  it  gives  us  of  the  concluding  scenes  of  our 
world,  and  of  the  eternal  state  beyond  it.  What  seemed 
most  evident  on  these  heads  was  thrown  into  the  proposi- 
tions, some  of  which  were  problematical ;  and  the  chief 
controversies  relating  to  each  were  thrown  into  the  Scholia; 
and  all  illustrated  by  a  very  large  collection  of  references, 
containing  perhaps,  one  lecture  with  another,  the  sub.stance 
of  forty  or  fifty  octavo  pages,  in  which  the  sentiments  and 
reasonings  of  the  most  considerable  authors  on  all  these 
heads  might  be  seen  in  their  own  words.  It  was  the  busi- 
ness of  the  students  to  read  and  contract  these  references, 
in  the  intervals  between  the  lectures;  of  which,  only  three 
were  given  in  a  week,  an-d  sometimes  but  two.  This  was 
the  author's  capital  work,  as  a  tutor.  He  had  spent  much 
labour  upon  it,  and  was  continually  enriching  it  with  his 
remarks  on  any  new  productions  upon  the  several  subjects 
handled  in  it.  This  system  his  pupils  transcribed.  It  is 
now  published  ;  and  the  world  will  judge  of  its  value  and 
suitableness  to  answer  the  end  proposed,  and  will  observe 
how  judiciously  it  was  calculated  to  lead  the  students  gra- 
dually on  from  the  principles,  to  the  most  important  and 
difficult  parts  of  theological  knowledge.  His  heart  was 
much  set  upon  their  diligent  application  to  the  study  of 
this  system ;  and  the  rather,  as  he  thought  the  study  of 
divinity  was  too  much  neglected  in  many  seminaries,  and 
other  branches  of  science  of  infinitely  less  importance  in 
themselves,  especially  to  persons  intended  for  the  ministry, 
were  too  closely  pursued  .If — Besides  the  expositions  in 

Newton,  and  demonstrated,  independent  on  the  rest.  They  relate  especially, 
though  not  only,  to  centripetal  and  centrifugal  forces, 

^  Muschenbioeck  was  made  use  of  in  my  time  as  a  text-book,  and  after- 
wards Kowning.  For  the  particular  objects  to  which  they  relate,  recourse 
was  had  to  Clare  on  Fluids,  and  Keill's  Astronomy.— K.  .    .  ,^ 

II  Mr.  Orton  mentions  particularly  natural  and  civil  history ;  but  these 
two  objects  do  not  fall  under  my  recollection.  At  most  they  were  scarcely 
enou.oh  considered  to  deserve  a  distinct  specilication.—K.  ,    ■       . 

H  I  am  no  stranger  to  the  character  that  was  given  ot  this  work  in  the 
Monthly  Review.  But  that  account  of  it  was  <lrawn  up  in  so  very  inju- 
dicious anil  uncandid  a  manner,  and  the  author  of  that  arlicle  appeared  to 
be  so  utterly  unacquainted  with  the  subject  he  wrote  upon,  that  no  intelli- 
gent reader  could  bemuch  influenced  by  it.  The  Doctor  s  triends  Iheretorc 
thought  it  needless  to  enter  into  a  particular  confutation  ot  it,  and  chose  to 
trust  the  work  to  make  its  way  by  its  own  merit  and  tlie  character  ot  iti 
author. 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


the  family  above  mentioned,  critical  lectures  on  the  New 
Testament  were  weekly  delivered,  which  the  students  were 
permitted  and  encouraged  to  transcribe,  to  lead  them  to 
the  better  knowledge  of  the  Divine  oracles.  These  con- 
tained his  remarks  on  the  language,  meaning,  and  design 
of  the  sacred  writers,  and  the  interpretations  and  criticisms 
of  the  most  considerable  commentators.  Many  of  these 
he  has  inserted  in  the  Family  Expositor.* — Polite  literature 
he  by  no  means  neglected  ;  nor  will  it  be  despised  by  any 
but  those  who  know  not  what  it  is :  yet  "  he  could  not 
think  it  the  one  thing  needful :  he  thought  the  sacred  Scrip- 
tures were  the  grand  magazine,  whence  the  most  important, 
and  therefore  by  far  the  greatest  number  of,  academical 
lectures  were  to  be  drawn." — In  the  last  year  of  the  course, 
a  set  of  lectures  on  preaching  and  the  pastoral  care  was 
given.  Tliese  contained  general  directions  concerning  the 
method  to  be  taken  to  furnish  them  for  the  work  of  preach- 
ing ;  the  character  of  the  best  practical  vsriters  and  com- 
mentators upon  the  Bible ;  many  particular  rules  for  the 
comjiosition  of  sermons,  their  proper  style,  the  choice  and 
arrangement  of  thouajhts,  and  the  delivery  of  them;  direc- 
tions relating  to  public  prayer,  exposition,  catechising,  the 
administration  of  the  sacraments,  and  pastoral  visits.  To 
these  were  added  many  general  maxims  for  their  conversa- 
tion and  conduct  as  ministers,  and  a  variety  of  prudential 
rules  for  their  behaviour  in  particular  circumstances  and 

connexions  in  which  theyraiglit  be  placed.f While  the 

students  were  pursuing  these  important  studies,  some  lec- 
tures were  given  them  on  civil  law,  the  hieroglyphics  and 
mythology  of  the  ancients,  the  English  history,  particularly 
the  history  of  nonconformity,  and  the  principles  on  which 
a  separation  from  the  church  of  England  is  founded.]:  The 
tutor  principally  insisted  upon  those  laid  down  by  Dr. 
Calamy,  in  his  introduction  to  the  second  volume  of  his 
Defence  of  Moderate  Nonconformity  ;  being  of  the  same 
opinion  with  Mr.  Locke,  who  sent  Dr.  Calamy  word,  that 
"  he  had  read  his  introduction,  and  that,  Avhile  the  protest- 
ant  dissenters  kept  close  to  those  principles,  they  would 
sufficiently  maintain  their  ground,  and  justify  their  separa- 
tion from  any  established  national  church,  if  that  church 
should  assume  an  authority  to  impose  things  which  ought 
to  be  left  indifferent."  § 

One  day  in  every  week  was  set  apart  for  public  exercises. 
At  these  times  the  translations  and  orations  of  the  junior 
students  were  read  and  examined.  Those  who  had  entered 
on  the  study  of  pneumatology  and  ethics,  produced  in 
their  turns  theses  on  the  several  subjects  assigned  them, 
which  were  mutually  opposed  and  defended.  Tiiose  who 
had  finished  ethics  delivered  homilies  (as  they  were  called, 
to  distinguish  them  from  sermons)  on  the  natural  and 
moral  perfections  of  God,  and  the  several  branches  of 
moral  virtue  ;||  while  the  senior  students  brought  analyses 
of  Scripture,  the  schemes  of  sermons,  and  afterwards  the 
sermons  themselves,  which  they  submitted  to  the  examina- 
tion and  correction  of  their  tutor.  In  this  part  of  his  work 
he  was  very  exact,  careful,  and  friendly ;  esteeming  his 
remarks  on  their  compositions  more  useful  to  young  preach- 
ers than  any  general  rules  of  composition  which  could  he 
offered  them  by  those  who  were  tnemselves  most  eminent 
in  the  profession.  In  this  view,  he  furnished  them  with 
subordinate  thoughts  and  proper  scriptures  for  proof  or 
illustration,  retrenching  what  was  superfluous  and  adding 
what  was  wanting. 

It  was  his  care,  through  the  whole  course  of  their  studies, 
that  his  pupils  might  have  such  a  variety  of  lectures  weekly, 
as  might  engage  and  entertain  their  minds  without  distract- 
ing them.    While  they  were  attending  and  studying  lec- 

As  anotlifr  edition  may  soon  be  demanded,  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  susgest 
that  it  would  be  extremely  useful  to  enlarge  the  list  of  references,  by  in- 
troducing the  names  anil  productions  of  those  writers  who  have  treated 
upon  the  several  matters  in  question  since  the  Doctor's  decease.  To  a  per- 
son conversant  in  the  history  of  controversies  this  would  be  no  very  diffi- 
cult task  ;  and  it  miglit,  in  particular, easily  be  executed  by  any  gentleman, 
■who,  as  a  tutor,  has  made  use  of  the  lectures  as  a  text  book,  and  who  con- 
sequently has  been  in  the  habit  of  referrins;  to  succeeding  authors. 

*  No  inconsiderable  advantage  was  derived  from  the  Doctor's  being  him- 
self a  man  of  taste,  and  a  master  of  elegant  com  position.  Without  much 
direct  instruction,  the  remarks  which  he  occasionnlly  and  frequently  made 
on  the  best  writers,  ancient  and  modern,  were  of  great  utility.  The  stu- 
dents too,  especially  those  of  a  classical  turn,  cherished  in  eacli  other,  by 
their  discussions  and  debates,  the  principles  of  discernment  with  regard  to 
the  beauties  of  authors,  whether  in  prose  or  verse. — K. 

t  .Such  lectures  might.  I  iloubt  not,  be  occasionally  read  ;  but  they  made 
no  stated  and  regular  part  of  the  academical  course.  None  of  them,  e^- 
cepting  those  on  nonconformity,  were  delivered  during  my  residence  at 
Northampton.    I  speak  with  the  greater  confidence  on  the  subject,  as  I  was 


tures  of  the  greatest  importance,  some  of  less  importance, 
though  useful  in  themselves,  were  given  in  the  intervals. 
These  had  generally  some  connexion  with  the  former,  and 
all  were  adapted  to  make  the  man  of  God  perfect,  thoi-oughly 
furmslied  unto  all  good  works.  He  contrived  that  they 
should  have  as  much  to  read,  between  each  lecture,  as 
might  keep  them  well  employed  ;  allowing  due  time  for 
necessary  relaxations,  and  the  reading  of  practical  writers. 
He  recommended  it  to  them,  and  strongly  insisted  upon 
it,  that  they  should  converse  with  some  of  these  daaly, 
especially  on  the  Lord's  day,  in  order  to  subserve  at  once 
the  improvement  of  the  Christian  and  the  minister ;  and  he 
frequently  reminded  them,  that  it  argued  a  great  defect  of 
understanding,  as  well  as  of  real  piety,  if  they  were  negli- 
gent herein.^f  He  often  examined  what  books  they  read, 
besides  those  to  which  they  were  referred  in  their  lectures; 
and  directed  them  to  those  which  were  best  suited  to  their 
age,  capacities,  and  intended  profession :  and  in  this  respect 
they  enjoyed  a  great  privilege,  as  they  had  the  use  of  a 
large  and  valuable  library,  consisting  of  several  thousand 
volumes  :  many  of  them  the  Doctor  had  purchased  himself; 
others  were  the  donation  of  his  friends,  or  their  several 
authors ;  and  each  student  at  his  admission  contributed  a 
small  sum  towards  enlarging  the  collection  :  the  student's 
name  was  inserted  in  the  book  or  books  purchased  with 
his  contribution,  and  it  was  considered  as  his  gift.  To  this 
library  the  students  had  access  at  all  times,  under  some 
prudent  regulations  as  to  the  time  of  keeping  the  books. 
The  tutor  was  sensible  that  a  well-furnished  library  would 
be  a  snare,  rather  than  a  benefit,  to  a  student,  except  he 
had  the  advice  of  a  more  experienced  friend  in  the  choice 
of  those  he  should  read  ;  as  he  might  throw  away  his  time 
in  those  which  were  of  little  importance,  or  anticipate  the 
perusal  of  others,  which  might  more  properly  be  reser^^ed 
to  some  future  time.  To  prevent  this,  he  sometimes  gave 
his  pupils  lectures  on  the  books  in  the  library ;  going  over 
the  several  shelves  in  order ;  informing  them  of  the  cha- 
racter of  each  book  and  its  author,  if  known ;  at  what 
period  of  their  course,  and  with  what  special  views,  par- 
ticular books  should  be  read ;  and  which  of  them  it  was 
desirable  they  should  be  most  familiarly  acquainted  and 
furnished  with,  when  they  settled  in  the  world.**  His 
pupils  took  hints  of  these  lectures,  which  at  once  displayed 
the  surprising  extent  of  his  reading  and  knowledge,  and 
were  in  many  respects  very  useful  to  them. 

The  Doctor's  manner  of  lecturing  was  well  adapted  to 
engage  the  attention  and  love  of  his  pupils,  and  promote 
their  diligent  study  of  the  lectures.  When  the  class  was 
assembled,  he  examined  them  in  tlie  last  lecture ;  whether 
they  understood  his  reasoning ;  what  the  authors  referred 
to  said  upon  the  subject ;  whether  he  had  given  them  a 
just  view  of  their  sentiments,  arguments,  and  objections,  or 
omitted  any  that  were  important  ?  He  expected  from  them 
an  account  of  the  reasoning,  demonstrations,  scriptures,  or 
facts,  contained  in  the  lecfare  and  references.  He  allowed 
and  encouraged  them  to  propose  any  objections  which 
might  arise  in  their  own  minds,  or  which  they  met  with  in 
the  authors  referred  to,  of  which  they  did  not  think  there 
was  a  sufficient  solution  in  tlie  lecture  ;  or  to  mention  any 
texts  that  were  misapplied,  or  from  which  particular  con- 
sequences might  not  be  fairly  drawn  ;  and  to  propose  others, 
which  either  confirmed  or  contradicted  what  he  advanced  : 
and  if  at  any  time  their  objections  were  petulant  or  imper- 
tinent, he  patiently  heard  and  mildly  answered  them. 

He  was  solicitous  that  they  should  thoroughly  understand 
his  lectures,  and  what  he  said  for  the  illustration  of  them. 
If  he  observed  any  of  them  inattentive,  or  thought  they  did 

never  absent  from  a  single  lecture,  till  the  last  month  of  my  course,  when 
I  was  prevented  from  attending  on  two  or  three  Mondays,  in  consequence 
of  having  been  engaged  at  a  distance,  as  an  occasional  preacher. 

I  Mayo's  Funeral  Sermon  for  Dr.  Calamy,  p.  26. 

<)  }5ut  no  such  homilies,  as  distinct  from  orations  and  theses,  occur  to  my 
recollection.  Indeed,  I  am  convinced  that  the  distinction  did  not  take  place 
in  my  time.— K. 

II  Few  things  can  more  efTcctuallv  contribute  to  improve  the  understand- 
ing and  mend  the  heart,  and  to  fit  a  young  man  for  ministerial  duty  and 
usefulness,  than  a  large  acquaintance  with  that  most  valuable  part  of  lite- 
rature, the  great  body  of  Enelisli  sermons,  and  of  compositions  which 
have  a  similar  nature  and  tendency. — K. 

H  His  observations  were  not  only  instructive  but  pleasant ;  being  often 
intermixed  with  anecdotes  of  the  writers  who  were  mentioned.  IMy  mind 
still  retains  with  advantage  and  pleasure  the  impression  of  many  ot  his  re- 
marks.— K.  ,  ,.  .        .  '        , 

**  These  will  be  found  in  the  course  of  the  present  edition  of  the  authors 
works. 


HIS  METHOD  OF  EDUCATION  AND  BEHAVIOUR  AS  A  TUTOR. 


not  sufficiently  understand  what  he  was  sayinj;,  he  would 
ask  them  what  he  had  said,  that  he  might  keep  up  their 
attention,  and  know  whether  he  expressed  himself  clearly. 
He  put  on  no  magisterial  airs,  never  intimidated  nor  dis- 
couraged them,  but  always  addressed  them  with  the  freedom 
and  tenderness  of  a  father.  He  never  expected  nor  desired 
that  they  should  blindly  follow  his  sentiments,  but  per- 
mitted and  encouraged  them  to  judge  for  themselves.  To 
assist  them  herein,  he  laid  before  them  what  he  appre- 
hended to  be  the  tnith  with  all  perspicuity,  and  impartially 
stated  all  objections  to  it.  He  never  concealed  the  diffi- 
culties which  affected  any  question,  but  referred  them  to 
writers  on  both  sides,  without  hiding  any  from  their  inspec- 
tion. He  frequently  and  warmly  vu-ged  them  not  to  take 
their  system  of  divinity  from  any  man  or  body  of  men,  but 
from  the  ^^ord  of  God.  The  Bible  was  always  referred  and 
appealed  to  upon  every  point  in  question  to  whicli  it  could 
be  supposed  to  give  any  light.  Of  his  honesty  and  candour 
in  this  respect,  the  world  has  had  a  sufficient  proof  in  his 
theological  lectures. — He  resolutely  checked  any  appear- 
ances of  bigotry  and  uncharitableness ;  and  endeavoured 
to  cure  them  by  showing  the  guilty  persons  the  weakness 
of  their  understandings,  and  what  might  be  said  in  defence 
of  those  principles  which  they  disliked ;  reminding  them 
at  the  same  time  of  the  great  learning  and  excellent  charac- 
ter of  many  who  had  espoused  them.  He  much  discouraged 
a  haughty  way  of  thinking  and  speaking ;  "  especially 
when  it  discovered  itself  in  a  petulant  inclination  to  employ 
their  talents  at  satire  in  ridiculing  the  infirmities  of  plain 
serious  christians,  or  the  labours  of  those  ministers  who  are 
willing  to  condescend  to  the  meanest  capacities,  that  they 
may  be  ^vise  to  win  souls." 

It  was  his  great  aim  to  give  them  just  and  sublime  views 
of  the  ministry  for  which  they  were  preparing,  and  lead 
them  to  direct  all  their  studies  so  as  to  increase  their  furni- 
ture and  qualifications  for  it.  To  this  end  he  endeavoured 
"  to  possess  them  with  a  deep  sense  of  the  importance  of  the 
gospel  scheme  for  the  recovery  of  man  from  the  ruins  of 
the  apostasy,  and  his  restoration  to  God  and  happiness,  by 
a  Mediator;  to  show  them  that  this  was  the  great  end  of 
the  divine  counsels  and  dispensations ;  to  point  out  what 
Christ  and  his  apostles  did  to  promote  it ;  lo  display  before 
them  those  generous  emotions  of  soul,  which  still  live  and 
breathe  in  the  New  Testament :  and  then,  when  their 
minds  were  warmed  witli  such  a  survey,  to  apply  to  them, 
as  persons  designed  by  Providence  to  engage  in  the  same 
work,  to  support  and  carry  on  the  same  interest,  who  there- 
fore must  be  actuated  by  the  same  views  and  imbibe  the 
same  spirit.  He  thought  such  as  these  the  most  important 
lectures  a  tutor  could  read  ;  tending  to  fill  the  minds  of  his 
pupils  with  noble  and  elevated  views,  and  to  convince 
them  that  the  salvation  of  one  soul  was  of  infinitely  greater 
importance  than  charming  a  thousand  splendid  assemblies 
with  the  most  elegant  discourses  that  ever  were  delivered. 
He  thought  such  a  zeal  and  tenderness  would  arise  from 
these  views,  as  would  form  a  minister  to  a  popular  address 
abundantly  sooner  and  more  happily  than  the  most  judi- 
cious rules  which  it  is  possible  to  lay  down.* — He  fre- 
quently inculcated  upon  them  the  necessity  of  preaching 
Christ,  if  they  desired  to  save  souls  ;  of  dwelling  much 
upon  the  peculiarities  of  the  gospel  scheme,  and  the  doc- 
trines of  Christ  and  the  Spirit ;  of  considering  their  own  con- 
cern in  them,  and  endeavouring  to  feel  their  energy  on  their 
own  spirits,  that  they  might  appear  to  their  hearers  as  giving 
vent  to  the  fulness  of  their  hearts  on  its  darling  subjects. 

He  was  desirous  that  his  pupils  should  be  experimental 
preachers,  and  have  those  peculiar  advantages  which  nothing 
but  an  acquaintance  with  cases  and  an  observation  of  facts 
can  give.  That  they  should  be  well  acquainted  with  the 
various  exercises  oiP  the  soul,  relating  to  its  eternal  con- 
cerns, by  reading  the  best  writers  upon  the  subject,  and 
carefully  observing  the  workings  of  their  own  hearts.  He 
recommended  it  to  them,  frequently  to  handle  these  sub- 
jects with  seriousness  and  tenderness,  which  would  increase 
a  people's  esteem  for  them  and  their  labours,  encourage 
them  to  be  free  in  communicating  the  state  of  their  souls, 
and  contribute  to  edify  and  comfort  their  pious  hearers. 
To  qualify  them  for  this  part  of  their  work,  he  not  only 
gave  them  the  best  directions,  but  often  took  them  with 

*  Sermons  and  Tracts,  vol.  ii. 


him,  if  the  circumstances  of  the  case  and  the  family  ren- 
dered it  proper,  when  he  went  to  baptize  children,  to  visit 
persons  under  awakenings  of  conscience,  religious  impres- 
sions, or  spiritual  distress ;  or  those  that  were  sick  and 
dying ;  that  they  might  see  his  manner  of  conversing  and 
jjraying  with  them,  and  have  their  own  hearts  improved  by 
such  affecting  scenes.  With  the  same  view  he  introduced 
them  to  the  acquaintance  of  some  serious  persons  of  his 
congregation.  He  thought  a  knowledge  of  their  hidden 
woi-th  and  acquaintance  with  religion,  and  hearing  their 
observations  concerning  the  temper,  character,  and  labours 
of  deceased  ministers,  would  improve  the  minds  of  his 
pupils,  and  increase  their  esteem  for  the  populace  in  gene- 
ral. He  imagined  that  from  their  remarks  on  books  and 
sermons,  and  their  account  of  the  various  exercises  of  their 
own  minds,  where  politer  persons  are  generally  more  re- 
served, they  might  learn  how  to  address  to  those  of  a  low 
education,  and  be  formed  to  an  experimental  strain  of 
preaching.  It  was  his  frequent  caution,  that  they  should 
not  despise  the  common  people,  nor  think  condescension  to 
them  to  be  mean  and  unworthy  of  a  scholar ;  that  they 
should  not  refuse  settlements,  where  they  migiit  be  useful, 
because  there  were  few  wealthy,  judicious,  and  polite,  in 
the  congregation  :  it  was  his  advice,  that,  in  such  situations, 
they  should  endeavour  to  improve  the  understandings  of 
their  hearers,  and  make  company  of  them;  assuring  them, 
from  his  own  observation  and  experience,  that  they  would 
find  plain  serious  christians  some  of  their  most  steady, 
affectionate  friends,  and  their  greatest  joy.  He  exhorted 
them  to  study  the  temper  of  their  people,  that  they  might, 
so  far  as  they  could  with  conscience  and  honour,  render 
themselves  agreeable  to  them  in  their  ministrations  and  con- 
verse. Thus  they  might  hope  gradually  to  bring  them  off 
their  attachment  to  particular  phrases  and  modes,  prevent 
differences,  and  so  far  secure  their  affections,  that  they 
would  not  be  disposed  to  differ  with  or  complain  of  a 
minister  who  showed  himself  moderate  and  condescending, 
and  at  the  same  time  applied  himself  diligently  to  his  great 
work,  thougli  their  sentiments  and  his   siiould   in  some 

respects  disagree That  they  might  be  qualified  to  appear 

with  esteem  and  honour  in  the  world,  and  preside  over 
politer  societies  with  acceptance,  he  not  only  led  tiiem 
through  a  course  of  polite  literature ;  but  endeavoured  to 
form  them  to  an  agreeable  behaviour  and  address ;  raaiti- 
taining  the  strictest  decorum  in  his  own  family,  and  ani- 
madverting upon  every  trespass  of  it.  To  this  end,  like- 
wise, he  observed  their  way  of  speaking,  instructed  them  in 
the  proper  manner  of  pronunciation,  and  laboured  to  ] (re- 
vent  their  contracting  any  unnatural  tone  or  gesture  :  and 
while  he  was  cautioning  them  upon  this  head,  he  had  the 
humility  to  warn  them  not  to  imitate  himself  in  an  error  of 
this  kind,  which  he  was  sensible  of,  but  could  not  entirely 
correct.  To  assist  them  herein  they  often  read  to  him  ;  and 
he  was  desirous  that  they  should  sometimes  preach  before 
him,  that  he  might  put  them  into  a  method  of  correcting 
what  was  improper  in  their  manner,  before  it  was  formed 
into  a  habit. 

Another  method  taken  to  render  them  able  ministers  of 
the  New  Testament  was  this  :  the  senior  students  for  the 
ministry,  before  they  began  to  preach,  used,  on  the  Lord's 
day  evenings,  to  visit  the  neighbouring  villages,  and  hold 
private  meetings  for  religious  worship  in  some  licensed 
houses  there.  Two  of  them  generally  went  together :  a 
serious  sermon  on  some  uncontroverted  and  important 
subject  of  religion  was  repeated,  and  one  of  them  prayed 
before  and  the  other  after  it,  with  proper  intervals  of  sing- 
ing. This  custom  was  very  useful,  both  in  exercising  the 
gifts  of  the  students  ;  giving  them  a  proper  degree  of  cou- 
rage when  they  appeared  in  public  assemblies  ;  abating  the 
prejudices  some  have  entertained  against  the  way  of  wor- 
ship amongst  dissenters  ;  spreading  the  knowledge  of 
divine  things  ;  and  instructing  and  comforting  some,  whose 
circumstances  prevented  their  attending  where  they  would 
have  chosen  to  spend  the  sabbath.  When  the  assemblv 
was  dismissed,  a  few  serious  people  would  often  stay,  and 
spend  some  time  in  religions  discourse  with  the  persons 
who  had  been  officiating.  In  such  schools  as  these  they 
learned  what  no  academical  lectures  alone  could  have 
taught  them  with  equal  advantage. 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


It  was  an  instance  of  the  Doctor's  great  concern  for  his 
pupils'  improvement,  that,  as  often  as  his  other  business 
would  permit,  he  allowed  them  access  to  him  in  his  own 
studv,  to  ask  his  advice  in  any  part  of  their  studies,  to 
mention  to  him  any  difficulties  which  they  met  with  in 
their  private  reading  or  the  lectures,  and  which  they  did 
not  choose  to  propose  in  the  lecture-room.  He  encouraged 
them  to  ask  his  opinion  of  any  texts  of  Scripture  they  did 
not  understand ;  and  he  explained  them,  and  directed  them 
to  particular  commentators,  who  threw  light  upon  them.. — 
He  was  solicitous  to  improve  all  those  moments  which  he 
spent  with  them  for  their  advantage.  He  therefore  used 
frequently  at  meals  to  inquire  of  them,  in  order,  what  they 
had  been  reading,  or  what  texts  they  had,  according  to  his 
general  direction,  chosen  for  the  subject  of  that  day's  pious 
meditation  ;  and  would  make  such  reflections  upon  them 
as  might  be  serviceable  to  tliem  all  as  students  and  chris- 
tians.— From  these  particulars  it  appears  what  pains  he 
took  that  they  might  be  qualified  for  usefulness  in  the 
ministry,  or  other  stations  for  which  they  were  intended. — 
He  sometimes  expressed  his  fears  lest  some  of  his  pupils, 
who  were  intended  for  trade,  should  be  so  fond  of  books 
and  studies,  as  to  neglect  a  proper  application  to  it ;  he 
gave  tliem  many  friendly  cautions  upon  this  head,  and  often 
suggested  to  them  important  maxims,  by  attending  to 
which  they  might  carry  on  their  business  with  honour  and 
success,  and  at  the  same  time  improve  in  a  moral  and  re- 
ligious character.* 

But  his  main  care,  and  what  he  apprehended  essential  to 
their  usefulness,  was,  that  they  mi'j;ht  be  pious  and  holy 
men.  With  this  view  the  strictest  regard  was  paid  to  their 
moral  character,  and  their  behaviour  out  of  the  hours  of 
study  and  lecture  was  narrowly  inspected.  Inquiry  was 
made,  both  of  them  and  his  friends  in  the  town,  what 
houses  they  frequented  and  what  company  they  kept.  No 
student  was  permitted  to  be  from  home  after  ten  o'clock 
at  night,  under  the  penalty  of  a  considerable  forfeiture. 
When  he  found  any  thing  irregular  in  their  behaviour,  or 
thought  they  were  entering  into  temptation,  he  privately 
admonished  them  in  the  mo-t  serious,  affectionate  manner; 
and,  to  enforce  the  admonition,  prayed  with  and  for  them. 
If  these  private  admonitions  had  not  the  desired  effect,  the 
offender  was  admonished  before  the  whole  society  at  family 
worship ;  and  if  this  proved  ineffectual,  he  was  publicly 
expelled  the  society. 

On  one  such  occasion  I  find  him  thus  ^^Titing  :  "  A  very 
melancholy  scene  opened  this  day.  We  had  some  time 
spent  in  fasting  and  prayer,  on  account  of  an  unhappv 
youth,  whose  folly  and  wickedness  hath  obliged  me  to  dis- 
miss him.  I  pronounced  tlie  solemn  sentence  of  expulsion 
upon  him  before  tlie  whole  academy.  I  thank  God,  I  was 
carried  through  this  sad  work  with  syiirit ;  yet  greatly 
afflicted  to  see  all  that  I  had  endeavoured  to  do  for  his 

*  As  more  of  the  young  persons  intended  For  trade  enjoy  an  academical 
education  now  than  t'oiineiiy,  it  may  bu  useful  to  such  to  read  some  ad- 
vices, which,  in  the  yeai  17'J6,  he  wrote  to  a  young  man,  who  had  a  taste 
tor  reading  and  learninn,  and  was  enterins  "into  a  merchant's  countinj;- 
house,  after  he  had  left  the  academy. — "  You  uree  me  to  send  you  some 
directions  about  the  management  of  your  stu<lies.  1  may  liereafter  give 
you  some  hints  upon  the  several  subjects  which  I  suppose  you  would  be 
inclinable  to  touch  upon.  1  may  open  to  you  a  maaician's  palace,  which 
.1  myself  have  as  yet  taken  but  a  transient  survey  of,  vkithout  visiting  each 
of  Its  apartments,  to  examine  the  curiosities  contained  there.  Hut  when  I 
consider  how  rich  the  furniture  is,  and  how  exquisite  a  relish  you  have  for 
the  entertainment  which  it  contains,  methinks  I  am  afraid  yousliould  grow 
too  fond  of  it.  i'lie  business  therefore  of  this  letter  shall  he,  to  entreat  you 
to  endeavour  to  bring  your  studies  under  such  regulations,  that  Ihey  may 
not  be  injurious  to  health,  or  trade,  or  devotion. — As  your  constitution  is 
not  very  athletic,  if  you  should  bear  hard  upon  it  by  too  close  an  attention 
to  books  or  thought,  the  consequence  would  probably  be,  that,  as  soon  as 
you  had  begun  to  adjust  your  ideas  and  fix  your  schemes  for  the  future  em- 
ployment of  life,  you  would  (ind  yourself  incapable  of  prosecutitig  them, 
and  may  languish  away  the  remainder  of  your  days  in  absence  from  your 
study,  when  a  small  acquaintance  with  it  hath  made  you  sensible  of  its 
charms,  and  perhaps  allured  you  to  expect  a  great  deal  more  satisfaction  m 
It  than  you  would  ever  iu  fact  have  found.  However,  you  would  regret 
the  loss  in  proportion  to  the  expectation  you  ha<t  formed,  whether  regular 
or  extravagant.  1  may  add,  that,  by  impairing  your  health,  you  would  be- 
come in  a  great  measure  unfit  for  that  sphere  of  life  in  which  Providence 
hath  placed  you. — Let  us  remember,  my  ilear  and  prudent  friend,  that  we 
are  to  place  our  point  of  life,  not  in  an  attempt  to  know  ami  to  do  every 
thing,  which  will  certainly  be  as  unsuccessful  as  it  is  extravagant ;  but  in  a 
care  to  do  that  well  which  Providence  hath  assigned  us  .as  our  peculiar 
business.  As  I  am  a  minister,  I  could  not  answer  it  to  God  or  my  own 
conscience,  if  I  were  to  spend  a  great  deal  of  time  iu  studying  the  depths  of 
the  law,  or  in  the  more  entertaining,  though  less  useful,  pursuit  of  the  nicest 
criticisms  of  cUtssical  writ^-rs.  I  would  not  be  entirely-a  stranger  to  these  ; 
but  these,  or  twenty  others,  which  1  would  just  look  into,  would  each  of 
them  alone,  or  indeed  any  simile  branch  of  them,  be  the  employment  of  a 
much  longer  life  than  I  can  imagine  that  Providence  hath  assigned  to  me. 
'u'"i''''  '  ^"ff'^''  my  y'ea)  sheep  in  the  uildemess  to  goon  in  ignorance  of  their 
Bibles,  and  a  stupid  neglect  of  their  eternal  salvation,  while  I  am  too  busy 
to  endeavour  to  reclaim  them,  God  would  call  it  but  laborious  idleness,  and 


good  thrown  away  upon  him.  I  had  an  opportunity  of 
seeing  in  him  the  treachery  of  the  human  heart,  the  neces- 
sity of  keeping  near  to  God,  and  the  tendency  of  bad  prac- 
tices to  debauch  the  principles.  God  lias  exercised  me  in 
this  instance  with  great  trouble  and  disappointment :  but 
the  disciple  is  not  above  his  Master.  Eord,  may  1  approve 
my  sincerity  and  zeal  in  thy  sight,  thougli  it  should  be  in 
every  instance  unsuccessful !  Let  nie  but  hear  thee  saying, 
Well  done,  good  and  faithful  se7-vant  !  and  none  can  hinder 
my  joy."  But  it  pleased  God  so  to  succeed  his  pious  care, 
that  there  were  very  few  instances  in  which  he  was  obliged 
to  have  recourse  to  so  painful  an  expedient  to  secure  the 
honour  of  his  family,  and  the  safety  of  his  other  pupils. 

But  he  could  not  be  satisfied  with  their  external  regular 
behaviour,  except  he  saw  in  them  the  genuine  evidences  of 
real  religion.  He  thought  no  one  ought  to  be  encouraged 
to  undertake  the  christian  ministry  who  was  not  a  pious 
man :  therefore  he  advised  some  of  his  pupils,  of  whose 
real  character  he  was  doubtful,  to  apply  themselves  to 
secular  business ;  while  he  grieved  that  any,  who  had  this 
best  qualification  for  ministerial  usefulness,  should  decline 
It.  He  often  inculcated  upon  them  the  absolute  necessity 
of  a  heart  thorouglily  engaged  for  God  and  holiness,  in  order 
to  pursue  their  work  witii  comfort,  acceptance,  and  success.-j- 
"  It  is  my  heart's  desire  and  prayer  to  God,"  saith  he, 
"  that  not  one  may  go  out  from  me  without  an  understand- 
ing enlightened  from  above,  a  heart  sanctified  by  divine 
grace,  quickened  and  warmed  with  love  to  a  well-known 
Jesus,  and  tenderly  concerned  for  the  salvation  of  peri,shing 
souls.  What  are  all  our  studies,  laliours,  and  pursuits,  to 
this  ? "  For  this  purpose  he  endeavoured  to  bring  them  early 
into  communion  with  the  church  under  his  care,  if  they 
had  not  been  admitted  elsewhere,  that  they  might  renew 
their  baptismal  engagements,  and  publicly  avow  their 
resolution  to  be  the  Lord's.  He  took  pains  to  prepare 
them  for  an  intelligent  devout  ap})roach  to  the  Lord's 
sup|ier,  and  often  reminded  them  of  tlieir  consequent 
privileges  and  engagements. — In  order  to  |)reserve  and  in- 
crease vital  religion  in  their  iiearts,  all  common  lectures 
were  omitted  on  the  Saturday  preceding  the  Lord's  day  on 
which  the  sacrament  was  administered ;  and  the  greatest 
part  of  that  day  was  spent  in  devotional  exercises.  All  the 
pupils  assembled  in  the  lecture-room,  he  prayed  with  them, 
and  then  delivered  a  devotional  lecture,  or  a  discourse  par- 
ticularly suited  to  their  circumstances,  concerning  the  na- 
ture, duties,  difficulties,  encouragements,  or  rewards  of  the 
mmistry;  the  nature  of  christian  communion  ;  their  obliga- 
tions to  diligence,  prayer,  watchfulness,  brotherly  love;  or 
such  other  topics  as  were  most  proper  for  such  an  assembly. 
His  discourse  on  "  The  evil  and  danger  of  neglecting  the 
souls  of  men  "  was  delivered  on  one  of  these  occasions. 
After  this  lecture  was  finished,  and  singing,  he  concluded 
with  prayer.     Never  did  his  heart  appear  more  strongly 

I  must  give  up  my  account  with  great  confusion.  The  thought,  with  a  very 
little  variation,  may  be  applied  to  you.  It  is  in  the  capacity  of  a  tradesman 
that  you  are  to  serve  your  family  and  country,  and,  in  that,  your  God. 
I  herefore,  though  I  would  not  have  so  fine  a  genius  entirely  discouraged 
frou  entertaining  itself  with  the  refined  pleasures  of  a  student ;  yet  it  woulil 
be  imprudence  to  yourself,  and  an  injury  to  the  world,  to  spend  so  much 
time  in  your  closet,  as  to  neglect  your  warehouse  ;  anil  to  be  so  much  taken 
up  wiih  volumes  of  philosophy  or  history,  poetry,  or  even  divinity,  as  to 
forget  to  look  into  your  books  of  accounts. — Above  all,  .Sir,  let  it  be  your 
constant  concern,  that  study  may  not  interfere  with  devotion,  nor  engross 
tliat  valuable  time  which  should  be  consecrated  to  the  immediate  service  of 
your  (ioil.  He  is  the  Father  of  our  spirits,  and  it  is  upon  his  sacred  iiiHu- 
ences  that  they  depend  for  improvement  in  Knowledge  as  well  as  in  holiness. 
If  we  are  abandoned  bv  him,  our  genius  will  flag,  and  all  our  thoughts  become 
languid  and  confused.  It  will  be  in  vain  that  wc  seek  the  assistance  of 
books  ;  for.  when  be  ceaseth  to  act  by  them,  the  most  spritrhtly  writers  will 
appeardull ;  the  most  perspicuous,  obscure  ;  and  the  most  judicious,  trifling. 
Whereas  if  we  maintain  a  continued  regard  to  him,  in  the  constant  exercises 
of  lively  ilevotion,  we  shall  enjoy  his  assistance  and  blessing  in  our  studies  ; 
and  tlien  our  profiting  will  quickly  apjiear  to  ourselves  and  others  ;  the  most 
difficult  task  will  be  easy,  and  we  shall  despatch  more  iu  an  hour  than  we 
could  otherwise  have  done  in  a  day. — But,  which  is  still  more  desirable, 
when  we  are  conversing  with  God,  we  are  preparing  for  that  world  of  light, 
where  our  capacities  will  be  most  gloriously  improved  ;  where  we  shall  be 
surrounded  with  the  wisest  and  best  company,  who  will  be  ilaily  opening 
new  scenes  of  knowledge;  and  where  God  will  reveal  objects  by  another 
kind  of  influence  upon  our  spirits  than  that  which  we  have  yet  known  in  our 
briahtest  or  serenest  moments.  let  us  be  constant  and  zealous  in  the  service 
of  God,  and  we  shall  be  excellent  scholars  ten  thousand  years  hence  ;  while 
those  who  have  made  the  greatest  improvements  in  human  knowledge,  yet 
have  lived  in  neglect  of  God  and  religion,  are  forgotten  upon  eartii,  and 
consigned  over  to  the  gloom  of  everlasting  darkness.  Let  us  remember, 
that,  by  every  hour  which  we  take  from  God  to  give  to  our  books,  we  forfeit 
some  degree  of  future  happiness,  which  might  have  been  the  reward  of  that 
hour,  had  we  spent  it  arisiht;  and  when  we  consider  that  knowledge  is  a 
part  of  the  happiness  of  heaven,  we  shall  certainly  find,  that,  upon  the 
whole,  we  lose  a  ereat  deal  more  knowledge  than  we  get  by  such  sacrilegious 
encroachment,  even  thoui;h  our  studies  should  succeed  more  prosperously 
than  we  have  reason  to  expect  they  will." 
t  Sec  his  Theological  Lectures,  Introd.  ad  fin. 


HIS  METHOD  OF  EDUCATION  AND  BEHAVIOUR  AS  A  TUTOR. 


affected  and  devoutedly  raised  than  at  these  seasons.  He 
considered  of  how  much  importance,  to  the  present  and 
eternal  interest  of  tliousands,  the  temper  and  behaviour  of 
so  many  young;  men,  intended  for  the  ministry,  was.  His 
heart  overflowed  with  benevolence,  and  he  appeared  like  an 
affectionate  fatlier  addressing  his  children,  and  commending 
them  and  their  concerns  to  the  favour  of  Heaven.  Many  of 
his  pupils  have  acknowledged,  tliat  they  reaped  more  ad- 
vantage by  these  lectures  than  all  the  other  methods  used 
to  promote  their  improvement.  Tlie  latter  part  of  the  day 
was  spent  by  the  pupils  themselves  in  religious  exercises, 
agreeably  to  a  plan  which  they  had  laid  down,  with  their 
tutor's  approbation  and  encouragement. — The  Lord's  day 
was  most  strictly  and  religiously  observed  in  his  family : 
and  after  the  public  and  domestic  services  of  it,  he  often 
took  tliem  separately  into  his  study,  conversed  with  them 
concerning  the  state  of  religion  in  their  souls,  and  gave  them 
suitable  advice. 

He  endeavoured  to  behave  to  them  in  such  a  manner  as 
to  gain  their  affections,  and  engage  them  to  open  their  hearts 
to  him  without  reserve.  He  often  reminded  them  how 
much  his  own  comfort  and  happiness  depended  upon  their 
good  behaviour,  diligence  in  their  studies,  and  improve- 
ments in  knowledge  and  piety.  When,  in  the  year  1736, 
tlie  two  colleges  of  the  university  of  Aberdeen,  in  Scotland, 
had  concurred  in  conferring  upon  him  the  degree  of  doctor 
in  divinity,  his  pupils  thought  it  a  proper  piece  of  respect  to 
congratulate  him  in  a  body  upon  the  occasion.  He  thanked 
them  for  their  compliment,  and  told  them,  that  "  their 
learning,  piety,  and  zeal,  would  be  more  his  honour,  and 
give  him  ten  thousand  times  more  pleasure,  tlian  his  degree, 
or  any  other  token  of  public  esteem." — He  heard  their  dis- 
courses and  prayers  with  great  candour ;  passed  over  little 
imperfections,  which  he  thought  growing  years  and  experi- 
ence would  rectify ;  and  encouraged  them  by  commending 
what  was  good  and  pertinent.  When  he  thought  it  his 
duty  to  hint  to  them  their  defects,  he  did  it  privately,  and 
in  the  most  soft  and  friendly  manner.  None  but  a  pious 
benevolent  mind  can  conceive  the  pleasure  it  gave  him  to 
hear  some  of  the  first  sermons  of  his  pupils,  who  set  out 
with  good  qualifications  and  right  views.  Concerning  one 
of  them  he  thus  writes,  in  some  private  memorandums  he 

kept  of  the  state  of  his  own  soul  :  "  This  day  Mr. 

preached  one  of  the  best  sermons  I  ever  heard,  concerning 
the  happiness  of  the  children  of  God.  I  had  preaclied  one 
on  the  subject  some  time  before  ;  but  when  I  considered 
how  much  superior  his  was  to  mine,  it  shamed  and  hum- 
bled me ;  yet,  I  bless  God,  it  did  not  grieve  me.  If  any 
stirrings  of  envy  moved,  they  were  immediately  suppressed  ; 
and,  as  soon  as  I  came  home,  I  solemnly  returned  my  ac- 
knowledgments to  God,  for  having  raised  up  such  a  minister 
to  his  church,  and  honoured  me  with  his  education.  I 
recommended  liim  to  the  divine  blessing  with  the  tenderest 
affection  ;  leaving  myself  in  the  hand  of  God  ;  acquiescing 
in  the  tliought  of  being  eclipsed,  of  being  neglected,  if  he 
shall  so  appoint;  at  the  same  time  adoring  him,  that,  with 
capacities  inferior  to  a  multitude  of  others,  I  have  been 
providentially  led  into  services  superior  to  many  of  those, 
in  comparison  with  whom  my  knowledge  and  learning  is 
but  that  of  a  child." — He  was  tenderly  careful  of  his  pupils 
when  they  were  sick  ;  and  when  some  of  them,  who  seemed 
qualifying  for  eminent  usefulness,  died,  he  felt  for  them  and 
wept  over  them  as  a  father  for  his  child  :  he  endeavoured, 
from  such  events,  to  excite  superior  diligence  and  piety  in 
their  surviving  brethren,  and  wrote  many  excellent  letters 
of  advice  and  consolation  to  the  mourning  parents  and 
friends  of  the  deceased. 

After  this  account  of  his  behaviour  to  his  pupils,  and 
concern  for  their  usefulness  and  happiness,  the  reader,  who 
knows  any  thing  of  human  nature  and  the  attractive  in- 
fluence of  love,  will  not  wonder  to  be  told,  that  they,  in  ge- 
neral, reverenced  and  loved  him  as  a  father ;  and  tliat  his 
paternal  advices  and  entreaties  weighed  more  with  them, 
than  the  commands  of  rigid  authority,  or  tlie  arguments  of 
a  cooler  mind,  where  the  affection  of  the  heart  was  not  felt, 
or  not  tenderly  expressed.  They  vvere  most  of  them  his 
honour  and  joy.  His  principal  defect  in  this  capacity  was, 
that  he  had  not  sufficient  resolution  of  temper  to  govern 
some  untractable  youths,  who  would  not  be  won  upon  by 
mild  and  gentle  addresses  :  and  he  was  sometimes  deceived 


by  the  appearance  of  humiliation  and  penitence,  and  fair 
promises  of  a  more  orderly  behaviour.    The  natural  softness 
and  gentleness  of  his  temper  made  it  painful  to  censure  and 
reprove:  upon  every  important  occasion,  indeed,  he  reso- 
lutely submitted  to  this  disagreeable  task,  and  performed  it 
in  a  manner  most  likely  to  be  effectual :  yet  in  lesser  in- 
stances, where  he  thought  the  character  and  im|)rovement 
of  his  pupils  not  so  much  concerned,  he  was,  perhaps,  too 
easy  in  admitting  excuses,  and  not  strict  enougli  in  exacting 
an  observance  of  his  established  laws.     This,  as  we  shall 
hereafter  observe,  he  perceived  and  acknowledged  to  be  an 
error. — He  found  it  a  great  inconvenience,  and  the  source  of 
some  disorders  in  his  family,  to  have  young  gentlemen  of 
great  fortunes,  intended  for  no  particular  profession,  and 
young  men  intended  for  the  ministry,  as  students  together. 
It  was  difficult  to  establish  general  laws,  which  would  not 
bear  hard  upon  one  or  the  other.     Some  of  those,  who  had 
large  allowances  from  their  parents  or  guardians,  were  some- 
times a  snare  to  the  other  students,  especially  the  divinity 
students,  whose  allowance  was  generally  small;  though  it 
is  but  justice  to  add,  that  many  of  the  former  behaved  in 
the  most  unexceptionable  manner.     He  often  expressed  his 
wish,  that  different  places  of  education  could  be  provided 
for  persons  intended  for  the  ministry  and  those  for  other 
professions  ;  as  he  thought  it  would  be  a  better  security  for 
the  religious  character  of  the  former ;  and  some  indulgences 
might  be  allowed  to  the  others,  especially  those  of  rank  and 
fortune,  that  were  not  proper  for  divinity  students,  as  few 
of  them  were  likely  ever  to  be  in   affluent  circumstances. 
But  whatever  their  rank  and  circumstances  were,  he  treated 
them  with  equal  regard  ;  they  were  alike  subject  to  the  dis- 
cipline and  religious  orders  of  his  family. — When  any  of  his 
pupils,  wlio  had  behaved  well,  left  his  academy,  he  parted 
with  them  with  great  regret,  and  by  fervent  prayer  com- 
mended them,  in  their  future  concerns  and  connexions,  to 
the  blessing  of  God.     It  was  usual,  when  some  of  them 
entered  on  the  ministry  together,  and  also  when  they  were 
removing  to  their  respective  stations,  to  have  some  time 
spent  in  public  prayer,  to  recommend  them  to  tlie  grace  of 
God,  and  engage  his  blessing  on  their  studies  and  labours. 
The  elders  of  his  church,  together  with  himself  and  his  as- 
sistant, conducted  these  religious  exercises,  and  sometimes 
he  had  the  concurrence  of  his  brethren  in  the  neighbour- 
hood.    He  interested  himself  in  their  comfortalile  settle- 
ments, corresponded  with  many  of  them,  and  was  ready  to 
advise  any  of  them  in  cases  of  difficulty,  in  which  they  de- 
sired his  assistance.     He  employed  his  interests  with  his 
friends  for  their  benefit,  and  was  glad  to  serve  them  in  their 
temporal,  spiritual,  or  ministerial  concerns.      When  they 
had  an   opportunity  of  visiting  him   at  Northampton,  his 
house  and  his  heart  were  always  oi)en  for  their  reception  ; 
he  desired  them  to  consider  it  as  a  father's  house,  and  he 
treated  them  there  as  a  good  father  would  a  beloved  child, 
who  came  from  a  distance  to  visit  him.     He  had  the  plea- 
sure to  see  many  of  them  unanimously  and  affectionately 
chosen  by  large  congregations  as  their  pastors;  amongst 
whom   they  laboured    with  great  acceptance  and  success. 
Since  his  decease,  three  of  them  have  been  chosen  to  pre- 
side over  seminaries  of  this  kind,  and  are  widely  diffusing 
the  benefits  they  received  from  his  instructions  and  example. 
So  great  was  his  reputation  as  a  tutor,  that  the  number  of 
his  pupils  was  large;  commnnibns  annis,  thirty-four,  and  ge- 
nerally increasing.      He  had    sustained  this  office  about 
twenty-two   years,  and  during  that  time    had    about  two 
hundred  young  men  under  his  care;  of  whom,  one  hundred 
and  twenty,  as  far  as  I  can  learn,  entered  upon  the  ministry, 
and  several  intended   for  it,  died,  while  under  his  instruc- 
tions.     He  had  several  pupils  from  Scotland  and  Holland. 
One  person,   that  was  intended  for   the  ministry  in    the 
church  of  England,  chose  to  spend  a  year  or  two  under  his 
instructions,  before  he  went  to  the  university  ;  others,  whose 
parents  were  of  that  church,  were  placed  in  his  family,  and 
they  were  readily  admitted  as  pupils,  and  allowed  to  attend 
the  established  worship  ;  for  the  constitution  of  his  academy 
was  perfectly  catholic.     Some  young  divines  from  Scotland, 
who  had  studied  and  taken  the  usual  degrees  in  the  univer- 
sities there,  and  had  begun  to   preach,  came  to  attend  his 
divinity  lectures,  and  receive  his  instructions,  before  they 
settled  with  parishes  in  their  native  country.     During  their 
residence  with  him,  they  preached  occasionally  in  the  dis- 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


sentin^  congregations  in  that  town  and  neighbourhood,  and 
two  of  them  were  ordained  there. 

When  he  had  published  some  hints  of  his  method  of 
education,  in  his  short  Memoirs  of  Mr.  Steffe's  Life,  he  re- 
ceived letters  from  some  eminent  divines  of  the  church  of 
England,  expressing  their  high  approbation  of  his  plan,  as 
affording  students,  intended  for  the  ministry,  superior  ad- 
vantages for  appearing  with  honour  in  the  ministerial  cha- 
racter, than  were  enjoyed  in  some  more  public  seminaries. 

Before  I  conclude  this  chapter,  it  may  be  proper  to  ob- 
serve, that  the  account  here  given  of  the  Doctor's  lectures 
and  plan  of  education,  is  taken  from  what  they  were  between 
twenty  and  thirty  years  ago.  He  might,  in  some  circum- 
stances, change  his  method  afterwards  ;  but  I  believe  in  no 
material  point.  I  mention  this,  lest  any,  who  have  been 
under  his  care  since  that  period,  should  perceive  that  my 
account  does  not  exactly  correspond  with  their  knowledge 
of  his  academy,  while  they  belonged  to  it. 

Thus  have  I  endeavoured  to  give  some  idea  of  the  man- 
ner in  wJ«ch  this  excellent  person  filled  up  this  difficult 
and  honourable  station  ;  and  I  am  persuaded  the  pious 
reader  will,  from  this  survey,  be  inclined  to  join  with  me 
in  acknowledging  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  Providence, 
which  gradually  prepared  him  for,  and,  by  the  several  steps 
already  pointed  out,  led  him  into,  so  large  a  sphere  of  use- 
fulness. May  the  same  Divine  hand,  that  so  richly  en- 
dowed him  wath  those  gtfts,  which  qualified  him  for  this 
important  service,  raise  up,  through  every  succeeding  period 
of  the  cluirch,  others,  who  may  discover  a  like  spirit;  and 
who  may  be  honoured  as  the  instruments  of  forming  the 
minds  of  their  younger  brethren,  and,  by  this  means,  of 
transmitting  the  knowledge  and  power  of  religion  through 
the  most  distant  ages  ! 


CHAP.  VII. 

Dr.  Doddridge's  genius,  learniog,  and  writings. 

THOUGH  I  am  chiefly  solicitous,  in  this  work,  to  represent 
Dr.  Doddridge  under  the  character  of  a  christian  and  a 
minister,  as  an  example  worthy  the  imitation  of  others  ;  yet 
I  cannot,  without  great  injustice,  pass  over  in  silence  his 
character  as  a  man  of  genius  and  a  scholar.*  Nor  will  this 
view  of  him  be  foreign  to  my  main  design  ;  as  it  will  tend, 
in  the  opinion  of  many,  to  set  his  other  qualities  in  a  more 
striking  light ;  and  will  prove,  if  indeed  it  needs  any  proof, 
that  very  high  attainments  in  piety  and  devotion  are  no 
way  inconsistent  with  great  eminence  in  learning  and 
knowledge. 

The  Doctor  was  possessed,  in  a  very  high  degree,  of  two 
qualities,  which  are  rarely  united,  viz.  a  natural  activity  and 
ardour  of  mind,  joined  to  invincible  resolution  and  per- 
severance. The  one  led  him  to  form  an  acquaintance  with 
the  various  branches  of  science ;  while  the  other  secured 
him  from  the  evils  attending  a  boundless  curiosity,  and 
kept  him  steady  to  those  pursuits  which  he  thought  de- 
served his  principal  attention.  His  uncommon  application, 
even  with  moderate  abilities,  would  have  enabled  him  to 
lay  up  a  large  stock  of  knowledge  :  it  is  no  wonder,  there- 
fore, that,  when  it  was  joined  with  great  natural  quickness 
of  apprehension  and  strength  of  memory,  it  should  enable 
him  to  make  distinguished  advances  in  the  several  parts  of 
useful  learning. — His  acquaintance  with  books  was  very 
extensive.  There  were  few  of  any  importance  on  the  gene- 
ral subjects  of  literature  which  he  had  not  read  with  atten- 
tion ;  and  he  could  both  retain  and  easily  recollect  what 
was  most  remarkable  in  them.    As  he  cautioned  his  pupils 

*  I  do  not  know  that  genins  can  be  ascribed  to  Dr.  Doddridge,  taking 
that  word  in  its  highest  signification,  as  implying  either  a  great  inventive 
farnlt.v  in  science,  or  that  boldness  of  imagination  which  is  productive  of 
original  imagery  and  combinations. 

In  a  lower  and  more  popular  sense  of  the  term,  he  might  be  said  to  have 
been  a  man  of  gpnius ;  for  he  hart  a  quick  conception  and  lively  fancy. 
lie  had  a  comprehension  of  minri,  that  enabled  him  to  proceed  with  celerity 
and  vigour  in  the  acquisition  of  linowledge,  and  that  activity  of  his  mental 
frame,  which  put  it  into  his  power  to  learn  much  in  a  little  time,  was  happily 
accompanied  with  an  invincible  resolution  and  perseverance  in  the  prose- 
cution of  his  studies. — K. 

+  Mr.  Doddridge,  in  younger  life,  afforded  various  proofs  of  a  poetical 
turn,  most  of  which  are  in  tlie  possession  of  the  present  biographer. — K. 

1  Dr.  Doddridge  was  well  acqiiaii'ted  with  the   Greek   philosophers  and 


against  that  indolent  and  superficial  way  of  reading,  which 
many  students  fall  into,  so  ne  took  care  that  his  own  ex- 
ample should  enforce  his  precepts.  His  usual  method 
was,  to  read  with  a  pen  in  his  hand,  and  to  mark  in  the 
margin  particular  passages  which  struck  him.  Besides 
which  he  often  took  down  hints  of  what  was  most  import- 
ant, or  made  references  to  them  in  a  blank  leaf  of  the  book, 
adding  his  own  reflections  on  the  author's  sentiments. 
Thus  he  could  easily  turn  to  particular  passages,  and  en- 
riched his  lectures  with  references  to  what  was  most  curious 
and  valuable  in  the  course  of  his  reading. — But  he  was  not 
one  of  those  who  content  themselves  with  treasuring  up 
other  men's  thoughts.  He  knew,  and  often  reminded  his 
pupils,  that  the  true  end  of  reading  is  only  to  furnish  the 
mind  with  materials  to  exercise  its  own  powers  ;  and  few 
men  knew  better  how  to  make  use  of  the  knowledge  they 
had  gained,  and  apply  it  to  the  most  valuable  purposes. 
His  mind  was  indeed  a  rich  treasury,  out  of  which  he 
could,  on  every  proper  occasion,  produce  a  variety  of  the 
most  important  instruction.  This  qualified  him  for  lecturing 
to  his  pupils  in  those  several  branches  of  science  of  which 
his  course  consisted  ;  it  enriched  his  public  wi-itings,  and 
rendered  his  private  conversation  highly  instructive  and 
entertaining. 

In  the  younger  part  of  life  he  took  pains  to  cultivate  a 
taste  for  polite  literature,  which  produced  a  remarkable 
ease  and  elegance  in  his  letters  ;  and  the  marks  of  it  appear 
in  all  his  writings.f  And,  considering  the  natural  warmth 
of  his  imagination,  which  must  have  rendered  these  kind 
of  studies  peculiarly  pleasing  to  him,  it  was  a  great  instance 
of  his  resolution  and  self-denial,  that  he  did  not  suffer  them 
to  engross  a  disproportionate  sliare  of  his  time  and  atten- 
tion, but  made  them  subservient  to  the  more  serious  and 
important  ends  he  had  in  view. — With  regard  to  the  learned 
languages,  though  he  could  not  be  called  a  profound  lin- 
guist, he  was  sufficiently  acquainted  with  them  to  read  the 
most  valuable  pieces  of  antiquity  with  taste  and  pleasure,! 
and  to  enter  into  the  spirit  of  the  sacred  writings.  Of  this 
the  world  has  had  a  proof  in  his  Paraphrase  and  Notes  on 
the  New  Testament,  in  which  he  has  often  illustrated  the 
force  and  beauty  of  the  original  with  great  judgment,  and 
in  the  true  spirit  of  criticism.  He  had  also  nearly  com- 
pleted a  New  Translation  of  the  Minor  Prophets,  in  which 
ne  has  shown  his  critical  knowledge  of  the  Hebrew  lan- 
guage  Though  he  seemed  formed  by  nature  for  cultivating 

the  more  polite,  rather  than  the  abstruser,  parts  of  science, 
\et  he  was  no  stranger  to  mathematical  and  philosophical 
studies.  He  thought  it  inconsistent  with  his  principal 
business  to  devote  any  considerable  part  of  his  time  to 
them ;  yet  it  appeared  from  some  essays,  which  he  drew 
up  for  the  use  of  his  pupils,§  that  he  could  easily  have  pur- 
sued these  researches  to  a  much  greater  length. — He  was 
well  acquainted  with  ancient  history,  both  civil  and  eccle- 
siastical ;  but  he  did  not  content  himself  with  storing  up 
a  number  of  facts  in  his  memory,  but  made  such  observa- 
tions and  reflections  upon  them,"  as  tended  either  to  increa.se 
his  acquaintance  with  human  nature,  to  exemplify  the  in- 
terpositions of  Providence,  or  to  explain  and  illustrate  the 
sacred  history. 

But  his  favourite  study,  and  that  in  which  his  chief  ex- 
cellency lay,  was  divinity,  as  taken  in  its  largest  sen.se. 
Whatever  could  tend  to  strengthen  the  evidences  of  natural 
or  revealed  religion,  to  assist  our  conceptions  of  the  divine 
nature,  or  enable  us  more  perfectly  to  understand  the  dis- 
coveries which  revelation  has  made,  he  thought  deserved 
the  most  serious  and  attentive  regard.  Though  he  made 
himself  familiarly  acquainted  with  what  others  had  written 
upon  these  subjects,  he  was  not  guided  implicitly  by  their 
authority,  but  thought  for  himself  with  that  freedom  which 
became  a  philosopher  and  a  christian.    There  were  perhaps 

orators,  among  the  last  of  whom  he  was'  particularly  devoted  to  Demos- 
thenes. To  the  poets  of  Greece  he  was  far  from  being  a  stranger  ;  but  he 
was  not,  I  think,  deeply  conversant  with  its  tragedians.  1  remember,  while 
I  resided  with  liim,  his  having'  read  Pindar  with  much  admiration.  With 
the  Latin  classics  he  was  largely  acquainted.  As  became  a  ilivine  and  a 
theoloeical  tutor,  he  diligently  studied  the  ancient  fathers,  especially  of  the 
three  first  centuries.  He  paid  particular  resjard  to  the  apologists  for  Chris- 
tianity, ami  was  a  great  master  of  Origen  and  Kusebius.  Beyond  the  fourth 
century  his  knowledge  of  this  species  ot  literature  did  not,  I  believe,  widely 
extend,  though  it  did  not  wholly  stop  there. — K. 

5  In  this  number  was  a  I'reatise  of  Algebra,  in  which  the  rules  both  of 
numeral  and  universal  arithmetic  were  demonstrated  with  great  conciseness 
and  clearness. 


HIS  GENIUS  AND  WRITINGS. 


few  men  who  liad  more  carefully  studied  the  different 
systems  of  divinity,  and  could  point  out,  with  more  judg- 
ment and  accuracy,  tiie  defects  of  each.  This  appears 
from  his  Lectures,"^  published  since  his  death;  a  work 
which  is,  of  itself,  a  sufficient  proof  of  the  extent  of  his 
learning  and  the  soundness  of  his  judgment,  and  of  which 
some  account  has  been  already  given.  He  was  not  one  of 
those,  who  affect  to  treat  the  labours  of  wise  and  learned 
men,  who  have  gone  before  them,  with  contempt,  but  was 
always  ready  to  receive  whatever  light  they  could  afford 
him ;  yet  in  forming  his  opinion  on  all  matters  of  mere 
revelation,  he  took  the  Scriptures  for  his  guide,  and,  without 
any  regard  to  human  systems,  endeavoured  to  find  out  the 
several  truths  they  contained.  As  he  was  no  slave  to  the 
authority  of  others,  so  he  did  not  affect  to  distinguish  him- 
self by  any  of  those  peculiarities  of  opinion  which  learned 
men  are  often  fond  of,  and  wliich  in  most  instances  are 
rather  ingenious  than  solid.  He  chose  to  represent  the 
doctrines  of  the  New  Testament  in  the  same  simplicity  in 
which  he  found  them  expressed  by  the  sacred  writers  them- 
selves :  and  of  this  the  reader  may  judge  for  himself  by  his 
writings,  already  referred  to.— There  was  no  subject,  which 
he  had  laboured  with  more  care,  and  in  which  he  was  a 
greater  master,  than  in  the  evidences  of  revelation.  The 
view  he  has  given  of  them  in  liis  Lectures  is,  perhaps,  the 
most  complete  and  metliodical  of  any  extant.  He  had  read 
with  attention  the  most  celebrated  pieces  on  the  side  of  in- 
fidelity, and  has  comprised  in  this  work  a  concise  view  of 
their  principal  arguments,  with  the  proper  answers  to  them. 
As  he  had  himself  the  fullest  conviction,  upon  the  most 
mature  and  impartial  examination,  of  the  truth  of  the  gospel, 
and  the  weakness  of  all  the  attempts  wliicli  its  adversaries 
have  made  to  subvert  it;  so  he  could  represent  his  own 
views  in  so  forcible  a  light,  as  was  calculated  to  produce 
the  same  conviction  in  the  minds  of  otliers. 

Upon  tlie  whole,  it  may,  I  think,  with  great  justice,  be 
said  of  Dr.  Doddridge,  that,  though  others  might  exceed 
him  in  their  acquaintance  with  antiquity  or  their  skill  in  the 
languages,  yet  in  the  extent  of  his  learning,  and  the  variety 
of  useful  and  important  knowledge  he  had  acquired,  he  was 
surpassed  by  few. 

As  he  had  taken  so  much  pains  to  furnish  and  adorn  his 
own  mind  with  the  most  valuable  knowledge,  he  was  no 
less  happy  in  his  talent  of  communicating  it  to  others.  He 
was  remarkable  for  his  command  of  language,  and  could 
express  himself  with  ease  and  propriety  on  every  occasion.* 
In  his  younger  years  he  studied  the  English  language  with 
great  care,  and  had  formed  his  style  upon  the  best  models. 
It  was  remarkably  polite  and  copious,  though  perliaps,  in 
his  later  writings,  rather  too  diffuse.  He  excelled  m  the 
warm  and  pathetic ;  and  there  are,  in  his  practical  works, 
many  instances  of  true  oratory,  and  the  most  animated 
moving  address.  He  was  well  acquainted  with  all  the 
graces  of  elegant  composition  :  but  he  willingly  sacrificed 
a  part  of  that  reputation  he  might  have  gained,  as  a  fine 
writer,  to  the  more  valuable  consideration  of  promoting  the 
interests  of  piety  and  virtue  ;  and  often  studiously  avoided 
those  ornaments  of  style,  which,  though  easy  and  natural  to 
him,  would  have  rendered  his  works  less  useful  to  plainer 
christians.  As  his  own  ideas,  on  every  subject  he  had 
studied,  were  clear  and  distinct,  so  his  method  of  arranging 
his  thoughts,  when  he  had  occasion  to  express  them  in 
writinsr,  was  remarkably  just  and  natural.  Perhaps  we 
have  fev/  discourses  in  our  language,  where  the  divisions 
are  made  with  greater  accuracy,  and  the  thoughts  more 
strictly  proper  to  the  subject,  than  those  which  he  delivered 
in  his  usual  course  of  preaching. 

Such  then  were  the  intellectual  endowments  with  which 
he  was  honoured,  and  the  valuable  acquisitions  he  had 
made.  They  justly  entitled  him  to  a  considerable  rank  in 
the  learned  world  ;  but,  great  as  they  were,  it  may  with  the 
strictest  trutli  be  said,  that  he  valued  them  chiefly  as  they 
made  him  more  capable  of  serving  the  interest  of  religion, 
and  contributing  to  the  happiness  of  mankind ;  to  which 
great  ends  he  had  consecrated  all  his  time  and  all  his 
talents.     He  considered  himself  as  a  minister  of  Christ,  and 

*  He  used  to  descant,  in  his  lectures  on  the  sulijects  treated  of,  with  sur- 
prising perspicuity  and  freedom  ;  and  the  same  perspicuity  and  freedom 
attended  him  when  he  took  the  pen  in  hand.  This  was  owing  to  the  orderly 
disposition  m  which  things  lay  m  his  inin^i.— K. 

t  The  writer  ot  the  Inquiry  was  for  a  time  supposed  to  be  some  lay  gen- 


therefore  thought  it  to  be  his  principal  business  to  save 
souls.  But  he  had  scope  for  exerting  all  his  abilities  in  his 
office  as  a  tutor,  and  opening  to  his  pupils  his  ample  stores 
of  literature.  By  enriching  them,  he  was  enriching  thou- 
sands in  different  parts  of  the  kingdom,  and  making  his 
learning  more  extensively  useful  than  it  probably  would 
have  been  had  he  published  ingenious  and  learned  treatises 
on  speculative  or  not  very  interesting  subjects. 

We  are  now  to  consider  him  as  an  author;  in  which 
character  he  is  in  much  reputation  among  many  of  the 
friends  of  virtue  and  religion,  of  various  persuasions,  in 
these  nations,  in  our  colonies,  and  upon  the  continent.  He 
was  not  fond  of  controversy ;  and  was  determined,  if  he 
could  possibly  avoid  it,  never  to  engage  in  any  of  those 
disputes,  which  have  been,  and  still  are,  agitated  among 
protestants.  He  had  often  seen  and  lamented  this,  as  the 
event  of  many  a  voluminous  controversy,  that  "  men  of 
contrary  parties  sat  down  more  attached  to  their  own 
opinions  than  they  were  at  the  beginning,  and  much  more 
estranged  in  their  affections."  He  therefore  left  this  work 
to  others. 

The  first  piece  he  published  (except  some  papers  on  the 
present  state  of  the  republic  of  letters)  can  scarcely  be  called 
controversial,  though  it  was  an  answer  to  another.  This  was 
entitled,  "  Free  Thoughts  on  the  most  probable  Means  of 
Reviving  the  Dissenting  Interest,  occasioned  by  the  late 
Inquiry  into  the  Causes  of  its  Decay ;  addressed  to  the 
Author  of  that  Inquiry,"  ITSO.f  He  treats  the  author  with 
great  civility,  and,  instead  of  criticising  upon  his  perform- 
ance, offers  some  remarks  which  may  be  of  general  use  : 
and  ihey  deserve  the  regard  of  all  ministers.  He  points 
out  the  principal  reasons  why  many  learned  and  good  men 
are  so  unpopular  and  unsuccessful ;  and  hath  shown  great 
knowledge  of  human  nature,  and  what  careful  observations 
he  had  made  on  the  dispositions  of  mankind.  This  tract 
is  little  known,  especially  by  our  brethren  of  the  established 
church  ;  but,  at  its  first  publication,  it  met  wuh  a  favour- 
able reception  among  persons  of  different  parties  and  sen- 
timents ;  and  it  deserves  to  be  read,  as  a  model  of  a  candid 
polite  manner  of  remarking  upon  another  author's  writings 
and  opinions. 

The  only  proper  controversy  that  he  was  ever  engaged  in 
was  with  the  author  of  a  treatise  entitled  "  Christianity  not 
founded  on  Argument,  &c."  published  in  the  year  1742,  to 
whom  he  wrote  three  letters,  which  were  pulDlished  soon 
after  one  another  in  1743.  The  author  of  this  treatise, 
under  the  form  of  a  most  orthodox  and  zealous  christian, 
pretends  to  cry  up  the  immediate  testimony  of  the  Spirit, 
and  asserts  its"  absolute  necessity  in  order  to  the  belief  of 
the  gospel ;  while  at  the  same  time  he  endeavours  to  expose 
all  kind  of  rational  evidence  by  which  it  could  be  support- 
ed, and  advances  several  very  cunning  insinuations  against 
the  truth  of  it  in  the  most  pernicious  view.  Dr.  Doddridge 
therefore  chose  to  publish  some  remarks  upon  it ;  not  only 
to  defend  Christianity  in  general,  but  to  explain  and  sup- 
port some  important  truths  of  it,  particularly  the  agency  of 
the  Divine  Spirit,  which  some  had  denied,  because  others 
had  misrepresented.  He  thought  this  treatise  affected  the 
foundations  of  natural  as  well  as  revealed  religion  ;  and 
that  the  ludicrous  turns  given  to  Scripture  in  it,  and  the  air 
of  burlesque  and  irony  which  runs  through  it,  were  very 
unbecoming  a  wise  and  benevolent  man,  or  the  infinite 
moment  of  the  question  in  debate.  But,  while  he  thought 
himself  called  by  Providence  to  "  plead  the  cause  of  the 
gospel,  in  the  name  of  the  God  of  truth,  he  was  careful  to 
do  it  in  a  manner  worthy  of  him,  and  which  might  not  offend 
him,  as  the  God  of  love."  He  therefore  addresses  the 
author  with  the  greatest  calmness,  seriousness,  and  com- 
passion ;  endeavouring  to  awaken  his  conscience,  while  he 
confuted  his  arguments.  These  answers  met  with  much 
acceptance  in  the  world,  and  he  had  letters  of  thanks  for 
them  from  some  persons  of  distinguished  rank  and  abilities 
Tlie  third  part  was  esteemed,  by  many  judicious  persons 
the  best  illustration,  and  the  most  rational  full  defence,  of 
the  Spirit's  influences  upon  the  human  heart,  which  had 
been  publislied. 

tieman  ;  but,  in  fact,  it  came  from  the  pen  of  a  youns  dissenting  ministfr, 
of  the  name  of  Gough,  w  ho  afterwards  conformed  to  the  church  ;  and  who, 
in  175<i,  published  a  volume  of  Sermons,  which  have  considerable  merit,  as 
judicious  and  elegant  compositions. 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


In  1747,  he  published  "  Some  remarkable  Passages  in 
the  Life  of  Colonel  James  Gardiner,  who  was  slain  by  the 
Rebels  at  the  Battle  of  Preston-Pans,  Sept.  21,  1745."  He 
designed,  by  this  work,  "  not  merely  to  perform  a  tribute 
of  jrratitude  to  the  memory  of  an  invaluable  friend,  but  of 
duty  to  God  and  his  fellow-creatures ;  as  he  had  a  cheer- 
ful hope  that  the  narrative  would,  under  a  Divine  blessmg, 
be  the  means  of  spreadmg  a  warm  and  lively  sense  of  re- 
ligion. He  thought  the  Colonel's  character  would  com- 
mand some  peculiar  regard,  as  it  shone  amidst  the  many 
temptations  of  a  military  life."  This  piece  has  gone  through 
several  editions ;  and  the  author  had  the  pleasure  to  hear 
of  some  instances,  in  which  it  had  answered  his  desires 
and  hopes ;  though  many  thought,  and  perhaps  justly,  that 
he  too  much  indulged  the  emotions  of  private  friendship 
and  affection  in  the  composition.* 

These  were  all  the  writings  our  author  published,  except 
his  practical  ones.  "  He  esteemed  an  endeavour  to  set  a 
man  right  in  relis^ious  opinions,  which  we  apprehend  to  be 
important,  the  second  office  of  Christian  friendship,  and 
that  of  attempting  to  reform  his  morals  undoubtedly  the 
first."  And  he  attempted  the  second  in  this  public  manner 
no  further  than  he  thought  it  necessary  to  secure  the  former. 
He  gives  this  weighty  reason  why  he  published  so  many 
thins^s,  on  practical  subjects,  which  had  been  handled  by 
various  writers :  "  Because  I  know  the  gospel  to  be  true, 
and,  through  Divine  grace,  feel  in  my  heart  an  ardent  con- 
cern for  the  salvation  of  men's  souls.  As,  in  this  view, 
other  cares  appear  trifling,  so  the  limits  of  one  congregation 
or  country,  and  the  little  tune  which  I  must  spend  in  life, 
seem  too  narrow.  I  would  speak,  if  possible,  to  the  ends 
of  the  earth,  and  ttie  end  of  time.  I  esteem  it  my  great 
felicity  to  be  engaged  with  other  worthy  authors  in  assist- 
ing men's  minds  to  a  scriptural  religion  and  a  christian 
temper :  and  though  many  provinces  may  appear  much 
more  splendid  in  the  eyes  of  the  learned  and  polite  world, 
I  trust  ours  will  be  at  least  as  favourably  remembered  in 
the  presence  of  the  Loi-d  Jtsus  Chrht,  at  his  coming :  and  I 
would  have  no  standard  of  honour,  wisdom,  and  happiness, 
which  will  not  stand  the  test  of  that  important  day."t 

The  first  practical  piece  lie  published  was  "  Sermons  on 
the  Education  of  Children,  1732."  This  he  intended  prin- 
cipally for  the  use  of  his  own  congregation,  to  supply,  in 
some  measure,  that  want  of  more  frequent  personal  instruc- 
tions on  the  subject,  which  his  care  of  his  pupils  necessarily 
occasioned.  These  discourses  contain  a  variety  of  import- 
ant advices  and  affecting  motives  in  a  little  compass,  and 
have  been  very  useful  to  assist  parents  in  this  difficult  work. 

His  tender  concern  for  the  rising  generation  showed  itself 

*  Two  pamplilets  were  published,  one  at  London,  tlie  oilier  at  Eilin- 
burffti,  containing  remarks  on  tliis  performance.  J  lie  first,  which  bears  the 
name  of  John  Kennedy,  is  too  triHiiia  to  deserve  further  notice.  The 
second  is  a  very  short  one.  I  he  writer's  principal  dceisn  is  lo  charge  our 
author  with  great  want  of  candour  and  integrity  ;  and  the  irassage  to  whicli 
he  thinks  that  charge  applicable  is  this,  sett.  11). — "The  most  plausible 
objection  that  I  ever  heard  to  Colonel  Oardiner's  characler  is,  that  he  was 
too  much  attached  to  some  religious  principles,  established  indeed  in  the 
churches  both  of  England  and  Scotland  ;  but  which  have,  of  late  years,  tieen 
much  disputed,  and  from  which  it  is  at  least  generally  supposed  tliat  not  a 
few  in  both  have  thought  proper  to  depart;  whatever  expedient  they  may 
liave  found  to  quiet  their  consciences  in  subscribing  those  formularies  in 
which  they  are  plainly  taught.  Ills  zeal  was  especially  apparent  in  oppo- 
sition to  those  doctrines  winch  seemed  to  derogate  from  the  divine  honours 
of  the  Son  and  Spirit  of  God,  and  from  the  freedom  of  divine  glace,  or  the 
reality  and  necessity  of  its  operations  in  the  conversion  and  salvation  of  sin- 
ners." By  "  being  too  much  attached  to  some  religions  principles,  (S.-c." 
it  appears,  from  what  he  ad<ls  afterwards,  and  by  what  I  have  heard  him 
intimate,  that  he  only  meant,  that  the  Colonel  expressed  himself  with  too 
much  displeasure  against  some  ministers,  who  denied  these  principles; 
especially  such  as  had  most  solemnly  professed  to  believe,  and  engaged  to 
teach  them  ;  and  he  might,  in  the  warmth  of  his  zeal,  dropsome  words,  which 
might  be  injurious  to  them  on  this  account.  But  the  passage  which  this 
wrilei  most  highly  resents,  is  what  follows  concerning  some  ministers  de- 
parting from  these  principles.  He  calls  this  "  a  murdering  stroke  ;  a  mur- 
dering stroke  indeed,  if  the  traducing  of  them  as  arrant  knaves  may  be  reck- 
oned so  ;  representing  them  as  a  set  of  men,  who  subscribe  that  they  believe 
doctrines,  from  which  they  have  Ihouglit  proper  to  depart,  to  be  agreeable 
to  the  word  of  God,  and  founded  thereupon,  (for  in  those  terms  iloes  the 
subscription  of  the  ministers  of  the  church  of  Scotland  run,')  and  then  are 
employed  in  finding  out  expedientslwhicli  you  cannot  so  nmch  as  cuess  at) 
to  quiet  their  consciences  in  so  doing."  He  represents  this  as  an  insinuation 
as  grossly  false  as  it  is  maliciously  and  artfully  thrown  out.  He  denies  tins 
to  be  the  case  in  the  church  of  Scotlaml,  with  the  clergy  of  which,  he  saith, 
he  hath  a  pretty  general  acquaintance  ;  and  asserts,  that"  there  is  a  regular 
and  strict  discipline  in  tliat  (hurch,  which  would  soon  pass  a  sentence  of 
deprivation  on  any  one,  who  should  by  overt  acts,  or  declarations  m  words, 
show  that  he  was  departed  from  any  of  their  established  principles."  It  is 
sufficient  to  say,  in  answer  to  this  charge,  that  our  author  grounded  his  sup- 
position on  what  the  Colonel  himself  had  informed  him,  from  his  own  obser- 
vation, of  the  artful  manner  in  which  tenets,  contradicting  the  established 
formularies,  had  been  maintained  and  insinuated  by  some  ministers  of  that 
church,  sect.  IIC;  on  what  he  had  heard  from  other  persons  of  judgment 
and  integrity,  who  were  either  ministers  in  Scotland,  or  had  spent  some  time 
at  the  universities  there  ;  and  on  what  he  had  personally  known  of,  and 
heard  from,  some  divines  of  that  communion.    And  indeed  this  writer  al- 


in  his  "  Sermons  to  Young  People,  published  in  1735," 
and  in  his  "  Principles  of  the  Christian  Religion,  in  Verse, 
for  the  Use  of  Children  and  Youth,  published  in  1743." 
In  this  composition,  which  was  drawn  up  by  the  desire  of 
his  friend  Dr.  Clark,  he  hath  happily  united  ease,  plainness, 
and  elegance. I  And  here  I  may  also  mention  his  prefixing 
a  recommendatory  preface  to  a  small  piece,  entitled  "  Fami- 
liar Dialogues  for  Children,"  which  is  well  adapted  to 
instruct  them  in  their  duty  to  God  and  man,  and  preserve 
them  from  the  vices  and  follies  of  childhood  and  youth,  at 
the  same  time  it  agreeably  entertains  and  amuses  them. 

In  1736,  he  published  "  Ten  Sermons  on  the  Power  and 
Grace  of  Christ,  and  the  Evidences  of  his  Glorious  Gospel." 
The  three  last,  on  the  evidences  of  the  gospel,  were,  in  some 
later  editions,  by  the  particular  desire  of  one  of  the  first  dig- 
nitaries of  the  church  of  England,  printed  so  as  to  be  had 
separate  from  the  former.  They  contain  a  sufficient  defence 
of  Christianity,  and  are  well  adapted  to  the  use  of  those 
whose  office  calls  them  to  defend  it.  It  gave  the  author 
singular  pleasure,  to  know  that  tliese  sermons  were  the 
means  of  convincing  two  gentlemen  of  a  liberal  educa- 
tion and  distinguished  abilities,  who  had  been  deists, 
that  Christianity  was  true  and  divine  :  and  one  of  them,  who 
had  set  himself  zealously  to  prejudice  others  against  the 
evidences  and  contents  of  the  gospel,  became  a  zealous 
preacher,  and  an  ornament  of  the  rehgion  he  had  once 
denied  and  despised. 

In  1741,  the  Doctor  published  some  "  Practical  Dis- 
courses on  Regeneration."  He  was  "  very  sensible  of  the 
importance  of  the  subject  at  all  times ;  and  knowing  that 
several  controversies  had,  about  that  time,  been  raised  con- 
cerning it,  he  chose  to  treat  it  more  largely  than  he  had 
done  before,  lest  these  controversies  should  have  been  the 
means  of  unsettling  men's  minds,  and  have  led  them  into 
some  particular  errors,  and  into  a  general  apprehension  that 
it  was  a  mere  point  of  speculation,  about  which  it  was  not 
necessary  to  form  any  judgment  at  all."  These  lectures, 
being  preached  on  Lord's-day  evenings,  were  attended  with 
uncommon  diligence  by  many  persons  of  different  persua- 
sions ;  and  God  was  pleased  to  make  them  the  means  of 
producing  and  advancing,  in  some  who  heard  them,  the 
change  whicii  they  described  ;  and,  since  their  publication, 
they  have  been  useful  to  the  same  purpose.§ 

In  1745,  he  published  anotiier  practical  treatise,  entitled, 
"  The  Rise  and  Progress  of  Religion  in  tlie  Soul,"  illus- 
trated in  a  course  of  serious  and  practical  addresses,  suited 
to  every  character  and  circumstance,  witii  a  devout  medita- 
tion or  prayer  added  to  each  chapter.  Dr.  Watts  had  pro- 
jected such  a  work  himself;  but  his  growing  infirmities 

lows  it  fo  be  a  supposition  made  by  some  among  themselves.  That  it  has 
been  and  is  the  case  with  many  divines  of  the  church  of  FJwland,  their 
writings  evidently  show.  'Jo  which  I  may  add,  that  some  writers  of  both 
communions  fix  the  charge  upon  some  of  their  brethren,  and  blame  their 
dissimulation  and  hypocrisy  tor  such  a  departure;  though  the  reader  will 
allow  that  our  author  speaks  very  tenderly  of  them  for  it.  He  greatly 
lamented  those  unhappy  terms  of  ailmissioii  into  the  ministry  in  both 
churches,  which  exposed  men  to  the  danger  of  prevarication  and  falsehood, 
or  led  them  lo  sucJi  quieting  expedients  as  he  could  not  but  fear  sat  uneas.v 
on  their  consciences.  He  thought  these  were  "  fetters,  under  the  weigjit 
and  straitness  of  which,  however  they  may  he  gilded  over,  the  worthiest 
persons  that  wear  them  must  secretly  groan."  i  he  candid  reader  will  see, 
from  these  few  remarks  on  this  letter,  why  ourantlior  cliose  to  take  no  pub- 
lic notice  of  it.  1  he  affair  was  too  delicate  to  have  been  canvassed  in  print; 
especially  as  the  characters  of  some  pcisons  might  he  concerned,  for  whom 
he  had  a  great  esteem.  To  which  may  he  added,  that  some  of  his  friends  in 
Scotland,  and  some  too  who  did  not  quite  approve  the  passage  objected  to, 
advised  him  to  take  no  notice  of  this  piece,  as  it  had  met  with  the  general 
contempt  there  which  it  deserved  on  account  of  its  virulency. 

+   ten  Sermons.    Pref. 

j  there  is  some  reason  to  believe  that  they  were  made  use  of  in  the  edu- 
caiion  of  the  royal  children. — K. 

^  The  following  is  a  translation  of  part  of  a  letter,  sent  by  Mr.  William 
Piefl^ers,  one  of  the  ministers  of  Amsterdam,  to  the  printer  of  the  IJntch 
translation  of  this  work.  "  Herewith  I  gratefully  return  you  the  work  of 
T)r.  Doddridge,  concerning  the  >.'ew  Birth,  Salvation  by  Grace,  cVc.  whidi 
I  have  read  more  than  once  with  such  uncommon  pleasure,  that  I  long  lo 
see  all  that  excellent  author  hath  published.  I  did  not  know  him  before  so 
much  as  by  name  ;  but  from  this  incomparable  masterpiece,  in  which  the 
oratory  of  the  ancients  seems  lo  be  revived,  he  appears  to  beavery  great  man. 
tiere  orthodoxy  reigns  joined  with  moderation,  zeal  with  meekness,  deep, 
hiilden  wisdom  with  uncommon  clearness  :  here  simpliiity  shines  without 
coldness,  elegance  without  |>ainting,  and  suhlimity  without  bombast.  Here 
one  is  equally  charmed  with  reason  without  pelagianism,  and  heavenly- 
mindedness  without  enthusiasm.  One  sees  here,  in  a  most  lively  manner, 
what  is  meant  by  leaching  the  truth  in  hie,  and  what  that  wisdom  pro- 
duteth  which  is  from  above,  &c.  I  wish  from  my  heart  that  this  book  was 
used  in  all  families,  and  read  by  every  one,  ot  whatsoever  party  or  per- 
suasion. For  I  am  not  only  assured,  that  every  one  who  has  not  lost  all 
manner  of  taste  will  find  great  satisfaction  from  it,  but  do  not  doubt,  through 
the  Divine  blessing,  it  wnulil  be  of  very  general  and  great  service.  I  think 
deists  ami  even  atlieists  themselves,  by  such  a  manner  of  preaching  and 
writing,  must  be  struck  with  awe  and  reverence  for  the  Christian  religion. 
Happy  land,  where  such  lights  of  the  world  shine,  in  the  midst  of  a  crooked 
and  perverse  generation !" 


HIS  GENIUS  AND  WRITINGS. 


prevented  his  execution  of  it.  He  recommended  it  there- 
fore to  Dr.  Doddridge,  imagining  him  the  fittest  person  of 
his  acquaintance  to  execute  it  in  a  manner  that  would  be 
acceptable  and  useful  to  tlie  world.  It  was  with  some  re- 
luctance he  undertook  such  a  work,  amidst  his  many  other 
weighty  concerns.  But  Dr.  Watts's  heart  was  so  much  set 
upon  the  design,  and  he  urged  his  undertaking  it  with  so 
much  importunity,  that  he  could  not  deny  his  request,  after 
having  been  honoured  with  his  friendship  for  many  years, 
and  receiving  much  assistance  and  encouragement  from  him 
in  several  of  his  undertakings  for  the  good  of  the  church. 

After  this  work  was  finished.  Dr.  Watts  revised  as  much 
of  it  as  his  health  would  admit.  It  is  indeed  a  body  of 
practical  divinity  and  christian  experience;  and  contains,  as 
It  were,  the  substance  of  all  the  author's  preaching :  and, 
considering  how  comprehensive  it  is,  there  is  hardly  any 
single  treatise,  which  may  be  more  serviceable  to  young 
ministers  and  students,  if  they  would  make  it  familiar  to 
their  minds,  and  form  their  discourses  upon  this  model. 
This  book  was  received  with  much  esteem  by  several  per- 
sons of  great  eminence  for  rank,  learning,  and  piety,  both 
clergy  and  laity,  in  the  established  church ;  and  who,  in  a 
very  respectful  manner,  returned  the  author  their  thanks  for 
this  attempt  to  revive  religion.  A  person  of  distinguished 
learning  and  goodness  always  carried  it  with  him,  declaring 
that  it  was  every  tlung  on  the  subject  of  serious  and  prac- 
tical religion.  The  many  editions  it  has  gone  through  in  a 
few  years  with  the  author's  consent,  not  to  mention  a 
pirated  edition  or  two,  and  its  having  been  reprinted  in 
America  and  Scotland,  show  how  well  it  has  been  received 
in  the  world.  The  author  was  favoured  with  many  letters 
from  different  parts  of  these  kingdoms,  America,  and  Hol- 
land, giving  him  an  account  how  useful  it  had  been  for  the 
conversion,  edification,  and  comfort  of  many  persons ;  and 
perhaps  there  is  no  practical  book  better  calculated  for 
general  usefulness.* 

Besides  these,  he  published  two  sermons  on  Salvation  by 
Grace ;  several  single  sermons ;  some  on  particular  occa- 
sions ;  and  charges,  delivered  at  the  ordination  of  some  of 
his  brethren.  There  were  circumstances  relating  to  each, 
that  led  him  to  believe  they  might  be  useful  to  the  public ; 
especially  to  those  who  desired  the  publication,  or  to  whom 

•  Dr.  Ayscougli,  formerly  preceptor  to  the  children  of  Frederic  Prince  of 
Wales,  speaking  of  it,  says,  "  I  presented  your  last  book  to  her  royai 
highness,  and  ought  long  ago  to  have  acquainted  you  with  her  most  gracious 
acceptance  of  it,  and  that  I  was  commanded  to  return  you  her  thanks  for 
it.  't  here  is  indeed  such  a  spirit  of  piety  in  it  as  deserves  the  thanks  of  every 
good  christian.  Pray  God  grant  it  may  have  its  proper  effect  i[i  awakening 
this  present  careless  age,  and  then  I  am  sure  you  will  have  your  end  in 
publishing  it."  Dr.  Thomas  Hunt,  at  that  time  of  Hertford  College,  but 
afterwards  Canon  of  Christ  Church,  and  Kegius  Professor  of  Hebrew  in  the 
uhiversity  of  Oxford,  thus  expressed  himself  concerning  the  same  work  : 
"  With  our  thanks  for  the  favour  of  your  good  company,  be  pleased  to 
accept  of -iour  most  hearty  acknowledgments  for  your  kind  present  of  your 
excellent  piece  on  the  Rise  and  Progress  of  Keligion  in  the  Soul.  A  per- 
formance which  cannot  lail  of  doing  much  good  in  the  world,  as  it  is  judi- 
ciously contrived  to  engage  the  attention  and  improve  the  minds  of  all  sorts 
of  readers;  being  so  plain  as  to  be  intelligible  to  the  lowest  understanding, 
at  the  same  time  that  it  is  so  elegant  as  to  gratify  tlie  highest.  You  may 
assure  yourself.  Sir,  that  it  was  not  in  the  power  of  my  most  pressing 
engagements  to  hinder  me  from  reading  such  a  work  as  this,  and  1  hope  I 
am  much  the  better  for  having  done  so.  ]Sor  would  it  have  been  kind  of  my 
dear  Mrs.  Hunt  not  to  have  given  her  an  opportunity  of  perusing  a  book  from 
which  I  myself  had  received  so  much  benefit.  I  therefore  no  sooner  laid  it 
out  of  my  own  hands  but  I  put  it  into  hers,  where  I  afterwards  oftentimes 
found  it,  and  cannot  easily  tell  you  how  much  she  was  affected  by  it,  nor 
describe  the  gratitude  she  professes  to  owe  to  her  worthy  instructor."  The 
Duchess  of  Somerset  was  equally  pleased  with  the  work.  In  a  letter  written 
to  Dr.  Doddridge,  in  1730,  she  says,  "  I  had  not  the  pleasure  of  being 
acquainted  with  any  of  your  writings  till  I  was  at  Bath,  three  years  ago, 
with  my  poor  lord,  when  an  old  acquaintance  of  mine,  the  dowager  Lady 
Hyndfiird,  recommended  me  to  reaif  the  Rise  and  Progress  of  Religion  in 
the  Soul:  and  1  may  with  truth  assure  you,  that  I  never  was  so  deeply 
affected  with  any  thing  I  ever  met  with  as  with  that  book  ;  and  I  could  not 
be  easy  till  I  had  given  one  to  every  servant  in  my  house,  who  appeared  to 
be  of  a  serious  turn  of  mind."— K. 

t  Happily  he  bad  finished  the  whole  of  the  copy,  in  short  hand,  a  few 
sliglit  notes  towards  tlie  conclusion  excepted,  and  a  larger  part  had  been 
transcribed  for  the  press.  'Ibis  was  the  case  with  all  the  fourth  volume, the 
preface  to  which  had  been  written  by  our  author.  Tn  1754,  that  volume 
was  published,  containing  St.  Paul's  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  and  his  First 
and  Second  Epistles  to  the  Corinthians.  J  he  two  remaining  volumes,  being 
the  fifth  and  sixth,  were  published  l)y  Mr.  Orton,  in  1756.  From  theeditor's 
advertisemt-nt,  it  appears  that  Dr.  Doddridge  had  himself  transcribed  for 
the  press  the  paraphrase,  improvements,  and  notes,  of  the  fourth  and  fifth 
volumes,  and  the  paraphrase  and  improvements  of  the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews, 
and  the  two  first  Epistles  of  St.  .John.  The  notes  on  these  three  Epistles, 
^gether  with  the  paraphrase,  improvements,  and  notes,  on  the  remaining 
Epistles  and  the  Revelation,  were  carefully  transcribed,  either  by  Mr.  Orton 
himself,  or  by  some  of  the  doctor's  pupils,  and  the  transcription  was  com- 
P/'"'^''  several  limes  witLthe  sliort-hand  copy.  An  accident,  which,  during 
the  author's  life,  happened  to  part  of  the  original  manuscript,  deserves  to 
be  recorded.  In  .lune,  1750,  a  hre  broke  out  in  his  study,  occasioned  by  a 
wax  candle  being  left  on  his  writing-desk,  and  consumed  many  of  his  papers, 
anr),  in  particular,  part  of  one  volume  of  the  short-hand  copy  of  the  Family 
Expositor.  The  liglit  of  the  fire  being,  however,  providentially  discovered 
by  an  opposite  neighbour,  who  gave  an  immediate  alarm,  it  was  speedily 
extmguished.  When  the  Doctor  was  informed  of  the  accident,  he  seemed 
most  anxious  about  the  preservation  of  this  manuscript ;  and  when  the 


they  were  first  addressed.  He  thought,  that,  "  as  we  are  so 
near  the  eternal  state,  and  must  so  soon  be  silent  in  the 
dust,  nothing  should  be  neglected,  which  looked  like  a  call 
of  Providence,  directing  any  opportunity  of  doing  good  ; 
though  some  might  think  that  such  publications  were  an 
addition  to  the  number  of  unnecessary  books,  with  which 
the  world  was  before  encumbered." — His  "  Plain  and 
Serious  Address  to  the  Master  of  a  Family,  on  the  im- 
portant subject  of  Family  Religion,"  deserves  particular 
notice,  as  it  hath  passed  through  several  editions,  been 
very  serviceable  to  ministers,  who  by  putting  it  into  the 
hands  of  masters  of  prayerless  families,  might  excite  them 
to  their  duty,  without  being  exposed  to  those  inconve- 
niences, with  which  a  personal  admonition  might,  in 
some  cases  and  with  some  tempers,  be  attended ;  and 
as  the  author's  reasoning  is  so  plain  and  forcible,  as  to 
leave  those  inexcusable,  who,  after  reading  it,  will  con- 
tinue in  this  shameful  and  pernicious  neglect. — Since  his 
decease  his  lesser  pieces  have  been  reprinted  in  three  small 
volumes. 

But  his  capital  work  was  "  The  Family  Expositor,  con- 
taining a  Version  and  Paraphrase  of  tiie  New  Testament, 
with  Critical  Notes,  and  a  Practical  Improvement  of  each 
Section."  He  had  been  preparing  for  this  work  from  his 
entrance  on  the  ministry,  and  kept  it  in  view  in  the  future 
course  of  his  studies.  The  large  list  of  subscribers  to  the 
two  first  volumes,  and  the  names  of  noble,  honourable,  and 
learned  persons,  which  stand  in  it,  show  their  esteem  for  the 
author  and  concern  for  the  advancement  of  religion.  It  is 
natural  to  expect,  that,  after  an  author's  death,  his  friends 
might  be  less  solicitous  to  encourage  the  remaining  part  of 
a  work,  than  that  which  the  author  had  published  ;  and  that 
others,  who  had  no  connexion  with  him,  might  neglect  a 
posthumous  work,  which  was  not  designed  to  help  a  needy 
family  :  yet  the  three  last  volumes,  printed  since  the  author's 
decease,  met  with  great  encouragement ;  and  in  this  view 
the  list  of  subscribers  to  them  is  a  more  honourable  testi- 
mony to  the  merit  of  the  work  than  the  former  was.  It  is 
in  so  many  hands,  and  daily  instructing  and  entertaining  so 
many  devout  christians  and  their  families,  that  I  need  not 
enlarge  on  its  excellency  and  usefulness,  and  the  spirit  of 
piety  and  love  which  breathes  through  the  whole.f 

flames  were  quenched,  it  appeared,  to  his  great  joy  and  surprise,  that  only 
that  part  of  the  volume  which  had  been  transcribed  was  destroyed  ;  that  the 
transcript  laid  in  another  place,  out  of  danger  ;  and  that  all  the  untranscribed 
pages  were  perfectly  legible,  the  edges  of  them  only  being  singed.  "  Being 
an  eye-witness,"  says  Mr.  Orton,  "  of  the  danger  and  deliverance,  I  record 
this  account  of  it,  chiefly  as  it  seems  to  denote  a  particular  care  of  Provi- 
dence in  preserving  tliis  work,  and  a  favourable  omen  that  God  intends  it 
for  extensive  and  lasting  usefulness."  J  hose  who  may  not  carry  their 
notions  so  far  as  Mr.  Orton,  will  sympathise  with  Dr.  Doddridge  lu  the 
pleasure  he  received  in  having  his  manuscript  preserved. 

Of  all  our  author's  writings,  the  Family  Expositor  is  the  most  important 
and  valuable.  It  is  the  work  in  which  he  took  the  greatest  pains,  and  on 
which  his  literary  reputation  principally  depends.  Many  of  his  notes  dis- 
play a  sagacious  and  judicious  spirit  of  criticism,  and  the  practical  reHec- 
tioiis  are  of  general  utility.  How  well  this  work  has  been  received  by  the 
learned  and  pious  world,  is  apparent  from  the  continued  demand  for  it  down 
to  the  present  lime  :  nor  is  its  popularity  likely  to  decrease.  In  passing  a 
just  encomium  upon  tlie  Fainily  Expositor,  it  will  not  be  understood  that 
there  is  any  design  of  asserting  that  it  is  a  performance  which  is  totally- 
exempt  from  imperfections  and  errors.  Such  is  not  the  character  of  the  best 
human  productions.  Diversities  of  sentiment  will  occur  with  regard  to  Dr. 
Doddridge's  interpretations  of  particular  passages,  and  his  criticisms  upon 
them.  Perhaps,  likewise,  in  some  instances,  his  paraphrases  may  be  deemed 
rather  too  redundant.  But  no  observations  of  this  kind  are  inconsistent  with 
allowing  to  the  work  the  praise  of  its  contributing  in  a  high  degree  to  chris- 
tian instruction  and  improvement.  The  proper  inference  to  be  drawn  from 
any  mistakes,  into  which  the  most  successful  elucidations  of  the  Scriptures 
have  fallen,  is  not  to  deprecate  their  general  merit,  but  to  avojd  placing  an 
undue  confidence  on  their  authority.  While  we  thankfully  derive  from  them 
the  assistance  they  are  capable  of  affording  us  in  our  inquiries  into  the 
meaning  of  the  sacred  oracles,  we  should  fully  examine  and  impartially 
judge  for  ourselves. 

Dr.  Doddridge  thought  it  would  contribute  to  the  usefulness  of  his  Ex- 
positor to  digest  the  history  of  the  four  evangelists  intoone  continued  series, 
or,  in  other  words,  to  throw  it  into  the  order  of  a  harmony.  If  such  a 
harmony  could  be  effectually  and  decisively  ascertained,  each  story  and 
discourse  would  be  exhibited  with  all  its  concurrent  circumstances,  as  re- 
corded by  the  sacred  penmen  ;  frequent  repetitions  would  be  prevented  ; 
and  a  multitude  of  seeming  oppositions  be  so  evidently  reconciled,  as  to 
supersede  many  objections,  'these  undoubtedly  are  desirable  objects,  and 
the  attainment  of  them  is  worthy  of  being  sought  for.  \ye  are  indebted  to 
the  exertions  of  those  gentlemen  who  have  laboured  in  this  field  of  theologi- 
cal literature.  Where  they  have  not  sufticiently  succeeded  in  the  main 
point,  they  have  by  their  researches  been  enabled  to  throw  a  new  and  beauti- 
ful light  on  many  passages  of  the  evangelical  historians.  1  hat  there  is  no 
small  difficulty  in  the  general  subject,  is  manifest  from  the  various  systems 
that  have  been  formed  upon  it  by  the  ablest  scholars  and  the  most  judicious 
critics.  . 

One  part  of  Dr.  Doddridge's  Family  Expositor,  which  must  have  cost 
him  uncommon  pains,  was  his  having  every  where  interwoven  the  text  with 
the  paraphrase,  and  carefully  distinguished  the  former  from  the  latter,  by 
the  Italic  character.  By  this  method  it  is  impossible  to  read  the  paraphrase 
without  the  text,  and  every  one  may  immediately  see.  not  only  the  particu- 
lar clause  to  which  any  explication  answers,  but  also  what  are  the  words 
of  the  original,  and  what  merely  the  sense  of  the  commentator.  Nor  was 
our  author  content  with  barely  inserting  the  old  translation,  but  gave  an 
entire  new  version  of  the  whole  Testament,  the  merit  and  usefulness  of 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


It  has  been  already  observed,  that  his  works  have  been 
much  read  and  esteemed  in  these  kingdoms  and  our  colo- 
nies. I  would  add,  that  the  most  considerable  of  them  have 
been  translated  into  foreign  languages,  and  published 
abroad.  His  sermons  on  Regeneration,  Salvation  by  Grace, 
on  the  Power  and  Grace  of  Christ,  and  his  Letter  on 
Family  Prayer,  have  been  translated  into  Dutch ;  the  Me- 
moirs of  Colonel  Gardiner  into  the  Dutch,  French,  and 
German  languages  ;  the  Rise  and  Progress  of  Religion  into 
Dutch,  German,  Danish,  and  French.  It  is  observable, 
that  the  translation  of  it  mto  French  was  undertaken  by  the 
particular  encouragement  of  the  late  Prince  and  Princess 
of  Orange,  and  many  of  the  gentry  in  Holland.  A  protest- 
ant  prince  of  the  empire  wrote  to  the  undertaker  of  it,  pro- 
mising to  recommend  it  to  those  about  him.  Many  persons 
of  quality  and  rich  citizens  in  Germany  and  Switzerland 
were  subscribers  to  it.  A  pious  minister  in  Wales  trans- 
lated it  into  the  Welch  language,  that  it  might  be  read  by 
those  of  his  congregation  who  did  not  understand  English  ; 
and  it  would  have  been  printed,  could  sufficient  encourage- 
ment have  been  procured. — Some  learned  men  undertook  to 
translate  the  former  volumes  of  the  Family  Expositor  into 
German ;  but  an  opposition  was  made  to  its  publication  by 
one  of  the  Lutheran  clergy,  from  an  apprehension  that  his 
interpretation  of  particular  passages,  and  his  reflections  upon 
them,  might  not  agree  with  their  established  principles  or 
form  of  church  government.  Therefore  the  persons  con- 
cerned in  the  translation  first  published  his  Sermons  on 
Regeneration  in  that  language  ;  and  the  moderation  and 
candour  expressed  in  them  quieted  the  opposition,  and  the 
work  was  completed.  These  writings,  thus  translated  and 
published,  have  been  well  received  abroad,  particularly  in 
Holland,  Germany,  and  Switzerland ;  and,  it  is  hoped, 
have  been  the  means  of  spreading  a  spirit  of  piety  and 
charity  in  those  parts  of  the  world. 

Since  the  author's  death,  a  volume  of  his  Hymns  hath 
been  published,  and  his  Theological  Lectures,  of  which 
some  account  was  given  above.  He  intended,  had  God 
spared  his  life,  to  have  published  a  new  translation  of  tlie 
Minor  Prophets,  with  a  Commentary  on  them ;  a  Sermon 
to  Children ;  some  Sacramental  Meditations ;  and  a  Dis- 
sertation on  the  Jewish  Proselytes,  defending  that  opinion 
concerning  them  which  he  mentions  in  some  of  his  notes 
upon  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles.  In  this  last  tract  he  had 
made  considerable  progress,  but  it  is  too  imperfect  to  appear 
in  the  world. 

Besides  his  works  above  mentioned,  he  published  a  short 
Account  of  the  Life  of  Mr.  Thomas  Steffe,  one  of  his  pupils, 
prefixed  to  some  of  his  sermons,  which  were  printed  by  the 
earnest  desire  of  the  congregation  where  he  was  settled  ;  and 
a  dedication  of  an  abridgment  of  Mr.  David  Brainerd's 
Journal  of  his  Mission  among  the  Indians  of  New  Jersey 
and  Pennsylvania,  to  the  Honourable  Society  for  promoting 
Christian  Knowledge  in  the  Highlands  of  Scotland,  and  in 
Popish  and  Infidel  parts  of  the  World ;  by  which  society 
Mr.  Brainerd  was  employed  in  this  work,  and  of  which  so- 
ciety our  author  was  one  of  the  corresponding  members. 
He  also  published  a  small  piece  of  Mr.  Some's,  concerning 
Inoculation  for  the  Small  Pox,  which  was  written  and  pub- 
lished principally  with  a  view  to  remove  the  common  ob- 
jpction  from  a  religious  scruple. 

In  1748,  he  revised  the  Expository  Works  and  other  re- 
mains of  Archbishop  Leighton,  and  translated  his  Latin 
Prelections ;  which  were  printed  together  in  two  volumes 
at  Edinburgh.  The  preparing  these  volumes  for  the  press 
took  up  some  of  his  time  for  several  months,  in  the  intervals 
of  other  business.  But  he  was  far  from  repenting  his  la- 
bour. The  delight  and  edification  which  he  found  in  the 
writings  of  this  wonderful  man,  whom  he  calls  an  adept  in 
true  Christianity,  he  esteemed  a  full  equivalent  for  his  pains ; 
separate  from  all  the  prospect  of  that  effect  which  they  might 
have  upon  others.  He  acknowledges,  in  his  preface,  that 
he  never  spent  a  quarter  of  an  hour  in  reviewing  any  of 
them,  but,  amidst  the  interruption  which  a  critical  exami- 
nation of  the  copy  would  naturally  give,  he  felt  some  im- 

which  will  in  many  respects  be  acknowledged.  This  fianslation  was  ex- 
tracted from  the  paraphrase,  and  published  in  1765,  in  two  volumes,  Hmo. 
witli  some  alterations  and  improvements  by  the  editor,  tosjether  with  an  in- 
troduction, and  a  number  ot  very  short  notes. — K. 

*  Or.  Henry  Miles,ot'Tootin(;,  speakins of  Archbishop  Lei^hfon's  Works, 
said  in  a  letter  to   Dr.   Doddridge,  "  1  bless  God   I  ever   met  with  them. 


pressions  which  he  wished  always  to  retain.  He  found  in 
them  such  heart-affecting  lessonsof  simplicity  and  humility, 
candour  and  benevolence,  exalted  piety  without  the  least 
tincture  of  enthusiasm,  and  an  entire  mortification  to  every 
earthly  interest  without  any  mixture  of  splenetic  resentment, 
as  he  thought  could  hardly  be  found  any  where  else  but  in 
the  sacred  oracles.  He  had  a  cheerful  hope  that  God  would 
make  these  pieces  the  means  of  promoting  the  interest  of 
true  Christianity,  and  also  that  spirit  of  Catholicism  for  which 
the  Archbishop  was  so  remarkable,  and  extending  it  amon^ 
various  denominations  of  Christians  in  the  northern  and 
southern  parts  of  our  island.  In  this  view  he  says,  "  If  the 
sincerest  language  or  actions  can  express  the  disposition  of 
the  heart,  it  wilt  here  be  apparent  that  a  diversity  of  judg- 
ment with  regard  to  episcopacy,  and  several  forms  both  of 
discipline  and  worship  connected  with  it,  have  produced  in 
my  mind  no  alienation,  no  indifference  towards  Archbishop 
Leighton,  nor  prevented  my  delighting  in  his  works  and 
profiting  by  them.  In  this  respect,  I  trust  my  brethren  in 
Scotland  will,  for  their  own  sakes  and  that  of  religion  in 
general,  show  the  like  candour.  On  the  other  side,  as  I 
have  observed  with  great  pleasure  and  thankfulness,  how 
much  many  of  the  established  clergy  in  this  part  of  Britain 
are  advancing  with  moderation  towards  their  dissenting 
brethren,  I  am  fully  assured  they  will  not  like  these  ex- 
cellent pieces  the  worse  for  having  passed  through  my 
hands."* 

In  confirmation  of  what  I  have  said  in  this  chapter,  of 
Dr.  Doddridge's  literary  character,  I  shall  here  subjoin  a 
letter  from  Dr.  Watts  to  Mr.  David  Longueville,  minister  of 
the  English  church  at  Amsterdam.  Such  an  honourable 
testimony  to  Dr.  Doddridge's  merit,  from  so  distinguished 
a  person  as  Dr.  Watts,  especially  as  written  without  his 
knowledge,  may  very  properly  have  a  place  in  this  work. 

"  Rev.  Sir,  It  is  a  very  agreeable  employment  to  which 

you  call  me,  and  a  very  sensible  honour  you  put  upon  me, 
when  you  desire  me  to  give  you  my  sentiments  of  that  re- 
verend and  learned  writer.  Dr.  Doddridge,  to  be  prefixed 
to  a  translation  of  any  of  his  works  into  the  Dutch  tongue. 
I  have  well  known  him  many  years,  and  have  enjoyed  a 
constant  intimacy  and  friendship  with  him  ever  since  the 
providence  of  God  called  him  to  be  a  professor  of  human 
sciences,  and  a  teacher  of  sacred  theology  to  young  men 
amongst  us,  who  are  trained  up  for  the  ministry  of  the 
gospel.  I  have  no  need  to  give  you  a  large  account  of  his 
knowledge  in  the  sciences,  in  which  I  confess  him  to  be 
greatly  my  superior;  and  as  to  the  doctrines  of  divinity  and 
tiie  gospel  of  Christ,  1  know  not  any  man  of  greater  skill 
than  himself,  and  hardly  sufficient  to  be  his  second.  As 
he  hath  a  most  exact  acquaintance  with  the  things  of  God 
and  our  holy  religion,  so  far  as  we  are  let  into  the  know- 
ledge of  them  by  the  light  of  nature  and  the  revelations  of 
Scripture,  so  he  hath  a  most  happy  manner  of  teaching  those 
who  are  younger.  He  hath  a  most  skilful  and  condescend- 
ing way  of  instruction ;  nor  is  there  any  person  of  my  ac- 
quaintance with  whom  I  am  more  entirely  agreed  in  all  the 
sentiments  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ.  He  is  a  most  hearty 
believer  of  the  great  articles  and  important  principles  of  the 
reformed  church  ;  a  most  affectionate  preacher  and  pathetic 
writer  on  the  practical  parts  of  religion ;  and  in  one  word, 
since  I  am  now  advanced  in  age,  beyond  my  seventieth 
year,  if  there  were  any  man  to  whom  Providence  would 
permit  me  to  commit  a  second  part  of  my  life  and  useful- 
ness in  the  church  of  Christ,  Dr.  Doddridge  should  be  the 
man.  If  you  have  read  that  excellent  performance  of  his, 
the  Rise  and  Progress,  &c.  you  will  be  of  my  mind ;  his 
dedication  to  me  is  the  only  thing  in  that  book  I  could 
hardly  permit  myself  to  approve.  Besides  all  this,  he  pos- 
sessetii  such  a  spirit  of  charity,  love,  and  goodness,  towards 
his  fellow-christians,  who  may  fall  into  some  lesser  differ- 
ences of  opinion,  as  becometh  a  follower  of  the  blessed 
Jesus,  his  Master  and  mine.  In  the  practical  part  of  his 
labours  and  his  ministry,  he  hath  sufficiently  shown  himself 
most  happily  furnished  with  all  proper  gifts  and  talents  to 
lead  persons  of  all  ranks  and  ages  into  serious  piety  and 

There  is  a  spirit  in  them  I  never  met  in  any  human  writings,  nor  can  I  read 
many  lines  m  them  without  being  affected  ;  though  you  know  all  his  works 
are  imperfect  and  inaccurate."  Scotland,  in  the  middle  of  the  last  century, 
produced  some  divines,  who  had  imbibed,  in  a  wonderful  manner,  the  genu- 
ine spirit  of  devotion,  and  the  genuine  spirit  of  Christianity. 


HIS  PRIVATE  CHARACTER. 


strict  religion.  I  esteem  it  a  considerable  honour,  which 
the  providence  of  God  hath  done  me,  when  it  makes  use  of 
me,  as  an  instrument  in  his  hands,  to  promote  the  useful- 
ness of  this  great  man  in  any  part  of  the  world  ;  and  it  is 
my  hearty  prayer,  that  our  Lord  Jesus,  the  Head  of  the 
Church,  may  bless  all  his  labours  with  most  glorious  suc- 
cess, either  read  or  heard,  in  my  native  language  or  in  any 
other  tongue.  I  am,  Reverend  Sir,  with  much  smcenty, 
your  faithful  humble  servant,  and  affectionate  brother  in  the 
srospel  of  our  common  Lord, 
"    ^  "ISAAC  WATTS." 


CHAP.  VIII. 

His  private  cliaracter. 

HAVING  considered  Dr.  Doddridge  in  his  public  and 
more  important  relations,  as  a  minister,  tutor,  and  author, 
we  are  now  to  take  a  view  of  his  temper  and  behaviour  in 
private  life,  and  the  many  virtues  which  adorned  his  do- 
mestic and  social  character. 

In  December  1730,  he  married  Mrs.  Mercy  Maris,  a 
native  of  Worcester,  in  whom  he  found  a  prudent,  religious, 
and  affectionate  companion,  and  whom  God  was  pleased 
to  continue  to  him  tlirough  his  whole  life  ;*  though  he  had 
often  been  exercised  with  painful  apprehensions  of  losing 
her  by  some  threatening  disorders.  It  were  easy  to  enlarge 
on  the  affection  and  tenderness  with  which  he  filled  up  this 
relation,  if  the  subject  were  not  of  too  delicate  a  nature  to 
admit  of  a  particular  detail.  It  is  sufficient  to  say,  that  his 
behaviour  in  it  was  founded  on  the  same  excellent  princi- 
ples which  influenced  the  rest  of  his  conduct ;  and  dis- 
covered, in  a  high  degree,  that  sweetness  and  benevolence 
of  temper  for  which  he  was  so  remarkable.  I  shall  only 
add,  as  it  may  be  a  model  to  others,  that  I  find  him,  just 
before  his  marriage,  spending  a  day  in  extraordinary  devo- 
tion, that  by  the  exercises  of  repentance,  faith,  and  prayer, 
he  might  bring  no  guilt  into  that  new  state  to  lessen  its 
comfort,  and  that  he  might  engage  the  divine  blessing  in  it ; 
and  among  some  maxims,  which  he  drew  up  for  his  con- 
duct hi  his  various  relations,  in  the  advance  of  life,  this  is 
inserted  :  "  As  a  husband,  it  shall  be  my  daily  care  to  keep 
up  the  spirit  of  religion  in  my  conversation  with  my  wife, 
to  recommend  her  to  the  divine  blessing,  to  manifest  an 
obliging  tender  disposition  towards  her ;  and  particularly 
to  avoid  every  thing  which  has  the  appearance  of  pettish- 
ness,  to  which,  amidst  my  various  cares  and  labours,  I  may 
in  some  unguarded  moments  be  liable."  He  kindly  in- 
terested himself  in  the  concerns  of  her  relations ;  and  when 
some  of  them  were  in  circumstances  of  very  great  afflic- 
tion, he  exerted  himself  for  their  assistance  and  relief. 

In  the  education  of  his  children,  he  endeavoured  to  act 
upon  the  advices  which  he  recommended  to  others  in  his 
sermons  upon  that  subject.  He  behaved  to  them  in  an 
affectionate  and  condescending  manner,  encouraged  them 
to  use  a  proper  degree  of  freedom  with  him,  and  carefully 
avoided  that  forbidding  air  which  would  have  kept  them  at 
a  distance,  and  rendered  his  instructions  less  pleasing  and 
acceptable.  Though,  through  the  multiplicity  of  his  busi- 
ness, especially  in  the  latter  part  of  his  life,  he  had  less 
time  to  employ  in  their  education  than  he  could  have 
wished,  yet  he  was  very  solicitous  to  take  every  opportu- 
nity of  Impressing  their  minds  with  pious  and  virtuous 
sentiments.  What  his  resolutions  with  regard  to  the  dis- 
charge of  this  important  duty  were,  will  appear  from  the 
following  extract  from  his  papers  :  "  As  a  father,  it  shall  be 
my  care  to  intercede  for  my  children  daily;  to  converse 
with  them  often  upon  some  religious  subject ;  to  drop  some 
short  hints  of  the  serious  kind,  when  there  is  not  room  for 
large  discourse ;  to  pray  sometimes  with  them  separately ; 
to  endeavour  to  bring  them  early  to  communion  with  the 
church ;  to  study  to  oblige  them,  and  secure  their  affectipr* 
He  was  particularly  solicitous  to  form  his  children  to  a 
catholic,  mild,  and  friendly  disposition,  which  he  thought 
of  the  utmost  importance  to  their  own  comfort,  and  their 
esteem  and  usefulness  in  the  world.     He  had  observed, 

*  And  survived  him  a  great  liumbcr  of  years. 


that  "  too  many,  from  their  tenderest  years,  have  been 
taught  to  place  a  part  of  their  religion  in  the  severity  with 
which  they  censure  their  brethren ;  and  that  a  peccant 
humour,  so  early  wrought  into  the  constitution,  will  not 
easily  be  subdued  by  the  most  sovereign  medicmes."  He 
was  therefore  very  careful  not  to  convey  unkmd  prejudices 
into  their  minds,  but  to  educate  them  in  open  and  generous 
sentiments  ;  that  they  might  learn  to  reverence  true  Christi- 
anity, wherever  they  saw  it,  and  to  judge  of  it  by  essentials 
rather  than  by  circumstantials. 

He  behaved  to  his  servants  with  affability  and  kindness. 
Reviling  and  chiding,  his  nature  abhorred ;  and  that  ab- 
horrence increased  the  more  he  studied  the  gospel.  When 
any  thing  was  greatly  amiss  in  their  behaviour,  he  privately 
and  calmly  argued  the  matter  with  them,  admonished  them, 
and  attended  the  admonition  with  prayer.  He  was  espe- 
cially concerned  that  they  might  be  truly  pious :  for  this 
end  "he  gave  them  Bibles,  and  practical  treatises,  and  ofter 
on  the  Lord's-day  evening  discoursed  seriously  with  then 
by  themselves,  and  prayed  with  them.  Thus  did  he  ^valk 
before  his  house  with  an  upright  heart,  and  laboured  that 
they  might  serve  the  Lord,  and,  when  they  left  his  family, 
might  be  blessings  to  other  families  in  which  they  might  be 
fixed.  Nothing  severe,  sour,  or  peevish,  was  seen  in  his 
deportment  to  any  of  his  domestics.  He  considered  them 
all  as  his  children,  and  endeavoured  to  draw  them  to  their 
duty  with  the  cords  of  love. 

It  would  be  unpardonable,  in  this  account  of  Dr. 
Doddridge,  to  omit  his  character  as  a  friend,  in  which  he 
shone  so  illustriously.  He  had  a  sublime  idea  of  friend- 
ship, and  a  heart  turned  to  relish  its  noblest  joys.  He 
used  often  to  say,  "  Blessed  be  God  for  friendship,  and  the 
hope  of  its  being  perfected  and  eternal  above !  If  it  be  so 
delightful  on  earth,  amidst  our  mutual  imperfections,  what 
will  it  be  in  heaven  ! "  He  thus  wrote  to  his  best  friend.  Dr. 
Clark  :  "  It  is  a  great  satisfaction  to  me  to  think,  that  when 
you  cannot  speak  to  me,  you  can  sfieak  to  God  for  me ;  and 
however  Providence  may  dispose  of  me  for  the  present,  I 
hope  we  are  to  live  near  each  other  in  a  better  world,  where  I 
may  be  for  ever  improving  by  your  conversation,  and  for  ever 
acknowledging,  and  perhaps  repaying,  those  obligations, 
which  do  so  immediately  relate  to  that  state,  that  I  cannot 
but  think  they  will  be  most  gratefully  remembered  there." 
God  honoured  him  with  many  valuable  and  faithful  friends ; 
and  were  it  proper  to  mention  their  names,  it  would  appear 
to  all  who  know  them,  how  justly  he  valued  them,  and 
thought  himself  happy  in  their  esteem  and  affection.  His 
learning,  piety,  and  politeness,  recommended  him  to  the 
esteem  and  friendship  of  several  of  high  rank  and  dis- 
tinguished learning,  both  among  the  clergy  and  laity,  with 
whom  he  kept  up  a  correspondence.  From  them  he  re- 
ceived very  obliging  letters,  expressing,  in  strong  terms,  the 
regard  they  had  for  his  works,  and  the  benefit  they  had 
found  from  them.  The  esteem  of  such  persons  for  one  in 
his  station  was  an  ample  testimony  to  his  great  merit;  as 
nothing  but  his  personal  qualifications  could  recommend 
him  to  their  notice.  He  often  improved  his  acquaintance 
with  persons  of  superior  rank  and  fortune,  to  obtain  assist- 
ance for  some  distressed  objects,  whose  case  he  knew ;  but 
solicited  no  favours  for  himself.  In  his  plan  of  secret  de- 
votion his  friends  had  a  considerable  share ;  and  on  days 
of  extraordinary  devotion  he  prayed  for  them  separately,  if 
there  was  any  thing  peculiar  in  their  circumstanct  j  that  re- 
quired his  remembrance.  He  esteemed  it  the  duty  of 
friends  daily  to  pray  for  one  another,  as  a  proper  expression 
and  the  firmest  support  of  their  friendship ;  and  he  counted 
the  prayers  of  his  friends  among  his  most  valuable  treasures. 
When  he  had  occasion  to  mention  some  persons  of  emi- 
nence as  his  friends,  he  would  sometimes  add,  "  Tliough  T 
do  not  merit  such  friends,  I  know  how  to  value  them,  and 
I  bless  God  for  them.  I  am  not  insensible  of  the  blessing, 
and  I  hope  ingratitude  does  not  secretly  lurk  in  any  comer 
of  my  heart."  He  always  esteemed  it  the  truest  act  of 
friendship  to  use  mutual  endeavours  to  render  the  chai'ac- 
ters  of  each  other  as  blameless  and  as  valuable  as  possible. 
He  often  acknowledged  that  he  looked  upon  it  as  a  singu- 
lar mercy  of  his  life  that  God  had  raised  him  up,  from  time 
to  time,  wise  and  judicious  friends,  who  had  his  interest  at 
heart ;  and  their  prudent  cautions  were  the  means  of  pre- 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


serving  liim  from  many  temptations  and  indiscretions,  to 
which  the  natural  gaiety  and  sprightliness  of  his  temper, 
especially  in  younger  life,  exposed  him.  No  one  had  a 
juster  sense  of  the  worth  of  such  friends,  and  would  more 
readily  hearken  to  their  admonitions  ;  and  he  always  owned 
the  goodness  of  God  in  giving  him  a  heart  to  make  a 
proper  use  of  them.  "  I  have  never  felt,"  saith  he,  "  a  more 
affectionate  sense  of  my  obligations,  than  when  those  worthy 
persons,  who  have  honoured  me  with  their  affection  and 
correspondence,  have  freely  told  me  wliat  they  thought 
amiss  in  my  temper  and  conduct."  When  one  of  his  friends 
had  made  an  apology  for' his  freedom,  in  giving  him  a  hint 
of  this  kind,  he  answered,  "  I  thank  God  I  have  not  that 
delicacy  of  temper,  that  a  friend  should  need  to  make  an 
apology  for  saying  and  doing  a  kind  and  proper  thing,  when 
there  is,  what  the  foolish  taste  of  the  present  age  may  some- 
times call,  a  freedom  taken  in  it.  Freedom  in  friendship  is 
the  very  soul  of  it,  and  its  necessary  test  and  support." 
Many  of  his  friends  well  know  what  pains  he  took,  in  his 
correspondence  with  them,  to  maintain  in  their  hearts  a 
pious  disposition  and  an  active  zeal  to  promote  the  interest 
of  religion.  He  longed  for  o|)portunities  of  personal  con- 
verse with  them,  that  his  own  heart  and  theirs  might  be 
quickened  thereby  in  the  service  of  their  common  Lord. 
Thus  he  writes  to  a  friend  :  "  I  hope  soon  to  see  you,  and 
that  your  company  will  be  a  blessing.  I  want  every  help 
to  raise  my  heart  to  God,  and  keep  it  stedfast  with  him. 
Indeed  I  can  say,  I  feel  earth  and  all  its  concerns  growing 
daily  less  and  less  to  me  Tlie  chief  thing  I  value  in  it, 
next  to  the  enjoyment  and  service  of  God,  is  the  love  and 
converse  of  my  dear  friends."  He  often  used  to  express  the 
pleasure  he  had  in  the  enjovment  of  his  friends,  as  giving 
him  a  delightful  foretaste  of  the  happiness  of  the  heavenly 
world  ;  and  the  snaffes  and  afflictions  which  arose  even  from 
friendship,  as  increasing  his  desire  of  that  perfect  state.  He 
thus  wrote  to  one  of  his  most  esteemed  friends,  in  the  year 
1722:  "Your  reflections  upon  the  love  of  God  and  the 
vanity  of  creature-love  are  just  and  pathetic,  and  I  enter 
fully  into  the  spirit  of  them.  I  have  a  few  darling  friends, 
yet  from  them  I  meet  with  frequent  disappointments.  You, 
in  particular,  are  always  friendly  and  kind  when  I  see  you, 
and  frequently  favour  me  with  your  letters ;  yet  though  I 
have  some  of  the  most  delightful  parts  of  friendship  with 
you,  the  pain  of  parting  and  the  impatience  of  absence 
imbitter  even  tliese.  Yea,  pardon  me  if  I  confess,  that 
were  I  to  converse  more  intimately  with  yon,  I  sliould  meet 
with  greater  uneasiness.  My  present  "happiness  lies  so 
much  in  my  friends  that  they  frequently  discompose  me. 
I  feel  their  afflictions  more  than  my  own,  and  am  tormented 
with  a  thousand  imaginary  fears  on  their  account,  which  my 
affection  and  not  my  reason  suggests.  Everv  thing  which 
looks  like  a  slight  or  neglect  from  them  touches  me  to  the 
quick ;  and  when  I  imagine  they  are  out  of  humour,  I  am 
so  far  from  being  cheerful,  that  I  can  hatdly  be  good- 
natured.  If  they  look  upon  me  a  little  more  coldly  than 
ordinary,  while  tiiey  express  their  affection  for  another,  I 
am  uneasy;  and  a  thousand  minute  occurrences,  which 
others  take  no  notice  of,  are  to  me  some  of  the  most  solid 
afflictions  of  life.  They  unfit  me  for  pleasure  and  business  ; 
may  God  forgive  me !  they  unfit  me  forr  devotion  too.  God 
and  the  important  concernments  of  the  eternal  world  are 
neglected  and  forgotten,  while  these  trifles  are  admired  and 
pursued. 

"  And  now,  if  the  immoderate  love  of  the  most  excellent 
creatures  hath  such  unliappy  consequences,  let  us  learn  to 
place  our  supreme  affection  upon  our  Creator;  for  it  is  that 
alone  wliich  can  afford  us  lasting  satisfaction.  And  cer- 
tainly, if  we  could  but  persuade  ourselves  to  love  the 
blessed  God  as  we  ought,  the  happiness  of  this  life,  as  well 
as  tlie  hopes  of  the  next,  would  be  fixed  upon  tlie  most 
solid,  unshaken  basis.  We  should  have  all  ttie  transports 
of  the  most  unbounded  passion,  without  any  of  the  anguish 
and  perturbation  of  it.  He  has  no  sorrows  to  be  condoled, 
no  unkindness  to  be  suspected,  no  change  to  be  feared."  The 
united  power  of  the  creation  cannot  give  him  one  moment's 
uneasiness,  nor  separate  us  one  moment  from  his  presence 
and  favour;  but  the  great  object  of  our  wishes  and  hopes 
would  be  for  ever  happy  and  for  ever  our  own.  W^e  might 
converse  with  him  in  the  most  intimate  and  endearing 
manner,  in  every  place  and  in  every  circumstance  of  life. 


Every  affliction  would  then  be  light,  and  every  duty  easy. 
How  ardently  should  we  embrace  every  opportunity  of 
doing  some  little  matter  to  testify  our  respect  and  affection 
for  him !  What  a  relish  would  it  give  to  every  common 
enjoyment  of  life,  to  consider  it  as  coming  from  his  hand ; 
and  that  he  sends  it  as  a  small  token  of  his  love,  and  as  the 
pledge  of  something  infinitely  more  valuable !  Death  itself 
would  be  unspeakably  desirable,  when  we  could  consider  it 
in  this  view,  as  retiring  with  the  best  of  our  friends  into  a 
nobler  apartment,  to  spend  an  eternity  in  his  delightful 
company,  without  the  least  interval  of  sorrow,  absence,  or 
indifference.  It  is  a  happy  state ;  but,  alas !  my  friend, 
when  shall  we  arrive  at  it?  In  the  mean  time,  let  us 
cherish  this  love  to  him,  and  labour  after  more  elevated 
devotion  ;  but  we  cannot  expect  it,  at  least  for  any  con- 
stancy, until  we  have  subdued  or  regulated  every  meaner 
passion." 

Having  endeavoured  to  lead  my  readers  into  Dr.  Dod- 
dridge's private  and  domestic  character,  and  laid  open  as 
much  of  his  connexions  and  correspondence  as  may  be 
useful,  I  shall  now  proceed  to  give  some  account  of  the 
manner  in  which  he  employed  his  time,  his  leading  views, 
his  habitual  temper,  the  graces  for  which  he  was  most 
eminent ;  and  mention  some  circumstances  and  incidents, 
by  which,  it  is  generally  allowed,  a  person's  real  character 
may  be  best  known.  I  hope,  by  this  means,  to  carry  on 
my  principal  design,  whicii  is,  to  propose  a  good  example 
to  the  world,  especially  to  those  who  are  honoured  with  the 
christian  ministry  ;  and  furnish  them  with  some  maxims  of 
wisdom  and  prudence,  which  will  result  from  the  various 
lights  in  which  we  are  to  consider  him,  and  the  several 
scenes  through  which  he  passed. 

[To  prevent  some  inconveniences  arising  from  the  un- 
avoidable length  of  this  chapter,  it  may  be  proper  to  divide 
it  into  sections.]  . 


SECTION  I. 

Ilis  uncommon  diligence,  activity,  and  resolution  in  the  despatch  of 
business. 


This  was  the  most  striking  part  of  his  character,  and  must 
be  in  general  visible  to  every  one  who  is  acquainted  with 
his  writings,  and  considers  his  relations  as  pastor  of  a 
numerous  congregation,  and  an  instructor  of  youth  intended 
for  the  ministry.  With  what  assiduity  he  applied  himself 
to  his  studies,  while  a  pupil  and  during  his  retirement  at 
Kibworth,  has  been  shown,  chap.  i.  and  ii.  Yet  so  intent 
was  his  heart  upon  the  great  work  in  which  he  was  engaged, 
that  while  others  applauded  his  diligence  in  that  period,  he 
deeply  lamented  his  mispence  of  much  time.  I  will  insert 
one  of  his  mournful  reflections  on  this  subject,  as  a  speci- 
men of  others,  and  to  subserve  my  main  intention  :  "  Upon 
reviewing  the  last  year,  I  find  that  I  have  trifled  away  a 
great  deal  of  time.  Not  to  speak  of  that  which  hath  been 
lost  in  formal  devotion,  and  an  indolent  temper  in  the 
despatch  of  business,  I  find,  upon  computation,  that  I  have 
lost  some  hundred  hours  by  unnecessary  sleep.  I  have 
lost  many  in  unnecessary  visits,  journeys  of  pleasure,  or  of 
business  prolonged  to  an  unseasonable  length,  and  by  in- 
dulging vain  rovinfr  thoughts  while  travelling.  A  multitude 
of  precious  hours  have  been  lost  in  unprofitable  discourse, 
when  I  have  been  necessarily  engaged  in  company ;  for 
want  of  taking  care  to  furnish  myself  with  proper  subjects 
of  conversation,  or  not  making  use  of  them,  or  not  at- 
tending to  opportunities  of  introducing  profitable  dis- 
course." 

In  following  years  he  laments  the  mispence  of  time  in  his 
youth  ;  and  reflects  what  superior  improvements  he  might 
have  made  in  learning  and  piety,  and  how  much  more 
useful  he  might  have  been,  had  he  exerted  more  diligence 
in  those  days  when  he  had  fewer  avocations  than  when  he 
lived  in  a  large  town,  appeared  under  a  more  public 
^i^|2f  ter,  and  his  labours  and  connexions  were  increased. 
He  endeavoured  then  to  make  up  what  he  thought  his 
culpable  deficiency,  by  habitual  diligence  in  this  proper 
business.  In  this  view  he  rose  early  and  sat  up  late.  He 
reckoned  the  smallest  parcels  of  time  precious,  and  was 
eager  to  seize  every  moment,  even  while  he  was  waiting  for 


HIS  DILIGENCE  AND  RESOLUTION. 


dinner,  company,  or  his  pupils  assembling:  tOiretlier,  that  he 
miijht  make  some  advance  in  the  work  he  was  about. 
Doing  notliing  was  his  greatest  fatigue.  He  thought,  and 
often  told  his  pupils,  that  one  good  work  was  the  best  re- 
laxation from  another ;  and  thfrefore  he  would  not  allow 
anv  chasm  between  the  several  kinds  and  branches  of  busi- 
ness he  was  to  transact.  He  found  it  an  infelicity  to  have 
his  thoughts  divided  between  two  affairs  which  lay  before 
him  ;  and  observed,  that .  s  much  time  had  been  sometimes 
spent  in  deliberating  which  of  the  two  should  be  entered 
upon  first,  as  would  have  finished  one,  if  not  both.  To 
prevent  this,  he  laid  as  exact  a  plan  of  business  as  he  could 
at  the  beginning  of  every  year;  but  as  this  alone  was  too 
complicated  and  extensive,  he  had  also  his  plan  for  every 
month,  and  sometimes  for  every  week,  besides  what  was  to 
be  done  in  his  stated  course  of  lectures  and  public  services. 
He  contrived  to  have  a  few  hours  every  week,  to  which  no 
particular  business  was  allotted ;  these  he  set  down  as  a 
kind  of  cash  account,  in  which  any  unexpected  affair  was 
to  be  transacted,  or  the  time  lost  by  accidental  hinderances 
might  be  in  some  measure  retrieved,  without  breaking  in 
upon  his  general  plan. 

Through  all  his  riper  years  he  kept  an  exact  account 
how  he  spent  his  time;  when  he  rose;  how  many  hours 
had  been  employed  in  study,  or  the  more  public  duties  of 
his  station ;  how  much  time  was  really,  at  least  in  his  ap- 
prehension, trifled  away,  and  what  were  the  causes  of  us 
loss.  Under  this  last  particular,  I  find  him  lamenting 
taking  up  a  book,  with  which  he  had  no  immediate  con- 
cern, and  which  yet  engaged  his  attention,  and  so  broke  in 
upon  the  proper  duties  of  his  study.  He  laments,  on 
another  occasion,  pursuing  too  long  some  abstruse  mathe- 
matical inquiries,  the  advantages  of  which  were  by  no  means 
an  equivalent  for  the  time  "employed  in  them.  He  often 
com|)lains  of  the  loss  of  time  by  some  visits  which  civility 
and  good  manners  obliged  him  to  pay ;  and  resolves  not 
to  make  himself  such  a  slave  to  the  customs  of  the  world, 
as  to  neglect  more  important  duties  out  of  regard  to  them. 
He  found  even  friendship  a  snare  to  him ;  and  that  the 
companv  of  his  ft-iends  produced  some  ill  effects,  with  re- 
gard to  his  business  and  religious  frame.  "  While  I  have 
had  company  with  me,"  he  writes,  "  my  work  hath  been 
interrupted;  secret  devotion  straitened;  the  divine  life  je^ 
duced  to  a  low  ebb,  as  to  its  sensible  workings,  thoueh  my 
heart  continued  right  with  God."  At  another  time ;  "  Too 
much  company,  though  very  agreeable  to  me,  led  me  to 
neglect  some  part  of  my  business,  and  turned  that,  in  which 
I  so  much  rejoiced  as  a  very  pleasing  circumstance,  into  a 
mischief  rather  than  a  benefit.  Had  I  been  resolute  to  > 
liave  commanded  an  hour  or  two  in  the  morning,  I  should 
have  been  less  embarrassed  through  the  day.  I  will  there- 
fore be  more  watchful  and  self-denying  on  this  head."  He 
was  desirous  to  do  the  work  of  every  day  in  its  day,  and 
never  defer  it  till  the  morrow ;  knowing  there  would  be 
business  enough  remaining  for  that  day,  and  all  the  days 
and  hours  of  his  life.  He  thought  (and  his  own  temper 
showed  it)  that  activity  and  cheerfulness  were  so  nearly 
allied,  that  one  can  hardly  take  a  more  effectual  method  to 
secure  the  latter,  than  to  cultivate  the  former ;  especially 
when  it  is  employed  to  sow  the  seeds  of  an  immortal  har- 
vest, which  will  be  rich  and  glorious,  in  proportion  to  our 
present  diligence  and  zeal. 

So  solicitous  was  he  to  improve  every  moment,  that  one 
of  his  pupils  generally  read  to  him  when  he  was  dressing 
and  shaving.  In  these  short  intervals  he  was  improving 
himself  and  them  by  remarking  on  their  manner  of  reading, 
and  pointing  out  to  them  the  excellences  or  defects  of 
sentiment  and  language  in  the  book  read.  When  he  was 
upon  a  journey,  or  occasional  visits  to  his  friends,  where 
he  spent  the  night,  he  took  his  papers  with  him,  and  em- 
ployed all  the  time  he  could  seize,  especially  his  morning 
hours,  in  carrying  on  some  good  work  for  his  people,  his 
pupils,  or  the  world.  While  he  was  preparing  his  Family 
Expositor  for  the  press,  he  did  something  at  it  daily.  When 
an  intimate  friend  had  expressed  some  fear,  lest  his  academy  > 

Sometimes  he  lightened  his  burden,  by  matiins  use  of  the  pen  of  his 
pupils,  to  whoni  he  dictated  his  letters,  while  he  himself  went  on  with  his 
ramily  Expositor,  or  any  other  work  in  which  he  was  employed.  I  was 
not  untrequently  either  his  amanuensis  on  these  occasions,  or  read  to  him 
while  he  answered  his  correspondents. — K. 
t  A  very  honourable  part  of  Dr.  Doddridge's  correspondence  was  that 


should  be  neglected,  while  he  was  preparing  some  works 
for  the  public,  he  thus  wrote  to  him :  "  So  far  as  I  can  re- 
collect, I  never  omitted  a  single  lecture  on  account  of  any 
of  the  books  that  I  have  published.  The  truth  is,  I  do  a 
little  now  and  then ;  something  every  day,  and  that  carries 
me  on.  I  have  wrote  some  of  my  pieces  in  short-hand, 
and  got  them  transcribed  by  my  pupils,  and  thus  I  do  by 
many  letters.  This  is  a  help  to  me,  and  some  considerable 
advantage  to  those  whom  I  employ.  I  scarce  fail  being  in 
the  lecture-room  three  hours  every  morning;  that  carries 
me  through  my  stated  work,  and,  with  the  concurrence  of 
my  assistant,  I  oversee  the  academy  pretty  well." — So  great 
was  his  diligence  in  his  Master's  work,  that  he  often 
preached  several  days  in  a  week  in  different  villages  about 
NfTthampton,  and  chose  the  evening  for  those  services,  that 
his  lectures  might  not  be  omitted. — During  his  annual 
vacation,  which  continued  two  months,  one  of  them  was 
usually  spent  in  close  study,  pastoral  visits,  or  making  little 
circuits  among  the  neighbouring  congregations,  by  the  de- 
sire of  their  respective  pastors ;  preaching  to  each  in  his 
way,  not  excepting  some  of  different  sentiments  and  de- 
nominations from  himself.  In  the  other  month,  he  visited 
his  friends  in  London,  and  other  parts  of  the  kingdom,  find- 
ing such  excursions  and  journeys  serviceable  to  his  health; 
yet  he  pursued  his  studies  and  writings,  and  frequently 
preached  occasional  sermons,  especially  in  London  and  its 
environs,  almost  every  day.  I  find  that  in  some  years  he 
preached  one  hundred  and  forty  times,  in  others  many  more; 
besides  his  repetitions,  expositions,  and  devotional  lectures 
at  home.  So  that  the  exhortations  he  gave  his  brethren,  in 
his  discourse  on  "  The  Evil  and  Danger  of  neglecting"  the 
Souls  of  Men,"  came  with  peculiar  giace  and  propriety 
from  him,  as  they  were  illustrated  by  his  own  example. 

Nor  must  I,  in  this  connexion,  omit  his  correspondence  ; 
which  was  almost  large  enough  to  have  taken  up  the  whole 
time  of  a  person  of  common  abilities  and  industry.*  His 
letters  were  principally  of  business,  and  that  of  the  most 
important  kinds.  Besides  his  con-espondence  with  the 
parents  and  guardians  of  his  pupils,  he  nad  many  letters  to 
write  in  answer  to  questions  of  moment,  proposed  to  him 
by  his  brethren,  especially  those  who  had  been  his  pupils, 
and  by  congregations  at  a  distance,  who  applied  to  him 
for  direction  and  assistance.  His  judgment  was  often  de- 
*sired  by  learned  men,  concerning  critical  difficulties,  or 
works  which  they  were  preparing  for  the  press  ;  and  his 
own  publications  would  naturally  enlarge  his  work  of  this 
kind.  His  correspondence  with  some  persons  of  the  first 
rank  for  wisdom  and  learning  in  the  established  church  re- 
quired much  attention  and  delicacy.  Several  foreign  gen- 
tlemen and  divines,  who  had  heard  of  his  character  and 
read  his  works,  sought  his  epistolary  acquaintance,  and 
corresponding  with  them  in  Latin  or  French  required  some 

E articular  application.  It  is  surprising  to  find  how  many 
undred  letters  he  received  and  answered  in  the  space  of 
one  year.f  I  may  say  of  him,  as  Pliny  of  his  uncle, 
"  When  I  consider  his  despatch  of  so  much  business,  I 
wonder  at  the  multiplicity  of  his  reading  and  writing ;  and 
when  I  consider  this,  I  wonder  at  that."  But  his  resolu- 
tion was  indefatigable,  and  God  had  given  him  a  happy 
facility  in  the  despatch  of  business.  He  was  master  of  the 
contents  of  a  book  upon  a  summary  view,  and  could  rea- 
dily express  his  thoughts  upon  the  most  abstruse  questions 
with  ease  and  perspicuity.  It  is  wonderful  that  his  tender 
constitution  should,  for  so  many  years,  support  such  an  in- 
tense application  to  business,  so  unfavourable  to  health. 
His  friends  were  often  expressing  their  painful  apprehen- 
sion that  it  would  impair  his  health  and  shorten  his  days, 
and  addressing  him  with  that  carnal  advice.  Master,  spare 
thyself:  and,  with  regard  to  his  last  illness  in  particular, 
it  might  have  been  happy  for  them  and  the  world  had  he 
regarded  it.  But  love  to  God  and  man,  and  zeal  for  the 
salvation  of  souls,  bore  him  on.  He  needed  no  recreation  ; 
for  his  work  was  his  highest  pleasure.  When  he  saw  any 
success  oMiis  labours,  and  found  that  his  writings  were 
usefial^to  many,  it  gave  him  fresh  spirits  and  resolution. 

which  he  maintained  with  some  of  the  brightest  ornaments  both  among  the 
clergy  and  laity  of  the  established  church.  This  is  apparent  from  the  collec- 
tion of  letters  lately  published.  We  there  see  how  much  he  was  esteemed, 
and  how  highly  he  was  thought  of,  by  the  first  religious  and  literary  charac- 
ters of  the  age. — K. 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


When  he  was  advised  by  a  friend  to  relax  a  little,  and  not 
preach  so  often,  his  answer  was, "  Be  in  no  pain  about  me. 
I  hope  that  we  have  the  presence  of  God  among  us,  and 
that  he  is  bearing  testimony  to  the  word  of  his  gi-ace.  I 
take  all  the  care  of  my  health  which  is  consistent  with  do- 
ing the  proper  duties  of  life ;  and  when  I  find  myself  re- 
freshed rather  than  fatiQ,-ued  with  these  attempts  of  service, 
I  cannot  think  myself  fairly  discharged  from  continuing 
them."  To  another  friend  he  thus  writes  :  "  I  am  indeed 
subject  to  a  little  cough,  but  I  never  preached  with  more 
freedom  and  pleasure.  I  am  generally  employed,  with 
very  short  intervals,  from  morning  to  night,  and  have  sel- 
dom more  than  six  hours  in  bed ;  yet  such  is  the  goodness 
of  God  to  me,  that  I  seldom  know  what  it  is  to  be  weary. 
T  hope  my  labours  are  not  in  vain.  There  are  those  who 
drink  in  the  word  with  great  eagerness ;  and  I  hope  it  will 
be  found,  that  it  is  not  merely  as  the  barren  sand  drinks 
in  the  rain,  but  rather  that  it  "falls  on  ground  which  divine 
grace  will  make  prolific.  This  animates  me  to  my  labours." 
In  short,  he  lived  much  in  a  little  time ;  and  thought  it 
was  better  to  wear  himself  out  in  his  Master's  service, 
than  rust  in  literary  indolence,  or  drag  on  a  lontjer  life, 
when  his  vivacity  and  activity  might  be  so  much  dimi- 
nished, as  in  the  course  of  nature  they  generally  are.  The 
motto  of  his  family  arms  was  Dum  vivinuis  vivumm  ;  under 
which  he  wrote  the  following  lines,  very  expressive  of  his 
general  temper : — 

"  Live,  while  you  live,"  the  epicure  would  say, 
"  And  seize  the  pleasures  ot  the  present  day."* 
"  Live,  while  you  live,"  the  sacred  preacher  cries, 
"  And  give  to  God  eacli  moment  as  it  flies. "t 
"  Lord,  in  my  views  let  both  united  be  : 
"  1  live  in  pleasure,  when  1  live  to  tAee."l 


SECTION  II. 

His  attempts  to  do  good,  and  to  promote  and  encourage  the  zeal  of  olliers, 
beyond  the  limits  of  bis  own  congregation  and  family. 

We  have  seen  what  uncommon  and  almost  unparalleled 
diligence  Dr.  Doddridge  exercised,  and  with  wiiat  care  he 
applied  himself  to  the  duties  of  his  station,  as  a  pastor  and 
a  tutor.  But  that  zeal  for  God  and  pious  concern  for  the 
salvation  of  men,  which  glowed  in  his  breast,  and  led  him 
to  this  diligence,  carried  him  yet  further;  and  excited  him 
to  embrace  every  opportunity  of  doing  good  to  the  souls  of 
his  fellow-creatures.  He  oiPten  conversed  with  strangers, 
whom  he  accidentally  met  with,  about  their  religious  con- 
cerns, in  a  prudent  and  friendly  manner.  There  are  some 
instances  of  this  kind  mentioned  in  his  pa])ers,  where  he 
had  reason  to  hope  that  a  serious  lasting  impression  was 
made  upon  their  hearts  by  such  conversation. — He  gene- 
rally attended  the  condemned  malefactors  at  Northampton, 
with  a  compassionate  view  to  promote  their  salvation.  Be- 
sides conversing  and  praying  with  them,  he  expounded 
and  preached  to  them ;  and  once  he  expounded  the  fifty- 
first  Psalm  to  several,  who  were  to  suffer  togethei-,  with 
which  they  seemed  to  be  much  affected.  Moreover  he 
laboured  to  quicken  all,  to  whom  he  had  access,  to  pious 
and  benevolent  services,  and  to  assist  and  encourage  those 
who  were  employing  their  time  and  abilities  in  them.  He 
thought  a  prudent  active  zeal  for  the  interest  of  religion  one 
of  the  best  evidences  of  a  pious  heart.  Thus,  writing  to  a 
friend,  he  saith  :  "  I  am  just  returned  from  visiting  your 
relation.  I  find  her  in  a  peaceable  and  happy  state,  amidst 
almost  total  blindness,  deafness,  atid  other  infirmities  of 
age.  She  is  not  indeed  favoured  with  such  sensible  sup- 
ports and  manifestations  of  the  divine  love  as  she  could 
wish  ;  but  hath,  what  I  think  yet  more  desirable,  a  most 
affectionate  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God  and  good  of  men, 
and  talks  with  such  a  hearty  concern  for  the  interest  of  real 
religion  as  revived  my  heart." 

He  greatly  lamented  the  indolence  of  many  chi-istian 
ministers ;  even  some  that  were  most  distinguished  for 
their  philosophical  and  critical  learning.  While  he  saw  no 
evidence  that  it  was  applied  to  the  grand  ends  of  the  minis- 

•  1  Cor.  XV.  .12.  t  Eccl.  ix.  x. 

t  TiT.  Johnson's  opinion  of  these  lines  was,  that  they  constituted  one  of  the 
finest  epigrams  in  the  English  language. 

Mr.  I)o(ldridge  had  a  talent  at  satirical  epigrams  ;  an  instance  of  which 
isthefollowina,  written  on  one  of  his  pupils,  a  weak  young  man,  who  thought 
that  he  hatl  invented  a  method  of  flymg  to  the  moon  ; 


try,  he  looked  upon  it  as  little  better  than  laborious  trifling. 
One  of  his  brethren  of  great  abilities  was  so  fond  of  retire- 
ment and  study,  that  he  was  averse  to  settling  with  a  con- 
gregation, and  to  any  public  services :  to  him  he  thus  ad- 
dressed in  1724  :  "  I  am  sorry  that  you  think  of  spending 
your  life  in  a  hermitage,  in  this  learned  and  polite  luxury. 
God  hath  endowed  you  with  capacities,  which  are  not 
always  to  be  buried  in  retirement.  So  bright  a  lamp  was 
not  lighted  up  to  consume  in  a  sepulchre,  but  to  be  fixed 
on  an  eminence,  where  its  rays  may  be  diffused  with  public 
advantage,  and  conduct  many  through  this  gloomy  desert 
to  the  regions  of  eternal  glory.  I  hope  therefore,  and  be- 
lieve, it  is  your  constant  care  to  make  all  your  studies  sub- 
servient to  the  views  of  such  services.  When  Providence 
calls  you  to  a  more  public  appearance,  I  hope  you  will  be 
willing  to  quit  your  cell,  charming  as  it  is,  that  you  may 
enter  upon  employments  at  least  more  important,  if  not 
more  delicate,  than  those  which  you  now  pursue.  This  is 
a  piece  of  self-denial,  which  duty  requires  us  to  submit  to; 
and  which  will  be  acceptable  to  God  in  proportion  to  our 
fondness  for  those  elegances  which  we  are  contented  to 
interrupt  and  postpone,  that  we  may  attend  to  the  advance- 
ment of  his  kingdom  and  interest.  We  know  the  applause 
of  our  heavenly  Master  will  be  an  abundant  recompence 
for  all  the  pleasures  we  have  given  up  for  his  sake  ;  and 
before  we  receive  that  public  remuneration,  we  shall  find 
such  entertainment  in  the  exercise  of  benevolence  to  our 
fellow-creatures,  and  the  hope  of  promoting  their  everlast- 
ing felicity,  as  we  shall  never  find  in  conversing  with  Virgil 
or  Tully,  Pliny  or  Addison,  or  any  of  the  favourite  attend- 
ants of  our  solitude."- When  he  saw  any  of  his  pupils 

or  younger  brethren  indolent,  or  not  applying  their  time 
and  talents  to  the  care  of  souls,  he  would  freely  expostulate 
with  them  ;  and  if  ever  his  zeal  was  excessive,  it  was  here. 
When  he  saw  how  much  was  needful  to  be  done  for  Christ 
and  souls,  and  how  little  really  was  done,  by  many  persons 
of  great  abilities  and  religious  characters,  his  spirit  was 
moved  within  him.  He  took  occasion,  therefore,  when  he 
preached  before  his  brethren,  to  urge  every  consideration 
and  motive  that  was  likely  to  increase  their  activity.  His 
discourse  on  "  The  Evil  and  Danger  of  neglecting  the 
Souls  of  Men,"  contains  many  forcible  arguments  on  this 
head,  sufficient  to  rouse  the  spirit  of  every  minister  that  is 
not  sunk  into  stupidity. 

He  esteemed  it  a  fault  in  some  worthy  ministers,  that 
they  were  backward  to  engage  in  public  services,  at  the 
stated  assemblies  of  ministers,  and  on  occasional  days  of 
prayer  or  thanksgiving.  The  multiplicity  of  his  business, 
and  the  importance  of  his  domestic  engagements,  might 
have  been  a  reasonable  apology  for  his  absence  from  such 
meetings,  or  for  being  generally  excused  from  performing 
any  part  of  tlie  service ;  yet  he  was  seldom  absent,  except 
hindered  by  sickness,  and  made  no  difficulty  of  complying 
with  the  desire  of  his  brethren  to  take  a  .share  of  the  work. 
He  thought  that  for  ministers  to  decline,  or  to  need  much 
entreaty  to  engage,  on  sucit  occasions,  was  disrespectful  to 
their  brethren,  and  was  setting  a  bad  example  before  their 
young  associates ;  while  it  seemed  to  furnish  their  hearers 
witli  something  of  a  plausible  pretence  for  refusing  to  en- 
gage in  social  prayer,  or  even  to  pray  in  their  own  flimilies : 
on  this  principle  he  was  determined  to  act,  though  he 
might  be,  as  he  sometimes  was,  charged  with  vanity  and 
love  of  applause  for  so  doing.  In  order  to  make  the 
meetings  of  ministers  turn  to  a  better  account  than  he 
feared  they  had  generally  done,  he  endeavoured  to  promote 
more  regular  associations ;  that  the  hands  of  each  other 
might  he  strengthened  by  united  consultation  and  prayer, 
and  that  they  might  concur  in  some  schemes  for  the  revival 
of  religion.  What  he  attempted  of  this  kind  may  be  seen 
in  the  preface  to  the  sermon  above  mentioned ;  and  the 
attentive  reader  of  it  will  perceive  how  well  it  was  adapted 
to  promote  piety,  zeal,  and  love,  among  ministers  and  their 
congregations. 

He  was  solicitous  that  something  more  might  be  done, 
^mong  the  dissenting  churches,  towards  the  propagation 


^. 


"  And  will  Volatio  leave  this  world  so  soon. 
To  fly  to  lus  own  native  seat,  the  moon  ? 
'  twill  stand,  however,  in  some  little  stead. 
That  he  sets  out  with  such  an  empty  he.id." — K. 


HIS  ATTEMPTS  TO  DO  GOOD. 


of  Christianity  abroad,  and  spreading  it  in  some  of  the 
darker  parts  of  our  own  land.  His  scheme  for  this  purpose 
may  be  seen  in  the  same  preface  :  it  would  too  much  swell 
this  work  to  insert  either  of  the  plans  in  it.  I  mention 
them  in  this  connexion,  as  evidences  of  his  fervent  zeal  to 
serve  the  cause  of  Cliristianity  and  vital  religion ;  and  it  is 
hoped  the  publication  of  them  hath  tended  to  inspire  a  like 
zeal  into  others.  With  the  same  views  he  generously  con- 
tributed towards  publishing  some  practical  books  in  the 
Welch  language.  He  was  a  hearty  friend  to  the  success 
of  a  society  in  Scotland,  for  propagating  christian  know- 
ledge, especially  in  North  America,  of  which  he  was  a 
corresponding  member.  He  lamented  that  there  were  so 
few  missionaries  among  the  Indians  near  our  settlements 
there ;  and  was  very  desirous  to  train  up  some  serious 
youths,  of  good  health  and  resolution,  to  be  employed  in 
that  capacity.  Two  of  his  pupils  were  educated  with  this 
view,  and  would  cheerfully  have  gone  upon  the  service  ; 
but  their  nearest  relations  would  not  permit  them.  "  Such," 
saith  he,  "  is  the  weakness  of  their  faith  and  love !  I  hope 
I  can  truly  say,  that  if  God  would  put  it  into  the  heart  of 
my  only  son  to  go  under  this  character,  I  could  willingly 
part  v/ith  him,  though  I  were  to  see  him  no  more.  What 
are  the  views  of  a  family  and  a  name,  when  compared  with 
a  regard  to  extending  my  Redeemer's  kingdom,  and  gain- 
ing souls  to  Christ  V 

He  was  desirous  to  countenance  and  encourage  all  those 
who  appeared  to  have  the  interest  of  religion  much  at  heart, 
and  to  be  zealous  to  instruct  and  save  souls,  though  they 
were  of  different  sentiments  and  persuasions  from  himself. 
He  at  first  entertained  a  good  opinion  of  Count  Zinzendorf, 
and  his  associates,  from  the  accounts  he  had  received  of 
them,  as  a  late  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  and  many  other 
wise  and  pious  men,  had  done;  and  he  spoke  of  them  in 
honourable  terms.  But  what  he  observed  of  his  crude 
notions  of  religion,  in  an  interview  he  had  with  him,  and 
what  he  read  of  them  in  his  sermons  and  hymns,  convinced 
him,  that,  whatever  the  Count's  private  views  were,  his 
manner  of  representing  some  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  and 
particularly  his  disrelish  for  all  of  them,  but  those  which 
relate  to  the  Lamb,  as  his  followers  generally  call  our 
blessed  Lord,  did  Christ  very  little  honour,  and  tended 
little  to  christian  edification.  He  was  cautious  of  entering 
into  any  intimacy  with  his  associates :  "  For,  (saith  he,)  I 
would  remember,  that  it  is  a  supposable,  yea,  a  probable 
case,  that  ill-designing  men  may  endeavour  to  promote 
enthusiasm,  and  divide  churches,  merely  with  a  view  to 
enrich  and  exalt  themselves,  as  heads  of  a  party."  But 
when  he  heard  that  some  of  the  Count's  followers  despised 
prayer,  made  light  of  holiness,  and  ran  into  otiier  per- 
nicious errors,  he  concluded  that  they  were  bad  men, 
preaching  with  mean  and  interested  views.  He  was  pre- 
paring a  letter  to  Count  Zinzendorf,  containing  a  serious 
address  to  him  and  expostulation  with  him ;  and  warning 
others  against  the  errors  and  enormities  into  which  his  fol- 
lowers had  run,  and  which  had  filled  so  many  serious 
minds,  who  once  thought  well  of  them,  with  wonder  and 
horror. 

He  had  a  fevourable  opinion  of  some  of  those  clergymen 
of  the  church  of  England,  who  went  under  the  name  of 
Methodists.  By  the  conversation  he  had  with  some  of  them, 
and  what  he  had  read  of  their  discourses,  he  was  led  to  hope 
and  believe  that  they  honestly  intended  the  advancement  of 
religion.  He  thought  it  some  justification  of  their  itinerant 
preaching,  that  they  went  principally,  at  least  at  first,  among 
the  most  ignorant,  rude,  and  profane  persons,  who  scarce 
ever  attended  any  place  of  worship ;  that  the  state  of  re- 
ligion was  low  and  melancholy,  and  there  was  too  little 
seriousness,  zeal,  and  a  care  to  insist  upon  the  peculiar 
doctrines  of  the  gospel,  among  ministers.  He  had  seen 
some  good  effects  of  ttieir  labours  in  his  own  neighbour- 
hood ;  he  had  heard  of  more,  from  sufficient  authority  ;  and 
this  left  him  no  room  to  doubt  but  God  had  owned  them. 
"  I  cannot  but  think,"  saith  he,  "  that,  by  the  success  of 
some  of  these  despised  men,  God  is  rebuking  the  madness 

•  .Select  Sermon?,  p.  240. 

t  Perhaps  this  important  hint  may  come  more  onexceptionably  from  a 
worthy  clersyman  of  tlie  church  of  England  :  "  The  nation  hath  been  much 
alarmed  of  late  with  reports  concerning  the  growth  and  increase  nf  method- 
isni  Would  we  put  a  stop  to  the  further  progressof  it  ■"  1  liere  is  one  way 
by  which  it  may  be  done  ;  and  let  us  of  the  established  clergy  join  hand  and 


of  those,  who  think  themselves  the  only  wise  men,  and  in  a 
remarkable  manner  making  bare  his  mighty  arm."  He 
was  very  sensible  of  their  errors  and  defects ;  but  had  ob- 
served, in  the  history  of  former  times,  that  many  jjcrsons,  of 
great  piety,  zeal,  and  benevolence,  had  been  led,  partly  by 
tiieir  popularity  and  success,  and  partly  by  an  ill-judgeu 
opposition  to  them,  into  some  unjustifiable  measures;  and 
yet  iiad  been  instruments  of  great  usefulness  m  the  world. 

This  was  the  case  with  some  of  the  reformers  from  popery. 
With  regard  to  these  men,  he  thought  some  of  their  errors 
were  pitiable,  rather  than  blamable :  that  some  of  them 
were  to  be  imputed  to  faults  in  their  education  ;  the  want 
of  being  led  through  a  regular  plan  of  lectures  in  divinity, 
and  into  an  orderly  method  of  studying  the  evidences,  doc- 
trines, and  duties  of  cliristianity.  He  hoped  that  further 
knowledge  of  themselves,  the  world,  and  religion,  would 
give  them  more  judicious  sentiments  ;  and  that  the  censures 
and  contempt  which  they  met  with  from  so  many  of  their 
brethren  would  make  them  more  humble  and  cautious.  He 
was  well  aware  that  tiiere  was  some  enthusiasm  in  them, 
and  much  among  tiieir  followers :  but  lie  thought  that, 
nevertlieless,  they  might  be  useful,  as  he  knew  tliey  had 
been,  in  rousing"  men's  attention,  engaging  them  to  bend 
their  thoughts  towards  their  eternal  concerns;  in  leading 
them  to  read  and  study  the  Scriptures,  and  attend  religious 
worship  in  places  where  they  might  be  better  instructed  and 
edified.  "  In  some  extraordinary  conversions,"  saith  he, 
"  there  may  be,  and  often  is,  a  tincture  of  enthusiasm  :  but, 
having  weighed  the  matter  diligently,  I  think  a  man  had 
better  be  a  sober,  honest,  chaste,  industrious  enthusiast, 
than  live  without  any  regard  to  God  and  religion  at  all.  1 
think  it  infinitely  better  that  a  man  should  be  a  religious 
methodisl,  than  an  adulterer,  a  thief,  a  swearer,  a  drunkard, 
or  a  rebel  to  his  parents,  as  I  know  some  actually  were, 
who  have  been  wrought  upon  and  reformed  by  these 
preachers."  This  was  the  sentiment  of  one  of  the  most 
judicious  divines  of  the  last  age,  Dr.  Whichcote :  "  I  am 
much  of  his  mind,  who  did  thus  apologize  for  those  who 
did  dissent,  though  they  were  in  an  error;  they  do  not  err 
in  their  affection'to  God,  religion,  and  goodness,  though 
perhaps  they  are  mistaken  in  tiieir  choice.  But  then  it  is 
far  better  for  men  to  have  some  mistakes  in  their  way,  than 
to  be  devoid  of  religion.  It  is  betterfor  men  to  be  in  some 
mistakes  about  religion,  than  wholly  to  neglect  it.  These 
very  things  argue  that  the  persons  are  awake,  and  are  in 
search  after  truth,  even  there,  where  they  have  not  attained 

to  It."* 

When  Dr.  Doddridge  saw  some  of  these  persons  run- 
ning into  errors,  he  was  cautious  of  giving  them  any  en- 
couragement. Many  friendly  and  faithful  admonitions  iie 
gave  them ;  and  it  was  no  inconsiderable  evidence  of  tlie 
humility  and  candour  of  some  of  their  leaders,  that  they 
desired  him  freely  to  tell  them  what  he  thought  amiss  in 
their  sentiments  or  conduct,  and  that  they  received  his  ad- 
monitions with  thankfulness.  He  endeavoured  to  show 
them  their  errors,  and  to  regulate  their  zeal ;  which  he 
thought  a  more  friendly  part,  and  more  becoming  a  chris- 
tian minister,  than  to  revile  or  ridicule  them.  He  saw  some 
persons  acting  under  the  sanction  of  their  names,  who  were 
both  ignorant  and  licentious ;  and  these  he  discouraged  to 
the  utmost.  He  often  expressed  his  wish,  that  ministers, 
instead  of  railing  at  them  from  the  pulpit  and  the  press,  and 
endeavouring  to  expose  them,  would  imitate  them  in  what 
was  truly  commendable.  As  they  saw  the  common  people 
struck  and  captivated  with  their  address  and  appearance  of 
zeal,  he  wished  their  wiser  brethren  would  plainly  and  seri- 
ously preach  the  gospel,  take  due  care  of  the  souls  coin- 
mitted  to  them,  and  labour  more  abundantly  in  tiieir  Master's 
work;  and  thereby  secure  yet  greater  popularity  and  ac- 
ceptance, bv  means  which  they  themselves  must  think  just 
and  laudable :  for  these  he  thought  it  their  duty  to  use, 
whatever  their  particular  sentiments  and  stations  were.f 

He  was  severelv  censured,  especially  by  some  of  his 
brethren,  for  the  civility  and  encouragement  he  showed  to 
some  of  the  leaders  of  the  methodists,  and  several  angry 

heart  in  the  work  :  vh.  tolive  more  holy,  pray  more  fervently,  preach  more 
heavenly,  and  labour  more  diliL-ently.  than  the  methodist  mmisters  appear 
to  do.  Then  shall  we  soon  hear  that  field-prearhmg  is  at  an  end  ;  and  chris- 
tians will  Hock  to  the  churches  to  hear  us,  as  they  now  Hock  to  the  "elds  to 
hear  them."  Andrew's  Scripture  Doctrine  ot  Grace,  in  answer  to  the 
Bishop  of  Gloucester,  p.  202.  n. 

c  2 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


letters  were  sent  him  on  this  subject.  To  such  censures  he 
thus  answered :  "  I  wish  there  were  less  zeal  and  rage 
against  these  men.  It  has  always  been  a  maxim  with  me, 
not  to  believe  any  flying  story  to  the  prejudice  of  those, 
whom  I  had  apparent  reason,  from  what  I  knew  of  them, 
to  esteem.  I  am  ready  to  hope  and  believe  the  best  of 
those  who  seem  to  have  the  cause  of  religion  so  much  at 
heart.  But  I  am  very  far  from  justifying  them  in  all  the 
steps  they  have  taken,  or  approving  all  the  lengths  they  have 
run  ;  and  with  their  anathemas  and  uncharitable  censures  I 
am  greatly  displeased.  I  see  some  of  them  running  into 
extravagances,  which  grieve  me  to  tiie  heart :  and  if  any 
will  be  so  unjust  as  to  impute  these  things  to  me,  because 
I  dare  not  join  in  reviling,  censuring,  and  judging  tliem,as 
some  do,  amidst  their  acknowledged  infirmities  and  mis- 
takes, I  must  wait  quietly  till  the  day  of  the  Lord:  and  I 
humbly  hope  that  he  will,  in  the  mean  time,  appear  to  sup- 
port my  character,  as  far  as  his  glory  and  the  good  of  souls 
are  concerned  in  it ;  and  further  than  that  I  am  not  anxi- 
ously concerned  about  it."  By  acting  in  this  tender  candid 
manner,  he  might,  perhaps,  commend  and  encourage  some, 
who  appeared  to  be  zealous  for  the  salvation  of  souls,  be- 
fore he  had  sufficient  opportunities  of  knowing  what  their 
principles  and  views  were ;  or  the  accounts  he  had  received 
of  the  success  of  their  labours  mi'^lit  be  exaggerated;  or 
they  might  represent  him  as  encouraging  them  more  than  he 
did.  He  might  also  think  some  of  their  errors  of  much  less 
consequence  than  his  brethren  did.  But  these  are  often  the 
weaknesses  of  the  best  minds  ;  and,  as  a  good  judge  of 
human  nature  says,  "  XTt  qnhqite  est  vir  optimiis,  ita  dijfi- 
cilliiiie  esse  alios  improbos  suspicatur*  Tiie  better  a  man 
himself  is,  the  less  will  he  be  inclined  to  suspect  others  of 
bad  designs." 

SECTION   III. 

Tiis  Catholicism,  moderation,  and  friendly  behayionr,  to  persons  of  liifFer- 
ent  sentiments  and  persuasions. 

Dr.  Doddridge  had  diligently  studied  the  Gospel,  and 
had  just  ideas  of  the  extent  and  importance  of  christian 
liberty.  He  had  impartially  examinen  the  controversy  be- 
tween the  established  church  of  England  and  the  protestant 
dissenters,  and  thought  it  his  duty  to  adhere  to  the  latter. 
He  thus  wrote  to  one  of  his  fellow-students  on  tliis  sub- 
ject :  "  I  am  now  more  fully  studying  the  business  of  con- 
formity ;  and  for  that  purpose  am  reading  the  controversy 
between  Bishop  Hoadly  and  Dr.  Calamy ;  as  indeed  I 
think  it  necessary  to  examine  into  the  affair,  before  I  deter- 
mine upon  being  ordained  among  the  dissenters.  Upon 
the  whole,  I  must  say,  that  as  nothing  hath  liad  a  greater 
tendency  to  confirm  my  belief  of  Christianity  than  the  most 
celebrated  writings  of  Jews  and  deists ;  and  my  adhering 
to  the  protestant  cause  than  the  apologies  of  many  of  the 
Roman  catholics ;  so  the  study  of  the  best  defenders  of  the 
church  of  England,  which  I  have  yet  seen,  hath  added  a 
great  deal  of  weight  to  my  former  persuasion,  not  only  of 
the  lawfulness  but  expediency  of  a  separation  from  it.  Yet 
when  I  see  how  many  plausible  arguments  may  be'  ad- 
vanced on  the  contrary  side,  I  am  not  inclinable  to  censure 
those  who  yield  to  the  force  of  them."  His  generous  heart 
never  confined  truth  and  goodnessf  to  one  particular  sect, 
nor  in  any  other  respect  appeared  bigoted  to  that,  or  un- 
charitable to  those  who  differed  from  him.  The  principles 
on  which  he  acted  will  be  seen  by  the  following  extracts 
from  his  writings.  "  I  look  upon  the  dissenting  interest," 
saith  he,  "  to  be  the  cause  of  truth,  honour,  and  liberty ; 
and,  I  will  add,  in  a  great  measure  die  cause  of  serious 
piety  too.  It  was  not  merely  a  generous  sense  of  liberty, 
(which  may  warm  the  breast  of  a  deist  or  an  atheist,)  but 
a  religious  reverence  for  the  divine  authority,  which  ani- 
mated our  pious  forefathers  to  so  resolute  and  so  expensive 
an  opposition  to  the  attempts  which  were  made  in  their 

•  Cic.  Ep.  ad  0.  Fratr. 

+  This  circumstance  is  brought  forward  with  great  propriety,  to  show 
that  Dr.  Doddridge  possessed  true  liberality  of  mind.  It  must  be  confessed 
that  too  msuiy  persons  are  ready  to  suppose  that  both  truth  and  poodness 
arc  confined  to  their  own  party.  But  they  forget  that  many  of  the  funda- 
mental principles  of  religion  are  held  in  common  by  ilenommations  totally 
unconnected  with  each  otiier  ;  and  that  they  are  also,  in  many  rases  at 
least,  almost  wliolly  ignorant  of  what  is  professed  and  practised  by  tlitm. 
It  must  be  allowed  therefore  to  be  the  mark  of  an  enlightened  mind,  and 


days  to  invade  the  rights  of  conscience,  and  the  throne  of 
God,  its  only  sovereign.  And  if  the  cause  be  not  still 
maintained  on  the  same  principles,  I  think  it  will  hardly 
be  worth  our  whUe  to  be  much  concerned  about  maintain- 
ing it  at  all."  X 

In  his  dedication  of  a  sermon  to  the  pious  Mr.  Hervey, 
he  thus  expresseth  himself:  "  You  being,  I  doubt  not, 
persuaded  m  your  own  mind  that  '  diocesan  episcopacy  is 
of  divine  original,'  and  that  '  the  church  hath  power  to 
decree  rights  or  ceremonies  and  authority  in  controversies 
of  faith,'  have  solemnly  declared  that  belief;  and,  in  con- 
sequence of  it,  have  obliged  yourself  to  render  canonical 
obedience  to  those  whom  you  thereby  acknowledge  as 
governing  you  by  an  authority  delegated  from  Christ ;  that 
thus  you  may  be  subject  to  every  ordinance  of  man  for  the 
Lord's  sake,  and  thereby  approve  your  submission  to  him. 
I  have  declined  that  subjection ;  not  from  any  disrespect 
to  the  persons  of  the  established  ecclesiastical  governors, 
(many  of  whom  I  hold  in  the  highest  esteem,  and  number 
among  the  most  distinguished  ornaments  of  our  common 
Christianity,)  and  least  of  all  from  an  unwillingness  to  yield 
subjection,  where  I  apprehend  Christ  to  have  appointed  it ; 
for,  so  far  as  I  know  my  own  heart,  it  would  be  my  greatest 
joy  to  bow  with  all  humility  to  any  authority  delegated 
from  him  :  but  I  will  freely  tell  you,  and  the  world,  my 
nonconformity  is  founded  on  this,  that  I  assuredly  believe 
the  contrary  to  what  the  constitution  of  the  church  of  Eng- 
land requires  me  to  declare,  on  the  above-mentioned  heads 
and  some  others,  to  be  the  truth.  And  I  esteem  it  much 
more  eligible  to  remain  under  an  incapacity  of  sharing  its 
honours  and  revenues,  than  to  open  my  way  to  a  possibi- 
lity of  obtaining  them,  by  what  would  in  me,  while  I  have 
such  an  apprehension,  be  undoutedly  an  act  of  prevarica- 
tion, hypocrisy,  and  falsehood  ;  reverencing  herein  the  au- 
thority" of  God,  and  remembering  the  account  I  must 
shortly  give  in  his  presence." — Yet  he  behaved  with  the 
utmost  candour  to  the  members  of  the  established  church. 
"  I  would  be  far,"  saith  he,  "  from  confining  all  true  reli- 
gion to  the  members  of  our  own  congregations.  I  am  very 
well  aware  that  tliere  is  a  multitude  of  excellent  persons  in 
the  establishment,  both  among  the  clergy  and  laity,  who, 
in  their  different  stations,  are  burning  and  shining  lights ; 
such  as  reflect  a  glory  on  the  human  nature  and  the  chris- 
tian ])rofession."  He  always  spoke  of  the  established  reli- 
gion of  our  country  with  respect. 

In  explaining  those  texts  o'f  Scripture,  in  his  Family 
Expositor,  in  which  he  could  not  avoid  showing  his  senti- 
ments, in  some  points  of  discipline,  different  from  those 
which  generally  prevail,  he  conscientiously  abstained  from 
all  reproaciies ;  "  To  which  indeed,"  saith  he,  "  I  am  on 
no  occasion  inclined,  and  which  I  should  esteem  peculiarly 
indecent,  where  the  religious  establishment  of  my  country 
is  in  question  ;  and,  above  all,  where  a  body  of  men  would 
be  affected,  many  of  whom  have  been,  and  are,  amongst  the 
ablest  advocates  and  brightest  ornaments  of  Christianity.  I 
have  been  also  careful  to  adjust  my  expressions  witli  as 
much  tenderness  and  respect,  as  integrity,  and  that  reverence 
which  an  honest  man  woiJd  owe  to  the  judgment  of  his 
own  conscience,  were  it  more  singular  than  mine,  would 
admit." § — He  never  made  any  petulant  objections  against 
the  worship  or  discipline  of  the  church  of  England,  nor 
uttered  any  severe  or  unkind  reflections  upon  it.  Indeed 
he  very  seldom  mentioned  the  grounds  of  the  difference 
between  it  and  the  dissenters  in  the  pulpit ;  and,  when  his 
subject  naturally  led  him  to  it,  he  took  occasion  to  show 
how  small  the  things  in  debate  were,  compared  with  those 
important  principles  and  truths  in  whicli  they  agreed.— He 
always  spoke  in  the  most  respectful  terms  of  the  worthy 
clergy  of  the  established  cliurch ;  thought  himself  liappy^  in 
the  intimate  friendship  of  some  of  them;  and  kept  up  a 
friendly  correspondence  witli  others,  even  with  some  of  the 
liighest  rank  in  it.  Upon  the  same  principles,  he  rejoiced 
when  !ie  had  opportunity,  as  he  sometimes  had,  of  serving 

the  result  of  an  acquaintance  with  the  different  divisions  into  which  the 
christian  community  is  dispersed,  to  admit  that  much  which  is  excellent 
may  be  found  among  them.  It  may  he  important  to  subjoin  to  these  re- 
marks, that  true  charity  towards  others  ought  ever  to  be  accompanied  by  a 
tirm  adherence  to  truth  in  ourselves.  That  charity  which  passtih  all  things 
does  not  give  birth  to  lukewarmness,  but  cherishes  stedfastness  and  perse- 
verance in  the  cause  of  God  and  truth.— B. 

I  Vree  Thoughts,  &c. 

S  Expositor,  Vol.  3.  Pref.  p.  i.\.  4to  ed. 


HIS  CATHOLICISM  AND  MODERATION. 


any  of  t1)em  in  their  secular  or  ministerial  interests. — He 
deeply  lamented  tliat  separation  from  the  communion  of 
that  ciiurch  was,  in  his  apprehension  and  that  of  many  other 
good  men,  made  so  necessary.  He  heartily  wished  and 
prayed  for  a  greater  union  among-  protestants  ;  and  longed 
for  tlie  happy  time,  when,  to  use  his  own  words,  "  The 
question  would  be,  not  how  much  may  vve  lawfully  impose, 
and  how  much  may  we  lawfully  dispute?  but,  on  the  one 
side,  what  may  we  wave,  and,  on  the  other,  what  may  we 
acquiesce  in  1  from  a  principle  of  mutual  tenderness  and 
respect,  without  dis|)ieasing  our  common  Lord,  and  injur- 
ing that  great  cause  of  original  Christianity  which  he  hath 
appointed  us  to  guard."  Having  mentioned  to  one  of  his 
friends  a  candid  letter  he  had  received  from  a  bishop,  he 
adds,  "  O  that  God  would  open  a  way  to  a  stricter  union 
among  protestants  of  every  denomination  !  But  the  darkness 
of  our  minds,  the  narrowness  of  our  hearts,  and  our  attach- 
ment to  private  interest,  make  it,  I  fear,  in  a  great  measure 
impracticable." — "  I  greatly  rejoice,"  saith  he,  on  another 
occasion,  "  when  I  see  in  those,  whom  upon  other  accounts 
I  most  liighly  esteem  as  the  excellent  of  the  earth,  that 
their  prejudices  against  tlieir  brethren  of  any  denomination 
are  subdued,  as  mine  against  tlie  writers  of  the  establish- 
ment early  were,  and  that  we  are  coming  nearer  to  the 
harmony  in  which  I  hope  we  shall  ever  be  one  in  Christ 
Jesus." 

One  of  his  correspondents  had  informed  him  of  a  report 
spread  in  London  in  1750,  that  he  was  about  to  conform 
to  the  church  of  England,  to  which  he  tlius  answereth  : 
"Assure  those  who  may  have  heard  of  the  report,  that  though 
my  growing  acquaintance  with  many  excellent  persons, 
some  of  them  of  great  eminence  in  the  establishment,  in- 
creases those  candid  respectful  sentiments  of  that  body  of 
christians  which  I  had  long  entertained ;  yet  I  am  so 
thorougiily  persuaded  of  the  reasonableness  of  noncon- 
formity, and  find  many  of  the  terms  of  ministerial  con- 
formity so  contrary  to  the  dictates  of  my  conscience  in  the 
sight  of  God,  that  I  never  was  less  inclined  to  submit  to 
them  ;  and  hope  I  shall  not  be  willing  to  buy  my  liberty  or 
my  life  at  that  price.  But  I  think  it  my  duty  to  do  my 
part  towards  promoting  that  mutual  peace  and  good  will, 
which  I  think  more  likely  than  any  thing  else  either  to 
reform  the  church,  or  at  least  to  promote  true  Christianity, 
both  in  the  establishment  and  separation  ;  to  strengthen  the 
protestant  cause,  and  defeat  the  designs  of  our  common 
enemies.  And,  conscious  that  I  speak  and  act  from  these 
principles,  and  that  I  am  approved  of  God  in  it,  I  do  not 
fear  the  resentments  of  any  narrow-sjiirited  persons.  I 
would  not  be  a  knight-errant  in  the  cause  of  candour  itself; 
nor  would  I  so  fear  the  imputation  of  mean  and  unworthy 
designs  as  to  be  deterred,  by  the  appreliension  of  it,  from 
what  is  in  itself  right.  For,  at  that  rate,  from  what  may  we 
not  be  deterred  ?  I  am  much  more  solicitous  to  deserve  well 
of  the  public,  than  about  the  returns  I  may  meet  with  for 
'doing  it." 

But  his  catholic  sentiments  on  this  head  will  more 
fully  appear  from  a  passage  in  his  preface  to  Archbishof) 
Leigliton's  expository  works,  which  I  think  must  give 
great  pleasure  to  every  benevolent  mind.  "  It  is  truly 
my  grief  that  any  thing  should  divide  me  from  the  fullest 
communion  with  those,  to  whom  I  am  united  in  the  bonds 
of  as  tender  affection  as  I  bear  to  any  of  my  fellow-chris- 
tians.  And  it  is  my  daily  prayer,  that  God  would,  by  his 
gentle  but  powerful  influence  on  our  minds,  mutually 
dispose  us  more  and  more  for  such  a  union,  as  may  most 
effectually  consolidate  the  protestant  cause,  establish  the 
throne  of  our  gracious  sovereign,  remove  the  scandal  our 
divisions  have  occasioned,  and  strengthen  our  hands  in 
those  efforts,  by  which  we  are  attempting,  and  might  then 
I  hope  more  successfully  attempt,  the  service  of  our  common 
Christianity.  In  the  mean  time,  I  desire  most  heartily  to 
bless  God  for  any  advances  that  are  made  towards  it."  He 
illustrates  and  confirms  his  thoughts  and  hopes  on  this 
nead,  by  the  words  of  a  familiar  letter  he  had  received 
from  a  wortliy  member  of  tlie  church  of  England,  well 
known  in  the  learned  world.  "  I  am  glad,  saith  his  corre- 
spondent, that  Christianity  begins  so  well  to  be  understood 
and  taught  by  so  many  men  of  parts  and  learning  in  all 
sects ;  the  fruits  of  which  appear  in  a  candour  and  charitv 
unknown  to  all  ages  of  the  church,  except  the  primitive,  I 


had  almost  said  the  apostolic,  age.  Dotli  not  this  give  you 
a  prospect,  though  perhaps  still  very  distant,  of  the  comple- 
tion of  the  famous  prophecy,  that  speaks  of  t/ie  lion  and  the 
lamb  /i/ing  down  together  in  the  kingdom  of  tlie  Messiah '? 
laons  there  have  been  in  all  churches;  but  too  many  fierce 
greedy,  and  blood-thirsty  lions,  though  often  disguised  like 
lambs  ;  and  some  lambs  there  have  been  simple  enough  to 
think  It  expedient  for  the  flock  to  assume  the  liabit  and  ter- 
ror of  lions.  But  I  hope  they  now  begin  to  undeceive 
themselves,  and  to  consider  Christianity  as  intended  to  bring 
back  the  world  to  that  state  of  innocence  which  it  enjoyed 
before  the  fall.  To  attain  this  happy  state,  all  christians 
should  unite  their  amiable  endeavours  :  and  instead  of 
looking  out  for,  and  insisting  upon,  points  of  difference  and 
distinction,  seek  for  those  only,  in  which  they  do  or  may 
agree.  They  may  at  least  sow  the  seeds  of  peace  and  unity, 
though  they  should  not  live  to  reap  the  fruit  of  it  in  this 
world.  Blessed  are  the  peace-niukcrs,  saith  tlie  Prince  of 
peace,  /or  thei/  shall  he  called  the  children  of  God :  an  ap- 
pellation infinitely  more  honourable  than  that  of  pastor, 
bishop,  archbishop,  patriarch,  cardinal,  or  pope  ;  and  at- 
tended with  a  recom|)ence  infinitely  surpassing  the  richest 
revenues  of  the  highest  ecclesiastical  dignities."  "  I  join," 
adds  the  Doctor,  "  rny  hearty  wish  and  prayer  with  those 
of  my  much  esteemed  friend,  that  we  may  all  more  and 
more  deserve  this  character,  and  attain  its  reward," 

I  am  persuaded  that  nothing  ever  appeared,  in  his  lec- 
tures, correspondence,  or  private  discourse,  inconsistent  with 
these  sentiments,  which  he  hath  publicly  avowed ;  espe- 
cially in  his  sermon  on  Christian  Candour  and  Unanimity. 
He  laboured  to  promote  a  like  candid  and  friendly  spirit 
in  his  pupils.  He  exhorted  them  to  treat  their  brethren  of 
the  establishment  with  respect ;  never  to  utter  any  in^•ec- 
tives  against  the  constitution  or  forms  of  the  church  of 
England  ;  and  if  Providence  should  fix  them  near  humble, 
peaceable,  pious  clergymen,  to  honour  and  love  them,  to 
cultivate  a  friendship  with  them,  to  study  to  serve  them, 
and  promote  their  reputation  and  interest.  These  were  the 
advices  of  the  lecture-room :  and  I  have  the  pleasure  to 
know,  that  those  of  his  pupils,  with  whom  I  am  acquainted, 
have  acted  upon  these  catholic  instructions,  and  been  re- 
markable for  their  candour  and  moderation,  in  consequence 
of  the  pains  he  took,  by  his  instructions  and  example,  to 
instil  these  virtues  into  them,  and  his  laying  before  them 
the  arguments  on  both  sides  of  contested  questions. 

Whoever  considers  how  numerous  the  protestant  dis- 
senters in  this  kingdom  are ;  that  they  claim  a  liberty  of 
choosing  their  own  ministers,  of  judging  for  themselves  of 
the  sense  of  Scripture,  and  what  rites  and  modes  of  worship 
that  enjoins ;  and,  where  there  is  no  particular  rule,  of  de- 
termining for  themselves  what  is  most  subservient  to  chris- 
tian edification  ;  whoever  considers  this  will  not  wonder  that 
there  have  been,  and  are,  different  sentiments' among  them; 
that  they  are  ranged  under  different  denominations,  and 
that  there  are  sometimes  divisions  and  contentions  among 
them.  These  Dr.  Doddridge  saw  and  lamented  ;  and  was 
as  careful  as  he  could  be,  consistently  with  keeping  a  good 
conscience,  to  be  upon  friendly  terms  with  them  all,  to 
show  a  candid  temper  to  those  of  a  different  per.suasion, 
and  promote  the  like  in  them.  "  He  was  very  little  in- 
clined to  contend  about  technical  phrases,  of  human  inven- 
tion, which  have,  with  equal  frailty,  been  idolized  by  some 
and  anathematized  by  others."  A  rigid  spirit,  and  a  stiffness 
about  indifferent  things,  he  very  much  disliked  ;  especially 
when  attended  with  uncharitableness.  Pie  thought  "  there 
was  always  reason  to  suspect  those  persons  and  principles, 
that  would  alienate  our  hearts  from  any  of  the  faithful 
servants  of  Christ,  because  they  do  not  agree  with  our 
sentiments  about  the  circumstantials  of  religion ;  and  that 
christians  had  great  need  to  be  cautious,  lest  they  abuse  their 
liberty  to  gratify  those  irregular  passions,  which,  to  what- 
ever high  original  they  may  pretend,  were  indeed  to  be 
traced  no  higher  than  a  carnal  principle,  and  to  be  num- 
bered among  the  ivoi-ks  of  the  flesh."  It  grieved  him  to  see 
imjiositions  upon  conscience  anywhere;  especially  among 
dissenters,  as  they  were  so  evidently  contrary  to  their  own 
principles.  "  Our  interest,"  saith  he,  "  hath  received 
great  damage  by  unscriptural  impositions  and  uncharitable 
contentions  with  each  other." 

It  appears,  from  what  was  said  above  of  his  behaviour 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


to  his  pupils,  that  he  thouj^ht  it  unjust  in  itself,  and  very 
injurious  to  the  interest  of  religion,  to  be  rigorous  with 
young  ministers  and  students  about  their  particular  senti- 
ments, and  to  tie  them  down  to  profess  their  assent  to 
formularies,  containing  points  of  a  very  abstruse  or  a  very 
doubtful  nature  :  he  thought  it  also  foolish  in  the  imposers, 
as  being  likely  to  prejudice  them  against  those  points,  and 
drive  them  into  the  opposite,  and  perhaps  worse,  extreme. 
When,  therefore,  the  author  of  "  Christianity  not  founded 
on  Argument,"  had  derided  this  practice,  he  left  others  to 
defend  it,  who  were  chargeable  with  it,  or  approved  it.  It 
was  an  inviolable  maxim  with  him  "  never  to  condemn  his 
brethren,  as  having  forfeited  all  title  to  the  name  of  chris- 
tians, because  their  creeds  or  confessions  of  faith  did  not 
come  up  to  the  standard  of  his  own ;  yea,  he  thought  that 
if  it  were  a  matter  that  seemed  of  so  great  importance,  as 
to  give  some  room  to  suspect  that  the  mistake  was  fatal, 
(which  surely  nothing  can  be  which  does  not  greatly  affect 
men's  temper  towards  God  and  each  other,)  even  that  con- 
sideration should  engage  us  to  gentleness  and  tenderness, 
rather  than  severity,  if  peradventure  we  may  remove  their 
prejudices."* 

He  thought  separations  in  churches  very  seldom  hap- 
pened, but  there  were  errors  and  faults  on  both  sides.  In 
some  instances  of  this  kind,  both  parties  made  their  appeal 
to  him ;  and,  upon  the  most  impartial  survey  of  the  grounds 
of  the  difference,  he  sometimes  saw  reason  to  blame,  and 
therefore  often  displeased  both.  In  some  of  those  which 
came  to  his  knowledge,  and  which  arose  from  the  people's 
dislike  to  their  ministers,  he  found  them  owing  to  the  de- 
parture of  those  ministers  from  what  their  people  appre- 
nended  the  most  weighty  truths  of  the  gospel ;  to  their  want 
of  a  more  serious  spirit,  and  a  due  sense  of  the  importance 
of  their  work ;  to  their  not  addressing  their  hearers  in  a 
plain  lively  manner ;  or  to  their  neglecting  pastoral  inspec- 
tion, and  complying  too  much  with  fashionable  diversions 
and  follies  ;  and  then  showing  too  warm  a  resentment,  if 
their  people  expressed  any  dissatisfaction  on  these  accounts. 
In  some  letters  on  such  occasions,  he  thus  expresseth  him- 
self :  "  The  edification  and  comfort  of  souls  does  not  de- 
pend on  those  niceties  of  sentiment  and  expression,  which 
too  often  divide  wise  and  good  men  ;  but  on  sometliing 
common  to  them  all,  which,  because  we  forget,  we  quarrel 
with  one  another  about  other  things.  It  is  for  want  of 
going  so  far  as  they  reasonably  might,  and  in  duty  ought, 
even  upon  their  own  principles,  that  so  many  rash  young 
men  ruin  their  reputation  and  usefulness,  and  the  congre- 
gations under  their  care.  I  have  seen  some  instances  of 
divisions,  which  have  been  owing  to  the  overbearing  temper 
of  some  wealthy  men,  and  despising  the  poorer  sort.  No 
pains  have  been  taken,  by  meekness  and  condescension, 
to  lessen  their  prejudices  ;  though  some  of  them  are,  in 
other  respects,  most  excellent  persons  :  and  their  zeal, 
though  carried  perhaps  to  an  extreme,  ariseth  fi'om  a  deep 
conviction  of  the  importance  of  religion  and  the  gospel : 
while  a  great  deal  of  what  is  called  charity  in  others  is 
either  ignorance  of  religion,  or  indifference  to  it.  I  have 
seen  many  bigots  for  liberty,  and  a  remarkable  want  of 
candour  in  some  great  pretenders  to  it.  I  have  known 
some  leaders  in  that  cause,  which  declares  most  for  charity, 
who  have  not  been  very  ready  to  put  a  charitable  constnic- 
tioii  upon  the  conduct  of  those  who  were  not  in  the  same 
sentiments  ;  but  have  imputed  their  zeal  to  the  love  of 
money  or  power.  The  boasted  patrons  of  liberty  would 
have  exclaimed,  if  all  the  good  things  they  have  done  were 
to  be  charged  to  some  such  low  motive.  We  should  then 
have  heard  much  of  its  being  tlie  prerogative  of  God  to 
judge  hearts,  and  the  like.  Such  reasoning  is  no  less  true 
and  applicable  in  one  case  than  in  the  other.  What  pity  is 
it  we  should  be  so  inconsistent  with  ourselves  ! — I  think 
persons  have  a  right  to  judge  for  themselves  in  the  choice 
of  their  ministers,  and  that  it  is  a  very  unwarrantable  in- 
fringement of  christian  liberty  to  deny  that  right,  or  show 
any  resentment  towards  those  who  make  use  of  it ;  and,  in 
protestant  dissenters,  quite  inexcusable.  In  cases  of  sepa- 
ration, I  think  it  the  wisdom  and  duty  of  mv  bretiiren  to 
treat  any  minister,  whom  a  church  separated  from  theirs 
shall  choose,  with  whatever  degree  of  kindness  and  respect 

*  Sermon  on  Candour. 


his  temper  and  conduct  might  entitle  him  to  in  any  other 
situation,  without  imputing  to  him  any  thing  that  might 
seem  matter  of  complaint  in  that  body  of  men  from  whom 
he  received  the  invitation.  It  is  most  for  the  peace  of 
ministers  and  the  churches  over  which  they  preside,  that 
those,  who  are  discontented  under  their  ministry,  should 
have  a  place  to  receive  them,  rather  than  continue  where 
they  were  on  uneasy  terms.  God  knows  I  have  no  part  in 
dividing  counsels,  though  I  have  been  charged  with  it,  or 
any  thing  that  should  alienate  the  hearts  of  good  men  from 
each  other." 

Upon  these  maxims  he  acted  himself,  and  found  the 
comfort  of  it.  There  was  a  congregation  in  Northampton, 
which  chiefly  consisted  of  those  who  had  separated  from 
his  before  he  settled  there ;  nevertheless  he  lived  upon  the 
most  friendly  terms  with  them,  as  he  believed  they  acted 
agreeably  to  the  convictions  of  their  own  consciences.  He 
rejoiced  when  they  had  a  worthy  minister  of  moderate  prin- 
ciples, treated  him  in  a  brotherly  manner,  and  did  him 
all  the  service  in  his  power :  particularly,  he  procured  for 
him  an  annual  allowance  towards  his  better  support,  by 
the  favourable  representation  he  made  of  his  temper  and 
character,  and  by  assuring  those  who  were  concerned  in 
ttie  allowance,  that  he  should  take  it  as  no  offence  to  him- 
self. He  was  desirous  to  turn  the  zeal  of  his  brethren  into 
a  right  channel,  to  persuade  them  to  spend  at  least  their  de- 
bates upon  smaller  matters,  that  they  might  with  united 
efforts  concur  in  prosecuting  that  great  design  for  which 
the  gospel  was  revealed,  the  Spirit  given,  and  their  office 
instituted.  "  Since  it  is  so  evident,"  saith  he,  "  that  irre- 
ligion  hath  gained  ground  upon  us,  while  Ave  have  been 
attending  to  other,  and,  to  be  sure,  lesser  matters,  let  us, 
by  a  plain,  serious,  zealous  way  of  preaching  the  most  vital 
truths  of  Christianity,  joined  with  a  diligent  inspection  of 
the  souls  committed  to  our  care,  try  what  can  be  done  to 
prevent  the  progress  of  this  growing  apostasy,  and  recover 
the  ground  we  have  lost.  Ignorant  and  prejudiced  men 
may  perhaps  accuse  us  of  bigotry  or  enthusiasm ;  but  let 
us  "do  our  best  to  convince  them  of  their  error,  by  the  can- 
dour of  our  temper  and  the  prudence  of  our  concluct."+ 

While  he  was  thus  candid  and  moderate  towards  his 
protestant  brethren,  he  had  a  just  abhorrence  of  the  tenets 
of  popery,  and  especially  its  persecuting  spirit ;  as  he  hath 
shown  in  his  comments  on  those  passages  of  the  New  Tes- 
tament which  refer  to  this  great  apostasy,  and  in  his  much- 
admired  sermon  on  "  The  Absurdity  and  Iniquity  of 
Persecution  for  Conscience  Sake,  in  all  its  Kinds  and 
Degrees."  How  he  considered  and  estimated  the  differ- 
ence between  the  churches  of  England  and  Rome,  will  be 
seen  in  the  following  passage  from  one  of  his  sermons 
against  popery,  (mentioned  above,)  page  52,  showing  how 
reasonable  and  necessary  the  Reformation  was,  and  how 
justifiable  our  continued  separation  from  the  Romish 
church  is.  "  My  brethren,  pardon  the  freedom  of  my 
speech.  I  should  have  thought  it  my  duty  to  have  sepa- 
rated from  the  church  of  Rome,  had  she  pretended  only  to 
determine  those  things  which  Christ  has  left  indifferent ; 
how  much  more,  when  she  requires  a  compliance  with 
those  which  he  hath  expressly  forbid  ?  When  she  has  the 
insolence  to  say.  You  shall  not  only  confine  yourself  to  a 
prescribed  forni  of  words,  but  you  shall  worsfiip  in  an  un- 
known tongue :  You  shall  not  only  bow  at  the  venerable 
name  of  our  common  Lord,  but  you  shall  worship  an 
image :  you  shall  not  only  kneel  at  the  communion,  but 
kneel  in  adoration  of  a  peace  of  bread  :  you  shall  not  onlv 
pronounce,  or  at  least  appear  to  pronounce,  those  accursecl 
who  do  not  believe  what  is  acknowledged  to  be  incompre- 
hensible, but  those  who  do  not  believe  what  is  most  con- 
trary to  our  reason  and  senses.  When  these  are  the  terms 
of  our  continued  communion,  the  Lord  judge  between  us 
and  them!  Had  nothing  but  indifferent  things  been  in 
dispute,  we  should  have  done,  as  we  do  by  our  brethren  of 
the  church  of  England,  taken  our  leave  of  them  with  decency 
and  respect :  we  would  have  loved  them  as  our  brethren, 
while  we  could  not  have  owned  them  as  our  lords.  But 
vvhen  they  require  us  to  purchase  our  peace  by  violating 
our  consciences  and  endangering  our  souls,  it  is  no  won- 
der that  we  escape  as  for  our  lives ;  retiring,  not  as  in  the 

t  Sermons  on  Regeneration,    Pief. 


HIS  BENEVOLENCE  AND  PUBLIC  SPIRIT. 


former  case,  from  an  inconvenient  lodging,  where  we  are 
straitened  for  want  of  room,  but  from  a  ruinous  house, 
where  we  are  in  danger  of  being  crushed  to  pieces ;  or, 
rather,  we  retire  with  indignation  and  horror,  as  from  a 
den  of  thieves,  where  we  must  be  either  the  associates  or 
the  sticnfices  of  their  wickedness.  And  to  all  their  terrors 
and  threatenings  we  oppose  the  awful  voice  of  God,  Come 
out  of  Iter,  7711/  people,  that  ye  be  not  purtake7-s  of  her  sins, 
(md  'that  ye  '7'eceive  not  of^ her  plagues:  for  he7-  mis  have 
reached  iiiito  heaven,  and  God  hath  irtiie)7ibered  her  iniqui- 
ties."    Rev.  xviii.  4,  5. 


SECTION  IV. 

His  benevolence,  aftability,  public  spirit,  and  liberality. 

Dr.  Doddridge  was  very  much  of  the  gentleman, 
understood  the  decorum  of  behaviour,  and  was  solicitous 
to  treat  others  with  those  forms  of  civility  and  complai- 
sance which  are  usual  among  well-bred  people.  "  I  know," 
saith  he,  "  that  these  things  are  mere  trifles  in  tlieraselves, 
but  they  are  the  outguards  of  humanity  and  friendship, 
and  effectuallv  prevent  many  a  rude  attack  ;  which,  taking  its 
rise  from  sonie  little  circumstance,  may  nevertheless  be  at- 
tended with  fatal  consequences."  The  waspishness  of 
some  learned  and  good  men,  and  the  acrimony  with  which 
they  treat  others,  whom  they  think  their  inferiors  in  know- 
ledge and  science,  or  who  differ  fi-om  them  in  sentiments, 
were  very  disagreeable  to  him.  He  had  contracted  nothing 
of  that  moroseness  and  distance,  which  persons  of  great 
reading,  and  those  who  are  engaged  in  a  constant  hurry  of 
business,  are  apt  to  discover  in  their  converse,  especially 
with  their  inferiors.  There  was  nothing  uncivil  or  forbid- 
ding in  his  behaviour  ;  nothing  overbearing  or  harsh  in  his 
language.  He  was  easy  of  access  to  the  poorest,  when  they 
came  to  him  about  their  afflictions  or  religious  concerns, 
and  would  leave  his  most  favourite  studies  to  hear  their 
complaints,  to  counsel,  comfort,  and  pray  with  them  ;  he 
treated  them  with  tenderness,  yet  lessened  not  himself  by 
unbecoming  familiarity.  He  thought  such  a  deportment 
peculiarly  incumbent  on  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  and  the 
instructors  of  youth  ;  out  of  regard  to  their  general  charac- 
ter, the  influence  of  their  example,  and  from  a  concern  to 
lead  all  with  whom  they  conversed,  especially  those  under 
their  care,  to  entertain  a  favourable  opinion  of  their  humi- 
lity and  readiness  to  serve  them.  In  consequence  of  such 
an  opinion,  they  will  be  more  free  in  their  conversation 
with  them,  especially  in  communicating  their  spiritual  con- 
cerns, than  they  would  be  if  they  saw  them  difficult  of  ac- 
cess, or  austere  in  their  manner  of  conversing. 

His  temper  was  unsuspicious,  mild,  and  sweet;  and  in 
his  tongue  was  the  law  of  kindness.  This,  it  m.ust  be  owned, 
was  sometimes  carried  to  an  excess,  especially  in  younger 
life.  His  candour  led  him  to  think  more  favourably  of 
some  persons  than  they  deserved  ;  particularly  those  who 
j)0ssessed  some  shining  talents  or  qualities,  especially  if  they 
appeared  to  be  active  for  the  advancement  of  religion.  At 
the  .same  time,  tlie  openness  of  his  temi)er,  and  a  kind  of 
natural  complaisance,  led  him  to  say  civil  and  obliging 
things  of  their  characters  and  views  :  but  in  some  instances 
he  afterwards  saw  reason  to  alter  his  judgment  of  them,  and 
be  upon  the  reserve  in  his  behaviour  to  them.  Tiiis  pro- 
dticed  some  inconveniences;  for  a  few,  who  did  not  know 
him,  suspected  his  sincerity  ;  and  the  persons  in  question 
thought  themselves  injured  by  his  declining  an  intimacy 
with  them,  or  a  recommendation  of  them,  from  which  they 
expected  some  advantage ;  while  those  who  were  most  in- 
timately acquainted  with  his  real  character,  and  the  motives 
on  which  he  acted,  knew  him  to  be  incapable  of  that  dissi- 
mulation or  inconsistency  with  which  he  was  charged.  I 
mention  this  the  rather,  that  it  may  sei-ve  as  a  caution  to  the 
good-natured  reader  to  restrain  the  excesses  of  civility  and 
compliment;  agreeably  to  the  advice  of  a  noble  writer, 
"  Be  cautious  in  all  declarations  of  friendship  ;  as  the  very 
common  forms  of  civility  are  too  often  explained  into  unde- 
signed engagements."* 

But  the  benevolence  of  the  Doctor's  temper  was  not 

•  Lord  Orrery's  Life  of  Swift,  p.  2C4. 


shown  in  word  and  tongue  only,  but  in  deed  and  in  truth  ; 
and  the  effects  of  it  were  substantial,  lovely,  and  extensive. 
His  zeal  to  do  good  to  the  souls  of  men,  arising  in  part  from 
this  benevolent  principle,  hath  already  been  mentioned.     I 
am  now  to  add,  that  his  heart  was  touched  with  the  miseries 
of  the  poor,  and  this  led  him  to  devise  liberal  things.     No 
man   was  more   free  from  a  covetous   spirit.      lie  never 
sought  great  things  for  himself  and  his  family,  nor  was  am- 
bitious to  leave  them  rich  in  this  world.     He  often  quoted 
that  saying  of  his  Master,  as  a  true  and  precious  monument 
of  apostolic  tradition  :  It  is  moie  blessed  to  give  than  to  re- 
ceive.     He  inquired  after  and  relieved  distressed  objects ; 
pleaded  the  cause  of  the  poor  and  needy  in  his  sermons  and 
private  discourses,  and  used  all  his  interest  with  his  friends 
to  induce  them  to  do  good  and  to  C077innmicate.      But  he 
never  laid  any  burden  of  this  kind  upon  others  (if  perhaps 
they  might  think  it  so)  without  bearing  more  of  it  himself 
than  some  may  think,  in  justice  to  his  family,  he  ought  to 
have  done.     He  exhorted  others,  agreeably  to  the  directions 
of  the  New  Testament,  to  appropriate  some  certain  part  and 
proportion  of  their  estate  and  revenues  to  charitable  uses  ; 
with  a  provisional  increase,  as  God  should  prosper  them  in 
any  extraordinary  instances.     By  this  means  they  would 
always  have  a  fund  at  hand;  and  probably  communicate, 
when  they  looked  upon  what  was  so  deposited  as  not  in 
any  sense  their  own ;  but  as  already  given  away  to  such 
uses,  though  not  yet  afiixed  to  particular  objects.     He  ex- 
horted Christians  to  make  a  trial  for  one  year,  on  such  terms 
as  they  thought  in  their  consciences  would  be  most  pleasing 
to  God  ;  and,  by  their  observation  on  that,  to  fix  their  pro- 
portion for  the  next.     He  exhorted  them  to  spare,  to  retrench 
superfluities,  and  deny  themselves  some  of  the  elegances  of 
life ;  not  that  they  might  have  more  to  hoard  up,  but  have 
more  to  give.f    And  upon  these  maxims  he  acted  himself. 
In  one  of  his  annual  reflections  upon  the  providences  of 
God  to  him,  his  views,  resolutions,  &c.  he  writes  :  "  I  have 
this  day,  in  secret  devotion,  made  a  vow  that  I  would  con- 
secrate a  tenth  part  of  my  estate  and  income  to  charitable 
uses,  and  an  eighth  part  of  all  that  shall  this  year  come  in 
from  my  books  to  occasional  contributions ;  unless  any  cir- 
cumstances arise  which  lead  me  to  believe  that  it  will  be 
injurious  to  others  to  do  it."     At  the  beginning  of  the  fol- 
lowing year  he  thus  writes  :  "  Having  fully  discharged  the 
charitable  account  last  year,  I  renew  the  like  resolution  for 
this ;  and  desire  to  observe  how  God  prospers  me,  that  I 
may  do  in  proportion   to  it."      His  accounts  show  how 
punctually  he  fulfilled  this  engagement,  and  that  he  often 
exceeded  it :  so  that,  considering  his  family,  and  the  preca- 
riousness  of  most  of  his  income,  his  liberality  will  appear 
very  remarkable.     He  often  lamented  that  in  his  youth  he 
had  not  been  sufficiently  frugal,  so  as  to  leave  room  for  con- 
tributing more  to  relieve  the  necessities  of  others  :  though, 
v^hile  he  was  at  school  and  the  academ.y,  as  he  hath  some- 
times informed  his  pupils,  he  never  contracted  any  debts, 
nor  spent  money  in  unnecessary  articles.     This  he  reckoned 
a  piece  of  justice  to  his  benefactors,  and  a  preparatory  dis- 
cipline   for    appearing    reputably,    and    maintaining  good 
economy,  when  he  entered  upon  public  life ;  and  though 
his  income  was  small,  he  had  always  a  little  cash  in  hand 
at  the  close  of  every  year.      Yet  he  afterwards  thought  lie 
might  have  been  more  frugal,  and  thereby  have  had  more  to 
have  done  good  with. 

Besides  the  proportion  he  devoted  to  charitable  uses,  he 
was  a  loi€r  of  hospitaliti/,  entertained  his  brethren  and 
friends  with  great  respect  and  kindness,  and  supplied  many 
necessitous  persons  and  families.  After  a  considerable 
legacy  to  the  poor  in  his  will,  he  adds,  "  I  am  persuaded 
my  dear  family  will  not  be,  upon  the  whole,  the  poorer  for 
this  little  kindness  to  those,  whom  I  hope  they  will  consider 
as  the  friends  of  Christ,  and  will  delight,  as  they  can,  in 
doing  them  good.  I  have  thought  it  my  duty  to  lay  up 
but  very  little  for  my  own  children,  while  I  have  seen  so 
many  of  the  children  of  God,  and  some  of  them  most  ex- 
cellent persons,  in  necessity."  He  had  great  compassion 
for  the  industrious  poor,  visited  their  families,  inquired  into 
their  circumstances,  and  particularly  whether  they  had 
Bibles,  and  practical  books;  and  he  bestowed  upon  them, 
or  endeavoured  to  procure  for  them,  those  which  he  judged 

+  Rise  and  Progress,  chap.  28.  sect.  10. 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


most  necessary  and  useful.  He  gave  away  a  great  nurnber 
of  his  smaller  pieces  among  the  poor  of  the  town  and  neigh- 
bourhood where  he  lived,  without  distinction  of  parties. 

He  drew  up,  and  printed  at  his  own  expense,  "  A  friendly 
Letter  to  the  private  Soldiers  of  a  Regiment  of  Foot,"  which 
was  one  of  those  engaged  in  the  important  and  glorious 
battle  of  CuUoden,  concerning  the  detestable  vices  of  swear- 
ing and  cursing-,  to  which  they  were  addicted.  It  is  now 
printed  with  his  other  small  pieces ;  and  it  is  much  to  be 
wished,  that  officers  and  other  gentlemen  of  fortune  would 
distribute  it  among  soldiers  with  the  same  benevolent 
design. 

Many  wealthy  persons,  from  a  conviction  of  his  integrity 
and  prudence,  and  a  desire  to  gratify  his  benevolent  tem- 
per, put  considerable  sums  into  his  hands  for  charitable 
purposes  ;  and  he  kept  a  most  faithful  and  circumstantial 
account  how  that  money  was  distributed.  He  was  very, 
active  in  setting  on  foot  "the  county  hospital  at  Northamp- 
ton :  he  not  only  contributed  generously  to  it  himself,  but 
spent  much  time  (more  valuable  to  him  than  money)  in 
ripening  that  excellent  design.  He  preached  and  printed 
a  sermon  in  favour  of  it,  in  which  he  pleads  its  cause  with 
forcible  and  insinuating  arguments.  He  often  reflected, 
with  great  satisfaction,  on  the  pains  he  had  taken  to  estab- 
lish tliis  charity,  and  the  good  effects  he  had  seen  of  it ;  in 
relieving  so  many,  who  are  the  worthiest  objects  of  charity, 
and  promoting  a  social  and  catholic  spirit  among  persons 
of  different  parties  and  persuasions,  by  their  union  in  car- 
rying on  a  benevolent  design.  It  gave  him  particular  plea- 
sure to  reflect,  that  the  souls  of  the  patients  might  be 
instructed,  awakened,  and  improved  by  the  religious  ad- 
vantages with  which  they  were  favoured  in  the  hospital, 
while  the  cure  of  their  bodily  disorders  was  proceeding. 

As  a  further  instance  of  his  benevolence  and  public 
spirit,  I  might  mention  the  part  he  acted  at  the  rebellion  in 
1745;  exerting  himself  uith  great  zeal,  and  at  considerable 
expense,  in  the  cause  of  his  king  and  country.  When  a 
regiment  was  raising  in  Northamptonshire,  to  be  under  the 
command  of  tlie  Earl  of  Halifax,  he  wrote  many  letters  to 
his  friends  in  that  county  and  neighbourhood,  to  excite  their 
concurrence ;  he  went  about  among  his  own  people  to  en- 
courage proper  persons  to  enlist,  and  had  the  jneasure  to 
find  many  of  them  cheerfully  engaging  in  the  design.  To 
which  I  may  add,  that  he  took  pains  to  cherish  in  his  pu- 
pils a  hearty  loyalty  and  affection  to  his  late  Majesty,  who 
governed  us  in  righteousness  and  peace ;  and  embraced  the 
many  opportunities,  which  his  lectures  of  civil  and  eccle- 
siastical history  gave  him,  for  that  jmrpose.  Those  who 
knew  him  best  are  fully  convinced,  that  what  he  said  on 
this  subject,  in  his  sermons  on  some  public  occasions, 
which  were  published,  and  the  dedication  of  his  Family 
Expositor  to  the  Princess  of  Wales,  was  the  genuine  sen- 
timent of  his  heart ;  and  there  was  nothing  inconsistent 
with  it  in  any  of  his  lectures  or  private  discourses. 

I  have  already  taken  notice  of  his  establishing  a  charity 
school  at  Northampton  ;  to  which  I  have  now  only  to  add, 
that  he  w-as  a  constant  contributor  to  it,  besides  the  pains 
he  took  to  superintend  and  assist  the  education  of  the 
scholars.  He  educated  several  young  men  of  good  genius 
and  dispositions  for  the  ministry,  in  a  great  measure  at  his 
own  expense ;  and  had  the  satisfaction  to  see  them  enter- 
ing upon  the  work  with  proper  furniture  and  great  accept- 
ance; and  to  receive  from  them  such  grateful  returns  as 
were  in  their  power.* 

But  his  generous  heart  was  most  open  to  encourage  any 
schemes  for  propagating  religion,  and  spreading  the  gospel 
among  those  who  were  stiangers  to  it.  Here  he  led  the 
way,  and  exerted  all  the  force  of  persuasion  to  engage 
others  to  concur  in  them.  Thus,  -writing  to  a  friend,  con- 
cerning his  plan  for  propagating  the  gospel,  he  saith,  "  It  is 
much  better,  and  more  delightful,  to  do  a  little  for  our  Re- 
deemer, than  to  do  nothing.  Who,  that  considers  what  a 
precious  jewel  he  possesseth  in  that  best  of  friends,  would 
not  wish  that  all  the  world  shared  with  him  in  it  ?   What  is 

*  I  will  beg  the  reader's  leave  to  mention,  in  this  connexion,  a  circnm- 
stauce  which  retlecis  great  honour  on  the  worthy  person  to  whom  it  refers. 
He  had  been  educated  for  the  ministry  under  the  Doctoi's  tuition,  t)y  the 
assistance  ot  some  charitable  donations;  and,  though  strongly  inclined  to 
pursue  it,  was  obliaed,  through  an  tmconquerable  excess  of  modesty  and 
diftidence,  to  decline  it,  and  turn  his  thoughts  to  trade.  Having  pursued 
liis  business  with  great  diliijence  and  economy,  and  a  little  increased  his 
small  capital,  he  thought  himself  bound  in  justice  to  return  the  money 


our  time,  or  what  our  money  worth,  but  diat  some  con- 
siderable part  of  both  may  be  employed  for  him  ?  O,  when 
shall  his  knowledge  cover  the  earth,  as  the  waters  cover  the 
sea,  and  carry  along  with  it  richer  treasures  and  blessings 
than  the  sea  ever  bore  !  May  it  in  the  mean  time  rule  in 
our  hearts  ;  and  may  we  have  the  pleasure  of  wishing, 
praying,  and  labouring  for  the  spread  of  his  kingdom, 
though  we  cannot  advance  it  as  we  would  !" 

An  event  of  a  public,  uncommon  nature,  in  which  he 
was  particularly  concerned,  desen^es  to  be  related  here,  as 
an  evidence  of  his  great  benevolence,  and  for  the  sake  of 
the  useful  reflections  he  makes  upon  it.  "  April  5,  1741. 
At  our  assize  last  month,  one  Bryan  Connell,  an  Irish 
papist,  was  convicted  of  the  murder  of  Richard  Brymley, 
of  Weedon,  about  two  years  ago.  The  evidence  against 
him  at  his  trial  seemed  full  and  strong  ;  but  it  chiefly  de- 
pended on  the  credit  of  an  infamous  woman,  who  owned 
she  had  lived  with  him  in  adultery  some  years.  There 
were  some  remarkable  circumstances  in  the  course  of  the 
trial,  in  which  I  thought  the  providence  of  God  wonder- 
fully appeared.  The  prisoner  told  a  long  story  of  himself; 
but  it  was  so  ill  supported,  that  I  imagine  no  one  person 
in  court  believed  it.  I  visited  him  after  his  conviction, 
wit?i  a  compassionate  view  to  his  eternal  concerns ;  but 
instead  of  being  able,  by  any  remonstrances,  to  persuade 
him  to  confess  the  fact,  I  found  him  fixed  in  a  most  reso- 
lute denial  of  it.  He  continued  to  deny  it  the  next  day 
with  such  solemn,  calm,  but  earnest  appeals  to  heaven,  and 
fervent  cries  that  God  would  inspire  some  with  the  belief 
of  his  innocence,  that  I  was  much  impressed.  As  he  de- 
sired to  leave  with  me,  at  the  time  of  his  execution,  a 
paper,  in  which  he  would  give  an  account  of  the  places 
where,  and  the  persons  with  whom  he  was,  when  the  mur- 
der was  committed,  I  was  so  struck  with  the  affair,  that  I 
obtained  time  of  the  under-sheriff  to  make  inquiry  into  the 
truth  of  what  he  had  told  me.  Having  sent  a  wise  and 
faithful  friend  to  Whitchurch  and  Chester,  to  examine  the 
evidence  he  appealed  to,  I  found  every  circumstance  which 
the  convict  had  asserted,  proved  ;  and  the  concurrent  te.sti- 
mony  of  five  credible  persons  attested  that  he  was  in  Che- 
shire when  the  murder  was  committed.  These  testimonies 
I  laid  before  the  judge  by  whom  he  was  condemned,  for 
the  deliverance  of  what  in  my  conscience  I  believed,  and 
do  still  believe,  to  be  innocent  blood.  But  the  judge  did 
not  think  himself  warranted  to  reprieve  him,  as  the  evidence 
given  against  him  by  the  wicked  woman  was  materially 
confirmed  by  two  other  witnesses ;  and  because  he  thought 
the  most  dangerous  consequences  might  attend  such  an 
examination  of  the  affair  as  I  proposed.  The  convict  was 
accordingly  executed.  I  had  laboured  with  unwearied 
pains  and  zeal,  both  for  the  deliverance  of  his  life  and  tlie 
salvation  of  his  soul.  What  made  the  case  more  affecting 
to  me  was,  that  nothing  could  be  more  tender  than  his 
expressions  of  gratitude,  and  nothing  more  cheerful  than 
his  hope  of  deliverance  had  been.  Among  other  things  I 
remember  he  said,  "  Every  drop  of  my  blood  thanks  you, 
for  you  have  had  compassion  on  every  drop  of  it."  He 
wished  he  might,  before  he  died,  have  leave  to  kneel  at  the 
threshold  of  my  door,  to  pray  for  me  and  mine  ;  which  in- 
deed he  did  on  his  knees  in  the  most  earnest  manner,  as  he 
was  taken  out  to  be  executed.  '  You,'  saith  he,  '  are  my 
redeemer  in  one  sense ;  (a  poor  impotent  redeemer !)  and 
you  have  a  right  to  me.  If  I  live  I  am  your  property,  and 
I  will  be  a  faithful  subject '  The  manner  in  which  he 
spoke  of  what  he  promised  himself  from  my  fi-iendshij),  if 
he  had  been  spared,  was  exceeding  natural  and  touching. 

"  Upon  the  whole,  I  never  passed  through  a  more 
striking  scene.  I  desire  it  may  teach  me  the  following 
lessons  :  1.  To  adore  the  awful  justice  of  God  in  causing 
this  unhappy  creature  thus  infamously  to  fall  by  her  with 
whom  he  had  so  scandalously  sinned,  to  the  ruin  of  a  very 
loving  and  virtuous  wife.  Tlius  God  made  his  own  law 
efl^ectual,  that  the  adulterer  should  die.  2.  To  acknowledge 
the  depths  of  the  Divine  counsels ;  which  in  this  affair, 

which  had  been  allotted  to  his  education.  Accordingly  he  sent  his  tutor  a 
larger  sum  than  had  been  expended  in  his  eilucation  ;  desiring  him  to  em- 
ploy it  in  the  education  of  some  young  man  for  the  ministry,  who  might 
need  the  assistance;  which  was  (lone.  An  example  which  perhaps  many 
others  ought  to  follow,  if  their  circumstances  will  admit;  and  especially 
those  who  have  been  educated  for  the  ministry,  and  thought  proper  to  de- 
cline it. 


HIS  BENEVOLENCE  AND  PUBLIC  SPIRIT. 


when  I  think  on  all  the  circumstances  of  it,  are  to  me  im- 

fenetrable.  3.  To  continue  resolute  in  well-doing,  though 
should  be,  as  in  this  instance  I  have  been,  reproached 
and  reviled  for  it.  Some  have  said,  that  I  am  an  Irish 
papist;  others  have  used  very  contemptuous  language, and 
thrown  out  base  censures  for  my  interposing  in  this  affair ; 
though  I  am  in  my  conscience  persuaded,  that  to  have 
neglected  that  interposition,  in  the  view  I  then  had  of 
things,  would  have  been  the  most  criminal  part  in  my  whole 
life.  4.  May  I  not  learn  from  it  gratitude  to  him,  who 
hath  redeemed  and  delivered  me  ?  In  which,  alas  !  how  far 
short  do  I  fall  of  this  poor  creature !  How  ea<jerly  did  he 
receive  the  news  of  a  reprieve  for  a  few  days  !  How  tenderly 
did  he  express  his  gratitude ;  that  he  should  be  mine ;  that 
I  might  do  what  I  pleased  with  iiim ;  that  I  liad  bought 
him  :  spoke  of  the  delight  with  which  he  should  see  and 
serve  me  ;  that  he  would  come  once  a  year,  from  one  end 
of  the  kingdom  to  the  other,  to  see  and  thank  me,  and 
should  be  glad  never  to  go  out  of  my  sight.  O,  why  do 
not  our  hearts  overflow  with  such  sentiments  on  an  occasion 
infinitely  greater !  We  were  all  dead  men.  Execution 
would  soon  have  been  done  upon  us.  But  Christ  has  re- 
deemed tis  to  God  with  his  blood.  We  are  not  merely  re- 
prieved, but  pardoned;  not  merely  pardoned,  but  adopted; 
made  heirs  of  eternal  glory,  and  near  the  borders  of  it.  In 
consequence  of  all  this,  we  are  not  our  own,  but  bought  with 
a  price.  May  we  glorify  God  in  our  bodies  and  spiiits, 
which  are  his  !" 

There  was  no  instance  in  which  the  benevolence  of  his 
temper  appeared  in  a  more  striking  light  tlian  in  the  ten- 
derness and  aflection  with  which  he  sympathized  with 
others,  and  especially  his  friends,  under  their  distresses. 
His  heart  felt  for  them  :  he  entered  into  tlieir  sorrows,  bore 
their  burdens,  and  was  ever  ready  to  assist  and  relieve  them 
to  the  utmost  of  his  power ;  and,  where  the  case  admitted 
of  no  other  relief,  to  support  and  comfort  them.  As  a 
specimen  of  this,  I  will  add  a  letter,  whicli,  in  the  year 
1724,  he  wrote  to  a  lady  on  the  death  of  her  brother,  who 
was  a  pious  useful  minister ;  and  I  hope  it  will  be  service- 
able to  others  in  the  like  circumstance  of  distress. "  My 

heart  is  so  full  of  the  thought  of  your  dear  brother's  deatii, 
that  I  know  not  how  to  command  my  pen  to  any  other 
subject.  Believe  me,  madam,  I  see  that  heavy  affliction 
in  many  of  its  most  aggravated  circumstances.  But  need 
I  mention  them  to  you,  who  have,  no  doubt,  a  much  ten- 
derer sense  of  them !  Or  need  I  mention  those  common 
consolations  which  Christianity  affords  us  under  all  our 
calamities,  or  those  which  the  circumstances  of  the  case 
before  us  do  most  peculiarly  admit?  I  know  you  have 
already  given  them  their  weight,  and  are  well  furnished 
witli  consolations  upon  this  head ;  having  been  obliged, 
by  such  afflictions,  frequently  to  have  recourse  to  them. 
No  doubt  you  have  often  been  thinking,  that,  as  we  are 
christians,  we  are  not  to  be  so  much  concerned  about  the 
different  kinds  of  providential  dispensations  which  we  are 
now  exercised  with,  whether  of  a  prosperous  or  a  calami- 
tous nature,  as  about  the  correspondence  of  our  behaviour 
to  them.  The  law  of  Christianity,  not  to  say  of  nature 
itself,  requires  that  we  .should  not  only  be  silent  and  com- 
posed, but  cheerful  and  thankful,  under  our  afflictions. 
Tliis  indeed  is  what  the  generality  of  christians  are  want- 
ing in ;  but  that  is  no  proof  that  it  is  an  irrational  or  im- 
fiossibie  demand,  but  rather  a  sublime  attainment  in  re- 
igion.  It  is  evident  that  nothing  can  be  more  grateful  to 
God,  and  edif\'ing  to  the  world,  than  to  see  that  a  christian, 
under  the  heavy  pressure  of  calamity,  can  not  only  restrain 
the  excess  of  sorrow,  and  suppress  those  indecent  com- 
plaints which  the  corruption  of  nature  would  be  too  readv 
to  suggest,  but  can  mingle  praises  with  his  tears,  and  love 
and  rejoice  in  his  heavenly  Father,  even  when  he  feels  the 
smart  of  his  correcting  rod.  Let  me  suggest  a  few  hints 
upon  this  head,  which  you  will  easily  enlarge  upon  in  your 
own  thoughts  to  greater  advantage. 

"  God  hath  seen  fit  to  take  away  your  brother ;  and  is 
not  this  a  proper  season  to  be  tharikful  that  you  so  long 
enjoyed  him  ?  No  doubt  you  have  been  flunking  of  his 
character,  in  the  most  advaiitageous  particulars  of  it ;  and 
perhaps  have  considered  it  as  a  great  aggravation  of  vour 
affliction,  that  you  have  lost  so  excellent  a  brother.  "But 
may  you  not  now  press  in  each  of  these  afflicting  thoughts 


to  subserve  the  purposes  of  thankfulness  and  joy  ?  Do  you 
not  reflect,  that,  the  more  excellent  he  was,  the  more  sur- 
prising was  tlie  goodness  of  God  in  bestowing  him  upon 
you,  and  continuing  him  so  long  to  you  ?  When  you  say, 
(it  may  be  with  tears  in  your  eyes,) '  How  few  are  there  in 
the  world  that  could  have  sustained  such  a  loss !'  what  is 
it  but  to  say,  in  other  words,  how  few  are  there  in  the  world 
oil  whom  God  ever  bestowed  so  valuable  a  friend  as  he 
gave  to  me  ?  Let  common  sense  judge  whether  that  be 
matter  of  complaint  or  praise. — You  should  be  thankful  to 
God  that  for  so  many  years  you  had  a  constant  share  in  his 
prayers.  The  more  religious  he  was,  the  more  frequently 
and  earnestly  he  prayed,  and  the  more  favourably  did  God 
regard  him.  No  doubt  but  his  prayers  are  still  in  remem- 
brance before  God ;  and  as  he  most  frequently  asked  diose 
blessings  for  you,  which  are  of  the  most  excellent  and  per- 
manent nature,  much  of  the  good  effect  of  these  addresses 
may  be  still  behind.  You  know  not  how  many  refreshing 
visits  of  his  grace,  how  many  favourable  interpositions  of 
his  providence,  how  high  a  degree  of  holiness  in  tliis  world 
and  of  happiness  in  the  next,  God  may  now  be  preparing 
to  bestow  upon  you,  in  answer  to  the  prayers  of  this  excel- 
lent man. — Once  more,  let  the  providence  of  God  in  re- 
moving your  brother,  be  improved  to  a  more  thankful  sense 
of  his  goodness  in  continuing  your  surviving  brother,  whose 
lot  is  cast  so  much  nearer  to  you.  If  you  take  the  matter 
in  this  view,  it  brings  your  passions  to  a  balance :  for  you 
can  never  imagine  that  we  are  to  lament  any  degree  of 
affliction  in  a  greater  proportion  than  we  rejoice  in  an  equal 
degree  of  comfort. 

"  You  see,  madam,  you  have  cause  of  tliankfulness, ' 
though  your  brother  be  dead ;  and  that  many  of  the  con- 
siderations, with  which  you  feed  your  sorrows,  are  capable 
of  being  made  subservient  to  the  nobler  exercises  of  grati- 
tude and  love.  But  what  if  I  should  advance  still  further, 
and  say  that  the  death  of  your  brother  should  not  only 
allow  you  to  be  thankful  for  your  other  mercies,  but  itself 
should  be  made  the  matter  of  praise?  I  think  I  should  say 
no  more  than  the  apostle  hath  said,  when  he  exliorls  us  in 
every  thing  to  give  thanks :  nay,  I  should  say  no  more  than 
I  am  confident  your  deliberate  reason  must  subscribe  to. 
Are  you  not  the  servant  of  God,  and  have  you  not  yielded 
yourself  to  him  ?  Was  it  not  the  business  of  the  last  sacra- 
ment-day ?  And  are  you  not  renewing  the  dedication  every 
day  of  your  life  ?  Wlien  you  consecrate  yourself  to  God, 
you  give  up  every  separate  interest  of  your  own ;  and 
resolve  all  into  this  one  great  petition,  that  his  name  may  be 
glorified,  particularly  in  all  you  are  and  all  you  iiave.  Now, 
do  you  imasine  tliat  God  would  have  removed  so  eminent 
a  saint,  so  useful  a  minister,  and  afflicted  a  numerous  and 
religious  family,  as  well  as  a  multitude  of  sympathizing 
friends,  if  he  had  not  known  that  it  was  for  his  glory? 
When  you  have  been  saying,  as  you  have  daily  said. 
Father,  thy  ivill  be  done,  were  you  not  then  praying  for  the 
loss  of  your  dearest  comforts,  even  for  the  death  of  your 
brother,  and  of  every  other  friend  you  have,  upon  supposi- 
tion that  it  were  the  will  of  God?  You  certainly  were; 
unless  you  meant  to  say,  Let  thy  will  be  done,  so  far  as  it 
is  agreeable  to  my  own.  Now  I  leave  you  to  judge  whether 
the  answer  of  prayer  be  the  matter  of  complaint  or  of  praise. 
I  know  it  is  very  difficult  to  apprehend  how  such  a  dispen- 
sation as  this  should  be  for  the  glory  of  God.  But  have  we 
known  so  little  of  the  nature  of  the  great  God  as  to  question 
the  wisdom  of  his  providential  dispensations,  merely  be- 
cause tliey  appear  unaccountable  to  us?  ^\  e  use  ourselves 
to  a  contracted  way  of  thinking  and  reasoning  upon  this 
head  ;  much  like  a  small  congregation  in  the  country,  that 
fancy  the  interest  of  religion  is  very  much  damaged  by  the 
removal  of  a  useful  minister  from  them,  though  it  be  to  a 
sphere  of  much  more  extensive  service.  Because  this  earth 
is  our  habitation,  we  fondly  imagine  it  to  be  a  place  of  very 
great  importance  ;  whereas,  if  we  consider  the  number  and 
excellency  of  the  inhabitants  of  heaven,  we  must  be  forced 
to  confess,  that  it  is  very  probable  those  revolutions  may  be 
very  serviceable  to  the  whole  creation,  which  are  detrimen- 
tal to  some  particular  part,  in  its  highest  and  most  important 
interest.  And  of  this  nature  1  take  the  removal  of  excellent 
ministers  to  be ;  especially  in  the  prime  of  their  strength 
and  usefulness. 

"  I  may  add,  that  there  are  certain  views,  both  with  rela- 


xl 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


tion  to  him  and  yourself,  which  will  further  evince  your 
obligations  to  thankfulness.  With  regard  to  your  brother, 
you  easily  apprehend  a  foundation  for  thankfulness,  though 
perliaps  you  have  not  considered  his  present  happiness  in 
that  particular  view.  You  believe,  with  the  greatest  reason, 
that  death  was  inconceivably  advantageous  to  him,  and  that, 
now  he  is  absent  from  the  bodi/,  he  is  present  with  the  Lord. 
Now,  with  all  your  tender  friendship,  can  you  question 
whether  it  be  your  part  to  rejoice  with  him  in  that  glory  and 
felicity  which  "he  now  enjoys  ?  Or  can  you  imagine  that  you 
are  to  be  so  much  concerned  that  he  is  not  with  you,  as  to 
forget  to  rejoice  that  he  is  with  God  ?  Was  it  more  for  you 
to  lose  a  brother,  than  for  the  apostles  to  part  witli  Christ 
himself?  And  yet  he  says  the  very  same  thing  which 
shocked  you  so  much  a  few  lines  above  ;  if  ye  loved  me,  ye 
would  rejoice,  because  I  so  to  the  Father.  When  your 
brother  was  alive,  you  did  not  only  take  pleasure  in  him, 
when  he  was  in  the  same  house  and  room  witli  yourself,  but 
at  the  distance  of  above  a  hundred  miles.  You  rejoiced  to 
think  that  he  was  well ;  and  that  he  was  surrounded  with 
agreeable  friends,  furnished  with  plentiful  accommodations ; 
and,  above  all,  laying  himself  out  with  vigour  and  success 
in  the  service  of  our  great  common  Master.  And  will  you 
entertain  so  mean  an  idea  of  the  preparation,  wliich  the 
God  of  heaven  and  earth  has  made  for  the  supreme  happi- 
ness of  his  beloved  children,  as  to  question  whether  he  be 
now  raised  to  more  valuable  friends,  more  delightful  enter- 
tainment, and  a  sphere  of  more  extensive  service?  I  am 
confident,  madam,  you  would  liave  been  thankful  from 
your  heart  for  your  brother's  recovery  :  and  would  it  have 
been  a  greater  mercy  to  iiim  to  have  been  raised  from  a 
languishing  illness  to  a  state  of  confirmed  health,  amidst 
the  vanity  and  misery  of  this  state  of  mortality,  than  to  be 
exalted  to  immortal  health  and  vigour,  amidst  the  entertain- 
ment of  angels,  and  the  enjoyment  of  God  ?  Or  has  so 
generous  spirited  a  person  as  yourself  begun  now  to 
imagine,  that  you  are  to  be  thankful  on  the  account  of  none 
but  yourself?'  So  far  from  that,  you  think  it  a  great  matter 
of  thankfulness,  and  no  doubt  you  are  frequently  praisinj; 
God  for  it,  that  you  have  an  excellent  brother  left,  so  a^ree- 
ably  settled,  so  universally  respected,  and  so  zealously 
and  successfully  engaged  in  the  most  honourable  service. 
But  is  it  not  more,  that  you  have  another  brotiier  anions 
the  blessed  angels  in  heaven  ?  How  different  are  tiie 
services  which  the  one  is  paying  to  the  throne  of  grace,  and 
the  other  to  the  throne  of  glory !  When  they  are  both  en- 
gaged, it  may  be  at  the  very  same  moment,  in  the  con- 
templation of  God  and  divine  things,  how  vastly  do  you 
think  the  younger  brother  has  now  the  advantage  of  the 
elder?  May  there  not  be  the  same  difference  in  accuracy, 
solidity,  and  manly  pleasure,  between  the  thoughts  of  the 
blessed  saint  in  heaven  and  the  philosopher  upon  earth,  as 
betvi?een  the  sublimest  thoughts  of  that  philosopher  and  the 
roving  imagination  of  a  little  infant,  in  which  reason  is  but 
just  beginning  to  dawn?  Certainly  it  should  be  a  constant 
source  of  delight  to  us,  amidst  all  the  disturbances  and  ca- 
lamities of  life,  that  we  have  so  many  friends  in  heaven, 
whose  joy  and  glory  should  be  to  us  as  our  own. 

"  You  must  now  give  me  leave  to  add,  that  you  have  reason 
to  be  thankful  for  this  dispensation  of  Providence,  not  only 
from  a  principle  of  zeal  for  God  and  friendship  to  your  bro- 
ther, but  from  a  regard  to  your  own  personal  interest.  The 
gospel  teacheth  its  sincere  professors  to  regard  every  provi- 
dence as  a  mercy,  when  it  tells  them  that  all  ihims  shall 
work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love  God:  and  there- 
fore, though  you  could  not  see  mercy  in  this  particular 
stroke,  religion  would  nevertheless  require  you  to  believe 
and  acknowledge  it.  But  cannot  you  yourself  perceive 
some  mercy  in  it?  Has  it  not,  as  you  are  pleased  to  inti- 
mate in  your  letter,  an  apparent  tendency  to  wean  your  affec- 
tions from  this,  world,  and  to  raise  them  to  the  heavenly 
felicity?  Do  you  not  find  the  thoughts  of  death  more 
tolerable,  more  delightful  to  you,  since  God  has  removed 
so  powerful  an  attractive  from  earth,  and  translated  it  to 
heaven?  Nay,  do  you  not  find  it  a  considerable  exercise 
of  |)atience  to  be  absent,  it  may  be  for  several  years,  from 
this  dear  happy  brother,  whose  image  continually  presents 
itself  to  your  mind  in  so  much  the  more  charming  a  light, 

*  Rise  and  Progress,  Ded. 


as  your  heart  is  melted  with  grief  for  his  death  ?  Now,  if 
indifference  to  this  world,  and  a  most  affectionate  desire  of 
a  happy  immortality,  be  a  very  important  branch  of  the 
Christian  temper;  if  the  Scriptures  are  so  frequendy  incul- 
cating it  upon  us,  and  we  so  continually  praying  for  the 
increase  and  lamenting  the  deficiency  of  it,  how  reasonable 
is  it  that  we  should  be  thankful  for  those  providences,  which, 
of  all  others,  have  the  greatest  tendency  to  promote  it  ? — I 
write  these  things,  madam,  not  with  the  coldness  of  a 
stranger,  but  with  the  tender  sympathy  of  a  friend  ;  and 
with  so  much  the  greater  sympathy,  as,  since  I  began  this 
letter,  I  have  lost  a  very  agreeable  and  valuable  person  out 
of  my  congregation,  with  some  circumstances  which  render 
the  stroke  peculiarly  surprising  and  afflicting.  May  God 
teach  us  so  to  bear  and  improve  all  our  afflictions,  both  in 
ourselves  and  our  friends,  that  we  may  have  reason  to  re- 
flect upon  them  as  the  most  valuable  mercies  of  our  lives  ; 
and  that  they  may  fit  us  for  that  happy  world,  where  we 
shall  be  above  the  need,  and  then  undoubtedly  above  the 
reach,  of  them." 

SECTION  V. 

His  humility,  and  dependence  on  divine  assistances. 

Dr.  Doddridge,  with  all  his  furniture,  esteem,  and  suc- 
cess, was  truly  humble.  He  thought,  to  use  his  own  words, 
"  the  love  of  popular  applause  a  meanness,  which  a  philo- 
sophy, far  inferior  to  that  of  our  Divine  Master,  might  teach 
men  to  conquer.  But  to  be  esteemed  by  eminently  great 
and  good  men,  to  whom  we  are  intimately  known,  is  not 
only  one  of  the  most  solid  attestations  of  some  real  worth, 
but,  next  to  the  approbation  of  God  and  our  own  con- 
sciences, one  of  its  most  valuable  rewards."*  This  happi- 
ness he  enjoyed.  He  was  solicitous  to  secure  the  esteem 
of  others,  out  of  regard  to  his  usefulness  in  the  world;  and 
this  he  sought,  not  by  destroying  or  disparaging  the  reputa- 
tion of  others,  nor  by  any  sinful  or  mean  compliances,  but 
by  a  friendly  condescending  behaviour  to  all,  and  faithful 
endeavours  to  serve  them.  He  disliked  the  temper  of  those 
who  indulged  their  own  humour,  and  pursued  their  own 
schemes,  without  caring  what  the  world  said  or  thought  of 
them.  He  reckoned  this  an  affront  to  mankind  ;  and  such 
an  evidence  of  pride,  as  not  only  defeated  the  ends  they  in- 
tended to  answer,  but  exposed  them  to  general  contempt. 
A  .sensible  writer  hath  so  well  expressed  what  I  know  were 
his  sentiments  on  this  head,  and  which  he  often  inculcated 
u|)on  iiis  pupils,  that  I  shall  insert  his  words: — "Reputa- 
tion is  in  fact  the  great  instrument  by  which  a  man  is  ca- 
pable of  receiving  any  good  from  the  world,  or  doing  any 
good  in  it.  His  most  generous,  tenderest  designs  will  be 
censured,  his  best  actions  suspected,  his  most  friendly  ad- 
vices and  gentlest  reproofs  misconstrued  and  slighted,  un- 
less his  person  be  esteemed  and  his  character  reverenced. 
So  valuable  a  property,  then,  as  a  good  name,  may  well 
deserve  to  be  guarded  with  care.  Nay,  we  may  surely  be 
allowed  to  seek  for  eminent  degrees  of  regard  from  those 
about  us,  in  order  to  be  of  more  eminent  advantage  to  them. 
This  consideration  pleads  with  peculiar  force  for  a  degree 
of  tenderness  and  even  jealousy  of  reputation  in  those  who 
are  the  salt  of  the  earth.  Much  regard  must  be  paid  by 
them  to  the  sentiments,  some  even  to  the  prejudices,  of 
those  that  they  have  to  do  with."t  These  maxims  Dr. 
Doddridge  endeavoured  to  keep  in  his  view;  and  there 
were  few  persons  in  his  station  who  enjoyed  so  great  a 
share  of  the  ]iublic  esteem,  and  whose  writings  were  in  so 
much  reputation  ;  and  therefore  fe^v  in  whom  some  degree 
of  self-complacence  might  have  been  more  easily  excused. 

The  desire  of  extending  his  usefulness  foiling  in  with  the 
natural  courteousness  of  his  temper  might  perhaps  incline 
him  to  set  too  high  a  value  upon  the  good  opinion  of  the 
world  in  general,  and  render  him  too  solicitous  to  obtain  it. 
It  is  hard  even  for  a  wise  and  good  man  always  to  dis- 
tinguish between  a  desire  of  popularity,  on  its  own  account, 
and  that  concern  about  his  re[)utation,  and  the  acceptable- 
ness  of  what  he  offers  to  the  public,  which  is  necessary  to 
render  him  serviceable  to  it :  and  while  he  thinks  he  is  only 
influenced  by  the  latter  of  these  principles,  he  may,  un- 

1  Fothergill's  Sermons,  No.  X. 


HIS  HUMILITY,  DEPENDENCE,  &c. 


xli 


awares  to  himself,  be  in  some  degree  under  the  power  of 
the  former.  How  far  this  was  the  case  with  Dr.  Doddridge 
it  is  impossible  for  any  one  to  say,  unless  he  could  have 
looked  into  liis  breast,  and  seen  the  secret  springs  of  his  ac- 
tions. I  am  fully  persuaded  that  the  grand  and  governing 
principles  on  which  he  acted  were  those  of  the  noblest 
kind :  and  that  no  desire  of  popularity  or  applause  could 
influence  him  m  any  case  in  whicli  he  thought  the  interest 
of  truth  or  religion  concerned.  These  he  always  held 
sacred  ;  and,  compared  with  these,  he  considered  even  re- 
putation and  esteem  as  of  no  account.  This  I  may  venture 
to  assert,  from  a  long  and  intimate  acquaintance  with  him  ; 
and  from  a  view  of  his  private  papers,  in  which  he  lays  open, 
with  the  greatest  impartiality,  all  that  passed  in  his  own 
mind,  upon  a  variety  of  occasions.  In  them  the  secret 
springs  of  his  actions  do,  in  effect,  appear ;  and  from  tliem 
it  is  evident  that  the  esteem  of  the  world,  instead  of  elating 
his  mind,  produced  deeper  humiliation  before  God,  and 
higher  admiration  of  Divine  favour  and  grace  manifested  to 
him.  I  find  him,  in  some  hints  of  his  devout  reflections 
and  exercises  in  secret,  often  bewailing  his  negligence,  mis- 
pence  of  time,  and  how  little  he  had  done  for  God,  in  com- 
parison with  what  he  should  and  might  have  done ;  and 
expressing  the  greatest  self-abasement,  in  acknowledging 
some  instances  of  respect  and  success  which  God  had  given 
him.  "June  26,  1728.  It  grieves  me,"  saith  he,  "and 
fills  me  with  remorse,  to  think  that  a  creature  born  in  a 
christian  country  and  a  pious  family,  furnished  with  capa- 
cities and  endowments  for  considerable  service,  early  de- 
voted to  God,  not  only  by  the  action  of  its  parents,  but  its 
own  solemn  engagements  ;  a  creature  taken  care  of  by  God 
in  so  remarkable  a  manner,  when  forsaken  by  earthly  pa- 
rents ;  visited  with  continual  instances  of  goodness ;  blessed 
with  health,  though  of  a  weak  constitution ;  surrounded 
with  plenty,  though  without  any  certain  subsistence ;  be- 
loved and  esteemed  by  friends,  notwithstanding  much  per- 
verseness  to  forfeit  their  regards ;  a  creature  employed  in 
the  public  services  of  the  ministry,  and  pursuing  it  often 
with  the  appearances  of  the  warmest  zeal  for  God,  and  the 
tenderest  compassion  for  souls  ;  should,  after  all,  behave  in 
so  unworthy  a  manner  as  I  have  done.  It  confounds  me 
to  think  how  often  I  have  forgotten  God,  and  dealt  falsely  in 
his  covenant ;  to  reflect  on  the  formality  of  my  devotions,  the 
mispence  of  my  time,  and  the  indulgence  of  irregular  pas- 
sions. I  confess  my  guilt  and  unworthiness  before  God, 
and  humbly  cast  myself  on  his  forgiving  grace,  and  on  the 
powerful  mediation  of  my  blessed  Redeemer,  as  the  only 
things  which  can  eive  me  a  foundation  of  hope." 

"  I  thank  you,"  saith  he  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  "  for  your 
congratulation  on  the  acceptance  of  my  book  on  the  Rise 
and  Progress  of  Religion  in  the  Soul.  I  have  had  accounts 
from  several  of  ray  friends  of  its  being  the  instrument  of 
converting  and  edifying  many.  But,  I  bless  God,  I  have 
not  found  my  heart  iinvardly  exalted  on  this  occasion  ; 
but  rather  deeply  and  affectionately  humbled  before  him, 
under  this  instance  of  his  goodness  to  an  unworthy  sinner, 
as  I  know  myself  to  be ;  and  a  weak  ignorant  creature,  who 
every  day  sees  the  very  narrow  limits  of  his  own  under- 
standing, and  his  great  want  of  furniture  of  every  kint'-, 
adequate  to  the  station  in  which  I  am  fixed.  The  great 
favour  he  showed  me  in  my  late  sickness,  in  the  extraordi- 
nary comfort  which  he  gave  me  in  my  soul,  and  that  steady 
joyful  view  of  heaven,  amidst  all  the  agitation  of  the  most 
painful  disease,  did  really  operate  to  humble  me  deeply  in 
his  presence*  And  I  think  if  ever  I  have  been  enabled  to 
bring  the  glory  of  any  thing  in  me,  or  done  by  me,  to  the 
foot  of  the  throne,  and  leave  it  there,  it  has  most  sensibly 
been  the  case  v/ith  respect  to  this  book.  And.  this  I  say 
without  affectation,  and  to  you  as  my  endeared  friend,  to 
whom  I  can  most  affectionately  open  my  heart  without  re- 
serve." 

To  another  of  his  friends  he  thus  writes  :  "  I  have  just 
been  explaining,  and  I  have  great  need  of  using,  the  pub- 
lican's prayer,  God,  be  me?xiful  to  mc  a  sinner ;  to  me,  an 
unprofitable  servant,  who  have  deserved  long  since  to  have 
been  cast  out  of  his  family.  You  talk  of  my  strength  and 
usefulness  :  alas  !  I  am  weak  and  unstable  as  water.  My 
frequent  deadness  and  coldness  in  religion  sometimes  press- 
edi  me  down  to  the  dust.  And,  methinks,  it  is  best  when 
it  doth  so.    How  could  I  bear  to  look  up  to  heaven,  were 


it  not  for  the  righteousness  and  blood  of  a  Redeemer  ?  I 
have  been  reading  the  life  of  the  excellent  Mr.  Brainerd  ; 
and  it  has  greatly  humbled  and  quickened  me.  Pray  for 
me,  that  God  may  fill  my  soul  widi  his  presence ;  that 
Christ  may  live  and  reign  in  my  heart ;  and  that  love  to 
him,  and  zeal  for  him,  may  swallow  up  every  other  passion  ; 
that  I  may  have  more  confirmed  resolutions  for  that  best  of 
masters ;  of  whom  when  I  get  a  lively  view,  I  know  not 
how  to  have  done  thinking  or  speaking  of  him." 

He  had  a  deep  sense  of  the  weight  of  his  undertakings, 
and  the  necessity  of  Divine  assistance  to  strengtlien  him  for 
his  labours,  and  make  them  successful. — "  I  hope,"  saith 
he,  "I  can  truly  say,  my  (iod  is  exciting  in  my  heart  some 
growing  zeal  for  his  service,  both  as  a  minister  and  a 
tutor.  But  really  a  sense  of  the  vast  weight  of  these  offices, 
when  united,  is  sometimes  more  than  I  know  how  to  bear. 
It  is  of  such  infinite  importance  that  young  ministers  come 
out  in  the  spirit  of  the  gospel,  which  is  humility,  simpli- 
city, love,  zeal,  devotion,  and  diligence,  in  a  degree  far  be- 
yond what  is  commonly  seen  ;  and  it  is  so  difficult  to  bring 
them  to  it,  and  keep  them  in  it,  through  the  pride  and 
folly  of  the  human  heart,  that  sometimes  I  am  almost 
ready  to  sink  under  the  discouraging  scene. — I  hope  God 
will  keep  me  under  a  constant  sense  of  my  own  imperfec- 
tions ;  and,  if  he  calls  me  out  to  any  particular  services, 
show  his  strength  in  my  weakness,  and  his  grace  in  my 
unworthiness.  I  know  that,  with  regard  to  academical 
and  ministerial  labours,  all  depends  on  the  increase  which 
God  is  pleased  to  give.  He  has  taught  me  this  by  briers 
and  thorns,  though  I  thought  I  was  sensible  of  it  before. 
He  has  showed  me,  by  some  painful  instances,  how  preca- 
rious the  most  promising  hopes  are  ;  that  I  may  trust,  not 
in  myself,  nor  in  man,  but  in  his  grace  in  Christ  Jesus,  on 
which  I  desire  to  live  more  and  more  myself,  and  to  which 
I  would  daily  recommend  my  pupils,  my  children,  and  all 
my  friends." 

I  am  sensible  that  some  may  be  apt  to  think  that  such 
very  humbling  expressions,  when  used  by  a  person  in  his 
letters  to  his  friends,  savour  too  much  of  an  aifectation  of 
humility,  which,  it  must  be  owned,  is  widely  different  from 
the  thing  itself.  But  wiien  it  is  considered  that  the  same 
language  is  used  by  him  in  those  papers  which  he  intended 
only  for  his  own  perusal,  and  which  relate  to  what  passed 
between  God  and  his  ov,ii  soul,  I  hope  the  candid  reader 
will  see  no  reason  to  doubt  but  they  both  alike  expressed 
his  real  sentiments. 

While  he  had  a  deep  sense  of  his  own  defects,  he  was 
disposed  to  do  full  justice  to  the  abilities  and  good  quali- 
ties of  others.  When  he  heard  of  the  piety  and  zeal  of 
other  ministers  and  tutors,  it  gave  him  pleasure  :  he  heart- 
ily rejoiced  in  their  success,  and  gave  God  thanks  for  it.  I 
find  notice  taken  of  some  such  instances  in  his  Devotional 
Exercises.  In  a  letter  to  one  of  his  brethren,  he  WTites  : 
"  Methinks  I  envy  the  happiness  of  those  faithful  servants 
of  Christ,  who,  through  many  labours  and  dangers,  are 
spreading  his  name ;  and  I  would  fain  have  some  fellow- 
ship with  them  in  their  labours  of  love.  How  much  do  we 
owe  to  that  kind  Providence,  which  has  also  assigned  a  pro- 
vince of  service  to  us  ;  and  no  narrow  or  inconsiderable 
sphere !  Let  us  take  courage  ;  his  Spirit  does  not  move 
upon  our  hearts  in  vain.  It  is  not  given  to  grieve  and  af- 
flict, by  raising  unsuccessfid  desires  ;  but  it  is  an  earnest 
that  he  will  work  mightily  by  us,  in  proportion  to  the  de- 
gree in  which  he  works  upon  us.  May  God  give  me  more 
of  this  spirit ;  for,  sure  I  am,  there  is  not  a  day  in  which  I 
have  not  reason  to  lie  in  the  dust  before  him,  as  a  guilty 
creature,  as  a  slothful,  and,  in  many  instances,  an  unprofit- 
able servant.  I  bless  God  I  do  feel  something  of  a  grow- 
ing zeal  in  this  best  of  causes,  and  have  seen  some  instances 
of  the  success  of  my  ministry,  though  but  few.  Perhaps 
God  may  remove  me  in  the  rnidst  of  life  and  services,  and 
cause  the  interest  of  religion,  here  and  elsewhere,  to  flou- 
rish much  more  after  my  death  than  it  has  ever  done  in 
my  life ;  and  give  those  who  may  most  lament  me  abun- 
dantly more  edification,  by  those  who  may  succeed  me  as 
a  miriister  or  a  tutor,  than  "they  ever  had  during  my  life  and 
labours.  And  I  heartily  pray  that,  if  he  does  so  remove 
me,  this  may  be  the  happv  consequence.  I  hope  I  can 
truly  say,  I  shall  be  glad  to  be  forgotten  in  the  much 
superior  services  of  my  successors.     I  would  live  and  die 


xlii 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


striving  for  the  faith  of  the  gospel,  for  -the  conversion  of 
souls,  for  the  good  of  my  friends,  my  neighbours,  my  coun- 
trymen, and  the  whole  world.  This  joy  no  man  shall  take 
from  me,  while  God  continues  to  pour  forth  upon  an  un- 
worthy creature  that  spirit  of  love,  which,  through  his  asto- 
nishing grace  to  me,  I  feel." 

I  may  mention,  as  an  evidence  of  his  humility,  liis  be- 
haviour to  his  pupils,  as  above  described  :  particularly  his 
readiness  to  hear  any  objections  they  had  to  make  to  his 
sentiments,  as  expressed  in  his  lectures :  and  his  freedom 
from  a  dogmatical,  imperious,  overbearing  spirit,  for  which 
he  was  very  remarkable,  and  which  seems  to  me  a  very 
essential  part  of  humility,  especially  in  a  learned  man  and 
a  teacher ;  as  the  contrary  is  the  very  essence  of  pride.  In 
this  light  also  must  be  considered  his  relating  to  his  pupils 
his  own  juvenile  indiscretions,  both  in  his  compositions 
and  conduct,  as  a  caution  to  them.  Yea,  so  great  was  his 
humility,  that  he  desired  his  friends,  the  elders  of  his  church, 
and  even  his  pupils,  freely  to  inform  him  what  they  thought 
amiss  in  his  conduct ;  and  he  thankfully  accepted  their 
admonitions  ;  being  sensible  that,  amidst  the  variety  of  his 
cares,  some  important  business  might  be  neglected,  or  have 
too  little  of  iiis  time ;  some  errors  might  escape  his  notice, 
and  some  irregularities  of  temper  be  indulged,  which  he 
would  be  glad  to  rectify.  Patience  of  reproof  is  certainly  a 
branch  of  humility,  and  a  very  important  one  ;  and  this  he 
discovered.  Wlien  lie  had  once  received  an  admonition 
from  a  faithful  friend,  lie  thus  writes  to  him :  "  I  do  such 
justice  to  your  experienced  friendship,  that  you  need  not 
give  yourself  tlie  trouble  of  gilding  a  reproof  or  caution, 
but  may  advance  it  in  the  plainest  terms,  and  with  the 
utmost  freedom.  For  indeed  I  know  I  have  many  faults, 
and  1  think  it  one  of  tlie  greatest  felicities  of  life  to  be  put 
into  a  way  of  correcting  any  of  them  ;  and  when  a  friend 
attempts  this,  I  place  it  to  the  account  of  tlie  greatest  obli- 
gations :  even  though,  on  the  strictest  exammation,  I  should 
apprehend  that  some  mistaken  view  of  things  had  been  tlie 
immediate  occasion  of  sucli  a  generous  and  self-denying 
office  of  friendship."  As  a  stronger  evidence  that  he  was 
possessed  of  this  amiable  temper,  I  would  add,  that,  in  one 
of  his  diaries  there  is  an  account  of  an  admonition  he  had 
received  from  a  friend,  concerning  an  improper  gesture  in 
his  public  prayers,  wliich  seemed  to  denote  a  want  of  a  due 
reverence  for  God  :  upon  which  he  writes  ;  "  I  would  en- 
grave this  admonition  upon  my  heart.  May  it  not  be  owine 
to  the  want  of  that  habitual  reverence  for  God  which  I 
ought  to  feel  in  my  own  mind  ?  I  desire  to  be  very  thank- 
ful for  so  seasonable  a  reproof;  resolving,  by  Divine  assist- 
ance, to  lay  it  seriously  to  heart,  and  examine  myself  for 
the  future,  in  some  special  regard  to  it."  Such  was  the 
strong  sense  this  excellent  man  expressed  of  his  own  weak- 
ness, imperfections,  and  defects  ;  at  the  same  time  that 
some,  who  knew  him  most  intimately,  were  ready  to  admire 
the  zeal,  activity,  and  success,  with  which  he  exerted  him- 
self in  his  Master's  work.  In  him  was  eminently  fulfilled 
that  saying  of  our  Lord,  He  that  humhleth  himself  shall  be 
exalted. 

SECTION  VI. 

Ilis  patience,  serenity,  and  clieerfulness  untler  afflictions  ;  and  upon  wliat 
principles  these  graces  were  exercised  and  supported. 

In  all  ages  God  hath  been  pleased  to  visit  those  widi 
afflictions  who  have  been  dearest  to  him,  and  most  active 
in  serving  iiim.  By  purging  and  pruning  the  branches 
which  bring  forth  fruit,  he  hath  enabled  them  to  bring  forth 
luoi-e  fruit.  Tliis  was  the  case  with  Dr.  Doddrid^je  ;  and 
we  are  now  to  see  how  his  heart  was  affected  with  his 
afflictions,  how  he  was  supported  under  them,  and  improved 
by  them. 

His  health  was  not  often  interrupted  so  as  to  render  him 
incapable  of  business  :  and  he  frequently  recorded  and  de- 
voutly acknowledged  the  goodness  of  God  in  this  respect. 
But  lie  was  visited  with  some  threatening  fevers,  which 
might  have  been  prevented,  or  sooner  removed,  had  he 
taken  due  precautions  in  time.  But  the  ardour  of  his  spirit  in 
liis  Master's  v^'ork  made  him  too  much  disregard  the  body  ; 
and  as  he  found  some  public  services  gave  him  a  present 
flow  and  cheerfulness  of  sjiirits,  he  did  not  sufficiently  con- 


sider how  much  his  health  might  be  impaired,  and  begin- 
ning disorders  increased,  by  neglecting  a  timely  recess  from 
business,  and  the  use  of  proper  remedies.  He  once  lay 
long  under  a  violent  fever,  which  gave  his  family  and 
friends  many  painful  fears.  But  he  bore  the  affliction  with 
great  patience ;  and,  as  soon  as  he  was  able  to  write,  gave 
an  intimate  friend  an  account  of  his  recovery ;  to  which  he 
added,  "  It  is  impossible  to  express  the  support  and  com- 
fort which  God  gave  me  on  my  sick  bed.  His  promises 
were  my  continual  feast.  They  seemed,  as  it  were,  to  be 
all  united  in  one  stream  of  glory,  and  poured  into  my 
heart.  When  I  thought  of  dying,  it  sometimes  made  my 
very  heart  to  leap  within  me  to  think  that  I  was  going 
home  to  my  Father  and  my  Saviour,  to  an  innumerable 
company  of  angels,  and  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect. 
Animal  nature  was  more  than  once  in  great  commotion; 
my  imagination,  just  at  the  height  of  the  fever,  hurried  in 
the  strangest  manner  I  ever  knew.  Yet,  even  then,  Satan 
was  not  permitted  to  suggest  one  single  fear  with  regard  to 
my  eternal  state.  I  can  never  be  sufficiently  thankful  for 
this.  Assist  me  in  praising  God  upon  this  account.  O, 
may  1  come  out  of  the  furnace  like  gold  /"  Speaking  of 
another  illness,  some  months  after,  he  saith,  "  I  did  not 
experience  so  much  of  the  presence  of  God  in  this  illness, 
as  I  did  in  the  former ;  but,  I  bless  God,  I  have  not  been 
left  either  to  dejection  or  impatience."  Concerning  an- 
other he  saith,  "  I  have  been  confined  of  late  by  a  tlireat- 
ening  disorder ;  but,  I  thank  God,  through  the  prayers  of 
my  friends  and  a  blessing  upon  the  use  of  means,  I  am 
now  well.  Assist  me  in  acknowledging  the  divine  good- 
ness. He  hath  filled  my  soul  with  joy  by  the  light  of  his 
countenance,  and  given  me,  I  hope,  more  and  more  to  rise 
above  every  thing  selfish  and  temporal,  that  my  soul  may 
fix  on  what  is  divine  and  immortal,  llie  great  grief  of  my 
heart  is,  that  I  can  do  no  more  for  him.  O,  that  my  zeal  may 
increase :  that  I  may  know  how,  on  every  occasion,  to 
think,  and  speak,  and  act,  for  God  in  Christ;  and  may 
spend  all  the  remainder  of  my  days  and  hours  upon  earth 
in  what  may  have  the  most  direct  tendency  to  people 
heaven.  I  am  so  crowded  with  cares,  that  they  almost 
bear  me  down  ;  yet,  if  they  may  be  but  cares  for  God,  they 
are  welcome." 

He  had  much  affliction  in  the  sicknesses  and  other  dis- 
tresses of  his  friends  and  near  relations,  with  whom  he 
affectionately  sympathized,  and  for  whom  he  earnestly 
prayed.  He  thus  expresseth  himself  to  a  friend,  concern- 
ing the  dangerous  illness  of  his  wife,  and  the  anxiety  he 
had  upon  her  account :  "  I  bless  God  m.y  mi7id  is  kept  in 
perfect  peace,  and  sweet  harmony  of  resignation  to  so  wise 
and  gracious  a  will.  And,  indeed,  the  less  will  we  have 
of  our  own  for  any  thing  but  to  please  him,  the  more  com- 
fort we  shall  find  in  whatever  circumstances  he  is  pleased 
to  allot  us.  Self-denial,  mortification,  and  taking  up  the 
cross,  giving  up  our  own  schemes,  and  being  sometimes 
censured  and  condemned,  even  for  things  in  themselves 
right,  and,  in  the  circumstances  in  which  they  were  done, 
requisite,  is  a  very  wholesome  part  of  discipline.  Thougii 
this  be  sometimes  distasteful  food,  the  soul  often  thrives  by 
it,  as  I  hope  I  have  in  many  instances  found."  Upon  an- 
other afflictive  occasion  he  thus  expresseth  himself:  "  I 
am  ready  to  resign  my  agreeable  circumstances,  and  to 
come,  if  such  were  the  will  of  my  Lord,  to  bread  and 
water,  and  to  a  dungeon,  if  his  name  may  but  be  glorified 
by  it,  provided  he  will  but  look  through  the  gloom,  and 
cheer  me  with  the  light  of  his  countenance.  Yea,  I  am 
willing  to  submit,  in  the  midst  of  inward  as  well  as  out- 
ward darkness,  if  his  name  may  but  be  glorified.  And- 
when  I  feel  this,  as,  I  bless  God,  at  some  times  I  do,  then 
a  living  fountain  of  consolation  springs  up  in  my  soul,  and 
the  waters  of  life  do,  as  it  were,  overflow  me." — His  heart 
was  so  affectionate  and  tender,  that  the  death  of  some  of 
his  brethren  in  the  ministry,  his  friends  in  private  life,  and 
his  pupils,  wounded  him  deeply. 

In  his  reflections  on  one  of  his  birth-days  he  thus 
writes  : — "  Most  awful  things  God  hath  showed  me  since 
the  last  birth-day ;  such  as  all  the  years  of  my  life  can 
hardly  equal :  the  death  of  four  such  valuable  friends,  that 
I  question  whether  the  vvhole  sum  of  my  remaining  com- 
forts could,  all  things  considered,  furnish  out  such  another 
field  of  slaughter.     My  hands  are  indeed  weak  this  day, 


HIS  PATIENCE,  SERENITY,  &c. 


xliii 


and  have  long  been  so.  How  soon  he  may  add  me  to  the 
number  of  my  fathers  and  brethren,  he  only  knows.  I 
thankfully  own,  that  I  am  not  solicitous  about  it.  I  trust, 
througli  his  grace,  tliat  I  have  in  the  sincerity  of  my  soul 
devoted  myself  and  my  labours  to  him.  Ilim  do  I  honour 
and  love  aoove  all ;  and  it  is  the  joy  of  my  heart  to  serve 
him  ivith  my  spirit  in  the  gospel  of  his  Sun.  I  hereby  leave 
it  under  my  hand  before  him,  that  I  am  his  property;  that 
I  have  no  greater  ambition  than  to  be  disposed  of  by  him  ; 
to  be  silent  till  he  commands  me  to  speak ;  to  watch  his 
eye  and  hand  for  every  mtimation  of  his  will,  and  to  do  it 
and  bear  it  as  far  as  my  little  strength  will  carry  me ; 
waiting  upon  him  for  further  strength  m  proportion  to  re- 
newed difficulties :  and  all  my  interests  and  concerns  I  do 
most  cordially  lodge  in  his  hands,  and  leave  myself  and 
them  to  his  wise  and  gracious  disposal." — In  one  of  his 
reflections  on  the  frame  of  his  spirit  in  the  services  of  a 
sacrament-day,  he  writes :  "  This  day  my  heart  hath  been 
almost  torn  in  pieces  with  sorrow ;  yet,  blessed  be  God, 
not  a  hopeless,  not  a  repining  sorrow  ;  but  so  softened  and 
so  sweetened,  that,  with  all  its  distress,  I  number  it  among 
the  best  days  of  my  life  ;  if  that  be  good  which  teacheth  us 
faith  and   love,  and  which  cherisheth  the  sentiments  of 

f)iety  and  benevolence.  I  desire  very  thankfully  to  acknov^^- 
edge  that  days  of  the  sharpest  trial  have  often  been  days  of 
singular  comfort.  The  repeated  views  I  have  had  of  a  dear 
dying  friend,  who  is  expressing  so  much  of  the  divine  pre- 
sence and  love,  have  comforted  rather  than  dejected  me. 
Blessed  be  God,  who  hath  sealed  us  both  with  his  grace, 
as  those  that  are  to  be  companions  in  eternal  glory  !  A 
thought  which  now  iiath  a  relish  that  nothing  can  exceed, 
nothing  can  equal." 

In  a  letter  to  one  of  his  pupils,  concerning  the  joy  and 
triumph  with  which  one  of  his  friends  had  died,  he  saith  : 
"  O,  what  a  gospel  is  this  !  I  protest,  bi/  our  7-ejoicing  in 
Christ  Jesus,  that  I  see  and  feel  more  and  more  of  its  ex- 
cellency ;  that  I  esteem  it  the  greatest  madness  in  the  world 
to  oppose  It;  and,  next  to  that,  to  neglect  it.  Who  would 
not  rejoice  in  that  gospel,  which  is  such  a  cordial  to  the 
soul,  when  every  thing  else  loseth  its  relish?  Who  would 
not  delight  to  preach  it,  and  adore  that  gracious  hand  which 
imparts  the  consolations  of  it  to  our  companions  in  the  ways 
of  religion,  when  their  flesh  and  heart  faileth  ?  Thus  do  I 
hope  he  will  comfort  us  when  we  are  capable  of  labouring 
no  longer  for  him  ;  and  convey  us  into  a  blissful  eternity 
under  his  sensible  smiles  ;  but,  if  not,  we  know  whom  we 
have  believed,  and  the  surprise  of  glory  will  be  but  so  much 
the  greater."  At  another  time  he  thus  writes :  "  Such 
things  have  lately  befallen  me  in  the  death  of  some  friends, 
and  the  removal  of  others  to  a  distance,  that  had  I  not  been 
peculiarly  supported,  I  know  not  how  I  should  have  borne 
them  ;  but,  through  the  undeserved  goodness  of  a  gracious 
God,  I  have  found  very  great  consolation.  The  divine 
presence  hath  made  my  work  my  joy  amidst  all  its  fatigues ; 
and  hath  caused  my  soul  to  overflow  with  such  unutterable 
delight,  that  I  have  hardly  known  how  to  quit  it.  Other 
things,  that  used  to  be  pleasant,  have  been  painful  to  me, 
as  separating  me  from  that  delightful  intercourse  with  God 
through  Christ,  which  I  have  known  in  prayer,  meditation, 
and  reading  devotional  pieces.  It  hath  been  like  a  fire 
glowing  in  my  heart ;  so  tliat  I  could  scarce  forbear  speak- 
ing to  every  one  I  met  with  about  their  souls  and  divine 
things ;  and  have  longed  for  opportunities,  both  in  public 
and  private,  of  impartincr  the  fulness  of  what  I  felt  within." 
But  there  was  no  aflliction  which  lay  with  greater  weight 
upon  his  mind  than  the  death  of  his  eldest  daughter,  who 
lived  long  enough  to  give  him  very  agreeable  hopes  as  to 
her  pious  disposition.*  In  the  sermon  he  published  on  that 
occasion,  the  world  hath  seen  how  his  heart  was  affected, 
and  what  considerations  supported  him  under  that  afflic- 
tion ;  and  many  mourning  parents  have  been  comforted 
and  instructed  by  the  arguments  and  consolations  he  hath 
suggested  in  it.f  I  wisii  such  may  reap  a  like  advantage, 
from  viewing  some  of  the  workings  of  his  heart  in  secret, 
which  he  recorded  at  once  for  his  humiliation  and  thankful- 
ness, and  then  my  design  will  be  answered  ;  though  others, 


A  very  amiable  and  hopeful  child,  of  nearly  five  years  of  age. — K. 
•  ^  -Jj-^-*^™""  which  he  preached  on  this  event,  and  which  was  published 
'"•  '^1 -r'l'  "^  entitled  "  Submission  to  the  Divine  Providence  on  the  Death 
Of  t  hildren  recommended  and  enforced."    It  is  an  admirable  discourse, 


who  are  strangers  to  the  tender  feelings  of  nature  on  such 
an  occasion,  may  be  unimpressed  with  his  reflections.  "  I 
have  been  ["reaching  from  those  words.  Is  it  well  with  the 
child  ?  And  she  answered.  It  is  well.  But  surely  there  never 
was  any  dispensation  of  Providence  in  which  I  found  it  so 
difficult  to  say  it.  Indeed  some  hard  thoughts  of  God  were 
ready  to  arise ;  and  the  apprehension  of  Ins  displeasure 
against  me  brought  my  mind  into  a  painful  situation.  But 
it  pleased  God  to  quiet  it,  and  lead  me  to  a  silent  cordial 
submission  to  his  will.  I  see  that  I  doated  too  much  upon 
her ;  my  heart  was  opened  to  her  with  a  fond  flattering  de- 
light. And  now,  O  my  soul,  one  of  thy  earthly  delights  is 
gone.  Seek  thy  greatest  delight  in  heaven,  where  1  trust 
my  child  is ;  where  I  am  sure  my  Saviour  is ;  and  where  I 
trust,  through  grace,  notwithstanding  some  irregularities  of 
heart  on  this  occasion,  I  shall  shortly  be.  This  circum- 
stance I  must  record,  that  I  recollected  this  day,  at  the 
Lord's  table,  that  I  had  some  time  ago  taken  the  cup  at 
that  ordinance  with  these  words,  "  Lord,  I  take  this  cup  as 
a  public  solemn  token,  that,  having  received  so  inestimable 
a  blessing  as  this,  I  will  refuse  no  other  cup  which  thou 
shalt  put  into  my  hands."  I  mentioned  this  again  to-day, 
and  publicly  charged  the  thought  on  myself  and  christian 
friends  v^ho  were  present.  God  hath  taken  rae  at  my  word, 
but  I  do  not  retract  it.  I  repeat  it  again,  with  regard  to 
every  future  cup.  Much  sweetness  is  mingled  with  this 
bitter  potion,  chiefly  in  the  views  and  hopes  of  the  eternal 
world.  May  not  this  be  the  beauty  of  this  providence,  that, 
instead  of  her  living  many  years  upon  earth,  God  may  have 
taken  her  away,  that  I  may  be  better  fitted  for  and  recon- 
ciled to  my  own  dissolution,  perhaps  nearly  approaching  ? 
Lord,  tin/  will  be  done!  May  my  life  be  used  for  thy 
service  while  it  is  continued,  and  then  put  thou  a  period  to 
it  whenever  thou  pleasest." 

The  next  evening  after  the  funeral,  he  adds :  "  I  have 
now  been  laying  the  delight  of  my  eyes  in  the  dust,  and  it 
is  for  ever  hid  from  them.  We  had  a  suitable  sermon  from 
those  words.  Dost  thou  leell  to  be  angry  for  the  gourd  ? 
God  knows  that  I  am  not  angry ;  but  sorrowful  he  surely 
allows  me  to  be.  Blessed  Lord,  I  trust  thou  hast  received 
my  child,  and  pardoned  the  infirmities  of  her  short,  child- 
ish, afflicted  life.  I  love  those  who  were  kind  to  her,  and 
those  that  weep  with  me  for  her :  shall  I  not  much  more 
love  thee,  who  art  at  this  moment  taking  care  of  her,  and 
opening  her  infant  faculties  for  the  business  and  blessedness 
of  heaven  ?  Lord,  I  would  consider  myself  as  a  dying 
creature.  My  first-born  is  laid  in  the  dust ;  I  shall  shortly 
follow  her,  and  we  shall  lie  down  together.  But,  O,  hovv 
much  pleasure  doth  it  give  me  to  hope  that  my  soul  will 
rest  with  her,  and  rejoice  in  her  for  ever!  But  let  me  not 
centre  my  thoughts  here  :  it  is  a  rest  with  and  in  God,  that 
is  my  ultimate  hope.  Lord,  may  thy  grace  secure  it  to  me  ; 
and  in  the  mean  time  give  me  a  holy  acquiescence  of  soul 
in  thee ;  and,  now  my  gourd  is  withered,  shelter  me  under 
the  shadow  of  thy  wings." 

Thus  did  this  good  man  observe  the  hand  of  God  in  all 
the  afflictive  events  in  which  he  was  concerned  ;  and  so 
careful  was  he  to  improve  every  such  occun-ence,  in  order 
to  strengthen  his  submission  to  the  Divine  will,  to  weaken 
his  attachment  to  the  world,  and  to  increase  his  value  for 
the  supports  and  consolations  of  religion.  And  how  happy 
an  effect  this  had  to  render  his  trials  easy,  and  to  make 
them  subservient  to  liis  spiritual  improvement,  will  be 
easily  imagined  by  every  pious  reader. 

SECTION  VII. 

Ilis  temper  and  behaviour  under  unjust  and  unkind  treatment. 

The  state  of  the  world  must  be  much  altered  for  the  better, 
and  the  malice  of  the  accuser  of  the  brethren,  and  his 
influence  upon  mankind,  much'lessened  in  modern  times, 
if  a  person  who  discovered  so  much  piety  and  zeal  for  the 
happiness  of  men  as  Dr.  Doddridge  did  should  pass  through 
life  witiiout  persecution  ;  at  least  by  those  milder  methods 
which  alone  the  lenity  of  our  laws  allows,  but  which  the 

which  displays  in  a  very  strong  and  striking  Hsht  the  united  piety  and  ten- 
derness of  the  author's  mind.  Few  superior  instances  of  pathetic  eloquence 
are  to  be  met  with  in  the  English  language. — K. 


xYir 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


law  of  Christ  absolutely  condemns.  He  knew  the  history 
of  man  and  the  state  of  the  world  too  well  to  expect  the 
esteem  and  good  word  of  all,  even  for  the  most  upright  and 
friendly  intentions  and  attempts.  He  thought  that  the 
observation  of  St.  Paul,  tliat  all  ivho  tvi/l  live  fnodly  in  Christ 
Jesus  shall  suffer  persecution,  was  not  to  be  confined  to  the 
primitive  aj^e,  but  was  ventied  in  the  best  of  men  in  every 
age.  He  expected  his  share  of  this  kind  of  trouble,  as 
many  of  his  fathers  and  brethren  had  theirs  ;  and  he  ]ire- 
pared  himself  to  receive  and  improve  it  with  a  christian 
temper.  The  following  extract  from  a  letter  to  a  friend  will 
show  what  were  his  sentiments  on  this  head  : — "  I  settle  it 
as  an  established  point  with  me,  that  the  more  diligently 
and  faithfully  I  serve  Christ,  the  greater  reproach  and  the 
more  injury  1  must  expect.  1  have  drank  deep  of  the  cup 
of  slander  and  reproach,  of  late ;  but  I  am  in  nowise  dis- 
couraged :  no,  nor  by  what  is  much  harder  to  bear,  the 
unsuccessfulness  of  my  endeavours  to  mend  this  bad  world. 
1  consider  it  as  my  great  care  to  let  my  dear  Master  (who 
hath  bought  me  with  his  precious  blood)  see  that  I  have  a 
grateful  sense  of  his  benefits,  and  that  his  name  and  cause 
lie  near  my  heart.  If  the  labours  of  many  years,  whether 
they  do  or  do  not  succeed,  may  secure  this,  it  is  well.  Nay, 
indeed,  in  this  case.  Labor  ipse  Voluptas.  I  shall  not  be 
surprised  if  more  afflictions  come  upon  me ;  I  need  them 
all,  and  the  cup  is  in  the  hand  of  my  wise  and  gracious 
Father ;  for  that  God  is  such  I  assuredly  know.  Let  us 
give  diligence  to  seize  every  opportunity  we  have  of  serving 
his  interest  in  that  of  his  Son,  while  we  are  here ;  and  tlien 
nothing  in  life  or  death  needs  much  to  move  us." — The  ill 
treatment  he  met  with  might  have  been  passed  over  in 
silence,  were  it  not  so  commonly  the  lot  of  the  most  active 
useful  men,  and  an  affliction  which,  perhaps,  they  find  it 
more  difficult  to  bear  than  any  other.  Some  account  of  liis 
sufferings  of  this  kind,  his  reflections  upon  them,  and  be- 
haviour under  them,  may  properly  be  uiven,  as  they  illus- 
trate his  character,  show  his  companions  in  the  tribulation  of 
Christ  that  their  case  is  not  singular,  and  may  suggest  to 
them  the  proper  behaviour  under  it. 

No  sooner  was  he  settled  at  Northampton,  with  the 
pleasing  prospect  of  great  usefulness,  by  his  relation  to  so 
large  a  congregation,  and  the  increase  of  his  academy,  than 
he  met  with  injurious  treatment  from  his  neighbours.  Not 
to  mention  some  insults  which  he  and  his  family  suffered 
from  the  vulgar,  througli  the  influence  of  a  party  spirit,  a 
more  formidable  attack  was  made  upon  him  from  another 
quarter,  whence  he  expected  more  candour  and  moderation. 
A  prosecution  was  commenced  against  him,  in  the  eccle- 
siastical court,  by  some  dignitaries  of  the  church  of  England, 
for  teaching  an  academy.  Persons  of  the  best  sense  among 
different  parties  were  surprised  at  this  step ;  and  several 
gentlemen  of  the  established  church,  of  considerable  rank, 
and  in  public  characters,  warmly  declared  their  disappro- 
bation of  it.  Nay,  the  very  person,  in  whose  name  the 
prosecution  was  carried  on,  came  to  the  Doctor  to  assure 
him  of  his  abhorrence  of  it ;  and  to  know,  before  it  com- 
menced, whether  he  could,  with  safety  to  himself,  being 
then  churchwarden,  refuse  to  sign  the  presentment,  or  in 
any  other  way  make  the  matter  easy  to  him.  But  the 
clergy  seemed  determined  to  carry  on  the  persecution  with 
vigour  ;  notwithstanding  many  acknowledgments  they  made 
of  his  learning  and  moderation,  and  many  compliments 
they  personally  paid  him  on  that  account.  This  gave  him 
a  painful  alarm,  lest  his  usefulness  as  a  tutor  should  h.ave 
been  entirely  prevented,  or  greatly  lessened  ;  or  he  should 
have  been  obliged  to  remove  from  his  congregation  to  some 
other  part  of  the  kingdom,  where  he  might  have  been  out 
of  the  reach  of  his  persecutors.  But  his  loyal,  peaceable, 
and  moderate  principles  and  character,  being  fairly  repre- 
sented to  his  late  majesty,  by  some  persons  of  rank  and  in- 
fluence who  had  access  to  him,  and  were  well  acquainted 
with  the  Doctor,  a  stop  was,  by  his  express  order,  put  to  the 
prosecution ;  agreeably  to  the  noble  and  generous  maxim 
he  had  laid  down,. that,  "  During  his  reign,  there  should 
be  no  persecution  for  conscience'  sake." 

He  met  with  injurious  treatment  from  some  who  denied 

•  "  It  hath  bePi)  observed,  that  it  is  somewhat  natural  for  clergymen  to 
be  more  easily  irritable  at  such  of  their  brethren  as  rise  above  them,  in  ap- 
parent concern  for  religion,  and  zeal  tor  promoting  it,  than  at  those  who  fall 
below  Iheni.  i  he  first  are  a  reproach  to  their  own  conduct  and  chai  acter  ; 
the  other  are  a  foil   to  it.      So  that  every  one,  who  es|iouses  any  bold  or 


the  truth  of  Christianity ;  which  he  could  no  other  way 
account  for,  than  from  the  zeal  he  had  shown  in  its  defence: 
while  others,  on  the  contrary,  were  offended  at  the  respect 
with  which  he  had  treated  some  persons  who  were  thought 
to  make  light  of  the  gospel,  or  deny  some  of  its  distin- 
guishing tenets,  because  he  saw  in  them  some  amiable 
qualities,  esteemed  them  valuable  members  of  society,  or 
had  commended  their  writings,  as  containing  many  things 
excellent,  and  calculated  for  usefulness.  But,  strange  as  it 
may  seem,  the  worst  treatment  he  received,  and  which 
continued  longest,  was  from  some  of  his  brethren  in  the 
ministry ;  wliich  I  believe  arose  partly  from  hence,  that  he 
set  them  a  pattern  of  diligence  and  activity,  which  they 
were  not  disposed  to  imitate  ;*  but  principally  from  this 
circumstance,  that  he  was  not  of  their  party,  or  would  not 
run  all  their  lengths  in  opposing  and  judging  others.  Many 
controversies  concerning  some  christian  doctrines  had  been 
warmly  agitated ;  and  there  had  been  several  divisions  in 
dissenting  congregations,  arising  from  different  sentiments 
about  them.  It  is  no  wonder  that  each  party  should  be 
solicitous  to  number  a  person  of  so  much  learning,  piety, 
and  reputation,  among  their  adherents.  But  he  chose  not 
to  be  distinguished  by  any  party  name,  and  to  keep  as 
clear  as  possible  from  any  invidious  distinction.  He 
thought  it  his  duty  to  go  as  far  as  he  honestly  could  with 
both  sides,  and  endeavour  to  bring  them  nearer  to  one 
another  in  christian  aftection,  if  he  could  not  unite  them 
in  sentiments.  He  was  desirous  to  become  all  things  to  all 
men,  as  far  as,  with  a  good  conscience  towards  God,  he 
could  ;  to  commend  what  was  good  in  each  party,  and  to 
keep  up  a  friendship  with  the  most  valuable  and  moderate 
persons  of  it.  He  imagined  himself  fil^ly  justified  in  this 
conduct  by  the  behaviour  of  our  blessed  Lord  and  his 
apostles,  and  by  the  prudential  and  pacific  maxims  of  the 
New  Testament. 

His  sentiments  on  this  head,  as  he  hath  published  them 
to  the  world,  deserve,  in  this  connexion,  a  peculiar  regard. 
"  When  a  fierce  and  haughty  sense  of  liberty  is  the  reigning 
darling  character  of  ministers,  and  a  determination  to  sub- 
mit in  nothing,  to  oblige  in  nothing ;  as  the  first  elements 
of  the  christian  temper  seem  as  yet  to  be  unknown,  there 
is  great  reason  to  believe  that  the  doctrines  and  precepts  of 
the  gospel  will  not,  cannot,  be  successfully  taught."f 
Again :  "  Let  none  of  us  be  disposed  to  dispute,  merely 
for  the  sake  of  disputing ;  nor  unnecessarily  oppose  the 
judgment  and  taste  of  our  brethren,  whether  out  of  an 
affectation  of  singularity  or  spirit  of  contention  ;  but  let  us 
rather  labour,  so  far  as  with  a  safe  conscience  we  can,  to 
keep  the  unitij  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace.  Let  us 
avoid,  as  much  as  possible,  a  party  spirit,  and  not  be  fond 
of  listing  ourselves  under  the  name  of  this  or  that  man, 
how  wise,  how  good,  how  great  soever.  Neither  Luther, 
nor  Calvin,  nor  even  Peter  nor  Paul,  were  crucified  for  us, 
nor  were  we  baptized  into  any  of  their  names.  Happy  is 
lie,  who  being  himself  an  example  of  yielding,  so  far  as  he 
conscientiously  can,  and  of  not  taking  upon  him  to  censure 
others,  where  he  cannot  yield  to  them,  shall  do  his  part 
towards  cementing  in  the  bonds  of  holy  love  all  the  chil- 
dren of  God  and  the  members  of  Christ.  How  unsuccess- 
ful soever  his  efforts  may  be,  amidst  that  angry  and  con- 
tentious, that  ignorant  and  bigoted  crowd,  who  miscall 
themselves  christians,  or  by  whatever  reproachful  and  sus- 
picious names  his  moderation  may  be  stigmatized,  his 
Divine  Master  will  neither  fail  to  consider  it  in  its  true 
light,  nor  to  honour  it  with  proportionable  tokens  of  his 
acceptance  and  favour.  Love  is  the  first  and  greatest  of 
his  commandments ;  and,  after  all  the  clamour  which  hath 
been  made  about  notions  and  forms,  he  who  practiseth  and 
teacheth  love  best  shall  be  greatest  in  the  kingdom  of  hea- 
ven." %  It  may  at  first  seem  strange  that  a  person  who 
professed,  and,  I  am  well  persuaded,  always  acted  agree- 
ably to  these  sentiments,  should  be  reproached ;  and  the 
rather  as  he  was  an  avowed  enemy  to  all  pious  frauds,  as 
they  have  been  called,  and  thought  (to  use  his  own  words) 
"  that  they  ought  to  be  hissed  out  of  the  world  with  just 
abhorrence." 

vigorous  measure,  may  lay  his  account  with  a  sensible  coldness,  even  from 
.such  of  his  brethren  as  are  in  the  next  immediate  degree  below  him."  Dr. 
Witherspoon's  Essays,  v.  ii.  p.  254. 

t  Fan\ily  Expositor,  Acts  xvi.  3.  Improvement. 

I  Family  Expositor,  1  Cor.  i.  10.  Improvement. 


HIS  BEHAVIOUR  UNDER  INJURIES. 


xlv 


Those  who  knew  him  saw  that  he  was  neither  fond  of 
money  nor  power.  He  was  not  influenced  by  a  worldly 
spirit;  having  refused  much  more  considerable  offers  in  the 
establishment  than  ever  could  be  made  him  among  the  dis- 
senters. He  was  not  rash,  hasty,  and  overbearing,  which 
leads  many  persons  into  an  inconsistent  and  dishonourable 
conduct;  and  then  into  doulile-dealing,  to  vindicate  or  pal- 
liate It.  On  the  contrary,  lie  acknowledged  that  he  had 
sometimes  been  restrained  from  exerting  hmiself  as  he  miglit 
have  done  to  sei-ve  the  cause  of  religion,  by  an  excess  of 
caution,  and  a  fearfulness  of  offending  and  incurrmg  cen- 
sure. This  he  intimates  in  these  lively  expressions,  in  a 
familiar  letter  to  a  friend  :  "  The  apprehensions  of  wise  and 
good  men  are  so  different,  that  I  am  sometimes  confounded 
amidst  the  variety  of  their  opinions  and  counsels  ;  and  often 
think  of  the  grey-headed  man  and  his  two  wives.  But,  if 
I  err,  I  would  choose  to  do  it  on  the  side  of  modesty  and 
caution,  as  one  who  is  more  afraid  of  doing  wrong  tiian  of 
not  doing  right.  But  when  the  world  is  to  be  remarkably 
reformed,  God  will  raise  up  some  bolder  spirits,  who  will 
work  like  your  London  firemen ;  and  I  pray  God  it  may 
not  be  amidst  smoke,  and  flames,  and  ruin."  He  always 
treated  others,  even  tliose  from  whom  he  differed,  with  civi- 
lity, candour,  and  tenderness  ;  as  appears  from  his  writings, 
and  equally  from  his  private  converse.  It  was  therefore  na- 
tural for  him  to  expect  that  he  sliould  escape  unjust  censures 
and  opprobrious  reflections  from  his  brethren.  But,  to  a 
person  who  knows  the  world,  hath  read  any  thing  of  the 
history  of  the  church,  or  observed  the  nature  and  effects  of 
most  religious  controversies,  it  will  not  appear  strange  that 
the  most  amiable  virtue  of  moderation  should  be  reckoned 
a  great  fault,  and  a  care  not  to  run  the  lengths  of  any  ])arty 
should  expose  a  man  to  the  resentment  and  censure  botli  of 
that  party  and  its  opposite.  "  He  found  by  dear  experience 
(as  Mr.  Pope  expresseth  it)  that  he  lived  in  an  age  in  which 
it  was  criminal  to  be  moderate."*  Some  ciiarged  him  with 
being  too  loose  in  his  sentiments ;  others  with  being  too 
strict.  "  The  high  Calvinists  (to  use  his  own  words)  on  this 
side,  and  some  of  the  friends  of  liberty  and  Catholicism,  as 
by  a  strange  catachresis  they  call  themselves,  on  the  other," 
censured  him. 

He  was  represented  by  the  bigots  on  both  sides  as  a  trim- 
mer and  a  double-dealer.  So  have  many,  of  the  greatest 
eminence  for  wisdom,  holiness,  and  zeal,  been  represented  ; 
and  he  used  to  take  comfort  in  this,  that  he  was  no  worse 
treated  than  those  four  excellent  divines,  whose  writings, 
above  all  others,  he  admired, — the  Archbishops  Leighton 
and  Tillotson,  Mr.  Baxter,  and  Dr.  Watts.  "  I  confess 
(saith  tlie  last  of  these)  when  a  party  spirit  runs  high  among 
the  different  sects  of  religion,  or  the  different  divisions  of 
mankind,  this  most  amiable  virtue  of  moderation  is  called 
by  the  scandalous  names  of  indifference,  lukewarmness,  or 
trimming ;  and  it  sustains  a  world  of  reproaches  from  both 
the  quarrelling  parties.  Moderation,  though  it  is  the  blessed 
principle  which  awakens  and  assists  men  to  become  peace- 
makers, yet,  at  the  same  time,  when  it  enters  into  the  battle, 
to  divide  tlie  contenders,  it  receives  an  unkind  stroke  from 
either  side."  Dr.  Doddridge  endeavoured  to  act  up  to  that 
character  which  his  affectionate  friend  and  fellow-sufferer 
had  described  in  the  same  discourse.  "  When  any  sect  of 
christians  seems  to  be  carried  away  with  the  furious  torrent 
of  some  prevailing  notions  or  some  unnecessary  practices, 
some  special  superstition  or  a  contentious  spirit,  the  mode- 
rate man  tries  to  show  how  much  of  truth  and  goodness  may 
be  found  among  each  party,  where  all  agree  to  hold  Christ 
Jesus  the  head ;  though  he  dares  not  renounce  a  grain  of 
truth  or  necessary  duty  for  the  sake  of  peace,  and  he  would 
contend  earnestly,  where  Providence  calls  him,  for  the  es- 
sential articles  of  faith,  which  were  once  delivered  to  the 
saints,"  Scc.f  He  sav/  and  lamented  the  sad  deviation  of 
many  ministers  from,  what  he  tliought,  important  truths  of 
the  gospel ;  insisting  upon  them  much  less  than  they  should 
have  done ;  or  in  such  a  manner  as  if  they  were  making 
concessions  to  an  adversary,  rather  than  opening  their  hearts 
to  their  hearers  upon  a  favourite  subject.  He  saw  persons 
refining  upon  a  plain  gospel,  until  it  was  almost  evaporated 
and  lost ;  and  therefore  he  was  the  more  strenuous  in  the 
support  of  its  vital  truths.     "  I  hope"  saith  he,  in  a  sermon 

*  Pope's  Works,  V.  vii.  p.  206.  t  Watts's  Sermons,  v.  ii.  s.  28. 


before  an  assembly  of  ministers,  "  we  shall  never  practise 
so  dangerous  a  complaisance  to  the  unbelievers  of  the  pre- 
sent age,  as  to  wave  the  gospel,  that  we  may  accommodate 
ourselves  to  their  taste ;  which  if  we  do,  we  may  indeed 
preserve  the  name  of  virtue,  but  I  fear  we  shall  destroy  the 
thing  itself;  lose  it  in  our  congregations,  and  probably  in 
our  hearts  too :  for  I  confess  it  seems  to  me  much  more 
probable  that  the  doctrines  of  natural  religion  alone  shoidd 
be  blessed,  as  tlie  means  of  reforming  heatliens,  who  never 
heard  of  Christianity,  than  that  they  should  have  much  effect 
upon  those,  who,  under  the  profession  of  it,  slight  its  most 
glorious  peculiarities;  as  if  the  religion  of  Jesus  were  a 
mere  encumbrance,  which,  while  we  own  it  to  be  true,  we 
might  nevertheless  forget,  without  great  danger  or  much  in- 
convenience." 

In  a  letter  to  one  of  his  younger  brethren,  he  thus  ex- 
presseth himself  upon  this  subject :  "  Indeed  the  gospel  is  a 
great  thing,  or  it  is  nothing.  1  am  more  and  more  con- 
vinced of  the  importance  of  keeping  to  the  good  old  evange- 
lical and  experimental  way  of  preaching;  and  look  upon 
most  of  the  new-fashioned  divinity,  of  which  some  persons, 
in  different  extremes,  are  so  fond,  as  a  kind  of  quackery, 
which  bodes  ill  to  the  health  of  the  soul,  and  of  the  church 
in  general.  You  know  how  cautious  I  am  of  troubling  the 
church  of  Christ  with  disputes;  but  my  faith  in  the  doc- 
trines I  preach  is  more  and  more  confirmed  by  studying  the 
Scriptures,  by  experience  and  observation.  What  I  have 
wrote  concerning  them  proceeds  not  from  any  sourness  of 
temper,  or  any  want  of  charity  for,  or  love  to,  persons  of  a 
different  opinion  ;  though  some  of  them  have,  as  you  well 
know,  laid  me  under  strong  temptations  to  it,  by  exercising 
as  little  charity  towards  me  as  if  there  had  been  no  common 
bond  of  Christianity  or  even  humanity  to  unite  us." — For  such 
a  regard  to  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  the  gospel  in  his  preach- 
ing and  writings  he  was  much  censured  ;  and  "  neither  his 
moderation,  and  other  personal  virtues,  nor  all  his  zeal  for  the 
service  of  the  common  cause  of  christians,  protestants  or 
dissenters,  could  shelter  him  from  the  affected  contempt 
and  severe  reproaches  of  some  angry  people,  who,  amidst 
all  their  professions  of  the  most  unbounded  charity,  thought 
his  an  excepted  case,  or  chose  rather  to  be  injurious  to  him 
than  consistent  with  themselves."!  Many  instances  in 
which  he  was  treated  in  this  manner  might  be  mentioned  : 
but,  as  I  know  he  forgave  them,  I  hope  his  friends,  who 
were  acquainted  with  them,  have  done  the  same.  It  will 
be  more  for  the  reader's  edification  to  see  how  he  expressed 
himself  on  these  occasions,  both  as  to  the  foundation  of  the 
censures  passed  upon  him,  and  the  frame  of  his  spirit  under 
them,  in  some  letters  to  his  intimate  friends,  and  in  his  own 
private  reflections,  of  which  I  will  give  him  a  faithful  ex- 
tract. 

One  of  his  friends  had  informed  him  that  he  had  been 
charged  with  insincerity  ;  especially  in  using  some  partir 
cular  phrases  in  his  writings,  in  a  sense  different  from  that 
in  which  he  himself  understood  diem,  in  order  to  please  a 
party.  To  this  he  answereth  :  "  My  conscience  doth  not  tell 
me  that  I  am  at  all  to  blame  on  the  head  you  mention.  I 
write  for  the  public  (as  I  would  also  do  in  every  private 
correspondence)  as  in  the  presence  of  God,  and  in  the 
views  of  his  judgment.  I  would  not  purchase  that  phan- 
tom, popularity,  which  is  often  owing  to  the  very  worst 
part  of  a  man's  character  or  performances,  by  any  compli- 
ances beneath  the  dignity  of  a  christian  minister  :  an  offSce 
of  which  I  think  so  highly,  as  to  be  deeply  sensible  how 
unworthy  I  am  to  bear  it.  On  the  other  hand,  I  do  indeed 
desire  to  give  as  little  offence  as  I  honestly  can ;  and  I 
have  high  authorities  for  it :  and  though  I  am,  and  always 
declare  that  I  am,  in  my  judgment,  greatly  against  the  im- 
position of  human  phrases,  yet,  as  some  can  hardly  be 
avoided  on  one  hand  or  the  other,  I  choose  to  adopt  and 
use  some  that  are  ambiguous,  in  what  I  take  to  be  a  fair 
sense,  though  not  the  only  sense  they  might  bear;  and,  by 
declaring  it,  to  endeavour"  to  fix  a  good  idea  to  them,  rather 
than  absolutely  to  declare  against,  or  even  totally  to  disuse 
them.  Others,  wider  by  far  in  their  sentiments  than  I,  are 
indulged  in  this,  and  even  applauded  for  it ;  I  have  the 
misfortune  (I  cannot  use  the  word  more  properly)  to  be 
condemned.— I   do   indeed   believe   that  it   is    generally 

t  Sermons  and  Tracts. 


xlvi 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


thought  by  that  part  of  the  world,  which  some  in  jest,  and 
some  in  sober  sadness,  are  ready  to  charge  with  heretical 
pravity,  that  I  approach  much  nearer  to  their  sentiments 
than  I  really  do ;  and  perhaps  three  causes  have  concurred 
to  lead  them  into  that  apprehension  : — a  general  conceit  that 
their  notions  are  so  self-evident  that  none  but  an  extremely 
weak  or  ignorant  man  (which  they  pay  me  the  compliment  of 
supposing  that  I  am  not,  though  they  afterwards  fully  balance 
the  account)  can  possibly  be  of  a  different  opinion; — some 
hints,  which  I  may  perhaps  have  dropped  between  the  years 
1723  and  1730,  or  thereabouts,  when  1  was  really  more  in- 
clined to  some  of  their  sentiments  than  I  now  am  ;  and  my 
hearing  them  assert  some  of  them  patiently  in  a  mixed  com- 
pany, when  I  have  not  been  in  a  humour  to  dispute. 

"  The  friendly  manner  in  which  I  have  conversed  with 
and  spoken  of  some  of  those  obnoxious  gentlemen,  and  tlie 
honour  I  have  done  publicly  and  privately  to  those  writings 
in  which  I  think  they  have  deserved  well  of  Christianity  in 
general,  though  I  may  have  thought  them  allayed  with  some 
considerable  mixture  of  error,  may  liave  conduced  further 
to  lead  them  to  a  conclusion,  that  I  was  much  more  of  their 
mind,  in  some  disputable  cases,  than  I  really  am.  My 
great  care  not  to  judge  others,  and  my  using  at  different 
times  different  phrases,  which  have  appeared  to  me  perfectly 
consistent,  though  others  may  have  apprehended  the  con- 
trary, may  also  have  contributed  to  produce  the  same  effect. 
But,  on  the  whole,  I  know  assuredly  that  I  have  not  on 
any  occasion  belied  the  real  sentiments  of  my  heart ;  and 
that,  by  my  necessary  caution  on  this  head,  I  have  lost 
many  friends,  whom  1  could  easily  have  kept,  and  whom  I 
speculatively  knew  the  way  of  cementing  to  me,  much  to 
my  own  secular  advantage ;  though  I  could  not  go  to  the 
price  of  it,  when  that  price  was  only  a  few  ambiguous 
words.  This,  Sir,  may  give  you  a  general  view  of  the  mat- 
ter ;  but  if  it  occurs  to  you  to  mention  any  particular  phrases 
and  modes  of  expression,  charged  with  the  evils  of  which 
this  condescension  is  said  to  be  productive,  I  shall  open 
my  heart  about  them  with  the  utmost  freedom  ;  as  I  know 
nothing,  in  my  purposes  or  views,  which  I  would  not  vvish 
you  thoroughly  to  understand;  and  if  I  cannot  vindicate  such 
phrases,  I  will  for  the  future  lay  them  aside.  I  speak  upon 
this  head  without  any  reserve  or  any  regret,  as  a  man  tliat  is 
inwardly  easy, and, being  sound, can  bear  handling;  and  you 
areperfectly  welcome  to  show  this  letter  to  whom  you  please." 

To  another  friend,  who  had  informed  him  of  some  reports 
he  had  heard  to  the  disadvantage  of  his  character,  he  thus 
writes :  "  I  wish  every  one,  whose  friendship  is  worth  pre- 
serving, would  give  me  such  an  opportunity  as  you  have 
done  of  explaining  myself  freely  with  regard  to  tliose  things 
which  have  been  so  unjustly  aggravated.  My  righteousness 
is  in  it ;  and  I  am  fully  persuaded  that  what  I  have  done, 
in  the  various  circumstances  in  which  my  conduct  hath 
been  arraigned,  would  be  found  at  least  tlie  pardonable 
infirmities  of  an  honest  man,  wiio  fears  God  and  loves  all 
mankind  ;  and  who  meant  lieartiiy  well  to  the  persons  who 
thought  themselves  most  injured  by  him,  in  what  he  did  or 
did  not  do,  in  relation  to  them.  It  is  a  great  comfort  that 
innocence  can  make  its  appeal  to  God,  as  St.  Paul  so  often 
doth,  when  malice,  or  prejudice,  or  mistake,  which  last  I 
believe  more  frequently  to  have  been  the  case  with  regard 
to  me,  lays  to  its  charge  things  which  he  would  not  delibe- 
rately do  to  save  his  life.  The  reflections  wliicli  have  been 
thrown  upon  me,  as  a  double-dealer  and  an  inconsistent 
man,  have  often  put  me  upon  looking  inward,  and  upon 
submitting  myself  to  the  scrutiny  of  the  all-searching  eye, 
in  my  most  serious  and  solemn  moments.  I  have,  I  thank 
God,  a  constant  sense  of  the  general  uprightness  of  my 
heart  before  him  ;  and  can  say,  with  that  good  man,  of 
whose  afflictions  God  hath  caused  me  in  this  instance  to 
partake,  Tlinu  knowest  that  I  am  not  wicked. 

"  Religion  is  with  me  an  inward  thing ;  and,  if  it  were 
not,  it  could  not  have  supported  me,  as  it  hath  done,  in  the 
nearest  views  of  the  Divine  tribunal.  Were  my  worldly 
interest  the  principle  upon  wliich  I  acted,  I  should  have 
conformed  long  since,  and  should  do  it  immediately  ;  and 
you  are  no  stranger  to  some  offers  that  have  been  made  me. 
You  know  the  warmth  and  tenderness  of  my  temper,  and 
how  liable  it  is  to  strong  impressions.  Yon  also  know  the 
great  multiplicity  of  my  affairs  ;  the  haste  with  which  I  am 
frequently  obliged  to  write,  without  taking  copies  of  my 


letters ;  and  when  these  things  come  to  be  laid  together,  I 
cannot  pretend  to  say  that  I  have  always  acted  Avith  that 
perfect  consistency  which  I  could  have  wished.  Perhaps 
few  men  can  say  it.  My  views  of  the  same  person  and  of 
the  same  things  may  also  have  altered.  But,  upon  the 
whole,  so  far  as  1  can  judge  and  recollect,  I  have  generally 
given  but  very  little  cause  for  the  reflections  which  have 
been  cast  upon  me  ;  nor  have  I  ever,  in  any  instance  that  I 
know  of,  acted  a  part  which  my  conscience  hath  condemned 
as  insincere,  or  that  it  should  afterwards,  on  reflection,  up- 
braid me  with  as  dishonest.  But  I  may,  through  an  ex- 
cessive tenderness  of  displeasing,  have  left  men  of  different 
opinions  more  room  to  think  me  in  their  sentiments,  by 
my  not  opposing  them,  than  1  ought  to  have  done.  I  may 
likewise  in  many  instances  have  seen,  or  thought  I  have 
seen,  things  not  to  be  inconsistent,  vvhich  warm  men,  on 
one  side  the  question  and  the  other,  have  thought  to  be  so  ; 
and  it  is  possible  too,  that  in  some  of  these  cases  they  may 
have  thought  right,  though  I  believe  in  more  they  have 
been  on  both  sides  wrong.  I  may  have  had  more  real 
esteem  and  love  for  persons  in  very  different  views  and 
interests,  than  they  (knowing  the  narrowness  of  their  own 
hearts  in  these  instances)  could  easily  imagine  to  be  sin- 
cere ;  and  among  these  have  been  some  of  the  methodists. 
Besides  all  which,  a  disposition  to  use  some  forms  of  com- 
plimental  expressions,  especially  in  younger  life,  and  to  tell 
persons  the  good  things  I  thought  of  them  and  their  per- 
formances, may  have  exposed  me  to  censure ;  though,  I 
may  truly  say,  I  have  always  inwardly  thought  what  I  said  ; 
for  my  mind  has  never  been  in  sucli  a  state  but  that  I  must 
have  felt  a  sensible  and  memorable  horror  for  doing  other- 
wise. These  things  may  have  given  advantages  against  me. 
The  vast  variety  of  public  affairs  in  which  I  have  been 
concerned,  (which,  with  all  my  tenderness  and  desire,  as  far 
as  I  honestly  might,  to  please  every  one,  I  could  not  manage 
without  displeasing  some,)  hath  increased  the  number  of 
those  who  are  offended  with  me.  The  acquaintance,  and 
for  a  while,  friendship,  which  I  have  had  with  some  persons 
of  the  laity,  who  have  proved  treacherous  and  infamous 
persons,  hath  been  a  further  snare  ;  as  the  friendship  of  bad 
men  always  is.  My  refusing  to  be  blindly  the  tool  of  a 
party,  and  to  go  plumb  into  all  their  measures,  hath  dis- 
obliged no  small  number. 

"  When  all  these  things  come  to  be  traced  in  their  several 
streams  and  combinations,  (together  with  what  I  have  said 
of  ray  own  acknowledged  infirmities,  of  which  I  am  truly 
sensible,)  they  will  account  for  this  strange  phenomenon, 
at  which  you  are  surprised.  I  have  all  this  while  retained 
the  esteem  and  friendship  of  several  j)ersons  of  great  worth, 
by  whom  I  have  been  most  intimately  known  for  many 
years.  I  will  tell  you,  in  confidence,  that  these  aspersions 
are  a  cross,  which  God  hath  enabled  me  to  bear  with  a 
christian  temper ;  and  he  has  really  given  me  a  heart  to 
pray  in  the  most  affectionate  manner,  and  every  day,  for  my 
slanderers  ;  and  conscientiously  to  al'Stain  from  saying 
many  things,  vvhich  I  could  have  said,  to  the  disadvantage 
of  many  of  their  characters.  These  things  may  perhaps  be 
permitted,  that  I  may  not  be  too  much  exalted  by  the  un- 
reasonable and  extravagant  applauses  I  have  sometimes 
met  with.  I  have  a  persuasion  in  my  own  heart,  that,  if 
(Jod  continue  my  life  a  few  years,  many  of  these  things 
will  die.  I  shall  be  made  more  cautious  by  them,  and 
more  humbly  seek  that  wisdom  from  God,  which  is  neces- 
sary to  cut  off  occasion  from  some  who  spitefully  seek  it. 
I  shall  also,  while  they  continue,  have  opportunities  of 
exercising  several  graces  of  the  christian  temper,  which, 
though  concealed  from  human  eyes,  have  their  value  in  the 
sight  of  God.  And  I  may  be  made  more  desirous  of  leav- 
ing a  world,  where  I  meet  with  so  much  unkindness,  for 
that  where  love  will  be  perfected.  I  do  in  the  mean  time 
empower  and  desire  you,  when  you  hear  any  thing  to  the 
disadvantage  of  my  character,  to  tell  the  reporters  that  I 
am  not  afraid  that  any  part  of  my  conduct  should  be  can- 
vassed, if  they  will  fairly  hear  my  own  account  of  it,  and 
prepare  themselves  to  pardon  some  infirmities,  which  an 
honest  man,  with  my  frank  temper  and  various  affairs,  may 
fall  into;  but,  if  they  vvill  condemn  me  unheard,  I  must 
appeal  to  a  higher  tribunal  :  and,  in  the  mean  time,  I  will 
in  the  general  appeal  to  those  who  have  long  and  intimately 
known  me,  and  on  whose  sincerity  I  could  venture  my  life. 


HIS  BEHAVIOUR  UNDER  INJURIES. 


xlvii 


"  Wlnle  I  am  conscious  to  myself  that  I  act  upon  chris- 
tian motives,  I  make  httle  of  the  censures  of  men ;  but  I 
would  avoid  unnecessary  offence.  In  the  midst  of  all,  my 
soul  dwells  at  ease  in  God  ;  and  I  find  unutterable  pleasure 
in  a  conquest  obtained  over  those  resentments  which  are 
ready  to  rise  on  such  occasions,  but  which,  I  can  truly  say, 
are  crucified  on  the  cross  of  Christ.  God  is  teaching  me 
good  lessons,  and  exercising  my  graces,  (alas  !  too  low  and 
feeble  in  proportion  to  so  much  cultivation,)  by  such  things 
as  these ;  and  I  desire  to  adore  his  wisdom  and  bless  his 
name  in  all.  I  am  seeking  for  opportunities  to  overcome 
evil  with  good.  In  the  midst  of  this  agitation,  I  thank  God 
that  I  can  say.  It  is  not  a  very  great  thing  to  me  (if  I  can- 
not say,  so  ciieerfully  as  I  ought,  that  it  is  a  very  small  one) 
to  be  judged  rf  mail's  judgment.  The  dai/  of  the  Lord  is  at 
hand.  I  had'  rather  suffer  many  of  these  injuries  than  offer 
one.  It  is  my  desire  to  behave  under  them  as  becometh  a 
christian,  and  to  be  made  more  watchful  by  them.  Let  but 
my  heart  be  with  God  ;  the  visits  of  his  grace  made  to  me, 
and  the  prospect  of  glory  presented  to  my  believing  eyes, 
so  as  to  engage  my  more  constant  pursuit;  let  but  my 
temper  be  becoming  a  christian  and  ministerial  profession  ; 
and  I  hope  other  things  will  impress  me  little.  I  am  a  weak 
and  a  sinful  creature,  but  one  who  sincerely  believes  the 
gospel ;  who  could  desire  to  spread  the  savour  of  it,  if  pos- 
sible, over  all  the  world,  and  to  bring  the  power  of  it  into 
every  heart,  that  it  may  grow  humble  and  pure,  benevolent 
and  upright ;  and  who  heartily  wishes  every  thins^  opposite 
to  the  gospel  might  fall,  not  hi/  might  or  power,  hut  hi/  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord.  Nor  am  I  much  concerned,  any  further 
than  the  honour  of  my  Master  is  interested  in  it,  whether  I 
go  through  evil  report  or  good  report.  If  any  think  me  a 
deceiver,  God  knows  I  am  true.  If  any  wish  that  I  were 
unknown,  I  bless  God  I  have  reason  to  believe  that  I  am 
well  known  to  not  a  few,  by  tokens  which  will  never  be 
forgotten."  In  some  of  his  private  reflections  he  saith : 
"  Tliese  are  the  favours  of  my  God  to  me  the  last  year :  and 
may  I  not  also  reckon  in  the  number  of  them  the  opposi- 
tion I  have  met  with,  I  think,  undeservedly,  for  things  well 
intended,  and,  I  believe,  for  bearing  a  faithful  testimony  to 
the  truths  of  the  gospel  which  hath  occasioned  me  many 
enemies,  and  will,  I  doubt  not,  prove  an  occasion  of  veri- 
fying my  Master's  words.  Great  is  your  reward  in  heaven." 
— These  are  some  of  his  sentiments  on  the  reflections 
throvFn  upon  his  character  and  designs ;  and  whoever 
attends  to  the  account  he  gives  of  his  temper  and  business 
will  easily  see  how  malice,  prejudice,  or  ignorance,  might 
graft  aspersions  upon  them. 

He  had  likewise  some  enemies  from  his  own  household. 
It  will  not  be  wondered  at,  that  a  person  who  had  educated 
about  two  hundred  young  men  should  meet  with  a  few,  in 
that  number,  who  behaved  ill,  and  requited  him  evil  for 

food.  Some  of  tliem  proved  wicked ;  and  he  humbly  ac- 
nowledged  before  God,  in  his  private  reflections  on  such 
a  painful  circumstance,  "  That  by  a  false  complaisance  he 
lost  much  of  his  authority  over  them ;  in  consequence  of 
which  they  grew  worse,  and  he  was  obliged  to  expel  them." 
As  to  others  of  them,  he  was  not  so  well  satisfied  of  their 
real  piety,  and  being  hearty  in  undertaking  the  ministerial 
work,  as  to  be  able  with  a  good  conscience  to  recommend 
them.  Some  of  them  had  embraced  tenets  which  he 
knew  would  render  them  unacceptable  to  most  dissenting 
churches ;  and  therefore  he  could  not  recommend  them  to 
some,  where  they  would  have  chosen  to  settle.  Being 
therefore  carried  away  with  the  warmth  of  their  passions, 
and  that  pride  and  impatience  of  control  which  is  so  often 
found  in  youth,  they  charged  their  tutor  with  treating  them 
unkindly,  though  they  were  on  many  accounts  under  great 
obligations  to  him,  and  set  themselves  to  misrepresent  his 
character. 
Thus  he  laments  his  own  case :  "  Some  have  thought 

J'  "JJ^y  ""'  ^^  amiss  to  take  notice  of  an  aspersion  which  was  thrown 
<m  the  Doctor,  a  little  before  his  death,  as  if  he  had  acted  unfaithfully  in 
"'*l"ar''.ianship  of  Miss  Ekins,  daughter  of  Thomas  Ekins,  Esq.  of  Chester- 
on-the-W  Hter,  in  Northamptonshire,  one  of  his  majesty's  justices  of  the 
peace,  and  the  Doctor's  intimate  friend  :  especially  as  I  have  heard,  that  it 
spread  itself  as  far  as  New  England,  where  the  falsehood  of  such  a  charge 
could  not  so  easily  he  detected.  It  will  be  a  sufficient  answer  to  such  a 
K?  f  u^  ■  say, that  the  young  lady,  at  the  Doctor's  decease,  was  so  sensi- 
T  ,r'^  '"'«K"ty.that  at  her  request,  being  then  eighteen  years  of  age,  the 
tf'l  *-^,';*"'^«"0''  Hardwicke  appointed  the  Doctor's  widow  guardian  in  his 
stead  ;  that  on  lier  attainment  ot  her  age  of  twenty-one  years,  the  whole  ac- 
count ot  her  estate  was  carefully  examined  by  her,  and  met  with  lier  entire 


them.selves  injured,  because  I  cannot  oblige  them,  at  the 
expense  of  my  conscience,  by  granting  them  testimonials 
which  I  know  they  do  not  deserve ;  or  by  helping  them  into 
settlements  which  would  he  unhappy  to  themselves,  and  the 
congregations -which  refer  their  case  to  my  advice.  For  this 
reason,  imaginary  injuries,  never  complained  of  to  me, 
were  talked  over  and  aggravated.  My  conduct  was  con- 
tinually watched  over  for  evil :  my  writings,  lectures, 
sermons,  letters,  words,  every  thing,  were  compared,  to  find 
out  imaginary  inconsistencies,  and  to  charge  them  as  in- 
stances of  dishonesty,  partiality,  and  what  not?  When  they 
went  abroad  they  talked  of  these  things ;  and  there  were 
those,  in  both  extremes,  who  were  ready  to  lay  hold  on  any 
story  to  my  disadvantage.  But  this  is  my  comfort,  that 
most  of  those,  who  have  been  my  pupils,  are  my  cordial 
and  affectionate  friends :  and  I  find  all  the  tenderest  and 
most  grateful  friendship  from  those  now  under  my  care.  I 
am  more  and  more  confirmed  in  the  judgment  I  passed  on 
those,  who  are  setting  out  in  the  church  ;  and  am  convinced 
that  the  part  I  have  acted,  in  the  difference  I  have  made 
between  them,  hath  been  approved  in  the  sight  of  Him,  to 
whom  my  final  account  is  soon  to  be  rendered.  In  the 
mean  time,  the  longer  I  live,  the  less  I  am  inclined  to  enter 
into  debates,  which  I  have  neither  time  nor  heart  for ;  and 
perhaps  have  been  too  indolent  in  tracing  out  injurious  re- 
ports, and  too  dilatory  in  making  remonstrances  for  ill 
usage.  I  have  generally  chosen  the  sliorter  way,  heartily  to 
forgive  and  pray  for  those  from  whom  I  have  apprehended 
that  I  have  received  the  most  injurious  treatment;  and  to 
endeavour  to  live  in  such  a  manner,  that  they,  who  in- 
timately know  me,  may  not  lightly  believe  rumours  to  my 
disadvantage. 

"  Methinks  the  lovers  of  mankind,  and  the  lovers  of 
Christianity  too,  should  pardon  each  other  some  little  mis- 
takes in  conduct,  and  should  put  the  gentlest,  not  the 
harshest,  construction  upon  things  which  may  wear  a  dubi- 
ous aspect.  I  will  endeavour  to  bear  these  things  as  a 
burden,  which  Providence  is  pleased  to  lay  in  my  way.  I 
will  remember  him,  who  bore,  in  all  respects,  infinitely 
worse  usage  for  me ;  and  will  comfort  myself  with  looking 
forward  to  that  day,  when  every  calumny  will  be  wiped 
off;  when  Omniscience  will  attest,  as  it  certainly  will,  the 
integrity  of  my  conduct ;  and  when  those  evil  principles, 
which  may  in  some  degree,  and  at  some  times,  leaven  the 

minds  of  good  men,  will  be  all  purged  away." With 

regard  to  those  of  his  pupils,  who  occasioned  the  foregoing 
reflections,  I  have  great  reason  to  believe,  that  further 
knowledge  of  the  world  and  themselves  convinced  them 
that  they  had  acted  wrong.  I  assuredly  know,  that  some 
of  them  deeply  repented  of  it  afterwards ;  and  particularly 
one,  who,  a  little  before  his  death,  wrote  his  tutor  a  most 
pathetic  and  friendly  letter,  in  which  he  largely  confessed 
his  own  guilt ;  laid  open  to  him  many  of  the  sly  arts,  which 
had  been  used  to  hurt  his  character;  and,  with  all  the 
marks  of  humility,  penitence,  and  affection,  earnestly  de- 
sired his  forgiveness  and  his  prayers.* 

I  have  been  larger  upon  this  part  of  the  Doctor's  cha- 
racter than  was,  perhaps,  necessary  to  illustrate  and  vindi- 
cate it :  but  probably  some  yet  living  may  entertain  preju- 
dices against  him  and  against  his  writings  in  consequence 
thereof.  I  was  therefore  willing  to  set  it  in  its  true  light ; 
and  to  exhibit  a  noble  pattern  of  a  christian  behaviour, 
under  such  reproaches  and  slanders,  as  many  good  and 
useful  men  are  yet  suffering  by,  and  the  best,  perhaps,  most. 
I  shall  only  add,  that  he  practised  the  advice  which  he 
gave  to  others  in  such  circumstances,  and  did  not  "  suffer 
himself  to  be  interrupted,  in  his  generous  worthy  course, 
by  the  little  attacks  of  envy  and  calumny  which  he  met 
with  in  it.  He  was  still  attentive  to  the  general  good,  and 
steadily  resolute  in  his  endeavours  to  promote  it ;  and  he 
left  it  to  Providence  to  guard  or  to  rescue  his  character 

approbation.  This  lady  is  since  married  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  James  Stonhouse, 
a  gentleman  of  a  handsome  paternal  estate,  formerly  a  physician  ot  CTeat 
eminence  at  Northampton,  and  now  C1765)  Lecturer  ot  AU-Saints,  in  Bris- 
tol :  and  it  is  at  their  united  request  I  add,  that  they  are  sensible  ot  their 
obligations  to  the  Doctor  and  his  lady,  for  the  fidelity,  prudence,  and  friend- 
ship, discovered  by  them  in  the  discharge  of  their  trust,  and  that  they  retain 
the  highest  veneration  for  the  Doctor's  mejnory.  Those  who  were  best  ac- 
quainted with  the  whole  affair,  were  so  far  from  thinking  that  his  conduct 
stood  in  need  of  any  defence,  that  they  considered  both  his  undertaking  the 
trust,  amidst  his  various  other  cares,  and  the  manner  in  which  he  discharged 
it,  especially  in  the  education  of  his  ward,  as  a  striking  instance  of  his  pro- 
bity, friendship,  and  benevolence. 

d 


xlviii 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


from  ihe  base  assaults  of  malice  and  falsehood,  which,  he 
had  observed  and  experienced,  will  often,  without  a  per- 
son's labour,  confute  themselves ;  and  heap  upon  the 
authors  greater  shame,  or,  if  they  are  inaccessible  to  that, 
greater  infamy,  than  his  humanity  would  allow  him  to  wish 
them."* 

SECTION  VIII. 

His  piety  towards  God,  and  his  devotion,  as  the  support  of  that  and  every 
other  virtue. 


It  may  truly  be  said  of  Dr.  Doddridge,  as  it  was  of 
Socrates,  that  his  life  was  a  life  of  prayer.f  We  have 
already  seen  the  care  he  took  to  maintain  a  devout  spirit, 
and  live  near  to  God  in  early  life.  He  held  on  this  re- 
ligious course,  and  grew  stronger  and  stronger  even  to  the 
last.|  He  made  conscience  of  presenting  serious  addresses 
to  (iod  every  morning  and  evening,  whatever  his  business 
and  avocations  were,  and  often  employed  some  moments 
in  the  middle  of  the  day  in  the  same  manner.  That  his 
devotions  might  be  more  regular,  copious,  and  advantage- 
ous, and  his  mind  be  kept  in  a  devout  frame  through  the 
day,  he  laid  dowTi  a  plan  for  this  pur|>ose,  which  I  have 
reason  to  believe  he  often  reviewea  in  a  morning  as  it 
always  lay  upon  his  desk  ;§  and  from  thence  it  appears 
what  pains  he  took  to  keep  up  the  life  and  ardour  of  re- 
ligion in  his  soul.  He  was  careful  that  his  first  thoughts 
in  the  morning  and  last  in  the  evening  should,  in  a  special 
manner,  be  consecrated  to  God.  According  to  his  exhor- 
tations to  others,]]  he  selected  some  one  verse  of  Scripture 
every  morning,  to  treasure  up  in  his  mind,  resolving  to 
think  of  that  at  any  time  when  he  was  at  a  loss  for  matter 
of  pious  reflection  in  any  intenals  of  leisure.  He  found 
this  as  a  spring  from  whence  many  profitable  and  delightful 
thoughts  arose,  which  he  might  not  before  see  in  that  con- 
nexion and  force.  It  furnished  him  with  matter  for  de- 
vout ejaculation,  and  pre\'ented  his  thoughts  from  being  at 
the  mercy  of  those  various  trifles,  which  otherwise  intruded 
upon  him.  He  thought  it  of  great  importance,  and  found 
it  of  much  advantasre,  to  renew  his  covenant  with  (jod, 
and  make  a  fresh  and  solemn  dedication  of  himself,  his 
capacities,  time,  and  strength,  to  his  service  every  morning; 
and  especially  to  spend  every  Lord's-day  morning  in  de- 
votional exercises,  as  the  best  preparative  for  the  public  ser- 
vices of  the  day.  He  esteemed  devout  meditation  an 
important  part  of  a  Christian's  duty,  an  excellent  means  of 
fitting  the  heart  for  prayer,  and  an  exercise  which  afforded 
great  pleasure.  "  Oh,"  saith  he,  "  how  much  delightful 
enjoyment  of  God  have  I  lost,  by  neglecting  occasional 
meditation  '."  He  reckoned  a  serious  diligent  care,  in  the 
performance  of  secret  prayer,  an  evidence  in  support  of  real 
religion  ;  and  strongly  recommended  it  to  others,  as  a  most 
powerful  incentive  to  every  dutv,  and  the  best  relief  under 
the  fatigues  and  afflictions"  of  life.  Thus  he  addressed  one 
of  his  brethren  :  "  That  minister  hath  great  reason  to  sus- 
pect the  integrity  of  his  own  lieart,  who  can  pray  with  some 
copiousness,  affection,  and  pleasure  with  others,  and  in 
secret  can  only  find  in  his  iieart  to  run  over  a  few  hastv, 
inattentive,  and  customary  words,  in  such  a  manner  as  he 
would  be  ashamed  to  do  if  any  one  of  his  fellow-creatures 
was  present.    Guard  against  this,  and  especially  in  the 

•  Rise  and  Progress,  chap.  C8.  sect.  9. 

+  Max.  I'yr.  Diss.  30. 

t  The  prime  and  leading  feature  of  his  soul  was  that  of  devotion.  This 
was  the  pervading  principle  of  his  actions,  whether  private  or  public. 
What  Dr.  .lohnson  has  observed  with  regard  to  Dr.  Watts,  "  that  as  piety 
predominated  in  his  mind,  it  whs  iliftused  over  his  works,  and  that  what- 
ever he  took  in  hand  was,  by  his  incessant  solicitude  tor  souls,  converted  to 
theology,"  may  with  equal  propriety  be  applied  to  Dr.  l)oddri<ige. — K. 

§  As  this  may  be  useful  to  serious  persons,  especially  ministers,  who 
ought  to  be  men  of  eminent  devotion  and  holiness.  I  will  here  insert  it  in 
his  own  concise  manner.    "  Every  morning,  rising  and  dressina,  medit.ile 

on  1,01  d's  day,  the  concerns  of  the  church  in  general Mtmilay,  rules 

for  my  own  conduct Tuesday,  the  case  of  my  friends -VVedncsdav, 

mercies  received Thursday,  the   concerns  of'the  lonsregation 1-ri- 

day,  evangelical  views Saturday,  my  relations each  day  remember 

special  bints then  pray,  renew  my  covenant  with  Cio<i,  read  the  Scrip- 
tures, sing  a  psalm larger  devotion,  reverential  ;  prepared  for;  thoughts 

guariled  in  it;  reflected  upon  afterwards. Business  of  the  day  ;  season- 
able, with  good  intentions  and  despatch. Recreations,  modf  rate,  well  de- 

siBued.-— — Providences,  merciful ;  thankful  for  reason,  senses,  health,  ease, 

food,  raiment,  sleep,  friends,  life,  liberty,  safety,  acceptance,  success. 

Afflictive  events, Go<rs  hand, design  ;  submit  in  all  things,  greatand  small  ; 

surrender  all  comforts  tohim. lemptations,  foreseen,  observed,  resisted  ; 

presence  of  God,  Christ,  angels,  and  men;  remembered  for  caut.on. 

Grace,  dependence  upon  it,  earnestly  sought,  to  awaken  holy  affections. 


evening,  when  the  fatigue  arising  from  the  labours  of  the 
day  may  expose  you  to  particular  danger  of  it.  As  prayer 
is  the  food  and  breath  of  all  practical  religion,  so  secret 
prayer  in  particular  is  of  vast  importance  :  insomuch  that  I 
venly  believe,  that  if  a  man  were  to  keep  a  particular  and 
accurate  journal  of  his  oum  heart,  but  for  one  month,  he 
would  find  as  real  and  exact  a  correspondence  between  the 
temper  of  his  soul  at  the  seasons  of  secret  devotion,  and  in 
other  parts  of  iiis  life,  as  we  find  between  tlie  changes  of 
the  barometer  and  the  weather." 

He  often  lamented  the  tendency  which  the  variety  of  his 
cares,  though  most  important  in  themselves,  had  to  make 
him  less  serious,  copious,  and  fervent,  in  secret  prayer,  than 
lie  should  have  been.  Tlius  he  expressed  himself  to  his 
friends :  "  I  am  often  mindful  of  you  in  my  prayers ; 
thougl),  alas !  I  have  so  many  hurries  of  business  and  in- 
terruptions, and  sometimes  find  so  much  indisposition  in 
my  own  heart  for  the  exercises  of  devotion,  and  ray 
thoughts  so  much  dissipated  by  the  cumber  of  many  things, 
that  tmly  my  prayers  are  to  be  little  accounted  of.  But  the 
less  capable  1  am  of  praying  as  I  could  wish  for  my 
friends  and  myself,  the  more  need  I  have  of  their  remem- 
brance. My  great  desire,  even  when  I  am  at  the  worst,  is, 
that  I  may  glorify  God,  and  promote  the  great  purposes  of 
religion.  For  that  I  am  honestly  labouring,  though  amidst 
many  infirmities ;  and  I  hope  not  entirely  in  vain." — "  My 
weight  of  business  does,  in  some  measure,  rob  me  of  the 
greatest  treasure  I  have  in  the  world  ;  I  mean  the  hours  I 
would  wish  to  spend  in  secret  devotion  ;  w ithout  which 
there  is  no  sweetness,  no  calm  and  serenity  of  mind,  and 
therefore  very  little  capacity  for  managing  business.  For 
so  it  is,  though  it  may  seem  a  riddle,  that  when  I  pray 
and  meditate  most,  I  work  most." 

In  all  his  addresses  to  God,  he  was  large  in  praise  and 
thanksgiving ;  esteeming  it  a  projier  expression  of  gia- 
titude  to  God,  a  necessary  and  delightful  duty  on  other 
accounts,  and  the  means  of  promoting  habitual  cheerful- 
ness of  mind.  He  carefully  watched  the  frame  of  his  own 
heart,  and  recorded  the  most  important  particulars  relating 
to  it,  that  they  might  guide,  warn,  or  encourage  liim,  for 
the  future.  It  has  been  already  observed,  that  he  began  to 
keen  a  diary  of  his  life,  when  he  was  fourteen  years  of  age  : 
in  tliis  he  noted  the  business  he  had  despatched  ;  the  tem- 
per and  workings  of  his  mind  in  the  various  labours  and 
occurrences  of  the  day,  and  particularly  in  his  acts  of  de- 
votion at  home  and  abroad ;  what  he  had  learned  in  read- 
ing, conversation,  or  by  his  own  reflections  :  any  remark- 
able providences  relating  to  himself,  his  friends,  or  others, 
or  to  the  church  of  God.  But  in  iiis  latter  years,  when 
nothing  occurred  that  deserved  to  be  recorded,  he  con- 
tented himself  witlt  some  particular  marks,  by  which  he 
could  afterwards  observe  what  was  tlie  frame  of  his  spirit, 
how  he  had  jierformed  his  devotions  and  spent  his  (iays. 
By  this  method  very  little  time  was  employed  in  making 
tlie  particular  marks,  and  the  end  of  a  diarv  was  suffi- 
ciently answered.  Tlie  warmth  and  affection  of  his  natural 
temper  rendered  such  watchfulness  particularly  necessary 
to  him,  especially  in  his  youth.  Many  davs  of  humiliation 
and  devotion  he  employed  in  that  period  to  subdue  and 
regulate  his  passions,  in  which  he  happily  succeeded. 
When  he  found  his  heart  enlarged  and  warmed  with  de- 
vout meditation  on  divine  subjects,  he  sometimes  com- 

through  Christ,  by  the  Spirit,  frequent  ejaculations. Thoughts  during 

intervals,  a  general  command  practised  ;  subjects  of  them,  morning-scrip- 
ture, the  last,  the  next,  sermon. Discourse,  innocent,  useful,  provided 

for. Evangelical  views  ;  bless  God  for  Christ  and  the  Spirit ;  daily  ex- 
ercise faith  in  Christ,  as  teacher,  atonement,  intercessor,  governor,  exam- 
ple, strength,  guardian,  forerunner. Avoid  excess,  imprudence,  formal- 
ity in  prayers  and  praises,  especially  at  meals. Repeat  as  above,  in  the 

evening,  and  add  self-examination.    Have  I  attended  to  proper  business, 

improved   sermons,  or  other  writings,  watched  over  pupils  ? Ask  the 

prosperity  of  the  academy,  congregation,  our  country;  reformation  ad- 
vanced ;  thy   kingdom  come. My  relations,  minister,  tutor,  domestic, 

writer,  friend,  visitant,  correspondent. List  of  friends  to  be  particularly 

prayed  for. Persons  in  the   conaregation,  according  to  their  circum 

stances,   unconverted,  awakened,   alienated,  excommunicated,  the  various 

afflicted.     Remember  the  notes  of  last  Lord's  day. Memorandum,  there 

must  be  an  enlargement  of  soul  previous  to  any  remarkable  success  ;  and 
great  diligence  in  prayer,  and  strict  watchfulness  over  my  own  soul,  previ- 
ous to  any  great  and  habitual  enlargement ;  and  deep  humiliation  must  pre- 
cede both.     When  the  ground  is  thus  prepared,  great  and  good   fruit  may 

arise  from  small  seeds. 1   tind  it  never  well  in  family-worship,  when  it 

is  not  so  in  secret  ;  never  well   abroad,  when  it  is  not  so  at  home  ;  nor  on 
common  days,  when  not  so  on  the  Lord's.    The  better  I  pray,  the  better  I 
study,"  &c. 
I!  Kise  and  Progress,  chap.  19.  sect.  18. 


HIS  PIETY  AND  DEVOTION. 


xlix 


mitted  his  thoughts  to  writing,  and  perused  those  medita- 
tions for  his  own  instruction  and  comfort,  at  times  when 
he  found  his  thoughts  rambling  and  confused.  Several 
specimens  of  this  kind  the  world  hath  already  seen  in  his 
"  Rise  and  Progress  of  Religion." 

He  was  a  careful  observer  of  the  providences  of  God  to 
himself,  his  family,  friends,  and  country.  He  kept  a  re- 
gister of  the  most  remarkable  interpositions  of  Providence 
in  his  favour.  In  this  are  recorded  some  signal  deliver- 
ances in  his  childhood  and  youth ;  the  recovery  of  himself, 
his  wife,  children,  and  friends,  from  threatening  disorders; 
and  the  preservation  of  his  limbs  and  life  in  many  hazard- 
ous circumstances.  He  takes  |)articular  notice  of  the 
goodness  of  God  to  him,  in  preserving  him  from  harm, 
when,  on  the  day  of  the  coronation  of  King  George  II.  he 
plunged  himself  into  unnecessary  danger,  by  going  among 
the  mob  to  see  the  procession,  and  was  thrown  down  from 
a  scaffold  among  the  horse-guards. — The  deliverance  of  his 
house  from  being  destroyed  by  fire  hath  been  taken  notice 
of  in  the  preface  to  the  sixth  volume  of  the  Family  Expo- 
sitor; concerning  which  he  writes :  "  Well  may  it  be  said. 
Is  not  this  a  brand  plucked  out  of  the  burning  ?  A  fire  was 
kindled  among  my  papers,  which  endangered  the  utter  ruin 
of  my  affairs.  Several  sermons,  papers,  and  books,  were 
utterly  consumed.  Every  thing  else  in  my  study,  and  per- 
haps the  whole  house,  had  soon  followed  it,  had  it  not 
been  for  the  glance  of  an  eye,  by  which  an  opposite  neigh- 
bour discovered  it.  This  gave  me  an  opportunity  of  rescu- 
ing my  books  of  accounts  with  my  pupils  and  my  ward, 
one  manuscript  volume  of  my  Family  Expositor,  (of  which 
there  was  not  a  leaf  unburnt,  nor  a  line  destroyed,  which 
had  not  been  transcribed,)  and  the  rest  of  the  original. 
The  danger  was  so  extreme  that  one  quarter  of  an  hour,  if 
the  house  had  been  saved,  had  almost  undone  me.  I  de- 
sire to  leave  it  upon  record  that  I  now  have  received  this 
wonderful  mercy  from  the  Lord,  and  would  consider  it  as 
an  engagement  to  devote  all  I  have  to  him  with  greater 
zeal."  This  register  he  reviewed  on  days  of  extraordinary 
devotion,  to  preserve  his  gratitude  and  increase  his  activity 
in  the  service  of  God. 

He  traced  all  the  kindness  of  his  friends  to  him,  and  all 
the  concern  for  the  support  of  religion,  which  he  observed 
in  them  or  others,  to  the  hand  of  God,  who  put  such 
things  into  their  hearts.  He  likewise  acknowledged  it  in 
his  afflictive  events,  in  the  death  of  his  friends,  the  attacks 
made  upon  his  reputation,  and  his  disappointment  in  some 
of  his  schemes  of  usefulness:  and  his  frequent  language 
was,  "  My  God  is  humbling  me,  and  I  need  it;  oh,  that 
it  may  quicken  me  likewise  !" — It  was  customary  vvith  him, 
when  he  recorded  any  important  and  instructive  occur- 
rence, to  add  what  lessons  it  was  adapted  to  teach,  and  he 
was  desirous  to  learn  from  it ;  that  when  he  reviewed  it 
afterwards,  his  attention  to  those  instructions  might  be  re- 
newed, if  the  impression  which  the  occurrence  made  at  the 
time  should  be  worn  off'.  Many  instances  of  this  prudent 
care  might  be  given.  The  following  extract  from  his  papers 
may  serve  as  a  specimen  :  "  Falling  into  conversation  with 
some  persons  of  rank,  who  appeared  to  be  profane  and 
earthly,  it  imprinted  on  my  mind,  and  may  I  ever  retain 
it,  a  deep  sense  of  the  vanity  of  life,  when  not  governed  by 
religion.  I  heartily  pitied  them ;  and  was  truly  sensible 
of  my  obligations  to  God,  who  has  in  some  measure 
formed  me  to  sweeter  pleasures  and  nobler  expectations." 
The  affair  of  Connel,  mentioned  sect.  iv.  is  another  remark- 
able instance  of  the  same  kind. 

He  had  a  high  idea  of  the  efficacy  of  prayer.  He  had 
seen  so  many  glorious  effects  following  it,  wlien  there  was 
little  hope  from  human  wisdom  and  power  alone  ;  he  had 
read  so  many  well-attested  instances,  m  which  God  had 
conferred  singular  honour  and  favours  upon  his  praying 
servants,  and  found  his  own  spirit  so  much  improved  and 
animated  by  devotion,  that  he  resolved  to  continue  instant 
ill  prayer.  I  have  reason  to  believe,  from  some  hints  in  his 
diary,  that,  besides  his  stated  devotion,  he  seldom  set  him- 
self to  study,  compose,  or  write  letters  of  importance,  with- 
out previous  prayer.  Before  he  went  to  visit  persons,  whom 
he  suspected  to  be  in  an  unconverted  state,  who  were 
dangerously  ill,  in  spiritual  distress,  or  mourning  the  death 
of  their  friends,  he  asked  wisdom  of  God  to  conduct  his  con- 
versation and  prayers  with  themj  in  the  most  useful  man- 


ner. It  was  observed  above,  that  in  early  life,  before  he 
went  journeys,  he  spent  some  time  in  serious  reflection 
on  the  various  scenes,  labours,  temptations,  and  dangers, 
through  which  he  was  likely  to  pass,  and  spread  them" be- 
fore the  Lord  ;  and,  after  his  return,  reviewed  the  several 
stages  and  events  of  his  journeys  with  suitable  devotion. 
To  this  may  be  added,  that  when  he  travelled  with  any  of 
his  pupils,  or  intimate  friends,  he  was  solicitous  that  his  con- 
versation with  them  might  be  edifying.  He  endeavoured 
to  lead  them  into  pious  useful  reflections  on  the  various  ob- 
jects and  occurrences  of  tlieir  journey.  To  prevent  the 
stagnation  of  good  discourse,  each  of  them  mentioned  some 
text  of  Scripture  at  their  entrance  on  every  particular  stage, 
which  was  to  be  the  subject  of  their  meditation  and  dis- 
course by  the  way.  Once,  before  he  entered  on  a  long 
journey  of  several  weeks,  he  drew  up  a  short  plan  how  a 
joui'ney  might  be  religiously  conducted ;  and  communi- 
cated it  to  his  fellow-travellers.  Thus  was  he  desirous  to 
lead  them  forward  with  him  in  his  journey  to  the  heavenly 
world.  It  hath  likewise  been  observed  above,  that  he  kept 
the  returns  of  his  birth-day  and  new-year's  day  with 
peculiar  solemnity ;  and  I  will  now  insert  some  specimens 
of  his  reflections  and  resolutions  on  those  days. 

"  June  26,  1728.  Since  God  hath  been  pleased  to  spare 
my  life,  and  bring  me  to  another  remarkable  period  of  it,  I 
do  hereby,  with  tlie  greatest  solemnity,  1.  Acknowledge  his 
goodness  in  continuing  it  to  me.  It  hath  been  conducted 
and  supported  by  wonderful  mercy ;  and  I  leave  it  upon 
record  to  his  glory,  that  hitherto  the  Lord,  my  God,  hath 
helped  me.  2.  I  confess  my  guilt  and  unworthiness,  which 
I  have  been  recollecting  and  lamenting  before  him,  and 
humbly  cast  myself  on  his  forgiving  mercy,  and  on  the 
powerful  mediation  of  my  blessed  Redeemer,  as  the  only 
things  which  can  give  me  foundation  of  hope.  3.  I  woulS 
thankfully  and  cheerfully  renew  the  dedication  of  myself  to 
his  service,  and  would  humbly  resolve,  by  his  gracious 
assistance,  to  spend  the  next  year  of  my  life  in  more  ardent 
devotion,  in  more  important  and  resolute  studies,  in  more 
vigorous  attempts  for  public  usefulness,  than  I  have  ever  yet 
known.  4.  I  humbly  refer  to  him  the  disposal  of  all  events ; 

farticularly  to  determine  as  to  tlie  continuance  of  my  life, 
think,  if  I  have  any  reason  to  desire  it  may  be  lengthened 
out,  next  to  securing  brighter  evidences  of  my  title  to  eter- 
nal glory  by  my  faithful  obedience,  it  is  that  I  may  be  able 
to  do  good  in  the  world.  O  my  God,  accept  of  my  humili- 
ations and  my  vows.  Grant  me  thy  favourable  presence  in 
life  and  death,  and  choose  for  me  what  thou  pleasest ;  for  I 
am  fully  determined,  that,  from  this  time  forward,  I  will 
have  no  will  of  my  own  in  opposition  to  thine." 

On  another  of  these  days,  having  laid  down  a  plan  of 
study,  business,  and  improvement  of  time,  he  adds,  "  I  am 
far  from  imagining  that  by  such  a  manner  of  spending  my 
time,  attended  with  the  most  diligent  care  to  avoid  all  kinds 
of  evil,  both  of  flesh  and  spirit,  I  can  recommend  myself 
to  the  divine  favour,  and  procure  the  pardon  of  my  sins, 
without  the  mercy  of  God  and  the  blood  of  the  Redeemer  ; 
but  by  sucli  a  conduct  I  hope  I  may  glorify  him,  promote 
my  usefulness  in  life,  and  so  secure  the  tranquillity  of  my 
own  soul ;  and,  if  I  am  enabled  to  do  this,  I  think  I  need 
not  be  very  solicitous  about  any  events  of  life  which  may 
befall  me ;  but  may  cheerfully  resign  myself  to  that  gi-acious 
Providence,  which  I  have  found  hitherto  so  ready  to  take 
care  of  me.  O  God,  thou  art  witness,  this  day  is  witness, 
and  this  paper  is  witness,  that  I  am  heartily  grieved  for 
all  the  instances  in  which  I  have  offended  thee,  and  that 
it  is  my  sincere  desire  to  return  to  thee  in  the  way  of  re- 
pentance, faith,  and  holy  obedience.  May  I  be  kept 
near  to  thee,  from  the  beginning  of  the  year  to  the  end 
thereof,  if  thy  providence  sees  fit  to  continue  my  life !  May 
I  from  this  remarkable  day  date  the  most  happy  change  in 
my  temper  and  behaviour,  that  I  may  be  as  active  in  the 
business  of  life,  as  I  have  been  negligent  and  remiss ;  and 
do  as  much  to  please  and  serve  thee,  as  I  have,  in  time 
past,  done  to  offend  thee !  Or,  if  I  die,  may  I  die  to  the 
Lord,  and  get  above  this  body  of  sin  and  death,  which  has 
long  given  me  such  painful  exercise ! " 

His  reflections  on  another  birth-day  are  these :  "  Having, 

through  amazing  mercy,  completed  another  year  of  my  life, 

I  have  been  recollecting  the  goodness  of  my  God  to  me. 

How  shall  I  excite,  how  shall  I  express,  the  sense  I  ought 

d  2 


I 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


to  have  of  it  \  Blessed,  for  ever  blessed,  be  the  name  of 
the  Lord !  In  his  name  would  I  rejoice  all  the  day  long, 
and  set  up  my  banners  with  unutterable  pleasure.  I  have 
been  praising  him,  and  would  praise  him,  that  he  hath 
made  me  a  man,  a  christian,  a  minister,  a  tutor,  an  author ; 
and  hath  heaped  numberless  blessings  upon  me  under  these 
characters,  and  as  a  husband,  a  father,  and  a  friend  also. 
Late  mercies,  by  no  means  to  be  forgotten,  are  great  assist- 
ance in  my  ministry,  wonderful  communications  of  light 
and  love  to  my  soul,  especially  in  some  instances  of  secret 
meditation  ;  carrying  me  on  thus  far  with  my  Family  Ex- 
positor ;  raising  up  some  hopeful  youths,  who  are  now  just 
appearing  in  the  world  ;  adding  to  me  the  friendship  of 
some  excellent  persons,  and  criving  me  to  see  the  prosperity 
of  his  gospel,  in  some  remarkable  instances,  both  at  home 
and  abroad.  These  things  impress  my  heart.  Oh,  may 
they  melt  it  more  and  more  in  love  !  My  God,  I  own  thy 
goodness.  I  record  it,  that  I  am  thine.  Thou,  that  knowest 
my  heart,  knowest  that  thy  service  is  the  delight  of  my  days. 
Eternal  praises  to  thy  name  for  it?  il/y  times  are  in  thy 
hand.  To  thee  do  I  cheerfully  refer  it,  whether  I  shall  end 
the  year  now  begun  in  thy  service  on  earth,  or  in  thy  pre- 
sence in  heaven.  I  leave  my  soul  with  thee  through  Christ ; 
and,  having  done  that,  find  no  difficulty  in  committing  all 
my  temporal  interests  to  thee,  and  intrusting  thee  with  all 
my  relative  concerns." 

"  Jan.  1,  1726-7.  Last  night  I  was  seriously  reflecting 
upon  the  year  which  I  am  come  to  the  conclusion  of;  and 
I  now  look  forward  to  the  year  which  I  am  entered  upon. 
I  see  many  necessities,  which  can  only  be  supplied  by 
Divine  bounty  ;  many  duties  which  I  shall  be  utterly  unable 
to  perform  without  the  communications  of  Divine  grace ; 
and  many  uncertain  events  which  I  cannot  make  myself 
easy  about,  any  other  way  than  by  referring  them  to  the 
Divine  care.  Nothing  therefore  can  be  more  reasonable 
than  to  renew  the  dedication  of  myself  to  the  service  of 
God  this  morning.  Accordingly  I  have  done  it  in  secret 
prayer ;  and,  in  order  to  confirm  the  impression  of  it  upon 
my  heart,  I  now  repeat  it  by  the  writing  of  my  hand.  To 
thee,  O  glorious  and  eternal  God,  the  Creator,  Preserver, 
and  Ruler  of  all ;  to  thee,  the  invariable  Father  of  lights, 
and  overflowing  Fountain  of  all  good,  do  I  devote  my  un- 
worthy soul.  In  dependence  on  the  atonement  and  inter- 
cession of  tliy  dear  Son,  and  on  the  powerful  assistance  of 
thine  almighty  grace,  I  humbly  renew  my  covenant  with 
thee.  I  call  thee  to  record  upon  my  soul,  that  I  am  grieved 
and  ashamed  to  think  how  wretchedly  I  have  been  alienated 
from  thee ;  and  I  do  now  seriously  determine  that  I  will 
endeavour  in  every  action  of  life  to  approve  myself  in  tliy 
sight,  and  to  behave  as  thy  faithful  servant.  To  thee  do  I 
consecrate  all  that  I  am,  and  have ;  all  my  time,  worldly 
possessions,  the  powers  of  my  soul,  and  the  members  of 
my  body.  And,  because  it  may  be  of  use  to  specify  some 
particulars  comprehended  in  this  general  engagement,  I 
would  especially  resolve  to  be  more  careful  in  the  improve- 
ment of  my  time,  to  redeem  it  from  unnecessary  sleep, 
useless  visits,  impertinent  discourse,  idle  speculations,  neg- 
ligence in  business,  excessive  recreations  ;  and  to  watch 
over  my  actions,  words,  thoughts,  and  affections,  answer- 
ably  to  these  engagements.  I  will  endeavour  to  conquer 
pride  in  my  heart,  and,  with  the  most  vigorous  resolution, 
restrain  all  the  appearances  of  it.  I  will  endeavour  to  be- 
have with  constant  kindness  and  complaisance,  prudence 
and  gravity.  I  will  labour  after  greater  ardour  in  devotion, 
and  use  all  proper  means  to  attain  it ;  especially  preparing 
my  heart,  praying  for  thy  Spirit,  keeping  up  ejaculatory 
prayer,  and  using  the  assistance  of  Scripture.  I  will  be 
watchful  for  opportunities  of  doing  good  both  to  the  bodies 
and  souls  of  my  fellow-creatures,  and  consider  all  my  time 
and  worldly  possessions  as  given  me  principally  for  this 
purpose.  In  subservience  to  these  general  resolutions,  I 
would  particularly  engage  to  maintain  a  constant  depend- 
ence on  thy  grace  and  frequent  self-examination  ;  to  record 
remarkable  appearances,  and  to  recover  from  the  first  de- 
clension. 1  beg  that  thy  grace  may  enable  me  to  fulfil  these 
engagements.     All  the  unknown  events  of  the  year  do  I 

fut  into  thy  hands ;  leaving  it  to  thee  to  determine  whether 
shall  be  healthy  or  sick,  rich  or  poor,  honoured  or  dis- 

•  In  1736,  the  University  of  Atwrdeen  conferred  on  Mr.  DoJdridge  the 


honoured,  surrounded  with  friends,  or  deprived  of  them  ; 
successful  in  business  or  incapable  of  it,  or  disappointed  in 
it ;  in  a  word,  wliether  I  shall  live  or  die ;  only  let  me  be 
thy  servant.  Whithersoever  thou  leadest,  I  will  follow  ; 
whatsoever  thou  takest,  I  will  resign  ;  whatsoever  thou 
layest  upon  me,  I  will  patiently  bear.  Only  let  thy  grace 
be  siifficient  for  me ;  and  then  call  me  to  what  services  or 
sufferings  thou  pleasest." 

"Jan.  1,  1727-8.  I  have  been  reviewing  and  renewing 
the  surrender  I  made  of  myself  to  God,  this  day  twelve- 
month. I  have  formed  my  rules  for  devotion,  self-exami- 
nation, and  a  pious  life,  in  a  more  particular  manner  than  I 
had  before  done ;  and  I  do  by  this  writing,  solemnly  renew 
my  covenant  with  God  ;  and  determine,  by  his  grace,  that 
I  will  maintain,  as  far  as  possible,  a  constant  sense  of  God 
upon  my  soul,  from  day  to  day  and  hour  to  hour;  and  that 
not  a  day  nor  an  hour  of  this  new  year  shall  be  entirely 
thrown  away.  I  know  not  what  this  year  may  bring  forth. 
Thou  mayest  perhaps  remove  me  to  some  settlement,  where 
I  shall  have  greater  opportunities  of  service ;  and  to  this 
prospect  I  would  give  up  all  my  delightful  enjoyments  here. 
On  the  other  hand,  if  thou  shalt  disappoint  any  of  the 
schemes  that  are  or  may  be  formed  for  this  purpose,  I  shall 
cheerfully  continue  here,  or  follow  wherever  thy  Providence 
shall  lead ;  though  it  be  ever  so  contrary  to  my  present 
views  and  inclinations.  Nay,  shouldst  thou  see  fit  to  re- 
move me  by  deatli  this  year,  as  thou  hast  many  of  my 
friends  the  last,  I  will  by  no  means  dispute  thy  wise  and 
gracious  disposal.  Behold,  thy  servant  is  in  thy  hand  ;  do 
with  me  as  seemeth  good  in  tny  sight.  Only  secure  me 
from  falling  into  sin,  and  violating  my  engagements.  Keep 
me  thy  faithful  servant,  and  choose,  as  thou  pleasest,  in  what 
condition,  in  what  place,  in  what  world,  I  shall  serve 
thee." 

"Jan.  1733-4.  I  took  some  time  for  extraordinary  me- 
ditation and  prayer  this  day ;  in  which  I  endeavoured  to 
consider  myself  as  the  steward  of  God,  and  shortly  to  give 
an  account ;  the  subject  I  had  been  insisting  upon  in  public. 
I  charged  myself  before  him  with  the  many  talents  I  have 
received  from  his  hands,  and  humbled  myself  before  him 
for  the  misimprovement  of  them.  Particularly  the  powers 
of  my  soul ;  that  my  understanding  hath  been  no  more 
cultivated,  no  more  employed  in  tlie  contemplation  of 
the  highest  and  noblest  object;  that  my  memory  hath 
been  stored  with  so  many  trifles ;  tliat  my  affections 
have  been  fixed  too  fondly  upon  things  seen  and  tem- 
|)oral,  but  cold  and  dead  to  my  Father  and  God,  to  my 
dear  Redeemer,  and  to  that  eternal  state  of  glory,  which  is 
so  well  worthy  my  most  ardent  and  vigorous  pursuit ;  that 
my  conscience  hath  been  no  more  reverenced  and  consulted, 
as  the  vicegerent  of  God  ;  and  that  the  dictates  of  it  have 
been  in  so  many  instances  overborne.  As  to  my  bodily 
powers,  I  humbled  myself  before  God,  that  my  senses  have 
not  been  more  the  means  of  leading  me  to  admire  that  God, 
who  formed  tlie  organs  in  so  surprising  a  manner,  and  hath 
so  suitably  adapted  them  to  the  external  objects  with  which 
I  am  surrounded ;  that  my  eyes  and  ears,  my  hands  and 
feet,  have  been  no  more  employed  for  him  ;  esjiecially  that 
my  tongue  hath  been  so  often  silent,  when  his  glory  and  the 
instruction  of  others  have  been  concerned. — As  to  my  pos- 
sessions, I  lamented  that  they  have  been  no  more  regarded 
as  coming  from  God,  nor  more  carefully  employed  for  his 
honour  and  service  : — and  as  to  my  influence  and  authority 
over  others,  tliat  I  have  not  duly  improved  it  for  his 
glory  and  tlieir  benefit. — I  lamented  the  mispence  of  my 
time,  and  neglect  of  many  extraordinary  as  well  as  common 
advantages  of  doing  and  receiving  good.  I  owned  the 
Divine  goodness  in  many  merciful  providences  and  visits 
of  his  grace;  and  that,  notwithstanding  my  defects,  I  had  a 
comfortable  reflection  on  many  days  and  many  duties,  in 
which  I  hope  he  accepted  my  labours.  It  is  my  desire  to 
return  to  him  from  my  wanderings,  and  to  give  myself  more 
faithfully  to  his  service.  The  communion  I  have  had  with 
him  this  day,  in  reading,  secret  prayer,  and  other  duties, 
especially  in  public  worship,  is  a  token  for  good  that  I  shall 
do  so :  as  such  I  accept  it,  and  humbly  adore  the  name  of 
God  for  It."* 

"Jan.  1,  1743-4.     My  soul  was  early  employed  this 

degree  of  Doctor  in  Divinity. 


HIS  PIETY  AND  DEVOTION. 


li 


morning  in  aspirations  after  God.  I  reckoned  up,  as  well 
as  I  was  able,  the  temporal  mercies  he  bestowed  upon  me 
the  last  year.  In  the  list  of  spiritual  mercies,  I  reviewed 
opportunities  for  religious  improvement,  growing  love  to 
God,  submission  to  his  will,  a  more  prosperous  state  of 
soul  than  hath  commonly  been  known  by  me  in  former 
years;  and  an  indifference  to  all  worldly  views,  when  com- 
pared with  those  of  building  up  the  church,  and  glorifymg 
the  name  of  God  in  it.  In  reflecting  on  the  returns  I  had 
made  to  God  the  last  year,  I  found  cause  for  humiliation, 
especially  in  three  respects:  that  conversation  had  been  no 
better  improved  ;  that  I  had  not  been  more  diligent  in  visit- 
ing and  inspecting  my  flock  ;  and  that  I  had  not  been  more 
exact  in  evening  devotions.  I  also  found  reason  to  blame 
myself  for  too  long  an  interruption  of  religious  instructions 
to  my  children  and  pupils  :  yet  I  was  perhaps,  in  no  former 
year,  more  frequent  with  regard  to  some  of  these  duties.  I 
still  want,  greatly  want,  much  more  of  the  love  of  God  in 
my  heart,  to  rectify  these  things." 

"  Jan.  1,  1746-7.  Having  been  seriously  reviewing  the 
events  of  the  last  year,  my  mercies,  afflictions,  successes, 
disappointments,  and  infirmities,  I  am  now  laying  a  scheme 
of  business  for  the  next  year.  I  desire  to  form  all  my 
schemes  with  an  humble  sense  of  the  great  uncertainty  of 
life,  of  my  dependence  upon  God,  and  with  resignation  to 
his  will,  to  cut  short  the  residue  of  my  days,  whenever  it 
shall  seem  meet  to  his  infinite  wisdom.  Only  I  desire, 
that,  while  I  am  continued,  I  may  be  found  so  doing, 
employed  as  the  purposes  of  his  glory  and  my  own  useful- 
ness shall  require.  These  are  the  projects  I  form ;  I  form 
them  for  God.  May  he  mercifully  forgive  my  former 
trifling  !  May  he  graciously  accept  my  sincere  purposes  for 
his  service ;  and,  whenever  he  is  pleased  to  take  me  away, 
may  he  raise  up  some  more  valuable  instruments,  for  the 
honour  of  his  name  and  gospel  among  us,  who  may  outdo 
my  schemes,  as  much  as  they  have  too  frequently  done 
my  execution." 

In  the  account  given  above  of  his  settlement  at  North- 
ampton, the  manner  in  which  he  proposed  to  keep  private 
days  of  fasting,  humiliation,  and  prayer  was  mentioned. 
He  chose  those  days  for  that  purpose  which  were  set  apart 
for  his  devotional  lectures,  and  which  his  pupils  employed 
in  the  like  exercises.  I  find  him  often  lamenting  how  much 
he  was  interrupted  in  his  converse  with  God  on  those  days ; 
and  so  many  cares  and  avocations  broke  in  upon  them,  that 
he  could  not  pursue  his  plan  so  constantly  and  regularly  as 
he  intended.  But,  looking  upon  those  cares  as  a  reason 
■why  he  should  contrive,  if  possible,  to  be  more  intent  and 
large  in  devotional  exercises,  especially  as  they  too  much 
hindered  him  in  his  daily  devotions,  he  determined,  in  the 
latter  years  of  his  life,  to  spend  a  considerable  part  of  those 
days  in  the  vestry  of  his  meeting-place  ;  as  he  could  there 
be  free  from  interruption,  and  use  his  voice  without  incon- 
venience. How  his  time  and  thoughts  were  employed  there, 
the  reader  will  see  by  some  extracts  fi-om  his  own  accounts 
of  it.  I  shall  beg  leave  first  to  introduce  one  instructive 
memoir,  which  confirms  the  reason  given  for  his  attention 
to  these  exercises. 

"  March  4,  1748-9.  A  variety  of  events,  which  have 
lately  happened,  hath  been  the  means  cf  throwing  me  very 
much  off  my  guard,  and  preventing  that  self-government 
and  enjoyment  of  God  which  I  have  frequently  maintained, 
and  in  which  I  have  been  much  happier  than  I  now  am. 
I  have  perceived  the  sensible  withdrawings  of  the  Spirit  of 
God  from  me,  owing  to  much  company,  which  broke  in 
upon  my  morning  and  evening  devotions,  and  brought 
upon  me  a  habit  of  trifling ;  so  that  I  have  felt  little  of 
lively  devotion,  and  been  defective  in  some  parts  of  pastoral 
duty.  Mv  heart  smote  me  for  this  in  the  morning;  and  I 
determined  to  keep  some  particular  hints  of  its  frame,  that 
I  may  judge  how  1  proceed.  My  first  resolution,  in  order 
to  mend  it,  was  to  carry  it  directly  to  the  throne  of  grace, 
to  complain  of  it  there,  and  implore  Divine  influences  to 
correct  what  is  amiss,  and  keep  it  better  for  the  future.  I 
begged  to  be  led  into  the  cause  of  my  declensions ;  and  1 
left  the  matter  with  the  Lord  to  quicken  me  and  comfort 
me  in  his  own  season ;  and  in  the  mean  time  expressed 
my  desire  of  waiting,  though  in  the  least  joyful  frame,  till 
he  sliall  be  pleased  to  return ;  only  desiring  that  I  miaht 
wait  in  the  posture  of  service ;  and  that,  if  I  should  enjoy 


ever  so  little,  I  might  do  all  in  my  power  for  my  God. 
My  carelessness  in  self-examination  was  an  evil  which  also 
occurred  to  me  in  reflection.  I  formed  some  good  resolu- 
tions with  regard  to  these  particulars.  But  when  I  consider 
how  many  of  my  good  resolutions  have,  as  it  were,  died  in 
embryo,  I  have  been  full  of  fear  lest  these  should  do  so 
too.  To  prevent  this,  I  would  renew  them  in  the  Divine 
strength,  and  in  that  strength  would  push  them  forward  as 
fast  as  1  can ;  remembering  that  a  man  of  forty-seven  is  to 
count  upon  very  little  time  before  him.  On  the  whole,  it 
hath  ap()eared  to  me,  upon  the  most  attentive  survey,  that 
I  do  indeed  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity,  and 
that  my  soul  is  safe  for  eternity,  should  I  be  ever  so  sud- 
denly "surprised  into  it :  but  that  there  is  much  to  be 
lamented  and  much  to  be  corrected,  or  I  shall  lose  much 
of  that  reward  which  I  might  else  have  obtained,  and  much 
of  tiiat  blessing  upon  my  endeavours  to  do  good  which  I 
might  else  have  expected  :  that,  if  I  should  go  on  to  trifle 
with  the  blessed  God,  as  in  some  instances  I  have  done, 
particularly  by  putting  oft'  some  services,  to  which  he  calls 
me,  on  slight  pretences,  indulging  so  much  idleness  and 
irresolution  with  regard  to  the  evening  and  its  devotions,  I 
may  probably  be  chastened  and  wounded  in  the  tenderest 
part." 

"  June  2,  1 750.  After  my  devotional  lecture  I  retired 
to  the  vestry,  and  endeavoured  to  prepare  my  soul  for  the 
work  before  me.  1  earnestly  implored  Divine  assistance : 
then  reviewed  my  late  conduct,  and  struggled  hard  to 
humble  myself  deeply  before  God,  which,  blessed  be  his 
name,  I  did.  I  reviewed  the  dealings  of  God  widi  me, 
confessed  mv  sins  before  him,  earnestly  desired  the  warmer 
exercises  of  Divine  love  ;  renewed,  with  great  sincerity,  the 
entire  surrender  of  myself  to  God,  and  thought  with  unut- 
terable delight  on  the*  counterpart  of  the  covenant,  that  he 
is  my  God  ;  resolved  in  his  strength  rather  to  die,  than  to 
deal"  unfaithfully  with  him.  Neither  life  nor  even  heaven 
appeared  desirable,  but  as  for  his  sake,  to  serve  and  enjoy 
him.  I  read  some  passages  of  Scripture,  especially  the  lat- 
ter end  of  Romans  viii.  and  some  devout  hymns.  T  then 
prayed  for  temporal  and  spiritual  blessings  for  myself:  and 
made  earnest  intercession  for  my  dear  flock,  for  each  of  my 
children,  pupils,  and  select  friends,  by  name.  I  also  inter- 
ceded, with  growing  fervour,  for  the  propagation  of  t!ie 
gospel  abroad,  and  the  advancement  of  it  in  my  own 
country.  I  then  spent  some  time  in  projecting  further 
schemes  for  the  Divine  honour.  A  storm  of  thunder  rising, 
I  had  some  delightful  views  in  reading  Psalm  xxix.  I  then 
set  myself  to  a  solemn  act  of  thanksgiving,  with  which  I 
concluded  these  retired  devotions.  And  I  must  record  it, 
to  the  honour  of  Divine  grace,  that  I  never  enjoyed  more 
of  God  in  my  whole  life  than  in  the  compass  of  "these  five 
hours.  Oh,  "how  wanting  have  I  been  to  myself,  that  I 
have  no  more  sought  such  feasts  as  these !  Cares  lay  in 
ambush  for  me  at  home,  from  which  I  had  great  reason  to 
rejoice  that  I  had  so  long  escaped." 

"  September  1,  1750.  I  had  long  expected  and  wished 
for  this  day,  hoping  for  much  pleasure  and  advantage  from 
it.  I  pursued  my  former  plan,  and  found  a  delightful  mix- 
ture of  gratitude  and  humility  in  my  heart.  I  renewed  my 
covenant  with  God,  through  the  blood  of  his  Son  ;  rejoiced 
in  it,  and  endeavoured  to  impress  my  soul  with  this  thought, 
that  it  was  through  the  efficacy  of  Christ's  blood  that  this 
blessed  privilege  was  allowed  me.  I  was  employed  near 
an  hour  in  praying  for  the  interest  of  religion  in  the  world, 
and  a  blessing  on  our  own  land,  lanienting  the  sins  of  the 
public  with  some  affection,  and  praying  with  some  zeal  for 
the  averting  deserved  judgments,  and  the  revival  of  religion. 
I  bless  God  that  this  day  hath  been  observed.  The  work  in 
which  I  have  been  employed,  and  the  goodness  of  God  in 
so  remarkably  manifesting  himself  to  me,  and  making  me 
so  happy,  do  certainly  greatly  increase  my  engagements  to 
holy  diligence  in  my  walk  with  God  and  ministerial  duties, 
in  the  care  of  mv  people  and  pupils,  my  children  and 
servants;  nor  will  my  cries  for  his  Holy  Spirit  be 
vain." 

"  October  5,  1750.  With  great  relish  did  I  think  of  this 
day  before  its  approach.  It  was  late  before  I  reached  my 
asylum,  the  vestry.  In  pursuing  my  plan,  I  reviewed  the 
memoranda  of  the  last  month,  and  saw  much  cause  for 
thanksgiving,  and  to  mingle  humiliation  with  it ;  thanks- 


lii 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


giving,  especially,  for  a.ssistance  in  my  public  labours,  which, 
through  grace,  have  been  this  month  animated  and  pleasant : 
but  I  had  reason  to  be  humbled,  that  I  had  despatched 
much  less  business  in  my  study  than  I  should  have  done, 
and  that  there  has  been  too  great  a  neglect  of  the  private 
care  of  my  congregation.  For  this  I  humbled  myself  be- 
fore God,  while  I  acknowledged  his  mercy-  I  found  par- 
ticular reason  to  praise  him  for  some  favours  to  me,  with 
regard  to  the  academy  and  congregation ;  the  prospect  of 
success  in  some  of  my  schemes  for  his  glory ;  the  rise  of 
the  Society  for  promoting  Religious  Knowledge  among  the 
Poor;  and  the  prevention  of  some  party  schemes  from 
taking  place.  During  these  exercises,  I  felt  a  holy  joy  in 
God,  in  the  views  of  heaven,  and  hope  of  appearing  with 
acceptance  in  the  presence  of  my  Judge  at  last.  I  spent  a 
whole  hour  in  the  delightful  exercise  of  intercession ;  with 
great  fen^ency  pouring  out  my  soul  before  God,  for  the 
world  and  the  church ;  losing  what  was  particular  in  what 
was  general,  upon  truly  christian  and  catholic  principles, 
God  is  Avitness.  Before  I  entered  on  what  was  peculiar  to 
the  design  of  the  day,  I  set  myself  to  contemplate  the  suf- 
ferings of  Christ.  I  had  a  delightful  survey  of  them,  and 
was  enabled  to  rejoice  in  his  triumph  and  glory,  and  anew 
to  devote  myself  to  him,  as  not  tin/  oivn,  but  bought  with  a 
price.  I  found  my  heart  inflamed  with  an  earnest  desire  of 
acting  for  this  Saviour,  and  asked  of  God  wisdom  and 
resolution  for  this  purpo.se.  In  the  close,  I  was  taken  up 
with  admiring  and  adoring  redeeming  love,  and  in  blessing 
God  for  that  communion  which  I  had  this  day  enjoyed 
with  him.  He  hath  been  with  me  of  a  truth ;  he  hath  heard 
the  language  of  my  heart  as  well  as  my  voice  ;  and  I  leave 
it  upon  record,  that  I  have  a  cheerful  expectation  of  his 
blessing,  and  hope  to  have  new  matter  of  praise,  as  to 
manifestation  of  divine  love  to  my  soul  and  ministerial 
success,  before  another  of  these  days  return.  I  saw  with 
regret  my  time  for  this  exercise  was  ended  :  I  left  the  feast 
with  an  appetite,  and  my  soul  said.  It  is  good  to  be  here. 
Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  from  henceforth,  even  for 
ever!    Amen." 

"May  4,  1751.  My  heart  was,  I  trust,  upright  with 
God  in  all  the  duties  of  the  morning,  both  in  secret  and  in 
the  family.  In  my  retirement  at  the  vestry,  I  made  it  mv 
first  business  to  pour  out  my  soul  before  God,  which  I  did 
with  great  freedom  and  enlargement,  ardently  longing  for 
more  of  his  Spirit  to  sanctify  and  quicken  me.  I  devoted 
myself  to  God  in  my  various  relations,  with  warm  resolu- 
tions for  his  service,  and  laid  all  my  views  and  comforts  at 
his  feet.  What  was  most  particular  in  the  exercises  of  this 
day  was,  that  upon  reviewing  some  accounts  of  the  temper 
of  my  mind  many  years  ago,  I  observed  and  reflected  upon 
the  sad  inconstant  state  in  which  it  was  for  some  time  in 
ray  youth.  I  confessed  those  particular  sins,  and  all  my 
sins,  with  very  low  and  abasing  thoughts  of  myself.  I  did 
in  some  measure  abhor  mt/seff  and  repent,  as  in  dmt  and 
ashes.  And  being  filled  with  shame  and  confusion  of  face 
on  account  of  them,  I  took  some  time  to  humble  myself 
more  solemnly  before  God  for  them  ;  entreating  his  mercy 
to  pardon  what  is  past,  and  the  sanctifying  influences  of 
his  grace  more  fully  to  renew  my  soul ;  beseeching  the 
Lord  not  to  blast  mv  labours  on  account  of  them,  as  I  iiave 
deserved  ;  praying  that  I  may  bear  tiiem  in  remembrance, 
while  I  live,  in  every  future  circumstance  of  life.  I  was 
much  affected  to  tliink,  that,  notwith.standing  them,  God 
should  honour  me  as  an  instrument  of  so  much  usefulness. 
Among  odier  mercies,  I  thankfully  acknowledged  divine 
goodness,  that  I  had  been  enabled  so  faithfully  to  execute 
that  part  of  my  scheme,  of  visiting  families,  and  convtTsing 
with  them  on  religious  subjects,  and  prayed  for  every 
family  and  person  I  iiad  visited  with  this  view,  as  their  cir- 
cumstances required.  I  then  formed  some  purposes  for 
serving  God,  and  promoting  his  glory,  which  I  turned  into 
prayers,  asking  of  him  prudence  and  resolution  to  fulfil 
them.  I  particularly  asked  for  myself  more  of  the  spirit  of 
prayer,  and  a  heart  more  devoted  to  God  than  ever.  I  was 
so  delighted  witii  my  nearness  to  GoH,  that  I  was  loth  to 
break  off".  I  was  comforted,  in  the  review  of  my  work,  that 
my  prayers  had  been  solemn,  sincere,  and  deliberate ; 
though  not  attended  with  such  a  fervour  of  spirit,  through 
the  whole  exercise,  as  I  have  sometimes  felt  at  these  seasons. 
I  left  the  place  with  a  cheerful  persuasion  that  my  prayers 


were  heard,  and  that  I  shall  see  the  outgoings  of  my  God 
and  my  King,  in  his  sanctuary.  Adored  be  the  condescend- 
ing God,  who  gave  me  such  a  meeting  in  them  !  Oh,  when 
shall  I  come,  and  appear  before  him  again  V  I  will  only  add 
another  specimen  ;  which  may  be  serviceable  to  the  devout 
and  lively  christian,  by  showing  him,  that  such  delightful 
intercourse  with  heaven  is  not  always  to  be  expected,  even 
when  the  greatest  care  is  taken  to  secure  it ;  but  that  neces- 
sary worldly  business,  bodily  disorders,  or  growing  in- 
firmities, may  interrupt  or  lessen  it. 

"  June  1,  1751.  Having  had  more  than  ordinary  work 
some  past  days,  and  being  extremely  low,  my  devotions 
were  this  day  strangely  mingled,  and  sadly  interrupted ; 
and,  upon  the  whole,  it  was  the  most  uncomfortable  day  of 
this  kind  that  I  ever  spent :  so  that,  in  reflecting  upon  it, 
I  was  tempted  to  think,  that  my  time  would  have  been 
more  profitably  employed  in  the  usual  business  of  the 
family  and  the  academy,  than  in  this  retirement.  I  was 
fearful  that  my  deadness  this  day  might  be  owing  to  the 
Divine  displeasure  against  me,  for  having  been  more  dissi- 
pated and  negligent  than  usual  in  my  devotion  and  con- 
duct. Truly  secret  devotion  hath  suffered  a  great  deal, 
amidst  the  many  cares  and  hurries,  the  unseasonable  hours, 
the  visits  and  company,  of  late  days.  It  seemed  just  in 
God  to  disappoint  my  expectations  from  this  day,  that  I 
may  learn  caution  for  the  future,  especially  in  the  scenes 
through  which  I  am  going  to  pass  in  my  intended  journey. 
My  thoughts  were  more  distracted  and  wandering  than  I 
ever  before  experienced  on  tiiese  days.  I  had  many  mercies 
to  ask  for  myself,  and  for  others,  particularly  for  my  pupils, 
who  are  going  out  into  the  church  :  yet  I  felt  a  barrenness 
and  deadness  of  heart,  as  if  all  these  things  were  nothing  to 
me.  My  thanksgivings  and  intercessions  were  really  so 
unlike  those  I  have  sometimes  offered,  with  all  my  heart 
and  all  my  soul,  that  I  hardly  know  how  to  call  them 
prayers.  I  hope  and  believe,  upon  the  whole,  that  this  was 
chiefly  owing  to  the  weakness  of  my  frame  and  the  dejec- 
tion of  my  spirits.  Nevertheless,  I  thought  it  my  duty  to 
lament  my  indisposition  for  devotion,  and  to  struggle  with 
it,  which  1  did  for  a  long  time ;  and  at  length  the  duties  of 
this  retirement  concluded  with  a  bright  hour,  when  com- 
mitting my  family,  academy,  and  church  to  God,  and  inter- 
ceding for  my  friends  and  the  public.  My  prayers  were 
warm  and  lively,  and  they  will  not  be  vain.  Having 
reviewed  the  memoranda  of  several  of  these  seasons  for 
the  last  year,  I  find,  u[)on  the  whole,  so  much  cause  for 
thankfulness,  that  I  purpose  by  Divine  grace  to  con- 
tinue this  practice  as  long  as  1  have  life,  health,  and 
ability." 

Such  pains  did  Dr.  Doddridge  take  to  keep  up  an 
iiabitual  sense  of  God,  to  maintain  and  increase  the  ardour 
of  religion  in  his  heart,  and  to  furnish  himself,  by  these 
devout  exercises,  with  spirit  and  resolution  to  go  through 
the  important  and  arduous  labours  of  his  station,  which 
otherwise  he  could  not  have  done !  It  is  probable  that 
some  may  treat  such  exercises  as  these  with  contempt,  and 
think  his  time  was  very  ill  employed  in  them.  I  lament 
the  stupidity  and  wretchedness  of  such  persons  ;  and  could 
wish,  by  any  thing  that  hath  been  here  said,  to  awaken 
those  who  cast  off  fear  and  restrain  prayer  before  God. 
Others,  who  do  not  entirely  neglect  devotion,  may  think  so 
much  time  spent  in  it  unnecessary,  and  that  such  exercises 
are  burdensome  and  uncomfortable.  But  he  found  them 
delightful  and  animating;  and  I  am  persuaded  every 
serious  christian  who  hath  made  the  experiment,  and  taken 
due  pains  to  engage  the  heart,  hadi  found  them  so  too. 
Besides  his  reflections  upon  them,  mentioned  above,  I  will 
add  his  public  testimony  to  the  pleasure  of  them.  "  The 
experience  of  many  years  of  my  life  hath  established  me 
in  a  persuasion,  that  one  day  spent  in  a  devout  religious 
manner  is  preferable  to  whole  years  of  sensuality  and  the 
neglect  of  religion.  The  most  considerable  enjoyments 
which  I  expect  or  desire,  in  the  remaining  days  of  my 
pilgrimage  on  earth,  are  such  as  I  have  directed  you  to 
seek  in  religion.  Such  love  to  God,  such  constant  activity' 
in  his  service,  such  pleasurable  views  of  what  lies  beyond 
the  grave,  appear  to  me,  God  is  my  witness,  a  felicity  in- 
finitely beyond  any  thing  else  which  can  offer  itself  to  our 
affections  and  pursuits  :  and  I  would  not  for  ten  thousand 
worlds  resign  my  share  in  them,  or  consent,  even  to  the 


HIS  PIETY  AND  DEVOTION. 


suspension  of  the  delights  wliich  they  affbrd,  during  tlie 
remainder  of  my  abode  here."  * 

There  is  nothing  I  more  desire  by  this  work,  and  espe- 
cially by  the  view  which  hath  been  given  of  Dr.  Dod- 
dridge's piety,  than  to  excite  in  the  heaits  of  my  readers, 
and  especially  ministers,  a  more  diligent  application  to 
devotional  exercises,  and  greater  life  and  fervency  in  them  ; 
and  with  this  view  will  recommend  to  their  attention  the 
following  passage  from  the  judicious  Dr.  Duchal's  Sermons. 
After  observing  that  prayer  and  other  exercises  of  devotion 
are  required,  not  on  account  of  any  advantages  God  can 
be  supposed  to  receive  from  them,  but  to  excite  in  us 
worthy  and  good  affections,  he  adds,  "  Now,  though  this  is 
indeed  very  true,  yet  consequences  have  been  drawn  from 
it  that  are  very  false  ;  particularly,  that  the  whole  of  reli- 
gion, that  is,  of  real  worth,  consists  in  probity  of  mind,  in 
good  dispositions  and  behaviour  towards  our  neighbour ; 
and  that,  where  these  are  found,  religious  exercises  are  very 
little,  if  at  all,  useful ;  and  that  a  constant  and  serious  ap- 
plication to  them  is  really  superstitious.  As  the  natural 
effect  of  this  way  of  thinking,  a  very  wide  difference  may 
be  discerned  between  our  taste  and  way,  and  that  of  our 
predecessors.  A  great  part  of  their  religious  business  lay 
in  the  labours  of  the  closet,  and  in  a  solicitous  attendance 
upon  other  religious  services ;  whereas  v.'e  have  learned  to 
be  very  indifferent  as  to  these  tilings,  and  easy  in  the  neg- 
lect of  them.  But,  if  we  will  think  justly  on  this  subject, 
we  shall  find  an  extreme  defect  on  our  side.  Do  but  con- 
sider how  natural  it  is  to  pay  the  utmost  veneration  to  the 
divine  Being,  and  to  take  all  proper  occasions  of  expressing 
it.  Is  not  this  what  we  owe  him  ?  Is  it  not  at  least  as 
just  and  equal  as  to  pay  regard  to  distinguished  worth  in 
our  fellow-creatures  !  And  v/ill  not  tliat  sense  of  worth, 
and  that  affection,  which  determines  us  to  this,  as  naturally 
determine  us  to  pay  the  utmost  regard  to  that  Beine,  whose 
worth  and  excellences  are  quite  peerless,  and  to  do  him  the 
utmost  honour  ?"  &c.t 

But  Dr.  Doddridge's  devotion  and  piety  were  not  con- 
fined to  his  secret  retirements ;  they  were  manifested 
through  every  day,  and  appeared  in  his  intercourse  with 
men.  Besides  having  his  hours  and  plan  for  devout  re- 
tirement, to  which  he  kept  as  strictly  and  steadily  as  possi- 
ble, he  endeavoured  to  carry  a  devout  temper  with  him 
into  the  world  ;  and  was  lifting  up  his  heart  to  God  in 
those  little  vacancies  of  time  which  often  hang  on  the 
hands  of  the  busiest  of  mankind,  but  miglit  this  way  be 
profitably  employed.  In  his  daily  converse  tliere  was  a 
savour  of  religion.  In  his  lectures  of  philosophy,  history, 
anatomy,  &c.  he  took  occasion  to  graft  some  religious  in- 
structions on  what  he  had  been  illustrating,  that  he  miffht 
raise  the  minds  of  his  pupils  to  God  and  heaven.  Tiie 
christian  friend  and  minister  appeared  in  his  visits.  He 
took  care  to  drop  some  useful  liints  of  reproof,  advice,  or 
encouragement,  suited  to  particular  cases,  where  the  con- 
versation did  not  turn  on  subjects  directly  religious.  He 
had  resolution  to  reprove,  in  a  gentle  but  effectual  manner, 
profane  or  licentious  words  spoken  by  persons  of  rank  and 
fortune,  and  had  the  happy  art  of  complimenting  them 
upon  some  good  quality  they  possessed,  while  he  reproved 
their  irregularities ;  and  by  this  means  prevented  their 
showing  any  resentment.  He  knew  how,  by  an  angn/ 
countenance,  to  drive  away  a  backbiting  tongue,  when  he 
could  not  from  personal  knowledge  confute  the  slander. 

He  often  concluded  his  common  visits  to  his  friends  with 
prayer.  This  was  comfortable  and  advantageous  to  them  ; 
directed  them  how  to  suit  their  prayers  to  the  particular  cir- 
cumstances of  their  respective  families,  and  gave  him  an 
Ofiportunity  of  suggesting,  in  a  powerful  but  inoffensive 
manner,  some  reflections,  which  it  might  be  needful  for  them 
to  attend  to,  according  to  their  |)articular  conditions  and 
characters.  When  he  went  with  a  more  direct  intention  to 
converse  with  families  upon  their  religious  concerns,  he  con- 
sidered how  he  might  most  easily  and  naturally  introduce 
the  subject ;  how  public  occurrences,  which  were  the  topic 
of  general  conversation,  might  furnish  him  with  an  oppor- 
tunity of  leading  their  thoughts  to  God  and  religion.  I 
find  in  his  papers  many  hints  of  the  manner  in  which  he 
would  address  particular  persons;   and  lists  of  those,  to 

•  Rise  and  Progress,  chap.  30.  sect.  1. 


whom  such  and  such  particular  addresses  should  be  made. 
So  much  prudence  and  caution  was  mingled  with  his  pious 
concern  for  their  benefit,  that  his  end  migiit  not  be  defeated, 
nor  his  good  evil  spoken  of!  The  same  pious  spirit  appeared 
in  his  correspondence  with  his  fiends.  In  short  letters 
upon  business,  he  often  inserted  something  that  miirht  lead 
their  thoughts  inward,  impress  them  with  some  religious 
sentiment,  and  increase  their  zeal.  He  thought  no  oppor- 
tunity was  to  be  lost  of  attempting  this,  and  his  large  cor- 
respondence furnished  him  with  many.  He  unbosomed  his 
soul  t'l  liis  particular  friends  with  great  freedom  and  copious- 
ness; and  I  am  persuaded,  they  esteem  his  letters  a  most 
valuable  treasure  :  in  order  that  they  may  be  more  generally 
useful,  I  have  made  so  many  extracts  from  those,  to  which 
I  could  have  access. 

The  following  letter  to  one  of  his  friends  in  1728,  appears 
deserving  of  notice,  as  a  specimen  of  the  method  which  he 
took  to  promote  religion  in  their  hearts,  and  as  a  hint  to  my 
readers  how  they  may  improve  their  correspondence  to  the 
best  purposes.  His  friend  had  complained  of  his  neglect 
of  writing ;  to  which  he  answers  :  "  My  negligence  in  writ- 
ing was  certainly  a  fault ;  but,  to  speak  very  freely  to  a 
friend  from  whom  I  affect  to  conceal  nothing,  dotli  not  a 
fault  of  a  like  nature  prevail  in  us  both,  with  regard  to  other 
instances  of  much  greater  importance  ?  We  feel  a  very  sen- 
sible concern  when  we  have  failed  in  any  expressions  of 
respect  to  a  human  friend  ;  but  is  there  not  an  invisible 
Friend,  who  deserves  infinitely  better  of  us  both  than  we  of 
each  other,  or  tlian  others  of  us  ?  And  yet  him,  of  all  others, 
we  are  most  ready  to  forget.  Is  not  he,  every  day  and  every 
moment,  reminding  us  of  his  affection  and  care  by  a  rich 
variety  of  favours  which  surround  us  ?  And  yet  hath  he 
not  reason  to  complain  that  our  hearts  are  estranged  from 
him  ?  Believe  me,  my  friend,  when  I  think  of  my  propen- 
sity to  forget  and  offend  God,  all  the  instances  of  negligence 
which  others  can  charge  me  with  are  as  nothing ;  and  I  am 
almost  ashamed  of  that  regret  which  might  otherwise  appear 
reasonable  and  decent.  Tell  me,  ft-eely,  am  I  not  opening 
your  heart  as  well  as  my  own?  I  hope  and  believe  that 
you  find  a  more  abiding  sense  of  the  Divine  presence,  and 
that  a  principle  of  holy  gratitude  and  love  governs  more  in 
your  soul  than  in  mine  :  but  is  there  not  yet  some  room  for 
complaint?  W^e  will  not  dwell  on  tlie  question;  it  is 
much  more  important  to  consider  how  we  may  correct  an 
irregularity  of  temper,  which  we  are  not  so  ignorant  as 
not  to  see,  nor  so  stupid  as  not  to  lament.  It  is  a 
long  time  that  we  have  spent  in  blaming  ourselves; 
let  us  immediately  endeavour  to  reform,  lest  our  lamenta- 
tions and  acknowledgments  serve  only  to  render  us  so 
much  the  more  criminal.  I  am  well  aware  that  this  un- 
happy principle  of  indifference  to  God  is  implanted  so 
deeply  in  our  degenerate  hearts,  that  nothing  but  a  divine 
power  is  able  to  eradicate  it :  but  let  us  make  the  attempt, 
and  see  how  far  the  Spirit  of  God  will  enable  us  to  execute 
the  resolution  which  himself  hath  inspired.  Is  it  not  pos- 
sible, by  the  blessing  of  God  on  proper  attempts,  that  we 
may,  in  a  short  time,  make  it  as  natural  and  habitual  to  our 
thoughts  to  centre  in  God  and  the  Redeemer,  and  the  im- 
portant hopes  of  eternal  glory,  as  ever  we  have  found  them 
to  centre  on  a  favourite  creature  ?  At  least,  let  us  not  con- 
clude the  contrary  until  we  have  tried  :  and  can  we  say  that 
we  have  ever  yet  tried  ?  that  we  have  had  the  resolution 
for  one  single  week  to  exert  the  utmost  command  over  our 
thoughts  to  fix  them  upon  divine  objects?  1  have  tried  for 
a  day  or  two  with  encouraging  success  ;  but  never  yet  had 
the  constancy  to  hold  out  for  a  week — As  this  evening 
concludes  one  quarter  of  the  year,  I  have  devoted  it  to  the 
review  of  my  own  temper  and  conduct.  I  find  that  num- 
berless evils  which  have  surrounded  me  may  be  traced  up 
to  this  unhappy  source,  the  forgetfulness  of  God.  I  there- 
fore determine,  by  divine  assistance,  to  attempt  the  reform- 
ation of  the  rest,  by  bending  my  most  resolute  opposition 
against  this.  I  communicate  these  reflections  to  you,  to 
engage  the  assistance  of  your  prayers,  and  to  recommend  it 
to  you  to  make  the  like  attempt." 

The  grand  principle  that  animated  him  to  all  these  exercises, 
labours,  and  services,  was  love ;  love  to  God  and  Christ, 
and  mankind.    The  following  extracts  from  some  letters  to 

+  Duchal's  P.  Serm.  v.  ii.  No.  ii.  p.  50,  51. 


iiv 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


his  friends  will  confirm  this  : — "  I  bless  God,  I  feel  more 
and  more  of  the  power  of  his  love  in  my  heart ;  and  I  long 
for  the  conversion  of  souls  more  sensibly  than  for  any  thing 
besides.  Methinks  I  could  not  only  labour,  but  die  for  it, 
witli  pleasure.  The  love  of  Christ  constrains  me." — "  I  feel 
the  love  of  God  in  Christ  shed  abroad  in  my  heart.  Strive 
earnestly  in  your  prayers  for  me  tliat  it  may  be  continued 
and  increased;  that  he  may  ever  dwell  in  my  soul,  conse- 
crate all  its  powers,  and  engage  all  its  services :  that  I 
may  be  fitted  for  the  whole  of  his  will,  in  affliction  or 
prosperity,  in  life  or  death,  in  time  or  eternity.  I  want, 
above  all  things  in  the  world,  to  be  brought  to  greater 
nearness  to  God,  and  to  walk  more  constantly  and  closely 
with  him. — O,  could  I  spend  more  of  my  time  in  catechis- 
ing children,  in  exhorting  heads  of  families,  and  addressing 
to  young  people ;  and  more  in  meditating  on  the  things  of 
God  in  my  retirement,  without  books,  witliout  papers, 
under  a  deeper  and  more  affecting  sense  of  God,  and  re- 
ceiving vital  communications  of  grace  and  strength  imme- 
diately from  him,  methinks  I  should  be  happy.  But  I 
am  sadly  encumbered.  If  God  hath  ever  made  me  useful 
to  you,  give  him  the  glory.  I  am  one  of  the  least  of  his 
children,  and  yet  a  child ;  and  this  is  my  daily  joy.  In- 
deed I  feel  my  love  to  him  increase ;  I  struggle  forward 
towards  him,  and  look  at  him,  as  it  were,  sometimes  with 
tears  of  love,  vi'hen,  in  the  mulst  of  the  hurries  of  life,  I 
cannot  speak  to  him  otherwise  than  by  an  ejaculation." 


CHAP.  IX. 

His  last  sickness  ami  death. 

IT  IS  an  observation  of  Solomon,  that  the  path  of  the  just 
is  as  the  shiniris;  light,  that  shincth  luore  and  more  to  the 
perfect  day.  This  was  eminently  verified  in  the  subject  of 
these  papers.  We  have  seen  with  what  peculiar  and  un- 
wearied diligence  he  applied  himself,  especially  during  his 
last  years,  to  converse  with  God,  to  improve  liis  graces,  to 
serve  his  fellow-christians,  and  train  up  his  soul  for  the 
work  and  felicity  of  heaven  :  and  we  are  now  to  take  a 
view  of  tiie  happy  eflect  of  this  pious  care  and  diligence, 
in  the  peace  of  mind  and  holy  joy  which  shed  a  distin- 
guished lustre  on  tlie  concluding  scenes  of  his  life. 

In  December,  1750,  he  went  to  St.  Albans,  to  preach  a 
funeral  sermon  for  his  friend  and  father  Dr.  Samuel  Clark. 
In  that  journey  he  unhappily  contracted  a  cold,  which 
hung  upon  him  through  the  remainder  of  the  winter.  On 
the  advance  of  the  spring  it  considerably  abated,  but  re- 
turned again  with  great  violence  in  the  summer.  His 
physicians  and  friends  advised  him  to  lay  aside  his  public 
work  for  a  while,  and  apply  himself  entirely  to  the  use  of 
proper  medicines  and  exercise,  for  the  removal  of  his  com- 
plaint. But  he  could  not  be  persuaded  to  comply  with  the 
former  part  of  their  advice.  To  be  useless  was  worse  than 
death  to  him.  While  he  thought  there  was  no  immediate 
danger,  he  could  not  be  prevailed  u|)on  to  decline  or  lessen 
his  delightful  work,  and  was  particularly  desirous  to  com- 
plete his  Family  Expositor.  His  correspondents  and  friends 
at  home  plainly  observed  his  great  improvement  in  spirit- 
uality and  a  heavenly  temper,  the  nearer  he  approached  to 
his  dissolution.  He  seemed  to  be  got  above  the  world ; 
his  affections  were  more  strongly  than  ever  set  upon  heaven, 
and  he  was  daily  breathing  after  immortality. 

In  some  letters  to  his  friends,  about  this  time,  he  thus 
expresseth  himself;  "  I  bless  God  earth  is  less  and  less  to 
me ;  and  I  shall  be  very  glad  to  have  done  with  it  once 
for  all,  as  soon  as  it  shall  please  my  Master  to  give  me 
leave.  Yet  for  him  I  would  live  and  labour;  and  I  hope, 
if  such  were  his  will,  suffer  too." — "  I  thank  God,  that  I 
do  indeed  feel  my  affection  to  this  vanishing  world  dying 
and  vanishing  every  day.  I  have  long  since  weighed  it  in 
the  balances,  and  found  it  xcanting ;  and  my  heart  and 
hopes  are  above.  Fain  would  I  attain  more  lively  views 
of  glory.  Fain  would  I  feel  more  powerful  attractions 
towards  that  world,  where  you  and  I,  through  grace,  shall 
soon  be ;  and  in  the  mean  time  would  be  exerting  myself 
more  and  more  to  people  that  blessed,  but  neglected,  re- 


gion."—" I  am  now  intent  upon  having  something  done 
among  the  dissenters,  in  a  more  public  manner,  for  pro- 
pagating the  gospel  abroad,  which  lies  near  my  heart.  I 
wish  to  live  to  see  this  design  brought  into  execution,  at 
least  into  some  forwardness ;  and  then  I  should  die  the 
more  cheerfully.  Sliould  God  spare  my  life,  many  oppor- 
tunities of  doing  good  in  this  respect  may  arise :  but  to 
depart  and  be  with  Christ  is  Jar,  far,  infinitely  better.  I 
desire  the  prayers  of  my  friends  in  my  present  circum- 
stances. I  remember  them  in  my  poor  way :  but  alas ! 
what  with  my  infirmities,  and  what  with  the  hurries  to 
which  I  am  here  [in  Loudon]  peculiarly  obnoxious,  and 
the  many  affairs  and  interruptions  which  are  pressing  upon 
me,  my  praying  time  is  sadly  contracted.  O  that  1  had 
ivings  like  a  dove  !  You  know  whither  they  would  carry 
me.  I  feel  nothing  in  myself  at  present  that  should  give 
me  reason  to  apprehend  immediate  danger.  But  the  ob- 
stinacy of  my  cough,  and  its  proneness  to  return  upon 
every  little  provocation,  gives  me  some  alarm.  Go  on  to 
pray  for  me  that  my  heart  may  be  fixed  upon  God ;  that 
every  motion  and  every  word  may  be  directed  by  love  to 
him  and  zeal  for  his  glory ;  and  leave  me  with  him,  as 
cheerfully  as  I  leave  myself.  He  will  do  well  with  his 
servant,  according  to  his  word.  JVo/*  a  sparrow  Julleth  to 
the  ground  without  him  ;  and  though  I  am  indeed,  I  think, 
less  than  the  least  of  all  saints,  I  am  nevertheless  of  mo>e 
value  than  mant/  sparrows.  May  you  increase  while  I 
decrease ;  and  shine  many  years  as  a  bright  star  in  the 
Redeemer's  hand,  when  I  am  set !" — He  began  his  last 
will  thus  :  "  Whereas  it  is  customary  on  these  occasions 
to  begin  with  commending  the  soul  into  the  hands  of  God 
through  Christ ;  I  do  it,  not  in  mere  form,  but  with  sin- 
cerity and  joy ;  esteeming  it  my  greatest  happiness  that  1 
am  taught  and  encouraged  to  do  it  by  that  glorious  gospel, 
which  having  most  assuredly  believed,  I  have  spent  my 
life  in  preaching  to  others;  and  which  I  esteem  an  infi- 
nitely greater  treasure  than  all  my  little  worldly  store,  or 
possessions  ten  thousand  times  greater  than  mine." 

The  last  time  he  administered  the  Lord's  supper  to  his 
congregation  at  Northampton  was  on  June  2,  1751,  after 
having  preached  from  Hebrews  xii.  23.  Ye  are  coine — to  the 
general  assembly,  and  church  of  the  first-born,  which  are 
written  in  heaven,  &c.  At  the  conclusion  of  that  service, 
he  mentioned,  with  marks  of  uncommon  pleasure,  that 
view  of  Christ,  given  in  the  Revelation,  as  holding  the  stars 
in  his  right  hand,  and  walking  among  the  candlesticks  ;  ex- 
pressing his  authority  over  ministers  and  churches,  his 
right  to  dispose  of  them  as  he  pleaseth,  and  the  care  he 
taketh  of  them.  He  dropped  some  hints  of  his  own  ap- 
proaching dissolution,  and  spoke  of  taking  leave  of  them 
with  the  greatest  tenderness  and  affection.  After  this  he 
spent  some  weeks  in  London,  and  the  hurries  and  labours 
he  went  through  there  contributed  to  increase  his  disorder. 

Immediately  after  his  return  from  London,  on  July  14, 
1751,  notwithstanding  the  earnest  entreaties  of  his  friends, 
he  was  determined  to  address  his  beloved  flock  once  more 
from  the  pulpit.  His  discourse  was  well  adapted  to  be,  as  he 
imagined  it  probably  might  be,  (and  as  it  indeed  proved,) 
a  farewell  sermon.  His  subject  was,  "  Rom.  xiv.  8.  For 
whether  we  live,  ice  live  unto  the  Lord ;  and  xchether  we  die, 
we  die  unto  the  Lord :  whether  we  live,  therefore,  or  die,  we 
are  the  Lord's.  From  whence  he  showed.  First,  That  it  is 
essential  to  the  character  of  true  christians  to  be  devoted 
to  Christ  in  life  and  death ; — to  live  to  him,  as  his  pro- 
perty, redeemed  ones  and  servants, — to  seek  his  glory  and 
the  advancement  of  his  kingdom.  It  is  peculiarly  the  duty 
of  christian  ministers  to  live  thus  ;■ — to  direct  tlieir  hearers 
to  Christ  as  the  Foundation  of  their  hope — engage  tliem  to 
live  by  faith  in  him — and  promote  the  great  end  of  his  un- 
dertaking and  love. — They  are  also  devoted  to  Christ  in 
death ;  as — they  are  sincerely  willing  to  die  for  Christ,  if 
in  the  course  of  Providence  they  should  be  called  to  it — 
as  they  are  desirous  that  Christ  may  be  honoured  by  their 
dying  behaviour — recommending  him  to  those  that  are 
about  them — and  solemnly  resigning  their  own  souls  into  his 

hands.- He  showed.  Secondly,  That  it  is  the  hap[)iness 

of  true  christians  to  be  the  care  of  Christ  in  life  and  death. 
— He  will  j)rolong  their  lives,  and  continue  their  usefulness, 
as  long  as  he  sees  it  good  : — he  will  also  take  care  of  them 
in  death — adjusting  the  circumstances  of  it,  so  as  to  sub- 


HIS  LAST  SICKNESS  AND  DEATH. 


Iv 


serve  the  purposes  of  his  glory— gianting  them  all  necessary 
supports  in  tfeatli— and,  after  tliat,  giving  them  eternal  life, 
and  raisins  them  up  at  the  last  day — From  hence  he  m- 
ferred  that  it  is  of  the  greatest  importance  for  all  to  inquire 
whether  this  be  their  character ;  and  that  it  becomes  tme 
christians  to  maintain  a  noble  indifference  with  regard  to 
life  or  death." — I  mention  these  hints  that  the  reader  may 
perceive  what  was  the  frame  of  his  mind  under  his  decay, 
and  how  desirous  he  was  to  bear  his  testmiony,  even  to  tlie 
last,  to  the  honour  of  his  Master,  and  to  promote  the  zeal 
and  consolation  of  his  fellow-servants,  and  particularly 
his  pupils. 

The  last  public  service  in  which  he  was  engaged  was  at 
the  ordination  of  tlie  Reverend  Mr.  Adams,  at  Bewdley,  in 
Worcestershire,  July  18.  His  pale  countenance  and  lan- 
guid trembling  voice  showed  how  unfit  he  was  for  the  ser- 
vice at  that  time  :  but  he  had  promised  his  assistance  some 
weeks  before,  and  was  unwilling  to  be  absent  or  unem- 
ployed on  so  solemn  and  edifying  an  occasion.  Thus  he 
wrote  to  a  friend  concerning  his  intended  journey  thither : 
"  I  am  at  present  much  indisposed.  My  cough  conti- 
nues, and  wiiere  it  may  end  God  only  knows.  I  will  how- 
ever struggle  hard  to  come  to  Bewdley,  that  I  maybe 
fitter  to  serve  Christ,  if  I  live,  or  to  go  and  enjoy  him,  if 
I  die.  I  can  WTite  but  little;  help  me  with  your  prayers 
My  unworthiness  is  greater  even  than  my  weakness,  though 
that  be  great.  Here  is  my  comfort,  the  atrcngth  of  Christ 
may  perhaps  be  made  pcfect  in  lueahiess.'^  From  Bewd- 
ley he  went  to  Shrewsbury,  where  he  spent  several  weeks,* 
for  the  convenience  of  an-,  exercise,  and  an  entire  recess 
from  business  and  company ;  and  by  this  he  seemed  a 
little  recruited.  While  he  was  there  in  this  languishing 
state,  he  received  many  letters  from  his  friends,  ex|)ressing 
their  high  esteem  and  affection  for  him,  deep  concern  for 
this  threatening  illness,  and  assurmg  him  of  their  earnest 
prayers  for  his  recovery.  I  venture  to  insert  one  at  large, 
from  the  Reverend  Mr.  John  Barker,  late  minister  of  the 
gospel  m  London,  as  I  imagine  every  pious,  tender-hearted 
reader  will  be  pleased  with  it. 

"  L N and  Barker  are  too  nearly  interested 

in  that  precious  life,  which  now  appears  in  danger  of  being 
cut  off"  m  the  midst  of  its  days,  to  hear  of  its  waste  and 
languishing  without  great  concern  and  fervent  prayer  to 
God.  How  your  letter  affected  my  heart  in  public  your 
friends  are  witness  :  but  what  I  felt  for  my  dear  brother, 
and  the  ministers  and  churches  of  Christ,  God  and  myself 
only  know.  I  will  not  now  say,  Whv  did  you  spend  so 
fast?  Why  did  vou  not  spare  yourself  a  little  sooner?  I 
will  rather  heartily  thank  you  that  you  use  all  the  means 
you  can  to  re})air  your  frame,  and  restore  and  prolong  your 
usefulness.  It  is  the  kindest  thing  you  can  do,  and  the 
highest  instance  of  friendship  you  can  now  show  us  ;  and 
I  acknowledge  your  goodness  to  us  in  this  point  with 
tears  of  joy.  Consent  and  choose  to  stay  with  us  a  while 
longer,  my  dear  friend,  if  it  please  God.  This  is  not  only 
needful  to  Northampton  ana  the  adjacent  towns  and  vil- 
lages, but  desirable  to  us  all,  and  beneficial  to  our  whole 
interest.  Stay,  Doddridge  !  O  stay !  and  strensrthen  our 
hands,  whose  shadows  grow  long.  Fifty  is  but  the  height 
of  vigour,  usefulness,  and  honour.  Don't  take  leave 
abruptly.  Providence  hath  not  directed  thee  yet  on  whom 
to  drop  thy  mantle.  Who  shall  instruct  our  youth,  fill 
our  vacant  churches,  animate  our  associations,  and  diffuse 
a  spirit  of  piety,  moderation,  candour,  and  charity,  through 
our  villages  and  churches ;  and  a  spirit  of  prayer  and  sup- 
plication into  our  towns  and  cities,  when  thou  art  removed 
from  us  ?  especially  who  shall  unfold  the  sacred  oracles, 
teach  us  the  meaning  and  use  of  our  Bibles,  rescue  us 
from  the  bondage  of  systems,  party  opinions,  empty  useless 
speculations,  and  fashionable  forms  and  phrases ;  and 
point  out  to  us  the  simple,  intelligible,  consistent,  uniform 

religion  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour?    Who  shall But  I 

am  silenced  by  the  voice  of  him  who  says,  '  Shall  I  not 
do  what  I  icill  with  my  otun?  Is  it  not  my  prerogative  to 
take  and  leave  as  seemeth  me  good  ?  I  demand  the  liberty 
of  disposing  of  my  own  servants  at  my  own  pleasure.  He 
hath  laboured  more  abundantly.  His  times  are  in  my 
hand.  He  hath  not  slept  as  do  others.  He  hath  risen  to 
nobler  heights  than  things  below.     He  hopes  to  inherit 

•  At  the  house  of  his  friend,  Mr.  Orton. 


glory.  He  hath  laboured  for  that  which  endureth  to  eter- 
nal life  ;  labour,  which,  the  more  it  abounds,  the  more  it 
exalts  and  magnifies  its  object,  and  the  more  effectually 
answers  and  secures  its  end.  It  is  yours  to  wait  and 
trust,  mine  to  dispose  and  govern.  On  me  be  the  care  of 
ministers  and  churches — With  me  is  the  residue  of  the 
Spirit. — Both  the  vineyard  and  die  labourers  are  mine.  I 
set  them  to  work,  and  when  I  please  I  call  them  and  give 
them  their  hire.' 

"  With  these  thoughts  my  passions  subside — my  mind 
is  softened  and  satisfied  ;  I  resign  thee,  myself,  and  all,  to 
God,  saying,  Thj/  will  be  done! — But  now  for  the  wings  of 
faith  and  contemplation.  Let  me  take  thy  hand,  my  dear 
brother,  and  walk  a  turn  or  two  in  yonder  spacious  regions. 
Yes,  it  is  so :  we  read  it  in  the  book  of  God,  that  word  of 
truth  and  gospel  of  our  salvation — that  as  iii  Adam  all  die, 
even  so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive.  The  one  ruined 
his  posterity  by  sin ;  the  other  raiseth  his  seed  to  immortal- 
ity. This  poisoned  the  dart  and  inflamed  the  wound  of 
death  ;  but  Jesus  Christ  redeemeth  us  from  this  captivity. 
See,  thou  christian  minister,  thou  friend  of  my  bosom  and 
faithful  servant  of  God,  see  the  important  period  when  the 
surprising  signs  and  descending  inhabitants  of  heaven  pro- 
claim the  second  coming  of  our  divine  Saviour !  The 
heavens  open,  and  disclose  his  radiant  glory.  Hear  the 
awakening  trump.  See  the  dead  in  Christ  arise  glorious 
and  immortal — leave  corruption,  weakness,  and  dishonour 
behind  them,  and  behold  their  Lord  and  Head  seated  on 
his  throne  of  judgment,  attended  and  surrounded  with  the 
ministers  of  liis  power  and  pleasure,  and  shining  in  all  the 
fulness  of  celestial  glory  ;  and  not  only  see,  but  share,  his 
victory  and  lustre — partake  of  his  image  and  influence. 
And  behold  the  demolished  fabric  reared  again  stately  and 
ornamented,  shining  and  illustrious,  permanent  and  dura- 
ble, to  demonstrate  how  entirely  death  is  vanquished,  all 
its  ruins  repaired  ;  and  what  was  once  meat  for  worms  is 
now  a  companion  of  angels  :  for  when  this  corruptible  shall 
have  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal,  immortality, 
every  eye  will  be  fastened  on  the  mighty  conqueror,  and 
every  voice  and  harp  be  tuned  for  that  transporting  song, 
0  death,  ivhere  is  thi/  sting  1  O  grate,  where  is  thy  victory  ? 
Yes,  Doddridge,  it  is  so.  The  fruit  of  our  Redeemer's 
sufferings  and  victory  is  the  entire  and  eternal  destruction 
of  sin  and  death.  And  is  it  not  a  glorious  destruction,  a 
most  blessed  ruin  ?  No  enemy  so  formidable,  no  tyranny 
so  bitter,  no  fetters  so  heavy  and  galling,  no  prison  so  dark 
and  dismal,  but  tliey  are  vanquished  and  disarmed ;  the 
unerring  dart  is  blunted  and  broken — the  prison  pulled 
down  and  rased.     Our  Lord  is  risen,  as  the  first-fruits  of 

them  that  slept. How  glad  should  I  be  to  hear  that  God 

is  pleased  to  prolong  thy  life  on  earth,  to  declare  these 
glorious  truths,  and  teach  us  to  improve  them !  In  this, 
your  friends  with  you,  and  many  more  in  every  place,  join, 
and  make  it  our  common  petition  to  the  great  Disposer  of 
all  events.  Use  every  means  you  can  for  the  recovery  of 
your  health,  for  the  sake  of  your  friends,  among  whom  is 
your  faithful  and  affectionate  J.  Barker." — The  Doctor  was 
so  affected  and  melted  into  tears  of  gratitude  and  joy  with 
the  friendship  this  letter  expressed, and  the  Divine  consola- 
tions which  it  administered,  that  I  was  apprehensive  his 
tender  frame  would  have  sunk  under  it. 

As  the  autumn  advanced,  his  physicians  judged  it  proper 
for  him  to  try  the  waters  of  Bristol ;  and  accordingly  he  went 
thither  in  August.  Upon  his  arrival  there,  a  worthy  clergy- 
man of  the  established  church,  with  whom  he  had  only  a 
slight  acquaintance,  entertained  him  in  the  most  hospitable 
manner,  and  with  a  fraternal  affection,  until  he  could  be 
accommodated  with  a  lodging  near  the  wells.  The  then 
Bishop  of  Worcester,  Dr.  Maddox,  paid  him  a  fnendly 
visit,  and  in  the  most  obliging  manner  offered  to  convey 
him  to  the  wells  in  his  chariot,  at  the  stated  times  of 
drinking  the  water.  His  physicians  at  Bristol  gave  him 
little  hope  from  the  water;  and  he  received  their  report  of 
the  great  hazard  of  his  case,  vdiich  he  desired  them  faith- 
fully to  give  him,  with  that  fortitude,  resignation,  and 
cheerfulness,  which  never  forsook  him  to  the  last,  in  any 
place,  or  on  any  occasion.  He  here  met  with  some  of  his 
friends,  who  were  desirous  to  do  all  in  their  power  to  testify 
their  regard  for  him ;  and  he  received  unexpected  assistance 


Ivi 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


and  offers  of  service  from  many  persons  entirely  strangers 
to  him,  and  from  some  too  who  had  entertained  prejudices 
ao;ainst  him.  They  joined  to  express  their  high  sense  of 
his  worth  and  the  importance  of  his  life  ;  and  their  com- 
pany and  assistance  were  very  seasonable  to  him  in  a 
strange  place  and  in  his  afflicted  condition. 

Another  circumstance  that  contributed  greatly  to  his  com- 
fort was,  that  Providence  directed  him  to  a  lod«;ing  in  a 
family  where  he  was  treated  with  uncommon  civility,  and 
a  respect  and  tenderness  like  that  of  a  friend,  rather  than  a 
stranger.  Thus  he  writes  from  thence  :  "  I  have  experi- 
enced since  I  came  hither,  this  day  in  particular,  the  kind 
interposition  of  Providence  in  raising  me  up  some  kind  and 
generous  friends  in  a  place  where  I  expected  to  be  a  perfect 
stranger;  especially  a  worthy  nobleman,  who  as  kindly  in- 
terests himself  about  my  health  as  if  he  had  been  long  my 
intimate  friend.  1  am  constantly  attended  by  an  excellent 
physician,  who  is  now  become,  through  the  Divine  good- 
ness, (to  which  I  would  trace  up  all  such  events,)  an  affec- 
tionate friend ;  and  I  have  the  occasional  advice  of  others  ; 
and  they  have  all  acted  with  the  greatest  generosity  as  well 
as  tenderness,  performing  every  friendly  office  in  their 
power  with  much  concern  and  assiduity.' 

While  he  continued  at  Bristol,  some  of  the  principal 
persons  of  his  congregation  came  to  visit  him,  with  an 
affection  not  to  be  expressed ;  they  brought  him  an  assur- 
ance of  the  highest  esteem  and  tender  sympathy  of  his 
people  and  friends  at  home,  and  informed  him  that  prayer 
was  made  by  that  church  for  him  three  evenings  in  every 
week ;  and  that  some  other  churches  were  engaged  in  the 
same  work  on  his  account.  This  afforded  him  great  satis- 
faction and  refreshment.  He  knew  their  prayers  would 
not  be,  upon  the  whole,  vain ;  though  he  considered  his 
own  case  as  desperate,  and  said  tliat,  unless  God  sliould 
interpose  in  such  an  extraordinary  manner  as  he  had  no 
reason  to  expect,  he  could  not  long  continue  in  the  land  of 
the  living.  He  ascribed  to  the  efficacy  of  the  prayers  of 
his  friends  the  composure  and  joy  he  felt  in  his  own  soul, 
and  the  preservation  of  his  wife's  health  amidst  incessant 
fatigue  and  concern,  which  he  acknowledged  as  a  singular 
blessing.  But  while  the  outward  man  was  so  sensibly  de- 
cayirif^,  that  he  used  to  say  to  his  friends,  "  I  die  duily'^ 
yet  the  inward  man  was  rennced  day  by  day.  The  warmth 
of  his  devotion,  zeal,  and  friendship,  was  maintained  and 
increased.  His  physicians  had  directed  him  to  speak  and 
write  as  little  as  possible  ;  but  he  covild  not  satisfy  liimself 
without  sometimes  writing  a  few  lines  to  some  of  his 
friends,  to  whom  he  could  write  in  short-hand  without 
much  fatigue :  and  the  frame  of  his  heart,  in  the  views  of 
death,  will  ap|)ear  by  these  extracts  from  them.  "  I  bless 
God,  I  have  the  powerful  supports  of  Christianity ;  nor  is 
it  any  grievance  of  heart  to  me,  but,  on  the  contrary,  an 
unspeakable  pleasure,  that  I  have  spent  my  life  among  the 
protestant  dissenters,  and  sacrificed  to  honour,  liberty,  and 
conscience,  those  considerations  which  persons  devoted  to 
avarice  and  ambition  think  great  and  irresistible.'' — To  a 
friend,  at  whose  house  he  had  spent  some  weeks,  he  thus 
writes  :  "  I  thank  you  for  all  the  tender  and  affectionate 
friendship  which  attended  me,  while  I  was  with  you,  at 
home  and  abroad,  to  the  throne  of  grace  and  every  where 
else  :  I  shall  never  forget  it ;  my  God  will  never  forget  it. 
He  will  be  in  a  superior  degree  mindful  of  your  tears. 
May  he  reward  you  by  richer  and  more  abundant  com- 
munications of  his  Spirit,  give  you  every  thing  that  can 
conduce  to  your  earthly  happiness,  and  especially  all  that 
can  anticipate  that  of  heaven  !  Be  assured  1  will  take  every 
precaution  to  live  ;  and  the  rather,  that  I  may,  as  far  as  in 
me  lies,  comfort  and  cheer  your  heart.  I  see  indeed  no 
hope  of  my  recovery ;  yet  my  heart  rejoiceth  in  my  God 
and  in  my  Saviour ;  and  I  call  him,  under  this  failure  of 
every  thing  else,  its  strength  and  everlasting  portion.  I 
must  now  thank  you  for  your  hcart-revivmg  letter,  to 
strengthen  my  faith,  to  comfort  my  soul,  and  assist  in 
swallinving  up  death  in  victory.  God  hath  indeed  been 
wonderfully  good  to  me.  But  I  am  less  than  the  kast  of 
his  mercies;  less  than  the  least  hope  of  his  children. 
Adored  be  his  grace  for  whatever  it  hath  wrought  by  me ! 
and  blessed  be  you  of  the  Lord,  for  the  strong  consolations 
you  have  been  the  instrument  of  administering !  Let  me 
desire  you  to  write  again,  and  pour  out  your  heart  freely, 


with  all  its  strong  cordial  sentiments  of  Christianity.  Nothing 
will  give  me  greater  joy.  What  a  friend  will  you  be  in 
heaven !  How  glad  shall  I  be  to  welcome  you  there,  after 
a  long,  a  glorious  course  of  service,  to  increase  the  lustre 
of  your  crown !  May  you  long  shine,  like  a  sun  upon  the 
earth,  with  your  light,  warmth,  and  influence,  when  there 
remain  not  any  united  particles  of  that  poor  wasting  sinking 
frame,  which  enables  this  immortal  spirit  to  call  itself  your 
friend  in  everlasting  bonds  ! — P.  D.' 

As  his  strength  iiaily  decreased,  he  was  advised,  as  the 
last  resort  in  so  threatening  a  disorder,  to  remove  to  a 
warmer  climate  for  the  winter.  Thus  he  writes  to  a  friend  : 
"  I  have  now  an  affair  to  mention  to  you,  concerning  which 
I  desire  your  serious  thoughts,  and  earnest  prayers  for 
Divine  direction.  My  physicians  and  other  friends  here 
are  all  of  opinion  that  there  is  one  expedient,  which  may 
probably  be  of  much  greater  and  more  lasting  efficacy  than 
the  Bristol  waters  ;  and  that  is,  a  change  of  climate,  and 
spending  the  winter  in  a  warmer  country :  and  they  all 
advise  me  to  go  to  Lisbon.  My  wife  will  attend  me  with 
all  heroic  resolution.  A  thousand  objections  and  fears 
arise.     May  I  know  the  will  of  God  and  the  call  of  duty  !" 

A  friend,  that  went  to  visit  him  just  before  he  left 

Bristol,  wrote  to  a  near  relation  this  account  of  the  state  of 
his  body,  and  of  some  expressions  that  dropped  from  him 
during  the  visit ;  which,  with  the  assistance  of  some  others 
then  present,  he  recollected  and  wrote  down  as  soon  as 
they  returned.  "  He  coughs  much,  is  hoarse,  speaks  in- 
wardly with  a  low  voice.  He  is  affected  with  the  loss  of 
his  voice,  being  desirous  to  preach  Christ,  and  speak  for 
him,  while  he  lives.  He  is  preparing  for  a  journey,  through 
roads  rendered  exceedingly  bad  by  much  wet,  to  embark  at 
Falmouth.  '  My  soul,'  said  he,  '  is  vigorous  and  healthy, 
notwithstanding  the  hastening  decay  of  this  frail  and  totter- 
ing body.  It  is  not  for  the  love  of  sunshine  or  the  variety 
of  meats  that  I  desire  life,  but,  if  it  please  God,  that  I  may 
render  him  a  little  more  service.  It  is  a  blessed  thing  to 
live  above  the  fear  of  death,  and  I  praise  God  I  fear  it  not. 
The  means  I  am  about  pursuing  to  save  life,  so  far  as  I  am 
solely  concerned,  are,  to  my  apprehension,  worse  than  death. 
My  profuse  night-sweats  are  very  weakening  to  my  emaci- 
ated frame :  but  the  most  distressing  nights  to  this  frail 
body  have  been  as  the  beginning  of  heaven  to  my  soul. 
God  hath,  as  it  were,  let  heaven  down  upon  me  in  those 
nights  of  weakness  and  waking.  I  am  not  suffered  once  to 
lose  my  hope.  My  confidence  is,  not  that  I  have  lived 
such  or  such  a  life,  or  served  God  in  this  or  the  other  man- 
ner :  I  know  of  no  prayer  I  ever  offered,  no  service  I  ever 
performed,  but  there  has  been  such  a  mixture  of  what  was 
wrong  in  it,  that,  instead  of  recommending  me  to  tiie  favour 
of  God,  I  needed  his  pardon,  through  Christ,  for  the  same. 
Yet  he  hath  enabled  me  in  sincerity  to  serve  him.  Popular 
applause  was  not  the  thing  I  sought.  If  I  might  be 
honoured  to  do  good,  and  my  heavenly  Father  might  see 
his  poor  child  attemptimr,  though  feebly  and  imperfectly,  to 
serve  him,  and  meet  with  his  approving  eye  and  commend- 
ing sentence,  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servant, — this  my 
soul  regarded,  and  was  most  solicitous  for.  I  have  no  iiope 
in  what  I  have  been  or  done.  Yet  I  am  full  of  confidence : 
and  this  is  my  confidence  ;  tliere  is  a  hope  set  before  me :  I 
have  fled,  I  su\\Jly,f<n-  refuge  to  that  hope.  In  him  I  trust ; 
in  him  I  have  strong  consolation,  and  shall  assuredly  be  ac- 
cepted in  this  beloved  of  my  soul.  The  spirit  of  adoption,  is 
given  me,  enabling  me  to  cry,  Abba,  Father.  I  have  no 
doubt  of  my  being  a  child  of  God,  and  that  life  and  deatli, 
and  all  my  present  exercises,  are  directed  in  mercy  l)y  my 
adored  heavenly  Father.' " 

While  he  was  deliberating  on  the  scheme  of  going 'to 
Lisbon,  his  principal  objection  to  it  was,  the  great  expense 
that  must  necessarily  attend  it.  He  doubted,  in  his  own 
mind,  whether,  with  so  very  precarious  a  hope  of  its  being 
beneficial  to  him,  he  should  pursue  it,  when  his  family, 
which,  in  case  of  his  decease,  would  be  but  slenderly  pro- 
vided for,  would  suffer  so  much  by  the  expense  of  his 
voyage.  It  will,  I  hope,  appear,  to  every  considerate 
reader,  a  glorious  circumstance  in  the  Doctor's  life,  that  it 
was  sacrificed  to  the  generous  disinterested  service  of  his 
great  Master,  and  benevolence  to  mankind  ;  that,  with  the 
advantages  of  a  genius  and  qualifications  equid  to  the 
highest  advancement  in  the  establishment,  and  without 


HIS  LAST  SICKNESS  AND  DEATH. 


Ivii 


being  chargeable  with  want  of  economy,  he  should  find 
liimself  under  the  painful  necessity  of  preserving  the  little 
remainder  of  his  life  by  an  expense  disproportionate  to  the 
provision  made  for  his  family,  dear  to  him  as  his  own  life. 
He  just  hinted  this  circumstance  to  a  clergyman  of  the 
church  of  England,  (who  though  he  had  no  previous  ac- 
quaintance with  him,  behaved  in  the  most  kind  and  re- 
spectful manner  to  him  at  Bristol,)  as  the  principal  reason 
why  he  demurred  about  the  voyage  which  his  physicians 
and  friends  so  warmly  urged.  This  worthy  and  benevo- 
lent man,  without  the  "Doctor's  knowledge,  took  an  oppor- 
tunity to  express  before  a  lady  of  considerable  fortune, 
who  was  a  dissenter,  his  esteem  and  respect  for  the  Doctor, 
and  the  great  concern  it  gave  him  that  a  person  who  did 
so  much  honour  to  Christianity,  and  the  dissenting  interest 
in  particular,  and  who,  (as  he  was  pleased  to  express  him- 
selQ  "if  his  conscience  had  not  prevented,  might  have 
been  in  one  of  the  first  dignities  of  their  church,"  should, 
on  account  of  his  circumstances,  be  discouraged  from 
taking  a  step,  on  whicli  perhaps  his  life  depended  :  and  he 
added,  that  he  thought  it  would    be  an    everlasting  re- 

E roach  to  the  dissenters,  as  a  body,  if  they,  who  knew  of 
is  circumstances,  did  not  take  some  immediate  and  vigor- 
ous methods  to  remove  his  difficulty.  This  gentleman 
had  no  sooner  given  the  hint,  and  set  a  handsome  prece- 
dent, than  it  was  cheerfully  pursued ;  and  the  generosity 
of  the  Doctor's  friends  there  and  in  other  places,  who 
knew  of  his  embarrassment,  equalled  his  wants  and  warmest 
wishes.  This  seasonable  and  unexpected  supply  was 
greatly  enhanced  to  him ;  and  the  hand  of  Providence  ap- 
peared more  evident  in  it,  as  it  was  procured  by  so  un- 
thought-of  an  instrument,  and  without  his  own  desire  or 
knowledge. 

A  friend  in  London,  *  who  had  for  many  years  gener- 
ously managed  his  small  temporal  concerns,  thus  wrote  to 
him  upon  this  occasion :  "  Your  friends  here  will  think 
there  is  cause  either  to  blame  themselves  or  you,  if  the 
expense  of  your  present  expedition  (so  unavoidable  as  it 
seems  to  be)  should  create  you  an  hour's  uneasiness. 
Many  of  them,  you  are  sensible,  desire  to  be  ranked  among 
the  disciples  of  Christ ;  and  it  exceeds  not  the  humilitv  he 
hath  prescribed  to  the  meanest  of  them  to  aim  at  a  share 
in  a  prophet's  reward.  Instead  of  selling  what  you  have 
in  the  funds,  I  believe  I  shall  be  able,  thi-ough  the  bene- 
volence of  your  friends,  to  add  to  it,  after  having  defrayed 
the  expense  of  your  voyage.  Besides  this,  you  go  with  a 
full  gale  of  prayer ;  and  I  trust  we  shall  stand  ready,  as  it 
were,  on  the  shore,  to  receive  you  back  with  shouts  of 
praise  :  but  it  becomes  us  also  to  be  prepared  for  a  more 
awful  event.  O  Sir,  the  time  is  hastening,  when  these 
ways  of  the  Lord,  which  are  now  so  unsearchable,  shall 
appear  to  have  been  marked  out  by  the  counsels  of  infinite 
wisdom ;  and  we,  who  may  be  left  longest  to  lean  upon 
and  support  one  another  by  turns,  in  this  weary  land,  shall 
fix  our  feet  on  those  everlasting  hills,  where  our  joys  shall 
never  leave  us,  nor  our  vigour  ever  fail  us." 

The  Doctor  was  so  affected  with  the  extraordinary  kind- 
ness of  his  friends,  and  his  gratitude  to  Heaven  was  so  in- 
tense, that  it  was  too  much  for  his  weakened  frame,  over- 
whelmed his  spirits,  and  he  could  never  speak  of  it  but 

with  raptures  of  joy  and  thankfulness. He  thus  writes 

to  one  of  his  friends  upon  this  occasion  :  "  It  would 
amaze  you  were  I  to  enumerate  the  appearance  of  divine 
Providence  for  us,  in  raising  up  for  us  many  most  aflec- 
tionnte  friends,  who  have  multiplied  the  instances  of  their 
civiHty,  hospitality,  and  liberality,  in  a  manner  that  has 
been  to  me  quite  wonderful.  This  is  a  great  encourage- 
ment to  me  to  follow  where  such  a  God  seems  evidently 
to  lead,  though  it  be  into  a  temporary  exile.  Who  would 
not  trust  and  hope  in  him?" — And  to  another:  "I  will 
freely  acknowledge  to  you,  I  am  not  philosopher  enough  not 
to  be  grieved  to  think  how  much  of  the  little  provision  I 
had  made  for  my  family  must  be  sunk  by  my  voyage  :  and 
though  I  know  how  little  this,  in  comparison,  affects  them, 
it  toucheth  me  not  the  less.  But  I  were  the  most  inex- 
cusable wretch  on  earth,  if  I  could  not  trust  my  experienced 
almighty  Friend  to  take  care  of  me  and  mine ;  especially 

*  Mr.  "Neal,  wliose  kind  offices  to  Dr.  Doddridge's  family  were  eminent 
and  invariable. — K. 
+  The  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Clark,  (son  of  Dr.  Clark,  of  St.  Albans,)  now 


after  some  late  instances  of  his  astonishing  goodness  in 
raising  me  up  friends,  and  truly  important  ones,  whose 
names  a  month  ago  were  unknown  to  me." 

Many  other  kind  providences  attended  him  at  Bristol, 
and  in  the  view  of  his  intended  journey,  which  I  must  not 
particularly  enumerate ;  but  cannot  omit  that  a  servant  in 
tlie  family  where  he  lodged,  offered  herself  to  attend  him 
to  Lisbon  on  very  reasonable  terms ;  whereas  other  infirm 
persons,  intending  the  same  voyage,  had  found  it  very 
difficult  ,to  procure  one,  even  by  very  large  offers ;  and 
that  the  learned  Dr.  Warburton,  now  Bishop  of  Glouces- 
ter, who  honoured  him  with  his  friendship,  in  the  most 
obliging  manner  procured  an  order  from  the  post-office  to 
the  manager  of  the  packet-boats  at  Falmouth  to  furnish 
him  with  the  best  accommodations  for  his  voyage.  During 
the  Doctor's  absence  from  home,  and  using  the  prescribed 
means  for  the  restoration  of  his  health,  he  often  mentioned 
it  to  his  friends  as  a  singular  happiness  that  God  had 
given  him  an  assistant,  f  to  whom  he  could  cheerfully  con- 
sign the  care  of  his  academy  and  congregation,  and  (as  he 
expresseth  it  in  a  letter  to  a  friend  from  Bristol)  "  whose 
great  prudence  and  wise  disposition  of  affairs  made  him 
quite  easy  as  to  both." 

It  may  answer  my  leading  design,  before  I  proceed  in 
the  narrative,  to  observe,  that  during  all  his  fatigue  of  tra- 
velling, wearisome  nights  and  weeks  of  languishing,  pa- 
tience had  its  perfect  work.  No  complaining  word  was 
uttered  by  him ;  no  mark  of  an  uneasy  discontented  mind 
seen  in  him.  A  heavenly  calm  dwelt  in  his  breast.  He 
seemed  continually  pleased  and  cheerful ;  expressed  in 
obliging  terms  his  thankfulness  to  the  meanest  servant  that 
showed  him  any  kindness  or  gave  him  any  assistance ;  and 
dropped  some  pious  hints  that  might  be  serviceable  to  them 
ia  their  best  interests.  No  one,  however  fond  of  life,  could 
be  more  punctually  observant  of  the  regimen  prescribed  to 
him  :  and  in  this  he  acted  from  a  principle  of  duty,  and  a 
conviction  that  in  past  instances  he  had  been  too  regardless 
of  his  life  and  health.  He  acknowledged  this  to  a  young 
minister  of  a  tender  constitution,  with  whom  he  had  an  in- 
terview at  Bristol,  and  earnestly  recommended  to  him  the 
care  of  his  own  health,  in  order  to  prolong  his  usefulness. 
The  most  painful  circumstance  in  all  his  illness  was,  that, 
as  speaking  was  hurtful  to  him,  his  physicians  had  forbid 
him  conversation.  He  submitted  as  much  as  possible  to 
this  piece  of  self-denial,  and  seldom  opened  his  lips  but  to 
express  his  gratitude  and  affection  to  his  friends,  and  his 
thanksgiving  to  his  heavenly  Father  for  all  those  blessings 
with  which  he  was  so  richly  furnished  both  for  body  and 
soul.  He  never,  in  his  most  painful  and  declining  state, 
expressed  any  regret,  but  what  arose  from  that  generous 
ardour  which  filled  his  soul,  and  the  strong  desire  he  felt 
to  testify,  by  longer  and  more  distinguished  services,  his 
gratitude  and  love  to  his  divine  Master.  In  this  view  he 
would  sometimes  express  his  desires  of  the  recovery  of  his 
health;  but  these  desires  were  bounded  by  the  meekest 
and  most  entire  submission  to  the  divine  will. 

When  his  friends  reminded  him  of  his  fidelity,  diligence, 
and  zeal  in  his  Master's  service,  even  to  his  power,  and, 
as  he  then  felt  and  they  saw,  beyond  his  power,  he  used  to 
replv,  "  I  am  nothing  ;  all  is  to  be  ascribed  to  the  free 
grace  of  God."  He  often  told  them  that  he  could  not  be 
sufficiently  thankful  for  the  honour  and  happiness  God  had 
conferred  upon  him,  in  that  he  had  been  enabled  sincerely 
to  endeavour,  though  very  imperfectly,  to  do  him  and  his 
glorious  cause  some  little  service  in  the  world  ;  that  this, 
when  compared  with  his  delightful  hopes  of  that  future 
eternal  reward,  with  which  he  had  been  so  often  animated 
and  cheered,  filled  him  with  such  a  sense  of  his  infinite  ob- 
ligations to  his  heavenly  Father,  and  to  the  dying  love  of 
his  blessed  Redeemer,  that  all  he  had  done,  or  ever  could 
do,  to  serve  his  cause  in  the  world,  appeared  to  him  as  no- 
thintr,  yea,  less  than  nothing.  Nor  did  the  meanest  and 
most  useless  christian  with  greater  humility  renounce  all 
self-dependence,  and  every  shadow  of  merit.  He  often 
professed,  that  his  only  hope  and  joyful  expectation  of  par- 
don and  acceptance  were  absolutely  founded  on  the  mercy 
of  God,  through  the  merits  and  intercession  of  his  Re- 
minister  of  a  rongregation  at  Birmineham,  to  whom  T  take  this  opportunity 
of  aclxnowledging  myself  much  obliged  for  considerable  assistance  in  this 
work. 


Iviii 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


deemer ;  that  it  was  a  great  satisfaction  to  him  to  reflect, 
that  through  the  whole  course  of  his  ministry,  it  had  been 
his  constant  concern  to  direct  and  recommend  his  hearers 
to  this  only  foundation,  on  which,  he  then  felt,  he  could  so 
safely  and  joyfully  trust  his  own  soul.  He  often  professed 
his  cordial  belief  of  the  truth,  importance,  and  excellency 
of  those  doctrines,  which  it  had  been  the  business  and  de- 
light of  his  life  to  explain,  illustrate,  and  enforce :  and  it 
was  his  fervent  prayer,  that  God  would,  by  his  Spirit,  lead 
the  minds  of  ministers  into  a  just  knowledge  of  them  ;  and 
give  their  eyes  to  see,  and  their  hearts  to  feel,  their  reality, 
power,  and  sweetness,  in  the  same  manner  as  he  did. 
What  doctrines  he  referred  to,  his  writings  sufficiently 
show. — But  it  is  time  to  return  to  the  narrative. 

He  left  Bristol,  Sept.  17th,  and  after  a  fatiguing  journey 
of  ten  days,  occasioned  partly  by  the  badness  of  the  season 
and  roads,  and  partly  by  his  great  weakness,  he  arrived  at 
Falmouth,  in  Cornwall.  There  he  was  received  in  tlie 
kindest  manner  by  Dr.  Turner,  to  whom  he  had  been  re- 
commended by  his  physicians  at  Bristol  and  Bath  :  in  his 
house  he  was  generously  entertained  while  he  continued 
there,  and  he  also  recommended  him  to  the  care  of  his 
nephew.  Dr.  Cantley,  at  Lisbon.  His  most  painful  and 
threatening  symptoms  had  been  suspended  during  his 
journey  and  stay  at  Falmouth,  but  returned  with  greater 
violence  the  night  before  he  sailed  ;  so  that  Mrs.  Doddridge 
thought  it  necessary  to  propose  that  he  should  either  re- 
turn home,  or  stay  awhile  longer  there  :  to  which,  having 
some  hope  from  a  change  of  climate,  he  returned  this  short 
answer,  "  The  die  is  cast,  and  I  choose  to  go."  It  showed 
no  small  degree  of  faith  and  courage  in  him  to  venture, 
amidst  such  weakness  and  tlirouijh  so  many  perils,  on  such 
a  voyage :  especially  into  so  bigoted  a  country  as  Portu- 
gal ;  where,  if  his  profession  were  known,  and  his  writings 
had  been  seen,  by  any  of  the  Romish  priests,  (as  they  pro- 
bably might,  being  in  several  hands  at  Lisbon,)  it  might 
have  been  attended  with  deplorable  consequences  to  him 
and  his  friends.  In  this  undertaking  he  acted  by  the 
unanimous  advice  of  the  most  competent  judges;  he  had 
earnestly  souglit  the  direction  of  Providence,  was  deter- 
mined at  all  adventures  to  follow  it,  and  he  entertained 
some  feeble  hope  of  its  efficacy. 

He  thus  expresseth  himself  in  a  letter  to  a  friend  from 
Falmouth  :  "  1  am,  upon  the  whole,  better  dian  could  be 
expected  after  such  a  journey.  Let  us  thank  God,  and 
take  courage.  We  may  yet  know  many  cheerful  days. 
We  shall  at  least  know  (why  do  I  say  at  least  ?)  one  joyful 
one,  which  shall  be  eternal." — After  having  written  to  an- 
other of  his  correspondents  from  thence,  upon  necessary 
business,  he  adds :  "  I  have  tresjiassed  a  great  deal  on 
your  time,  and  a  little  on  my  own  strength.  I  say  a  little; 
for  when  writing  to  such  a  friend,  as  I  seem  less  absent 
from  him,  it  gives  me  new  spirits,  and  soothes  my  mind 
agreeably.  Oh,  when  shall  we  meet  in  that  world,  where 
we  shall  have  nothing  to  lament,  and  nothing  to  fear,  lor 
ourselves  or  each  other,  or  any  dear  to  us  !  Let  us  think  of 
this  as  a  momentary  state,  and  aspire  more  ardently  after 
the  blessings  of  that.  If  I  survive  my  voyaire,  a  line  shall 
tell  you  how  I  bear  it.  If  not,  all  \vill  be  well ;  and  (as 
good  Mr.  Howe  says)  I  hope  I  shall  embrace  the  wave, 
that,  when  I  intended  Lisbon,  should  land  me  in  heaven. 
I  am  more  afraid  of  doing  what  is  wrong  than  of  dyinsr." — 
Much  civility  was  shown  him  at  Falmouth  by  several  per- 
sons, to  wjiom  his  friends  had  written  for  that  purpose. 
He  parted  from  them  with  the  utmost  gratitude  and  ten- 
derness, and  went  on  board  the  packet  on  Monday,  Sep- 
tember 30th.  As  its  captain  dia  not  go  this  voyage,  he 
had  the  convenience  of  nis  cabin,  which  was  a  peculiar 
comfort  and  advantage  to  him  in  his  declining  state. 

No  sooner  had  the  vessel  sailed,  but  the  new  and  won- 
derful scene  which  opened  upon  him,  the  soft  air  and  fresh 
breezes  of  the  sea,  gave  him  new  life  and  spirits.  The  sea- 
sickness, which  almost  incapacitated  his  wife  and  servant 
from  giving  liim  any  attendance  and  assistance,  was  so  fa- 
vourable to  him,  that  he  needed  them  less  than  before.  The 
captain's  cabin  was  to  him  a  hel/ul,  as  the  hoiifie  of  God,  and 
the  f^ale  of  luaven.  There,  in  an  easy  chair,  he  generally 
sat  the  greatest  part  of  the  day.  He  several  times  said  to 
Mrs.  Doddridge,  "  I  cannot  express  to  you  wliat  a  morn- 
ing I  have  had  :  such  delightful  and  transporting  views  of 


the  heavenly  world  is  my  Father  now  indulging  me  with  as 
no  words  can  express." — There  appeared  such  sacred  grati- 
tude and  joy  in  his  countenance  as  often  reminded  her 
of  those  lines  in  one  of  his  hymns.  No.  71. 

When  death  o'er  nature  shall  prevail, 
And  all  its  powersof  language  fail, 
Joy  through  luy  swimming  eyes  shall  break, 
And  mean  the  thanks  1  cannot  speak. 

The  vessel  was  unhappily  becalmed  some  days  in  the  Bay 
of  Biscay ;  and  the  weather  proved  so  intensely  hot,  that 
his  colliquative  sweats  returned,  attended  with  such  faint- 
ness  as  threatened  his  speedy  dissolution.  But  Providence 
yet  lengthened  out  the  feeble  thread  of  life.  When  the 
vessel  came  to  the  desired  haven,  and  was  waiting  for  the 
usual  ceremonies  before  it  could  enter,  the  fineness  of  the 
day,  the  softness  of  the  air,  and  the  delightful  prospects 
that  surrounded  him,  gave  him  a  fresh  flow  of  strength  and 
spirits.  He  went  on  deck,  and  staid  about  two  hours, 
which  afforded  him  such  sensible  refreshment  as  raised  a 
flattering  hope  of  his  recovery. 

He  landed  at  Lisbon  on  Lord's  day,  October  13th.  The 
next  day  he  wrote  to  his  assistant  at  Northampton,  and  gave 
him  a  short  account  of  his  voyage,  the  magnificent  appear- 
ance of  Lisbon  from  the  sea,  and  what  lie  observed  in 
passing  through  it;  which  showed  the  composure  and 
cheerfulness  of  his  mind  :  and,  after  mentioning  his  great 
weakness  and  danger,  he  adds  :  "  Nevertheless,  I  bless  God, 
the  most  undisturbed  serenity  continues  in  my  mind,  and 
my  strength  holds  proportion  to  my  day.  I  still  hope  and 
trust  in  God,  and  joyfully  acquiesce  in  all  he  may  do  with 
me.  When  you  see  my  dear  friends  of  the  congregation, 
inform  them  of  my  circumstances,  and  assure  them  that  I 
cheerfully  submit  myself  to  God.  If  I  desire  life  may  be 
restored,  it  is  chiefly  that  it  may  be  employed  in  serving 
Christ  among  them ;  and  that  I  ani  enabled  by  faith  to 
look  u  pon  death  as  an  enemy  that  slia/l  he  destroyed ;  and 
can  cheerfully  leave  my  dear  Mrs.  Doddridge  a  widow  in 
this  strange  land,  if  such  be  the  appointment  of  our 
heavenly  Father.  I  hope  I  have  done  my  duty,  and  the 
Lord  do  as  seemeth  good  in  his  sight." 

At  Lisbon  he  was  kindly  received  and  entertained  at  the 
house  of  Mr.  David  King,  an  English  merchant.  His 
mother  was  one  of  the  Doctor's  congregation  at  North- 
ampton ;  and  he  iiad  now  an  opportunity,  which  he  little 
expected,  but  cheerfully  embraced,  of  repaying  the  many 
services  which  the  Doctor  had  done  for  his  relations  at 
Northampton.  In  this  worthy  family  he  found  the  most 
cordial  friendship,  and  every  desirable  accommodation  to 
alleviate  his  disorder.  Here  he  met  with  Dr.  Watts's 
Treatise  on  "  The  Happiness  of  separate  Spirits  ;"  and  told 
his  wife,  with  the  greatest  joy,  tliat  he  had  unexpectedly 
found  tliat  blessed  book  ;  ani  in  reading  that  book,  Dr. 
Watts's  Hymns,  and  especially  the  sacred  volume,  he  used 
to  employ  himself  as  much  as  his  strength  would  admit. 
Still  his  mind  enjoyed  a  delightful  calm,  full  of  joy  and 
thankfulness,  which  was  often  expressed  by  his  words,  and 
always  by  his  looks.  Here  he  found  a  family  related  to 
Mrs.  Doddridge,  and  other  kind  friends,  who  having  heard 
of  his  character,  and  received  letters  of  recommendation, 
sent,  unknown  to  him,  by  his  friends  in  England,  showed 
him  all  the  civility  in  their  power,  and  seemed  to  strive 
who  should  discover  the  most  assiduous  and  tender  regard. 
Their  company  gave  him  pleastire,  though  mingled  witli 
this  painful  circumstance,  that  he  could  not  converse  with 
them  as  he  would  have  done.  The  Reverend  Mr.  Wil- 
liamson, then  chaplain  to  the  British  factory  there,  often 
visited  him  with  the  temper  and  behaviour  of  the  gentle- 
man, the  christian,  and  the  minister.  About  a  week  after 
his  arrival,  on  Monday,  October  21st,  he  was  removed  into 
the  country,  a  few  miles  from  Lisbon,  by  tlie  advice  of  his 
phvsician,  Dr.  Cantley,  who  generously  attended  him,  and 
refused  the  usual  fees. 

Tlie  rainy  season,  which  in  that  climate  usually  sets 
in  about  the  end  of  October,  coming  on  with  uncommon 
violence,  cut  off"  every  hope  his  friends  had  entertained 
from  air  and  exercise ;  and,  by  the  manner  in  which  it 
affected  him,  seemed  the  appointed  instrument  of  Pro- 
vidence to  cut  short  his  few  remaining  days.  On  Thursday, 
October  24th,  a  colliquative  diarrhoea  seized  him,  and  soon 
exhausted  his  little  strength.    This  night,  which  seemed 


HIS  LAST  SICKNESS  AND  DEATH. 


lix 


the  last  of  rational  life,  his  mind  continued  in  the  same 
vigour,  calmness,  and  joy,  which  it  had  felt  and  expressed 
during  his  whole  illness.  Mrs.  Doddridge  still  attended 
him ;  and  he  said  to  her,  that  he  had  been  making  it  his 
humble  and  earnest  request,  that  God  would  support  and 
comfort  her; — that  it  had  been  his  desire,  if  it  were  the 
Divine  will,  to  stay  a  little  longer  upon  earth  to  promote 
the  honour  and  interest  of  his  beloved  Lord  and  Master ; 
but  now  the  only  pain  he  felt  in  the  thought  of  dying  was, 
his  fear  of  that  distress  and  grief  which  would  come  upon 
her  in  case  of  his  removal.  After  a  short  pause  he  added  : 
"  But  I  am  sure  my  heavenly  Father  will  be  with  you. — 
It  is  a  joy  to  me  to  think  how  many  friends  and  comforts 
you  are  returning  to.  So  sure  am  I  that  God  will  be  with 
you  and  comfort  you,  that  I  think  my  death  will  be  a 
greater  blessing  to  you  than  ever  my  life  hath  been."  He 
desired  her  to  remember  him  in  the  most  affectionate  man- 
ner to  his  dear  children,  his  flock,  and  all  his  friends  ;  and 
tell  them  of  the  gratitude  his  heart  felt,  and  the  blessings 
lie  wished  for  them  all,  on  account  of  their  kindness  and 
goodness  to  him  ;  nor  was  the  family  where  he  lodged,  nor 
even  his  own  servant,  forgotten  in  these  expressions  of  his 
pious  benevolence.  Many  devout  sentiments  and  aspira- 
tions he  uttered  ;  but  her  heart  was  too  much  affected  with 
his  approaching  change  to  be  able  to  recollect  them.  After 
lying  still  some  time,  and  being  supposed  asleep,  he  told  her 
he  had  been  renewing  his  covenant  engagements  with  God  ; 
and  though  he  had  not  felt  all  that  delight  and  joy  which  he 
had  so  often  done,  yet  he  was  sure  the  Lord  was  his  God, 
and  he  had  a  cheerful  well-grounded  hope,  through  the 
Redeemer,  of  being  received  to  his  everlasting  mercy. 

He  lay  in  a  gentle  dose  the  following  day,  and  continued 
so  till  about  an  hour  before  he  died.  When  in  his  last 
struggle  he  appeared  restless,  fetched  several  deep  sighs, 
and  quickly  after  obtained  his  release  from  the  burden  of 
the  flesh,  on  Saturday,  October  26,  1751,  O.  S.  about  three 
o'clock  in  the  morning ;  his  soul  mounting  to  that  felicity 
to  which  he  had  been  long  aspiring,  and  the  prospect  of 
which  had  given  him  such  strong  consolation  during  his 
illness  and  decay.  The  concern  and  tears  of  his  friends 
there,  and  even  their  servants,  upon  this  event,  manifested 
their  sense  of  his  worth,  and  of  the  greatness  of  the  public 
loss. It  was  a  circumstance  which  afibrded  much  satis- 
faction to  Mrs.  Doddridge,  and  her  Lisbon  friends,  that  he 
was  not  molested  in  these  last  scenes,  as  they  feared  a  person 
of  his  profession  and  character  would  have  been,  by  any 
ofiicious  and  bigoted  priests  of  the  church  of  Rome;  who, 
it  is  well  known,  are  fond  of  intruding  on  such  occasions, 
and  have  been  the  means  of  adding  to  the  distress  of  many 
protestant  families  in  Lisbon,  and  its  environs,  during  the 
sickness,  and  at  the  death,  of  their  relations.  When  his 
body  was  opened,  as  by  his  own  desire  it  was,  his  lungs 
were  found  in  so  ulcerated  a  state,  that  it  appeared  wonder- 
ful to  the  physician  that  both  speaking  and  breathing  were 
not  more  difficult  and  painful  to  him,  and  that  he  suffered 
so  little  acute  pain  to  the  last.    In  both  respects  his  friends 

*  This  is  not  on  the  monument  which  is  erected  in  the  meeting-house  at 
Northampton. 

+  What  the  state  ot  her  mind  was  is  finely  represented  in  a  letter  from 
Lisbon,  a  few  days  after  the  Doctor's  decease. 

Lisbon,  Nov.  11,  IV.  5.  1751. 

"  MY  DEAR  CHILDREN, 
How  shall  \  address  you,  under  this  awful  and  melancholy  providence  !  I 
would  fain  say  something  to  comfort  you  ;  and  I  hope  Ood  will  enable  me 
to  say  something  that  may  alleviate  your  deep  distress.  I  went  nut  in  a  firm 
dependence,  that,  if  Infinite  Wisdom  was  pleased  to  call  me  out  to  duties 
and  trials  as  yet  unknown,  he  would  grant  me  those  superior  aids  of  strength 
that  would  support  and  keep  me  from  fainting  under  them;  persuaded  that 
there  was  nodistre>^s  or  sorrow  into  which  he  could  lead  me,  under  which 
his  gracious  and  allsuflficient  arm  could  not  support  me.  He  has  not  dis- 
appointed me,  nor  suffered  the  heart  and  eyes  directed  to  him  to  fail.  '  God 
all-sufficient,  and  my  only  hope,'  is  my  motto  ;  let  it  be  yours.  Such  indeed 
have  I  found  him  ;  and  such  1  verily  believe  you  will  find  him  too  in  this 
time  of  deep  d  istress. 

"  Oh,  my  dear  children,  help  me  to  praise  him!  Such  supports,  such  con- 
solations, such  comforts  has  he  granted  to  the  meanest  of  his  creatures,  that 
my  mind,  at  times,  is  held  in  perfect  astonishment,  and  is  ready  to  burst 
into  songs  of  praise,  under  its  most  exquisite  distress. 

"  As  to  outward  comforts,  God  has  withheld  no  good  things  from  me,  but 
has  given  me  all  the  assistance,  and  all  the  supports,  that  the  tenderest 
iriendship  was  capable  of  affording  me,  and  which  1  think  my  dear  North- 
ampton friends  could  not  have  exceeded.  Their  prayers  are  not  lost.  I 
doubt  not  but  1  am  reaping  the  benefit  of  them,  ana  hope  that  you  will  do 
the  same. 

"  I  ani  returned  to  good  Mr.  King's.  Be  good  to  poor  Mrs.  King.  It  is 
a  debt  ot  gratitude  I  owe  for  the  great  obligations  1  am  under  to  that  worthy 
tanidy  here.  Such  a  solicitude  ot  friendship  was  surely  hardly  ever  known 
asl  meet  with  here.  I  have  the  offers  of  friendship  more  than  I  can  employ; 
and  it  gives  a  real  concern  to  many  here  that  they  cannot  find  out  a  way' to 
serve  me.    These  are  great  honours  conferred  on  the  dear  deceased,  and 


observed  and  acknowledged  the  loving-kindness  of  God  to 
him  and  them. 

He  had  often  expressed  his  desire  of  being  buried  in  his 
meeting-place  at  Northampton,  with  his  children,  and  so 
many  of  his  people  and  friends ;  but  during  his  illness  he 
spoke  of  it  as  a  matter  quite  indifferent  to  him,  and  desired 
to  be  buried  wherever  he  should  die,  as  he  would  not 
increase  the  distress  of  his  afflicted  consort.  As  it  was 
found,  upon  inquiry,  that  removing  the  body  to  England 
would  have  been  attended  with  a  very  great  expense,  it  was 
judged  most  prudent  to  decline  it.  Accordingly  his  remains 
were  interred  in  the  burying-ground  belonging  to  the  British 
factory  at  Lisbon,  with  as  much  decency  and  respect  as 
circumstances  and  the  place  would  admit.  Most  of  the 
gentlemen  of  the  factory  attended  his  funeral,  and  did  him 
honour  at  his  death.  "On  the  following  Lord's  day,  Mr. 
Williamson,  tlieir  chaplain,  preached  a  funeral  sermon  for 
him,  from  Timothy  iv.  8.  Godliness  is  profitable  unto  all 
things,  having  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is,  and  of  that 
ivhich  is  to  come.  He  gave  him  a  high  and  honourable 
character,  founded  on  what  he  had  heard  froni  many  of  his 
worth,  and  seen  of  it  during  the  opportunities  he  had  of 
conversing  with  him.  A  handsome  monument  was  erected 
to  his  memory  in  his  meeting-place  at  Northampton,  at  the 
expense  of  the  congregation  ;  (who  also  made  a  generous 
present  to  his  widow  after  her  return ;)  and  the  following 
epitaph  was  inscribed  upon  it,  drawn  up  by  his  much- 
esteemed  friend,  Gilbert  West,  Esq.  and  L.  L.  D. 

To  the  Memory  of 
PHILIP  DODDRIDGE.  D.  D. 

Twenty -one  years  pastor  of  this  church. 

Director  of  a  Hourishing  academy. 

And  author  of  many  excellent  writings  ; 

By  which 

His  pious,  benevolent,  and  indefatigable  zeal 

To  make  men  wise,  good,  and  happy, 

Will  far  better  be  made  known, 

And  perpetuated  much  longer, 

Than  by  this  obscure  and  perishable  marble. 

The  humble  monument,  not  of  his  praise. 

But  of  their  esteem,  affection,  and  regret. 

Who  knew  him,  loved  him,  and  lament  him  ; 

And  who  are  desirous  of  recording. 

In  this  inscription. 

Their  friendly,  but  faithful,  testimony 

To  the  many  amiable  and  Christian  virtues 

Tliat  adorned  his  more  private  character  ; 

By  which,  though  dead,  he  yet  speaketh. 

And,  still  present  in  remembrance. 

Forcibly,  though  silently,  admonisheth 

His  once-beloved  and  ever-grateful  flock. 

He  was  born  June  26,  170C, 

And  died  October  26, 1751. 

Aged  50.* 

Though  Mrs.  Doddridge  returned  without  a  friend,  and 
in  these  destitute  and  melancholy  circumstances,  yet  she 
preserved  the  fortitude  and  serenity  of  her  mind ;  and  was, 
through  the  voyage,  and  upon  her  return  to  her  family, 
strengthened  and  supported  beyond  what  could  have  been 
expected.  Her  friends  could  not  but  see  and  adore  that 
kind  Providence  which  sustained  her  amidst  the  excessive 
fatigue,  anxiety,  and  distress,  which  these  scenes,  especially 
the  last,  occasioned.f    She  yet  lives,  to  bear  witness  to  the 

great  comforts  to  me.  It  is  impossible  to  say  how  much  these  mercies  are 
endeared  to  me,  as  coming  in  such  an  immediate  manner  from  the  Divine 
hand.    To  his  name  be  the  praise  and  glory  of  all  ! 

"  And  now,  my  dear  children,  what  shall  I  say  to  you  ?  Our's  is  no 
common  loss.  I  mourn  the  best  of  husbands  and  of  friends,  removed  from 
this  world  of  sin  and  sorrow  to  the  regions  of  immortal  bliss  and  light. 
What  a  glory!  What  a  mercy  is  it  that  1  am  enabled  with  my  thoughts  to 
pursue  him  there  !  You  have  lost  the  dearest  and  the  best  of  parents,  the 
guide  of  your  youth  !  and  whose  pleasure  it  would  have  been  to  have  in- 
troduced you  into  life  with  great  advantages.  Our  loss  is  great  indeed! 
But  I  really  think  the  loss  the  public  has  sustained  is  still  areater.  But 
God  can  never  want  instruments  to  carry  on  his  work.  Yet,  let  us  be 
thankful  that  God  ever  gave  us  such  a  friend  ;  that  he  has  continued  him  so 
long  with  us.  Perhaps,  if  we  had  been  to  have  judged,  we  should  have 
thought  that  we  nor  the  world  could  never  less  have  spared  him  than  at  the 
present  time.  But  I  see  the  hand  of  Heaven,  the  appointment  of  his  wise 
providence,  in  every  step  of  this  awful  dispensation.  It  is  his  hand  that  has 
put  the  bitter  cup  into  ours.  And  what  does  he  now  expect  from  us,  but  a 
meek,  humble,  entire  submission  to  his  will  ?  We  know  this  is  our  duty. 
Let  us  pray  for  those  aids  of  Ids  Spirit,  which  can  only  enable  us  to  attain 
it.  A  father  of  the  fatherless  is  God  in  his  holy  habitation.  As  such  may 
your  eyes  be  directed  to  him!  He  will  support  you.  He  will  comfort  you. 
And  that  he  may,  is  not  only  my  daily  but  hourly  prayer. 

"  We  have  never  deserved  so  great  a  good  as  that  we  have  lost.  And  let 
us  remember,  that  the  best  respect  we  can  pay  to  his  memory,  is  to  endea- 
vour as  far  as  we  can  to  follow  his  example,  to  cultu-ale  those  amiahle 
qualities  that  rendered  him  so  justly  dear  to  us,  and  so  greatly  esteemed  by 
the  world.  Particularly  I  would  recommend  this  to  my  dear  P.  May  I 
have  the  ioy  to  see  him  acting  the  part  worthy  the  relation  to  so  amiable 
and  excellent  a  parent,  whose  memory  I  hope  will  ever  be  valuable  and 
sacred  to  him.  and  to  us  all !  Under  God,  may  he  he  a  comfort  to  me,  and 
a  support  to  the  family!  Much  depends  on  him.  His  loss  1  think  pecu- 
liarly great.  But  1  know  an  all-sufficient  God  can  overrule  it  as  the  means 
of  tlie  greatest  good  to  him.  ,     ,  ,  ,    ,    , 

"  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  tell  you  how  tenderly  my  heart  feels  for  you 


Ix 


THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


power,  fiiithfulness,  and  goodness  of  God,  in  carrying  her 
through  tliem  all,  and  hearing  the  many  prayers  of  her  be- 
loved companion  and  his  many  friends  for  her.  It  was  an 
addition  to  her  loss  of  him,  though  almost  sunk  in  the 
greatness  of  that,  that,  by  his  dying  abroad,  she  lost  a  con- 
siderable annuity,  which  he  had  provided  for  her  in  case  of 
widowhood ;  and  to  which  she  would  otherwise  have  been 
entitled.  It  was  happy  that  he  never  knew  this  would  be  the 
consequence,  or  it  would  have  increased  his  embarrassment. 
Upon  her  return  a  subscription  was  opened  for  her,  chiefly 
in  London,  and  in  a  great  measure  conducted  by  that 
generous  friend,  mentioned  above  as  managing  the  Doctor's 
temporal  concerns,  and  who  hath  since  distinguished  him- 
self by  all  the  offices  of  the  wisest  and  most  aflPectionate 
friendship  for  his  family.  This  subscription  met  with  all 
desirable  encouragement,  and  the  whole  amounted  to  a  sum 
which  more  than  indemnified  her  for  the  loss  of  her  annuity. 
Besides  this,  she  received  several  other  handsome  presents, 
sent  as  subscriptions  to  the  Family  Expositor  from  persons 
of  rank,  both  among  the  clergy  and  laity  of  the  establish- 
ment. The  generous  and  obliging  manner  in  which  this 
whole  affair  was  managed,  the  great  honour  which  it  re- 
flected on  the  Doctor's  memory,  as  well  as  so  signal  an 
interposition  of  Providence  for  the  better  support  of  his 
family,  could  not  fail  of  giving  her  the  most  sensible  plea- 
sure and  comfort  under  her  affliction ;  and  it  is  never 
recollected  by  her  but  with  sentiments  of  the  warmest 
gratitude.  Nor  can  I  satisfy  myself  to  conceal  the  kind- 
ness of  his  brethren  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Northampton, 
and  those  of  his  pupils  who  had  entered  upon  the  ministry, 
who  supplied  his  congregation,  during  his  absence,  and  for 
half  a  year  after  his  death,  that  the  salary  might  be  con- 
tinued to  his  family  for  that  time.* 

His  pupils  remained  together  until  the  next  vacation, 
when  tiie  academy  was  removed  to  Daventry,  near  Nortli- 
ampton,  wliere  it  still  continues  f  in  a  very  flourisliing; 
state,  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  INIr.  Caleb  Ashworth, 
whom  the  Doctor  had  in  his  will  expressly  recommended 
as  a  proper  person  to  succeed  him  in  the  care  of  it,  and  (as 
he  there  expressed  it)  "  perpetuate  those  schemes  which  I 
had  formed  for  the  public  service,  the  success  of  which  is 
far  dearer  to  me  than  my  life."  His  worthy  successor  hath 
been  instrumental  in  training  up  many  young  ministers, 
who  have  done  honour  to  their  tutor,  and  proved  very  ac- 
ceptable and  useful  to  the  congregations  over  which  they 
have  been  called  to  preside. 

Soon  after  the  Doctor's  death,  a  poem  to  his  memory  was 

all !  How  much  I  long  to  be  with  you,  to  comfort  vou  and  assist  you.  In- 
deed, you  are  tlie  only  inducements  I  now  have  left  to  wish  tor  life,  that  I 
may  (fo  what  little  is  in  my  power  to  form  and  t'liide  your  tender  years. 
For  this  purpose  I  take  all  possible  care  of  my  health.  1  eat,  sleep,  and 
converse  at  times,  with  a  tolerable  degree  of  cheerfulness.  You,  my  <lears, 
as  the  best  return  you  can  make  me,  will  do  the  same,  that  I  may  not  have 
sorrow  upon  sorrow.  The  many  kind  friends  you  have  arouml  you,  I  am 
sure,  will  not  be  wantins  in  "iving  you  all  the  assistance  and  comfort  that 
is  in  their  power.    My  kindest  salutations  attend  them  all. 

"  I  hope  to  leave  this  place  in  about  fourteen  or  twenty  days.  But  the 
soonest  1  can  reach  Northampton  will  not  be  in  less  than  six  weeks  or  two 
months'  time.  May  God  be  with  you,  and  give  us,  though  a  mournful,  yet 
a  comforlahle,  meeting!  For  your  sakes  1  trust  my  life  will  be  spared. 
And,  1  bless  (lod,  my  mind  is  under  no  painful  anxiety  as  to  the  difficulties 
and  dangers  of  the  voyage. 

"  'J'he  winils  and  the  waves  are  in  his  hands,  to  whom  T  resign  myself, 
and  all  that  is  dearest  to  me.  I  know  I  shall  have  your  prayers,  and  those 
of  my  dearest  friends  with  you. 

"  farewell,  my  dearest  children !  I  am  your  afflicted,  but  most  sincere 
friend,  and  ever-atfectionate  mother, 

"M.  DODDRIDGE." 

•  Dr.  Doddridge's  funeral  sermon  was  preached  by  Mr.  Orton,  who  was 
in  every  view  the  properest  person  for  that  service.  On  what  day  it  was  de- 
livered does  not  appear  from  the  copy  now  lying  before  me.  The  text  was 
1  Cor.  XV.  54.  and  the  words,  "  Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory."  In  a 
short  time  the  discourse  was  published,  and  had  an  extensive  circulation, 


published  by  one  of  his  pupils,^  which  met  with  good  ac- 
ceptance in  the  world.  I  have  his  consent  to  republish  it 
at  the  close  of  this  work,  and  I  hope  it  will  be  esteemed  an 
agreeable  part  of  it. 

Dr.  Doddridge  was  rather  above  the  middle  stature,  ex- 
tremely thin  and  slender ;  and  there  appeared  a  remarkable 
sprightliness  and  vivacity  in  his  countenance  and  manner, 
when  engaged  in  conversation,  as  well  as  in  the  pulpit, 
which  commanded  a  general  attention.§ — He  left  four  chil- 
dren :  a  son,  who  is  an  attorney  at  law ;  and  ttiree  daugh- 
ters ;  the  eldest  married  to  Mr.  Humphreys,  an  attorney  in 
Tewkesbury,  Gloucestershire  ;  the  others  single.  And  may 
they  inherit  all  their  father's  virtues,  and  the  many  blessings 
which  he  besought  for  them!|| 

Thus  have  I  endeavoured,  in  the  best  manner  I  was  able, 
to  give  the  public  an  account  of  those  circumstances  in  Dr. 
Doddridge's  life,  temper,  and  character,  which  appeared  to 
me  most  important  and  instructive.^  I  have,  in  the  preface 
to  this  work,  anticipated  some  things,  which  might  properly 
have  been  added  as  the  conclusion  of  the  whole.  I  shall 
therefore  content  myself  with  expressing  my  cheerful  hope 
that  my  readers  are  deeply  sensible  how  excellent  and 
honourable  such  a  life  as  the  Doctor  led  must  be  in  itself; 
and  what  constant  satisfaction  and  pleasure  he  must  have 
enjoyed  from  such  a  course  of  uniform  active  services  for 
the  honour  of  his  Lord  and  the  interest  of  religion,  and  from 
the  success  which  attended  them ;  especially  from  the 
prospect  of  that  glorious  reward  which  was  laid  up  for  him 
in  heaven;  and  I  hope  they  ^vill  be  excited  and  animated 
by  this  conviction  to  emulate  his  excellences  and  follow 
his  steps,  as  far  as  their  respective  abilities,  stations,  and 
circumstances  in  life,  will  admit.  I  most  heartily  wish 
them  this  felicity :  and  I  doubt  not  but,  if  they  already 
possess  it,  or  are  aspiring  to  it,  they  will  join  with  me  in 
entreating  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  to  send  forth  more  such 
faithful  labourers  into  his  harvest,  and  to  pour  out  more  of 
the  same  spirit  on  those  who  are  already  employed  in  it.  It 
comforteth  me,  upon  a  review  of  this  work,  that  I  have, 
through  the  whole  of  it,  sincerely  consulted  the  glory  of 
God,  the  advancement  of  real  religion,  and  the  best  in- 
terests of  my  fellow-christians,  especially  my  brethren  in 
the  ministry  ;  and  that  "  it  is  the  happiness  of  great  wisdom 
and  goodness  (I  had  almost  said  it  is  a  part  of  its  reward) 
to  be  entertained  and  edified  by  the  writings  of  those  who 
are  much  its  inferiors,  and  most  readily  to  exercise  an  in- 
dulgence which  itself  least  needs." 


under  the  title  of  "  The  Christian's  Triumph  over  Death."  It  has  since 
been  annexed  to  the  three  volumes  ot  the  Doctor's  Sermons  and  Ueligious 
J'racts.  Mr.  Orton  did  not  enter  largely  into  the  character  of  his  reverend 
and  beloved  friend,  having  then  probably  formed  the  design  of  writing  his 
life.— K. 

+  It  was  again  removed  to  Northampton,  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  .John 
Horsey,  and  is  now  at  Wymond  ley,  under  the  superintendence  of  the  Itev. 
Mr.  Parry.— Ed.  Nov.  10th,  180K. 

t  The  author  was  Mr.  Henry  Moore,  who  afterwards  settled  in  Devon- 
shire, of  which  county  he  is  a  native,  and  who  is  now  a  dissenting  minister 
at  T.eskard  in  Cornwall.  By  his  friends  he  is  known  not  only  to  be  an  in- 
genious poet,  but  a  sound  scholar, especially  in  Biblical  criticism. — K. 

6  Ilis  deportment  in  company  was  strikingly  polite,  affable,  and  agree- 
able; and  in  conversation  he  greatly  excelled,  his  discourse  being  at  once 
irislriictive  and   entertaining,   and  not  unfrequently  rising  to  the   splen- 

II  It  was  a  happy  circumstance,  that,  at  the  time  of  Dr.  Doddridge's  ill- 
ness and  decease,  he  had  for  liis  assistant  in  tlie  academy  Mr.  Samuel  Clark, 
the  son  of  his  friend.  Dr.  Clark.  In  this  gentleman  were  united  wisdom, 
knowledge,  and  an  uncommon  equanimity  and  steadiness  of  temper.  In- 
deed, though  very  young,  he  was  well  qualified  to  have  been  chosen  to  suc- 
ceed Dr.  Doddridge  in  the  office  of  principal  tutor;  but  this  his  modesty 
would  not  have  permitted  ;  and,  upon  the  whole,  it  was  undoubtedly  pro- 
per that  a  man  ot  more  advanced  life  should  be  appointed. — K. 

If  Upon  tlie  whole.  Dr.  Doddridge  was  not  only  a  great  man,  but  one  of 
the  most  excellent  and  useful  christians  and  christian  ministers  that  ever 
existed. — K, 


A    P  O  E  M 


MEMORY  OF  THE  LATE  REV.  P.  DODDRIDGE,  D.  D. 


LONG  have  the  Muses  seen  their  sacred  lays 

Debas'd,  and  mourn 'd  their  prostituted  praise  : 

While  servile  bards  profane  their  heav'nly  flame, 

To  frive  Ambition's  fools  and  madmen  fame — 

Wlnle  round  the  tyrant's  brows,  in  gore  embru'd. 

Their  weeping  laurels  blush  with  orphans'  blood — 

Neglected  Virtue's  humble  hero  dies, 

(The  friend  of  man,  the  fav'rite  of  the  skies,) 

With  not  a  bard  the  fatal  blow  to  mourn, 

And  not  a  bay  to  shade  his  hallo w'd  urn. 

O  !  would  their  raptur'd  sons  exalt  their  art, 

To  touch,  in  virtue's  cause,  the  gen'rous  heart, 

And  pay  to  worth  their  tributary  praise, 

Doddridge,  thy  name  should  grace  their  noblest  lays ! 

For  thee  would  warble  ev'ry  verse  divine ; 

And  ev'ry  voice,  and  ev'ry  lyre,  be  thine. 

Whencomets shoot  their  wild  eccentric  fire. 
We  dread  their  progress,  and  with  pain  admire  ; 
When  lightnings  flash  along  the  livid  sky. 
Trembling  we  gaze,  and,  while  they  shine,  we  die ; 
Ev'n  such  ai'e  heroes,  by  just  Heav'n  design'd 
To  scourge  the  guilty  madness  of  mankind. 
Virtues  like  thine,  serene  as  vernal  day. 
Pour  on  the  world  a  mild  and  healing  ray  : 
They  charm,  with  modest  majesty,  the  sight ; 
Cheer  the  sad  soul  of  care,  and  beam  around  delight. 

O  !  ever  honoured,  ever  dear,  adieu  ! 
How  many  tender  names  are  lost  in  you  ! 
Friend!  father!  tutor!  in  whose  ample  mind 
All  the  ten  thousand  streams  of  science  join'd. 
If  ardent  pray'rs,  if  flowing  sorrows  shed 
In  all  the  bitterness  of  soul,  could  plead, 
Our  pray'rs,  bless'd  Doddridge,  had  revers'd  thy  doom. 
And  tears  of  thousands  wept  thee  from  the  tomb. 
How  mute  the  music  of  that  charming  tongue, 
On  which  so  oft  our  rapt  attention  hung ! 
Where's  now  the  vivid  wit,  the  pleasing  art. 
The  force  of  reason,  and  the  friendly  heart. 
Whose  temper'd  povv'rs  inform'd  the  social  feast, 
And  gave  the  mind  a  more  refin'd  repast? 
Who  to  the  temple  of  eternal  truth 
Shall  guide,  with  skilful  care,  our  wand'ring  youth ; 
O'er  darken'd  Science  shed  unclouded  day, 
And  strew  with  flow'ry  sweets  her  thorny  way  ? 
Quench 'd  is  our  prophet's  fire ; — those  lips  no  more 
Religion's  pure  and  sacred  treasures  pour, 
To  holy  raptures  wake  the  languid  frame. 
And  through  the  breast  diffuse  celestial  flame. 
No  more  o'er  guilty  minds  he  shakes  the  rod, 
Arm'd  with  the  terrors  of  his  awful  God  ; 
While,  chill'd  with  horror,  starts  the  conscious  soul. 
And  hears  appall'd  th'  avenging  thunders  roll — 
Sees  visionary  lightnings  round  her  glow. 
And  trembles  o'er  the  gulf  that  burns  below 


Angels,  that  from  their  sphery  thrones  descend. 
To  guide  the  meek,  the  friendless  to  befriend — 
To  warm,  with  holy  flames,  the  pious  breast, 
And  lull  the  cares  of  innocence  to  rest — 
Oft  saw  thee  emulate  their  gen'rous  part, 
To  turn  to  piety  the  wand'ring  heart; 
Unwearied,  stedfast,  bold  in  Virtue's  cause, 
And  by  example  best  enforce  her  laws ; 
Ardent  to  succour  want,  console  distress — 
Thy  wisli,  thy  labour,  thy  delight,  to  bless ; 
And  from  their  stations  look'd  with  pleasure  down 
On  worth  allied  so  nearly  to  their  own. 

Her  bays  each  science  scatters  on  thy  bier ; 
Each  social  virtue  drops  the  friendly  tear  : 
Beneath  a  mould'ring  temple's  awful  shade. 
Among  the  solemn  nodding  ruins  laid, 
Religion  weeps;  her  bosom,  swell'd  with  care, 
Heaves  the  sad  sigh,  half  yielding  to  despair: 
But  cheerful  Faith  sustains  her  drooping  head, 
And  whispers  comfort  to  the  fainting  maid. 
But,  ah  !  what  power  of  language  can  express 
Thy  widow'd  consort's  woe  ?  What  keen  distress 
Tore  all  her  heart-strings,  when  thy  trembling  sight 
Snatch'd  a  fond  farewell  glance,  and  clos'd  in  night? 
When  the  felt  pulse,  that  at  her  touch  before 
Beat  with  a  fuller  tide,  now  throbb'd  no  more  ? 
In  foreign  lands,  abandon'd,  and  alone. 
She  heard  a  darling  husband's  parting  groan. 
No  children  there  receiv'd  his  last  command, 
Wept  round  the  couch,  and  kiss'd  his  dying  hand  : 
No  sad  domestic  bore  the  sable  bier ; 
No  mournful  pupil  pour'd  the  tender  tear : 
No  soothing  friend  to  minister  relief. 
And,  by  dividing,  mitigate  her  grief. 
She  solitary  brooded  o'er  her  care. 
Her  only  refuge  plac'd  in  heav'n  and  prayer: 
And  when,  her  native  country  to  regain. 
She  measur'd  back  the  wide-extended  main. 
As  the  fleet  vessel  flew  before  the  wind. 
How  many  a  melting  look  she  turn'd  behind  ! 
How,  till  in  undistinguish'd  vapour  lost. 
Caught  each  faint  glimpse  of  the  receding  coast! 
Where  now,  for  ever  from  her  eyes  remov'd, 
Lie  the  blest  relics  of  the  man  she  lov'd. 
That  dear  sad  sight  she  never  more  must  view, 
Her  longing  eyes  have  look'd  their  last  adieu  : 
That  dear  sad  sight  she  wishes  now  in  vain. 
While  ocean  rolls  unnumber'd  waves  between. 

Yet  curb  the  fond  excesses  of  thy  grief. 
And  in  religion  seek  a  sure  relief. 
Heav'n,  gracious  still,  our  real  bliss  befriends. 
Is  kind  alike  in  v^hat  he  takes  or  lends; 
To  him,  indulgent,  snatch'd  the  saint  on  high, 
Approv'd  matiire  for  glory  and  the  sky ; 


Ixti 


A  POEM  TO  THE  MEMORY  OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE. 


To  thee,  indulgent,  gave  to  taste  of  woe, 
And  copious  bid  the  streams  of  sorrow  flow, 
To  make  the  gen'rous  seeds  of  Virtue  shoot, 
And  feed  and  ripen  her  immortal  fruit. 
Tlius,  rushing  down  the  skies,  tlie  kindly  rains 
Give  beauty  to  the  groves,  and  plenty  to  the  plains. 

Death  (not  to  him  a  messenger  of  woe) 
Shook  his  grim  horrors  from  his  gloomy  brow; 
And,  through  his  mournful  vales  and  caves  of  night, 
Attendant  Faith  diffus'd  a  heav'nly  light ; 
She  bid  in  vision  to  his  ravish'd  eyes 
A  tliousand  shining  scenes  of  glory  rise — 
The  flaming  guards,  refulgent  from  afar; 
Tlie  fiery  coursers,  and  the  golden  car. 
Think  that  you  see  the  radiant  prophet  soar 
To  tiiose  bless'd  regions  where  he  sighs  no  more  ; 
Where,  led  in  triumph  to  the  star-crown'd  throne, 
Religion,  smiling,  hails  her  fav'rite  son, 
Bids  the  victorious  garland  grace  his  brows. 
While  heav'n  re-echoes  round  the  loud  applause. 
Then  stop  the  tear,  nor  sorrow  for  the  blest. 
But  with  his  fair  example  fire  thy  breast : 


His  worth  still  lives ;  that  living  worth  regard, 
And  with  like  virtue  seek  the  same  reward. 

Thrice  happy  spirit !  while  you  praise  above 
A  smiling  God,  and  sing  a  Saviour's  love ; 
Before  the  throne  with  bending  chembs  stand. 
Or  burn  a  seraph  'midst  the  flame-rob'd  band ; 
( )r  the  great  Parent  tracing  through  the  sky 
From  world  to  world,  from  sphere  to  sphere  you  fly. 
And,  with  exalted  thoughts,  and  pow'rs  refin'd, 
Swell  the  w  ide  circuit  of  th'  expanding  mind  ; 
O  !  if  still  conscious  of  our  bliss  or  woe, 
You  look  with  kind  regard  on  aught  below, 
Be  thou  my  genius !  Thy  propitious  aid 
Spread,  guardian  angel !  round  my  favour'd  head. 
May  the  great  purpose,  may  the  glow  divine. 
That  warm'd  thy  bosom,  now  inspirit  mine  ! 
To  imitate  my  God,  to  bless  mankind. 
The  sweet  and  sov'reign  passion  of  my  mind  ! 
Be  such  thy  praise  !  Be  such  my  glorious  aim  ! 
'Till  my  soul,  kindled  at  so  fair  a  iflame. 
And,  wing'd  for  bliss  and  heav'n,  like  thine  shall  rise, 
To  join  her.  kindred  angels  in  the  skies. 


TO 


HER   ROYAL   HIGHNESS 


THE   PRINCESS    OF   WALES. 


MADAM, 

I  MOST  thankfully  acknowledge  the  condescension  of  your  Royal  Highness  in  allowing  me  the  honour  of 
laying  this  work  at  your  feet,  and  committing  it  to  so  august  a  protection  ;  and  humbly  beg  your  favour- 
able acceptance  of  it,  as  a  most  sincere  though  inconsiderable  expression  of  the  profoundest  duty,  and  most 
cordial  esteem. 

Could  I  lay  open  to  your  Royal  Highness  all  the  secret  sentiments  of  my  heart,  you  would  read  there  the 
most  affectionate  sense  of  that  gracious  Providence  M'hich  conducted  you  hither,  to  instruct  and  adorn 
Great  Britain  by  so  amiable  an  example,  as  well  as  to  bless  it  with  a  race  of  princes  descended  from  the 
illustrious  houses  of  Brunswick  and  Saxe-Gotha  in  so  happy  an  union  !  Joyfully  have  I,  long  since,  taken 
my  part  with  thousands  in  congratulating  my  country  and  your  Royal  Highness  on  this  occasion,  and 
acknowledging  that  wise  and  paternal  care  his  Majesty  hath  therein  expressed  for  the  happiness  of  suc- 
ceeding generations :  but  permit  me,  Madam,  freely  to  add,  that  with  regard  to  yourself,  I  rejoice  not  so 
much  in  this  accession  to  your  grandeur,  as  in  the  persuasion  I  have,  that  you  are  possessed  of  a  mind  so 
superior  to  it,  as  to  render  it  in  all  its  remotest  consequences,  what  greatness  is  not  always  to  its  possessors, 
safe,  honourable,  and  advantageous.  Universal  report  leaves  me  no  room  to  doubt,  that,  even  in  this 
blooming  age,  you  are  tenderly  sensible  of  the  shining  dangers  inseparable  from  so  high  a  rank  ;  and  that 
it  appears  to  your  princely  wisdom  chiefly  desirable,  on  account  of  those  distinguished  advantages  which 
it  may  give,  of  approving  yourself  the  faithful  servant  of  God,  and  the  generous  friend  of  the  public. 

Among  the  principal  of  these  advantages,  your  Royal  Highness  will  undoubtedly  number  the  opportunity 
which  this  exalted  station  of  life  affords  you,  of  forming  to  early  sentiments  of  religion  and  virtue  the 
opening  minds  of  your  royal  offspring  ;  those  dear  pledges  of  the  liberty  and  happiness  of  ages  yet  to  come, 
on  whose  temper  and  character  so  much  of  public  glory  to  our  nation,  so  much  of  private  felicity  to  yet 
unformed  families,  will  depend.  We  adore  the  great  Disposer  of  all  events,  who  hath  lodged  this  import- 
ant trust  in  so  wise  and  so  pious  a  hand  ;  and  it  must  argue  a  very  irreligious  or  a  very  careless  temper, 
if  any  neglect  earnestly  to  pray,  that  He  who  hath  so  graciously  assigned  it  to  you,  may  direct  and  prosper 
you  in  it.  While  you.  Madam,  during  the  tender  years  which  most  naturally  fall  under  the  care  of  a 
mother,  are  endeavouring  to  bless  these  lovely  infants  with  an  education  like  that  which  you  received  from 
the  excellent  princes  your  parents,  may  your  Royal  Highness,  in  a  success  like  theirs,  receive  the  joys  you 
have  given  !  May  they  arise  and  shine  on  the  whole  Protestant  world,  in  the  lustre  of  every  royal  virtue 
and  every  christian  grace,  which  can  render  them  d^ar  to  God  and  to  their  country,  and,  to  say  all  in  a 
word,  worthy  their  relation  to  the  Prince  and  Princess  of  Wales,  and  to  all  the  glorious  line  of  remoter 
ancestors  from  which  they  spring! 

I  should  esteem  it  one  of  the  greatest  blessings  of  my  life,  and  should  be  able  to  relish  the  thought  in 
the  nearest  views  of  death  itself,  if  this  humble  present,  which  I  here  offer  to  your  Royal  Highness,  might 
give  you  any  assistance  in  these  pious  cares.  If  the  kings  of  Israel  were  required  not  only  to  read  the  law 
of  Moses  all  the  days  of  their  lives,  but  to  write  out  a  copy  of  it  with  their  own  hand  ;  it  may  reasonably 
be  expected,  that  christian  princes  should  make  the  far  more  glorious  gospel  of  the  Son  of  God  their  daily 
study,  that  it  may  be  their  constant  guide.     And  I  persuade  myself,  Madam,  that  none  of  the  fashionable 


ii  DEDICATION. 

amusements  of  the  age  will  seem  to  you  in  any  degree  comparable  to  that  rational  and  elevated  pleasure, 
which  you  will  find  in  pointing  out  to  your  happy  charge,  as  they  grow  capable  of  such  instructions,  the 
resplendent  example  of  Jesus,  the  Prince  of  heaven,  and  the  King  of  glory ;  in  tracing  the  marvellous  and 
edifying  circumstances  of  his  life,  as  here  described  ;  and  urging  their  humble  and  dutiful  regards  to  that 
Divine  yet  condescending  Redeemer,  to  whom  your  Royal  Highness,  with  all  those  amiable  virtues  which 
render  you  the  delight  and  boast  of  our  nation,  will  thankfully  ascribe  your  own  hopes  of  being  finally 
accepted  by  God,  and  sharing  the  joys  of  his  eternal  presence. 

These  hopes.  Madam,  are  the  grand  supports  of  the  human  mind,  in  those  views  from  which  royalty  and 
empire  cannot  shelter  it.  An  awful  Providence,  which  we  must  all  long  lament,  did  early  write  these 
admonitions  to  your  Royal  Highness  in  the  dust  of  one  of  the  best  of  queens.  The  attention  with  which 
her  late  Majesty  studied  the  sacred  oracles  and  the  evidences  of  our  holy  religion,  for  which,  even  in  her 
departing  moments,  she  expressed  so  firm  a  regard,  will,  I  hope,  never  be  forgotten  by  any  allied  to  her,  or 
descended  from  her.  Nor  am  I  able,  in  all  the  overflowings  of  the  most  aflFectionate  gratitude  and  duty 
which  I  now  feel,  to  form  a  more  important  wish,  for  that  condescending  Patroness  to  whom  I  am  address- 
ing, than  (to  borrow  the  words  of  the  Hebrew  monarch)  that  the  testimonies  of  God  may  be  her  "  delight 
and  her  counsellors  !"  And  I  trust.  Madam,  that  they  are  so ;  I  trust,  tliat  conscious  of  a  heart  devoted  to 
God,  and  supported  by  a  well-grounded  confidence  in  his  favour,  you  are  fixing  your  eyes  on  a  celestial 
diadem,  which  shall  sparkle  with  immortal  glories,  when  the  kingdoms  of  this  earth  shall  be  known  no 
more,  and  all  its  pageantry  shall  be  passed  away  like  a  dream.  May  you  at  length,  in  a  very  distant 
moment,  have  a  happy  accession  to  that  never-fading  crown ;  and,  after  having  long  adorned  the  highest 
stations  here  with  that  amiable  Prince,  whose  constant  and  endearing  friendship  is  so  much  more  to  your 
Royal  Highness  than  all  the  grandeur  which  can  result  from  your  relation  to  him,  may  you  be  both  exalted 
to  the  superior  glories  of  the  heavenly  kingdom  ! 

I  hope  your  Royal  Highness  will  please  to  pardon  me,  that  I  have  expressed  myself  with  so  much  warmth 
and  freedom,  in  a  presence  I  so  highly  revere  :  but  I  should  be  most  unworthy  of  the  name  and  honour  of  a 
christian  minister,  if  I  were  ever  ashamed  of  sentiments  like  these  ;  and  the  assiduity  with  which  I  have 
lately  been  sitting  at  the  feet  of  my  Divine  Master,  while  commenting  on  these  authentic  memoirs  of  his  life 
and  history,  hath  inspired  me  with  a  veneration  and  ardour  which  it  is  not  easy  to  repress.  I  am  sensible, 
Madam,  these  are  unfashionable  strains  on  such  an  occasion  ;  and  it  would  have  been  easy  to  have  filled 
many  more  pages  than  these  with  panegyric,  on  what  I  have  read  of  your  illustrious  ancestors,  and  what  I 
have  heard  from  multitudes,  of  the  charms  of  your  Royal  Highness's  person  and  character :  but  I  imagined 
that  such  hints  as  these  were  more  suitable  to  that  plainness  and  simplicity  which  at  all  times  become  a 
servant  of  Christ ;  and  I  flatter  myself,  that  to  a  person  of  your  Royal  Highness's  penetration,  they  will  not 
seem  less  expressive  of  that  undissembled  esteem,  and  affectionate  zeal,  with  which  I  am, 

MADAM, 

Your  Royal  Highness's 

Most  faithful,  most  dutiful. 

And  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

PHILIP  DODDRIDGE. 


PREFACE 


TO   THE   FIRST   VOLUME   OF   THE   ORIGINAL   EDITION, 


CONTAINING  THE 


FORMER  PART  OF  THE  HISTORY  OF  CHRIST. 


I  HAVE  long  been  convinced,  that  if  any  thing  can  stop  that 
progress  of  infidelity  and  vice,  vehich  every  wise  man  be- 
holds with  sorrow  and  fear ;  that  if  any  thing  can  allay  those 
animosities,  which  (natural  as  they  are)  have  so  long  in- 
flamed us,  and  pained  the  heart  of  every  generous  christian  ; 
in  a  word,  that  if  any  thing  can  establish  the  purity  and 
order,  the  peace  and  glory,  of  the  church,  or  spread  the 
triumphs  of  personal  and  domestic  religion  among  us,  it 
must  be  an  attentive  study  of  the  Word  of  God,  and  espe- 
cially of  the  New  Testament ;  that  best  of  books,  which,  if 
read  with  impartiality  and  seriousness,  under  the  influences 
of  that  blessed  Spirit  by  whom  it  was  inspired,  would  have 
the  noblest  tendency  to  enlighten  and  adorn  the  mind,  and 
not  only  to  touch,  but  to  animate  and  transform,  the  heart. 

The  station  of  life  in  which  Divine  Providence  has  placed 
me,  rendered  it  peculiarly  necessary  for  me  to  make  these 
sacred  oracles  my  principal  study ;  and  having,  to  my  un- 
speakable delight  and  advantage,  felt  much  of  their  energy, 
I  long  since  determined,  that  it  should  be  the  main  business 
of  my  life  as  an  author  to  illustrate  them,  and  to  lead  my 
fellow-christians  into  a  due  regard  for  them,  by  endeavour- 
ing, in  as  plain  and  popular  a  manner  as  I  could,  to  display 
their  beauty,  their  spirit,  and  their  use :  and  I  thankfully 
acknowledge  the  goodness  of  God  to  me,  in  giving  me  health 
and  spirits  to  finish  so  considerable  a  part  of  my  design, 
though  I  have  so  much  other  business  daily  on  my  hands, 
and  have  been  obliged  to  execute  this  in  a  much  more  la- 
borious manner  than  I  at  first  apprehended  would  have 
been  requisite. 

Tlie  title  I  have  given  to  the  work  sufficiently  explains  its 
original  design,  which  was  chiefly  to  promote  family  religion, 
and  to  render  the  reading  of  the  New  Testament  more  pleasant 
and  improving  to  those  that  wanted  the  benefit  of  a  learned 
education,  and  had  not  opportunity  or  inclination  to  consult 
a  variety  of  commentators.  And  I  thought  it  proper  still  to 
retain  the  title  of  The  Family  Expositor,  even  when  I  had 
made  some  alteration  in  the  plan ;  because  that  is  still  the 
leading  view  of  the  greater  part  of  the  work.  In  pursuit  of 
this,  I  have  given  a  large  Paraphrase  on  the  sacred  text, 
well  knowing  that  this  is  the  most  agreeable  and  useful 
manner  of  explaining  it  to  common  readers,  who  hardly 
know  how  to  manage  annotations,  especially  when  they  are 
to  be  read  to  others.  The  chief  objection  against  this  way 
is,  that  when  a  whole  verse,  and  much  more  when  several 
verses  are  taken  together,  (as  they  fi'equently  are,)  it  requires 
a  great  attention,  and  in  some  places  considerable  penetra- 
tion, to  trace  the  exact  correspondence  between  the  respec- 
tive clauses  of  the  text  and  the  paraphrase.  There  are  some 
performances  of  this  kind  in  our  own  language,  as  well  as 
in  others,  in  which  such  liberties  are  taken,  that  I  freely 
confess  that,  were  it  not  for  the  initial  references,  or  oppo- 
site column,  I  should  not  be  able  to  guess  fi-om  the  para- 
phrase itself  what  the  scripture  was  which  it  pretended  to 
explain.  This  must  undoubtedly  give  the  greatest  advan- 
tage for  disguise  and  misrepresentation ;  and  where  those 
flosses  are  read  by  themselves  without  the  scriptures,  (which 
know  has  been  the  case  in  some  families,)  it  is  really  ex- 
changing the  prophets  and  apostles  for  modem  divines.  To 
prevent  this  intolerable  evil,  I  have  formed  my  paraphrase 
so,  that  it  is  impossible  to  read  it  without  the  text,  having 


every  where  interwoven  the  words  of  scripture  with  it,  and 
carefully  distinguished  them  fi-om  the  rest  by  the  Italic, 
character;  so  that  every  one  may  immediately  see,  not 
only  the  particular  clause  to  which  any  explication  answers, 
but  also  what  are  the  words  of  the  sacred  original,  and  what 
merely  the  sense  of  a  fallible  man,  who  is  liable,  though  in 
the  integrity  of  his  heart,  to  mislead  his  readers,  and  dares 
not  attribute  to  himself  the  singular  glory  of  having  put  off" 
every  prejudice,  even  while  he  would  deliberately  and 
knowingly  allow  none. 

I  thought  it  might  be  some  additional  improvement  of 
this  work,  and  some  entertainment  to  the  more  accurate 
reader,  to  give  the  text  in  a  new  version ;  which  I  have  ac- 
cordingly done  from  the  original,  with  all  the  care  I  could. 
There  are  so  few  places  in  which  the  general  sense  will  appear 
different  from  oiir  received  translation,  that  some  will  perhaps 
think  this  an  unnecessary  trouble  :  but  I  can  by  no  means 
repent  it,  as  it  has  given  me  an  opportunity  of  searching 
more  accurately  into  several  beauties  of  expression  which 
had  before  escaped  me,  and  of  making  some  alterations, 
which,  though  they  may  not  be  very  material  to  the  edifica- 
tion of  men's  souls,  may  yet  in  some  degree  do  a  farther 
honour  to  scripture ;  raising  some  of  those  ornaments  which 
were  before  depressed  ;  and  sufficiently  proving  that  several 
objections  urged  against  it  were  entirely  of  an  English 
growth  :  ends  which  might  yet  more  abundantly  be  answered 
by  a  new  version  of  the  Old  Testament,  which  has  suffered 
much  more  in  our  translation,  as  it  is  natural  to  suppose  it 
must. 

I  thought  it  might  also  conduce  to  the  usefulness  of  this 
Exposition  to  digest  the  history  of  the  four  Evangelists  into 
one  continued  series,  or,  in  other  words,  to  throw  it  into  the 
0}^d€r  of  an  harmony.  By  this  means,  each  story  and  dis- 
course" is  exliibitedwith  all  its  concurrent  circumstances,  as 
recorded  by  the  sacred  penmen ;  frequent  repetitions  are 
prevented ;  and  a  multitude  of  seeming  oppositions  are  so 
evidently  reconciled,  as  to  supersede  many  objections,  and 
render  the  very  mention  of  them  unnecessary.  My  reader 
will  hardly  imagine  the  pains  that  this  part  of  the  work  has 
cost  me,  both  in  examining  the  order  of  the  several  texts, 
and  collating  the  different  accounts  in  each,  in  such  a  man- 
ner, that  no  one  clause  in  any  of  the  Evangelists  might  be 
omitted,  and  yet  the  several  passages  to  be  inserted  rnight 
make  one  connected  sense,  and,  without  any  large  addition, 
stand  in  a  due  grammatical  order.  I  was  the  more  sensible 
of  this  labour,  "as  I  laid  it  down  for  a  maxim  to  myself, 
when  I  entered  on  this  work,  that  I  would  study  as  much 
as  possible  to  make  it  an  original  in  all  its  parts.  Accord- 
ingly, the  first  copy  of  it  was  drawn  up  with  hardly  any 
other  assistance  than  that  of  the  Greek  Testament,  which  I 
endeavoured  to  harmonize,  to  translate,  to  paraphrase,  and  to 
improve,  just  as  if  none  had  ever  attempted  any  thing  of 
that  nature  before  me.  Afterwards  I  was  obliged  to  com- 
pai-e  it  with  what  others  had  done  ;  and,  as  may  easily  be 
supposed,  I  found  in  many  instances  an  agreement,  and  in 
many  others  a  difference,  betwixt  them  and  myself.  Where 
we  differed,  I  endeavoured  impartially  to  examine  the  rea- 
sons on  both  sides  ;  and  where  I  have  perceived  myself  in- 
debted to  any,  for  leading  me  into  a  more  just  and  beauti- 
ful version,  explication,  or  disposition,  than  I  had  before 
B  2 


PREFACE, 


chosen,  I  have  generally,  and,  so  far  as  I  can  recollect,  uni- 
versally, acknowledged"  it ;  unless  where  the  hint  carae  from 
some  living  friend,  where  such  acknowledgment  would  not 
have  been  agreeable.  There  are,  no  doubt,  many  otlier  in- 
stances in  which  the  thoughts  that  seemed  originally  my 
own,  might  be  suggested  by  memory,  though  I  knew  not 
from  whence  they  came ;  and  a  thousand  more  are  so  ob- 
vious, that  one  would  suppose  they  must  occur  to  every  at- 
tentive reader,  who  has  any  genius  and  frimiture  for  criticism. 
To  have  multiplied  references  and  quotations  in  such  a  case, 
would  have  been,  1  think,  a  very  useless  and  burdensome 
piece  of  pedantry,  and  might  (as  I  fear  has  been  the  case 
with  Pfeiffer  and  Wolfius)  have  discouraged  the  reader  from 
consulting  any,  in  so  great  a  crowd.  I  could  not  well  brook 
the  drudgery  "of  transcribing  the  works  of  others,  and  should 
scorn  the  meanness  of  dressing  myself  up  in  borrowed 
plumes  ;  but  if  any  imagine  me  a  mere  compiler,  I  shall  not 
be  greatly  concerned  at  their  mistake,  but  say,  with  the  modest 
and  excellent  Mons.  Ilollin,  "  If  the  things  themselves  are 
good,  it  signifies  very  little  whose  they  are."* 

The  Notes  are,  at  the  desire  of  many  friends,  entirely 
added  to  my  first  scheme ;  and  when  I  saw  so  many  per- 
sons of  learning  and  rank  were  pleased  to  encourage  my 
undertaking,  I  thought  it  would  be  no  unacceptable  expres- 
sion of  my  gratitude  to  them,  to  insert  several  which  I 
should  otherwise  have  omitted.  Some  of  them  seemed 
absolutely  necessary  to  justify  the  version  and  paraphrase,  in 
what  might  seem  most  peculiar  in  it :  several  more  refer  to 
the  order,  and  give  my  reasons  for  leaving  the  general  track 
where  I  have  left  it,  and  for  not  leaving  it  much  oftener,  where 
some  very  learned  and  ingenious  authors  have  taken  a  gi-eat 
deal  of  ])ains  (though,  I  persuade  myself,  with  a  very  good 
intent)  to  lead  us  out  of  the  way  :  and  as  several  of  these  are 
modern  writers,  tlie  remarks  are  such  as  do  not  commonly 
occur.  The  rest  of  the  notes  consist,  either  of  some  observ- 
ations on  the  beauty  and  force  of  various  passages,  which  I 
do  not  remember  to  have  seen  elsewhere ;  or  of  references 
to,  and  observations  u])on,  considerable  writers,  whether 
they  be  or  be  not  professed  expositors  of  scripture,  who  seem 
in  the  most  masterly  manner  to  examine  or  to  illustrate  and 
confirm  the  sense  I  have  given.  These  are  generally  but  very 
short ;  because  it  would  have  been  quite  foreign  to  my  pur- 
pose, and  utterly  inconsistent  with  my  scheme,  to  have 
formed  them  into  large  critical  essays:  but  I  hope  they  may 
be  some  guide  to  young  students,  who,  if  they  have  libraries 
at  hand,  are  in  great  danger  of  being  lost  in  a  wood,  where,  I 
am  sorry  to  say  it,  they  will  find  a  multitude  of  prickli/  and 
knotty  shrubs,  and  in  comparison  but  few  pleasant  and 
fndtf'id  trees.  It  has  apjieared  to  me  an  office  of  real  and 
important  friendsliip  to  gentlemen  in  this  station  of  life,  to 
endeavour  to  select  for  them  the  most  valuable  passages 
which  occur  in  reading,  and  to  remit  them  thither,  not  only 
for  the  illustration  of  scripture,  but  also  for  tlieir  direction 
in  studying  the  evidences  and  contents  both  of  natural  and 
revealed  religion.  This  I  have  done  with  great  care  and 
labour  in  a  pretty  large  work,  which  perhaps  may  be  pub- 
lished after  my  death,  if  surviving  friends  should  judge  it 
proper.  To  that  I  have  generally  referred  those  citations 
which  relate  to  polemical  diviniti/ ;  and  at  present  only  add, 
that,  vvith  regard  to  these  notes,  I  have  endeavoured  to 
render  them  easy  and  entertaining,  even  to  an  Enfflish  reader ; 
and  for  that  purpose  have  cautiously  excluded  quotations 
from  the  learned  languages,  even  where  they  might  have 
served  to  illustrate  customs  referred  to,  or  words  to  be  ex- 
plained. That  deficiency  may  be  abundantly  made  up  by 
the  perasal  of  Eisner,  Albert,  Bos,  Wolfius,  Piaphelius, 
Fortiiita  Sac7-a,  S^c.f  books  which  I  cannot  but  recommend 
to  my  young  friends,  as  proper  not  only  to  ascertain  the  sense 
of  a  variety  of  words  and  phrases  which  occur  in  tlie 
a])OStolic  writings,  but  also  to  form  them  to  the  most  useful 
method  of  studying  the  Greek  classics  :  those  great  masters 
of  solid  sense,  elegant  expression,  just  lively  painting,  and 
masculine  eloquence,  to  the  neglect  of  which  I  cannot  but 
ascribe  that  enervate,  dissolute,  and  puerile  manner  of 
v?ritincr,  which  is  growing  so  much  on  the  present  age,  and 
will  probably  consign  so  many  of  its  productions  to  speedy 
oblivion. 

•  Que  m'imprirte  rj'ou  il  soif,  pourvu  qu'il  se  tJ-oiive  utile.— Re//.  Man. 
d'en-seipn.  Vol.  I.  p.  75. 

♦  As  some  of  the  books  mentione<i  above  are  not  very  common  among  us, 
it  may  not  be  improper  to  insert  tlieir  titles  :  viz.  Jacohi  Khner  Ohscrvat. 
iacra,  2  vol.  8vo.     1/ajetl.  ad  lihen.  iTCO.    Alberli  OSserv.  Philolog.  Lugd. 


Tlie  Improvement  of  each  section  is  entirely  of  a  practical 
nature,  and  generally  consists  of  pressing  exhortations  and 
devout  meditations,  grounded  on  the  general  design,  or  on 
some  particular  passages,  of  the  section  to  which  they  are 
annexed.  They  are  all  in  an  evangelical  strain,  and  they 
could  not  with  any  propriety  have  been  otherwise.  I  am 
well  aware  that  this  manner  is  not  much  in  the  present 
taste,  and  I  think  it  at  once  a  sad  instance  and  cause  of  our 
degeneracy  that  it  is  not.  If  it  be  necessaiy  that  I  should 
offer  any  apolog}',  it  must  in  short  be  this  ;  I  have  with  all 
possible  attention  and  impartiality  considered  first  the 
general  evidences  of  the  truth  of  Christianity,  and  then  those 
of  the  inspiration  of  the  New  Testament,  w"hich  seems  to  me 
inseparably  connected  v/ith  the  former ;  and,  on  the  whole, 
am  in  my  conscience  persuaded  of  both,  and  have  been 
confirmed  in  that  conviction  by  the  most  laboured  attempts 
to  overthrow  them.  It  seems  a  necessary  consequence  of 
this  conviction,  (and  I  am  astonished  it  should  not  be  more 
generally  attended  to,)  that  we  are  with  the  humblest  sub- 
mission of  mind  to  form  our  religious  notions  on  this  plan, 
and  to  give  up  the  most  dai'ling  maxims  which  will  not  bear 
the  test  of  it. 

I  should  think  any  impartial  reader  must  immediately 
see,  and  every  judicious  critic  be  daily  more  confirmed  in 
it,  tliat  the  New  Testament  teaches  us  "to  conceive  of  Christ, 
not  as  a  generous  Benefactor  only,  who,  having  performed 
some  actions  of  heroic  virtue  and  benevolence,  is  now 
retired  from  all  intercourse  with  our  world,  so  that  we  have 
no  more  to  do  with  him  than  to  preserve  a  grateful  remem- 
brance of  his  character  and  favours ;  but  that  he  is  to  be 
considered  as  an  ever-living  and  ever-present  Friend,  with 
whom  we  are  to  maintain  a  daily  commerce  by  faith  and 
]irayer,  and  from  whom  we  are  to  derive  those  supplies  of 
divine  grace,  whereby  we  may  be  strengthened  for  the  duties 
of  life,  and  ripened  for  a  state  of  perfect  holiness  and  felicity. 
This  is  evident  not  only  from  particular  passages  of  scrip- 
ture, in  which  he  is  described  as  always  with  his  churcn, 
(Matt,  xxviii.  20.)  as  present  wherever  two  or  three  are 
assembled  in  his  name,  (Matt,  xviii.  20.)  as  upholding  all 
things  by  the  word  of  his  power,  (Heb.  i.  3.)  and  as  Head 
over  all  "to  his  church;  (Eph.  i.  22.)  but  indeed  from  tlie 
whole  scope  and  tenor  of  the  New  Testament.  Tliese  views 
are  therefore  continually  to  be  kept  up ;  and  for  any  to 
pretend  that  t'lis  is  a  round-about  method,  (a.s  some  have 
presumed  to  call  it,)  and  that  men  may  be  led  to  virtue,  the 
great  end  of  all,  by  a  much  plainer  and  more  direct  way, 
seems  to  me  only  a  vain  and  arrogant  attempt  to  be  wiser 
than  God  himself;  which  therefore  must  in  the  end  appear 
to  be  /()//;/,  with  whatever  subtilty  of  argument  it  may  be 
defended,  or  with  whatever  pomp  of  rhetoric  it  be  adorned. 

The  New  Testament  is  a  book  written  with  the  most  con- 
summate knowledge  of  human  nature ;  and  though  there  are 
a  thousand  latent  beauties  in  it,  which  it  is  the  business  and 
glory  of  true  criticism  to  place  in  a  strong  point  of  light,  the 
geneml  sense  and  design  of  it  is  plain  to  every  honest  reader, 
even  at  the  very  first  perusal.  It  is  evidently  intended  to 
bring  us  to  God  through  Christ,  in  an  humble  dependence 
on  the  communications  of  his  sanctifying  and  quickening 
Spirit ;  and  to  engage  us  to  a  course  of  faithful  and  univer- 
sal obedience,  chiefly  from  a  grateful  sense  of  the  riches  of 
divine  grace  manifested  to  us  in  the  gospel.  And  though 
this  scheme  is  indeed  liable  to  abuse,  as  every  thing  else  is, 
it  appears  to  me  plain  in  fact,  that  it  has  been,  and  still  is, 
the  grnnd  instrument  of  reforming  a  very  degenerate  world  : 
and,  according  to  the  best  observations  I  have  been  able  to 
make  on  what  has  passed  about  me,  or  within  my  own 
breast,  I  have  found  that,  in  proportion  to  the  degree  -in 
which  this  evangelical  scheme  is  received  and  relished,  the 
interest  of  true  virtue  and  holiness  flourishes,  and  the  mind 
is  formed  to  manly  devotion,  diffusive  benevolence,  steady 
fortitude,  and  in  short,  made  ready  to  every  good  word  and 
work.  To  this  therefore  I  am  determined,  at  all  adventures, 
to  adhere  ;  nor  am  I  at  all  ashamed  or  afraid  of  any  scorn 
which  I  mav  encounter  in  such  a  cause  ;  and  I  would  ear- 
nestly exliort  and  entreat  all  my  brethreri  in  tlie  christian 
ministry  to  join  with  me,  as  vi'ell  knowing  to  whom  we 
have  committed  our  souls ;  and  cheerfully  hoping,  that  He, 

Bat.  1725.  Lamherti  Bos  Eiercitat.  Philolog.  Franek.  1700.  Lamberti 
Bos.  Animeidrers.  Franek.  1715.  Lamherti  Bos.  Obtervat.  Miscell.  Leovard. 
1731.  liaphflii  Annotat.  PItilol.  in.  Nov.  Test,  ex  Xcnaphonte,  Polybic,  el 
lIcTi'doio  collects,  ."5  lom.  Lvnen.  17.31.  Wolfii  Cure  Philolog.  el  Criticie,  4to. 
Ilamb.  1725. 


PREFACE. 


by  whom  we  have  hitherto,  if  faitliful  in  our  calling,  been 
supported  and  animated,  will  at  length  confess  us  before 
the  presence  of  his  Father  and  the  holy  angels,  in  that  day 
when  it  will  be  found  no  dishonour  to  the  greatest  and 
wisest 'fcf  the  children  of  men  to  have  listed  themselves 
under  the  banner  of  the  cross,  and  constantly  and  affection- 
ately to  have  kept  their  Divine  Leader  in  view. 

I  cannot  flatter  myself  so  far  as  to  imagine  that  I  have 
fallen  into  no  mistakes,  in  a  work  of  so  great  com)iass  and 
difficulty ;  but  my  own  conscience  ac(iuits  me  of  having 
designedly  misrepresented  any  single  passage  of  scripture, 
or  of  having  written  one  line  with  a  purpose  of  inflaming 
the  hearts  of  christians  against  each  other.  I  should  esteem 
it  one  of  the  most  aggravated  crimes  to  make  the  life  of  the 
gentle  and  benevolent  Jesus  a  vehicle  to  convey  such 
poison.  Would  to  God  that  all  the  party  names,  and  un- 
scriptural  phrases  and  forms,  which  have  divided  the  chris- 
tian world,  were  forgot !  and  that  we  might  agree  to  sit 
down  together,  as  humble,  loving  disciples,  at  the  feet  of  our 
common  Master,  to  hear  his  word,  to  imbibe  his  Spirit,  and 
to  transcribe  his  life  in  our  own ! 

I  hope  it  is  some  token  of  such  growing  candour  on  one 
side,  as  I  am  sure  it  should  be  an  engas;ement  to  cultivate 
it  on  the  other,  that  so  many  of  the  reverend  clergy  of  the 
establishment,  as  well  as  other  persons  of  distinction  in  it, 
have  favoured  this  undertaking  with  their  encouragement. 
To  them,  and  all  my  other  friends,  I  return  my  most  hearty 
thanks  ;  and  shall  remember,  that  the  regard  they  have  been 
pleased  to  express  to  it,  obliges  me  to  pursue  the  remainder 
of  the  work  witli  the  utmost  care  and  application ;  and 
earnestly  entreat  the  farther  assistance  of  their  prayers,  that 
it  may  be  conducted  in  a  manner  subservient  to  the  honour 
of  the  gospel  and  the  edification  of  the  church. 

In  these  volumes  I  have  been  desirous  to  express  my 
gratitude  to  the  subscribers,  by  sparing  nothing  in  my  power 
which  might  render  the  work  acceptable  to  them,  both  with 
respect  to  its  contents  and  its  form.  Tlie  consequence  of 
this  is,  that  it  has  swelled  to  a  number  of  sheets,  which  by 
more  than  a  third  part  exceeds  what  I  promised  in  the  pro- 
posals; which,  though  at  a  great  expense,  I  chose  to  jiermit, 
rather  than  I  would  either  sink  the  paper  and  character 
beneath  the  specimen,  or  omit  some  remarks  in  the  notes 
which  appeared  to  me  of  moment,  and  rose  in  my  mind 


while  I  was  ti-anscribing  them.  But  I  hope  this  large  addi- 
tion to  what  was  at  first  expected,  will  excuse  my  not  com- 
plying with  the  importunity  of  some  of  my  fi-iends,  who  have 
requested  that  I  would  introduce  tliis  work  with  a  disserta- 
tion on  such  points  of  Jewish  antiquity  as  might  be  serviceable 
for  the  fuller  understanding  the  New  Testament,  or  with  a 
discourse  on  its  genuineness,  credibility,  inspiration,  and  use. 

As  to  the  first  of  these,  (a  compendious  view  of  such 
ai'ticles  of  Jewish  antitjuity  as  may  be  a  proper  introduction 
to  the  critical  study  of  scripture,)  I  do  with  great  pleasure 
refer  the  generality  of  readers  and  young  students  to  the 
general  preface  to  the  Prussian  Testament,  published  by 
Mess.  L'Enfant  and  Beausobre ;  which  preface  was  some 
years  since  translated  into  English,  and  suits  the  purpose 
better  than  any  thing  I  have  seen  within  so  small  a  com- 
pass. As  to  the  latter,  I  purjiose,  if  God  permit,  when  I 
have  finished  the  second  volume,  to  publish,  with  another 
edition  of  my  Three  Sermons  on  the  Evidences  of  Chris- 
tianity, two  or  three  discourses  more  on  the  inspiration  of 
the  New  Testament,  and  on  its  usefulness,  especially  that  of 
the  Evangelical  History ;  to  which  I  may  perhaps  add  some 
farther  directions  for  tlie  most  profitable  manner  of  reading 
it.  At  present  I  shall  only  add,  that  daily  experience  con- 
vinces me  more  and  more,  tliat  as  a  thousand  charms  dis- 
cover themselves  in  the  works  of  nature,  when  attentively 
viewed  with  glasses,  which  had  escaped  the  naked  eye ;  so 
our  admiration  of  the  holy  scriptures  will  rise  in  proportion 
to  the  accuracy  with  which  they  are  studied. 

As  for  these  histories  and  discourses  of  Christ,  I  may  say 
of  them,  with  far  greater  justice,  what  Simplicius  doth  of 
Epictetus,  in  the  passage  of  which  my  7notto  is  a  part,  and 
with  which  I  shall  conclude  my  preface :  "  The  words 
themselves  are  generally  plain  and  intelligible  :  but  I  have 
endeavoured  thus  to  unfold  them,  that  my  own  heart  might 
be  more  deeply  impressed  with  the  spirit  and  certainty  of 
them ;  and  that  others,  who  have  not  themselves  equal  ad- 
vantage for  entering  into  it,  might  be  guided  into  their  true 
interpretation.  But  if,  on  the  whole,  any  reader  continue 
entirely  unaffected  with  them,  there  is  little  prospect  that 
any  thing  will  reclaim  him  till  he  come  to  the  tribunal  of 
the  invisible  world."* 

Northampton,  Nov.  27,  1738. 


PREFACE 


TO    THE    SECOND   VOLUME    OF   THE    ORIGINAL  EDITION, 


CONTAINING  THi 


SECOND  PART  OF  THE  HISTORY  OF  CHRIST. 


The  publication  of  this  Second  Volume  of  the  FAAIILY 
EXPOSITOR  hath  been  delayed  so  long  beyond  my 
own  expectation,  and  that  of  my  friends,  that  it  may  per- 
haps seem  necessary  to  introduce  it  with  an  apology  for 
that  delay.  But  it  would  be  tedious  to  enumerate  a  variety 
of  circumstances  which  have  concurred  to  occasion  it.  It  is 
generally  known,  that  the  unusual  severity  of  the  last  winter 
laid  a  kind  of  embargo  on  the  press ;  and  they  that  are  at 
all  acquainted  with  the  business  of  printing,  will  easily  ap- 
prehend that,  under  the  most  faithful  and  careful  direction, 
a  work  of  considerable  bulk  is  liable  to  many  other  inter- 

Kat  ettri  fxev  o'l  \oyoi  tTa<p€i^'  «  x^'pov  de  ((To)?,  Kara  to  dvvaTov 
fitaTTTinrativ  at»T«?.  'o  re  yap  7pa0a)i/,  avfiiraHe'^epo^  t6  ct^ia  Trpo?  auT»r 
yevt}<Te7att  Kai  rr}';  <t\t)6eta^  avTUiv  naTavottriKOTepo,^'  Kanuv  (pt\o^adwv 


raptions,  even  where  the  manuscript  is  entirely  finished 
before  the  impression  is  begun.  But,  after  all,  the  chief 
reason  vv'hy  this  hath  been  published  no  sooner,  is  (what  I 
hope  my  subscribers  will  easily  excuse)  the  large  addition 
I  have  made  of  more  than  fifty  sheets  to  the  hundred  which 
I  was  by  the  proposals  obliged  to  deliver. 

On  the  mention  of  this,  I  think  myself  obliged  to  renew 
my  thanks  to  those,  who,  by  honouring  me  with  their 
names  and  encouragement  on  this  occasion,  have  put  it  into 
my  power  to  publish  the  work  with  such  imi)rovements ; 
and  shall  think  myself  happy  if  those  imiirovements,  how- 

o't  TTpor  X078C  aavvrjOciepoi,  iffur  c^tsai  tivcl  x^'POT'^T'"''  "  ''■'1^  cp/an^fov 
auTcuv. — El  Se  tic  vno  TUTotv  /.if)  wairxt  TWi'  \oftx>v,  inro  fioviav  av  tuk  tv 
adu  diKa-irtpiwv  vnivOuvdctn.  Simplio.  in  Epictet.    Proem. 


PREFACE. 


ever  laborious  and  expensive  to  the  author,  may  render  it 
more  acceptable  and  useful  to  them. 

The  tables  prefixed  to  the  first  volume  are  concluded  in 
this,  and  represent  the  disposition  of  the  harmony  in  so 
clear  a  view^,  that  by  comparing  them  together  it  would  not 
be  difficult  to  find  any  particular  text.  But  a  deference  to 
the  request  of  some  of  the  subscribers  engaged  me  to  add 
another  table  at  the  end  of  this  volume,  (of  the  same  kind 
with  that  in  Mr.  Bonnel's  Harmony,)  which  will  at  once 
direct  both  to  the  section  and  the  page  where  any  verse  may 
presently  be  found. 

I  cannot  pretend  so  much  as  to  conjecture  when  the 
remainder  of  my  undertaking  will  be  completed.  I  shall 
however  proceed  in  it  as  fast  as  my  health  and  other  affairs 
will  permit.  In  the  mean  time,  I  think  it  necessary  to 
observe,  that  I  have  by  the  advice  of  some  considerate  and 
judicious  friends,  deferred  the  index,  and  some  other  things 
which  I  intended  to  have  thrown  into  an  appendix  here, 
till  I  have  finished  what  I  am  preparing  on  the  Acts ;  that 
so  they  may  stand,  as  they  very  properly  will,  at  the  end  of 
the  historical  books  of  the  New  Testament. 

How  far  the  subscribers  to  these  two  volumes  may  think 
it  proper  to  encourage  the  rest,  must  be  referred  to  them- 
selves. In  the  mean  time,  as  that  must  be  exceeding  pre- 
carious which  depends  on  the  continuance  of  one  man's  life 
and  health,  I  would  desire  permission  here  to  take  leave  of 
my  friends,  at  least  for  the  present,  \vith  such  a  serious 
address  as  may  be  the  most  substantial  expression  of  my 
sincere  gratitude  and  respect. 

I  should  have  thought,  my  honoured  friends,  that  I  had 
made  you  a  very  unworthy  return  for  this  public  token  of 
your  regard  to  me,  if  I  had  offered  you  merely  an  amuse- 
ment, though  ever  so  critical  and  polite.  It  had.  been  much 
better,  on  both  sides,  that  the  work  should  never  have  been 
undertaken  or  perused,  than  that  these  divine  authors  should 
be  treated  like  a  set  of  profane  classics ;  or  that  the  sacred 
and  momentous  transactions  they  relate  should  be  handled 
and  read  like  an  invented  tale,  or  a  common  history.  I 
liave  often  reminded  mi/sclf  of  it,  and  permit  me  now.  Sirs, 
solemnly  to  remind  you,  that  these  are  the  memoirs  of  the 
holy  Jesus,  the  Saviour  of  sinful  men,  whom  to  know  is 
life  eternal,  and  whom  to  neglect  is  everlasting  destniction. 
We  have  here  the  authentic  records  of  that  gospel  which 
was  intended  as  the  great  medicine  for  our  souls ;  of  that 
character  which  is  our  pattern ;  of  that  death  which  is  our 
ransom ;  of  him,  in  short,  whose  name  we  bear  as  we  are 
professed  christians,  and  before  whose  tribunal  we  are  all 
shortly  to  appear,  that  our  eternal  existence  may  be  deter- 
mined, blissful,  or  miserable,  according  to  our  regard  to 
what  he  has  taught,  and  done,  and  endured.  Let  not  the 
greatest  therefore  think  it  beneath  their  notice ;  nor  the 
meaneat  imagine,  that,  amidst  all  the  most  necessary  cares 
and  labours,  they  can  find  any  excuse  for  neglectmg,  or 
even  for  postponing  it. 

Had  I  not  been  fully  convinced  of  the  certainty  and  im- 
portance of  Christianity,  I  should  not  have  determined  to 
devote  my  whole  life  to  its  service  ;  (for,  on  the  principles 
of  natural  religion,  I  know  the  soul  to  be  immortal,  and 
should  expect  nothing  but  its  ruin  in  the  ways  of  the  most 
sanctified  fraud  ;)  but  as  I  am  thus  convinced,  I  must  make 
it  my  humble  request  to  every  one  that  enters  on  the  perusal 
of  these  volumes,  that  they  may,  for  a  little  while  at  least, 
be  the  employment  of  his  retired  hours ;  and  that  as  he 
proceeds  from  one  section  to  another,  he  would  pause  and 
reflect,  "  Whose  ivords  do  I  hear  ?  Whose  actions  do  I 
survey?  Whose  sufferings  do  I  contemplate  V  And  as  all 
must  know  they  are  the  words,  the  actiims,  and  the  suffer- 


ings of  Jesus  the  Son  of  God,  our  supreme  Lord,  and  our 
final  Judge,  let  it  be  further  and  very  seriously  inquired  in 
what  degree  the  obvious  and  confessed  design  of  the  glorious 
gospel  has  been  practically  regarded  and  complied  with : 
"  Can  I,  in  my  heart,  think  that  I  am  a  disciple  whmii  such 
a  Master  will  approve,  and  whom  he  will  choose  for  his 
attendant  in  that  world  of  glory  to  which  he  is  now  gone  ?" 
Let  the  plainness  of  this  advice  be  forgiven ;  for  such  is  the 
temper  and  conduct  of  most  who  call  themselves  christians, 
that  if  this  religion  be  true,  their  cold  and  unaffecting 
knowledge  of  the  history  of  Christ,  and  of  the  purposes  of 
his  appearance,  will  only  serve  to  furnish  out  matter  for 
eternal  self-accusation  and  remorse  :  and  he  is,  at  best,  but 
a  learned  and  polite  infidel,  who  would  not  rather  be  the 
instrument  of  conducting  the  lowest  creature,  capable  of 
reading  or  hearing  these  lines,  to  the  saving  knowledge  of  a 
crucified  Redeemer,  than  fill  the  most  refined  nation  with 
his  own  applause,  while  the  grace  of  the  Saviour  is  forgot- 
ten, or  his  service  neglected. 

I  have  yet  one  further  request  to  add  to  those  of  my 
readers  who  are  heads  of  families  ;  which  is,  that  they  would 
please  to  remember  the  title  of  the  work,  and  consider  it  as 
chiefly  intended,  in  its  most  essential  parts,  for  a  Family 
Expositor.  I  heartily  rejoice  in  the  reason  which  I  have  to 
hope,  that,  low  as  our  religious  character  is  fallen  in  these 
degenerate  days,  acts  of  domestic  worship  are  yet  performed 
by  multitudes  of  christians  of  various  denominations  :  yet  I 
cannot  but  fear,  that  the  Scriptures  are  not  so  constantly 
read  at  such  seasons  as  they  formerly  were ;  an  omission 
which  must  be  to  the  great  detriment  both  of  children  and 
servants.  One  would  think,  that  those  who  believe  the 
divine  authority  of  Scripture,  and  its  infinite  importance, 
shoidd  be  easily  prevailed  upon  to  restore  this  useful  exer- 
cise, at  least  for  one  part  of  die  day  ;  and  I  would  hope, 
that  what  I  here  offer  them  may  render  it  more  agreealDle 
and  useful.  It  would  give  me  inexpressible  delight  to  find 
that  this  is  the  case  in  those  families  with  which  I  am  most 
intimately  acquainted,  and  would  be  an  encouragement  to 
hope  this  work  may  be  proportionably  useful  in  places  and 
times  to  which  neither  my  observation  nor  intelligence  can 
extend. 

I  shall  conclude  this  preface  widi  my  hearty  prayers,  that, 
weak  and  imperfect  as  these  labours  are,  the  divine  bless- 
ing may  every  where  and  always  attend  them ;  and  that  it 
may  rest  on  all  who  have  patronized  them,  and  on  all  who 
.shall  peruse  them  !  May  every  prejudice  against  the  truth 
of  Christianity,  or  against  its  power,  be  vanquished  !  May 
the  most  insensible  minds  be  awakened  to  attend  to  religion, 
and  may  the  weak  and  languishing  be  animated  to  press  on 
to  greater  attainments  in  it !  IMay  those  that  are  preparing 
for  the  service  of  the  sanctuary,  (as  every  part  of  this  per- 
formance is  their  concern,)  be  by  every  part  of  it  more 
abundantly  furnished  for  the  various  duties  of  their  im- 
portant office !  And  may  those  who  are  yet  but  babes  in 
knowledge,  throush  the  divine  blessing,  grow  by  that  sincere 
milk  of  the  word  which  is  here  ])resented,  as  I  trust,  in  its 
genuine  simplicity  !  In  a  word,  may  many  persons,  families, 
and  larger  societies,  receive  devout  pleasure  and  solid  last- 
ing improvement  from  it ;  that  the  great  God,  of  whom  and 
through  whom  are  all  things,  may  in  all  be  glorified,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who  in  all  the  sacred  volumes,  and 
especially  here,  is  the  Alpha  and  the  Omega,  the  Beginning 
and  the  End,  the  First  and  the  Last,  to  whom  be  everlasting 
honour,  love,  and  obedience  !    Amen. 

Northampton,  August  9,  1740. 


PREFACE 


TO   THE   THIRD   VOLUME    OF   THE    ORIGINAL   EDITION, 


CONTAINING 


I'HE  ACTS  OF  THE  APOSTLES. 


The  nature  and  design  of  this  work,  and  the  principles  on 
which  it  hath  been  undertaken  and  conducted,  nave  been  so 
largely  represented  in  the  preceding  volumes,  that  it  is  un- 
necessary here  to  enlarge  upon  them.  But,  as  what  I  now 
present  to  the  reader  concludes  the  historical  part  of  the  New 
Testament,  this  seems  a  very  proper  place  to  recollect  the 
promise  which  I  lon^  since  made,  of  offering  some  remarks 
on  the  excellence  and  usefulness  of  that  history,  which  may 
dispose  the  reader  more  fi'equently  to  review  it,  and  to  study 
it  with  the  greater  application. 

It  must  be  universally  granted,  that  the  excellence  of  any 
performance  is  to  be  estimated  by  considering  its  design, 
and  the  degree  in  which  it  is  calculated  to  answer  it.  The 
design  of  the  gospel  history  is  summed  up  in  the  words 
which  I  have  placed  for  my  7notto ;  which,  though  they  are 
taken  from  the  conclusion  of  St.  John's  gospel,  are  appli- 
cable, not  only  to  all  the  other  evangelists,  but  likewise  to 
the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  that  invaluable  appendix  to  them. 
"  These  things  are  written,  that  ye  might  believe  that  Jesus 
is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God ;  and  that  believing,  ye  might 
have  life  through  his  name." 

I  shall  beg  leave  to  show  how  admirably  the  history  before 
us  is  calculated  to  answer  both  these  ends,  viz.  to  produce  a 
conviction  of  the  truth  of  Christianity,  and  to  make  those 
good  impressions  on  the  heart,  which  may  secure  the  eternal 
life  and  nappiness  of  the  reader ;  which  no  speculative  con- 
viction, even  of  the  most  sublime,  comprehensive,  and  im- 
portant truths,  will  itself  be  able  to  do.  I  apprehend  that, 
m  proportion  to  the  degree  in  which  these  two  premises  can 
be  illustrated,  the  excellence  and  value  of  this  history  will 
immediately  appear ;  for  no  man  is  so  far  infatuated  as  to 
dispute  whether  obtaining  life,  eternal  life,  be  an  end  of  the 
highest  importance,  how  light  soever  he  may  in  fact  make 
of  it,  and  how  wantonly  soever  he  may  barter  it  away  for 
every  trifle  that  strikes  his  imagination,  or  fires  his  passions. 
Obvious  as  the  hints  are  which  occur  on  these  heaas,  I  will 
touch  a  little  upon  them  ;  that  we  may  more  evidently  see 
how  much  we  are  indebted  to  the  divine  wisdom  and  good- 
ness in  giving  us  so  invaluable  a  treasure  as  these  books 
contain,  and  how  highly  we  are  concerned  to  attend  dili- 
gently to  the  contents  of  them. 

First,  Every  intelligent  reader  of  this  evangelical  history 
must  have  seen,  that  it  is  admirably  adapted  to  produce  and 
support  in  all  attentive  and  impartial  minds  a  strong  convic- 
tion of  the  truth  of  Christianity,  and  by  consequence  of  the 
divine  glories  of  Jesus  the  Christ,  as  the  Son  of  God. 

It  is  evident,  that  our  most  material  arguments  for  the 
demonstration  of  the  truth  of  Christianity  are  drawn  from 
miracles,  from  prophecies,  from  the  character  of  its  founders, 
and  fi-om  the  genius  of  the  religion  itself.  Now,  though  all 
these  receive  great  illustration  fi-om  the  epistolary  parts  of 
the  New  Testament,  and  some  of  them,  especially  the  second, 
from  the  Old ;  yet  it  is  certain,  that  the  grand  basis  and 
foundation  of  them  all,  is  what  we  read  in  the  History  of 
Christ  and  his  Apostles.  There  we  are  informed  of  the  miracles 
which  they  wrought,  of  the  character  they  maintained,  and 
of  the  system  of  religion  which  they  published  to  the  world  ; 
and  the  application  of  Old-Testament  prophecies  to  Jesus 
of  Nazareth,  is,  beyond  all  controversy,  to  be  justified  chiefly 
from  what  we  find  there. 


These  books  do  in  the  most  authentic  manner,  as  we  have 
demonstrated  elsewhere,  show  us  who  Jesus  of  Nazareth 
was,  and  what  he  professed  himself  to  be.  They  give  us  an 
account  of  the  very  high  pretensions  he  made  to  an  imme- 
diate mission  from  God,  and  to  a  most  intimate  relation  to 
him  as  his  Son,  in  a  peculiar  and  appropriate  sense,  not 
communicable  to  any  other.  They  give  us  also,  as  in  this 
connexion  it  is  very  fit  they  should,  a  very  large  and  cir- 
cumstantial narration  of  a  variety  of  miracles  which  he 
viTought.  Their  number  appears  to  be  very  great ;  so  that  -» 
a  late  v/riter,  who  had  considered  them  very  accurately, 
reckons  up  sixty-nine  relating  to  particular  persons,  besides 
twenty  other  instances,  in  all  of  which  several,  and  in  most 
of  them  multitudes,  yea,  frequently  great  multitudes,  are 
mentioned,  not  merely  as  the  spectators,  but  as  the  objects, 
of  his  miraculous  power,  which  must  on  the  most  moderate 
computation  arise  to  many  hundreds ;  not  to  mention  those 
yet  more  numerous  miracles  which  were  performed  by  his 
apostles  in  his  name,  wherever  they  came,  especially  after 
the  descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost  upon  them  ;  or  the  variety  of 
supernatural  gifts  and  powers  with  which  they  were  en- 
dowed, and  which  in  many  thousands  of  instances  they 
communicated  to  others. 

It  is  further  to  be  recollected  here,  that  these  miracles 
were  not  of  such  a  kind  as  to  leave  any  room  for  a  doubt, 
whether  they  lay  within  the  natural  efficacy  of  second  causes 
or  not ;  since  the  most  hopeless  and  inveterate  diseases  gave 
way,  not  merely  to  some  trivial  application  of  means,  whether 
internal  or  external,  but  to  a  touch  or  a  word ;  and  death 
itself  obeyed  the  voice  of  Jesus,  and  of  his  servants  speak- 
ing by  his  authority. 

Now  I  could  wish,  that  any  one  who  feels  himself  inclined 
to  scepticism  with  regard  to  Christianity,  would  sit  down 
and  read  over  any  one  of  the  evangelists  in  this  particular 
view  :  that  he  would  take  the  stories  of  the  several  miracles 
in  their  succession,  and  after  having  attentively  weighed 
them,  would  ask  his  own  heart,  whether,  if  he  had  seen 
such  facts  as  these,  he  would  not  immediately  have  been 
convinced  in  his  ovm  conscience,  that  this  was  indeed  the 
seal  of  Heaven  set  to  the  commission  of  the  person  who  per- 
formed them ;  and,  consequently,  whether,  if  these  things 
were  really  done  by  Jesus,  and  his  missionaries  in  his  name, 
he  must  not  be  compelled  to  acknowledge  that  Christianity 
is  true.  Let  any  impartial  and  rational  man  in  the  world 
judge  whether,  if  any  impostor  had  arisen,  falsely  and  blas- 
phemously arrogating  to  himself  the  high  titles  of  the  Son 
of  God  and  Saviour  of  men,  God  would  have  honoured  his 
lips  with  this  wonderful  power  over  diseases  and  death,  or 
his  dead  body  after  a  public  execution  with  a  resurrection  : 
that  is,  in  one  word,  whether  he  would  l^ave  interposed  to 
give  such  credit  to  him,  as  it  is  not  pretended  he  hath  ever 
given,  in  any  other  instance,  to  the  best  of  men  in  the  best 
of  causes.  Every  man's  heart  will  surely  tell  him,  with  the 
circumstances  of  such  facts  full  in  his  view,  that  the  only 
question  is  whether  they  be  themselves  credible ;  and  that, 
if  this  be  allowed,  the  divine  attestation  to  the  authority  of 
such  a  Teacher  follows,  by  a  connexion  which  can  never  be 
broken,  and  which  probably  few  men  living  will  have  an 
inveteracy  of  prejudice  sufficient  to  gainsay. 

The  historical' books  of  the  New  Testament  do  also  ad- 


PREFACE. 


mirably  illustrate  that  argument  in  favour  of  Christianity, 
which  is  drawn  from  the  accomplishment  of  prophecies ;  and 
this  in  a  variety  of  respects.  Many  very  important  passages 
of  this  kind  are  expressly  quoted,  not  merely  by  way  of 
allusion,  but  by  a  literal  and  exact  application  of  them,  ac- 
cording to  their  genuine  sense,  and  agreeably  to  the  con- 
nexion in  which  they  stand.  The  application  of  some 
others,  in  themselves  more  dubious,  will  upon  strict  exami- 
nation appear  just,  and  may  prove  a  key  to  the  sense  of 
many  more,  on  the  truest  principles  of  analogy  ;  as  many 
writers  have  shown,  and  perhajjs  no  one,  since  Eusebius 
wi-ote  his  Demonstrutio  FAHtngelica,  more  judiciously  than 
Mr.  Jeffery  in  his  controversy  with  Mr.  Collins.  Nay,  the 
texts  quoted  by  way  of  allusion  and  accommodation,  of 
which  there  are  such  numerous  instances,  have  conse- 
quentially tended  to  the  establishment  of  the  argument  from 
prophecies,  however  under  injudicious  management  they 
may  seem  to  have  perplexed  it ;  as  they  have  had  their 
share  in  recommending  the  Jewish  Scriptures  to  the  perusal 
of  christians,  and  so  in  guarding  them  more  surely  against 
any  possibility  of  corruption,  if  the  Jews  themselves  could 
have  been  wicked  enough  to  attempt  it. 

But,  besides  these  various  -vdews  in  which  the  citations 
may  be  considered  under  this  head,  I  must  further  observe, 
that  when  not  this  or  that  particular  passage  of  the  evange- 
lical history  alone,  but  the  whole  series  of  it,  comes  to  be 
compared  with  correspondent  representations  in  the  Old 
Testament,  it  fixes  upon  the  mind  the  strongest  impression 
that  can  well  be  imagined,  of  the  reference  of  the  prophets 
to  Jesus  as  the  Messiah.  The  ingenious  Earl  of  Rochester, 
*.  whose  story  is  so  celebrated,  v.as  deeply  sensible  of  this 
with  regard  to  the  53d  of  Isaiah,  as  illustrated  by  all  the 
story  of  our  Lord's  passion  ;  and  there  are  many  other  sec- 
tions of  that  prophet,  and  of  several  others,  to  which  the 
remark  may  be  api)lied  ;  which  indeed  extends  to  all  the 
general  representations  of  the  Messiah's  character,  conduct, 
and  circumstances. 

The  account  which  the  New  Testament  gives  us  of  the 
temper  and  character  of  our  Divine  Redeemer,  is  a  topic  of 
argument  on  this  head  by  no  means  to  be  forgotten.  We 
do  not  indeed  there  meet  with  any  studied  encomiums 
upon  the  subject.  The  authors  deal  not  in  such  sort  of 
productions ;  but,  which  is  a  thousand  times  belter,  they 
show  us  the  character  itself.  The  sight  of  what  is  e-reat  and 
beautiful  has  another  kind  of  effect,  than  the  most  eloquent 
description  of  it.  And  here  we  behold  the  actions  of  Christ ; 
we  attend  his  discourses,  and  have  a  plain  and  open  view 
of  his  behaviour.  In  consequence  of  this,  we  see  in  him 
every  thing  venerable,  every  thing  amiable.  We  see  a 
perfection  of  goodness  no  where  else  in  the  world  to  be 
seen  or  to  be  heard ;  and  numberless  arguments  plead  at 
once,  to  persuade  the  heart  that  it  is  absolutely  impossible 
such  a  person  should  be  engaged  in  a  design  founded  in 
known  falsehood,  and  tending  only  to  mislead  and  ruin 
his  followers. 

And  though  it  is  true  the  character  of  his  apostles  does 
not  fully  come  up  to  the  standard  of  their  Master,  nor  is 
entirely  free  from  some  small  blemishes,  yet  we  see  so  little 
of  tliat  kind  in  them,  and,  on  the  contrary,  such  an  assem- 
blage of  the  human,  divine,  and  social  virtues,  that  we  can- 
not, if  we  thoroughly  know  them,  if  we  form  an  intimate 
acquaintance  with  them,  entertain  with  patience  the  least 
suspicion  that  they  were  capable  of  a  part  so  detestable  as 
theirs  must  have  been,  if  they  knew  Jesus  to  have  been  an 
impostor,  and  the  gospel  a  fable  ;  with  which  they  must 
be  chargeable,  if  Christianity  were  not  indeed  authentic  and 
divine. 

The  series  of  sufferings  which  they  endured,  the  gentle, 
humble  patience  with  which  they  bore  them,  the  steady 
])erseverance  and  invincible  fortitude  with  which  they  pur- 
sued their  schemg  in  the  midst  of  them  all,  and  with  no 
earthly  prospect  but  that  of  a  continued  hardship  and  per- 
secution, till  it  should  end  in  death,  furnish  out  an  import- 
ant branch  of  this  argument ;  which  the  book  of  Acts, 
especially  taken  in  connexion  with  the  Epistles,  does 
almost  continually  illustrate,  in  the  most  artless,  and  there- 
fore the  most  forcible,  manner. 

To  conclude  this  head,  the  history  before  us  represents, 
in  the  most  clear  and  convincing  light,  the  genius  of  that 
doctrine  which  Christ  taught,  and  of  the  religion  which  he 
came  to  settle  in  the  world.    When  we  view  it  as  exhibited 


in  human  writings  we  may  mistake;  for  it  is  too  often 
tinctured  with  the  channel  through  which  it  has  passed. 
Men  of  bad  dispositions  have  warped  it,  to  make  it  comply 
with  the  corruption  of  their  own  hearts,  and  to  subserve,  in 
many  instances,  the  schemes  of  their  ambitious  and  worldly 
interests.  Good  men,  insensibly  influenced  by  a  variety  of 
prejudices,  which  under  fair  and  plausible  forms  have  in- 
sinuated themselves  into  their  breasts,  have  frequently  mis- 
taken, not  the  essentials  of  Christianity,  (for  no  good  man  can 
mistake  them,)  but  the  circumstantiah  of  it ;  and  have  pro- 
pagated the  various  and  frequently  contradictory  mistake, 
with  a  zeal  which  nothing  but  an  apprehension  that  they 
were  its  fundamejitals  could  have  inspired ;  and  thus  its 
original  purity  and  beauty  have  been  debased  and  obscured  : 
but  here  we  drink  this  water  of  life  at  its  fountain-head, 
untainted  and  unmixed ;  and  with  that  peculiar  spirit  which 
at  a  distance  from  it  is  so  apt  to  evaporate.  Here  we 
plainly  perceive  there  is  nothing  in  the  scheme  but  what  it 
IS  most  worthy  of  God  to  reveal,  and  of  his  Son  to  publish 
to  the  world  :  here  we  see,  not  as  in  the  heathen  writers, 
some  detached  sentiment,  finely  heightened  with  the  beauty 
of  expression  and  pomp  of  words,  like  a  scattered  fi-agment, 
with  the  partial  traces  of  impaired  elegance  and  magnifi- 
cence ;  but  the  elevation  of  a  complete  temple,  worthy  of 
the  Deity  to  whom  it  is  consecrated  :  so  harmonious  a 
system  ofunmingled  truth,  so  complete  a  plan  of  universal 
duty,  so  amiable  a  representation  of  true  morality  in  all  its 
parts,  without  redundancy,  and  without  defect,  that  the 
more  capable  we  are  of  judging  of  real  excellence,  the  more 
we  shall  be  possessed  in  its  favour  :  and  if  we  have  a  capa- 
city and  opportunity  of  examining  together  with  it  the 
books  which  the  followers  of  other  religions  have  esteemed 
sacred,  and  the  systems  of  doctrines  and  manners  which 
their  respective  founders  have  published  to  the  world,  we 
shall  find  how  much  the  gospel  is  credited  by  the  compa- 
rison ;  shall  indeed  find  the  difference  much  like  that  of  a 
coarse  picture  of  sunshine,  from  the  original  beams  of  that 
celestial  luminary.  This  I  have  so  deeply  felt  in  mine  own 
heart  while  reading  these  books,  and  especially  while  com- 
menting upon  them,  that  it  has  been  matter  of  astonishment 
as  well  as  of  grief  to  me,  that  there  should  be  any  mind 
capable  of  resisting  evidence  so  various,  so  powerful,  and 
so  sv/eet. 

But  this  leads  me  to  the  other  branch  of  the  argument ; 
in  which  I  shall  remind  my  reader, 

Secniid/i/,  That  these  books  are  admirably  adapted  to  make 
those  good  impressions  on  the  heart,  which  may  prepare  it 
for  eternal  life,  through  the  name  of  the  Redeemer,  of 
whose  divine  mission  they  contain  such  incontestable 
proofs. 

Now  the  most  effectual  demonstration  of  this  would  be, 
an  attentive  perusal  of  these  books,  not  so  much  with  a 
view  to  criticise  upon  them,  as  to  give  up  the  soul  to  their 
genuine  influences,  and  to  leave  the  heail  to  be  (if  I  may 
so  express  myself)  carried  away  with  the  torrent  whither  it 
will ;  and  the  impulse  cannot  fail  of  being  in  some  happy 
direction,  and,  amidst  all  its  varieties,  will  undoubtedly 
bear  us  forward  towards  that  perfection  of  goodness  and  of 
happiness  which  is  the  great  end  of  all  our  pursuits. 

For  surely  the  breast  of  every  well-disposed  reader,  under 
the  influences  of  that  blessed  Spirit  which  guided  the  sacred 
penmen  in  these  lively  and  well-chosen  narrations,  must  by 
every  page  of  them  be  inflamed  with  some  devout  passion ; 
and  his  progress  must  often  be  interrupted  with  tears  of 
holy  delight,  or  with  warm  and  perhaps  raj)turous  aspira- 
tions of  soul.  Surely  this  adorable  Saviour  cannot  be 
heard,  cannot  be  seen,  without  admiration  and  love.  Sur.ely 
the  heart  must  often,  as  it  were,  go  out  to  meet  him,  with 
its  cheerful  "  Ilosannahs  to  him  that  cometh  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord."  Often  must  it  rise  in  affectionate  praises  to  the 
God  and  Father  of  all,  who  blessed  this  earth  of  ours  with 
such  a  visitant,  who  enriched  it  with  such  an  unspeakable, 
such  an  inestimable,  gift.  A  thousand  times  must  it  con- 
gratulate, and  almost  envy,  the  happy  lot  of  those  who, 
dwelling  on  earth,  though  in  the  meanest  cottages,  when  it 
was  blessed  with  the  presence  of  such  a  Teacher,  of  such  a 
Friend,  had  daily  opportunities  of  conversing  with  him  ; 
and  as  often  may  it  exult  to  think,  that  he  is  still  near  by 
his  spiritual  presence,  carrying  on  the  kind  purposes  of  his 
appearance  in  mortal  flesli,  and  waiting,  by  the  dictates  of 
his  divine  philosophy,  to  train  up  the  immortal  spirits  of 


PREFACE. 


men  for  their  proper  and  complete  happiness.  Under  the 
impression  of  that  thought,  how  strongly  must  the  soul  be 
disposed  to  inquire  after  Christ,  to  form  an  acquaintance 
witn  him,  to  commit  itself  to  his  discipline  and  guardian- 
ship, to  trace  his  steps,  and  as  far  as  possible  to  imbibe  his 
Spirit !  What  will  appear  so  desirable,  as  to  secure  his 
friendship,  to  be  honoured  with  his  high  approbation,  and 
enriched  vvitli  tlie  blessings  of  his  patronage  and  care  ?  Re- 
ceiving the  divine  oracles  from  his  lips,  what  incomparable 
advantages  have  we  for  learning  every  thing  truly  great  and 
lovely !  What  powerful  mducements  diligently  to  labour, 
ardently  to  pray,  liberally  to  dispense  good,  calmly  to  en- 
dure injuries,  patiently  to  support  the  heaviest  afflictions, 
and  resolutely  to  meet  the  most  dreadful  death,  if  called 
out  to  encounter  it  in  the  way  of  our  duty  ! 

Among  many  other  good  affections  which  the  perusal  of 
this  history  may  naturally  inspire,  and  which  I  have  endea- 
voured often  to  suggest  in  the  Improvements  which  con- 
clude each  section,  1  cannot  forbear  mentioning  one  more  ; 
I  mean,  a  generous  and  cordial  love  to  our  fellow-christians 
of  every  rank  and  denomination.  I  never  reflect  upon  the 
New  Testament  in  this  view,  but  I  find  it  difficult  to  con- 
ceive, how  so  mucli  of  a  contrary  temper  should  ever  have 
prevailed  among  such  multitudes  who  have  professed  reli- 
giously to  receive  it,  yea,  whose  office  hath  been  to  inter- 
pret and  enforce  it.  To  have  listed  under  the  banner  of 
Jesus,  to  have  felt  his  love,  to  have  espoused  his  interest,  to 
labour  to  serve  him,  to  aspire  after  the  enjoyment  of  him, 
should  methinks  appear  to  every  one,  even  on  the  slightest 
reflection,  a  bond  of  union  too  strong  to  be  broken  by  the 
different  apprehensions  which  one  or  another  of  us  may 
entertain  (perhaps,  too,  after  diligent  inquiry)  concerning 
the  exact  sense  of  some  of  the  doctrines  he  taught,  or  the 
circumstantial  forms  of  some  of  his  institutions.  An  humble 
sense  of  our  own  weakness,  and  of  the  many  imperfections 
of  our  character,  which  will  never  be  more  deeply  felt  than 
when  we  consider  ourselves  as  standing  before  our  Divine 
Master,  will  dispose  vis  to  mutual  candour,  will  guard  us 
against  the  indecency  of  contending  in  his  presence,  and 
will,  as  St.  Paul  with  admirable  spirit  expresses  it,  dispose 
us  "  to  receive  one  another  as  Christ  hath  received  us."  Yea, 
our  hearts  will  be  so  eagerly  desirous  of  employing  our  life 
in  serving  him  to  the  best  purpose  we  can,  that  we  shall 
dread  the  thought  of  misspending,  in  our  mutual  animosi- 
ties, accusations,  and  complaints,  the  time  that  was  given 
us  for  ends  so  much  nobler,  and  which  is  capable  of  bein^ 
employed  to  the  honour  of  our  common  Lord,  and  for  the 
benefit  of  the  cliurch  and  the  world. 

I  hope  I  have  not  forgot,  in  the  ensuing  work,  this  lesson, 
which  I  have  on  every  occasion  been  so  solicitous  to  incul- 
cate on  others.  It  would  have  been  almost  impossible,  on 
some  texts  which  have  fallen  before  me,  especially  in  this 
third  volume,  not  to  have  shown  my  sentiments  on  fsome 
points  of  discipline,  in  which,  if  they  were  not  different  from 
those  which  generally  prevail,  my  "known  conduct  in  con- 
tinuing among  the  Protestant  Dissenters  would  be  equally 
foolish  and  wicked.  Yet,  in  handling  these  texts,  I  have 
not  only  conscientiously  abstained  from  all  reproaches,  to 
which  indeed  I  am  on  no  occasion  inclined,  and  which  I 
should  esteem  peculiarly  indecent  where  the  religious  estab- 
lishment of  my  country"  is  in  question,  and  above  all  where 
a  body  of  men  would  be  affected,  many  of  whom  have  been, 
and  are,  among  the  ablest  advocates  and  brightest  ornaments 
of  our  common  Christianity ;  but  I  have  also  been  careful  to 
adjust  niy  expressions  with  as  much  tenderness  and  respect, 
as  integrity,  and  that  reverence  which  an  honest  man  would 
owe  to  the  judgment  of  his  own  conscience,  were  it  much 
more  singular  than  mine,  would  admit.  On  these  princi- 
ples I  have  chosen  to  content  myself  with  giving  what  I  take 
to  be  the  true  and  genuine  sense  of  the  scripture  in  question, 

Bez.'i,  in  his  note  on  Acts  vii.  14,  when  he  proposes  the  conjectural 
emenriation  ot  jrai-Ti,r  instead  ofircriTe,  adds,  "  Neque  vero  hujus  erroris 
ODscrvatio  quenquam  debet  oltendere,  vel  in  dubium  revocare  veibi  divini 
auctontatem  ;  quum  et  ex  Hebraul  veritate,  ut  dixiraus,  emendetiir,  et 
!t  r»="  i"""''' '"'"  '''":'■'•"*■  tutn  etiam  historias  ipsius,  fides  permaneat ; 

tato  'P*  clamat,  non  uno  Inco,  temporis  injuria,  persecutionuni  acerbi- 
idie,  aaversariorum  ventatis  t'laude,  haereticorum  audacia,  pastorum  deni- 
il  Lvi^'^  i"i**  oscitaiitiS,  nnmerornm  notas  labetactari,  et  alia  periculosiora 
iv  oi;„?  1™*  '"^''^'"  Piti'isse  :  Qu^e  tamen  eruditi  et  sancti  homines,  turn 
rnnf  If  '°™':""i  collatione,  turn  ex  fidei  analogii,  partim  animadverte- 
r»Iin„fr...  I  2- ■""""*  •  ■  I?«''t'ii»  etiam  posteris  observanda,  et  corrigenda 
leiiquerunt:  bic  prospiciente  su£e  ecclesiae  Domino,  ut  quamvis  integri  non 


rather  than  to  point  out  any  society  or  body  of  men  that 
seem  to  have  mistaken  it. 

I  have  also  been  obliged,  in  many  of  my  interpreta- 
tions, to  differ  from  writers  of  various  countries,  and  of 
various  denominations  in  our  own,  whom  I  greatly  esteem, 
and  from  whom,  on  other  passages,  I  have  received  much 
light ;  but  I  have  in  such  cases  been  careful  not  to  drop  any 
severe  word :  as  indeed  I  think,  where  we  have  reason  to 
believe  that  a  writer  sincerely  intends  to  illustrate  Scripture, 
and  to  inform  the  world,  he  has  so  far  at  least  a  title  to  our 
candour  and  respect ;  though  we  may  imagine  him  to  be 
much  mistaken  in  his  judgment,  and  may  think  it  our  duty 
to  endeavour  to  point  out  his  mistake,  and  to  guard  others 
against  it.  I  hope  such  a  conduct  will  need  no  apology  to 
the  living  writers  with  whom  I  have  taken  such  a  liberty; 
nor  shall  I  take  it  amiss  to  be  animadverted  upon  by  any  of 
them  with  the  same  spirit :  and,  if  I  may  by  this  means  be 
led  to  rectify  any  mistakes  into  which  I  may  have  unwarily 
fallen,  I  hope  I  shall  be  duly  sensible  of  the  obligation.  For 
I  esteem  an  endeavour  to  set  a  man  right  in  religious  opinions 
which  we  ourselves  apprehend  to  be  important,  the  second 
office  of  christian  friendship,  as  that  of  attempting  to  reform 
his  morals  is  undoubtedly  the  first. 

No  offence  will,  I  hope,  be  taken  at  the  method  I  have 
thought  myself  obliged  in  honour  and  conscience  to  have 
recourse  to,  for  solving  some  of  the  difficulties  which  have 
occurred,  and  which  I  knew  not  how  to  account  for  can- 
didly any  other  way,  than  by  supposing,  that  here  and  there 
our  received  reading  hath  varied  from  the  original.  I  believe 
it  will  be  allowed  by  every  competent  judge,  that  there  is  no 
one  manuscript  now  in  the  world  unexceptionably  exact. 
And  it  is  some  satisfaction  to  me  to  reflect,  that  critics  of 
the  first  character  for  modesty,  piety,  and  orthodoxy,  have 
not  only  made  use  of  this  expedient,  but  have  abundantly 
justified  it  in  tlieir  writings;  among  whom  I  cannot  forbear 
mentioning  those  two  justly  celebrated  critics,  as  well  as 
accurate  divines,  Calvin  and  Beza ;  the  latter  of  which  has 
expressed  his  sentiments  on  this  head  in  so  judicious,  cor- 
rect, and  elegant  a  manner,  that  I  cannot  forbear  inserting 
his  own  words  at  the  bottom  of  the  jiage,  though  I  have  had 
obvious  reasons  in  this  work  for  taking  care  not  to  load  the 
margin  with  quotations  from  the  learned  languages.*' 

I  am  sensible  how  much  I  am  indebted  to  the  public  for 
the  kind  reception  it  was  pleased  to  give  to  the  two  former 
volumes.  I  hope  tliey  who  favoured  them  with  their  patron- 
age and  encouragement,  and  have  an  opportunity  of  perusing 
this,  will  find  by  what  I  now  oflfer  them,  that  the  indulgence 
shown  me,  far  from  making  me  indolent,  hath  rather  quick- 
ened my  diligence.  If  God  grant  me  life  and  health,  I 
purpose  concluding  the  whole  in  three  volumes  more  ;  in 
which  I  shall  still  endeavour,  by  divine  assistance,  uprightly 
to  illustrate  what  I  in  my  conscience  believe  to  be  the  true 
sense  of  the  sacred  writers  ;  and  shall  at  the  same  time 
labour,  to  the  utmost  of  that  ability  which  God  may  give 
me,  to  elevate,  to  animate,  and  to  unite  the  hearts  of  my 
fellow-christians,  that  I  may  subserve  the  grand  plan  of  the 
gospel,  and  give  the  most  substantial  proof  that  I  have  not 
studied  its  doctrines  in  vain.  May  I  ever  reap  the  first- 
fruits  of  the  attempt  in  my  own  soul !  And  if  the  slender 
and  )irecarious  thread  of  my  life  be  cut  short  before,  in  the 
midst  of  so  many  other  necessary  employments,  such  a 
work  can  be  completed,  may  God  graciously  accept  a  pur- 
pose with  which  I  trust  he  has  inspired  a  breast  unfeignedly 
devoted  to  his  service !  And  may  he  in  that  case  raise  a 
much  abler  hand  to  execute  a  task,  at  the  prospect  of  which, 
though  after  the  preparation  of  more  than  twenty  years,  I 
feel  a  secret  kind  of  terror,  mingling  itself  with  all  the 
delight  with  which  I  am  springing  forward  to  undertake  it ! 

Northampton,  December  11,  1746. 

pauci  libri  interciderint,  et  errata  de  quibus  dixi  irrepserint,  tamen  salutis 
doctrinam  totam  his  ipsis  libriscertissime  et  verissime  coniprehensam  habeat 
ecclesia,  et  ad  finem  usque  sasrulorum  sit  habitura."  „   ,     ■ 

Calvin  on  Matt,  xxvii.  9.  Harm.  Evan.  p.  354,  speaking  of  the  insertion 
of  Jeremiah's  name  (as  he  thinks)  for  Zechariah's,  says  roundly,  Quomodo 
Hieremia  nonten  obiepserit,  me  nescire  fateor,  nee  anxie  laboro.  Certe 
liieremim  nomen  errore  positum  esse  pro  Zecliariil,  res  ipsa  ostendit,  quia 
nihil  tale  apud  Hieremiam  legitur,  vel  etiam  quod  accedat.  And  on 
Acts  vii.  16,  -where  the  name  of  Abraham  seems  to 'be  put  tor  that  of 
Jacob,  he  says.  "  In  nomine  AbrahiE  erratum  esse  palam  est.— Quare  hic 
locus  corrigendus  est." 


POSTSCRIPT. 


Since  I  first  published  the  two  former  volumes  of  the 
Family  Expositor,  I  have  taken  the  Harmony  under  an  at- 
tentive review ;  but  though  the  publication  of  this  volume, 
which  has  long  since  gone  through  the  press  to  the  end  of 
the  Chronological  Table,  has  been  delayed  so  many  months 
beyond  my  expectation,  yet  during  all  this  time  I  have  not 
met  v/ith  any  convincing  reasons  for  transposing  one  section 
of  it.  A  variety  of  necessary  engagements  have  prevented 
my  taking  the  new  and  elaborate  work  of  the  Reverend  Mr. 
Pilkington  on  this  subject  under  that  accurate  examination 
which  the  learning,  ingenuity,  and  candour  apparent  in  it 
on  the  slightest  review  may  well  demand.  I  hope  I  shall 
soon  have  the  jileasure  of  doing  it,  and  shall  receive  much 
light  and  benefit  from  it.  In  the  mean  time,  as  a  specimen 
of  the  readiness  with  which  I  shall  make  my  acknowledg- 
ments on  any  such  occasion,  for  further  instruction  on  sub- 
jects on  which  I  have  publicly  delivered  my  own  thoughts, 
I  cannot  but  mention  the  great  pleasure  with  which  I  have 
traced  the  illustration  which  the  account  of  our  Lord's 
resurrection  has  received,  from  those  very  weighty  and  ac- 
curate observations  which  have  been  made  upon  it,  with  so 
much  sagacity,  delicacy,  and  candour,  by  Gilbert  West, 
Esq. 

It  is  a  ajeat  satisfaction  to  me  to  find  that  we  agree  in  seve- 
ral very  important  circumstances  of  the  story,  in  which  some 
late  very  ingenious  writers  on  this  subject  have  differed  from 
us  both  ;  as  it  likewise  is  to  see,  that  several  of  those  ver- 
sions and  criticisms  which  I  have  proposed  and  pleaded 
for,  have  the  sanction  of  Mr.  West's  concurrence  in  them. 
But  as  this  gentleman  has  advanced  several  very  material 
things  relating  to  this  very  important  part  of  tlie  Harmony 
of  the  evangelists,  which  were  wholly  unthought  of  by  me 
or  any  other  commentators  that  I  have  perused,  and  which 
also  seem  to  carry  along  with  them  a  very  high  degree  of 
probability,  in  the  happiest  manner  to  agree  with  each  other, 
and  greatly  to  illustrate  other  scriptures,  I  shall  here  give 
my  reader  a  brief  view  of  Mr.  West's  scheme,  referring  to 
his  invaluable  work  itself  for  a  more  particular  account  of 
it,  as  well  as  for  a  variety  of  most  solid  and  important 
remarks  relating  to  the  e\adences  of  this  great  fact,  and  of 
the  truth  of  Christianity  in  general,  which  is  so  inseparably 
connected  with  it. 

The  scheme  proposed  there,  so  far  as  I  can  recollect  it 
from  an  attentive  perusal,  is  this  :  That  during  the  time  of 
our  blessed  Redeemer's  lying  in  the  grave,  several  of  the 
l)ious  women  who  had  attended  him  from  (Galilee,  together 
with  some  of  their  female  friends  and  acquaintance  at  Jeru- 
salem, agreed  to  meet  at  his  sepulchre,  early  on  the  morning 
of  the  third  day,  to  embalm  the  body.  Mary  Magdalene, 
the  other  Mary,  Salome,  and  Joanna,  were  principal  persons 
in  this  appointment :  the  chief  care  of  preparing,  that  is, 
pounding,  mixing,  and  melting,  the  spices,  was  left  to 
Joanna  and  her  company,  who  were  to  be  there  about  sun- 
rising  ;  whereas  the  two  Maries,  and  Salome,  (of  whom 
Matthew  and  Mark  chiefly  write,)  came  thither  ttpmi,  before 
the  appointed  time,  early  in  the  morning,  or  as  the  day 
dawned,  in  order  eeuiptiaat,  to  view  the  sepulchre,  that  they 
might  judge  whether  they  and  their  companions  could  be 
able  to  remove  the  stone  which  closed  it,  or  whether  it 

*  bur  author  observes,'  that  this  text,  "  I  am  not  yet  ascended,"  &c. 
comprehends  in  a  few  words  a  variety  ot  most  important  hints,  which  have 
not  commonly  been  taken  notice  of  in  them  ;  particularly  that  our  Lord 
intended  by  them  to  recall  to  the  minds  of  his  disciples  the  discourse  he  had 
with  them  three  nijjhts  before,  in  which  he  explamed  what  he  meant  by 
going  to  the  Father  ;  (see  John  xvi.  C8.)  and  by  twice  using  the  word  ascend, 
designed  to  intimate,  that  he  was  to  go  up  to  heaven,  not  merely  in  spirit, 
as  the  pious  ilead  do,  but  by  a  corporeal  motion  and  translation,  and  that 
it  would  be  some  time  before  he  took  his  final  leave  of  earth  by  this  intended' 


would  be  necessary  to  call  in  other  assistance,  as  they  then 
knew  nothing  of  the  guard  which  was  set  upon  it.  While 
these  three  women  last  mentioned  were  on  their  way,  Jesus 
arose,  when  the  angel  had  opened  the  sepulchre  and  struck 
the  guards  into  amazement  and  consternation ;  the  conse- 
quence of  which  was,  that  some  of  them  went  to  the  Jewish 
rulers,  and  joined  in  contriving  and  propagating  the  sense- 
less falsehood  of  the  body's  being  stolen,  and  others  went 
into  other  parts  of  the  city,  and  told  the  matter  as  it  really 
was.  In  the  mean  time  the  angel  disappeared,  and  Mary 
Magdalene  approaching  the  sepulchre,  discerned  fi-om  some 
distance  that  the  very  large  stone  that  stopped  it  was  rolled 
away,  and  concluding  from  thence  that  the  body  was  re- 
moved, left  the  other  Mary  and  Salome  to  wait  for  Joanna 
and  her  company,  while  she  herself  ran  to  Peter  and  John 
to  acquaint  them  with  what  she  had  discovered.  While 
she  was  gone,  these  two  (the  other  Mary  and  Salome)  went 
towaid  the  sepulchre,  and  entering  into  it,  saw,  to  their 
great  astonishment,  an  angel,  who  told  them  that  Jesus, 
whom  he  knew  they  sought,  was  not  there,  but  was  risen 
from  the  dead,  and  gave  it  them  in  charge  to  go  and  ac- 
quaint his  disciples  with  it,  and  to  let  them  know  that  he 
would  give  them  a  meeting  in  Galilee.  The  greatness  of 
their  consternation  prevented  them  from  saying  any  thing 
immediately  to  any  one,  even  to  some  of  their  own  com- 
pany, who  might  pass  and  repass  within  their  view  at  least, 
and  so  occasioned  a  delay  which  left  room  for  some  other 
circumstances.  Just  as  they  were  on  their  return,  Peter 
and  John  came,  (perhaps  passing  by  them  at  some  dis- 
tance,) and  Mary  Magdalene  followed  them.  John  at  his 
first  arrival  only  looked  into  the  sepulchre ;  but  when  Peter 
jrame  and  entered  it,  John  went  in  too,  and  from  the  cir- 
cumstances in  which  he  saw  things,  believed  that  Jesus  was 
risen  ;  though  the  angel  (who  could  appear  or  disappear  at 
pleasure)  did  not  render  himself  visible  to  either.  They 
returned  to  the  city,  and  Mary  Magdalene,  who  was  now 
alone,  stooping  down  to  look  into  the  sepulchre,  saw  two 
angels  :  but  (perhaps  imagining  they  were  two  young  men, 
whom  curiosity  or  accident  might  have  brought  thither) 
took  little  notice  of  them,  and  continued  weeping  in  deep 
thought  and  distress,  till  Jesus  appeared,  and  made  himself 
known  to  her  in  those  very  remarkable  words,  John  xx.  17. 
which  Mr.  West  illustrates  with  some  very  peculiar  obser- 
vations.* Leaving  her  very  suddenly,  our  Lord  appeared 
to  the  other  Mary  and  Salome,  whom  he  permitted  to  em- 
brace his  feet,  comforted  them  under  their  fear,  and  renewed 
the  assurance  the  angel  had  given  them,  that  he  would 
meet  his  disciples  in  Galilee.  While  these  things  were 
passing  at  some  distance,  and  the  scene  at  the  sepulchre 
was  clear,  Joanna  and  the  women  who  brought  the  spices 
(and  of  whom  Luke  only  virites)  came,  and  entering  into 
the  sepulchre,  at  first  saw  no  one  in  it,  till  the  two  angels, 
who  a  few  minutes  before  had  appeared  to  Mary  Magdalene, 
made  themselves  visible  to  Joanna  and  her  attendants,  and 
assuring  them  of  the  resurrection  of  Jesus,  reminded  them 
how  it  had  been  foretold  by  himself,  with  the  previous  cir- 
cumstances of  his  sufferings,  but  gave  them  no  charge  con- 
cerning the  information  to  be  carried  to  the  apostles  ;  that 
having  been  committed  to  the  others.    Yet  (as  it  was  natural 

ascension :  All  which  weighty  expressions  and  predictions  concur  with  a 
thousand  other  circumstances,  to  show  how  impossible  it  was  that  such  an 
apprehended  appearance  should  have  been  merely  the  result  of  a  disordered 
imagination  ;  a  consideration  which  Mr.  West  illustrates  at  large,  as  he  also 
does  the  mistaken  apprehension  of  the  disciples,  who,  when  some  of  their 
companions,  whose  veracity  they  could  not  suspect,  testified  they  had  seen 
the  Lord,  thought  his  body  was  not  risen,  but  that  it  was  only  his  spirit  that 
appeared  to  them  ;  which  hint  I  mention  a.s  a  key,  by  means  of  which 
many  passages  in  the  evangelists  are  explained  in  this  woik. 


POSTSCRIPT. 


to  suppose  tliey  would)  some  of  this  second  company  ran 
to  tlje  city,  and,  by  whatever  accident  it  happened,  reached 
the  eleven,  and  some  other  disciples  who  were  with  them, 
before  the  two  Maries  and  Salome  arrived,  telling  them 
(which  was  all  they  could  tell  them)  that  they  had  seen  a 
vision  of  angels,  who  asserted  that  Jesus  was  alive.  Peter 
on  this  ran  a  second  time  to  the  sepulchre,  (Luke  xxiv.  12.) 
and  not  entering  as  before,  but  only  stooping  down  and 
looking  into  it,  he  saw  no  angels,  or  any  thing  else,  but 
ra  oOovia  KeifMeva  fxova,  only  the  linen  clothes  lying  there,  on 
which  he  returned ;  and  just  on  his  making  that  report, 
the  two  disciples  who  went  that  day  to  Emmaus,  or  some 
from  whom  tney  received  their  information,  (I.uke  xxiv.  22 
— 24.)  left  the  place  before  the  arrival  of  the  two  Maries  and 
Salome ;  who,  retarded,  as  was  hinted  above,  by  some  un- 
known accident,  (perhaps  by  guessing  wrong  as  to  the  place 
where  they  might  find  the  largest  company  together,)  at 
last,  however,  reached  them,  and  made  abundant  satisfac- 
tion for  the  little  delay,  (for  all  might  perhaps  have  passed 
in  an  hour,)  by  assuruig  them,  not  only  that  they  also  had 
seen  an  angel  who  informed  them  of  their  Lord's  resuiTec- 
tion,  but  that  Jesus  himself  had  appeared  to  them,  and  had 
even  permitted  himself  to  be  touched  by  two  of  them. 

This  is  Mr.  West's  scheme  of  this  important  story ;  and 
the  reader  will  easily  perceive,  that  it  chiefly  differs  from 
mine  in  these  two  circumstances : — That  it  supposes  the 
women  to  have  made  two  different  visits  to  the  sepulchre, 
and  in  consequence  of  that,  two  distinct  reports ;  whereas 
mine  unites  them  :  (though  I  do  not  suppose  they  came  all 
together,  but  that  they  met  there :)  And  that  it  also  makes 
Peter  to  have  run  to  it  twice,  of  which  I  now  think  there 
can  be  no  reasonable  doubt,  though  I  before  incorporated 
Luke's  account  with  that  of  John,  relating  to  his  n.mning 
thither  with  John,  on  Mary  Magdalene's  first  report. 

On  the  whole,  whatever  embarrassments  some  may  ap- 
prehend, I  am  fully  convinced  that  the  scheme  I  have 
offered  in  my  Harmony  will  fully  acquit  the  evangelists 
from  any  charge  of  absurdity  or  contradiction  ;  and  I  think 
it  far  preferable  to  any  other  method  of  adjusting  them 
which  I  ever  met  with  before  or  since  the  publication,  till 
this  piece  of  Mr.  West  came  into  my  hands  ;  but  his  plan, 
though  not  altogether  clear  of  some  difficulties,  (especially 


from  the  connexion  of  the  1st  and  10th  verses  of  the  xxivth 
of  Luke  with  the  intermediate,)  yet  seems  on  the  whole  to 
have  so  many  advantages,  that  I  am  inclined  to  acquiesce 
in  it.  I  doubt  not  but  those  of  my  readers  wlio  have  not 
read  the  mgenious  piece  from  which  this  extract  is  taken, 
will  be  glad  to  find  it  here,  and  will  take  the  first  opportu- 
nity of  perusing  the  book  itself,  in  which  they  will  find  a 
variety  of  other  excellent  remarks.  I  cannot  conclude  with- 
out recommending  it  to  the  divine  blessing,  and  declaring 
my  joy,  that  so  able  and  worthy  a  defender  of  Christianity  is 
risen  up,  in  a  rank  of  life  which  leaves  no  room  for  insinu- 
ating any  suspicion  of  those  secular  views  to  which  some, 
who  may  perhaps  judge  of  others  by  what  they  know  of 
their  own  low  principles  of  action,  may  be  ready  ungene- 
rously, and  in  many  mstances  ridiculously,  to  impute  those 
efforts,  which  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  are  so  frequently 
making  for  its  vindication. 

Since  all  the  preceding  part  of  this  Postscript  was  written, 
the  world  has  been  blessed  with  another  admirable  produc- 
tion of  this  kind,  from  the  pen  of  one  of  the  politest  of 
writers  and  worthiest  of  men,  who  is  lately  become  the 
public  advocate  of  that  religion  to  Avhich  he  has  much 
longer  been  a  distinguished  ornament.  Many  of  my  readers 
will  undoubtedly  know,  that  I  refer  to  the  Observations  on 
the  Conversion  and  Apostleship  of  St.  Paul,  by  the  Honour- 
able George  Lyttelton,  one  of  the  Lords  of  the  Treasury  ;  a 
piece,  if  I  may  presume  to  give  my  Ciwinion  of  it,  as  perfect 
in  its  kind  as  any  our  age  has  proauved.  I  cannot  but 
greatly  regret,  that  I  have  not  the  opportunity  of  enriching 
my  notes  on  the  Acts  with  several  of  this  gentleman's 
judicious  and  entertaining  remarks,  which  I  shall  not  fail  to 
attempt,  if  a  second  edition  should  be  required.  In  the 
mean  time,  I  mention  it  here,  that  no  one  who  has  it  in  his 
power  may  lose  the  pleasure  and  benefit  of  perusing  that 
masterly  treatise  ;  in  which  he  will  find  a  most  compendious 
yet  unanswerable  demonstration  of  Christianity,  proposed  in 
so  clear,  elegant,  and  nervous  a  manner,  with  such  inter- 
mingled traces  of  the  author's  excellent  heart,  that  he  must 
surely  be  among  the  most  perfect,  or  the  most  unteachable, 
of  mankind,  who  is  not  greatly  instructed  and  edified  by  it. 

October  28,  1747. 


PREFACE 


TO   THE   FOURTH   VOLUME    OF   THE   ORIGINAL   EDITION, 


COMMENCING  WITH 


THE  EPISTLE  TO  THE  ROMANS. 


After  what  I  have  said  concerning  this  work,  in  the  pre- 
faces to  the  former  volumes,  I  have  Uttle  to  add,  but  what 
relates  to  the  manner  in  which  I  have  endeavoured  to  con- 
duct this  part  upon  the  Epktles ;  which,  I  bless  God,  he 
has  carried  me  tlirough,  and  thank  the  public  they  have  so 
kindly  encouraged. 

As  far  as  I  know  myself,  I  have  no  favourite  hypothesis 
to  serve,  nor  a  fondness  for  any  unscriptural  phrases ;  in 
which  so  many  have,  on  one  side  and  the  other,  made  the 
vary  being  of  orthodoxy  to  consist.  I  have  been  disposed 
to  let  Scripture  carry  me  along  with  it,  wherever  it  naturally 
leads,  rather  than  resolve  it  sliould  follow  me.  Instead  of 
labouring  to  establish  any  particular  human  system,  which 
has  always,  I  fear,  a  leaven  of  imperfection  attending  it,  I 
have  endeavoured  to  keep  controversy  as  much  out  of  sight 
as  possible,  and  to  represent  what  I  verily  believe  to  be  the 
Scripture  doctrine,  in  as  simple  a  manner  as  I  could,  and 
divested  of  those  particular  expressions,  which  some,  who 
perhaps  are  not  averse  to  the  main  doctrine  itself,  eu-e  ready 
to  rise  up  against. 

But  I  have  not  the  vanity  to  hope  I  have  escaped  all 
prejudice,  ^^'here  it  has  been  manifested,  may  God  pardon 
It,  may  my  brethren  excuse  it,  and  may  divine  illumination, 


I  have  endeavoured  to  guard  against  excessive  length  in 
tlie  Paraphrase ;  and  so  much  the  rather,  as  St.  Paul's  sen- 
tences are  often  so  long,  that  I  feared  I  should  otherwise 
have  obscured  the  sense,  rather  than  illustrated  it;  and 
have  rendered  one  of  the  liveliest  writers  in  the  world  (for 
such  undoubtedly  St.  Paul  is)  tedious  to  the  reader.  To 
avoid  this,  I  have  often  broke  one  sentence  of  the  text  into 
two  or  three  in  the  Paraphrase ;  and  have  had  a  great  deal 
of  work  in  the  review,  to  correct  the  obscurity,  which 
was  the  natural  consequence  of  following  one  leading 
thought. 

I  have  aimed  at  making  the  Improvements  naturally  arise 
out  of  and  follow  the  scriptures  illustrated ;  and  by  tracing 
the  temj)er  of  the  apostles,  under  the  influence  of  the  great 
truths  they  are  inculcating,  to  produce  correspondent  affec- 
tions in  my  own  heart.  I  have  endeavoured  that  the  mind 
of  the  reader,  more  attentive  perhaps  at  first  to  the  critical 
noise,  may  be  led  into  tlie  practical  use,  which,  plain  as  it 
generally  is,  is  indeed  the  end  of  all,  and,  alas !  the  hardest 
of  all  to  teach.  I  have  preferred  plain  and  useful  reflections 
to  those  which  might  have  been  curious  and  surprising ;  and 
proposed  those  lessons  which  I  would  be  most  desirous  to 
impress  upon  my  own  heart. 


more  i)lentifully  imparted,  preserve  others  from  being  lec^^  When  this  work  is  read  in  the  families  or  closets  of  any 


into  any  errors  into  which  I  may  have  fallen ! 

I  hope  it  will  be  deemed  no  matter  of  just  offence,  that  I 
have  not  always  critically  examined  those  interpretagons, 
which,  as  seeming  less  natural,  I  have  declined.  It  had 
been  endless,  amidst  such  a  variety  of  sentiments  and  ex- 
plications, to  have  done  this.  Some  commentators  have 
darkened  these  Epistles  so  much,  that  I  am  sensible  St. 
Paul's  writings  are  best  explained,  by  keeping  their  glosses 
as  much  as  possible  out  of  sight.  I  have  therefore  fre- 
quently passed  them  over,  as  if  Ihad  never  heard  or  known 
them.  And  if  any  should  impute  this  to  igiiorance,  I  wish 
they  had  happened  to  be  in  the  right ;  as  it  had  been  the 
saving  a  great  deal  of  important  time,  not  to  have  knovm 
the  manner  in  which  these  v/ritings  have  been  tortured  to 
serve  and  save  a  favourite  hypothesis. 

It  has  seemed  reasonable"  to  me,  when  the  text  and  con- 
text will  bear  two  interpretations,  to  prefer  that  which  gives 
the  noblest  and  most  extensive  sense,  and  might  make  the 
passage  in  question  most  universally  useful.  And  I  hope 
this  general  apology  will  be  sufficient. 

If  I  have  been  less  sanguine  than  some  would  choose, 
let  it  be  forgiven.  I  wTote  with  fear  and  trembling,  when 
I  considered  the  favourable  reception  which  the  former 
volumes  had  met  with,  and  that  these  which  I  now  publish 
might  probably  follow  them  over  a  considerable  part  of  the 
protestant  world  :  a  testimony,  I  hope,  that  they  breathed  a 
spirit  of  piety,  rather  than  parly  ;  and  a  reason  for  caution 
in  these,  that  an  air  of  authority  might  not  mislead,  or  of 
rashness  oflfend. 


ho  practise  free  pivi/cr,  I  W'ould  desire  them  to  observe, 
how  naturally  the  several  Improvements  v.ill  furnish  them 
with  proper  materials  for  this  important  and  delightful  exer- 
cise ;  and  by  such  a  use  of  them,  their  hearts  may  be  more 
powerfully  impressed  with  the  truths  illustrated,  and  the 
duties  recommended.  In  this  view,  I  have  in  some  of 
them  suffered  my  thoughts,  while  warmed  with  serious  and 
devout  meditation,  to  breathe  forth  the  language  of  prayer 
and  praise ;  which  may  furnish  my  fellow-christians  with  a 
specimen  of  the  manner  in  which  most  of  them  may  be 
converted  into  direct  addresses  to  God. 

Upon  the  whole,  the  design  of  this  work  is  not  to  prose- 
lyte men  to  human  names,  nor  to  reconcile  them  to  this  or 
the  other  discriminating  phrase ;  which,  in  the  mouth  of 
one,  may  be  truth  and  propriety,  and  in  the  mouth  of  an- 
other, falsehood  and  nonsense ;  according  as  any  idea  or 
none,  a  just  or  wrong  idea,  may  be  affixed  to  them.  Nor  is 
my  design  to  influence  christians  to  worship  here  or  there  : — 
my  design  is  to  let  into  the  heart  the  great  sentiments  of 
Christianity,  and  to  convey  them  there  as  warmly  and 
strongly  as  I  could.  And  I  hope  God  v/ill  graciously 
reward  the  faithful  care  with  which  I  have  consulted  •  the 
honour  of  my  sacred  guide,  by  making  it  the  means  of 
spreading  true  religion,  and  nourishing  many  souls  in  fer- 
vent piety,  brotherly  love,  and  universal  goodness.    Amen. 


PHILIP  DODDRIDGE. 


ADVERTISEMENT 


TO  THE  READER,  BY  THE  EDITOR. 


PREFIXED  TO  THE  SIXTH  VOLUME  OF  THE  ORIGINAL  EDITION. 


The  author  of  this  work  had  written  upon  the  title  of  that  manuscript  volume  which  contained  the  Epistle 
to  the  Romans,  the  following  direction  : — "  N.  B.  If  I  die  before  this  work  is  finished,  as  it  is  most  pro- 
"  bable  I  shall,  I  desire  that  it  may  be  transcribed,  as  far  as  it  goes,  by  Mr.  Orton  ;  and  that  he  would  add 
"  such  notes  as  he  shall  judge  most  proper,  from  my  written  critical  notes  on  the  Epistles  ;  and  that  it  may 
"  be  printed,  by  subscription,  in  one,  two,  or  three  volumes,  as  shall  be  judged  most  convenient,  and 
"  according  to  the  progress  which  Providence  may  permit  me  to  make  in  it.  Jan.  1,  1746-7." — I  think  it 
therefore  incumbent  upon  me  to  inform  the  subscribers  what  progress  the  author  had  made  in  this  work, 
and  what  has  been  done  to  it  since  his  death,  in  order  to  remove  those  suspicions  which  often  arise  concern- 
ing the  authenticity  of  posthumous  works. 

When  it  pleased  God  to  put  a  period  to  the  author's  life  and  labours,  he  had  finished  his  Paraphrase  and 
Improvement  of  the  epistolary  part  of  the  New  Testament,  and  of  the  book  of  the  Revelation,  and  fairly 
wrote  it  out  in  short-hand  ;  and  had  added  the  principal  notes  which  he  intended  to  publish.  At  the  end 
of  the  manuscript  volume  containing  the  Revelation,  he  had  wrote,  "  Through  the  good  hand  of  God  upon 
"  me,  which  I  desire  most  thankfully  to  acknciwledge,  I  ended  the  first  copy  of  the  Family  Expositor,  Dec. 
"  31,  1748,  exactly  two  years  after  I  began  to  write  upon  the  Romans  :  having  pursued  it,  during  that  time, 
"  without  the  interruption  of  one  single  day  :  such  health  and  such  resolution  did  it  please  God  to  give  me, 
"  amidst  the  various  scenes  of  business,  danger,  and  amusement,  through  which  I  passed  !  May  his  grace 
"  raise  to  himself  a  monument  of  praise  from  this  feeble  effort  to  explain,  illustrate,  and  enforce  his  word  \" 
And  under, — "  I  ended  my  Notes  on  the  books  I  had  thus  paraphrased  and  improved,  Aug.  21, 1749,  having 
"  daily  pursued  the  work  in  like  manner,  whether  at  home  or  abroad." — He  had  transcribed  for  the  press, 
the  Paraphrase,  Improvements,  and  Notes,  of  the  two  first  volumes,  as  now  published  ;  the  Paraphrase  and 
Improvements  of  the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews,  and  the  two  first  epistles  of  John.  The  Notes  on  these  three 
Epistles,  together  with  the  Paraphrase,  Improvements,  and  Notes,  on  the  remaining  Epistles,  and  the 
Revelation,  were  transcribed  from  his  short-hand  copy  by  my  own  hand,  or  under  my  inspection,  by  some 
of  his  pupils ;  and  I  carefully  revised  the  transcript  several  times,  and  compared  it  with  his  short-hand 
copy. — I  can  assure  the  subscribers,  that  the  utmost  caution  has  been  used,  that  no  one  sentiment  of  the 
author  should  be  suppressed  or  changed,  and  only  such  expressions  varied,  as,  to  avoid  tautology,  and  for 
the  sake  of  perspicuity  and  accuracy,  it  might  be  presumed  the  author  would  have  varied,  had  he  transcribed 
this  part  of  the  work,  and  given  it  his  finishing  hand.  In  the  margin  of  the  short-hand  copy,  he  had  wrote 
hints  of  some  alterations  to  be  made  in  the  phraseology  and  length  of  some  sentences,  as  well  as  of  notes  he 
intended  to  add  when  he  transcribed  it  for  the  press.  I  have  endeavoured  to  follow  these  hints  in  the  best 
manner  I  could  ;  and  accordingly  a  few  notes  have  been  added  to  vindicate  or  illustrate  his  Version  or 
Paraphrase,  and  references  inserted  to  other  critics  ;  most  of  which  were  taken  from  his  notes,  according 
to  the  direction  mentioned  above.  On  the  whole,  I  hope  the  attentive  reader  who  is  acquainted  with  his 
style  and  spirit,  will  discover  nothing  in  the  latter  part  of  the  work  unsuitable  to  either  ;  and  will  join  with 
me  in  thankfulness  to  God,  who  spared  his  life  till  he  had  completed  this  important  and  useful  undertaking. 

There  is  one  occurrence  relating  to  it,  which  my  ov.n  judgment,  and  that  of  many  of  the  author's  friends, 
forbid  me  to  conceal,  and  the  rather,  because  it  has  been  greatly  misrepresented.  During  the  author's  life, 
(in  June  1750,)  a  fire,  occasioned  by  a  wax  candle  being  left  on  his  writing-desk,  broke  out  in  his  study, 
and  consumed  many  of  his  papers,  and  part  of  one  volume  of  the  short-hand  copy  of  this  work  ;  but  the 
light  of  the  fire  being  providentially  discovered  by  an  opposite  neighbour,  who  gave  an  immediate  alami,  it 
was  speedily  extinguished.  When  the  author  was  informed  of  the  accident,  he  seemed  most  anxious  about 
the  preservation  of  this  manuscript;  and  when  the  flames  were  extinguished,  to  his  great  joy  and  surprise, 
it  appeared  that  the  part  of  this  volume,  and  that  only  which  was  destroyed,  had  been  transcribed,  and  the 
transcript  lay  in  another  place  out  of  danger,  and  all  the  untranscribed  pages  were  perfectly  legible,  and 
only  the  edges  of  them  singed.  Being  an  eye-witness  of  the  danger  and  deliverance,  I  record  this  account 
of  it,  partly  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  subscribers  with  regard  to  the  exaggerated  report,  but  chiefly  as 
it  seems  to  denote  a  particular  care  of  Providence  in  preserving  this  work,  and  a  favourable  omen,  that  God 
intends  it  for  extensive  and  lasting  usefulness.  "  Whoso  is  wise,  and  will  observe  such  things,  even  they 
"  shall  understand  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord."     Psal.  cvii.  43. 

In  the  name  of  the  author's  family,  I  heartily  thank  the  subscribers  for  their  encouragement  of  this  Work, 
and  the  gentlemen  who  have  kindly  superintended  the  press  ;  and  I  pray  that  it  may  answer  those  pious 
and  benevolent  ends  for  which  it  was  composed  and  is  now  published. 

J.  ORTON. 

Salop, 
Nov.  21,  1755. 


DIRECTIONS 


READING  THE  FAMILY  EXPOSITOR. 


As  to  the  manner  of  reading  this  book  in  families,  I  would  advise  as  follows : — First  let  the  passage  of 
Scripture  be  read  from  the  common  translation  in  the  inner  column,  unless  the  family  have  their  Bibles 
before  them :  then  read  the  New  Ve7-sion  by  itself,  which  is  interwoven  with  the  Paraphrase,  but  distin- 
guished by  the  Italic  character ;  and  then  the  Paraphrase  and  Improvement. 

As  for  the  Notes,  I  should  advise  the  person  who  officiates,  to  select  such  as  are  of  most  general  concern, 
and  read  them  after  the  paragraph  to  which  they  belong :  for  it  is  not  so  agreeable  to  interrupt  the  sense 
by  introducing  them  before  it  is  completed.  Other  notes  may  perhaps  be  more  fitly  made  matter  of  conver- 
sation afterwards :  but  this  is  referred  to  the  prudence  of  particular  persons,  who  will  judge  with  a  regard 
to  the  state  and  character  of  the  families  in  question. 

In  reading  the  Compound  Text,  it  may  be  observed,  that  the  words  of  the  several  Evangelists  are  distin- 
guished by  crotchets,  thus  [  ]  ;  and  the  clauses  included  within  them  are  always  marked  with  the  name  of 
the  Evauyelist  from  whom  they  are  taken,  unless  a  single  ttxt  only  be  added  at  the  end  of  the  verse,  to  which 
they  must  of  course  belong  ;  or,  where  more  texts  than  one  are  added,  the  crotchets  which  have  nothing  to 
distinguish  them  belong  to  the  first. 

I  am  pleased  to  think  with  how  much  ease  any  attentive  reader  will  distinguish  the  Text  itself  from  the 
Paraphrase,  in  consequence  of  the  extraordinary  care  which  hath  been  taken  to  keep  the  work  in  that 
particular  remarkably  correct ;  for  which,  I  am  obliged  to  pay  my  public  and  most  thankful  acknowledg- 
ments to  my  worthy  brother  and  friend,  the  Reverend  Mr.  Godwin,  who  generously  undertook  the  great 
trouble,  not  only  of  revising  each  sheet  as  it  came  from  the  press,  but  also  of  inspecting  the  manuscript 
before  it  went  thither,  and  of  making  several  important  alterations  in  it,  very  much  for  the  better ;  of 
which  I  should  have  been  ready  to  have  given  a  more  particular  account,  if  his  modesty  and  goodness 
would  have  permitted  it. 


TABLE   OF  THE   SECTIONS   IN   THEIR  ORDER, 


SHOWING  THE 


DISPOSITION  OF  THE  HARMONY. 


SECT. 

MATTHEW. 

MARK. 

LUKE. 

JOHN. 

SECT. 

MATTHEW. 

M.IRK. 

LUKE. 

JOHN. 

1 

i.  1-^ 

67 

xiii.  24 — .30 

2 

— 

— 

— 

i.  1—14 

36—43 

3 

— 

— 

i.  5— 25 

— 

68 

xiii.  31—35 

iv.  26—34 

— 

— 

4 

— 

— 

i.  26— 38 

— 

44—53 

5 

— 

— . 

i.  39—56 

— 

69 

viii.  18—27 

iv.  35,  ad  fin. 

viii.  22—25 

— 

6 

— 

— 

i.  57—66 

— 

ix.  57,  ad  fin. 

7 

— 

— 

i.  67,  ad  fin. 

— 

70 

viii.  28,  ad  fin. 

V.  1—21 

viii.  26—40 

— 

8 

i.  18,  adfin- 

— 

— 

— 

ix.  1 

9 

i.  1—17 

— 

iii.  23,  ad  fin. 

— 

71 

ix.  10—17 

ii.  15—22 

V.  29,  ad  fin. 

— 

10 

— 

ii.  1—21 

— 

72 

ix.  18—34 

v.  22,  ad  fin. 

viii.  41,  ad  fin. 

— 

11 

— 

— 

ii.  22—39 

— 

73 

xiii.  54,  ad  fin. 

vi.  1—6 

— 

— 

12 

ii.  1—12 

— 

— 

— 

ix.  ,35,  ad  fin. 

13 

ii.  13,  ad  Jin. 

— 

— 

— 

74 

X.  1—15 

vi.  7—11 

ix.  1—5 

— 

14 

— 

— 

ii.  40,  ad  fin. 

— 

75 

x.  16—28 

— . 

— 

— 

15 

iii.  1—6 

i.  1— ^ 

iii.  1—6 

— 

76 

x.  29,  ad  fin. 

vi.  12,  13 

ix.  6 

— 

16 

iii.  7—12 

i.7,8 

iii.  7—18 

— 

xi.  1 

17 

— 

i.  15—18 

77 

xiv.  1,  2,6—12 

vi.  14—29 

ix.  7—9 

— 

18 

iii.  13,  ad  fin. 

i.  9—11 

iii.  21—23 

— 

78 

xiv.  1,3 — 23 

vi.  30—46 

ix.  10—17 

vi.  1—15 

19 

iv.  1—11 

i.  12,  13 

iv.  1—13 

— 

79 

xiv.  24,  ad  fin. 

vi.  47,  ad  fin. 

— 

vi.  16—21 

20 



— 

. . 

i.  19—28 

80 

— 

— 

vi.  22—40 

21 



— 

. 

i.  29—42 

81 



— 

, — . 

vi.  41—58 

22 



— 



i.  43,  ad  fin. 

82 



— 

— 

vi.  59,  ad  fin. 

23 



— 



ii.  1—11 

83 

XV.  1 — 9 

vii.  1—13 

— 

— 

24 



— 



ii.  12,  ad  fin. 

84 

XV.  10—20 

vii.  14—23 

— 

— 

25 



• — 



iii.  1—10 

85 

XV.  21 — 29 

vii.  24,  ad  fin. 

— 

— 

26 



■ — 



iii.  11—21 

86 

XV.  30,  ad  fin. 

viii.  1—10 

— 

— 

27 



— 



iii.  22,  ad  fin. 

87 

xvi.  1—12 

viii.  11—21 

, — 

— 

28 

xiv.  3—5 

vi.  17—20 

iii.  19,  20 

— 

88 

xvi.  13 — 20 

viii.  22 — 30 

ix.  18—21 

— 

29 

— 

— 

iv.  1—26 

89 

xvi.  21,  ad  fin. 

viii.  31,  ad  fin. 

ix.  22—27 

— 

30 

— 

— 

iv.  27-^2 

ix.  1 

31 

iv.  12 

i.  14, 15 

— 

iv.  43,  ad  fin. 

90 

xv'ii.  1 — 13 

ix.  2-13 

ix.  28—36 

— , 

32 

— 

— ■ 

iv.  14—30 

— 

91 

xvii.  14 — 21 

ix.  14-29 

ix.  37^3 

— . 

33 

iv.  13—22 

i.  16—20 

iv.  31,  32 

— 

92 

xvii.  22,  ad  fin. 

ix.  30—33 

ix.  43—45 

— 

34 

— 

— 

V.  1—11 

— 

93 

x\'iii.  1 — 9 

ix.  3.3—37 

ix.  46—48 

— 

35 

viii.  14,  15 

i.  21—31 

iv.  33—39 

— 

42,  ad  fin. 

36 

iv.  23,  ad  Jin. 

i.  32—39 

iv.  40,  adjin. 

— 

94 

x^'iii.  10 — 20 

— 

— 

viii.  16, 17 

95 

xviii.  21,  ad  fin. 

— 

— 

— 

37 

v.  1—16 



— 

— 

96 

ix.  38—41 

ix.  49,50 

— 

38 

v.  17-26 



— 

— 

97 



X.  1—16 

— 

39 

V.27,  ad  Jin. 



. — 

— 

98 



— 

— 

vii.  1—13 

40 

vi.  1—18 



— 



99 







vii.  14 — 24 

41 

vi.  19,  ad  fin. 



— 

— . 

100 



, — 



vii.  25—36 

42 

vii.  1—20 



— 

— 

101 



— 

— . 

vii.  37,  adfi.n. 

43 

vii.  21,  ad  fin. 



— 

— 

102 



— 



viii.  1—11 

44 

viii.  1 — i 

i.  40,  adfi7i. 

v.  12-16 

— 

103 



— 



viii.  12-29 

45 

ix.  2 — 9 

ii.  1—14 

V.  17—28 

— 

104 



— 

— 

viii.  .30 — 47 

46 

— 

— 

. — 

V.  1—16 

105 



— 

— 

viii.  48,  ad  fin. 

47 

— 

— 

— 

v.  17—30 

106 



— 

X.  17—24 

. — 

48 

— 

— 

— 

V.  31,  ad  fin. 

107 



— 

X.  25—37 

_ 

49 

xii.  1 — 8 

ii.  23,  ad  fin. 

vi.  1-5 

— 

108 



— 

X.  38,  ad  fin. 

— 

50 

xii.  9 — 15 

iii.  1—7 

vi.6— 11 

— 

109 



— 

xi.  1-13 

— 

51 

xii.  15—21 

iii.  7—12 

— 

. — 

110 

. 

, — 

xi.  37,  ad  fin. 

— 

52 



iii.  13—19 

vi.  12—19 

— 

111 





xii.  1—12 



53 



— 

vi.  20—36 

— 

112 



— 

xii.  13—21 

— 

54 



— 

vi.  37,  ad  fin. 

— 

113 



— 

xii.  22—34 

— 

55 

viii.  5—13 

»- 

vii.  1—10 

— 

114 





xii.  35—48 

— 

56 

— 

iii.  19—21 

vii.  11—17 

— 

115 





xii.  49,  ad  fin. 

— 

57 

xi.2— 6 

— ■ 

vii.  18—23 

— 

116 



— . 

xiii.  1 — 9 

— 

58 

xi.  7—19 

— 

vii.  24—35 

. — 

117 



— 

xiii.  10—22 

— 

59 
60 

XI.  20,  adjin. 

— 

— 

— 

118 



— 

xiii.  23,  ad  fin. 

— 

— 

— 

vii.  36,  ad  fin. 

— 

119 



— 

xiv.  1—14 

— 

61 

xii.  22 — 32 

iii.  C2— 30 

viii.  1 — 3 

— 

120 

, 

— 

xiv.  15—24 

— 

xi.  14,  15, 

121 



— 

xiv.  25,  ad  fin. 

— 

17—23 

122 





XV.  1—10 

— 

62 

xii.  33—37 

— 

xi.  27,  28 

— 

123 



— , 

XV.  11,  ad  fin. 

— 

63 

xii.  38—45 

— 

xi.  16,    24,   26, 

— 

124 

, 

— 

xvi.  1—18 

— 

64 

29—32 

125 





xvi.  19,  ad  fin. 

—^ 

xii.  46,  ad  Jin. 

iii.  31,  ad  fin. 

xi.  33—36 

— 

126 



— 

xvii.  1—11 

— 

65 

viii.  19 — 21 

127 





ix.  51—56 

— 

xiii.  1—17 

iv.  1—12 

viii.  4 — 10 



xvii.  12—19 

66 

xiii.  1&— 23 

iv.  13—25 

viii.  11—18 

— 

128 

— 

— 

xvii.  20,  ad  fin. 

~ 

A  TABLE  OF  THE  SECTIONS  IN  THEIR  ORDER,  &c. 


SECT. 

MATTHEW. 

MARK. 

LUKE. 

JOH  N. 

SECT. 

M.iTTHEW. 

MARK. 

LUKE. 

JOHN. 

]29 

xviii.  1—14 

170 

xxvi.  21-25 

xiv.  18—21 

xxii.  21 — 23, 

xiii.  2,  18 — 30 

130 





ix.  1 — 23 

28—30 

1.31 







ix.  24—38 

171 





xxii.  31—34 

xiii.  31,  ad  fin. 

132 



— 

— 

ix.  39,  ad  fin. 

172 

xxvi.  26 — .30 

xiv.  22 — 26 

xxii.  19,  20 

— 

X.  1—10 

173 



. 

xxii.  35 — 38 

xiv.  1—14 

3.33 





. 

X.  11—21 

174 





— 

xiv.  15,  adfin. 

134 







X.  22,  adfm. 

175 





— 

XV.  1—11 

1.35 

xix.  1 — 12 

X.  1—12 



— 

176 

— 



— 

XV.  12,  adfin. 

136 

xix.  1,3—15 

X.  13—16 

xviii.  15—17 

— 

177 

— 



— 

xvi.  1 — 15 

137 

xix.  16,  ndfin. 

X.  17—31 

xviii.  18— .30 

— 

178 

— 

— 

— 

xvi.  16,  adfin. 

1.38 

XX.  1 — 16 



— 

179 





— 

xvii.  1-12 

139 





xi.  1—16 

180 

— 



— 

xvii.  13,  adfin. 

140 







X).  17—46 

181 

xxvi.  31 — 35 

xiv.  27 — 31 

xxii.  39 

xviii.  1 

141 

— 

— 

— 

xi.  47,  ad  fin. 

182 

xxvi.  36 — 46 

xiv.  32 — 42 

xxii.  40^6 

■ — 

142 

XX.  17—28 

X.  32-46 

xviii.  31—34 

— 

183 

xxvi.  47—50 

xiv.  43—52 

xxii.  47 — 53 

xviii.  2—12 

143 

XX.  29,  ad  fin. 

X.  46,  ad.^n. 

xviii.  .35,  ad  fin. 
xix.  1—10 

— 

184 

.xxvi.  57,  58,  69, 

ad  fin. 

xiv.  53,  54,  66, 
ad  fin. 

xxii.  54 — 62 

xviii.  13—18, 

24—27 

144 



— 

xix.  11—28 

— 

185 

xxvi.  59—68 

xiv.  55—65 

xxii.  63,  adfin. 

xviii.  19— 23,28 

145 

xxvi.  6—13 

xiv.  3-9 

— 

xii.  1—11 

186 

xxvii.  1,  2, 

XV.  1—5 

xxiii.  1 — 1 

xviii.  28 — 38 

146 

xxi.  1—9 

xi.  1-10 

xix.  29—40 

xii.  12—19 

11-14 

147 

xxi.  10 — 16 

xi.  11 

xix.  41,  ad  fin. 

— 

187 

xxvii.  15 — 18, 

XV.  6—14 

xxiii.  5 — 23 

xviii.  39,  adfin. 

148 

xxi.  17 

xi.  U 

— 

xii.  20 — .36 

20—23 

149 

xxi.  18,  19 

xi.  12—14 

— 

xii.  37—43 

188 

xxvii.  19, 

XV.  15—20 

xxiii.  24,  25 

xix.  1—16 

150 

— 

xi.  15—19 

— 

xii.  44,  ad  fin. 

24—31 

151 

xxi.  20 — 32 

xi.  20,  ad  fin. 
xii.  1 

XX.  1 — 9 

~ 

189 

xxvii.  32—34, 
.38 

XV.  21—23,  25, 
27,28 

xxiii.  26—34 

xix.  16—18 

]52 

xxi.  33,  ad  fin. 

xii.  1-12 

XX.  9—19 

— 

190 

xxvii.  35 — 37, 

XV.  24,  26, 

xxiii.  34 — 43 

xix.  19—24 

153 

xxii.  1—14 

. — 

— 

— 

39—44 

29—32 

154 

xxii.  15 — 22 

xii.  1.3—17 

XX.  20—26 

— 

191 

xxvii.  45—54 

XV.  33—39 

xxiii.  44 — 48 

xix.  25 — 30 

155 

xxii.  2.3 — 33 

xii.  18—27 

XX.  27—10 

— 

192 

xxvii.  55—61 

XV.  40,  ad  fin. 

xxiii.  49,  adfiji. 

xix.  31,  adfin. 

156 

xxii.  34.  ad  fin. 

xii.  28—37 

XX.  41—44 

— 

193 

xxvii.  3—10, 

— 

— 

— 

157 

xxiii.  1 — 22 

xii.  38—40 

XX.  45,  ad  fin. 

— 

62,  ad  fin. 

158 

xxiii.  23,  ad  fin. 

— 

— 

— 

194 

xxviii.  1—4 

xvi.  1—4 

xxiv.  1,  2,  12 

XX.  1-ir 

159 

— 

xii.  41,  ad  fin. 

xxi.  1—4 

— 

195 

xxviii.  5—10 

xvi.  2—5—11 

xxiv.  3 — 11 

XX.  18 

160 

xxiv.  1—14 

xiii.  1—13 

xxi.  5—19 

• — 

196 

xxviii.  11—15 

xvi.  12,  13 



— 

J61 

xxiv.  15—28 

xiii.  14—23 

xxi.  2(>— 24 

— 

197 

— 

xxiv.  1.3 — .33 

— 

162 

xxiv.  29—36 

xiii.  24 — 32 

xxi.  25 — 33 

— 

198 

— 

-wi.  14 

xxiv.  33 — 43 

XX.  19 — 23 

163 

xxiv.  ,37,  ad  fin. 

xiii.  .33,  ad  fin. 

xxi.  34—36 

— 

199 

— 

XX.  24—29 

164 

XXV.  1—13 

— 

— 

200 







xxi.  1—14 

165 

XXV.  14— .30 



— 

- — 

201 







xxi.  15—24 

166 

XXV.  31,  ad  fin. 

— 

— 

— 

202 

xxviii.  16,  ad 

xvi.  15 — 18 

xxiv.  44—49 

.Acts  i.  2,  3 

167 

xxvi.  1—5, 

xiv.  1,2, 10,11 

xxi.  37,  ad  fin. 

— 

fin. 

11—16 

xxii.  1 — 1) 

203 

xvi.  19,  ad  fin. 

xxiv.  50,  adfin. 

XX.  .30,  adfin. 

168 

xxvi.  17-20 

xiv.  12—17 

xxii.  7 — 18 

xiii.  1 

xxi.  ult. 

169 

xxii.  24 — 27 

xiii.  2,  3—17 

Acts  i.  4—12 

THE 


FAMILY      EXPOSITOR. 


THE  FORMER  PART  OF  THE  HISTORY  OF  CHRIST, 

AS  RECORUKD  BY  THE  EVANGELISTS. 
SECTION    L 

ST.  LUKES  PRI5FACE  TO  HIS  HISTORY,  DEDICATED  TO  THEOPHILUS,  A  CHRISTIAN'  FRIEND,  FOR  WHOSE  CO.MFOKT  AND 
ESTABLISHMENT  HE  WAS  PARTICULARLY  CONCERNED.     LUKE    i.  VER.  1—4. 

LcKE  i.  Ver.  1.  Luke  i.  Ver.  1. 

FORASMUCH    a.s    many  WHEREAS  nuim/  Itavc  u7idertuJ:en^  to  compose  the  hktori/^  of  those  important  /"«c^s,  w^/ic/t  SECT. 

ilforderrdTcKiono^f  those  hcwc  been  confirmed  (imong  m.s  christians  loitli  the  fullest  and  mok  satisfactory  evid'encc,''  as  the       ^- 

thinss,  which  are  most  surely  gri-eat  foundation  of  our  common  faith  ;    and  since  some  of  these  historians  have  written, 

''*(l'Even^Ts^'the"y"  delivered  not  on  their  own  personal  knowledsje,  but  us  thei/  (whether  apostles  or  others)  have  trans-   luke 

them  unto  us,  which  from  the  jjijfffd  f/n,/,  fo  US,  who  Were  themselves,  //'ow  the  hcgimiing  of  Christ's  ministiy,  eye-wit-  2 

aud"miSisterro7the"vord*f*'  7iesses  of  what  passed,  and  in  proof  of  the  sincerity  of  "their  testimony,  courageously  hecame  3 

3  It  seemed  good  to  me  also,  7)iinisters  of  the  word,'^  that  is,  of  the  Cospel,  amidst  the  greatest  opposition ;  I  also,  having 
stmu"in"''of  ai'fthiiU^'trom"  dccurateli/  traced  all  these  thi?jgs<'  from  their  first  rise,^  even  from  the  very  conception  of 
the  very  first,  to  write  unto  John  the  Baptist,  who  was  the  foremnner  of  our  Lord,  have  thought  it  p?-oper  to  write  an 
TheoplnTut'''  """'  «*^""^»'  orderly  account  of  them  :?  and  I  choose  to  inscribe  it  to  thee,  O'most  noble  Theophiliis,^ 

because,  though  thou  art  already  in  the  general  acquainted  with  them,  yet  I  cannot  but  be 

4  That  thou  migiitest  know  concerned,  that  thou  mayst  more  fully  and  circumstantially  know  the  exact  and  certain  4 
wherelrf  t'hou°hasrbeen"m"  ^''"^'''  "^'  ^^"^^'^  things,  in'  which  thoH  lutst  formerly  been  instructed'  by  those  who  were  the 
structed.    ""    ^     '^^"  '"   happy  instruments'of  initiating  thee  into  the  christian  faith  ;    and  I  am  persuaded,  thou 

wilt  be  greatly  confirmed  in  it,  by  the  attentive  perusal  of  that  history,  with  which  I  here 
present  thee. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  us  humbly  adore  the  divine  goodness,  that  facts  of  so  great  importance,  as  these  now  to  be  laid  before  us, 
were  not  left  to  the  uncertainty  of  oral  tradition ;  but  delivered  to  the  church  in  ^vriting,  by  persons  %yho  had  so 
many  opportunities  of  learning  the  truth,  and  have  given  such  full  proof  of  their  integrity  in  relating  it.     Let  us  Vev.  2 
be  thankful,  that  we  have  not  only  one  such  histoiy,  but  that  several  undertook  this  excellent  and  necessary  w'ork, 
by  whose  united  testimony  the  whole  is  confirmed ;  while  it  is  also  illustrated  by  the  variety  of  their  narrations, 

a  Whereas  many  have  undertaken.']   This  must  refer  to  some  Histories  Gospel,  and  consequently  of  the  rest ;  because  the  word  avM^ev  some- 

of  the  Life  of  Christ  which  are  now  lost;  for  Matthew  and  Mark,  the  times  signifies /com  above,  or  from  Heaven;  as  it  plainly  doth,  John  iii. 

onlv  evangelists  whicli  can  be  supposed  to  have  written  before  Luke,  31.  .lam.  i.  17.  iii.  15,  17.     But  Luke  so  evidently  uses  it  in  the  sense 

could   not  with   any   propriety   be  called    many  ;   and   of  these  two,  here  given.  Acts  xxvi.  5.  and  that  sense  is  so  common  elsewhere,  and 

Matthew  at  least  wrote  from  personai  knowledge,  not  tlie  testimony  of  seems  so  absolutely  necessary  in  this  connexion  with  7rop»KoX«#j]K0Ti, 

others.    One   must  readily  conclude,   the  books  referred   to  are   lost,  that   I   cannot  think  this  text  at  all  to  the  purpose.    The  argument  1 

as  none  of  the  apocryphal  Gospels  now  extant,  published  particularly  mention,    is  one  of  those,  which,  like  pieces  ot  superfluous  armour, 

by  Fahricius,  (in  his  Codei  Apoc.  Nov.   Test.)  or  Mr.  Jones,  (in  his  encumber  rather  than  defend ;  and  the  more  I  am  concerned  about  the 

History  of  the  Canon,')  can  with  anv  shadow  of  reason  pretend  to  equal  conclusion,  here  or  elsewhere,  the  more  cautious  shall  1  always  be,  that 

antiquity  with  this  of  St.   Luke.  '  But    1    cannot  with   Ambrose  and  I  may  not  draw  it  from  such  premises. 

Epiphanius  suppose,  that  the  evangelist  here   intends  the  Gospels  of  g   To  write  an  orderly  account  of  them.  naOeh]^  <roi  ypa^ai.']     It   is 

Basilides,  Certuthus.  and  some  other  early  heretics  ;  since  he  seems  to  chiefly  on  the  authority  of  this  clause  that  W.  Le  Clerc,  and  manj' other 

allow  these  histories,  whatever  they  were,  to  have  been  at  least  honestly  modern  harmonizers  have  thought,  (as  Beza  also  did,)  that  all  the  other 

written,  according  to  information  received  from  the  most  capable  judges.  Gospels  are  to  be  reduced  to  the  order  of   Luke,  wherever  thev  difier 

And  it  is  strange  that  Eusebius  should  imagine  the  words  are  intended  from  it :  a  conclusion  which,  I  apprehend,  for  reasons  that  shall  after- 

as  a  severe  censure  on  the  now  unknown  compilers  of  these  histories,  wards  be  given  at  large,  to  be  an  occasion  ot  many  errors,  and  particu- 

whoever  they  were.     Euseb.  Ercles.  Hist.  lib.  iii.  cap.  24.  larly  injurious  to   the  character  of  St.  Matthew.     I  would   only  here 

b  To  compose  the  history.]     To  set  forth  in  order  a  declaration,  is  so  observe,  that  the  foundation  of  it  is  very  precarious  ;  since  it  is  evident, 

antiquated  a  phrase,  that  it  would  hardlv  be  understood  any  where  but  this  evangelist  might,  with   great  propriety,  be  said  to  have  given  an 

here  ;  at  least  I  am  sure  none  could,  bv  reading  it,  so  much  as  guess  at  orderly  account  of  the   History  of  Christ,  as  the  leading  tacts  are   in 

the  elegance  and  propriety  of  St.  Luke's  words,  avaTa^aatiai  6LJ\~tn<rtv,  their  due  series,  though  some  particulars  are  transposed, 

which  may  more  liteiallv,  and  I  think  far  more  justly,  be  rendered  to  h  O  most  noble  Theophilus .']     That  1  heophilus  is  the  name  of  a  par- 

compose  a  history :  and  Tdoubt  not  but  our  English  word  compose,  may  ticular  person,  eminent  in  the  church  in  those  eai  ly  days,  ancl  not  (as 

express  as  much  regularity  in  the  order  of   facts,  as   the   evangelist  Salvian  thought  it)  a  general  title  applicable  to  every  christian   as  a 

meant  to  intimate.  lover  of  God,  Dr.  Whitby,  after  many  others,  hath  abundant^-  proved. 

c  Confirmed  among  uswith  the  fullest  evidence.']  I  think  7r67r\f;po^opn-  What  his  rank   in  life  was,  we  do  not  indeed  certainly  know  ;  but  it 

nevmv  is  rather  to  be  understood,  as  referring  to  the  fulness  of  that  evt-  seems,  that  it  was  pretty  considerable,  for  KpaTicrre  was  then,  as  hicel- 

rfewcewith  which  the  facts  were  ««e«rferf,  than  to  the  coH/irfence  with  which  lency  among  us  is,  a  title  of  honour  and  respect  usual  in  addressing 

they  were  believed.    This  seems  most  honourable  to  the  Gospel ;  but  as  I  noble  personages:  (see  Acts  xxiii.  26.  xxiv.  3.  xxvi.  25.)    And  it  might 

know  the  word  is  ambiguous,  and  often  used  in  the  latter  sense.  I  have  with   some   peculiar  propriety  be  applied  here,  as  lheo})hilus  was  so 

chosen  to  express  that  also  in  the  Paraphrase.    Compare  2  Tim.  iv.  5.  worthy  the  name  he  bore,  which  signifies  a  true  lover  of  God. 

17.  Gr.  i  Hastbeeninstructed.mpiuiv  Ka.Tr\xrSni-'\  The  word  doth  with  great 

.d  0/  the  word.]    Some  have  conjectured,  that  Xo^or,  the  word,  here  accuracy  express  the  instructions  given  to  those  who  were  training  up 

signifies  Christ,  as  in  the  beginning'  of  St.  John's  Gospel.    Perhaps  it  for  an  admission  to  the  christian  church  ;   whose  name  or  t  ateclmmens 

may  ;  but  I  did  not  think  it  so  evident,  as  to  venture  fixing  it  to  that  was,  as  it  is  well  known,  derived  from  hence,  and  applied,  without  any 

sense.  particular  regard  to  the  age  of  the  persons  concerned.    Compare  Acts 

e  Having  accurately  traced  all  these  things.]  The  original,  TrnpiiJcoXK-  xviii.  25.  RoJn.  ii.  18.     I  endeavour  to  express  this  m  the  paraphrase 

Ot\KOTnTa<Tiv  aKpii^wi. p\3.m\y  i\gmiie?,\\\ai  accuracy  of  investigation,  on  but  it  would  be  very  improper  to   use  the  English  worflwnicn  most 

which  the  peifect  understanding  of  his  subject  was  built.  literally  answers   to  the  Greek,  because  that  is  now  almost  wholly  ap- 

f  Ljom  their  fir.u  rise."]    Some  very  pious  and  learned  writers  have  propriated  to  children. 
pleaded  this  teM,  as  an  argument   for  the  inspiration  of  St.  Luke's 

C 


18  THE  DEITY  AND  INCARNATION  OF  CHRIST. 

.SECT,  each  inserting  some  considerable  circumstance  which  the  rest  have  om.itted.     Eet  us  rejoice  in  tliat  providential 

1.      care,  which  hath  jireserved  this  invaluable  treasure  through  so  many  succeeding  ages,  and  some  of  them  periods  of 

the  grossest  darkness,  and  the  hottest  persecution 

Ver.  4       W  hile  we  study  this  orderly  series  of  sacred  story,  let  us  be  concerned,  that  our  faith  may  be  established  by  it, 

and  our  other  graces  proportionably  advanced  ;  maintaining  a  continual  dependence  on  that  blessed  Spirit,  by  whose 

instruction  it  was  vsritten,  to  lead  us  into  wise  and  pious  reflections  ui)on  it. 

To  conclude;  from  the  care  which  this  holy  evangelist  expresseth,  for  the  edification  and  comfort  of  his  friend 
Theophilus,  let  us  learn  to  regard  it  as  one  of  the  most  important  offices  of  friendship,  to  labour  for  the  spiritual 
advantage  of  each  other ;  by  endeavouring,  not  only  to  awaken  and  instruct  tliose  Uiat  are  entirely  unacquainted  or 
unaffected  with  divine  things,  but  also,  as  we  have  opportunity,  to  confirm  tlie  faith,  and  quicken  the  zeal,  of  the 
5  most  established  christians  with  whom  we  converse.  Happy  the  men,  whose  tongues,  and  whose  pens,  are  em- 
jjloyed  in  so  good  a  work :  may  they  never,  in  the  remotest  ages,  fail  of  some  excellent  Theophilus,  to  welcome 
and  encourage  their  pious  attempts  ! 


SECTION  II. 

al  i 
ed 

John  i.  1. 


St.  John  begins  his  Gospel  with  a  very  sublime  and  emphatical  account  of  the  deity  and  incarnation  of  Christ ;  and  of  those  glorious  and  impor- 
tant purposes,  for  which  he  condescended  to  appear  among  us  ni  the  human  nature.    John  i.  1—14. 


John  i.  1. 
SECT.  JJV  ^//e  tfeinwiHjf',  before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  or  the  first  production  of  any  created  IN  the  beginnina:  was  the 
being,  a  g-lorious  person  existed,  who  (on  account  of  the  perfections  of  his  nature,  and  his  ^vi"h'God"'and  the  Word  was 
being  in  time  the  medium  of  divine  manifestations  to  us)  may  properly  be  called  the  God. 


2. 


JOHN 


J  Word  of  Cod.'^  And  the  TForcZ  teas  originally  uvY/;  Gorf,  the  Father  of  all ;  so  that  to  him 
the  words  of  Solomon  might  justly  be  applied,  Prov.  viii.  30.  "  He  was  by  him,  as  one 
brought  up  witli  him,  and  was  daily  his  delight."  Nay,  by  a  generation  which  none  can 
declare,  and  an  union  wliich  none  can  fully  conceive,  the  Word  teas  himself  God^  that  is, 

2  possessed  of  a  nature  truly  and  properly  divine.     I  repeat  it  again,  that  the  condescension     e  The  same  was  in  the  be- 
of  his  incarnation  may  be  more  attentively  considered,  this  divine  [  TForf/]  ^ous  in  the  very  §'""'"8  with  God. 
beginning  with  God,  and  by  virtue  of  his  most  intimate  union  with  him,  was  possessed  of 

3  infinite  glory  and  felicity.  And  when  it  pleased  God  to  begin  his  work  of  creation,  all  .-?  All  things  were  made  by 
things  in  the  whole  compass  of  nature  were  made  In/  him,"^  even  by  this  almishty  ^^'ord ;  Il"J^;ny"t*fiin"  made 'that  wS 
and  without  him  ivas  not  any  thing  made,  not  so  much  as  one  single  being,i  whether  among  made. 

4  the  noblest  or  the  meanest,  of  God's  various  works.     That  fulness  of  power,  wisdom,  and     4  In  him  was  life ;  and  the 
benignity,  which  was  in  him,  icas  the  fountain  of  ///J,"  to  the  whole  creation  :  and  it  is  in  ''^*  ^^^  "'^  ''^'''*  °^  "^^"• 
particular  our  concern  to  remember,  that  the  life  which  was  in  him,  icas  the  light  of  men, 

5  as  ail  the  light  of  reason  and  revelation  was  the  effect  of  his  energy  on  the  mind.    And  the     5  And  the  light  shineth  in 
light  \ong  shone  in  the  heathen  world,  and  under  the  dispensation  of  Moses,  and  it  still  compVdiencfe'd' it^nlt^^'^''"*^ 
shineth  in  darkness,  even  on  the  minds  of  the  most  ignorant  and  prejudiced  part  of  man- 
kind ;  and  yet  the  darkness  was  so  gross,  that  it  opposed  its  passage,  and  sucli  was  the 

prevailing  degeneracy  of  their  hearts,  that  they  did  not  apprehend  it,f  or  regard  its  dictates, 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  secure  the  blessings  to  which  it  would  have  led  them. 

a  T/ie  tvord  of  God.]    The  Greek  Logos  is  now  become  so  familiar  to  things  by  the   divine  Logos ;  to  which  {rather  than  the  Platonic)  there 

an  English  ear,  that  I   doubt  not  but  most  of  my  readers  would  iiave  may  be  some  reference   here.    They  Avho  have  no  opportunity  of  e.x- 

understood  me,  had  I  retained  it  in  my  translation  ;  which,  on  account  amniing  the   original  authors,  may  see  what  those  learned  men  have 

of  the  singularity  of  the  idea  here  siL'nilied  by  it,  1  siiould  have  done,  said,  to  whom  Or.   A.  Taylor  refers,  in   his   Treatise  on  the  Triviri/, 

had  I  not  feared  it  niiiiht  have  been  unintelligible  to  a  few  at  least,  and  p.  CW,  to  which   add.  Dr.   Pearson  on  the  Creed,   p.  118.     Dr.  Scott's 

so  have  impaired  the  pleasure  they  niiu'ht  fuul  in  so  excellent  a  passaze.  Christian  Life.  vol.  iii.  n.  565,  Ac.  fol.  and   Dr.  Watts's  Dissert.  07e  the 

I  know  that  some  of  tiie  lathers  render  Logos,  llca<o/t,  as  M.  Le  (lerc  Trinity,  No.  iv.  5  3.— I'nere  is,  however,  a  remarkable  passage  I  shall 

doth  ;  thou!ih  I  apprcliend  they  mean  it  in  a  very  ditlerent  sense  from  mention   to  this  purpose,  as  a  specimen  of  the  rest;  and  the  rather, 

liim,  who  seems  to  understand  it  only  as  a  strong  Eastern  phrase,  to  because  it  is  omitted  in  most  of  the  collections  I  have  seen  on  this  head, 

signify  the  consummate  wisdom   of  the  gospel  scheme.    See  his  Har-  and  not  fully  cited  and  explained   in  what  I  take  to  be  its  exact  sense 

monp,  p.  44.     Hut  this  will  entirely  enervate  and  destroy  the  sense  of  in  any.    Philo  Judaeus,  ide  Profug.  p.  465.)  speaking  of  the  cherubim^ 

x'er.  14.   as  well  as  of  those  texts  which  sneak  of  Christ's  coming  out  on  tlie  mercy-seat  as  symbolical  representations  of  what  he  calls  the 

from  Cod.  enjoying  glory  with  him  before  the  uorld  uas,  SfC.  creating  and  governing  pozcers,  makes  this  additional  reflection:  "  The 

b  The  Hord  nas  God.]    I   know  how  eagerly  many  have  contended,  divine  word  {Logos)  is  above  these,  of  whom  we  can  have  no  idea  by 

that  the  word  God  is  used  here  in  an  inferior  sense ;  the  necessary  con-  the  sight,  or  any  other  sense ;   he  being  himself  the  image  of  God,  the 

sequence  of  which  is,  (as  indeed  some  have  expressly  avowed  it,)  that  eldest  of   all  intelligible  beings,  sitting  nearest  to  him    who    is  truly 

this  clause  should   be  rendered,  the  11  ord  uas  a  God,'  Ihat  is,  a.  kind  of  'ITIEONI^Y  ON  E,  there  being  no  distance  between  them  :"(alluding. 

inferior  deity,  as  governors  are  called  gods.  See  John  x.  .■i4.  and  1  tor.  I  suppose,  to  the  form  of  those  ancient  chariots,  where,  as  in  the  chairs 

viii.  5.     Hut  it  is  impossible  he  should  here  be  so  called  merely  as  a  we  use  upon  the  road,  the  driver  sat  close  to  the  person  driven  ;  which 

governor,  because  he  is  spoken  of  as  exisfins;  before  the  production  of  was   not  the  case  in  all  :  compare  Acts  viii.  ;58.)    "  And  therefore  he 

.my  creatures  whom  he  could  govern  :  and  it  is  to  me  most  incredible,  (that  is,  God)  says,  /  ivill  speak  unto  thee  from  the  mercy-seat  between 

that  when  the  Jeus  were  so  exceeding  averse  to  idolatry,  and  the  Gen-  the  two  chernhims ;  thereby  representing  the  Logos  as  the  charioteer  bv 

tiles  so  unhappily  prone  to  it,  such  a  plain  writer  as  this  apostle  should  whom  the  motion  of  these  powers  is  directed  ;  and  himself  who  speaks 

lay  so  dangeious  a  stumhlins-block  on  the  very  threshold  of  his  work,  to  him,  as  the  rider,  (or  person  carried,)  who  commands' the  charioteer 

.•ind  represent  it  as  the  christian  doctrine,  that  in  the  beginning  of  all  how   he  is  to  manage  the  reins."    O  6e  virtpavw  rurwv  (scil.  i-vvauiaiv 

things  there  were  ;;™G<'rff,onesupreme, and  theothersubordinate:  adif-  TroiiiTiKiir   kui /ia<T/XiKr)<)  AOr03:  ©EIOI,  en   oparni/ oi«  riXytf   loeaw, 

ticulty  which,  if  possible,  would  be  yet  further  increased,  by  recollecting  arc  iit\6t\i  tmi/  kot'  aiaOtwiv  nx(j>epr\^  lov,  aXX'  avro^  eiKoji'  iinapx""/ 

what  so  manj'  ancient  writers  assert,  that  tliis  Gospel  was  written  with  (jeov,  tkv  toutwi/  oTraf  atraM-oiv  o  Trpetr/SuTaTor,  6  ef'lvra^o^,  u.nc>cvo<i 

a  particular  view  of  opposing  the  CVr/«M/«?i!  and  A*(ow!Vm;  (.See /re?*,  oi/to?  ycfJopii)   dia'jtiMaToc,  TOY  MONOY  o  £^11/  aimvdoK  a<pt&puiiev.ii. 

r.  1.  r.  'J().  /.  iii.  c.  II.  Euseb.  Keel.  Hist.  I.  vi.  c.  14.)  on  which  account  Ae7CTai  inp,  .\a\r\au>  aoi  a\iajl)ev  t»  IXao-Tripiou   ava  ^e<Tov  tov  dvotv 

a  greater  accuracy  of  expression  must  have  been  necessary,    'i'here  are  XtpxyJein'  t'lah'  nvtoxov  iJi(v  eivat  tmi/  dovnututv  TOf  AOTON,  etroxov  de 

so  many  instances   in   the  writings  of  this  apostle,  and  even   in  this  roe  XuX«i<t<i,  iTriKcXcuoweeoK  toj  tiMox<>)  Tn  irpof  opynv  t«  Ttninnr  t]vio- 

chapter,  (see  ver.  C,  12,  1.",  18.)  wliere  Oios-  without  the  article  is  used  xnffiv-    1  insert  this,  as  a  key  to  a  great  many  other  passages  in  Philo;  and 

to  signify  God   in  the  hiahest  sense  of  the  word,  that  it  is  something  shall  mention  one  more:    (De  Agricult.  p.  195.)  where  he  represents 

surprising  such  a  stress  should  be  laid  on  the  want  of  that  article,  as  a  God,  as  "  governing  the  whole  course  of  nature  both   in  heaven  and 

proof  that  it  is  used  only  in  a  subordinate  sense.— On  the  other  hand,  to  earth,  as  the  great  Shepherd  and   King,  by  wise  and  righteous  laws; 

conceive  of  Christ  as  a  distinct  and  co-ordinate  God,  would  be  equally  having  c(mstituted  his  unerring  Word,  his  only-begotton  Son,  to  preside 

inconsistent  with  the  most  express  declarations  of  Scripture,  and  far  as  his  viceroy  over  this  holy  flock  :"  for  the  illustration  of  which  he 

more  irreconcilable  with  reason.     Nothing  I  have  said   above,  can  by  quotes    those"  remarkable   words,   Exod.   xxiii.  2,3,  though    in  a  form 

any  means  be  justly  interpreted  in  such  a  sense  :  and  I  here  solemnly  something  different  from  our  reading  and  version,  "  Behold,  I  am  ;  I 

disclaim  the  least  intention  of  insinuating  one  thought  of  that  kind,  by  will  send  my  angel  before  thy  face  to  keep  thee  in  the  way."    Ttn-Kai  idtop 

any  thing  I   have  ever  written,  here  or  elsewhere.— The  order  of  the    k.  t.  X. ra  uei/  hvrfa,  ra  be  Oita,  (a  remarkable  distribution-,)  die 

words  in  the  original  (^Qco^  rw  6  Xoto?)  is  such,  that  some  have  thought  voiixriv  Kai  /SacriXeur  6  Beo?  ayei  Kara  dtKnv  Kai  vouov,  irpoifjo-a/iei/or 

the  clause  might  more  exactly  be  translated,  God  was  the  U'ord.     I5ut  roy  opCor  ixvtm  AOrON  TrpuTOi'Oi'ov  v'lov,  or  Tfjv  eTriueXtiai'  Trjf  iepas- 

there  are  almost  every  where  so  many  instances  of  such  a  construction,  TauTti9  a^cXtif.  o'la  -n  (iif^aXoii  /Sao-iXeut  'vnapxo^,  5ia5ef erai.    Kai  ^ap 

as  our  version  supposes,  that  I  chose  rather  to  follow  it,  than  to  vary  eipiiTai  7r«,  Voov  £710  mu<  awo'jeXa)  cxi',t\ov  uov  eit  wpoo-wTroi'  aov  xa 

from  it  unnecessarily,  in  this  important  passage.— I  am  deeply  sensible  divXafm  ae  tv  ti)  o6w. 

of  the  sublime  and  mysterious  nature  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ's  deity,  d  No!  so  much  as  one  single  being.]  There  is  an  emphasis  in  the  words 

as  here  declared  :  but  it  would  be  quite  foreign  to  my  purpose  to  enter  ovfie  cv.  which  I  thought  it  proper  to  express  in  the  version,  than  which 

into  a  laree  discussion  of  that  great  foundation  of  our  faith  ;  it  has  often  notliing  can  he  more  literal. 

been  done  by  much  abler  hands.    It  was,  however,  matter  of  conscience  e  That  which  was  in  him  teas  life.]    The  most  ancient  fathers,  that 

with   me,  on   the  one  hand,  thus  strongly  to  declare  my  belief  of  it,  quote  this  text,  so  generally  join  the  words  6  ytfovtv  with  this  fourth 

and  on   the  other,  to   leave  it  as  far  as  I  could   in  the  simplicity  of  rer*e,  that  I  cannot  but  apprehend  this  to  be  the  true  reading.    (See  Dr. 

.Scripture  expressions.     I  shall  only  add,  in  the  words,  or  at  least  the  Mill's  Prolrg.)    But  if  any  think  it  improbable  that  ■ve7oi'6  should  have 

.sense,   of  Ri.shop    llurnet,   "That   had   not   St.   John,   and   the   other  different  senses  here,  and 'in  the  M/rrf  rtr.tc,  they  will  please  to  observe, 

apostles,    thought    it   a  doctrine  of  great   importance    in   the    gospel  that  the  full  sense  of  our  version  is  expressed  in  the  paraphrase,  and 

scheme,  they  would  ratlier  have  waved,  than  asserted  and  insisted  upcn  that  the  alteration  here  made  is  of  very  small  importance.    That  the 

it,  considering  the  critical  circumstances  in  which  they  wrote."     See  heathens  sometimes  speak  of  their  deities  and  heroes,  ;ts  the  light  and 

Buruet  en  the  Articles,  p.  40.  life  of  mankind,  Eisner  hath  shown  on  this  text. 

c  All  things  were  mode  by  him.]    It  would  be  the  work  of  a  treatise.  f  Did  7wi  apprehend  it,  ou  kaTtXa^ei'.l   It  might  not  seem  so  strange, 

rather  thsn  a  note,  to  represent  the  Jewish  doctrine  of  the  creation  of  all  that  the  world  did  not  fully  comprehend  the  spiritual,  since  it  certainly 


THE  PURPOSES  OF  CHRIST'S  INCARNATION.  19 

fronTGod  ''wiJe  name','"'  ,  ,f '  ^'"'  'T  ^''^  f^""  ^'''  "^"I^^^es,  the  divine  wisdom  was  pleased  to  interpose  in  these  SECT. 

John.                                 latter  days,  by  a  clearer  and  fuller  discovery;  and  for  this  purpose  a  man  whoxe  name  was  2. 
John,  afterwards  called  the  Baptist,  was  sent  as  a  messenoer _/)■()/«  God ;  of  whose  mira- 


culous conception  and  important  ministry  a  more  particular' account  is  elsewhere  ^iven  :   John 
but  here  it  may  be  sufficient  to  observe  in  general,  tliat  though  he  was  himself^  in  aii       ■'• 

7  The  same  came  foi  a  wit-  inferior  scnse,  "a  burning  and  shining  light,"  (compare  John  v.  35.)  yet  lie  came  onlv  7 
Light,  that  all  me/i  through  Under  the  character  of  a  servant,  and_/o;-  a  ivitness,  that  he  mn^ht  testifi/  concerning  Christ, 
him  might  believe.  the  true  light,  that  all  who  heard  his  discourses,  might  In/  his^ means  be  engaged  to  believe 

8  He  was  not  that  Light,  and  follow  that  divine  illumination.     And  accordingly  he  most  readily  confessed   that  he  R 
of  th'a?  Li^'ht.'"  '"'"  "'"""  himself  rcas  not  that  light,  hut  only  [came\  to  bear  rXess  concerning  it.     The  true  light  of  9 
which1f.'hteth  ever*y  man'timt  ^'^''^^"^'^  ^^  ^'^^^^'  "'"'  ^■•^''1^^'^  ^^'^n  that  suH  of  righteousncss  and  source  of  truth,  which, 
coineth  into  the  world.  coming  into  the  world,  enlighteneth  eveiy  man,^  dispersing  his  beams,  as  it  were,  from  one 

end  oT the  heavens  to  the  other,  to  the  Gentile  world,  which  was  in  midnight  darkness,  as 
and"thl^wwkl  was''mad7b'  ^^^^^  ^^  ^^  ^^^  Jews,  who  enjoyed  but  a  kind  of  twilight.     He  rvas  in  the  world  in  a  10 
Mm,and"heworfdkiitVhim  human  form;  and  though  the  ivorld  was  made  by  him,i  yet  the  ivorld  knew  and  acknow- 
"°ii  He  came  unto  his  own   ^^^'°'^'^  '''"'  '"°^-    X*^^'  ^"^  "'""^  '"^^  ^"^  0!(;?i  [territories,]  even  to  the  Jewish  nation,  which  1 1 
and  hisown  received  him  not!  ^as  under  such  distinguished  obligations  to  him,  and  to  whom  he  had  been  so  expressly 
promised  as  their  great  Messiah  ;  i/ct  his  own  [people]  did  not  receive  him^  as  they  ought; 
him   to'thei^tHvelie^ower  ^^'^  ""^  ^^^®  Contrary  treated  him  in  the  most  contemptuous  and  ungrateful  manner.    Never-  12 
to  become  the^sons  ot  God,  thekss  the  detriment  was  theirs,  and  it  was  indeed  unspeakably  great  to  them ;  for  to  as 
his  namf '™  "'"'  ""''^''^  °°  "'""-^  '^  received  him,  and  by  a  firm  and  lively  faith  believed  on  his  name,  [even]  to  all  of 
them,  without  any  exception  of  e^-en  the  poorest  or  the  vilest,  he  granted  the  glorious  privi- 
lege of  becoming  the  sons  of  God;  that  is,  he  adopted  them  into  "God's  family,  so  that  they 
became  entitled  to  the  present  immunities,  and  the  future  eternal  inheritance,  of  his  children. 
bloiLi^^iforthl  wiU  Sf'the  ^r"f  ^^7  '"^'"  ,^'^"^  believed  on  him  were  possessed  of  these  privileges,  not  in  consequence  13 
tiesh, 'nor  ot  the  will  of  man,  O'  their  being  bom  of  blood,  of  their  being  descended  from  the  loins  of  the  holy  patriarchs, 
*""  "^  ^'"^-  or  sharing  in  circumcision,  and  the  blood  of  the  sacrifices ;  wo;-  could  they  ascribe  it 

merely  to  the  will  of  the  flesh,  or  to  their  own  superior  wisdom  and  goodness,  as  if  by  the 
power  of  coiTupted  nature  alone  they  had  made  themselves  to  differ ;  nor  to  the  will  of 
7nan,  or  to  the  wisest  advice,  and  most  powerful  exhortations,  which  their  fellow-creatures 
might  address  to  them  ;  but  must  humbly  acknowledge,  that  they  were  born  of  God,^  and 
indebted  to  the  efficacious  influences  of  his  regenerating  grace,  for  all  their  privile-^es  and 
for  all  their  hopes.     Compare  John  iii.  1_8.  Tit.  iii.  3-l7.  and  Jam.  i.  18  ^    ' 

f\e\t^°nJ^dZ\tiZZTi''  A-'"^ '"  ?''^'^''  ^"."^Irr^  "f  f"^"^  creatures  to  such  illustrious  dignity  and  happiness,  the  14 
(and'we  beheld  his  giorj",  the  divine  and  eternal  Word,  that  glorious  person  whom  we  mentioned   above,  by  a  most 
ff°tL^FatVe'i■^fSli■of%°race  ^"]^^'"»  condesceiision,  was  madeflesh,'^  that  is,  united  himself  to  our  inferior  and  miser- 
and  truth.      "  able  nature  with  all  its  innocent  infirmities  ;  and  he  not  only  made  us  a  transient  visit,  for 

an  hour,  or  a  day,  but  for  a  considerable  time  pitched  his  tabernacle  among  us^  on  earth ; 
and  ive  who  are  now  recording  these  things  contemplated  his  glory,  (compare  1  Jolm  i.  l.j 
\yith  so  strict  an  attention,  that,  from  our  own  personal  knowledge,  we  can  bear  our  tes- 
timony to  it,  that  it  was  in  every  respect  such  a  glory  as  became  the  only-begotten  of  the 
Father:  for  it  shone  forth,  not  merely  in  that  radiant  appearance  which" invested  hi'm  on 
the  mount  of  transfiguration,  and  in  the  splendour  of  his  continued  miracles,  but  in  all  his 
temper,  ministration,  and  conduct,  through  the  whole  series  of  his  life,  in  which  he  ap- 
peared/«//  ofgi^ace  and  truth  ;"  that  is,  as  he  was  in  himself  most  benevolent  and  upright, 
so  he  made  the  amplest  discoveries  of  pardon  to  sinners,  which  the  Mosaic  dispensation 
could  not  possibly  do,  and  exhibited  the  most  important  and  substantial  blessings,p 
whereas  that  was  at  best  but  "  a  shadow  of  good  things  to  come."    Compare  Heb.  x.  1. 

familiar  ofeTdTscm^'s'''  buttf'J^I^Sr:  "'t"^  ""P^'^f  ♦>"=  """'^  '',''«•]    I', '''  5"  ''iffi<=»>t  «"  «^P>ess  the  difference  between  e,.™  ,^,a.  and 

and   fsometlm1suseTtbrS»r«Ai„rf^^^^  «''■"  'f  r'^'  °L'^""' «''^t  tew  versions  have  attempted  it;  yet,  as  Grotms  ha  h  well 

is2iPM^nT"Y3^Z^l^^^^  fiold  ot,  athmg,  1  Cor.  observed   the  energy  of  the  text  cannot  be  understood  without  attending 

x!  34     Compare  Acts  nI?   17    xvii^f  Wnm^%n  w?"h   ^!'%''';  ^f  '"  '^-     ^J"*'  the  Jewish  nation  was,  in  some  peculiar  sense,  under  thf 

has  taken 
circjimci- 
itnlion  of 
'odx,  may 

T.ovkoJmo,.,  and  LIggesL  an  idefnre'^dlltlncTfrom 'o.^i  'Tr.'^fXZ''J    P/fi'f^.'^^^ji^l^^'ihout  any  reason_ assigned,  understand  by  those  ioru 


this   infirm  and 

Deut.  v.  26. 

and  many  other 

«V',V'"='^,f'^^'"-'^"  "their  c'onfidrnle??rpSV.'°AVwordf  .n'm^;    used'  °'  ''"''''  "'^^  '*  "^^  '''''  I""'"'^'-  '"  "^^'''^  "  ''>'  "'^  "'''^'^  '  "^''^ 

?P.n.Ze''r4;l^r!:;f±;.^l!!;.ie:/:.'-:^:.=«:/!'/^^^^^  .Jljj1i<^'-''^^  "-^  '""^'-I    ."  is   Plain  that  those  words,  an,  -.. 

oiily-begoiten  of  the  Father,  are  to  be 
ese  are  to  be  joined  with  the  proced- 


jecting  the  law  and  the  nroDbets  b^a  1  rpnfin  f -  in    V'l,  ■  ?.''S'?'V'<'  X  'e-  '"«.  thus,  he  dwelt  among  ns-full  of  grace  and  truth.    But  the  length  of 

which"they  introduced  Kr  ^  nrMenc^  n  '  ,^,„  ''^^-  atheistical  doctrme,  the  paraphrase  made  it  inconvenient  to  transpose  them, 

ness,  or  the  gospel"   (for  J.^  ^       l^J}  magnifying  the  divine  good-  p  The  most  substantial  blessings.]    That  truth  is  sometimes  used,  not 

nl.,n„«^  ''"4eN'ysinto  the  h'^west  I;  ff  nFn„r-!^v^          ^'"'^'''^       *""'*  ^°  "^"^^^  '"  "PPOsition  to  falsehood,  as  to  hieroglyphics,  shadows,  and 

intohifowriuprr^h^i^f^LThT^       f^^    n  jj                ■  ^^'P^*'  =">  attentive  reader  must  often  have  observed.    See  Heb.  viii.  C. 

MS  own  Vterruor,e!,-\  yet  hu  ovin  [people^  d>d  not  receive  ix.  ','4.  and  Dan.  vii.  16.  Compare  Col.  ii.  17. 


plunged  themsel 
k  fie  came 


c  2 


20  AN  ANGEL  APPEARS  TO  ZACHARIAS. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
SECJ".       Justly  hatli  our  Redeemer  said,  Blessed  is  the  man  that  is  not  offended  in  me :  and  we  may  peculiarly  apply 
2-      the  words  to  that  great  and  glorious  doctrine  of  the  deity  of  Christ,  which  is  here  before  us.     A  thousand  high 

and  curious  thougfits  will  naturally  arise  in  our  corrupt  hearts,  on  this  view  of  it ;  but  may  divine  grace  subdue 

Ver.  1   them  all  to  the  obedience  of  an  humble  faith  ;  so  that,  with  Thomas,  we  may  each  of  us  fall  down  at  his  feet,  and 
2  cry  out  with  sincere  and  um-eserved  devotion,  illy  Lord,  and  my  God! 
3,  4      Let  us  adore  him  as  the  creator  and  preserver  of  all,  the  overflowing  fountain  of  light  and  life.     Let  us  with 
unutterable  pleasure  hail  this  sun  of  righteousness,  whose  rays,  bif  the  tender  tnercies  of  the  Father,  have  visited  our 

5  benighted  world,  to  guide  our  feet  into  the  mat/  of  peace :  and  while  we  lament  that  the  darkness  hath  not  appi-e- 
hended  and  received  him,  let  us  earnestly  pray,  that  he  may  ere  long  penetrate  every  cloud  of  ignorance  and  mist 
of  error,  and  may  diffuse  among  all  the  nations  knowledge  and  grace,  purity  and  joy.  Let  us  especially  pray, 
that  he  may  penetrate  our  beclouded  souls ;  and  that  they  may,  m  holy  correspondence  to  the  purposes  of  his 

10  appearing,  be  turned  as  chit/  to  the  seal,'i  Job  xxxviii.  14.  The  world  knew  him  not ;  but  may  we  know  him,  and 
give  him" that  honourable  and  grateful  reception,  which  so  great  a  favour  may  justly  demand  ! — Yet  what  returns 

14  can  be  proportionable  to  his  condescension,  in  becoming  fesh  for  us,  and  pitching  his  tabernacle  among  miserable 

and  sinful  mortals  ? Happy  apostles,  that  beheld  his  glory  !    And  surely  there  are  in  his  word  such  reflections  of 

it,  as  we  may  also  behold,  and  as  will  oblige  us  to  acknowledge  it  to  be  a  glory  that  became  the  Only-begotten  of 
the  Father. 

12  Let  us  cordially  receive  him,  as  full  of  grace  and  truth,  that  we  also  may  stand  entitled  to  the  privileges  of 
God's  children.  And  if  we  are  already  of  tliat  happy  number,  let  us  not  arrogate  the  glory  of  it  to  ourselves  ;  or 
ascribe  it  entirely  to  those  who  have  been  the  instruments  of  this  important  change  ;  but  remember,  that  (f  his 

13  owmvill  God  hath  begotten  ns  by  the  word  of  his  power,  and  that  of  him  we  are  in  Christ  Jesus.  To  him  then  let  us 
refer  the  ultimate  praise,  if  that  divine  and"  almighty  Saviour  be  made  unto  us  wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanc- 
tif  cation,  and  redemption.     1  Cor.  i.  30. 

SECTION  III. 

An  angel  ap))ear3  to  Zacharias,  to  give  him  notice  of  tlie  birth  of  John  the  Baptist ;  auil  his  mother,  on  her  conception,  retires.     Lulce  i.  5 — C5. 

LfKE  i.  5.  T        ■  ,= 

Luke  i.  5. 

SFXT.  7JV  the  din/s  of  Herod  the  Great,  whom  the  Romans  had  made  king  of  Judea,  there  was  a  there  was,  in  the  days  of 
^-     priest  named  Zacharias,  who  belonged  to  that  course  of  priests  in  tlie  temple,  which  was  "rtaki  priest"named'zaciia* 

called  the  course  of  Abiah  ;  as  Abiah  was  the  head  of  one  of  the  twenty-four  courses  into  lias.  of  the  course  of  Abia: 
LUKE  ^^i^ici^  David  distributed  the  i)riests,  (compare  1  Chron.  xxiii.  6.  and  xxiv.  10.)  whose  ^"rfif  Aaronrand*her'*name 

memory  was  still  kept  up,  thouiih  none  of  his  line  returned  from  the  cai)tivity.     And  his  t^as  Elisabeth! 

wife  (that  is,  the  wife  of  Zacharias)  was  one  of  the  daughters  of  the  honourable  family  of 

6  Aaron,  and  her  name  was  Elisabeth.  And  they  were  both  of  them  persons  of  a  very  fair  6  And  they  were  both 
character  among  men  :  and  not  only  so,  but  sincerely  and  eminently  righteous  in  the  sight  l'ngl^"'^i\  tii\*°cmV!mandments 
of  God,  walking  before  him  in  the  simplicity  of  their  hearts,  in  a  faithful  observance  of  all  and  ordinances  of  the  Lord 
the  moral  commands,  as  well  as  ceremonial  ordinances  and  institutions,^  of  the  Lord,  in  a  ''•ameless. 

7  very  blameless  and   exemplary  manner.     And  thei/  had  no  child,  because  Elisabeth  teas     7  And  they  had  no  child. 
barren  ;  and  so  pious  a  man  as  Zacharias  was,  would  not,  on  any  terms,  tliink  of  taking  barren?  aVd' they^^bo'^ih  w"ere 
another  wife,  while  she  lived  :•>  and  indeed  there  was  no  human  prospect  that  their  family  ""»  well  stricken  in  years. 
would  ever  be  built  up,  because  they  were  both  very  far  advanced  in  years. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  ivhen  he  was  at  Jerusalem,  performing  the  priest's  office  before     8  And  it  came  to  pass,  that 

9  God,  in  the  order  (f  his  course,  or  of  the  class  to  which  he' belonged,  according  to  the  cus-  omce  before  God^'inUirorder 
tom  of  assigning  the  respective  offices  of  the  priesthood  to  particulai'  persons  then  in  wait-  of  his  course, 

ing,  which  was  done  by  lot ;  it  so  happened,  that  his  lot  was  then  to  perform  the  most  of^ti«f'pHest's  ornce^  hu'lot 
honourable  service  of  daily  ministration,  tliat  is,  to  burn  incense  on  the  golden  altar,  which  waste  burn  incense,  when  he 
was  before  the  Lord,  contiguous  to  the  holy  of  holies.  (Exod.  xxx.  7.  xl.  .5,  26.)  This  he  Lol'd."""  *''"  '"""'"  "'  "" 
accordingly  did,  when  he  went  into  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  either  at  the  time  of  morning 

10  or  evening  sacrifice.  And  the  whole  multitude  of  pious  Jews  assembled  for  divine  worship,  lo  And  the  whole  multitude 
(according  to  the  usual  custom  of  the  people  at  that  time,)  were  praying  without,  in  the  without^a°t'^'t1ie^''time''o7'in? 
courts  of  the  temple  at  the  time  (f  incense, <:  to  declare  their  concurrence  with  the  priest  in  cense. 

that  intercession  which  he  was  making  to  God  on  their  account.   Compare  Rev.  viii.  3,  4. 

11  And  while  Zacliarias  was  in  the  midst  of  his  devotions,  on  a  sudden  there  appeared  to  .ii  And  there  appeared  unto 
him  a  person,  whom,  by  the  form  and  manner  of  his  appearance,  he  immediately  knew  to  stand'ing'oirthe°righr  skie"of 
be  an  angel  of  the  Lord ;  and  he  was  standing  at  the  right  hand  of  the  altar  of  incense,  the  altar  of  incense. 

12  before  ^vhich  he  was  then  ministering.  And  Zacharias  seeing  [/»//?,]  though  he  was  a  12  And  when  Zacharias 
man  of  such  remarkaljle  and  experienced  piety,  was  greatly  discomposed,  and  an  unusual  and  fearteU^uporfhlm"'''*''' 
terror  fill  upon  him. 

13  Bui  tlie  angel  immediately  scattered  his  fears,  and  said  unto  him  with  great  gentleness  13  But  the  angei  said  unto 
of  aspect  and  voice,  Fear  not,  Zacharias  ;  for  I  come  unto  thee  with  no  message  of  terror;  {"hy  prayL^fsheanh'and'tlfy 
but,  on  the  contrary,  am  sent  to  assure  thee,  that  thi/  fretiuently-repeated  prayer  for  the  wife  Eiibabeth  shall 'bear  thee 
redemption  of  Israel,  as  well  as  tliat  which  thou  hast  formerly  offered  for  a  blessing  on  nam"' /ohl)!'^°"  ^*"'" '^''"  *"^ 
ihuie  own  family,  is  at  length  heard :  *  and  in  proof  of  it,  I  add,  that  Elisabeth  thy  wife 

q  Turned  as  cla.v  to  the  seal.]  This  beautiful  metaphor  of  the  inspired  dation  of  that  elegant  figure,  by  which  prayer  is  so  often  compared  to 

writer  seems,  by  a  very  expressive  contrast,  to  illustrate  the  meaning  of  incense  ;  Csee  Psaf.   cxli.  2.  Mai.  i.  11 .  Rev.  viii.  3,  4.)  and   perhaps, 

ov  KaTe\a/3ei/  m  the  fifth  verse.     It  was  for  want  of  this,  the  darkness  one  reason  of  ordaining  jwrcwjemight  be,  to  intimate  the  acceptableness 

did  not  apprehend,  or  receive,  the  light ;  did  not  form  itself  into  a  due  of  those   pious  prayers,  which   were  to  accompany  it.     And    indeed, 

correspondence  to  it,  so  as  to  put  on  its  hahit.  and  clothe  itself  with  the  burning  fragrant   perfumes  was,  and  in  the  eastern  nations  still   is,  so 

lustre  of  its  reflected  beams.     How  arlorious  and  happv  is  that  soul,  on  important  a  part  of  the  entertainment  of  illustrious  families,  that  one 

which  the  knowledge  of  Christ  hath  that  genuine  inrtuence!  might  well  expect  it  in  the  house  of  God.     It  is  so  plain  that  this  was 

a  Moral  commands,  as  well  as  ceremonial  i?isi!iiiiions.]    Some  have  only  an  ofhce  of  daily  miyiistration,  and   that  Zacharias  was  one  of  the 

thought  this  distinction  too  nice :  but  it  is  certain,  the  word  rtiKaioijiara  ordinary  priests,   that  one  cannot  but  be    surprised,   that  any  should 

is  sometimes  used  to  signify  ceremonial  institutions  ;  (see  Heb.  ix.  1 ,  10. )  ever  conclude  from  this  circumstance  of  the  story,  that  Zacharias  was 

though  it  is  often  taken  in  a  much  more  extensive  sense,     i  t  is  however  Sagan,  or  assistant  to  the  high-priest,  and  was  now  performing  his  grand 

evident,  that  all  expressed  in  the  paraphrase  must  be  intended   in  the  office  on  the  day  of  atonement,  and  so  on  this  foundation  should  calcu- 

text,  since,  under  the  Jewish  dispensation,  they  could  not  have  approved  late  the  birth  ot  John  the  Baptist,  and  of  Christ,  and  all  the  other  feasts 

theniselves  upright  before  God,  without  an  obedient  regard  to  the  cere-  which  depend  upon  them  ;  yet  this  is  done  in  the  calendars,  both  of  the 

monial  law.  Roman  and  Greek  church. 

b  Taking   another    wife,   while   she    lived.]     Polygamy,   as  well    as  d   Thy  prayer  is  heard.]    No  doubt  he  had  often  prayed  for  children  ; 

divorce,   were,  for  the  hardness  of  their  hearts,   tolerated  among  the  but  as  he  seems  now  to  have  given  up  all  expectations  of  that  kind,  it  is 

Jeus ;  but  they  seem  both  to  have  been,  in  this  age  at  least,  disapproved  reasonable  to  conclude,  that  these  woriis  chiefly  relate  to  his  prayers  for 

by    persons   of  the   best   character.    Compare    Mai.    ii.    14 — 16.    and  the  deliverance  of  Israel  by  the  Messiah,  whose  appearance  was  then 

1  Tim.  iii.  C.  expecteil  bv  pious  persons, conversant  in  the  sacred  writings;  (Luke  ii. 

c  Were  prayin;  vifhovt.  at  the  time  of  incense.)    This  was  the  foun-  Cj,  .38.  nix.  U.  x.iiii.  51.)  and  the  more  earnestly  desired  just  at  this 


THE  ANGEL  PREDICTS  THE  BIRTH  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST.  21 

^hall  ere  long  bear  t lire  a  son,  to  comfort  thee  in  this  thy  declining  a^e  ;  and  in  token  of  SFCT 
the  gracious  regard  of  Uod  to  him,  thou  shalt  call  Ids  name  JohuAhlt  is,  the  grace  ard       3 
favour  of  God ;  to  mtimate,  that  the  divine  grace  shall,  in  a  very  eminent  nmnner  he 
14  And  thou  Shalt  have  joy  Upon  him.     And  this  intimation  shall  be  abundantly  answered  ■  for  he  shall  h^\r.lL      TT^ 
?5'o.?i1t"^hfs  h^^lt"^"^^"''^'  of  so  distinguished  a  character,  that  thou  shalt  have  ]oy  IZTa^sZtL  him  •  ..'i^Z^       I 

shall  arink  neither  wine  nor  ^'™^'  "ot  in  Circumstances  of  outward  dignity  and  splendour,  but,  what  is  infinitelv  mr^va 

^^^^r^^i^^.  hTr?"l'  '"  '''  f^\  f  '^%i"'t'  •'^'"  ^^'^"""'^  '^'^  G°d'  ^^«^^  approbation^is  Se 
even  from  his  mother's  womb.  "'Snest  gioi-y :  and  in  token  ot  his  being  m  a  peculiar  manner  separated  to  his  service 
(like  the  ancient  Nazarites,  Num.  vi.  3.)  he  shall  drink  neither  ivine,  nor  any  other  sort  of 
intoxicating  liquor;  and  he  shall  be  so  early  remai'kable  for  wisdom  and  piety    that  be 
driL1tSXuVe\^r';^t'o  S  JP'"'"'  '^  be  .^//erf  r.//A  the  Holy  Spirit,  even  from  his  mothers  womb.   \nd  thus  16 
the  Lord  their  God.  trained  Up,  and  animated  for  service,  he  shall,  when  he  appears  under  a  public  character 

turn  mamjof  the  children  of  Israel  to  the  Lord  their  God;  whose  ways  they  have  so  gene- 
rally  forsaken,  even  while  they  are  professing  themselves  to  be  his  peculiar  people!  and 
hi^^^tt's^r^fan^rS  7^^  "p  '"^ r"f'  ^"^  extraordinary  relation  to  him.     AndXo  prepare  them  to  receive  the  17 
of  Ei.as  to  turn  the  hearts  of  J,frd  their  God,  appearing  in  the  person  of  the  Messiah,  he  shall  ao  before  him  as  an 
anV?.fe"^,s'o°beS^nt^t"-tTe  ^""^trious  harbinger  m  the  spirit  and  porver  of  Elijah,  that  is,  animated  by  the'  lame 
wisdom  of  the  just ;  to  make  Sanctity,  courage,  and  zeal  for  reformation,  which  appeared  so  remarkable  in  that  rele 
read^^a^peopie  prepared  for  brated  prophet :  .md    according  to  that  prediction  h\  Malachi,  (with  vvhich  the  sacred" 
canon  concludes,  Mai.  iv  6.)  he  shall  meet  with  such  glorious  success  in  his  ministry 
as  to  convert  the  hearts  of  the  fathers,  with  those  of  the'children  ;?  that  is,  he  shall  brine 
many,  both  of  the  rising  and  the  declining  age,  to  that  real  piety  towards  God,  which 
vvall  be  the  surest  band  of  their  mutual  duty  towards  each  other:  and  many  of  those  who 
have  hitherto  been  disobedient  to  the  wisdom  of  the  just,  that  is,  insensible  of  the  obligations 
to  real  religion,  which  is  the  greatest  wisdom,  shall  he  make  ready,  as  a  people  prepared  for 
the  Lord,  raising  m  their  minds  an  expectation  of  the  Messiah,  and  a  disposition  to  wel- 
come him  when  he  shall  appear.  ^ 
thf  an"e1.^U'her,fby"l!air'i      ^f  fMas  then  svid  to  the  angel.  By  what  sign  shall  I  know  that  this  desirable  and  18 
iZ:  'al;^'  ^::. '  :i?e^".';',1  Zbable     ^r^  f '"  ^'  ^l^on^pl-hed  ?     For  m  the  course  of  nature  it  seems  most  Im 
stricken  m  yeafs.                  probable     Since  I  am  an  old  man,  and  my  wife  is  also  considerably  advanced  in  years 
ing^  faid   ',nto'"'ii^m  'T\m      T           {'"^t  ««*™'^';'''.^'  ««>^  "^to  him,  I  am  Gabriel,  that  stand  in  the  presence  of  God  19 
Gfbriei;that"s?andin'thipt'e"-  ^nd  "ear  the  throne  of  his  Majesty,  as  one  of  the  chief  officers  in  his  celestial  court     of 
fpe^k  t?o°;hee%'nrtoThU^  iTv  a'^.P^r'^r'  '^  ^^T'r  ^"^  ^'^'^  '°  frequently  read  :  (Dan.  vhi.  16.  ix.  21.)  and  it  is 
thee  these  glad  tidings.           '^Y  ^  .peculiar  tavour,  that  I  am  now  sent  to  speak  to  thee,  in  this  form  of  unusual  conde- 
scension, and  to  tell  thee  these  joyful  tidings.     My  very  appearance  ought  therefore  to  have 
been  owned  as  a  sufficient  confirmation  of  the  truth  of  my  message ;  especially  by  thee 
o.  AnH  h  H  ,H  ,.       u  ,            canst  not  but  know  how  frequently,  in  Israel,  the  most  illustrious  persons  ha.4  been 
be^drb.  'iTn^l'Zftt  T^tt  fr«™.}f  ^^"ts  who  had  long  been  barren.u     And  since  thou  dost  not  acquiesce  20 
t'hfn'l,''lh'i/''h''^^*^^'"'T  K     A  '  ^                S^""^  *?^  ^  ^'^'  '''^'cb,  while  it  confirms  thy  faith,  shall  also  intimate 
b:^iL''Zu\efZ'T'n1t  ^''  displeasure  against  this  smful  mi.xture  of  unbelief;  for  behold,  thou  shall  froTS's 
■  f^{(i^Z°/t\^"''^''"'^  '*'='"  ^^  ™°™*^"^  f  f""''^'  «"«  ^'""ble  to  speak  any  more,  till  the  day  in  which  these  thin&s  -iliall  be 
fulfilled  m  the.  season.         accomphshed,  even  till  the  day  in  which  the  child  shall  be  bom  ;  because  tS  hSZ 
iramedia  ely  believed  my  ivords   winch  yet,  through  the  divine  indulgence  and  favour  to 
thee,  sliall  be  asmvedly  fulfilled  m  their  season,  that  is,  as  soon  as  thou  canst  reasonably 
expect,  after  thy  return  home.  ^ 

forZa''charia's%''nd'r!,lrTtifed  „  ^'"^'  '1\P'T(''   '■'''''   H^?'^   7^^^°"^'  '"^'"'^  '^'«'^"'^  f"''  ZachaviaS,  that  he  might  dismisS  21 

empil  '^"''"' '"  '°"^  '"  ^"^  ,         ^,-      ^^^  H'^'"'"" '  (Numb  VI.  23-27.  and  Lev.  ix.  22,  23.)  and  they  ^oondercd  that 

^  ''"  <^^ntft^ed  so  long  in  the  temple,^  beyond  the  usual  time  :  for  he  staid  a  while  after  the 

„„  ^  ^    ,     ,  ^"F      disappeared,  to  present  before  God  such  humiliations  and  thanksgivings  as  this 

..e'co^l"dt^I^^Ltrt1,er  •  'nfr  tr"^  circumstance  required.    But  when  he  came  out  he  was  not  able  tospeal  to  them ;  22 

and  they  perceived  that  he  ana  Dy  the  constemation  m  which  he  appeared,  they  perceived  that  he  had  seen  a  vision 

It  1^?  VeTA'o'^nl',''  tZ  ll'jTP^' '  r^  '"  ^"^^ff  ^J'Sn^  "'^'»'«^^^  U^'l  to  them ;  and  he  continSderfZd 
them,  and  remained  speech-  ^''""'';^  during  the  remainder  of  his  stay  at  Jerusalem ;  a  circumstance  wisely  ordered  by 
^™'''d^"<=e,  to  awaken  a  greater  and  more  general  expectation,  as  to  the  event  of  so  strange 
an  occurrence.  ° 

thft'  ^"foon  as^Jhe'days^'ot-  ,  ^"^^^fter  this  appearance  of  the  angel  to  him,  it  came  to  pass  that  when  the  remaining  23 

«ii<;heH""h?'!f''  ''fS  ''f™:''-     '.^5  "('"^  ministration  were  fulfilled,  he  departed  to  his  own  house 

o^wn  house'  '"''"''''""'  '°  "'^      ^«fi?  quickly  of/ter  these  days  were  ended,  Elisabeth  his  wife  conceived,  according  to  the  24 

wftt  i^^^^T::!!  fn'tnZ.t  V""^^'^  \  '""^  fPP^^^T^^'i^'?  ^^'  condition,  she  concealed  herself  five  months 
hid  hers.if  five  months/say  ™ .^"  obscure  retirement;  not  only  that  her  conception  might  more  certainly  appear  but 
l"^'       ,,  ""^^^^y^  *at  she  might  enjoy  opportunity  for  those  extraordinary  devotions  which'  this 

i?:'/»l''a^^d"t^r?,'r^LT"o^f '/}";T&              X'cir  ll  liil  STor^'UrdH',  1  '^^''"^  ^^^*^  the„  amongst  the  Jews,  I  was  willin. 

reign  arew  more  and  more  insupportable.                                                ^'  m»nT,?nf  ,^^^„^'''^f"f %'"i"'^  P''.!'1P''''^<=--'^''"  Norton  KnatchbuUl 

e  Thou  Shalt  call  his  name  Jolm.1    It  was  the  office  of  the  father  to  Ki^L  iJ„  f  K'»*f  n'^^'-'i'''"^?  "^ '''''^*^,''l<' ''PP'^^^^^ 

MflOTe  Me  c/ii/rf;  compare  verse  62      It  is  wtll  Snnwrf  ti?  t  th^               ■  t"at  I  could  not  but  follow  it.    Eisner  would  rencJer  it  nearly  in  the  same 

Hehrew  pnv.  J-«/,««L,' whfch  occu  s  near    hh-ty    "«e  1  t^hl  "ourl"^  %Ti' h^! f'r  rf""/^  "'P""'.  *?  ''C^""''  ""  '''^o^^^ieJ  Zape^le 

tament    'thoush  the  English  reader  is  not  aware  that  it  is  the  same  Ik  {ZJ\iJ%U^  ^■°ji'  *''"  ^""^^^  *^"'"  *"™-    ff'on'Pare  Isa.   xlii.  7    Sep- 

derived  from  rWTV    and  T.I   anH  r„-«,V„,.  ,.  T;!    c        /                  sarnej  is  tuag.)  See  Llsner.  Observ.  vol.  I.  p.  170 — 17.S. 

of  the  Lord.    Elhanan    'and  rnanv  nK  L  .^fh'*'^'  '''"  ^'''"'  "nd  favour  h   From  parents  who  liad  long  been  barren.]    Zacharias  bein-  so  oiou, 

the  Hehre..,  had  such  k  k  nd  T  fX,nLation'  and'^prSbabl  vTere'^iver^  "■^"''V  Tf-  "^H'  ^"f  °"^"  h«ve  read  the"account  whfch  the  Scri^  Sre 

m  token  of  their  good  wishes  to  the  ifant  that  receWed  them          ^  wer„'  °fl  a''  '"'"'i'  ^i'^A.'"'"'^'  ''S™'''  ^"seph,  Samson,  Samuel,  frc.  who 

fJop   and  transport. -\      A7aX\raa-rproi)erIv  answers   to' fhe   ^n.,f  ^^•^^.a"  descended  from  mothers  that  had  been  long  barren     The  re- 

e^ultattoH,  or  leaping  for  ^^randts  far  ™re  express  ve  than  aladnZ^  ?o  Jhin'?':\'^H  "■'^"™''^"??  ■I"'^'''*-  ^^".  ^^^  P^duced  a  peculiar  regard 

Compare  1  Pet.  i.  8.  iv.  13    and  Mat    v    1"    in  wWnh   l«*  X  n™  ' ?^^  ""^  ^vo\i\A  have   imagined   he  must  immediately  have 

render  it,  by  h<tm^etcejinn7ad                 ^-  '"  ^^^""^  ^'''*  P'^""'  «'^  wh°"t£'"^  the  story  of  the  angel's  appearance  to  Manoah  in  parScular? 

g  ro  convert  the  hearts  cf  the  fathers    with  those  of  the  children  ■  tT»  ill     ^^'"*'  ^'^^^^  was  acted  over  before  his  own  eyes,  and  some  of 

nmti  S,r;'e"^'^-""''T;-'  ---^     H-e 'is^plain'^allusion^o  ^h?.  same  expressions  used  by  the  celestial  messenger.^  Compai-e  Judg. 

heart   of  'tVjXrf  T\)tchilV'e7'^Zu'\t^^^^^^^^  i   '  fio  lo.ig.in  the  temvle.^    AH  that  is  here  recorded  mi.ht  have  passed 

to    thetr  fathers :    cm    ^S     n^     i^     wh  ch     thl   ■^Lltl    rJu^.r  '"?  f^^"Vi;'""t<=s  :  it  seems  probable,  therefore,  that  since  tlie  people  took 

Kapa.ai/  TTarpof  ,rpoc  «t/;  in  which  wo'rds  it  is  n  .oteri    Kcc  f,,    v^vfii"  T"™  "/ ^"  ^nt^'linsso  much  longer  than  ordinary  in  theLly  place, 

5^^^  ^S^^^5X!r'£H^^^'^-^Sp^-e     y^^iZ^  *^^^riiS  :S7cMatt.  xi.  .  Mark  vii. 
and  children,  supposing  ^^ty^rSttlo^^^^d^Z^'^^d'^'^^    ""'  '"=*  *"'  ^="^'"=  ^''^  '''^  =P<=«^^''  ''^'"^  "^'^  '"^^"■^'^'- 


among  men. 


22  AN  ANGEL  SENT  TO  THE  VIRGIN  MARY. 

SECT,  wonderful  favour  of  Providence  demanded :  nor  could  she,  under  such  a  circumstance, 
3.      refrain  from  saying, 

The  most  solemn  acknowledgments  well  become  me,  because  the  Lord  himself  hath     25  Thus   hath    the    Lord 

LUKE   thus  miraculously  interposed,  and  done  this  great  work  /or  we,  in  his  own  good  time,  even  w1ferein"he  "looked' on  me, 
^'nc  in  the  days  in  which  he  hath  graciously  looked  down  vpon  me,  to  take  away  im/  7-eproach  of  to  take  away  my  reproach 
barrenness  among  vien}     For  barrenness  was  accounted  a  peculiar  reproach  among  the  "'""""  "'"" 
Jews,  who  looked  upon  it  as  a  singular  happiness  to  be  instrumental  in  multiplying  the 
holy  seed,  according  to  the  promises  which  God  had  made  them  relating  to  it. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver,  6  How  amiable  is  the  character  of  this  pious  pair,  who  were  found  walking  in  all  the  commandments  and  ordinances 
of  the  Lord,  blameless !  May  our  behaviour  be  thus  unblamable,  and  our  obedience  thus  sincere  and  universal ! 
And  let  those  whose  office  leads  them  nearer  to  God  than  others,  remember  their  peculiar  obligation  to  imitate 
such  an  example. 

13  Let  us  observe  with  pleasure,  that  the  prayers  which  such  worshippers  offer,  come  up  with  acceptance  before  God  ; 
to  whom  no  costly  perfume  is  so  sweet  as  the  fragrance  of  a  character  like  this.  An  answer  of  peace  was  here 
returned,  when  the  case  seemed  to  be  most  helpless.  Let  us  learn  to  ivait  patiently  for  the  Lord,  and  leave  it  to 
his  own  infinite  wisdom  to  choose  the  time  and  manner  in  which  he  shall  appear  for' us. 

12  Zacharias,  accustomed  as  he  was  to  converse  with  the  God  of  heaven,  was  nevertheless,  as  we  see,  thrown  into 
great  consternation,  at  the  appearance  of  his  angelic  messenger.  And  may  we  not  regard  it,  therefore,  as  an  instance 
of  the  goodness  as  well  as  wisdom  of  God,  that  he  determines  that  the  services  which  these  heavenly  spirits 
13,  19  render  us  should  be  generally  invisible? — It  is  delightful  to  observe  that  amiable  condescension  with  which 
Gabriel,  the  courtier  of  heaven,  behaved  on  this  occasion.  Let  it  teach  us  with  pleasure  to  pursue  the  humblest 
offices  of  duty  and  love  which  God  may  assign  us,  towards  any  of  our  fellow-servants,  even  in  the  lowest  stations. 

17      Happy  was  the  holy  Baptist  in  being  employed  in  this  blessed  work  of  preparing  men's  hearts  to  receive  a 

Saviour,  and  reducing  the  disobedient  to  the  ^lHsdom  of  the  just.     May  we  be  inspired  with  some  degree  of  zeal,  like 

his,  in  our  proper  sphere,  to  pursue  so  noble  a  design ! 

18,  20      We  see  in  the  instance  of  Zacharias,  that  some  remainders  of  unbelief  may  be  found  even  in  a  faithful  heart : 

let  us  guard  against  them,  as  remembering  they  will  be  displeasing  to  God,  and  hurtful  to  ourselves And  to 

24  conclude,  when  providence  favours  us  with  any  peculiarly  gracious  interpositions,  let  us  attentively  remark  the  hand 
of  God  in  them;  and  let  religious  retirement  leave  room  for  serious  recollection  and  devout  acknowledgments. 


SECTION  IV. 

The  aiijel  Gabriel  is  sent  to  the  Virgin  Mary  to  inform  her  of  the  conception  of  Clirist  by  her,  in  which  she  liumbly  acquiesces.    Luke  i.  C6— 38. 

Luke  i.  26.  n,^^  i  .g. 

SECT.  IN  the  sixth  month  after  Elisabeth  had  conceived,  the  same  angel  Gabriel,  who  liad  been  and  m  the  sixth  month  the 

4-      the  messenger  of  such  good  news  to  Zacharias,  urns  sent  from  God  to  a  small  and  incon-  G"od'untoTcit>?^opGal*iiee! 

siderable  city  of  Galilee,  which  was  calleda  Nazareth  ;  being  charged  with  an  important  named  Nazareth, 

LtJKE  commission  too  virgin,  who  v/as  contracted,  according  to  the  Jewish  method  of  espousals,  a  man°whose^namT*was''jo° 

'nj  to  a  man  whose  name  was  Joseph,  a  descendant  of  the  royal  houxe  of  David ;  which  illus-  seph,  <if  the  iiouse  of  David ; 

trious  family  was  now  reduced  to  so  low  a  condition,  that  Joseph  followed  the  employment  ftjary.*"^  '^•"■S"i's  name  nas 

28  of  a  carpenter :  and  the  virgins  name  was  Mary,  of  the  same  lineage.     And  the  angel     C8  And  the  angel  came  in 
entered  in  to  the  room,  in  which  she  was  alone  ;  "and  standing  before  her,  surrounded  w-ith  X?f!r/high1y1>?voured 'Ihe 
an  extraordinary  lustre,  he  addressed  himself  unto  he?-,  and  saiil.  Bail,  0  thou  distinguished  Lord  i.s  with  thee :  blessed 
favourite  of  heaven!      I  congratulate  thy  happiness;  /I)/-  the  Lord  is  with  thee,  a.nd  is  «'' t'lo"  among  women. 
about  to  manifest  his  condescending  regard  in  a  manner  which  shall  oblige  all  around  thee 

to  acknowledge  that  thou  art  blessed  among  women,  the  greatest  and  happiest  of  thy  sex. 

29  Non>  the  pious  and  modest  virgin,  xchen  she  saw  this  appearance  of  [Me  angel,^  and  29  And  when  she  saw  Aim, 
heard  his  message,  as  she  plainly  perceived  it  to  be  something  of  a  very  extraordinary  ilj|,*and'^cast*1n''he'}-'*mmd 
nature,  was  much  disturbed  at  his  discourse;^  and,  not  imagining  herself  at  all  worthy  of  what  manner  of  salutation 
such  apnlause  and  congratulation,  she  reasoned  with  herself,  for  a  while,  what  kind  of  salu-  ""^  ^"^""''^  ^^' 

tation  this  could  be,'=  and  from  what  original  it  could  proceed. 

30  Arul  the  angel,  immediately  perceiving  it,  to  disperse  the  doubt  she  was  in,  said  unto  her  3o  And  the  angel  said  unto 
again,  Fear  not,  Mary  ;  for  I  am  a  messenger  sent  from  heaven  to  tell  thee  that  thou  hast  hi'i  •frnrfivo"- wi{h  God" 

3\  found  signal  favour  with  God.     And  behold,  and  observe  it  with  due  regard,  for  I  assure     3i  And.  behold,  thou  shalt 
thee,  in  liis  name,  that  from  this  very  time,  thou  shalt  be  with  child,  and  at  the  proper  season  bring' forth  a'Ton'^and 'shaft 
shalt  be  delivered  of  a  S(m,  and  shalt  call  his  name  Jesus,  the  divine  Saviour;  for  he  shall  tall  his  name  JEs'us. 
come  on  that  important  errand,  to  save  men  from  the  tyranny  of  sin  and  the  displeasure 

32  Oi  God.  He  shall  be  incomparably  ureal  and  glorious,  insomuch  that  he  shall  justly  be  3C  He  shall  be  great,  and 
called  the  Son  of  the  Most  High  Go'd  ;  and  the' Lord  shall  give  him  the  throne  of  David  ilfa[estf'ii\i '^t  Lo"rd  God 
his  father,  from  whom  thou  art  descended  ;  so  that,  like  David,  he  shall  be  the  Sovereign  shall  give  unto  him  the  throne 
of  God's  chosen  people,  and  possess  that  extensive  empire  which  v/as  promised  to  the  seed  °^  "^'^  ^'^^^"  David. 

33  of  that  holy  patriarch.  (2  Sam.  vii.  12, 13.  Psal.  ii.  7,  8.  and  Psal.  cxxxii.  11, 12.)  And  33  And  he  shall  reign  over 
he  shall  inherit  the  kingdom  ;  with  this  circumstance  of  superior  glory,  that,  whereas  David  Lnd''°o?^l'is  kingdom  %Zl 
is  now  sleeping  with  his  fathers,  this  exalted  Prince  shall  rule  over  the  house  of  Jacob  (even  shall  be  no  end.  " 

all  the  true  Israel  of  God)/()r  ever ;  and,  though  the  most  potent  monarchies  of  the  eartli 
will  be  successively  dissolved,  yet  of  his  kingdom  there  shall  be  no  end,  even  as  long  as  the 
sun  and  moon  endure.     See  Psal.  Txxii.  5,  17.  Isa.  ix.  7.  Dan.  vii.  14. 

34  And  Mary  replied  to  the  angel,  O  thou  heavenly  messenger,  permit  me  to  ask,  How    34  Then  said  Mary  unto 

1  My  reproach  among  men.']    That  barrenness  was  so  amongst  the  Jews,  of  Moses's  prudence,  nor  indeed  of  common  sense,  would  have  rested  his 

appears  from  lien.  xxx.  23.    1   Sam.  i.  11.    Isa.  iv.  1.   liv.  1.  4.    and  legislation  if  he  had  not  been  truly  conscious  of  its  divine  original; 

luany  other  passages.    1  hat  a  branch  of  the  family  of  Aaron  should  especially  after  two  of  Aaron's  four  sons  had  been  cut  off  in  one  day  for 

tail,  would  also  be  looked  upon  as  a  particular  calamity,  anri  might,  by  a  rash  act  in  the  execution  of  their  office,  as  soon  as  they  were  initiated 

ignorant  and  uncharitable  people,  be  interpreted  as  a  iudgment :  and  so  into  it,  and  died  uitlumt  any  children,  N  umb.  iii.  4. 

much  the  rather,  considering  the  many  promises  God  had  made  to  in-  a  Kazarelh.']    A  city  in  the  tribe  of  Zabulon,  which  was  reduced  to  so 

crease  the  families  of  his  obedient  people,  Exod.  xxxii.  13.  Lev.  xxvi.  q.  low  and  contemptible  a  condition,  that  no  good  tiling  was  expected  from 

Deut.  vii.  13.  and  Psal.  cxxvii.  3—5.    t  will  here  digress  so  far  as  to  oh-  thence.  John  i.  46. 

ser\^e,  that,  considering  how  the  whole  Jewish  policy  was  interwoven  with  b  She  was  di.itnrhed  at  his  discourse.']   Some  would  render  ewi  tm  Xoyci) 

those  acts  of  religion  w  hich  were  to  be  performed  bv  the  priests  alone,  it  avra,  on  account  of  him  ;  and   Ifeinsius  hath  abundantly  shown  how 

might  seem  wonderful  that  no  provision  at  all  should  be  made  for  entail-  common  this  manner  of  speaking  is  in  the  sacred  writings. 

tng  the  priesthood  on  WiV  cMnev  family,  if  that  of  Aaron  should  happen  to  c   ^'hat  kind  of  salutalioyi.]    .She  seems  to  have  suspected  it  might  pos- 

be  extinct.    Leaving  this  contingency  unprovided  for,  was   in  effect  siblv  proceed  from  the  artifice  of  some  evil  spirit,  to  inspire  her  with 

putting  the  whole  credit  of  the  Jewish  religion  upon  the  perpetual  con-  sentiments  of  vanit3'  and  pride, 
tinuauce  of  the  male  branches  of  that  family  :  an  issue  on  which  no  man 


MAKVS  VISIT  TO  ELISABETH.  23 

the  angel,  How  shall  this  be,  can  this  [vossibly  bf  from  this  time,  as  thou  hast  intimated  to  me,  since  I  am  as  yet  a   SECT. 

seeing ''l  know  not  a  man  ?        yirtrin  f  "^  4 

35  Andthean-jel  answered      And  the  iiti<rcl  unxiverinir,  Said  unlo  hcv,  llicre  is  nothing;  in  that  objection,  great  as  it 


GhMTlLu"TOm?'u]wn " e'/  "i^^Y  ^eem,  for  this  whole" affair  is  to  be  a  scene  of  miracle:  the  Huh/  Spirit  shall  come   Lt.'KE 
and°the  power  of  the  Highest  upon  thee,  and  the  power  of  the  Most  H'gh  God  shall  thus  overshadow  thee  by  an  amazing     .  ^• 
tbre' °aiso*''t'har  holy'  'tiiTn.^  energy,  to  produce  an  effect  hitherto,  from  the  foundation  of  the  earth,  unknown  :  and  '^^ 
whtch^shaii  ha  born  of  the'-  therefore  that  holy  Offspring  of  thine  shall,  with  regard  to  this  miraculous  conception,  as 
God  ^^  '''""''  *'""  ^°°  "'  well  as  another  and  yet  greater  consideration,  be  called  the  Son  of  God.     And  behold,  to  36 

.36  And,  behold,  thy  cousin  confirm  thy  faith  in  a  declaration  which  might  seem  so  incredible,  I  further  assure  thee 
Svtd'fson''in''h'er  oMa^'i  that  thi/  consin  Elisabeth  also  hath,  by  the 'miraculous  power  of  God,  conceived  a  son, 
and  this  is  the  si.\tii  month  though  she  be  now  in  her  old  ai^e  ;  and  this  is  the  sixth  month  of  pregnancy  with  her  who 
barr^n!'^'"  '''''"   """  ^''""^  /^tt/'Along  bccn  called  barren,'^  and  spoken  of  as  one  who  could  have  no  hope  of  bemg  a 

37  For  with  God  nothing  mother.     And  scrui)le  not  to  believe  what  I  have  told  thee  with  regard  to  thyself  as  well  as  37 
shall  be  impossible.  j.jgj. .  ^;,;.  tj^ou  ^vell  knowest,  that  nothing  is,  or  ever  will  be,  impossible  to  God,  whose 

almighty  power  operates  with  equal  ease  in  the  most  miraculous  as  in  the  most  common 

productions. 
.35  And  Mary  said.  Behold      yhni.  Strange  as  the  message  was,  Man/  firmly  believed  it,^  and  said,  with  the  most  38 
it'''uiftS'*nie'l°cording''to 'th^y  amiable  humility  and  piety,  Behold  I  am  'the  handmaid  of  the  Lord,  and  would  approve 
word.    And  the  angel  de- mysti\i i'AxiMuX  inA  ohQAiQni\  ma}/ it  be  unto  ine  ciccordinsto  tlu) ivord !  I  thankfully  accept 
parted  from  her.  jj^g  honour  of  which  I  confess  'I  am  unworthy ;  and  humbly  resign  my  reputation,  and 

even  my  life,g  to  the  divine  care  and  providence,  while  I  wait  tlie  accomplishment  of  thy 

prediction. 

Then  the  angel,  having  executed  his  commission,  departed  from  her,  and  returned  to  his 

abode  in  the  heavenly  regions. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

With  what  holy  wonder  and  pleasure  should  we  trace  this  notice  of  an  incarnate  Redeemer!  and  how  thank-  Ver.2G 
fully  .should  we  adore  his  condescending  goodness,  that  for  us  men,  and  for  our  salvation,  he  did  not  despise  the  27 
womb  of  so  obscure  a  virgin  ! 

We  are  too  ready  in  our  thoughts,  with  Gabriel,  to  congratulate  her  on  so  distinguished  an  honour,  and  to  say,  28 
as  one  did  to  Christ  in  the  davs  of  his  flesh,  Blessed  is  the  womb  that  hare  thee,  O  Lord,  and  the  breasts  which  thou 
hast  sucked!  (Luke  xi.  27.)     But  let  us  remember  tliere  is  yet  a  nobler  blessedness  than  this,  attending  those  in 
whose  hearts  he  is  so  formed  by  divine  grace,  that  they  hear  his  word,  and  do  it. 

Let  us  hear  it,  with  joy,  that  he  is  Jesus  the  Saviour;  but  let  us  also  consider  that  he  is  Christ  the  anointed  31,  32 
Sovereign,  who  is  to  rule' over  God's  people  for  ever.     Remember,  O  my  soul,  that  ()f  his  kingdom  there  shall  be  33 
no  end;  and  esteem  it  thine  unspeakable  honour  and  happiness  to  be  enrolled  among  his  faithful  subjects. 

The  glories  promised  to  such,  in  the  future  state,  are  so  far  beyond  experience,  or  even  imagination,  that  thev 
might,  to  sense,  appear  as  incredible  as  the  message  which  Mary  received  :  but  let  us  remember  the  eternal  truth 
of  what  Gabriel  suggested  to  her,  that  nothing  is  impossible  to  God.     He  can  therefore  ripen  our  imperfect  souls  to  37 
all  the  improvement  and  pleasures  of  the  heavenly  state,  as  easily  as  he  produces  the  meanest  vegetable  on  the  earth. 

Let  the  temper  of  the  blessed  Virgin,  on  this  great  occasion,"be  therefore  the  lieautiful  model  of  ours  :  so,  when 
the  jiurposes  of  the  divine  love  are  declared  to  us,  may  we  resign  ourselves  unto  the  Lord  ;  and  with  sucii  calm 
tranquillity,  firm  faith,  and  jovful  acquiescence,  may  we  wait  the  accomplishment  of  his  gracious  promise,  and 
say,  Behold  the  servants  of  the" Lord .'  be  it  nnto  ns  accordim;  to  his  word!  So  do  thou,  O  Lord,  animate  and  sup-  38 
port  us  !  and  the  weakest  of  thy  children  shall  not  stumble  at  the  greatest  of  thy  promises  through  unbelief;  but 
being  strong  in  faith,  shall  give  glory  to  God. 

SECTION  V. 

Mary  visits  Eiisabeth  ;  her  faith  is  confirmed  by  it,  and  she  breaks  out  into  a  song  of  praise.    Lulie  i.  39 — o6. 

L,.KF.i..3y.  Luke  i.  39. 

AN  D  Mary  arose  in  those  JiV  those  days,  or  soou  after  the  time  that  she  received  the  extraordinary  message  men-   SECT, 
countiy^vitrhast'ri'ntolcitv  t'^ned  above,  Mary  arose  from  Nazareth,  where  she  then  was,  and  ivenU  with  all  the       5. 
of  Juda;  '  "   expedition  she  conveniently  could,  to  what  was  called  the  hill  country,  which  lay  towards 


the  south  of  Canaan  ;  and  came  into  a  city  of  Judah,  where  Zacharias  dwelt,  with  a  com-    luke 
fortable  expectation  that  this  visit  might  tend  both  to  confirm  her  faith  and  vindicate  her       ^■ 

40  And  entered  into  tlie  character.     And  accordingly  she  entered  into  the  house  of  her  kinsman  Zacharias,  and,  to  40 
iut"d  EUsfbeth'"'"'  '^'"^  '''"'  t^^^  pleasing  surprise  of  her'friend,  saluted  Elisabeth. 

41  And  it  came  to  pass,  that.      And  it  came  to  pass,  that  as  soon  as  Elisabeth  heard  the  salutation  of  Mary,  the  infant  in  41 
^lutltion'fif'Mary,7he  blbe  ^"'''  ''"^'"^  did,with  a  most  unusual  emotion,  leap  for  joy,  as  sensible  of  the  approach  of  hini 
leaped  in  her  'womb;  and  whose  forerunner  he  was  appointed  to  be.     And  FJisabeth  uhis  directed  to  consider  it  in 
Hoiy'^Ghos'tf  ''""''  "'"^  """  this  view ;  for  she  was  immediately  filed  loith  an  extraordinary  degree  of  divine  inspira- 

42  And  she  snake  out  with  a  tioii,  bv  the  influences  of  thc  Holy  Spirit.    And,  far  from  envying  the  superior  honour  of  42 
loud  voice,  and  said.  Blessed  j^g^  young  cousiu,  she,  in  Very  exalted  language,  congratulated  her  on  the  occasion  ;  and, 

d  II:m  can  this  he — since  I  am  as  i/el  a  virgin?]    Some  would  render  had  found  it  so  difficult  to  credit.    And  it  may  be  observed,  that,  the 

this,    ]Vhat !  shall  this  he  if  [  hare  no  intercnvrsc  with  a  man  !  as  if  she  sacred  writers  are  particularly  careful  to  record  instances  ot  this  kind, 

would  he  re'.cilved  whether  this  birth  were  to  be  produced  in  a  common  in  which  God  doth,  as  it  were,  ovt  of  the  mouths  of  babes  and  sucklings 

or  a  miraculous  manner.     But  1  think  it  is  more  natural  to  suppose  that  perfect  his  praise. 

she  understood  the  former  worrls  as  an  intimation  that  the  effect  was  im-  g  Pesign  my  reputation,  and  even  my  life.]    For  both  these,  humanly 

mediately  to  take  place,  to  which  her  present  circumstance  seemed,  hu-  speaking,  miglit  have  been  in  danger,  consiilering  the  severity  ot  the 

manly  speakinir,  an  invincible  objection.    Uur  English  version,  1  know  Mosaic  law  against  those  who  have  violated  tlie  faith  of  their  espousals. 

not  a  man,  is  more  literal  than  what  is  here  given  ;  but  I  do  not  appre-  (Compare    Dent.   x.\ii.  23,   24.)    And  though  so  impious  a  prince  a| 

hendthat  thc  strictest  lidelitv  requires  to  lender  tlie  ITebraism  so  exactly  ;  Herod,  who  was  then  on  the  .lewish  throne,  undoubtedly  controlled 

the  sense  is  evidently  the  same.  many  of  the  laws  of  (iod,  yet  the  natural  severity  and  extravagant 

.  \. ';'  ''"  I'ct/i  been  called  barren.']  \  cannot  think  (witli  some  learned  and  jealousy  of  his  temper  would  probably  engage  liim  to  execute  this  in  its 

judicious  persons)  that  to  be  called,  and  to  be,  signify  entirely  tlie  same  full  terror.                                                                          .                   .       . 

thin"  so  as  that  the  former  should  he  thoucrht  aniere  pleonasm,  and  ren-  a  Mary  arose  and  went,  S^cl]     This  was  a  very  wise  determination  ; 

dered  just  as  the  latter.    The  phrase  seerns  to  signify,  in  thc  language  as  it  was  very  probable  that,  by  communicating  the  vision  she  had  seen, 

ot  Scripture,  not  only  that  the  thing  shall  really "Ae  what  it  is  called,  biit  and  perhaps  also  describing  the  form  in  which  the  angel  appeareil,  sne 

also  that  it  shall  be  taken  notice  o/in  that  view  :  which,  1  think,  will  might  convince  Zacharias  and  Elisaheth  that  there  wassomethuij  singu- 

aijpear  from  an  attenti\  e  consideration  of  the  chief  texts  which  have  lar  in  her  case,  and  so  might  bring  in  the  reputation  ot  such  vvortny  aim 

been  produced  to  establish  the  opposite  opinion.    Compare  Isa.  i.  26.  ix.  eminent  persons  to  establish  her  own,  in  a  circumstance  wiicn  mi-ut 

6.  XXXV.  8.  xlvii.  1,5.   ivi.  7.   l.Ki.  3,  6.    Matt.  v.  9,  19.  xxi.  13.   Mark  otherwise  expose  her  to  irreat  suspicion  and  censure.— 1  shall  only  aaa, 

XJ.  17.  1  John  iii.  l.  that  it  is  not  improbable  the  city  here  spoken  ot  might  be  I  lebron,  acity 

f     I '^^  firmly  believed  it.]    It  is  worthy  of  our  remark,  that  Mary,  belonging  to  the  priests  in  the  tribe  of  Judali,  and  the  lull  country.  Josn. 

though  a  young  virgin,  should  so  readily  believe  an  event,  in  itself  so  xxi.  11. 
much  more  wonderful  than  that  which  Zajharias,  though  an  aged  priest, 


24  MARY'S  SONG  OF  HOLY  JOY. 

SECT,  crying  out  with  a  loud  voice,  as  in  a  sacred  kind  of  transport,  she  said,  in  the  very  words  an  thou  among  women  :  and 
5.     which  Gabriel  had  before  used  to  the  virgin,  ^J^^|^  ''  ^^^  *■■■""  °*  ^^y 

■      Most  blessed  art  thou,  O  Mary,  amons;  all  the  women  in  the  whole  world  ;  aiul  most  blessed 

LUKE  is  the  sacred  and  miraculous  fruit  of  thy  womb.    ./l?;c? indeed,  when  I  consider  the  matter     43  And  whenceuthistome. 
^•.    attentively,  I  cannot  but  cry'  out,  in  amazement.  Whence  is  this  honour  done  to  me,  that  should  come'trme?""^  ^ 
she  who  IS  so  highly  honoured  as  to  be  the  mother  of  that  wonderful  and  divine  child, 
whom  I  would  with  all  humility  own  as  wy  Lord,  should  coiixe  unto  me  as  a  e^uest  under 

44  my  roof ;  to  whom  I  should  rather  have  hastened  to  pay  my  homage  ?     And  that  he,  of 
whom  thou  art  now  pregnant,  is  indeed  my  Lord  the  Alessiah,  I  certainly  know  by  what 

I  have  now  felt  ;for,  behold,  as  soon  as  the  first  voice  of  thi/  salutaticm  sounded  in  mine  ears,  44  Foi,  lo,  as  soon  as  the 
as  thou  wast  entering  into  the  house,  the  very  infant  within  me  leaped  in  mi/  ivomb  for  ed"^fn° mi'ne^''e'ars'"the°babe 
joy,  with  a  vigour  and  sprightliness  unknown  before ;  which  I  am  taught  to  interpret  as  leaped  in  m3'  womb  for  joy. 

45  a  nomage  done  to  Him  before  whose  face  he  is  to  go  to  prepare  his  way.  And,  when  I  -js  And  blessed  is  she  that 
consider  the  whole  affair  in  all  its  variety  of  circumstances,  I  have  reason  to  say,  Happy  aVe^'fbrman'ce  o'fThos^e^1!ings 
is  she  that  so  readily  believed^  what  to  sense  appeared  so  utterly  incredible,  witiiout  which  were  told  her  from  the 
so  much  as  requiring  any  miraculous  sign  of  it ;  for  surely  there  shall  be  a  very  faithful     °'^  ' 

and  an  exact  accomplishment  of  all  those  things  which  have  been  spoken  to  her  from  the  Lord. 

46  Then  Mart/  also  was  filled  with  a  transport  of  holy  joy  ;  and  under  the  direction  of  the  46  And  Mary  said,  My 
same  Spirit,  as  well  as  in  many  of  those  words  which  she  had  learnt  from  the  sacred  ^°"'  ''""^  magmty  the  Lord, 
oracles,  she,  in  the  warmth  of  her  devotion,  said,'  "  Alj/  very  soul  doth  most  affectionately 

47  magnify  and  extol  the  Lord,  and  my  spirit,  with  all  its  most  exalted  powers,  j-ejoiceth  in  47  And  my  spirit  hath  re- 
God  as  my  Saviour ;  who,  I  trust,  is  granting  me  my  own  share  in  that  gospel  which,  by  J°"^^** '"  ^°^  ™-y  Saviour. 

48  the  appearance  of  this  his  dear  Son,  he  is  sending  to  so  many  others  :  for  notvvithstand-  48  For  he  hath  regarded  the 
ing  all  the  meanness  of  my  circumstances,  and  the  obscure  condition  in'  which  I  live,  yet  tor^  b'ehold.*  tVonf  "hlncetbnh 
he  hath  looked  with  a  distinguishing  regard  and  most  surprising  condescension  upon  the  all 'generations  shall  call  me 
low  estate  of  his  handmaid;  for,  behold,  he  hath  conferred  such  an  honour  upon  me,  that  I  "^"^  ■ 

am  fully  persuaded,  according  to  his  word  by  the  angel,  that  not  only  tlie  present  age, 
but  all  future  senerations,  shall  call  me  happy, ^  and  shall  admire  the  peculiar  grace  and 

49  favour  that  the  Lord  hath  shown  me.  For  he  who  is  powerful  beyond  all  our  conceptions,  49  For  he  that  is  mighty 
even  the  Almighty  God,  to  wliom  this  strange  event  is  not  only  possible,  but  easy,  hath  and  hory'°hTs* name'. ''^'"^*' 
done  these  great  and  unheard-of  things  for  me ;  and  his  name  and  nature  [/.s]  so  holy,  that 

50  I  cannot  suspect  the  accomplishment  of  any  thing  tliat  he  hath  promised,  nis  mercy  also  .50  And  his  mercy  is  on 
hath  in  every  age  been  the  nope  and  confidence  of  liis  people;  and  I  well  know  that  it  genTraibn  to'^^^eneratmn'™'" 

51  US']  from  ij;eneration  to  generation  on  them  that  fear  him.  He  hath  often  wrought  tlie  most  si  He  hath  shewed  strength 
glorious  displays  of  strength  by  his  irresistible  arm:  he  hath  often  dispersed  the  haushty  tereVt^e  proud  ^n  tKna^Ir 
sinners  that  exalt  themselves  against  him,  and  confounded  them  in  those  schemes  wliich  nation  of  their  hearts. 

52  were  <^e  most  laboured  imagination  of  their  own  hearts.^  He  hath  often  brought  down  5C  He  hath  put  down  the 
mighty  potentates  from  their  thrones  of  dignity  and  power,  and,  by  some  singular  interpo-  e"'aul^  them  oriow  degree!* 
sition  of  his  providence,  hath  craltcd  the  Unvly  from  their  obscurest  state,  as  he  is  now 

53  doing  with  respect  to  me.  He  hath  often  filled  the  hungri/  with  a  variety  of  good  thinas,  53  He  hath  filled  the  hun- 
and  hath  sent  au-ay  the  rich  and  luxurious  sinner  empty  ;f'  having  strijiped  him  of  all  his  H7hhe'hath™ent'einpty''awa^^ 
plenty,  and  turned  him  out  of  all  those  possessions  in  which  he  was  once  so  confident. 

And,  as  a  glorious  instance  of  his  condescension  and  liis  jiower,  though  our  condition  be 

54  so  low  in  comparison  of  what  it  once  was,  he  hath  now  succoured  Israel,^  and  taken  him  54  He  hath  holpen  his  ser- 
as  his  child  into  paternal  protection :  and  all  this  he  hath  graciously  done  in  remembrance  ot"/»Jmercy'"  '"*'"'='"'""»"<^« 

55  of  his  everlasting  mercy ^  Even  as  he  long  ago  spoke  to  our  fathers,  and  promised  it  to  55  As  he  spake  to  our  fa- 
Abraham  and  to  his  seed,  throughout  all  generations :  and  we,  the  heirs  of  those  promises,  his'?eed°fo^ever'""'  *"''  '" 
shall  now  behold  them  liapjiily  fulfilled  in  all  the  fulness  of  their  extent  and  glory." 

56  Then  Man/  abode  with  her  cousin  Elisabeth  about  three  months,  till  very  near  the  time     56  And  Mary  abode  with 
of  her  delivery;  and  then  returned  to  her  own  house,  and  lived  privately  there;  concealing,  retu?ned'to'h'e"own"house."'* 
but  not  forgetting,  these  extraordinary  things,  which  had  so  powerful  a  tendency  to  estab- 
lish and  animate  her  mind.' 

IMPROVEMENT. 

'V"er.40      How  natural  is  it  for  those,  who  have  themselves  received  mercy  of  the  Lord,  to  communicate  their  joy  to 

41  others,  and  to  seek  the  society  of  theW  felloiv-saints,  whom  he  hath  honoured  with  the  signal  manifestations  of  his 
favour! — Happy  they,  whose  friendship  is  confirmed  and  heightened  by  such  endearing  ties !    And  thrice  happy 

42  the  humble  and  generous  souls  who  can  thus,  like  Elisabeth,  lose  the  thoughts  of  private  honour  and  interest  in 
a  cordial  concern  for  the  glory  of  (Jod  and  the  good  of  men ;  rejoicing  to  see  others,  perhaps  in  some  respects 
their  inferiors,  raised  to  stations  of  service  more  distinguished  than  their  own  ! 

43  If  this  pious  matron  thought  herself  so  highly  honoured  in  receiving  a  visit  from  the  mother  of  our  infant  Savumr, 

b  ITarpsi  is  she  that  believed,  iSr.]    I  doubt  not  but  here  is  an  oblique  ever;/  hioh  thing,  &c.  (1  Cor.  x.  5.)  by  the   humbling  scheme   of  his 

retei  em-e  to  the  unha|)piness  of  /arharias,  who  had  not  immediately  recovering  grace,  but   hath  remarkably  confounded   his  most  insolent 

believed  the  proniise  of  tlod  to  him,  and  thereby  had  incurred  so  sensible  enemies  in  their  own  most  elaborate  projects,  and  established  his  sacred 

a  mark  ot  the  divine  displeasure.     I  have  gently  touched  upon  it  in  the  cause  by  the  violent  attempts  they  have  made  to  suppress  it    (Compare 

paraphrase  ;  but  1  was  cautious  of  being  too  express,  lest  I  should  violate  Psal.  ii.  1 — .■?.)    A  triumph  of  divine  wisdom,  of  wnich  succeeding  ages 

that  great  decorum  which  the  Spirit  of  God,  as   well  as  the  rules  ot  furnish  out  memorable  and  frequent  instances  at  home  and  abroad, 

modesty  and  piety,  taiiuht  her  to  ohstive,  when  the  faults  of  a  husband  t  .Sent  away  the  rich  empti/.]    EfaTrcseiXc  strictly  signifies,  halh  sent 

were  m  cuiestion. —  It  may  be  added,  that  these  words  showed  her  know-  or  tiinirii  ihrm  out  of  doors  ;  and  very  beautifully  represents  God  as  the 

lei  ;;p  (>(  Mary"s  immediate  bilief  of  the  pnimise  made  to  her  :  a  know-  great  pioprictiii  of  all,  and  the  greatest  of  men  as  his  tenants  at  will, 

ledge  which  she  could  only  2ain  by  divine  revelation,  and  which,  there-  whom  he  can  strip  and  turn  out  whenever  he  pleases, 

lore,  would  be  a  nuitual  conlirmation  of  the  faith  of  both.  g  lie  hath  siiccovred  Israel.}    That  the  word  ai/TcXa/Sero  properly 

c  Mary  also  said.']    It  is  observable  that  most  of  these  phrases  are  signifies  to  interpose  in  favour  of  a  person  in  great  necessity,  or  extreme 

borrowed  trom  the  (Jld  Testament,  with  which  the  pious  virsin  seems  to  danger,  Eisner  hath  abundantly  proved,  Ohserv.  vol.  i,  p.  175. 

have  been  very  conversant;  especially  from  the  .Song  of  "Hannah,  in  h  'In  remembrance  of  his  everlasting  mercy.']    The  beginning  of  the 

which  there  were  so  niany  passages  remarkably  suitable  to  her  own  rase.  55th  verse  should.  I  think,  be  included   in  a  parenthesis.     It  makes  an 

Compare   1    Sam.  ii.  1 — 10.    (Jen.  xxx.  13.    Psal.  ciii.  17.    xcviii.   1.  easier  and  stronger  sense  to  suppose  that  this  remembrance  of  his  mercy 

Ixxxix.  in.   evil.  9.    and  Mic.  vii.  2o.  for  ever  refers  to  his  everlasting  mercies  promised  to  the  patriarchs. 

d  ahall  call  me  happy,  |uuKap.».<Ti.]    I  think  there  are  several  other  (Compare  Gen.  xvii.  19.    Isa.  Iv.  3.  Horn.  xi.  29.)    Vet  I  acknowledge 

texts   \vhere  naKapcot  should  lather  be  renilered   happy  than    blessed,  those  blessings  might  be  said  to  be  promised  lo  i  hem  and  their  seed  for 

which  is  the  iiroper  signification  of  (iiAo7n709  :  (see  1  lim.  i.  11.  vi.  1.5.  ever,   which  were  entailed  on   their  remotest  generations.   (Compare 

and  Itev.  xx.6.)  yet  I  cannot  say  that  the  distinction  is  always  material,  Oeu.  xii.  15.  xviii.  8,  txc.)     Care   is  therefore  taken  to  express  both  in 

nor  lio  1  always  observe  it  in  the  tollowing  version.  the  paraphrase. 

e  lie  hath  dispersed  the  haughty.  Sec.  ciitrrKopTri<rcv  vTrtpn^at'Hi  fiiavma  i  Animate  her  mind.]    Many  of  the  things  which  had  passed  in  this 

Kapfitw!  avTaw.)    I  know  this  may  be  rendered,  lie  halh  scattered  those  journey,  and  especially  that  ra|)tiirous  inspiration  which  she  had  herself 

that  prided  themselves  in  the  imagination,  or  thought,  of  their  hearts  :  espeririiced,  and  which  till  now  was  probahlv  unknown  to  her,  must 

but  1  apprehended  the  words  would  well  bear  the  yet  mor.- emphatical  elevate   her  thoughts  to  a   very  sublime   pitch,  ami   enkindle   in   her 

sense  1  have  here  given  them.    Amf  thus  they  are  peculiarly  applicable  attentive,  reflecting  mind  high  expectations  and  glorious  hopes.    See 

to  tlic  gospel,  in  which  God  doth  not  only  coit  doun  imaginations  and  Luke  ii.  19,51,  and  compare  note  b. 


THE  BIRTH  AND  CIRCUMCISION  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST.  25 

how  much  more  doth  it  become  us  to  admire  the  condescension  of  our  glorious  Lord,  that  he  will  represent  him-  SECT, 
self  as  graciously  knocking  at  (he  door  of  our  hearts,  and  ready  not  only  to  make  us  a  transient  visit,  but  to  take      5. 
up  his  stated  abode  with  us  ! 

May  our  faith,  like  that  of  the  blessed  I'^ir^/n,  delightfully  rest  on  all  the  promises  he  makes,  as  firmly  believing  Ver. 46 
that  there  shall  be  an  uccoviplishwent  of  these  things  which  are  spoken  !  And,  while  that  accomplishment  is  delayed,  43 


may  the  pleasing  expectation  of  it  time  our  voice  to  a  son"  of  praise  like  hers  ! — Let 
Lord,  and  our  spirits  rejoice  in  that  God,  whom  we  hope,  through  grace,  to  be  our  Sav 


Let  our  souls  also  mugnifi/  the 


i'oMr ;  whose  condescension  47 

hath  resarded  us  in  such  low  circumstances  ;  and  whose  almighty  power  and  everlasting  love  have  done  such  great  48 

things  for  us He  hath  provided  heavenly  food  to  satisfy  our  hangri/  souls ;  and  hath  raised  us  to  enjoi/  the  49,  53 

mercies  which,  in  more  obscure  intimations  only,  he  promised  to  the  pious  patriarchs — His  mcrci/  is  on  all  that  /'«/?■  54,  55 

him,  through  succeeding  generations May  such  distinguished  favours  animate  our  hearts  with  those  sentiments  50 

of  devotion  and  zeal  which  they  are  so  well  qualified  to  excite  !  Otherwise  the  joy  of  the  Old-Testament  saints, 
in  the  distant  and  imperfect  prospect  of  these  blessings,  will  testify  against  our  insensibility  in  the  superior 
advantages  with  which  we  are  favoured. 

SECTION  VI. 

The  birth  and  circumcision  of  John  the  Baptist.    Luke  i.  57 — 66. 

-        .  „  Luke  i.  57. 

Luke  i.  57. 

NOW  Elisabeth's  full  time  AND  when  the  full  time  for  Elisabeth's  delivery  was  come,  she  brought  forth  a  son,  exactly  sect. 

deUvered^'  and^  she'"brou<'ht  according  to  the'  prediction  of  the  angel  to  Zacharias.     And  her  neighbours  and  her  rela-      6. 

forth  a  son.  °     tions  were  acquainted  with  it;  and  having  hea/'d  that  the  Lord,  m  so  illustrious  and 


he^  ci^a^in'l'^'^h" ard'''how  ^the  remarkable  a  manneR,  had  magnified  and  displayed  his  merci/  to  her,  they  ran  to  testify  their  luke 
Lord  had  shewed  ereatrnercy  joy,  and  sincerely  congratulated  her  on  the  happy  occasion.  I- 

w?th\*en'  ^^^  ^"^^  rejoiced      ^|^^y^  j^^  particular,"/^  Came  to  pass,  that  on  the  eighth  day  thet/  came  together  in  some  59 

59  And  it  came  to  pass,  considerable  numbers,  to  circumcise  the  child,  according  to  the  law;  (Gen.  xvii.  12.  Lev. 
came*to  dr^cumase  ihech\\J,  xii-  3.)  and,  as  it  was  then  customary  to  give  it  a  name,a  they  that  were  present  would  have 
and  they  called  him  Zacha-  called  him.  Zacharias,  after  the  name  of  his  father:  but  his  mother,  who  had  been  more  par-  60 
father^""""  """  "'"""  "^  ""'  ticularly  informed  by  her  husband  bf  what  had  passed  between  him  and  the  angel  in 

60  And  his  mother  answer-  the  temple,  answered  and  said,  Nai/,  my  friends,  it  must  not  be  so  ;  but  he  shall  be  culled 
shall  be  c^Jlied^john".'  ''"'  ^^  John.    And  when  they  objected  to  this,  and  said  unto  her,  None  of  thy  kindred,  either  by  61 

61  And  they  said  ""*»  he""  birth  or  marriage,  is  called  by  this  name,  in  order  to  determine  the  question,  and  to  be  62 
thatTs  caUed*^by  this  name™    fuUy  satisfied,  they  made  signs  to  his  father,  to  know  what  he  would  have  him  called.     And  63 

62  And  they  made  signs  to  ^^^  'by  signs,  ask'ed  for  a  writing-tablet  ;^  and  when  he  had  received  it,  he  wrote,  saying, 
liim'caTie'd."^  '^  ^°"      "^^^  His  name  is  John ;  thereby  declaring  it  a  settled  point,  that  would  admit  of  no  further 
in^'^^hf  and^rote°'^sa^In*'  debate.     And  they  ivere  all  amazed  at  the  determination.     But  greater  still  was  their  64 
Hfsnarne1sJohn?*And^'hey  astonishment  to  find  his  tongue  at  liberty,  and  his  speech  restored;  for  his  mouth  was 
™?7*A ''^  ^''■.  .,  immediately  opened,  and  his  tongue  [loosed  ;1  and  he  spake  audibly  and  distinctly ;  begin- 

04    And     his    mouth     was  .  ■'     i  '  i  i  °      -.'i  •■-'/-■     i      '     ^i,    ^        i  i-  u  l-   1  il    ii 

opened  immediately,  and  his  ning,  as  it  was  most  reasonable,  With  praising  uod,c  in  that  sublime  hymn  which  we  shall 

Kr/iTed'^God"''  ^^  '^''^^'  presently  record. 

65  And  fea'r  came  on  all  And  a  religious  awful  kind  of  drecul  fell,  not  only  on  those  that  were  present,  but  on  all  65 
lnd'1iTf'thes"e"la1^rn"»Vw^re  ^^"^  ^'^'"^^  "'^"''  ^^^ '"  •  ""'^  «/'  '/'f'*^  things,  in  a  very  particular  detail  of  circumstances,^ 
noised  abroad  fhroupThout  all  were  published,  and  became  the  great  topic  of  conversation  over  the  whole  hill  country  of 
*''66'' And"aYr ^h°y''t"h1iT'had  Judea.  And  all  wise  and  pious  persons  that  heard  Uhern,']  laid  them  up  carefully  in  their  66 
heard  t/iem,  laid  t/ie7n  up  in  hearts,  as  matters  highly  worthy  their  future  consideration,  saying,  M  hat  kind  of  a  child 
man'^ner'oTrhildYhaif'thiTbJ'?  '^'^^  ^^^^  ^f;  "^^^lo  is  ushered  into  the  world  in  so  extraordinary  a  way?  And  their'expecta- 
And  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  tions  Were  further  raised  by  observing,  that,  as  he  grew  up,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  v/as  sig- 
^'"'''""'  riaWy  with  him;  and,  through  the  divine  blessing,  he  appeared  not  only  a  healthful  and 

thriving,  but  likewise,  on  other  and  higher  accounts,  a  very  hopeful,  child. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

So  sure  are  the  promises  of  God,  and  so  certainly  will  the  full  accomplishment  of  them  another  day  shame  our  Ver.  57 
suspicious  unbelieving  hearts,  and  awaken  the  tongues  of  his  servants  to  songs  of  praise.'     Happy  the  souls  who,  58 
by  a  lively  faith  in  them,  are  anticipating  that  blessed  day,  and  whose  minds,  kept  in  tune  by  these  pleasing  views, 
are  opening  themselves  to  the  most  tender  sympathy  with  others,  and,  like  the  kindred  of  this  pious  pair,  are  making 
the  religious  joys  of  others  their  own  ;  so  sharing  rather  than  envying  the  superior  favours  bestowed  upon  them  ! 

Let  us  learn,  with  them,  wisely  to  observe  what  God  is  doing  around  us,  and  to  lay  up  remarkable  occurrences  65,  66 
in  our  heai'ts :  that,  by  comparing  one  step  of  divine  conduct  with  another,  we  may  the  better  understand  the 
loving-kindness  of  the  Lord,  and  be  engaged  to  act  with  more  regular  obedience  in  a  holy  subserviency  to  his  gra- 
cious purposes. 

When,  like  good  Zacharias  and  Elisabeth,  we  have  the  pleasure  to  see  our  infant  offspring  grovnng  up  in  safety  66 
and  cheerfulness,  with  healthy  constitutions  of  body,  and  tovvardly  dispositions  of  mind  too,  let  us  ascribe  it  to 
the  hand  of  the  Lord,  which  is  upon  them  for  good.  Let  us  remember,  that  we  are  at  best  but  the  instruments  of 
the  divine  care  and  favour  to  them  ;  and  that  our  families  would  soon  become  scenes  of  desolation,  did  not  God 
watch  over  them  in  a  thousand  circumstances  of  danger  and  distress,  which  no  prudence  of  ours  could  have  fore- 
seen, and  which  no  care  of  ours  could  have  been  able  to  provide  against. 


SECTION  VII. 

Zacharias,  on  the  birth  of  his  son,  breaks  out  into  a  sublime  anthem  of  praise.    Luke  i.  67,  to  the  end.  SECf. 

Luke  i.  67.  I'UKE  i.  67. 


AND  his  father  Zacharias  NO  W  John  being  bom,  as  we  have  before  described  it,  Zacharias  his  father,  when  he  first   ht^e 
Ghost,  and  prophesied ,^'sa>-  ^P^^^  ^^er  the  birth  of  this  extraordinary  child,  was  filled  with  the  influences  of  the  Holy       i. 
"'?•  '         Spirit ;  and,  in  an  exalted  strain  of  sacred  rapture,  he  prophesied,  saying, 

a  As  it  was  then  customary  to  give  it  a  name.]    The  givin?  the  child  language,  that  I  was  not  willing  to  lose  this,  which  much  more  exactly 

Its  name  was  no  more  a  part  of  the  original  intent  of  circumcision  than  answers  the  original  than  table.                                        ^      n    t      *•     i 

ot  baptism  ;  it  was  an  incidental  circumstance  which  custom  had  added.  c  Aiid  his  tongue  [hosed  ;]  and  he  spake,  praising  God.^    I  entirely 

And  1  cannot  torbear  savins.',  that  in  administering  the  christian  ordi-  agree  with  the  learned    Raphelius,  (Annot.  ex  Herod,  paces  219,  220.) 

nance    1  think  care  should  be  taken  to  order  the  voice  so,  that  it  may  that  Eisner's  criticism  iOhserv.  vol.  \.  pages  178,  179-')  "s  not  to  bead- 

plainly  appear  we  only  then  speak  to  the  child  by  the  name  which  hath  mitted,  which  would  render  it.  And  his  tongue  also  spake,  pruismg  Ood. 

been  already  given  it.— That  the  father  among  the  ancients  used  to  It  would  then  have  beenei.Xovoi/ira.  instead  of  euXo-ycui- ;  and  Kaphelms 

name  the  children,  and  that  it  was  customary  often  to  give  the  7ia?neo{  has  given  unanswerable  instances,  in  the  most  approved  writers,  ot  a 

ttieir  immediate  ancestors,  Eisner  has  shown  on  this  text.  ier&  joined  with  two  nouns,  when  in  strict  propriety  it  can  only  belong 

0  A  xnttng  tablet,  ■nivumiim.']     V.e  have  so  few  diminutives  in  our  to  one  of  them.    Compare  1   Cor.  iii.  2.  where  the  original  is,  TaKci 


26  ZACHARIAS'S  HYMN  OF  PRAISE. 

SECT.       "  Blessed  be  Jehovah,  the  God  of  Israel,  because  he  hath  now  o\vned  the  relation  in  so     68  Blessed  i^  the  Lorci  God 
7.      signal  a  manner ;  for  he  hath  graciously  looked  down  upon  his  people  in  their  distress,  and  °„^  recfeeVned  his  people, 
wrousht  out  an  illustrious  and  complete  redemption  for  them  :  A)ia  he  hath  raisedup  for  us  ,  69  And  iiath  raised  up  an 

.     o...  ,  r,,  ,r  „,„.  ■•,,  J-'i     horn  ot  salvation  tor  USUI  the 


LUKE   a  horn  of  salvation,^  even  an  honourable  and  powerful  Saviour,  who  is  alreadj^  conceived,  hou3e''ot^his'se'rv"anTDavVd ; 
and  will  quickly  be  bom,  according  to  our  lonsc  expectation,  in  the  fumili/  of  his  servant 
David:  As  he  hath  spoken  by  the  inspiration  of  his  Spirit,  and  given  frequent  intimations     7o  As  he  spake   by   the 


^•_„  and  will  quickly  be  bom,  according  to  our  lonsc  expectation,  in  the  famili/  of  his  servant 

David:  As  he  hath  spoken  by  the  inspiration  of  his  Spirit,  and  given  frequent  intimations  ,     u  i 

71  to  us  bi/  the  mouth  of  his  holy  prophets,  which  have  been  from  the  beginning  of  time.h     It  ^I'^J'J,';  have'been  s'ince  the 


now  appears,  that  none  of  those  predictions  are  forgotten  by  him,  siiice  he  is  preparing  for  world  began : 

us  such  a  glorious  deliverance,  that  we  may  thus  obtain  salvation  from  the  jDOwer  of  the  t>om  ouf  enVmil",  and  Tom 

most  formfdable  or  our  enemies,  and  may  at  length  be  rescued,  by  his  redeeming  grace,  the  hand  of  all  that  hate  us; 

72  from  the  hand  of  all  that  hate  its:'^  And  this  gracious  messenger  hath  God  now  sent,  that  72  To  perform  the  mercy 
'he  may  faithfully  perform  the  mercy  which  he  [promised]  to  our  fathers,^  the  blessed  effects  remem'beririrholy Iwenau^^^ 

of  which  extend  also  to  tliem ;  and  by  him  shall  God  appear  to  be  mindful  of  his  holy 
covenant,  which  hath  passed  through  so  many  various  dispensations,  yet  still  in  the  main 

73  continues  the  same  :  It  being  indeed  no  other  than  the  oath  ivhich  he  so  solemnly  s~<Mare     73  The  oath  which  hesware 

74  unto  Abraham'^  our  father,  (Gen.  xxii.  16,  17.)  According  to  the  tenor  of  which,  "he  will  'Y4"'"S""he^^';?'„'X 'grant 
now  grant  us  the  favour  of  an  opportunity,  and  a  heart  to  serve  him  ivithout  fear,  being  unto  us,  that  we,  being  de- 

75  delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  our  enemies;  \and  to  walk']  before  him,  under  a  religious  sense  oiyre*i?emil!'s,  might  se?ve' him 
of  his  presence,  all  the  days  of  our  life,  in  the  paths  of  tlie  strictest  holiness  and  righteous-  without  fear, 

"£  '  "i^  '"   holiness  and  ri^hte- 

4,1  1  I -17771  1       ousness  before   him,  all    the 

76  Then  turning  to  his  new-bom  son,  he  added,  "  And  thou,  my  dear  child,  shatt  have  the  days  of  our  hfe. 
honour  to  be  jnst\y  called.  The  prophet  (f  the  Most  High  God;  an  illustrious  prophet  caifed'^"hV''p',-c'phet''of''the 
indeed  !  for  thou  art  he  who,  according  to  the  prediction  of  Isaiah,  (Isa.  xl.  3.)  shalt  go  ninhest:  for  thou  shait  go 
before  the  face  of  the  Lord,  even  of  our  divine  Messiah,  to  give  notice  of  his  approach,  p?epare''his''«^yi  f'^  ^"''^  ^ 

77  and  to  prepare  his  loays.  It  shall  be  thine  honourable  and  deliditful  office,  not  merely  to  77  To  give  knowiedce  of 
bring  tne  tidings  of  some  temporal  deliverance,  but  to  give  the  knowledge  of  eternal  salva-  theTe'miss"ion  of  th w'sins,  ^ 
tion  to  hit  people,  in  directing  them  how  they  are  to  obtain  the  forgiveness  of  their  sins: 

78  Which,  how  great  soever  they  have  been,  may  now  be  obtained  through  the  tender  com-  78  Through  the  tender  mer- 
passions  of  our  God,K  whose  bowels  of  mercy  have  yearned  over  his  backsliding  children  ;  dlv°sp°hig^rom  on liigH^'hath 
by  virtue  of  which  compassions,  the  daivning  of  the  celestial  day^  hath  visited  us  from  on  visited  us, 

79  high :  And  the  Sun  of  righteousness  is  shortly  arising,  to  spread  sacred  knowledge  and  79  To  give  light  to  them 
joy  over  the  regions  of  ignorance  and  misery,  to  enlighten  those  that  sit  in  darkness,  and,  shadow'of'*dcadi?  to*^  s'ufde 
as  it  were,  in  the  very  shadow  of  death'  itself,  or  in  the  most  gloomy  and  dangerous  con-  our  feet  into  the  way  of  peace, 
dition,  and  to  direct  our  wandering  /Je^  into  the  way  of  peace  and  felicity." 

80  Thus  was  John  the  Baptist  ushered  into  the  world,  and  thus  were  his  infant  days  graced     so  And  the  child  i?rew,and 
with  wonders.     And  the  child  greio  up  and  became  strong  in  spirit,  givino;  early  tokens  both  Z^^\t.  the  defertl  t1Frth4  dSy 
of  an  heroic  genius  and  a  pious  disposition,  through  tlie  work  of  God's  Spirit  upon  him.  of  his  shewing  unto  Israel. 
(Compare  Judg.  xiii.  24,  25.)     And,  his  pious  parents  dying  while  he  was  young,  or  being 

y)eculiarly  directed  by  a  divine  revelation  in  this  affiiir,  ne  did  not  appear  in  the  service 
of  the  temple,  even  when  he  came  to  the  a2;e  in  which  the  priests  began  their  ministra- 
tions ;  but  by  divine  dispensation  and  direction,  was  led  to  retire  into  desert  places,  and 
to  continue  there  till  the  day  of  his  being  publicly  manifested  to  Israel,  and  as  it  were 
inaugurated  among  them  under  his  prophetic  character ;  for  which  the  austerity  and  devo- 
tion of  this  .solitude  was  a  happy  preparation.'' 

IMPROVEMENT. 
V'er.67      With  what  sacred  joy  should  we  join  in  this  hymn  of  praise  !  The  blessings  celebrated  in  it  were  not  peculiar 
to  the  family  of  Zacharias,  or  to  the  house  of  Israel ;  but  we,  through  the  Divine  goodness,  have  our  share  in 

68  them  :    The  Lord  God  of  Israel  hath  visited  and  redeemed  us.     He  hath  remembered  his  covenant  with  tlie  pious 

72,  73  patriarchs,  in  favour  of  millions  who  are  their  seed  only  as  heirs  if  the  faith  of  Abraham To  us  hath  he  accom- 

70,  78  plished  the  words  he  had  spoken  by  his  holy  prophets,  and  through  hi'<  tciulcr-mercies  hath  caused  the  Sun  of 

79  righteousness  to  arise  upon  us ;  upon  us,  who  were  once  indeed  sitting  in  darkness,  and  in  the  shadow  of  death ; 

and  whose  ancestors,  for  many  succeeding  generations,  were  lost  in  ignorance,  idolatry,  and  wickedness.     Let  us 
77  bless  the  Lord,  who  hath  given  us  light ;  and  make  it  our  daily  prayer  that  it  may  be  the  happy  means  of  guiding 

our  feet  info  the  way  of  peace Let  us,  with  pleasure  and  thankfulness,  receive  the  knowledge  of  salvation  by  the 

69  remission  of  our  sins,  without  which  we  shall  never  see  it  but  at  an  unajiproachable  distance. 

Let  us  repose  our  cheerful  confidence  in  this  Almighty  Saviour,  this  horn  of  salvation,  which  God's  ovra  right 

iiixav  tirOTura,  koi  ow  Spiana.    I  hare  given  you  milk  to  drink,  and  not  g  Tender  compassioru  of  our  God.]    STrXavx^a  e\eovt,  bis  hmvels  of 

meat.  merry:  A  strong  Hebraism  ;  which,  though  1  have  not  literally  retained 

a  A  horn  of  salvation.']    As  a  horn  is  often  used,  for  the  most  obvious  it  in  my  version,  I  have  expressed  in  the  paraphrase  ;  and  it  is  a  method 

reasons,  to  cypress  strength  and  dignity,  it  being  the  ornament  and  de-  I  shall  often  take  in  like  cases.  Compare  .ler.  xxxi.  18—20. 

fence  of  the  creature  that  wears  it';  so  it  is  sometimes  used  in  the  Old  h   The  dauniiig  of  the  day.}    It  is  true  that  avaroXti  may  signify,  as 

Testament  with  a  peculiar  reference  to  the  Messiah.    Compaie  Psal.  some  here  render  it,  the  rising  sun:  and   I   doubt  not  but  here  is  a 

cxxxii.  17.  Ixxxix.  24.  1  Sam.  ii.  10.  and  2  Sam.  xxii.  .3.  reference  to  such  texts  as  Mai.  iv.  2.  and  Isa.  Ix.  1—3.  and,  possibly, 

b  From  the  hepinning  of  lime.]     It  cannot  certainly  be  inferred  from  considering  the  known  ambiguity  of  the  Hehreui  word  npU,  which  also 

hence,  as  some  have  argued,  that  there  was,  from  the  heginning  of  the  si'jnifies  a  hranch,  there  may  be  some  allusion  to  .ler.  xxiii.  .5.  and  Zech. 

world,  a  series  of  prophets,  or  that  every  individual  prophit  spoke  of  the  iii.  8.     But  it  is  strange  that  any  should  have  thought  Zacharias,  a  .Jewish 

Messiah,  which  can  never  be  proved  without  doing  great  violence  to  the  priest,  hath  here  referred  to  the  Greek  version  of  those  texts.     It  is  well 

remaining  writings  of  some  amongst  them.     The  words  of  Zacharias  known,  the  word  properly  signifies  that  part  of  the  heavens  where  the 

only  amount  to  this,  that  the  generality  of  prophecies,  in  all  ages,  refer  liglit  begins  to  arise,  and  the  first  shining  of  that  light.  (Compare  Re«. 

to  this  great  event.    Compare  Acts  x.  43.  vii.  2.)     'I'he  dawning  of  the  day  seemed  therefore  a  very  literal  version  ; 

c  Be  rescued  by  his  redeeming  grace  from  the  hand  of  all  that  hate  vs.]  and,  I  apprehend,  it  more  beautifully  describes  the  state  of  things  just  at 
This  seems  to  have  been  the  mind  of  the  Spirit,  as  appears  l>v  the  whole  this  interval,  than  if  the  sun  had  been  represented  as  actually  risen, 
tenor  of  scripture  ;  but  it  is  impossible  to  say,  whether  Zacharias  fully  i   The  shadow  of  death.]    Such  phrases  as  these  do,  with  peculiar  pro- 
understood  his  own  words,  which,  it  is  certain,  the  old  prophets,  in  some  priety,  describe  the  ignorant  and  miserable  state  of  the  Getitile  world, 
cases,  did  not.   See  1  Pet.  i.  10,  11.  and  perhaps  this  former  part  of  the  verse  may  refer  to  them  ;  but,  as 

d   Perform  the  merry  [promised]  to  our  fathers.']    noiiKrai  cXeor  uern  Christ's  jjreaching  to  the  lews  in  Galilee  (for  it  was  only  to  the  .Tews 

TMi/    warepiav  rip-'ov   most    literally  signifies    to   exercise   mercy  to  our  he  applied,  Matt.  xv.  24.  x.  5,  6.  and  Rom.  xv.  8.)  is  said.  Matt.  iv.  14 — 

fathers  ;  and  mmht  perhaps  intimate,  that  the  mercy  extended  to  the  16.  to  be  an  accomplishment  of  Isa.  ix.  1,  2.  to  which   Zacharias  here 

pious  patriarchs  was  owing  to  Christ,  who  was  afterwaiils  to  appear,  probably  refers,  1  was  not  willing  in  the  paraphrase  to  fix  it  to  the  Otn- 

C'ompare  Itom.  iii.  25.    I  cannot  recollect  any  other  place  wliere  voinaai  tiles.     I  he  sad  -character  and  circumstances  of  the  .Tevs  at  this  time,  as 

tXeoc  is  to  perform  a  promise.  described  by  losephus,  too  well  suit  the  representation  here  made. 

e  The  oath   which  he  sware  unto  Abraham.]    In  vindication  of  our  k   Ibis  solitude  was  a  happy  preparation.]    It  may  further  be  ob- 

versinn  from  any  objection  which  might  arise  to  a  learned  reader  from  served,  that  such  a  retirement  also  contributed  to  his  acceptance,  by 

the  construction  of  that  original,  uvT\alir\vai  fiiaOnm': — opaov  6v  loixoaf.,  raising  a  character  for  eminent  mortification  and  sanctity  ;  inured  him  to 

K.  T.  X.  see  Kos,  Erercit.  p.  .35.  anrl  H'lsner, «'«  loc.  the  oppositions  he  was  to  expect  in  this  work  ;  and  naturally  prevented 

f  And  to  walk  in  holinefs  and  righ/eov.me<s.]    This,  as  well  as  deliver-  any  such  intimacy  with  Christ,  in  their  childhood  and  youth,  as  might 

ance  from  enemies,  being  spoken  of  as  the  merciful  grant  of  fiod,  I  can-  possibly  have  occasioned  some  suspicion  as  to  the  impartiality  of  thl 


not  but  conclude,  it  refers  to  those  passages  in  which  (;o<l  promiseii  to  testimony  which  ,lohn  afterw 

IHJur  out  extraonlinary  degrees  of  a  pious  spirit  on  his  people  under  the  Ulsner  halli   "-hown,  as 

reign  of  the  Mes.siah. "  Compare  Isa.  xliv.  1 — 5.  Jer.  x.\xi.  31— 31.  and  word    attiAtifi?   often   signifies   the  inaugvrativn  of  a  pub 

Ezek.  xxxvi.  25—27.  Observ.  vol.  1.  p.  183. 


>  suspicion  as  to  the  impartiality  ot  th^k 
irds  bore  to  him.  (Compare  .lohn  i.  3lJ3 
nhmidius  had  before  observed,  that  tlWB 
;3   the  inavgvraliun  of  a  public;  otficcrr'' 


JOSEPH'S  SUSPICIONS  REMOVED  BY  AN  ANGEL.  27 

hand  hath  raised  up  for  tis:  through  him  let  us  seek  the  pardon  of  our  sins,  and  deliverance  from  all  the  enemies  SECT, 

of  our  souls.    And  'let  a  grateful  sense  of  his  redeeming  love  engage  us  resolutely  to  walk  in  the  strictest  holiness  7. 
and  righteousness,  as  in  the  presence  of  God,  and  carefully  to  maintain  bejh?^  him  a  conscience  void  of  offence  all 


the  days  of  our  lives.  Ver.  74 

May  we  carry  this  temper  along  with  us  into  solitude  and  rethement :  may  it  animate  us  in  the  busiest  scenes  80 
of  life ;  and  in  every  particular  instance,  may  it  determine  us  in  our  choice  of  either,  and  regulate  our  conduct 
in  both. 

SECTION  VIII. 

Joseph's  suspicions  concerning  Mary  removed  by  the  appearance  of  an  angel  to  him.    Matt.  i.  18,  to  the  end. 

Matt.  i.  18. 
Matt.  1. 18. 
NOW   the   birth  of  Jesus  AND  now,  having  given  an  account  of  the  birth  of  John,  afterwards  sumamed  the  Bap-  SECT, 
Christ  was  on    this  wise:  |.jg(.    ^g  nrocced  "to  that  of  Jcsus  Christ,  the  great  subject  of  our  history,   which  was      8. 

When   as  his   mother   Mary  '.,'..,.,  ,        ■'     ■   •  •  '  '^  i  j.i        •    ^      j         j         tr-  n 

was    espoused    to   Joseph,  attended  With  the  most  surprising  circumstances,  and  was  thus  introduced.     His  mother • 

before  they  came  together    ji|^„.y  jfj„nr  contracted  to  Joseph,  according  to  the  method  of  the  Jewish  espousals,  before  matt. 

she  was  found  with  child  oi      '       J  '^         ,     -i  ■     ,        ,,        '  i^    w         i  r         i  ^     t^  -1.1      li  1  j  iU-  I 

the  Holy  Ghost.  thei/  came  to  cohabit  together  as  man  and  wite,  she  was  found  to  be  with  child ;  and  this  .  „ 

pregnancy  was,  (as  we"  have  been  informed  above,)  by  the  miraculous  operation  of  the 
ig  Then  Joseph  her  hus-  Hcw/  Spirit.     Now  Joseph,  her  husband,  being  a  righteous  man,^  perceiving  there  was  19 
nut'^wi'iTin-  'to"make'"her"a  Something  very  extraordinary  in  the  case,  and  being  by  no  means  wilting  to  expose  her  unto 
public  example,  was  minded  public  infanu/^  by  any  severe  persecution,  nevertheless  was  so  confounded  with  the  con- 
to  put  her  away  privily.         currence  of "  the  strange  circumstances  that  attended  this  affair,  as  that,  in  order  to  secure 
the  honour  of  his  own  character,  and  to  behave  with  all  the  tenderness  that  might  be  to  a 
person  that  he  loved,  he  purposed  to  himself  to  have  divorced  her  as  privately  as  the  law 
of  Moses  would  have  allowed,  that  is,  only  in  the  presence  of  two  witnesses,  and  without 
assigning  any  particular  cause. 

20  But  while  he  thought  on  And  as  he  tvas  revolving  these  things  in  his  mind  during  the  night  season,  full  of  the  20 
o'f'Thf  Lfrd^'a''p''peared''unti  thoughts  of  what  he  was  to  do,  he" fell  asleep;  and,  behold,  an  angel  of  the  Lord-  ap- 
him  in  a  dream,  sayin",  Jo-  peared  to  him  in  «  dream,  and  said  unto  him,  Joseph,  thou  son  of  David,  (as  being  lineally 
not  to  flke^unto  th^ee  Mary  descended  from  him,)  fear  not  to  take  home  Mary  thy  wife,  according  to  the  espousals 
thy  wife ;  for  that  which  is  that  have  passed  between  you,  though  there  may  seem  some  danger  of  bringing  a  reflec- 
Holy  Ghost"    ^^  ^  tion  on  thyself  and  family  ;  for  that  which  is  begotten  and  formed  in  her,  is  of  no  human 

original,  but  was  produced  by  the  miraculous  and  unexampled  operation  of  the  Holy 

21  And  she  shall  bring  forth  Spirit  himself.    And,  in  consequence  of  it,  when  her  time  is  fulfillecl,  she  shall  bring  forth  21 
name'j^ESUs"  for  'he^'shail  «  Son ;  and  thou.  Under  whose  protection  and  care  he  shall  be  placed  during  his  infancy, 
save  his  people  from  their  sins,  shalt  call  his  name  Jcsits,'^  that  is,  God  the  Saviour;  for  he  shall  prove  that  glorious  and 

divine  person  intended  by  God  to  save  his  people,  even  all  that  truly  believe  in  him,  both 
from  the  punishment  and  dominion  of  their  sins,  by  procuring  an  ample  pai'don  for  them, 
"and  raising  them,  after  a  life  of  holiness  on  earth,  to  a  state  of  complete  perfection  and 

happiness. 

22  Now  all  this  was  done.      JSfoiv  all  this  was  done,  (that  is,  this  miraculous  conception,  together  with  all  the  circum-  22 
whkhwass^okenof  thelord  stances  proper  to  attend  it,  was  effected,)  that  this  celebrated   prophecy  might  be  accom- 

by  the  prophet,  saying,         plislied,^  ivhich  the  Lord  had  so  long  before  spoken  bi/  the  prophet  Isaiah,  (Isa.  vii.  14.)  ivho 
said  to  the  house  of  David  in  the  reign  of  Ahaz,  when  it  seemed  in  the  utmost  danger  of 

23  Behold,  a  virgin  shall  be  being  destroyed.     "  Behold,  and  attend  to  it  with  a  becoming  regard,  while  I  assure  you  23 
tbrth  ?son,  Tnd  ^'hey  'shal!  that  Go&  will  accomplish  a  yet  nobler  work  than  what  he  is  ready  to  perform  in  your 
call  his  name   Emmanuel ;  deliverance  from  Pekah  and  the  son  of  Tabeal ;  for  an  unspotted  virgin,  descended  many 
God  with'us.  '"''^'■P'''**^'^'  '^'  ages  hence  from  this  royal  family  now  to  be  rescued,  shall,  in  a  miraculous  manner,  con- 
ceive and  bring  forth  a  son,  and  they  shall  call  his  name  Emmanuel ;"  which,  being  translated, 
signifes,  Gocfwith  us ;  that  is,  God  dwelling  in  our  nature,  on  the  most  gracious  and  im- 
portant design  ;  a  name  in  signification  nearly  equivalent  to  that  of  Jesus. 

24  Then  Joseph,  beingiaised       Then  Joseph  arising  from  his  sleep,  with  entire  satisfaction  and  humble  acknowledgment,  24 
oTthe^Lord  li'ad'bidden^'hm'  ^^^  ^^  ^^'^  angel  of  the  Lord  had  appointed  him ;  and,  without  any  farther  delay,  took  home 
and  took  unto  him  his  wife: '  Mary  his  Wife.     Nevertheless,  in  expectation  of  this  wonderful  event,  and  out  of  reverence  25 
she^  had*^  brou^ht*"^forth'  her  ^^  '•'^'^  sacred  birth,  he  knew  her  not  as  a  wife,  though  she  dwelt  under  his  roof :  but  she 

continued  a  pure  virgin  even  till  she  had  brought  forth  her  divinely-begotten  Son,  who,  on 
account  of  his  distinguished  glories,  with  peculiar  propriety  might  be  called  the  first-born :  ^ 

a  A  rightecms  man.']    It  is  without  any  just  reason  that  this  text  is  where,  by  the  way,  I  think  it  should  have  been  rendered  if  Joshua  had 

often  assigned  as  an  instance  where  the  word  6(Kaio9  is  used  to  signify  given  them  rest.')    1  his  derivation  most  plainly  shows  how  Christ's  being 

merciful,  and  some  accordingly  have  here  translated  it  a  good-tiatnred  called  Jesus  was  in  effect  an  accomplisliment  of  the  prophecy  that  he 

man.    If  we  consider  the  intormation  which  Joseph  might  have  received  should  be  called  Emmanuel. 

from  persons  of  such  an  extraordinary  character  as  Zacharias  and  e  That  this  prophecy  might  be  accomplished.']  Few  are  strangers  to 
Elisabeth,  Cwho  would  certainly  think  themselves  obliged  to  interpose  the  objections  which  have  been  made  against  applying  this  prophecy  to 
on  such  an  occasira,  and  whose  story  so  remarkably  carried  its  own  Christ,  which  drove  Grotius  and  many  others  unhappily  to  suppose, 
evidence  along  with  it,)  besides  the  intimation  the  prophecy  of  Isaiah  that  it  immediately  related  to  the  birth  of  a  child  of  Isaiah  s  in  a  natural 
gave,  and  the  satisfaction  he  undoubtedly  had,  in  the  virtuous  character  way,  and  only  in  a  secondary  sense  referred  to  Christ.  The  contro- 
of  Mary  herself,  we  must  conclude,  that  he  had  acted  a  very  severe  and  versy  is  too  large  for  this  place.  I  content  myself  with  observing, 
mrighteous  part,  had  he  proceeded  to  extremities  without  serious  de-  that  a  son's  being  born  of  one  then  a  virgin,  when  she  was  mar- 
liberation;  arA  l\\'At  putting  her  a-day  privately  \,ovi\A,'mt\\f:ie  circum-  ried,  was  no  such  miraculous  event  as  to  answer  such  a  pompous 
stances,  have  been  the  hardest  measure  which  justice  would  have  suffered  introduction  ;  and  that  it  seems  must  reasonable  to  interpret  Isa.  vii.  16. 
him  to  take.  as  referring  to  Shearjashub,  whom  Isaiah  was  ordered  to  take  in  his 
b  To  expose  her  unto  public  infamy.]  It  is  very  possible  TfapaiSeiTAia-  hand,  (ver.  3.)  for  no  other  imaginable  reason  but  that  something  re- 
TiCTai  may  here  refer  to  that  exemplary  punishment  which  the  law  in-  markable  was  to  be  said  of  him.  So  that  the  general  sense,  in  short,  is 
flicted  on  those  who  had  violated  the  faith  of  their  espousals  before  the  this  :  "  You  have  affronted  God  by  refusing  a  sign  now ;  yet  his  tran- 
marriage  was  completed,  (Deut.  xxii.  23,  24.)  where  it  is  expressly  scendent  mercy  will  make  your  present  forfeited  deliverance  (by  the 
ordered,  that  a  betrothed  virgin,  if  she  lay  with  another  man,  should  be  death  of  these  confederate  kings,  which  shall  happen  before  1J>3n  this 
stoned.  We  may  suppose,  however,  that  the  infamy  oi  2.  public  divorce,  child  in  my  hand  is  grown  up  to  the  exercise  ot  reason)  a  sign  of  a 
though  she  had  not  been  stoned,  may  also  be  expressed  bj'  the  same  word,  much  nobler  deliverance  by  the  Messiah,  who  shall  be  born  of  an  imma- 
But  then  there  was,  besides,  a  private  kind  of  divorce,  in  which  no  culate  virgin,  and  condescend  to  pass  through  the  tender  scenes  of 
reason  was  assigned,  and  the  dowry  was  not  forfeited,  as  in  the  former  infancy,  as  other  children  do."  (Compare  Isa.  vii.  10 — 16.)  And  see 
case  ;  and  by  this  she  would  not  have  been  so  defamed.  .See  Selden,  t/r.  Bishop  (Chandler's  excellent  remarks  on  this  text,  in  his  Defence  of 
Heb.  lib.  iii.  cap.  xvi.  p.  302,  365,  306.  and  Lightfoot,  Hor.  Ileb.  in  loc.  Christianity,  p.  325 — 3.31.  Mr.  Green's  \th  Letter  to  Mr.  Collins,  and 

c  An  angel  of  tlie  Lord.]    Probably  Gabriel,  who  had  been  sent  to  Usher's  Antia Is,  A.  M.  .3262. 

Zacharias  and  ftlary .    That  Joseph's  scruple  did  not  proceed  as  some  of  f  Till  she  had  brought  forth  her  Son,  the  first-born.]  There  seems  to  be 

the  fathers  supposed,  merely  from  veneration,  appears  from  the  reason  some  peculiar  emphasis  in  the  expression  tov  uioi'  airrrt^  rov  tt/jmtoto- 

given  why  he  should  take  Mary,  which  in  that  case  would  have  been  the  kov,  which  justifies  the  turn  I  have  given  to  the  words.  Compare  Luke 

only  reason  against  it.  ii.  7.  (where  the  verv  same  words  are  used  with  a  remarkable  exactness  ;) 

d  Call  hts  name  Jesiis.]    Bishop  Pearson  seems  to  have  set  the  ety-  Rom.  viii.  29.  Col.'i.  15.  and  Heb.  i.  6.— Though  I  confess  the  force  of 

^  ^K..^ -nology  of  this  name  in  the  <  learest  light,  in  his  large  discourse  on  it,  the  learned  and  candid  Dr.  Daniel  Scott's  remarks  on  this  note  to  be 

t       ;■_.  earson  on  the  Creed,  p.  69 — 71.)  in  which  he  endeavours  to  prove  that  such  as  to  convince  me  that  this  expression  miuht  have  been  used  with 

A      ^»H,  one  of  the  names   of  God,  enters   into   the  composition  of  the  regard  to  the  first-born  son  of  any  family,  and  consequently,  that  no 

BL    ye  brew  name  Jelioshua,  to  which  Jetus  answers.  (Compare  Heb.  iv.  8.  certain  argument  of  Christ's  superior  dignity  and  glory  can  be  drawn 


28  THE  GENEALOGY  OF  CHRIST. 

SECT.  And,  according  to  the  direction  of  the  angel,  he  called  his  name  Jesus.     But  several  other  first-born  son :  and  he  calleil 
8.      circumstances,  relating  to  this  important  event,  will  afterwards  be  recounted.  ^^^  ^^^^  JESUS. 

^^^  IMPROVEMENT. 

1^  '•  ^  q      We  see  here,  in  Joseph,  an  excellent  pattern  of  gentleness  and  prudence.  In  an  affair  which  appeared  dubious, 
he  chose,  as  we  should  always  do,  rather  to  err  on  the  favourable,  than  on  the  severe  extreme.     He  was  careful  to 

20  avoid  any  precipitate  steps ;  and,  in  the  moments  of  deliberation,  God  interposed  to  guide  and  determine  his 
resolves. 

With  what  wonder  and  pleasure  did  he  receive  these  glad  tidings  !  With  what  pleasure  should  we  also  receive 

21  them  !  For  we  too  are  informed  of  Jesus,  who  came  to  save  his  people  from  their  sins.  An  important  and  glorious 
salvation  indeed!  Hosannah  to  him  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord .'  Blessed  Jesus!  answer  thy  character  in 
delivering  us,  not  only  from  sin's  condemning,  but  from  its  reigning  power ! 

23  Let  our  souls  bow  to  Emmanuel,  our  incarnate  God :  and,  while  with  holy  wonder  we  survey  the  various 
scenes  of  his  humiliation,  let  us  remember  too  his  native  dignity  and  his  divine  glory.  By  him  God  hath  fulfilled 
his  ancient  promises,  in  the  most  ample  and  glorious  manner,  in  the  fulness  of  time  sending  forth  his  Son,  made  of 
a  woman,  and  spruns:  like  a  tender  shoot  from  the  decayed  stock  of  David  his  servant. 

22  "V^'hile  we  study  the  oracles  of  the  Old  Testament,  let  us  with  pleasure  trace  the  notices  of  the  great  Messiah 
there,  even  of  Jesus,  to  whom  all  the  prophets  give  witness.     May  his  name  be  ever  inscribed  upon  our  hearts ! 

24  In  that  name  may  we  lift  up  our  banners,  and  judge  those  reproaches  a  glory  which  we  may  meet  with  in  his 
sacred  cause !  5 

SECTION  IX. 

The  genealogy  of  Christ  from  Abraham,  as  recorded  by  Matthew  ;  and  from  Adam,  as  recorded  by  Luke.    Matt.  1 — 17.    Luke  iii.  23,  to  tlie  end. 

Matt.  i.  1.  Matt.  i.  l. 

SECT.  BEFORE  we  proceed  to  the  birth  of  this  Di^ane  Infant,  whose  conception  was  so  very  the  book  of  the  generation 
9-     remarkable,  it  will  be  proper  to  give  some  account  of  his  descent  according  to  the  flesh.  David,"^e  soTof  Abraham" 
And  we  shall  therefore  introduce  it  %\nth  a  table  of  the  !:;enealogi/  of  Jesus  Christ ;»  which  is 


MATT,  intended  not  only  as  an  introduction  to  his  history,  but  more  especially  to  show  that  he 
^"  -,  was  the  son  of  David,  and  the  son  of  Abraham,  as  it  was  often  foretold  the  Messiah  should 
be.    (Compare  Psalm  cxxxii.  11.  Isa.  xi.  1.  Jer.  xxiii.  5.  xxxiii.  15.  and  Gen.  xii.  3. 
xxii.  18.  xxvi.  4.  xxviii.  14.) 

2  Now  it  is  well  knowm  that  Abraham,  that  renowned  patriarch  and  friend  of  God,  from  2  Abraham  begat  Isaac ;  and 
whom  the  whole  Jewish  nation  had  the  honour  to  descend,  begat  Isaac  in  his  old  age,  that  [||^^}^|t;i^'d°hi^breth?en'j 
son  of  Sarah,  according  to  the  promise,  with  whom  God's  covenant  was  established;  and 

Isaac  begat  Jacob,  on  whom  also  it  was  entailed  in  preference  to  Esau,  though  his  elder 
brother ;  and  Jacob  begat  Judah  and  his  eleven  brethren,  who  became  the  heads  of  their 
respf'Ctive  tribes. 

3  And  as  Judah  was  the  person  to  whom  that  extraordinary  promise  was  made,  that  his     ."?  And  Judas  begat  Phares 
descendants  should  continue  a  distinct  tribe,  with  some  form  of  government  amongst  them,  phHres'beVt  Esrom"*  andEV 
till  Shiloh,  that  is,  the  Messiah,  came,*  (Gen.  xlix.  10.)  and  as  it  was  from  him  that  Christ  rom  begat  Aram ; 
descended,  we  shall  confine  ourselves  to  the  line  of  his  posterity.     We  therefore  add,  that 

Judah  begat  Pharez,  and  at  the  same  time,  Zara,  his  twin-brother,  of  Thumar,  who  had 

4  been  his  son's  wife ;  and  Pharez  begat  Esrom,  and  Esrom  begat  Aram  ;  And  Aram  begat  4  And  Aram  bcaat  Amina- 
Aminadab,  and  Aminadab  begat  Naasson,  who  was  prince  of  tlie  tribe  of  Judah  when  the  k a^isonf  aifdTlT^ton  blflt 
peoi>le  were  numbered  and  marshalled  at  mount  Sinai,  (Numb.  i.  7  ;  x.  14.)  and  Naasson  Salmon; 

begat  Salmon. 

5  And,  after  their  settlement  in  Canaan,  Sfdmon  begat  Boaz  of  Pahab,'  who  had  been  a  5  And  Salmon  begat  T^ooz 
native  of  that  countrv,  but  entertained  the  spies  at  Jericho,  and  afterwards  embracing  the  ohe^^of  Kuth^'andTbedTle- 
Jevvish  reliffion,  had  the  honour  to  be  thus  incorporated  with  this  noble  family ;  and  Boaz  gat  Jesse ; 

their  son  beuat  Obed  of  Ruth,  the  Moabitess,*  who  had  so  resolutely  chosen  to  adhere  to 

6  the  God  and  people '  of  Israel ;  and  Obed,  in  a  very  advanced  acre,  beaat  Jesse : «  And     6  And  Jesse  begat  Dayid 
Jesse  begat,  besides  several  elder  children,  David,  the  celebrated  l<ing  of  Israel,  who  was  bet-at  Solomon ''of  her  7/mf 
favoured  with  the  title  of  "  Tlie  man  after  (iod's  own  heart,"  and  had  an  express  promise  >""i  been  the  wife  of  Urias ; 
that  the  Messiah  should  descend  from  him  ;  (compare  2  Sam.  vii.  12 — 16.  and  Acts  li.  30.) 

And  David  the  hirni  begat  Solomon  o/"  Bathsheba,  who  had  before  been  \^the  wife']  of  Uriah 
the  Hittite:  and  tbough  that  holy'man,  in  this  unhappy  affair,  acted  in  a  way  most  un- 
worthy his  character,  yet  God,  on  his  deep  repentance,  graciously  forgave  him,  and  entailed 
the  promise  on  his  seed  by  her. 

And,  to  go  forward  therefore  with  the  genealogy  according:  to  this  line,  Solomon  begat    7  And  Solomon  begat  Ro- 
Rehoboam,  from  whose  government  the  ten  tribes  revolted  under  Jeroboam  the  son  of 

from  it ;  yet.  from  the  pen  of  one  so  deeply  impressed  with  the  thought  phecy  is  so  beautifully  illustrated,  and  so  stionaly  asserted  by  the  present 
of  it  as  Luke  as  well  as  Mattl-ew  was,  I  think  it  may  probably  contain  learned  bishop  of  London,  (Dr.  Sherlock,)  m  his  Utsamr^es  on  Prophery, 
some  reference  to  it.— On  what  terms  Joseph  and  Mary  aiterwards  Dissert,  iii.  p.  .317.  'Vc.  that,  if  I  was  writmg  on  this  passage  ot  the  Old 
lived,  is  of  so  little  importance  to  us.  that  I  cannot  but  wonder  it  should  Testament,  1  should  have  little  to  do  but  io  refer  rny  reader  to  it.  . 
have  been  the  subject  of  so  much  debate.  It  is  sutlicient  for  us  to  know  c  ('/  Ha/iai.]  It  is  not  indeed  expressly  said,  she  was  liahab  ot  Jen- 
that  she  was  a  lirgin,  not  only  at  the  time  of  Christ's  conception,  but  at  cho,  commonly  called  t/ie  harlot  ;  but  I  think  there  can  be  rio  room  to 
his  birth,  as  the  prophecy  foretold  she  should  be.  The  evangelist,  there-  doubt  it.  as  we  know  she  was  contemporary  with  Salmon,  and  may  con- 
fore,  wisely  contented  "himself  with  recording  this,  without  affirm-  elude,  that  she  (this  liahabj  was,  as  all  the  other  women  mentioned  in 
ing  any  thing  further  either  wav  on  this  delicate  subject :  I  say  either  this  list,  a  remarkable  person.  Now  there  was  no  other  ot  that  name, 
teat/,  for  that  the  manner  of  expression  here  used  will  not  certainly  prove  especially  of  this  age,  of  whom  the  compiler  of  this  table  could  (so  tar  as 
that  Mary  had  more  children  afterwards,  appears  from  comparing  Gen.  we  can  judge)  suppose  his  reader  to  have  any  knowledge, 
xxviii.  15.  1  Sam.  xv.  35.  Job  xxvii.  5.  Psal.  ex.  1.  cxii.  8.  and  Matt.  d  lioaz  hegnt  Ohed  of  Rvth,  the  Moabitess.]  Ihe  son  of  a  31oa/»te,  by 
xii    00  an  Israelitisk  woman,  could  never  be  allowed  to  enter  into  the  congrega- 

g  In'his  sacred  cause.]    There  was,  humanly  speaking,  a  probability  tion  of  the  Lord  ;  that  is,  at  least  he  was  rendered  incapable  of  being  a 

that  Joseph  might  have  brought  some  suspicion  on  his  character,  or  priiice  in  Txrael,  And  perivAps  even  of  bein^rtaturatized  hg  ctrc'imcMim  ; 

reflection  on  his  family,  by  admitting  Mary  in  these  circumstances.  which  may  he  the  meaning  <f  the  phrase,  Deut.  xxiii.  -3.  C-ee  Mr.  IjOw- 

a  The  genealogy  of  Jems,  (Jhn.tt.y  I  am  well  aware  that  the  word  man's  llehreui  Gozernmeiit,  p.  1.30.  et  seq.)    But  it  evidently  appears, 

livudi';,  and  the  Hebrew  T\y^r^,  which  corresponds  to  it,  sometimessig-  from  this  celebrated  instance,  that  this  precept  was  not  understood  as 

nilies  the  history  of  a  person's  life,  (as  well  as  other  things,)  and  not  excluding  the  descendants  ot  an  Israelite  by  a  MoaliUish  wornan  from 

merely  his  genealogy  ;  (compare  Gen.  vi.  9.  xxxvii.  2.  Judith   xii.  18.  any  hereditary  honours  and  privileges;  otherwise,  surely,  Salmon,  the 

Jam.  1.  23.  and  iii.  6.  Or.)  and  that  the  learned  Vitringa  understands  it  son  of  Naasson,  prince  ot  ludah,  would  never  have  married  Ixahab,  one 

so   in  this  place.   (See  Vitring.  Oliserv.  .Sacr.  Hi.  i.  dissert,  i.  p.  .3i».)  of  the  accursed  people  ot  Canaan  ;  nor  would  the  kinsman  ot  Boaz  have 

Yet,  as  it  is  much  more  frequently  used  in  the  latter  sense,  (see  Gen.  v.  wanted  a  much  better  reason  than  he  assigned,  (Kuth  iv.  (3.)  for  refusing 

1.  X.  1.  xi.  10,  27.  XXV.  12.  xxxvi.  1,  9.  Num.  i.20,  <S:c.  and  Kuth.  iv.  to  marry  Ruth  when  she  became  a  widow.          -    ,t,,       c,  ,            „ 

18.  in  all  which  places  it  is  applied  to  ge?iealogiet,)  I  think  it  best,  with  e  Ohed.  in  a  very  advanced  age,  legal  Jesse.]     1  hat  Salmon,   Boaz, 

the  learned  Ur.  .Scott,  to  render  it  as  above  ;  only  giving  a  little  hint  of  and  Obed,  must  each  ot  them  have  been  about  a  hundred  years  old  at 

the  more  extensive  sense  the  word  may  possibly  bear.  the  birth  of  his  son  here  recorded,  hath  been  observed  by  many,  and  is 

b  Till  Shiloh,  that  is,  the  Messiah,  came.]    lliis  sense  of  Jacob's  pro-  well  accounted  for  by  Dr.  Whitby  in  particular  :  Annot.  on  ver.  4. 


THE  GENEALOGY  OF  CHRIST.  29 

boam ;   and  Roboam   begat  Nebat ;  and  Rehoboam  begat  Abijah  ;  and  Abijah  begat  Asa,  whose  reign  was  so  long  and  SECT, 
^s' Ana  Asa  be'^at^ios^hat  •  prosperous  :  And  Asa  begat  the  good  Jehoshaphat ;  and  Jehos/tap/iat  begat  Jehoram,  who 
and  Josaphat  b°egat  .loram  ;'  unhappily  dishonoured  the  holy  family  by  an  alliance  with  Athaliah  the  daughter  of  Ahab,  ■ 


and  Joram  begat  Ozias ;  2  Kings  viU.  18.  MATT. 

And  (to  omit  Ahaziah,  the  son  of  that  wicked  woman  whose  impieties  and  cruelties  „    ^' 
rendered  her  so  infamous,  2  Chron.  xxiv.  7.  the  ungrateful  Joash,  her  grandson,  who  mur- 
dered  Zechariah  the  prophet,  the  son  of  his  great  benefactor  Jehoiada,  2  Chron.  xxiv. 

20 22.  and  Amaziah,his  son,  who  succeeded  him)  Jehoram,  at  the  distance  of  the  fourth 

9  And  Ozias  begat  Joatham;  generation,  maybe  said  to  have  begat  Uzziuh  the  leper.f    And  Uzziah  begat  Jot  ham ;  and  9 

'^nd  Achaz'*be  at'Ezekias*^  '  Jot/uim  begat  that  wicked  Ahaz,  wlio,  mstead  of  being  reformed  by  the  chastising  hand  of 

egd     ze  Ids,      Qq^^  trespassed  yet  more  and  more  against  him,  2  Chron.  xxviii.  22.  and  Ahaz  begat  the 

10- And  Ezekias  begat  iVFa-  religious  Hezekiah,  that  distinguished  favourite  of  heaven  :  And  Hezekiah  begat  Manasixh,  10 

nasses ;  and  Manasses_^be^at  go  remarkable  once  for  his  enormous  wickedness,  and  afterwards  for  his  humble  repent- 

sias°°'^°      ™  °  ^^  ance  ;  and  Manassek  begat  that  infamous  and  hardened  sinner  ^/ho??  ;  and  Amon  begat 

Josiah,  that  eminently  pious  prince,  whose  heart  was  so  early  and  so  tenderly  impressed 

11  And  .Tosias  begat  Jecho-  with  an  apprehension  of  God's  approaching  judgments  :  And  Josiah  begat  Jehoiakim  and  11 
nias  and  h|s^  brethren ,^^about  f^l^  royal  brethren,  Jehoahaz  and  Zedekiah,  who  both  of  them  were  kings  of  Judah,  the 
away  tcf  Babylon r^  '^^'"^    former  predecessor  to  Jehoiakim,  and  the  latter  the  successor  of  his  son  :?  and,  about  the 

time  of  the  Babylonish  captiviti/,  Jehoiakim  begat  Jehoiachin,  otherwise  called  Jecomah,^ 
who  was  so  long  the  prisoner  of  the  Chaldeans. 

12  And    after  they  were      And,  after  the  Babylonish  captivity  commenced,  this  Jeconiah  begat  Salathiel  ;i  and  Sala-  12 
ni™leoa\''srialhid"'a;If  sa-  thiel  begat  Zerubbabel,^  that  illustrious  instiiiment  of  restoring  and  settling  the  Jewish 
lathiei  begat  Zorobabel :         commonwealth  on  their  return  from  the  captivity:    And  Zendibabel  begat  Abiiid,^  and  13 
Abh.d"''and°''Abi'ud  belat  ^biud  begat  Eliakim  ;  and  FJiakim  begat  Azor ;  and  Azor  begat  Zadok ;  and  Zadok  begat  14 
Eliakim ;  and  Eliakim  begat  Achim  ;  ^and  Achim  begat  EHud :  And  Eliud  begat  Eleazar ;  and  Eleazar  begat  Matthan ;  15 
'^14'^nd  Azorbesat  Sadoc ;  ^nd  Matthan  begat  Jacob  :  And  this  Jacob  begat  Joseph,  who  was  the  husband  of  Mary,  16 
and  Sadoc  beMt  Achim ;  and  that  blesscd  virgin,  of  wliom  ivas  born  by  the  immediate  power  of  God,  Jesus,  who  is 
^^la'An'd'Eiiud'besat  Eiea-  commonly  Called  Christ,  as  he  was  indeed  God's  Messiah,  or  anointed  One  ;  the  great 
zar ;  and  Eleazar  begat  Mat-  Sovereign,  and  Prophet,  and  High  Priest  of  his  church,  completely  furnished  for  the 
ja'^ii ;  discharge  of  all  those  offices  by  a  most  plentiful  effusion  of  the  Spirit,  which  was  given 

th^*'  h'"band™of'^fiai^"^^'if  "°'-  ^^  measure  to  him. 

whom  was'born  Jesiisf  wi'io^s      Tliis  is  the  genealogy  of  his  reputed  father ;  so  that  we  see,  as  it  here  stands,  that  all  the  17 

called  Christ.  generations,  in  the  first  interval  or  class  of  this  illustrious  family  from  Abraham  to  David, 

17  ^o    all   the   generations  c-  ,  '       ,      ,  .....  r-       ,  '         .■  j    c^       i.\ 

from  Abraham  to  David  are  when  we  may  look  upon  it  as  in  its  rismg  state,  are  fourteen  generations  :  and  after  tnese, 
fourteen    generations ;    and  jj^  ^j^g  j^g^j  gJags,  from  David  to  the  Babylonish  captivity,  when  it  was  seated  on  the  throne, 

rrom  David  until  the  carry  mg         ,  ,  '  '        ,  ■      ■       n         ■   i  ■'         ,    ^  ^      a.\  ^-        ^ 

away  into  Pabylon  are  tour-  and  may  be  reckoned  as  in  its  ffourishing  state,  we  may  compute  them  as  amounting  to 
thrcarnn' iTway  into  Baby^  ^^^  s^™^  number ;  and,  to  Consider  them  as  they  are  represented  here,  they  may  again  be 
Ion  unto  Christ  are  fourteen  Counted  fourteen  generations  .-"1  and,  in  like  manner,  in  the  last  class,  /row  the  Babylonish 
generations.  captivity  to  Christ,  when  by  degrees  it  sunk  into  obscurity,  and  manifestly  was  in  its 

declining  state,  then  also  we  may  reckon  them  as  fourteen  generatioris. 


Like  iii.  C3.  LuKE   iii.  23. 


LUKE 


And  .lesus  himself  began      gut    though  we  have  thus  given  the  legal  genealogj'  of  Christ,  from  Abraham,  as     iii. 

10  be  about  thirty  years  ot  age,  ^^^.^^^  from  Joseph  his  reputed  father,  we  shall  yet  add  another  that  ascends  to  Adam;  23 

f  Jehoram  may  be  said  to  have  hegat  Uzziah.']  It  is  undeniably  we  render  it.  But,  as  the  dispersion  of  Jeconiah's  seed  is  there  threat- 
evident,  from  2  Chron.  chap.  xxii.  and  foHou-ing ,  that  three  princes  are  ened,  and  at  least  seven  sons  of  his  are  reckoned  up  elsewhere,  1  Chron. 
here  omitted.  If  this  table  was  taken  from  any  public  records  amongst  iii.  17,  18.  fsupposing  Assir,  as  the  word  signifies,  to  be  only  a  kind  of 
the  Jews,  the  evangelist  does  not  seem  responsible  for  the  exactness'of  surname  of  Jeconiah  the  captit-e.)  a  greater  number  than  one  could  sup- 
it  :  but,  if  he  himself  drew  it  up,  1  think  it  will  be  but  modest  in  us  to  pose  so  unhappy  a  prince  would  adopt  in  his  imprisonment,  I  should 
suppose,  that  it  was  by  some  peculiar  divine  direction  that  the  sin  of  rather  think  the  word  'T"®  translated  chldlessia  the  fore-cited  prophecy 
Jehoram  is  thus  animadverted  upon,  even  to  the  fourth  generation  ;  his  signifies,  (as  the  Seventy  suppose  who  have  translated  it,)  eKKt\puKTOv, 
intermediate  descendants  being  thus  blotted  out  of  the  records  of  Christ's  naked,  stripped,  or  rooted  out  ;  and  the  more  so,  because  it  seems  harsh 
family,  and  overlooked  as  if  the  v  had  never  been.  to  suppose  e^ewrnre  should  signify  only  he  adopted:  yet  I  own  itissome- 

g  1  he  successor  of  his  son.]  On  the  death  of  Josiah,  the  people  took  thing  strange,  that  Salathiel,  who  on  this  supposition  was  a  descendant  of 
Jehoahaz,  otherwise  called  Shallum,  though  a  younger  brother,  and  made  Solomon,  should  be  adopted  by  Neri,  a  descendant  of  Nathan,  a  younger 
him  king  in  his  father's  stead ,  (2  Kings  .Nxiii.  30,31.)  but  Pharaoh-N  echo  and  much  inferior  branch  of  David's  family  :  or  that  it  should  be  said 
in  three  months'  time  deposed  him,  and  carried  him  captive  to  Egypt,  by  Jeremiah  that  none  of  Jeconiah's  seed  should  rule  any  more  in  Judah, 
according  to  the  prediction  of  the  prophet  concerning  him.  (Jer.  xxii.  it  Zeiubbabel,  their  first  ruler  after  the  captivity,  \yas  at  furthest  but 
10 — 12.  compared  with  2  Kings  xxiii.  .33,  .34.)  And  having  thus  deposed  his  great-grandson.  On  the  whole,  I  submit  so  difficult  a  question  to 
him,  he  made  Jehoiakim,  theelder  brother,  who  was  formerly  called  the  determination  of  abler  judges,  and  content  myself  with  thus  hinting 
Eflakim,  king  in  his  room.  But  this  Jehoiakim  was  soon  subdued  bv  the  at  what  I  found  most  material  on  either  side.  If  the  two  genealogies  do 
king  of  Babylon,  who,  after  his  conquest,  suffered  him  for  a  while  to  not  speak  of  different  persons  that  were  named  alike,  I  should  conjee- 
continue  on  the  throne  ;  but,  on  his  revolt  to  the  kin?  of  Egypt  again,  he  ture  that  Salathiel,  the  .son  of  Neri,  might  marry  the  daughter  of  Jeco- 
was  slain  bv  the  Chaldeans,  (2  Kings  xxiv.  1,  2.)  and  thrown  but  un-  niah,  and  might  possibly,  on  that  account,  be  &\sa  adopted  by  him.  The 
buried,  as  Josephus  tells  us,  (.Antiq'.  lib.  x.  cap.  6.  [al.  8.]  5  3.  Haver-  attentive  reader  will  see,  that  this  hypothesis  at  least  softens  the  diffi- 
camp.)  agreeable  to  what  the  prophet  had  foretold,  Jer.  xxii.  18,  19.  culties  inseparable  from  either  of  the  former. 

xxxvi.  30'.    After  his  death,  his  son  Jehoiachin,  by  some  called  Jehoia-  k  Salathiel  begat  Zenibbahel.']    This  illustrious  person,  Zerubbabel,  is 

Hm  the  second,  was  put  in  his  place  ;    and  this  is  he  who  is  elsewhere  so  often  said  to  have   been  the  son  of  Salathiel,  or  Shealtiel,  which   is 

called  Jeconiah,  1  Chron.  iii.  16.  and  Coniah,  Jer.  xxii.  24.    But  after  a  nearly  the  same,  (and  accordingly  the  Syriac  here  reads  Sc/ialttel,)  see 

reign  of  three  months,  he  was  taken  captive  and  imprisoned  by  Nebu-  Ezra  iii.  2,  8.  v.  2.  Hag.  i.  1,  12.  14.  ii.  23.  that  I  incline  more  and  more 

chadnezzar,  2  Kings  xxiv.  8 — 16.  (according  to  the  prophecy,  Jer.  xxii.  to  think,  with   Brennius,  that  the  Zerubbabel  mentioned   1  Chron.  iii. 

24—26.)  and  after  "thirty-seven  years  released,  2  Kings  xxv.  27.    In  the  17 — 19.  as  the  son  of  Pedaiah  the  brother  of  Salathiel,  was  a  different 

mean  time,  upon  his  being  deposed,  his  uncle  Zedekiah,  the  third  son  of  person  from  this.    As  the  name  Zerubbabel  signifies  a  stranger  in  BaSp- 

Josiah,  was  raised  to  the  throne  ;  but  after  a  reign  of  eleven  years,  his  Ion,  it  is  no  wonder  that  it  should  be  given  to  several  children  born  in 

eyes  were  put  out,  and  he  was  carried  captive  fo  Babylon,  Jerusalem  the  captivity. — If  this  solution  be  not  allowed,  I  see  not  how  the  known 

and  the  temple  being  destroyed,  2  Kinss  xxiv.  17,  18.  xxv.  7. — I  have  difficulty  here  can  be  removed,  unless  by  acknowledging  that  the  books 

traced  and  stated  the'matter  thus  particiilarlv,  chiefly  because  it  is  a  key,  of  Chronicles  (the  author  of  which  is  unknown)  may  have  suffered  by 

not  only  to  the  paraphrase  on  this  text,  but  to  much  of  the  book  of  Jere-  the  injuries  of  time,  so  that  the  present  reading  ot  some  passages  may  be 

niiah,  which,  as  it  is  plain  that  several  chapters  of  it  are  displaced,  can-  incorrect ;  which  is  verv  consistent  with  owning  the  plenary  mspiration 

not  be  well  understood  without  a  veiy  exact  knowledge  of  the  preceding  of  those  books.    By  allowing  this,  we  should  tairly  get  rid  oi  t-uio  parts 

history.  in  three  of  the  seeming  contradictions  in  the  writings  ot  the  Old  Tesla- 

h  Jehoiakim  begat  Jeconiah.]    I  here  follow  the  reading  of  the  Bod-  ment,  (I  speak  on  an  accurate  review  of  them,)  and  should  be  tree  from 

leian  and  other  manuscripts,  (notice  of  which  is  taken  in  the  margin  of  the  sad  necessity  of  such  evasive  criticisms  as  are  more  like  to  paj"  a 

our  Bibles,)  rMcria?  be  e'fe\i\/ri(re  tov  laaKCdJ.'  rwaxei/i  5e  eYeri/iio-e  tov  candid  heart  than  to  satisfy  an  attentive  and  penetrating  mind.    The 

lexoi'iai'.     And  this  indeed  seems  absolutely  necessary  to  keep  up  the  omission  of  a  word  or  two  in  a  genealogical  table,  and  sometimes  the 

number  of  fourteen  generations  ;  unless  we  .suppose,  that  the  Jeconiah  mistake  of  a  letter  or  two  in  transcribing,  especially  with  regard  to 

here  is  a  different  person  from  that  Jeconiah   mentioned  in  the  next  names  or  numbers,  occasions  many  inextricable  difficulties,  where,  m 

verse,  which  seems  a  very  unreasonable  supposition,  since  it  is  certain,  the  original  reading,  all  miffht  be  perfectly  clear. 

that  throughout  this  whole  raWe,  each  person  is  mentioned  twice,  first  as  1  Zerubbabel  begat  Abiud.]    Rhesa,  mentioned   by   Luke,  chap.  111. 

the  son  ofthe  precedinsr.  and  then  as  the  father  of  the  following. —  I  am  ver.  27.  was  probably  another  son  of  Zerubbabel.    Abiutl  might  possi- 

obliged  to  the  candid  animadversion  of  Dr.  .Scott,  for  the  small  alteration  biy  be  the  same  with  Meshullam,  whose  name  is  mentioned  in  1  Chron. 

I  have  made  in  my  reading  of  this  verse,  from  what  was  published  in  iii.  12.  or  perhaps  he  and  his  descendants  tailing  into  obscurity,  their 

the  first  edition.  names  miaht  be  no  where  preserved  but  in  this  genealogy  ot  Josephs 

i  Jeconiah  hegat   Salathiel.]    I  cannot   take  upon   me  certainly   to  family  which  the  evangelist  transcribed  as  he  found  it.                           . 

determine  whether  Salathiel  was  the  son  of  Jeconiah   by  descent  or  m   They  may  be  counted  fimrteen  generations.]    1  express  it  witn  tins 

adoption.     It  is  certain,  that  Luke  (chap.  iii.  27.)  derives  Salathiel  from  latitude,  as  it  is  manifest  that  three  persons  are  omitted  111  the  second 

David,  by  Nathan,  and  not  by  Solomon,  whose  line  might  possibly  fail  class  between  Jehoram  and  Uzziah,  ver.  8.  and  it  is  only  by  counting 

in  Jeconiah.    And  this  would  be  most  evidently  congruous  to  Jerem.  them  as  here  represented  that  they  m?ikeJourtcen  generations.    And  it, 

XXII.  30.  where  it  is  said,  that  Jeconiah  should  be  written  childless,  as  according  to  the  reading  of  the  Bodleian,  Jehoiakim  be  introduced  m 


30  THE  GENEALOGY  OF  CHRIST. 

SECT,  (nid  this  is  the  account  which  Luke  hath  given  us  in  his  Gospel ;  where,  after  he  had  bein? /as  was  supposed)  the 
9.      spoken  of  the  baptism  of  Jesus  when  he  was  beginning  [his  pubhc  ministri/,1  and  teas  ^°"  o't■'??eE^c^*'w'hich^was 

about  thirti/  i^ears  of  age,  he  traces  his  descent  in  the  line  of  Mary,"!  whose  father  HeU  '/«j™ot.)]atthat,  which  was 

LUKE  adopting  Joseph,  whom  he  made  his  son-in-law,  the  descent  of  Joseph  may  on  that  'Al sm of ut\c\n,^lX[chZ^ 

^^^2Q  account  be  reckoned  from  him,  and  so  is  in  effect  the  same  with  that  of  Mary.     Christ  '/'«  .son  of  J  anna,' wMch  was 

therefore  being  bom  of  Mary  after  her  espousals,  may  be  considered,  upon  this  account,  'vL''"f//"'^^j!ro^'''Mattath'i£',' 

to  be  (us  at  that  time  he  commonly  ivas  reckoned)  the  son  of  Joseph,  who,  by  adoption,  or  «  hicii  was  r/w  son  of  Amos' 

24  rather  by  the  marriage  of  his  daughter,  was  the  son  of  Hcli,"    The  son  of  Matthat,  the  which  'l^s'^Mf  "of  oFl""!; 

25  son  of  Levi,  the  son  of  Melchi,  the  son  of  Jannah,  the  son  of  Joseph,    The  son  of  Matta-  "J''?|),^*''Jf  ''"^  -""'P^  Naggel 

26  thias,  the  son   of  Amos,  the  son  of  Nahum,  the  son  of  Eli,' the  son  of  Naggai,    The  son  Maath  which'^vas  m/""m  of 

27  of  Maath,  the  son  of  Mattathias,'the  son  of  Shi)nei,  the  son  of  Joseph,  the  son  of  Tadah,  Tlie  Mattat'hias,  which  was  Me  wn 
son  of  Johannah,  the  son  of  Rhesa,  the  son  of  Zerubbabel,  the  son  of  Salat/iiel,  the  son  o/"  of  Joseph, W'^h^ras 'X  iw 

28  Nen,v    The  son  of  Melchi,  the  son  of  Addi,  the  son  of  Cosom,  the  son  of  Elmodam,  the  °gj"^j^  ,^  ^wh'*^ h  ^^''^  '/* 

29  son  of  Er,    The  son  of  Joses,  the  son  of  Eliezer,  the  son  of  Jorim,  the  son  of  Matthat,  fon  of  RhlSf,' which  w^  'tim 

30  the  son  of  Levi,    The^  son  of  Simeon,  'the  son  of  Judah,  the  son  of  Joseph',  the  son  of  J^^^  °/„,f  X'sa'lathi^d '''whl^ 

31  Jonan,  the  son  of  Eliakim,  The  son  of  Meleah,  the  son  ofMainan,  the  son  of  Mattathias,  was  t/ie sono'f  Neri,  28  which 
the  son  of  Nathan,  the  son  of  that  celebrated  king  of  Israel,  David,  the  man  after  God's  own  ^^;^  'm/?o«°  of^lddi'  which 

32  heart,    The  son  ojf  Jesse,  the  son  of  Obed,  the  son  of  Boaz,  the  son  of  Salmon,  the  son  of  was  t/ie  son  of  Cosam',  which 

33  Naasson,    The  son  of  Aminadab,  the  son  of  Arum,\he  son  of  Evom,  the  son  of  Phare'z,  which"''was"'f/(°'\cTO"o'f^^Er' 

34  the  son  of  Judah,    The  son  of  Jacob,  the  son  of  Isaac,  who  was,  according  to  the  promise,  29  Which  was  ^Aejowof  Jose) 

35  the  son  'of  that  honourable  patriarch  Abrahani,  the  son  of  Terah,  the  son  of  Nahor,  The  "^^{^^  ^^^^s't'/fe'Z°l{^\o?Z' 
son  of  Scruii,  the  son  of  Raoau,  or  Ren,  the  son  of  Peleg,  the  son  of  tfeber,  the  son  o/"  which  was  M«  ion  of  Mattiiat! 

36  Salo'h,  Tlie"  son  of  Cainan,<i  the  son  of  Arpliaiad,  the  son  of  Shem,  the  son  of  Noah,  St^'whldf  '^is'7/J^' sm'ti 
with  whom  he  was  preserved  in  the  ark;  and  it  was  well  known  that  Noah  was  son  o/"  Simeon,  which  was  M/e'.von  of 

37  Lamech,  The  son  of  Methuselah,  the  son  of  Enoch,  who  was  translated  without  dying,  Joslph,''!vhichTas'M/"J»  of 
and  was  the  son  of  Jared,  tlie  son  of  Mahulalcel ,  the  son  of  Cainan,  Tlie  son  of  Enos,  'onan,  which  was  t/ie  son  of 
the  son  of  Set  h,  the  son  of  Adam,  who,  being  descended  from  no  human  parents,  but  mJ^oVwelea,  wMch  wS  't'he 
formed  by  the  immediate  power  of  a  divine  creating  hand,  might,  with  peculiar  pro-  *"«  of  Menan,  which  was  M? 
priety,  be  called  [the  son'\  of  God,  in  his  original  state  the  heir  of  immortality  tmd  glory.     The  ^.L  of  ^Nathan,  wS  was 

.  the  son  of  David,    32  Which 

was  t/ie  son  of  Jesse,  which  was  I  lie  son  of  Obed,  which  was  the  son  of  V)0oz,  which  was  the  son  of  Salmon,  which  \v?Lithe  son  of  Naasson,  3.'i  Which 
was  Me  tore  of  Aminadab,  wliich  was  </ie  mre  of  Aram,  which  was  Me  .>o«  of  Esrom,  which  was  cAe  «)?t  of  Phares,  whicti  was  Mie  to?j  of  Judah. 
."54  Which  was  the  iok  of  Jacob,  which  was  the  son  of  Isaac,  wliich  was  Me  son  of  Abraham,  which  was  Me  (onof  Thara,  which  was  Mie  io?i  of  N  achor. 
.■iS  Which  was  the  son  of  Saruch,  which  was  the  son  of  Rasau,  which  was  ?Ae«>raof  Phalec,  which  was  the  son  oi  Heber,  which  was  Me  son  of  Sala, 
.S6  Which  was  the  ton  of  Cainan,  which  was  the  son  of  Arphaxad,  whicli  was  the  son  of  Sem,  whicli  was  M(e  son  of  Noe,  which  was  the  son  of 
Lamech,  .'iy  Which  was  the  son  of  Mathusala,  which  was  the  son  of  Enoch,  which  was  the  son  of  Jared,  which  was  the  son  of  Maleleel.  which 
was  the  son  of  Cainan,  38  Which  was  tite  son  of  Enos,  which  was  the  son  of  Seth,  which  was  the  so7i  of  Adam,  wliich  was  the  son  of  God. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

MATT.       When  we  sur\-ey  any  such  series  of  generations,  it  is  obvious  to  reflect  how,  like  the  leaves  of  a  tree,  one  passefh 
I-      awai/,  and  another  comet h  ;  yet  the  earth  st'dl  abide th,  and  with  it  the  goodness  of  the  Lord,  whicli  runs  on,  from 
^  generation  to  generation,  tlie  common  hope  of  parents  and  children. 
et  seq.      Qf  those  who  formerly  lived  upon  earth,  and  perliaps  made  the  most  conspicuous  figure  among  the  children  of 
men,  how  many  have  there  been  whose  names  have  perished  with  tliem !  and  how  many  of  whom  nothing  but 
13  their  names  are  remaining !    Thus  are  we  passing  away,  and  thus  shall  we  be  shortly  forgotten.     Happy  if,  while 
et  seq.  we  are  forgotten  of  men,  we  are  remembered  by  God,  and  our  names  are  found  written  in  the  book  (f  life  I    Tliere 
they  will  make  a  much  brighter  appearance  than  in  the  records  of  fame,  or  than  they  would  do  even  in  such  a 
LUKE   catalogue  of  tliose  who  were  related  to  Christ  according  to  the  flesh  ;  whose  memory  is  here  preserved,  when  that 
^'i-     of  many,  who  were  once  the  wonder  and  terror  of  the  mighty  in  the  land  of  the  living,  is  lost  in  perpetual  oblivion. 
MATT.       We  observe,  among  these  ancestors  of  Christ,  some  that  were  heathens,  and  others  that,  on  different  accounts, 
J.      were  of  infamous  characters  ;  and  perhaps  it  might  be  the  design  of  Providence  that  we  should  learn  from  it,  or 
at  least  should  on  reading  it  take  occasion  to  reflect,  that  persons  of  all  nations,  and  even  the  chief  of  sinners 
3)  5,  6,  amongst  them,  are  encouraged  to  trust  in  him  as  their  Saviour.    To  him  therefore  let  us  look,  even  from  the  ends  of 
the  earth,  yea,  from  the  depths  of  guilt  and  distress,  and  the  consequence  will  be  happy  beyond  all  expression  or 
conception. 
LUKE       Adam,  though  originally  the  son  of  God,  lost  that  inheritance  of  life  and  glory  which,  in  consequence  of  such 
III.     a  relation,  he  might  reasonably  have  expected  :  but  the  second  Adam  repairs  the  loss  wliich  we  had  sustained  by 
w».     the  transgression  of  the  first.     We  are  now  predestinated  to  the  adoption  (f  children  bi/  Jesus  Christ,  and  raised  by 
him  to  the  hope  of  a  fairer  inheritance  than  the  terrestrial  paradise.     Let  it  be  our  daily  labour  to  secure  this  in- 
valuable blessing ;  that  so,  as  we  have  bonie  the  image  of  the  earthly  Adam,  we  may  in  due  time  bear  the  image 
of  the  heavenly,  and  at  length  attain  to  the  perfect  manifestation  of  the  sons  of  God. 


SECTION  X. 

Christ  is  bom  at  Bethlehem,  and  his  birth  revealed  by  an  an?el  to  some  shepherds  in  the  neighbour  ood  of  that  town  ;  and  he  is  circumcised  on 

SECT.                                                                                                the  eighth  day.  Luke  ii.  1—21. 

Luke  11.  1.  LiKEii.  i. 
LUKE    ^^TF  'it  came  to  pass  in  those  days,  or  about  the  time  in  which  .lohn  the  Baptist  was  AND   it  came  to  pass  in 
II.     born,  and   Christ  conceived  in  the  manner  related  above,  that  the  Roman  emperor,  ^^°^^  ''*^^'  *'^'''  "'*'*  **"' 

ver.  II.  and  considered  as  the  last  of  this  class,  (which  seems  the  better  because  the  true  father  of  Joseph  appears  to  have  been  Jacob  or  James, 

reading,  as  Jeconiah  does  not  appear  to  have  had  any  brethren,)  Jeco-  the  son  of  Matthan.     (See  Matt.  i.  15,  Ifi.l 

niah  will  thus  be  reserved  for  the  third  class,  which  otherwise  would  p  The  ion  of  Neri .']    See  the  latter  end  of  note  i,  page  29. 

want  one  person  to  complete  the  number.  q  The  son  of  Cainan.}    There  is  no  mention  made  of  this  Cainan  in 

n  In  the  line  of  Blary.]  I  am  aware  that  Mr.  Le  Clerc  and  many  either  of  the  genealoijies  that  Moses  gives  us,  (Gen.  x.  24.  and  xi.  12.1 
other  learned  man  have  thought  that  Joseph  was  begotten  by  Heli,  and  but  Salah  is  there  said  to  be  the  son  of  Arphaxad.  Cainan  must  there- 
adopted  by  Jacob  :  but  I  much  rather  conclude,  that  he  was  adopted  fore  have  been  introduced  here  from  the  translation  of  the  seventy  inter- 
by  Heli,  or  rather  taken  by  him  tor  his  son  upon  the  marriage  of  liis  preters,  who  have  inserted  him  in  both  these  places  in  the  same  order  as 
daughter,  and  that  Heli  was  the  father  of  Mary;  because  an  ancient  we  tind  him  here;  and,  as  this  translation  was  then  commonly  used, 
Jewish  Kabbi  expressly  calls  her  the  daughter  of  Heli  ;  and  chiefly  and  was  more  generally  understood  than  the  Heirew,  it  is  probable  that 
because  else  we  have  indeed  no  true  genealogy  of  Christ  at  all,  but  only  some  transcriber  of  this  Gospel  added  Cainan  from  that  version,  unless 
two  different  views  of  the  line  of  Joseph,  his  reputed  father  ;  whicli  we  suppose  that  Luke  himself  might  choose,  in  writing  this  genealogy, 
would  by  no  means  prove  that  Christ,  who  was  only  by  adoption  his  to  follow  the  Septuagint,  as  he  appears  to  do  in  several  other  passages 
son,  was  of  the  seed  of  Abraham  and  of  the  house  of  David.  Yet  the  that  he  has  quoted  from  the  Old  Testament.  3s'or  is  it,  after  all,  a  point 
apostle  speaks  of  it  as  evident,  that  Christ  was  descended  from  Judah,  of  any  consequence,  as  the  design  of  the  evangelist  was  only  to  present 
Heb.  vii.  14.  in  which,  if  this  gospel  were  (as  antiquity-  assures  us)  us  with  the  genealogy  of  Christ  in  its  ascent  to  Adam,  which  is  equally 
written  by  the  direction  of  Paul,  perhaps  he  may  refer  to  this  verj'^aWe  clear,  whether  we  reckon  Salah  as  the  immediate  descendant  of  Ar- 
before  us.  (See  Mr.  Whiston's  Harmony  of  the  four  Evangelists,  Prop,  phaxad,  or  whether  we  consider  him  as  his  grandson  by  Cainan.  And 
xvi.  p.  175.  et  seq.)  much  less  reason  is  there  to  object  to  the  apparent  difference  there  is 

o  Joseph,  who  bv  adoption,  or  rather  by  the  marriage  of  his  daughter,  Ijetween  the  names  that  Luke  has  given  us,  and  those  we  meet  with  of 

was  the  son  of  Jleli.]    It  is  necessary  to  take  the  words  in  this  latitude,  the  same  persons  in  the  Old  Testament :  This  is  no  more  than  what  is 


THE  BIRTH  OF  CHRIST  AT  BETHLEHEM.  31 

out  a  decree   from   Caesar  Aus,nstm  Casar,  published  ail  edicts  or  decree  that  nil  tlw  hmrU  r^f  t„^^„      i  ■  i  i 

sl-u^ra^t-t^'d?"  '"^  -'"  -rtecl  under  oneVnce,  and  ,ov«-ned  Ty  Herod  ^f  ,2/ /rpuw'cl';^^^^^^  ^fg^" 

number  of  its  mhabitants,  both  male  an/ female,' w.th  their^amlirL  ^d  elt'ates     hoiw  — 
be  registered.     Ihis  he  ordered,  as  a  token  of  his  particular  displeasure  a-ainst  Herod  T^ 
maVe^  wh'e'"&ruf  wi'  t"""'        ■^'  ^     ^''^  ^"  mtimation  that  he  intended  quickly  to  lay  tWm  undei- a  tax     And     " 
toZnoro?Sy\^IT       ^^  here  we  may  observe  by  the  way,  tliat  this  was  the  first  enrolment  of  the  Jews  and  Has  2 
committed  to  the  careo/  Cyremus,ox^,  the  Latins -write  it,  Quirinius,  a  Roman  senato?- 
^*^<''  be;".?  iHftcnoardi]  governor  of  Si/na,^  made  a  second  enrolment  or  taxation  which 
every  "onettohis'owScht^-  ZT  f    /TJ  '"  ^^^  Jewisii  histoiy  for  the  tumults  that  attended  it.     And  all  the  inha-  3 
y  cty.    b  tants  of  Judea  were  obliged  to  obey  the  edict,  and  ^cent  each  of  them  to  his  oivnu^tSe 

ati,,  or  the  place  where  us  paternal  inheritaace  lay,c  to  be  enrolled:  a  circumstance  wisely 
ordered  by  Providence,  to  verify  tlie  truth  of  ancient  prophecies,  and  introduce  the  promised 
Messiah ;  as,  by  their  coming  to  be  thus  registered  among  the  subjects  of  the  Roman 
empire,  the  subjection  of  the  Jews  to  the  Romans  very  remarkably  appeared 

fr^.^Si^C^^^7^\^  wldl  tlS  M      •  r'"H  °f  S'"''^  ""T  P'-r^^'^'^^l'^y  b™"gi^t  to  Bethlehem,  the  place  4 
of  Na;<areth,  into  Judea,  unto  ^'16^  the  Messiah  was  to  be  born,  without  leaving  any  room  to  suspect  them  of  artificp 
^.^^XJ^!;^%::^t  -f  design :  for    beii^-  thus  oblpd  by  the  emferor'^  authority,  ITenhZt^T^^^^^ 
was  ot  tiie  house  and  lineage  l>r"'«tf,  even  ont  of  the  citi/  of  Nazareth,  where  he  then  dwelt  into  the  land  of   tndpn 
°*  "^^■"•'  ™°«t  IM^perly  so  called,  to  the  eiti,  of  David,  which  is  called  Bethlehem,  which  was  the 

town  vvhere  his  ancestors  had  formerly  been  settled :  (for,  notwithstanding  Joseph  was 
reduced  so  low  as  to  follow  the  trade  of  a  carpenter,  yet  'he  was  orimnallv  of  the  imiiila  ,md 

.^^J^Jt^X^^i.  Sethis' tf  ?""i^-i'  It -yo  BetlileLnth^fore  that  he^S^^j/rtofs 
^^ith  chUd.  and  thither  he  took  ivith  him   by  divine  direction,^  Mari,  his  espoused  ivife,  who  was  now 

big  icith  child,  and  very  near  the  time  of  her  delivery 

^^^'^^'^Xi't^  .t.bll'5'  '?TlT  '°  'ir'^'f  °^'^"'  "''^''°"'  *^^  *^y  ^^e'-e  obliged  to  lodge  in  the  6 
were  accompiisiied  that  slie  ^taDie  ot  a  public-  lOusc,  though  in  her  present  circumstances,  it  was  so  very  inconvenient 
should  be  delivered.  for  her.     And  SO  it  was,  that  while  the,,  were  there,  either  waiting  for  the  proper  oE 

WHO  was  to  register  the  people,  or  staying  till  their  own  turn  came  the  f/«(/s  of  hpr  nrpo- 
.Id:;^^-^^^^!^  nancy  z..,.^«//,7/.rfan^  the  time  c/me%A«^  she  should  be  lli^ei'l'^ldsl^li^  7 
him  in  swaddling  clothes, and. /o'jA  her  Son,  even  him  that  justly  bears  the  character  of  the  First-born  .-f  that  glorious 
{l;L'Je^^Tr,;"?Z^fo';S  apd  excellent  Person,  who  was  the  First-born  of  every  creature,  and  the  H^ir  of  alfthings 
'"  "•«  ">"■  ^'"^  she  no  sooner  was  delivered,  but  immediately  she  sivathed  him  ;  being  so  miraculously 

strenathened  by  God,  in  this  hour  of  extremity,  as  to  be  able  to  perform  that  office  her°e"f -^ 
nS,«  y'li^  T  ""  h^;  ^^"^"^"'ence  near,  she  laid  him  in  a  manger  which  belonged  to  one 
of  he  stalls  there  ;h  beccmse  (as  we  have  .just  now  said)  there  was  no  room  for  them  in  any 
ot  the  chambers  belonging  to  the  mn.  ^ 

same''"'lountn.  '"shep"herdl   ,  f  "^'/t^''^  'f'^''fu  ^°'T  ^'^'P'"''^-{  '«  ^/'«^  <^ountn/,  who  were  then  li/ing  out  in  the  field,  8 
abiding  in  the"  field, L^epi^l  and  watchiug,  in  their  tums,  om'  their  fock  br,  night -^  which  it  was  necelsary  they  should 
wHt^c^  over  the,r  flock  by  do,  to  guard  against  the  wolves  and  other  beasts  of  prey,  which  were  common  there 

9  And,  lo,  the  an«I  of  the  f ""''  ''f'"'«.'  on  a  Sudden,  AH  angel  of  the  Lord  came  upon  them,  and  appeared  in  a  visible  9 
Lord  can,e  upon  them,  and  form.  Standing  in  the  air  over  t^ieir  heads ;  and  their  eyes  were  immeliiately  directed  to 

w^i''t;e'r.i.'/a1Sft"t^^^\rtfs'o"lT^?e's^^d^  a^T^IS.Ve^^ef ^cMVw"i?h^  ^^ '^f^l^'"''' ^'  the  n,xt.„*//...  if  he  lived  to  see  it.    But  things 

the  IMre-^.     But,  to  avoid  confusion,  1  have 'rather  ci^osen,  bot  "^^n  the  who.  ere  to'A^hVkT.uT  r  ^\  '".V^"-  ""^T^'"^-  "^  "^«  ""  '"^" 

former  yenealugy  and  this,  to  give  the  names  that  are  delivered  in  thi  incornnr^tpd  tnl»th..  L  i       '^-^  k^.^^I'"  '^eir  return  from  the  captivity, 

O/rf  re.r/fl/«m  as  they  are  written  in  the /ff^re/ to  which  oiirPVn,^^  jncorporated  together   n  the  neighbourhood  ot  Judea,   while  strmw/rs 

w>ll  admit  us  to  come  nearer  than  the  Gr///conld  do   and  whiS^r,^^^^^^  count  v  'nr's1?.'°"  "*  ^"'°''  ^2"^?  "i  '«"'*  °"<^'^  theirs ;  and  the   whofe 
!^^^;::^^a^^^S;n-e..ta^^erm.,.dof^ 

£n,e^hnf,"r ''*"'  f^'ly  P™Ved  tha\  it  is  to  be  takenTn  a  more  iSd    x  it  Ul  ^and  Numb°xxi(/""4'''"''  °"  ^"'^'^  ""  '■   ''"''  '^«>"Pare  Gen. 
'^^^:^nJ^£;.:^^^]ttilo  ^\^'ir^y?r    J  c|;.r^^p.^^;fL^<,^^Z>....:    I  have  here  rendered 

was  in  a  different  division  from  Bethlehem,  as  Dr    LarSner  we  1  „b  of  H  ^  wnnk   ,tw"l    ''^  '•  l^lfl'  '."\'^  ■'"'^  '"•  ^'' '  ^^-    1°  th's  sense 

serves  --  fhat  a,ro7pa0„  signifies  a  public  enrotmenl^rii^^v    „u  thh  k  wo^dd  hivi  til  I,''  '"^  '"'''  "'  that  Joseph  was  of  the  house  of  David, 

text,  hath  evidently  shown.  '  "'"^^^'  ""  ""s  «  would  have  been  very  unnecessary  to  add,  he  was  also  of  hii family  ' 

b  And  this  was  the  first  enrolment  of  Cyrenius   afterwards  aoternor  of  T/Vtr  )I'^^■^?   fi  tf     'ii Proper  to  say    he  was  of  his  family  and  house'- 

in  his  unequalled  criticisms  on  this  text,  (part  i    vol    ii    d   T\H   7t?^n\    vJmVlH  h!^  i"     "'"<*  word  /i?iea^e  only  signified   descendants,   it 

sure,  is  a  true  assertion,  and  may  perhaps,  after  all    be  vindicat^ed     hnt    as  mLvV,,^  It  ;„  k         "^   i,"'*'  <^>"P'-™r  s  commands  were,  such  a  case 
reXr^'VXi  ^"I'^^f.^  so'm^thiiiltiiorr  oliie,rhavfchose'„'  o'    comfe  wi,     ?  "'  '"''  '"''^  '"^'"  "'""'"'^^  ^^  ^"  '^'^''^  ^"^  her  not 

only  as  a  common  historian,  should  make  sucir^  gross  mistake  as  to  nrnf,  n'  hr.''  f°°'  ^^-    Paraphrast,  is  supposed  to  speak,  I  judge  it  more 

rontound  this  enrolment,  in  the  reign  of  Herod    wtth   hit  lalation^fh^ll  ZllL,^  *?  f'^'"""'  l"^  V'f^^''  ^^'  ^  have  elsewhere  intimated,)  that 

happened  several  years  after,  on  thrbanilhmenT  of  hfs  soTArdiela  f,  m.nv  nth'^rV'*^"'"  ^'"'u'"'  Vf  "■?'  ^''l^^"^  '°  '^is  instance,  and  a  great 

A  fact  of  this  kind  was  too  obvious,  and,  I  miy  add   too  moVt^fvfno  tn  wmI  H^<=.-  '  *?  .^P*?,''  confidently  ;   but  that  the  differeyit  character. 

thewhole  Jewish  nation,  to  be  so  soon  forgoTf  not  to  savXt  so  stli-^  Ttfen  nt    tn^fhl't/^  *>^  '*"1"^  ?^t<  from  my  fallible  though  uprigh 

a  Pharisee  as  .St.  Paul,  (who  probably  reviewed  this  "osoel  fedur^VpH  ^n,1Th  \  ^  i  ^'  j'^i}*'  "'"i*  ^uide  him  in  determining  what  is  certai,,, 
by  (Jamaliel,  wouldbesuretoiemerberitwTthsonlSecCliare^^^^^  h    ^^hat  only  pr<»S«We   and  perhaps,  after  all,  ^^r^,  rf™«0,/. 

-Of  the  tumults  that  happened  m /W«L"/^/r?/w,^„whiT^  n).;£     V'^',''  *h!f,h   belonged  to  one   of  the  stalls  there.]    Though 

afterwards  made  by  Cyrenius,  (wl'en   on  fhe  ban  shm«t  of  Archela^,?  i?  Ii  .ir?  if'  'f™'^'''-^  P^^'^^  that^ar.,,  sometimes  signifies  a  stall,  yet 

Judea  was  reduced  to  the  form  of  a  provincr  and  annexed  tn'.vi'  I      ,f '^'n-  '''^t  more  frequently 'it  signifies  a  m«,,.<7«r;  and  the  tnaugcr 

under  the  government  of  Cyre^iius  )  in  opStion  to^Xrh   «  rii^^?^rh^  )7r  "1  ""i"!?  P^P^""  Pf'  "^  'K'  """  i"  ^^'"ch  the  infant  could  be  laid, 

ance  was  raised  by  Judas  ot^GaliYee   see  ^Sseoh  V»/^»    W  /,Vl    v,  r"  ■>   (as  trad  Hon  says)  tins  stable  was  cut  out  of  a  rock,  the  coldness  of 

Joseph  ;;[fgh^'\rvl'^™.^,^?^\^|l^trher^e^-LfZt  ^1^  b'esf  vei^^ln'oTr'  X  '/"'^''Z  \"  "^^"  '"■■"=  "^^'^  '"^'^•^r*  '^  -^f''-^    Th^-'^"-/  ^T 

tain;  at  least  It  is  ini probable  that  Jesus  inherited  it   (M■.ttv^H"n^„^^  Aao-iro^Ter    ,pv\aKa<!    rpt    vvkto^,  might  more   literally  be  rendered, 

that  his  mother  enjoyed  it  ciuHnTher  widowhood    See  kihn  Jix '"fi  9?  tT7u""  """'fi^'  "^ 't  "'i"'",'  which  intimates  their  taking  it  Ay  ?«r«; 

—it  IS  true,  indeed,  that  had  tfe  ori"-inarim?emenf  nt^l^l  mCC^.'?]'  °  ^u^^'  according  to  the  usual  divisions  of  the  night.    And,  as  it  is  not 

been  duly  regarded   estate^in  thi  la^  d  of  nroinkp  wnnlH  h^l  h^  '''"  P'^obable  that  tliey  exposed  their  flocks  to  the  coldness  of  winter  nights 

aUenabte;  and  every  inXc  esceuded  fron?  I«rnl   ltft\  If  /T"?  "k"  "V*'!'''  <=''"'»te,  where,  as   Dr.  Shaw  has  shown,  they  were  so  very  un- 

ot  Uvi,  must  have  been  born  hefr  to  a  certain  nn^  wholesome,  (see  Shaw's   Travels,  v.  il<;s.)  it  maybe  strongly  argued. 

to  some  of  his  ancestors  when  the  divisr(>nwart[rs?miHl„'„''^  Ii;'"^*'ii'  circumstance,  that  those  who  have  fixed  upon  December  foi' 

however,  it  might  have  bee™»L%„V.,^rf    he  ^u       ipMs  fa«i^^  ""^  '""''  °'  ^^''^^'  "^^'^  '''^'="  '"'*'^''^"  '"  '"e  time  of  if. 


32  THE  SHEPHERDS  DIRECTED  BY  ANGELS  TO  BETHLEHEM. 

SECT,  it,  by  the  slon/  of  the.  Lord,  which  slione  round  cdwut  them  with  such  incomparable  lustre,  as  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shonn 
10.     had  in  forme'r  ages  been  the  usual  symbol  of  the  Divine  Presence  :  and  they  were  exceed-  '^^^if^^t'^^i^^X '  ""''  ""^' 

inshj  terrified  at  so  uncommon  and  so  awful  an  appearance.     And,  while  they  stood  in     lo  And  the  an^ei  said  unto 

LUKE   silent  amazement,  the  annel  said  unto  them,  in  the  mildest  and  most  condescending  man-  them.  Fear  not:  for,  behold,  r 

IT  -»-,  /^  .    »       T    ^v  1        1        1     I     z'         1         1      •  c  i  1-    ii.    Dung    you    eood    tidines   of 

"•      ner,  Be  not  a  frighted,  O  ye  shepherds!  for  the  design  of  my  appearance  to  you  hath  great  joy,  which  shall  be  to 
"  nothing  terrible  in  it ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  behold,  and  take  the  most  thankful  notice  of  **"  people. 
it,  I  bring  you  good  news,  and  gxeet  you  with  the  tidings  if  great  and  universal  /oy,  ivhich 
shall  be  now  occasioned,  not  only  to  you,  but  to  all  people  in  the  whole  Jewish  nation, 

1 1  yea,  and  to  all  the  human  race.  For  this  very  d^ii/,  this  welcome  blessed  day,  there  is  n  For  unto  you  is  born 
born  unto  you,^  and  unto  all  nations,  a  glorious  Saviour,  luho  is  even  Christ  the  Lord,  i''s\wour"whk'hYsChHst\'h' 
that  illustrious  Sovereign,  whom  you  have  so  long  been  taught  to  expect,  by  the  title,  and  Lord.  "''  "  "^  '^  "'*  ^ 
under  the  character,  of  the  Messiah  :  he  is  even  now  born  in  the  neighbouring  citi/  erf 

12  David  his  royal  father ;  and  I  call  you  to  offer  him  your  earliest  homage.  Go  therefore  12  And  this  shall  he  a  sign 
into  the  town  without  any  further  delay,  and  inquire  after  him  :  for  thls^  [shall  be]  a  sign  ^^1°  w'J-appe'd^n'lwaddlin-^ 
to  you,  by  which  you  will  easily  know  him  :  you  will  find  him  an  infant  in  sivaddling-  clothes,  lying  in  a  manger. " 
bands,  li/ing  in  a  manger  belonging  to  one  of  the  inns. 

13  And  immediately,  to  confirm  them  in  the  belief  of  so  strange  a  truth,  as  that  this  illus-  i.t  And  suddenly  there  was 
trious  Prince  should  be  born  in  such  mean  circumstances  as  he  had  now  described,  there  Jhe^'iteavenfy  fuj^t^'pralln"" 
was  seen  with  the  angel  that  spake  to  them,  a  great  ?nultitiule  of  the  celestial  army,  praising  God,  and  saying, 

14  God,  and  saying,  inthe  most  cheerful  and  harmonious  acceiits.  Glory  be  to  God  in  the  .h  Glory  to  God  in  the 
highest  heavens,  and  let  all  the  angelic  legions  resound  his  praises"  in  the  most  exalted  good'^Jwiu'tow^ard^min.''^*'^''' 
strains ;  for,  with  the  Redeemer's  birth,  peace  and  all  kind  of  happiness  comes  down  to 

dwell  on  earth ;  yea,  the  overflowings  of  divine  benevolence  and  favour  are  now  exercised 
towards  sinful  men,\  who,  through  this  Saviour,  become  the  objects  of  his  complacential 
delight.  Echo  it  back,  O  ye  immortal  abodes,  to  ours  !  "  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest ! 
on  earth  peace  !  benevolence  and  favour  unto  men  !" 

15  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  as  soon  as  the  angel  departed  from  them,  and  returned  back  into  15  And  it  came  to  pass,  as 
heaven,  the  shepherds  said  one  to  another,  Come,  let  us  go  immediately  to  Bethlehem,  and  from^them  into^  h°eTven^^™ie 
see  this  great  thing  ivhich  is  done,  even  this  wonderful  and  important  event  which  the  Lord  shepherds  said  one  to  another, 

16  hcith  so  graciously  jnade  known  unto  us.  And,  accordingly,  with  one  consent,  they  came  Bethiehenrand'see^thi's  thin? 
in  haste,  before  the  night  was  over,  leaving  their  flocks  to  the  care  of  Providence  ;  and,  which  is  come  to  pass,  which 
entering  into  the  town,  they  followed  the  direction  which  the  angel  gavethem,  and  quickly  ulfto^rs'''  ''''"'  '"'"^^  """"^ 
found  Mary  and  Joseph,  and  the  new-born  infant  with  them,  just  in  the  circumstance     ifi  And   they  came    with 

17  which  had  been  described,  lying  in  a  manger.  And  ivhen  they  had  vieuml  this  scene  of  josp'i;h?and\'ii'e"babe1yLK'in 
wonders,  and  had  attentively  considered  [it,]  they  humbly  paid  their  dutiful  respects  unto  a  manger 

their  new-born  Saviour ;  and  having  acquainted  his  parents  with  the  marvellous  vision  ,>_  they  made"known  abroad 
they  had  seen,  they  immediately  published  abroad  a  full  account  of  this  remarkable  occur-  tj'e  saying  ^yhkh  was  told 
rence,  and  gave  a  particular  relation  of  the  whole  of  that  which  had  been  told  them,  in  so  "    "'    "  '^  '    • 

18  wonderful  a  way,  concerning  this  child.  And,  upon  hearing  this  strange  account,  tliere  is  And  all  they  that  heard 
was  a  general  surprise ;  and,  though  they  were  prevented,  by  the  meanness  of  his  birth,  "wondered  .-it  "those  things 

r  r        •  J  J  X  ii     1  J  u    li  L      11  j^i    J    h         1  which  were  told  them  bv  the 

from  snowing  a  due  regard  to  one  that  made  no  better  an  appearance,  yet  all  that  heard  shepherds. 
[it\  were  astonished  at  those  things  which  were  rehded  to  them  by  the  shepherds  on  tliis 

19  subject.  But  Man/m  particular  treasured  up  all  these  things,  and  carefully  retained  them  19  But  Mary  kept  all  these 
in  her  memory  ;  and,  though  she  did  not  blaze  them  abroad  among  the  populace,  or  i,e'"^eart"*  pondered  i/iem  in 
make  any  vain  boast  of  such  extraordinary  favours  and  testimonies,  yet  she  attentively 

regarded  all  these  wonderful  events,  entering  info  the  meaning  [of  them]  in  the  secret 
reflections  of  her  heart,^  and  improving  them  all,  as  a  further  confirmation  of  what  had 
been  before  revealed  to  her,  and  a  foundation  for  the  early  actings  of  her  faith  and  reverence 
towards  her  Divine  Son. 

20  And  the  shepherds  returned,  glorifying  and  praising  God  for  all  the  things  which  they  had  co  And  the  shepherds  re. 
heard  and  seen  at  Bethlehem,"  so  perfectly  agreeable,  in  every  circumstance,  to  the  account  i""GodfOTaiYthet1IiMgs'that 
they  had  received  but  just  before,  as  it  was  told  unto  them  by  the  angel ;  admiring  the  they  had  heard  or  seen,  as  it 
mercy  of  God  in  sending  such  a  Saviour,  and  his  condescension  in  favouring  them  with  "'^^  '°'*^  ""*"  "^*'"- 

such  early  discoveries  of  him. 

21  And  when  eight  days  from  the  birth  of  this  Holy  Infant  were  fulfilled,  (that  is,  when  the  21  And  when  eight  davs 
eighth  day  was  come,)  his  pious  parents  failed  not,  according  to  the  Mosaic  law,  under  drcumdsiiig  of^the  cMid.Ms 
which  they  were  placed,  to  circumcise  the  child ;  that  so,  though  he  had  not  any  corrup-  "a'pe  was  called  -'KS.US. 
tions  of  nature  to  mortify,  which  was  in  part  represented  by  that  institution,  he  might  aW'el'befrfre^he  was  conceived 
nevertheless,  in  a  regular  manner,  be  initiated  into  the  Jewish  church,  and  thereby  be  '"  '^e  womb. 

engaged  to  the  duties,  and  entitled  to  the  privileges,  of  a  son  of  Abraham,  according  to 
that  covenant.  And  his  name  was  called  JESUS,°  that  is,  the  Divine  Saviour  ;  a  name  by 
which  the  angel  had  called  him  before  he  was  conceived  in  the  womb  of  his  virgin  mother. 

k  T/iere  is  horn  unto  pmi.]    That  one   of  the  Bodleian   manuscripts  dwell  on  earth:  and  this  indeed  is  an  important  sense,  and  the  original 

reads  it  tjniv,  lo  7ts,  is  of  very  little  weight,  considering  the  consent  ot  well  enough  will  bear  it.     But  thus  to  change  the  ioiology  into  a  kind  of 

copies  ow  the  other  side  :  and  affords  but  a  very  slender  support  to  Mr.  proverh  or  aphorism,  seems  to  destroy  much   of  its  beauty. —  I  rather 

Fleming's  conjecture,  that  this  was  a  glorified  human  spirit,  perhaps  think,  that  they  are  all   to   be   considered  as  the  words  of  a  rejoicing 

that  of  Adam,  all  whose  happy  descendants  might,  he  thinks,  make  up  acclamation,  and  that  they  strongly  represent  the  piety  and  benevolence 

the  chorus,  fpleming's  Christo'logy,  vol.  i.  p.  80.)    I  should  rather  ima-  of  these  heavenly  spirits,  and  their  aftectinnate  good  wishes   for  the 

gine,  with  Giotius,  that  this  angel  was  Gabriel.  prosperity  of  the  Messiah's  kintdom.  (Compare  Matt.  xxi.  9.  Mark  xi. 

I  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  peace  on  earth  ;  benevolence  and  10.  and  especially  Luke  xix.  38.)    The  new  translation  that  has  been 

favour  towards  men.'\    I  am  well  aware  of  the  ambiguity  of  these  words,  lately  published,  where  it  is  rendered,  to  men  on  earth  felicity  in  the 

I  do  not  mean  as  to  ffje  reading ;  for  though  the  Alexandrian,  and  other  divine  favour,  does  indeed  express  the  sense  of  the  two  latter  clauses, 

manuscripts,  instead  of  evhoKia,  give  it  evfiomai,  as  if  the  angels  were  but  by  no  means  with  equal   ardour.    The   shouts  of  a  multitude  are 

proclaiming  pe3c«  to  men  cf  favour  and  goodwill,  or  unto  those  who  generally  broken    into   short    sentences,  and   are  commimly   elliptic; 

were  the  objects  of  the  divine  benevolence  and  complacency  ;  (which  is  which  is  the  only  cause  of  the  ambiguity  here.     As  this  beauty  could 

a  reading  that  has  been  approved  by  many  learned  men,  and  in  parti-  n.it  be  preserved  in  a  paraphrase,  I  have  repeated  the  words,  after  they 

cular  by  Beza;)  yet  I  think,  the  authority  of  that  is  overborne  by  the  had  been  explained. 

more  general  consent  of  the   most  ancient  manuscripts,  as  well  as  bv  m  Entering   into  the  meaning,  Sfc.']    T  apprehend  Eisner  has   abun- 

thc  versions  of  the  oldest  date,  and  the  quotations  of  the  fathers  in  the  dantlv  vindicated  this  sense  of  the  word  <niu/3o\Xou<ra,   in  his  note  on 

most  early  ages,  which  almost  universally  oppose  it.   (See   Mill   and  this  place. 

Grotius  on  the   place.)    But,  taking  the  original  as  it  stands,  Aofa  ev  n   Which  they  had  heard  and  seen  at  Bethlehem.]    Joseph  and  Mary 

i/v^iCTTOif  Beta,  nai  etri  7n?  eipnvrj.  ei/  avUpavoi^  ev&oKia,  we  must  allow  would,  no  doubt,  upon  such  an  occasion,  give  them  an  account  of  those 

it  to  be  capable  of  different  senses. — .Some  choose  to  render  it.  Glory  to  particulars,  which  the  sacred  historians  have  recounted  above,  relating 

God  in  the  highest,  (that  is,  in  heaven,) a?id  on  earth  ;  peace,  yea,  favour  to  the  conception  of  this  Divine  Infant ;  and  this  interview  must  greatly 

to-uiards  men :    but  then,  I  think,  instead  of  ev  i/itio-TOK,  it  rather  would  confirm  and  comfort  the  minds  of  all  concerned. 

have  been  ei/ oi'paKM  ;  for  so  it  is  always  usual  to  express  in /ieazwi  awrf  o  His   name  was  called  Jesus. '\    Grotius   thinks  there  might  be  an 

upon  earth.    (Compare  Matt.  vi.  10.   Luke  xi.  2.  1  Cor.  viii.  5.  I'ph.  i.  assembly  of  most  of  the  remainders  of  David's  family  on  this  occasion  ; 

10.   iii.   15.  Col.  i.  16,  20.  Rev.  v.  ?,,  13.) — Others  have  given,  as  the  but  surely,  had  there  been  many  of  them  inhabitants  of  Bethlehem,  their 

sense  of  it,  that  the  good-will,  or  favour,  which  is  now  shown  to  men,  is  kinswoman  would  not,  in  such  circumstances,  have  been  reduced  to  the 

the  glory  of  God  in  the  highest,  and  is  the  peace  or  happiness  of  tliose  that  necessity  of  lodging  in  a  stable. 


THE  CIRCUMCISION  OF  CHRIST.  33 

IMPROVEMENT. 

With  what  humble  amazement  should  we  contemplate  this  first  appearance  of  our  incarnate  Redeemer !  Surely   SECT, 
all  the  angels  of  heaven  might  justly  have  admired  his  condescension  in  assuming  such  a  nature  as  ours,  and      10- 

wearing  a  mortal  frame,  though  it  had  been  attended  with  all  the  ornaments  and  splendours  earth  could  have  given 

it.    Though,  at  his  entrance  into  our  low  world,  he  had  been  born  of  an  imperial  family,  placed  under  a  canopy   iuke 
of  velvet  and  gold,  or  laid  to  repose  on  pillows  of  down,  all  this  had  been  deep  abasement  in  the  eyes  of  those  y  ^''^ 
who  had  beheld  the  glories  of  his  celestial  throne,  and  the  honours  paid  hmi  by  chernbims  and  seraphims :  But,     ^^' 
behold,  the  Son  of  God,  and  the  Heir  of  all  things,  is  not  merely  in  the  abodes  of  7>ien,  but  in  a  place  destined 
for  beast:^,  and,  wliile  wrapped  in  swaddling-clothes,  is  laid  in  a  manger. 

Yet,  O  blessed  Jesus !  how  much  more  venerable  was  that  stab'e  and  manger,  when  graced  with  thy  sacred 
presence,  than  the  most  magnificent  palace,  or  most  shining  throne  of  earthly  princes!     How  ill  doth  it  become  12 
thy  disciples  to  seek  for  themselves  great  things  in  this  life,"or  to  be  proud  of  its  pomp  and  grandeur  !     Give  us, 
O  God,  the  simplicity  of  children,  and  make  us  willing  to  be  conformed  to  the  birth  of  thy  Son,  as  well  as  to  his 
death! 

Yet,  mean  as  his  birth  might  appear,  his  heavenly  Father  did  not  leave  him  without  witness.     We  see  him,  in 
this  wonderful  account  that  "the  evangelist  hath  given  us,  surrounded  with  a  brighter  lustre  than  a  court  or  a  crown  9 
could  have  afforded.     Angelic  legions  are  employed  as  heralds  to  proclaim  the  new-born  King.     And  to  whom  1 1 
are  they  sent?    To  humble  pious  shepherds,  diligently  employed  in  the  duties  of  their  proper  calling,  and  watch-  8 
ing  by  night  for  tlie  security  of  their  flocks.     Who  would  not  gladly  have  shared  in  their  poverty  and  fatigue,  to 
have  heard  with  them  these  good  tidings  of  great  joy?  10 

Let  us  observe  with  what  delight  these 'courtiers  "of  heaven  undertook  the  happy  embassy  to  these  lowly  mortals.  13 
Let  us  with  pleasure  attend  to  the  anthem  of  these  benevolent  spirits.     Far  from  envying  the  favour  that  was  done  14 
us,  they  ascribe  glory  to  God  for  it,  and  take  their  part  in  the  joy  they  give.     Let  this  love  of  the  whole  heavenly 
host  to  us,  awaken  our  love  to  them,  and  our  longing  for  that  blessed  world,  where  we  and  they  shall  surround 
our  dearest  Redeemer,  not  in  such  a  form  of  abasement  as  that  in  which  he  here  appeared,  but  clothed  in  that 
celestial  lustre  with  which  God  hath  rewarded  the  humiliations  of  the  rnanger  and  the  cross. 

In  the  mean  time,  let  our  more  intimate  concern  in  this  great  salvation  engage  us  more  cordially  to  join  with 
these  blessed  angels  in  their  hallelujahs  ;  ascribing  glory  to  God  in  the  highest  for  this  peace  on  earth,  this  good-  14 
will  towards  men,  the  great  fountain  of  our  present  tranquillity  and  future  hope  !     Above  all,  if  divine  grace  hath 
conquered  all  the  foolish  prejudices  of  our  hearts  against  Christ,  and  taught  us  with  humble  faith  to  apply  to  him, 
let  us,  with  the  shepherds,  bless  God  for  the  things  which  have  been  shown  us,  and  make  it  our  care  to  spread  20 
abroad  the  savour  of  his  name,  that  others  may  join  with  us  in  paying  their  homage  and  their  praises  to  him !         17 


SECTION  XL 

The  purification  of  Mary,  and  her  offering  in  the  temple ;  where  Christ  is  presented  to  God,  and  has  a  very  memorable  testimony  given  hi:n  by 

Simeon  and  Anna.    Luke  ii.  C' — 39. 

LuKEii.ce.  Luke  ii.  22. 

AND  when  the  days  of  her  AND,  after  Mary  had  been  thus  delivered  of  her  son  at  Bedilehem,  when  the  forty  dai/s  sect. 
Taw  o?*MosS^wl'e^accom-  appointed /()/■  hcr  purification,'^  according  to  the  time  limited  by  the  law  of  Moses,  (Lev.     H. 

plished  they  brought  him  to  xii.  2.  4.)  were  fii/fillecl,^  Jesus  was  taken  by  his  parents  from  the  place  where  he  was 

thI'utrT,' '°  '"^''^''"'     "  *"  born,  and  in  obedience  to  the  Divine  command,  thc]/  brought  him  to  Jeruscdem,  there  to   luke 
I  ?^  Vth  'V^  7'^'pl"  '"  ''l^  present  him  as  a  first-bom  son  before  the  Lord,  in  the  temple ;    according  as  it  is  written  „  J^- 
that  open'eth°the' womb  shall  "*  ^^^  /«"'  of  the  Lord,  (Exod.  xiii.  2.  Numb.  viii.  16,  17.)  that  "  everi/  first-born  male 
be  called  holy  to  the  Lord ;)    shall  hc  Called  holi/  to  the  Lord,  and  shall  be  treated  as  devoted  in  a  peculiar  manner  to 
his  service."    Agreeably  to  this  precept,  they  now  went  up  to  redeem  him,<=  at  the  price 
of  five  shekels,  which  was  the  sum  appointed  to  be  paid  for  every  eldest  son,  without  any 
24  And  to  offer  a  sacrifice  regard  to  the  Condition  of  the  family.     (Compare  Numb,  xviii.  15,  16.)    And  to  offer  a  24 
safd'^iil't|e  Taw  ol  the  Lord!  Sacrifice,  according  to  xvhat  is  enjoined  in  the  law  of  the  Lord,  Lev.  xii.  6,  8.  where  they, 
A  pair  oHurtie-doves,  or  two  whose  circumstauces  were  so  mean  as  tliat  they  could  not  conveniently  afford  a  lamb, 
ung  pigeons.  ^^^  Ordered  to  bring  a  pair  of  turtle-doves,  or  two  young  pigeons ;  which  offering  suited 

C5  And,  behold,  there  was  best  the  virgiu's  rank  in  life,'and  she  did  not  affect  on  this  occasion  to  exceed  it. 
Dame"a;"J  slme'on^-'"'  d'^t'h''      And,  hchold,  there  was  then  at  Jerusalem  a  certain  man,  whose  name  was  Simeon; a  and  25 
same  man  7i'ns  just  and  de-  he  [was]  One  that  was  a  singularly  righteous  and.  religious  person,  who  was  waiting,  with 
tion*o7ffral!-^Tnd^lhTTior  many  Others  at  tliat  time,  /ii/-  the  coming  of  the  MessTah,  the  great  expected  consolation  of 
Ghost  was  upon  him.  Lsrafl,"  and  the  Hoh/  Spirit  of  prophecy  was  sometimes  in  an  extraordinaiy  manner  upon 

a  Iter  purification  ;  Ka9api<Tnv  ai>T>i?.]    The  Alexandrian,  and  some  1634,  and  is  almost  entirely  the  same  with  that  which  was  afterwards 

other  manuscripts,   read  ai.Tui- :  and,  as  it  must  be  owned,  that  both  published  under  the  name"of  Mr.  Locke's  Life  of  Christ.    After  all.  I 

mot/ier  ami  child,  tor  a  while  after  the  birth,  were  looked  upon  as  cere-  shall  only  observe,  that  this  is  one  of  the  many  Instances  in  which  the 

monially  mich-an    \t  might  not  be  impiO{)er  (with  Erasmus  and  some  order  of"the  sacred  story  cannot  be  circumstantially  determined  wifli 

ot  the  most  considerable  expositors)  to  admit  this  reading,  and  to  ren-  demonstrative  evidence. 

cler  It  their  mirification,  as  referring  to  them  both.    For,  notwithstanding  c  They  went  up  to  redeem  him.]  God  having  acquired  a  peculiar  right 

n  IS  true  that  Christ  had  no  moral  impurity  from  which  he  needed  to  to  the  first-horn  of  Israel,  by  preserving  them  amidst  the  destruction 

De  Cleansed,  yet  we  may  well  enough  suppose  him,  as  he  hore  ovr  sins,  broushton  the^>rt-*orMOf  the  Egyptians,' though  he  had  accepted  of  the 

lo  nave  suhmitted  to  this  ordinance,  as  well  as  circumcision :  and  as  he  tribe  of  Levi  as  an  equivalent,  vet  would  have  the  memory  of  it  pre- 

<^^me  mto  the  v/orM.  made  of  a  woman,  made  tinder  the  law,  he  woaM  be  served  by  this  little  acknowledgment  of  five  shekels,  for  about  twelve 

reauy  to  com  ply  with  any  institution  of  the  law,  that  he  might  thus  fitlfil  shillijigs  and  sixpence  of  our  monev,)  which  was  the  price  that  everv 

ail  riff/,temi.mess.    But  as  the  laio  that  is  referred  to  in  this  place,  speaks  first-horn  child  must  be  redeemed  at:  and  in  case  of  an  omission  here,  it 

oniy  ot  tne  woman   and  ot  the  sacrifice  that  was  appointed  to  be  offered  miaht  reasonably  have  been  expected  that  the  child  should  be  cut  off  by 

lor  «crpMr«/j,!nj7    1  have  retained  the  common  reading,  and  have  made  some  judgment.    1\\e  first-horn  therefore  were  redeemed  by  paying  of 

h^;    i"^I'  'j        version.  this  monev,  in  such  a  sense  as  all  the  people  were,  when,  at  the  time 

0  iiie  torty  days— were  fulfilled.']    Mr.  Whiston  has  supposed,  in  his  that  they  were  nwrniercrf,  each  of  them  paid  half  a  shekel  as  a  ransom  for 

i^uIh'TH'w  i^u"^'  ""''•  P-15B,c<*fi(7.)  that  these /»;73/rfff2/j  were  not  accom-  their  stmls,  that  there  might  he  no  plague  among  them:  as  there  miaht 

„',;  ""?  "''  their  return  from  Egypt :  but  although  this  may  sive  the  otherwise  have  been,  if  that  acknowledgment  of  the  divine  goodness  had 

sniVi    ^"".""O"  t".  ^,«^''.  .39.  it  crowds  so  many  events  into  that  little  been  omitted  :  Exod.  xxx.  IQ— 16.    But  that  the  five  shekels  demanded 

,«„,/.'.      i^°  entirely  depends  on  a  precarious  hypothesis  that  Christ  for  the  first-horn  were  paid  to  redeem  them  from  being  sacrificed  on  the 

ivii„„„?         i- "  '"'""''  *'y'"'«  'V  ''«3'''  '/  Herod,  (which   I  think   Mr.  altar,  is  one  of  the  most  false  and  malicious  insinuations  that  ever  came 

n   dJJUi^w'i    .  •/  overthrown,  in  his  Dissertation  on  the  Birth  of  Christ,  even  from  the  most  inveterate  enemy  of  revelation. 

nr»!.^^  7i  .1.    5-  ;    ^'^'"'r?v'°e"''  upon  the  whole,  that  the  purification  d   JVlwse  name  was  Simeon.]    Had  Simeon  been,  as  some  suppose,  the 

»i;««rJl  -;     -"'^2'  "'•'"  ^^^P'-  fs  most  harmonizers  have  thought.    But  president  of  the  council,  and  father  of  the  celebrated  Gamaliel,  St.  Luke 

not  en  Ii.  •    '"'"f''""'"!  «'as .  hefore  or  after  the  visit  of  the  wise  men,  is  would  probably  have  inserted  so  honourable  a  circumstance. 

lhJfh,.r  I    (■■^i,      .^  placed  It  hefore,  chiefly  that  I  mieht  not  interiupt  e  The  consolation  of  Israel.]    This  is  a  phrase  that  frequently  is  used. 

sa.Tifin«  1     the  story  ;  and  partly  because  the  meanness  of  the  Virgin's  both  by  the  ancient  and  modem  .lews,  for  a  description  of  the  Messiah, 

that  llvtJ^  ff '^^  It  probable  that  she  had  not  then  received  the  presents  The  days  of  consolation  is  a  common  phrase  among  them,  to  signify  Mc 

1  ossihU    ?i,  /^  ,    ^'  "'?J*''«. »»«».    Nevertheless,  I  acknowledge  it  very  days  of  the  Mes.iiah  .■  nor  is  there  any  thing  more  usual  with  them,  than 

lIproH't'JoU-    "'?  Pl'/>fic"t"'n  might  happen   during   the   interval   ot  to  swear  hi/  their  desire  of  seeing  this  consolation  ;  as  Vr.Ughtrootproys 

mi-lht  ffo  frnV^'i          ,  return  of  the  wise  men  ;  and  that  the  holy  family  by  several  instances,  IJor.  Hehr.  in  loc.    And  it  is  easy  to  observe,  that 

DrApnt^H    i„   .u  '"1*^''"!'  *"  Egypt  the  very  night  after  .Tesus  had  been  the  same  way  of  speakinir  was  made  use  of  by  the  prophets,  who  often 

nlrrnnl,,  r,  1.         wmple  ;    as   Garthwaite  intimates   in   his   excellent  introduced  the  promise  of  the  Messiah's  coOT!n<7,  to  comfort  the  people  ol 

DoseH  St  .  o  iP'  '='•,'"'•>  y^}"^^  "  so  accurately  and  judiciously  com-  God  in  their  afflictions.  Compare  Isa.  xlix.  13.  lii.  9.  Ixvi.  13.  Jer.  xxxi. 

W^      il'^^L.*^  ^<=''"l"'^?e'™ost  ofthe  faults  in  LeClerc,  Whiston,  13.  and  Zech.  i.  17 
>•  -11^,  (\cC.  may  be  coiTected  by  it.    It  was  first  printed  at  Cambridge, 


34  SIMEON'S  TESTIMONY  AND  BLESSING. 

SECT,  him :  And  among  other  things  it  was  divinely  revealed  unto  him  hy  the  Holy  Spirit,  that     26  And  it  was  revealed 
11-     he  should  not  die(  before  he  had  seen  the  Great  Anointed  of  the  Lord,  andliis  eyes  had  ZThe'Thouid  not  see  death 

beheld  the  promised'  Messiah.  before  he  had  seen  the  Lord's 

LUKE       jlnd  he  came,  under  the  secret  but  powerful  impulse  of  the  Spirit,  into  the  temple,  just  at     o" *And  lie  came  by  the 

^^•,_  the  juncture  of  time  u^hen  [/(is]  parents  brought  in  the  child  Jesus  into  the  court  of  Israel  |^'g^'t|^g'°a'''^.*^?J.P'^Lf°'^ 

there,  that  they  might  do  for  him  according  to  the  custom  which  the  authority  of  the  divine  theThiid'j^tul^todo^flr  him 

28  law  had  required  and  established  in  such  cases.     And  when  the  pious  Simeon  had  dis-  ^^*f8'^rhgJ;7o°^i°/i5ii^'„^'''j„ 
covered  him  by  his  prophetic  gift,  and  saw  that  well-known  prophecy  accomplished,  his  armi"  and  blessed  God! 
(Hag.  ii.  7.)  that  the  desire  of  all  nations  should  come  into  that  second  temple,  he  was  and  said, 
transported  at  the  sight  of  this  desirable  child,  and  took  him  with  a  sacred  rapture  into  his 

29  anns,  and  praised  God,  and  said,  with  the  highest  elevations  of  devotion  and  joy.  Now,  O  29  Lord,  now  lettest  thou 
my  Sovereign  Lord  a.nd  Master,  I  thankfully  acknowledge  that  thou  dismissest  'thy  servant  Ic^ofd'iug"tothy'' word  •''''''^' 
to  the  repose  of  the  grave  in  peace  ;s  and  I  can  die  with  pleasure,  since  thou  hast  dealt 

30  with  me  according  to  the  gracious  engagements  of  thy  \uord  to  me  :  For  mine  eyes  have  at  .30  For  mine  eyes  have 
length  beheld  him,  whom  thou  hast  a})pointed  as  the  great  instrument  of  thy  lon^  expected  ^*<^"  "'>'  salvation, 

31  salvation;  Even  that  salvation  lohich  thou  hast  prepared  to  set  before  the  face  of  all  people,     31  which  thou  hast  pre- 

32  as  the  glorious  object  of  their  faith  and  hope  :  Ordaining  him  to  be  a  light  for  the  illumi-  111%^;^°'"  *''"  ^'"^^  °^  ^" 
■nation  of  the  Gentiles,  to  reveal  the  way  of  life  to  them  that  sit  in  darkness,  and  in  the  32  A  light  to  lighten  the 
shadow  of  death,  as  well  as  giving  him  to  be  the  consolation  and  the  glory  of  thy  people  peopielsr^l.*'"  ^'"""^  °^  ""^ 
Isi-ael,  who  have  the  honour  of  being  peculiarly  related  to  him. 

33  And  when  they  heard  this  glorious  testimony  given  to  the  infant  Jesus,  Joseph  and  his     33  And  Joseph   and   his 
mother  ivere  astonished  at  those  things  lohich  icere  spoken  of  him  by  so  eminent  a  prophet ;  Sfngf  which'wire''  spokenTf 
which  appeared  to  them  so  much  the  more  remarkable,  wlien  compared  with  the  miraculous  him. 
circumstances  which  had  attended  his  concej)tion  and  birth. 

34  And  Simeon,  in  the  warmth  of  his  devotion,  blessed  them  both,  praying  affectionately  .34  And  Simeon  blessed 
for  them,  that  the  favour  of  God  might  continually  attend  them ;  and  said  to  Mary  his  ^]!'^^tZr,  ^"^LTtL^cAifd 
mother,  Behold,  this  \^child]  of  thine  is  appointed  for  an  occasion  of  the  fall  and  mwg  is  set  tor  the  fall  and  rising 
again  of  many  in  Israel,  as  he  in  fact  shall  be  the  means  of  bringing  aggravated  ruin  upon  fOT'a°si^^"whTch%hall^be 
some  by  their  rejecting  him,  as  well  as  of  procuring  salvation  and  recovery  to  others  on  spoken  against ; 

their  believing  in  him ;  and  his  appearance  in  the  world  shall  be  such,  as  if  he  was  intended 
and  set  up  for  a  mark  of  contradiction  and  reproach,i»  to  be  a  stone  of  stumbling  and  a 

35  rock  of  offence  to  manyj  wliile  he  shall  be  to  others  for  a  sanctuary.  (Isa.  %'iii.  14.)  Yea,  35  (Yea,  a  sword  shall 
with  such  cruel  malice  and  indignity  shall  he  be  treated,  that  the  time  v/ill  come  when  a  p/I^"^^)  't'h™t''fhe"'t^,o''u'ghtl°of 
dar-t  shall  (as  it  were)  pierce  through  thine  own  soul,''  and  wound  thee  in  the  most  sensible  many  hearts  may  be  revealed, 
manner,  when  thou  art  witness  to  those  agonies  which  shall  penetrate  his.     But  these 

strange  revolutions  shall  be  permitted,  and  these  mysterious  scenes  of  Providence  be 
opened,  that  the  secret  thoughts  and  reasonings  of  many  hearts  may  be  disclosed ;  or  that 
the  real  characters  of  men  maybe  discovered,  and  the  sincerity  of  those  who  are  approved 
may  be  made  manifest ;  while  tlie  hypocrisy  and  earthly-mindedness  of  those  who  intend 
only  their  own  secular  advantage,  under  the  specious  pretence  of  waiting  for  the  Messiah's 
kingdom,  shall  be  exposed  ;  who  will  be  soon  offended  at  the  obscure  form  of  his  appear- 
ance, and  at  the  persecutions  whicli  shall  attend  him  and  his  cause. 

36  And  there  was  also  [one]  Anna,  a  prophetess,  the  daughter  of  Phanuel,  a  person  of  some  36  AndtherewasoneAnna,. 
considerable  note  in  the  tribe  of  Asher.     She  was  now  very  far  advanced  in  years,  having  Pi^InSef'oft'heTriblof'^ATer  ■ 

37  lived  on\y  seven  years  with  a  husband  from  the  time  of  her  virginity :  And,  as  her  husband  she  wa^'of  a  srreat  age,  and 
died  while  she  was  very  young,  she  had  now  been  a  widow  about  eighty-four  years  ;^  ivho,  se4n ' y*e1irr'trom°  h'er*''v?r*- 
whatever  estate  she  might  have  in  the  country,  departed  not  from  Jerusalem,  but  kept  ginUy ; 

always  so  near  the  temple,  as  to  be  able  to  resort  thither  at 'the  hours  of  morning  and  of^'about*  tourscwe  tnd'fouT 
evening  sacrifice  :  serving  \God\  ivifh  frequent  fastings  and  prayers,  in  which  this  devout  years,  which   departed  not 

38  matron  spent  a  considerable  part  of  the  night  as  well  as  of  the  cfay.^  And  she  coming  in  at  cZM^ti^  Sgs  and  primers 
that  very  time,  which  was  the  hour  of  prayer,  joined  with  Simeon  in  what  he  haJ  done,  night  and  day.  ° 

and  publicly  made  her  acknmvledgmcnts  to  the   Lord,  that  is,  to  Jesus,-"  who  was  now  in'^^°tave  thanks ^liklw'isi 
present  in  the  temple ;  and  afterwards  spake  concerning  him  to  all  those  of  her  acquaintance  unto  the  ^  Lord,  and  spake  of 
in  Jerusalem  that  were  waiting,  like  her,  for  the  promised  redemption  of  Israel  by  the  forredemptlon'in 'jerusaleni! 
Messiah,  of  whose  speedy  appearance  there  v/as  an  earnest  expectation  raised  among  the 
pious  and  devout,  as  the  appointed  period  of  his  coming  now  evidently  approached." 

39  And  the  parents  of  Jesus,  when  they  had  performed  all  things  according  to  the  law  (f  the  39  And  when  they  had  per- 
Lord,  departed  from  Jerusalem  :  and,  full  of  admiration  at  the  glorious  testimonies  that  [oThelaw  oMiie^Lord?  they 
were  given  to  their  child,  they  some  time  afterwards  returned  to  Gcdilee,°  to  their  own 

f  TAal  he  xliouldnot  die.']    Our  translation,  that  hi-  should  not  see  death,  m  Made  her  ackrw-jiledgments  to  the  Lord,  that  is,  to  .Tesus.    hvOui- 

is  most  literal ;  but  1  did  not  apprehend  the  antithesis  between  seeinij  aoXotetro  tmKi>pico.]  The  late  English  version  renders  it,  Hhe  expressed 

death,  and  seeing  Christ,  to  be  intended  as  at  all  material,  and  theretore  her  thanks  to  the  Lord,  and  spake  of  Jesus  ;  and   it  must  be  acknow- 

did  not  retain  the  Hebraism.  ledged  there  are  in  this  very  section  two  instances,  in  ^vhich  the  relative 

g  Thou  dismissest  thy  servant  in  peace.]    There   may  perhaps  be  an  pronoun  refers  to  a  remote, "and  not  immediately  preceding,  substantive, 

allusion  here  to  the  custom  of  saying,  especially  to  an  mferior,  when  ver.  22.  and  27.     But  it  is  so  evident  that  Christ  is  often  called  Me  Lord 

parting,  Gu  in  peace.    See  note  1,  on  Luke  vii.  50.  sect.  Ix.  by   Luke,   as   well   as  by  the  other  sacred  writers,  that   I  can  see  no 

h  A  mark  of  contradiction  and  reproach.]    I'he  word  trnntioi'  seems  necessity  for  giving  this  passage  such  a  turn,  contrary  to  all  the  ordinary 

here  to   be  used  for  a  mark  or  hntt  to  shoot  or  dart  at ;  which  finely  rules  of^language. — And  if  it  be  objected  that  the  infant  Jesus  did  not 

intimates   the  deliberate  malice    and    hellish    artifice  with   which   the  seem  capable  at  that  time  of  resenting  her  gratitude,  as  a  rational  agent, 

character  and  person  of  Christ  was  assaulted,  wliile  he  endured  the  con-  I  answer,  that  Anna  might  properly  be  said  to  make  her  acknouiledg. 

tradiction  of  sinners  against  himself,  Heb.  xii.  3.  ments  to  the  Lord,  if  she  addressed  herself  to  the  child,  as  Simeon  had 

i  A  dart  shall  pierce  though  thine  own  soul.]    Though  poutbaia  seems  done,  confessing  him  to  be  the  Messiah.    The  original  phrase  may  have 

often  to  signify  a  sword,  as  particularly  in  Kev.  i.  16.  ii.  12,   16.  vi.  8.  a  reference  to  Simeon's  speech,  and  might  be  intended  to  intimate,  that 

yet  we  are  assured  by  Cirotiu3,it  properly  signifies  a  Thracian  javelin,  this  of  Anna  was  a  kind  of  response,  or  counterpart  to  his.     But  it  is 

It  may  perhaps  (as   L'Enfant  observes)  be  a  beautiful  allusion  to  the  also  very  probable  that  she,  like  Simeon,  might  also  address  some  lofty 

preceding  figure,  as  if  it  had  been  told  her,  that  the  darts  levelled  at  her  hymn  of  praise  to  the  Oud  of  Israel  on  this  great  occasion  :  and  if  any 

son  should  be  refiected  from  his  breast  to  hers,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  one  think  the  word  Lord  is  here  put  for  Jehovah,  though  the  former 

wound  her  very  heart.     Whether  it  be  rendered  .raorrf  or  dart,  it  must  interpretation  seems  to  me  more  just  and  natural,  I  shall  not  oppose  it 

undoubtedly  refer  to  the  part  the  holy  Virgin  took  in  all  the  reproaches  as  an  error  of  any  importance. 

and  persecutions  which  Jesus  met  with  ;  but  never  was  it  so  signally  n  The  period  of  his  coming  now  evidently  approached.]     The  sceptre 

fulfilled,  as  when  she  stood  by  the  cross,  and  saw  liim  at  once  so  scorn-  now  appeared  to  be  departing  from  Judah,  though  it  was  not  actually 

fully  insulted  and  so  cruelly  murdered.    See  John  xix.  25.  gone  ;  Daniel's  weeks  were  plainly  near  their  period  ;  and  the  revival 

k  Had    now  been   o    widow   about  eighty-four  years.]    I  know  that  of  the  spirit  of  prophecy,  joined  with  the  memorable  occurrences  relat- 

Orotius  and  many  others  interpret  this  of  her  whole  aee  ;  but  I  think  it  ing  to  the  birth  of  John  the  Baptist,  and  of  Jesus,  could  not  but  encour- 

most  natural  to  suppose,  that  the  time  of  her  marriage  is  opposed  to  age  and  quicken  the  expectation  of  pious  persons  at  this  time, 

that  of  her  widowhood.  o  They  afterwards  returned  to  Galilee.]   Luke  has  omitted  the  account 

I  In  which  she  spent  a  considerable  part  of  the  night  as  tcell  as  of  the  that  Matthew  gives  us  of  the  visit  of  //;ea)/fe»i«n,  and  of  the  holy  family's 

day.]    This  is  plainly  the  meaning  oi  night  and  rfa^/,  nor  can  the  ex-  retiring  into  Egypt ;  andsohastakennonoticeoftheirretuminsany  more 

pression  possibly  signify  more.    Perhaps  she  might  sometimes  attend  to  Bethlehem.     But  there  is  no  sufficient  reason  to  conclude  from  hence, 

those  anthems  which  the  priests  sung  in  the  temple  durine  the  night-  that  these  occurrences  were  antecedent  to  the  purijicatimi  of  Mary,  ana 

watches,  Ps.  cxxxiv.  ),  2.  to  which  David  may  also  allude,  Ps.  cxix.  62.  that  the  holy  family  immediately  returned  from  Jerusalem  "to  Nazareth. 


THE  VISIT  OF  THE  WISE  MEN  FROM  THE  EAST.  35 

returned  into  Galilee,  to  theti  citij,  Nazareth,T?  which  was  the  place  of  their  usual  residence,  and  where  (as  will  be  seen   SECT 
own  city  Nazareth.  hereafter)  this  Blessed  Infant  passed  the  days  of  his  childhood  and  youth.  ll. 

IMPROVEMENT.  '^^'^ 

Who  can  behold  the  pious  Simeon  thus  welcoming  death,  whilst  he  embraced  his  Saviour,  without  wishing  to  tt  ^'• 
pass  over  the  intermediate  moments  of  life  to  meet  so  peaceful  a  dissolution?     May  we,  like  him,  approve  our-  ^^^'■'^^ 
selves  the  faithful  servants  of  God ;  and  then  we  may  hope  that,  when  our  dismission  comes,  we  shall  share  in  his  29 
serenity  and  joy. 

We  may  comfortably  expect  it,  if  our  eyes  are  now  opened  to  behold  with  wonder  and  delight  the  great  30 
salvation  he  has  prepared  for  his  people ;  and  if  our  hearts,  with  our  lips,  are  frequently  praising  him  for  this  light  ,31 
which  he  hath  given  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  as  well  as  to  be  the  gloiy  of  his  people  Israel.  32 

As  such,  may  Christ  be  universally  owned  and  adored,  both  by  Jews  and  Gentiles.     In  the  mean  time,  while  34 
he  is  set  up  as  a  mark  of  contradiction  and  contempt,  let  us  not  be  ashamed  of  him  or  of  his  words  ;  but  rather 
let  those  indignities  which  are  offered  to  him  be  as  a  sword  to  pierce  through  our  own  souls.     Let  us  remember  35 
that  the  gospel,  with  all  the  difficulties  which  attend  it,  is  the  great  touchstone  by  which  God  will  try  the  charac- 
ters of  all  to  whom  it  comes.     May  our  ready  acceptance  of  it,  and  our  zealous  adherence  to  that  sacred  cause, 
approve  the  humble  sincerity  with  which  we  inquire  into  its  evidence ;  that  Christ  may  not  be  to  us  a  stone  of' 
stuiftblin^  and  a  rock  of  offence,  but  rather  the  means  of  raising  us  to  God  and  happiness,  even  to  that  redemption  38 
for  whicli  they  that  wait  shall  never  be  ashamed  ! 

Our  circumstances  in  life  are  various.    There  are  comparatively  few  who  have  such  leisure  for  extraordinary 
devotion  as  was  the  privilege  of  pious  Anna.     Where  it  is  found  let  it  be  valued  and  improved.     But  how  great  36 
and  how  many  soever  our  engagements  and  entanglements  in  life  may  be,  let  the  care  of  our  souls  be  still  our 
chief  concern.     Let  us  be  serving  God,  in  one  sense  or  another,  night  and  day ;  with  prayers,  pouring  out  our  souls  37 
before  him  morning  and  evening  :  and  at  proper  seasons  adding  fasting  to  prayer,  and  public  solemnities  to 
private  retirements ! 

To  conclude  :  let  the  example  of  these  aged  saints  impress  and  animate  those  whose  hoary  heads,  like  theirs,  25 
are  a  crown  of  elori/,  being  fo mid  in  the  wai/  of  rig/iteoiwiess.  (Prov.  xvi.  31.)  Let  those  venerable  lips,  so  soon  37 
to  be  silent  iti  the  grave,  be  now  employed  in  showing  forth  the  praises  of  their  Redeemer.  Surely  days  xhoidd 
speak,  and  the  multitude  of  years  should  teach  such  wisdom.  (Job  xxxii.  7.)  Such  fruit  may  they  produce  in  old 
age  :  and  may  they  have  the  pleasure  to  see  all  these  pious  attempts  most  thankfully  received  by  the  rising  gene- 
ration, and  most  gratefully  improved  by  them. ;  that  they  may  quit  the  world  with  the  greater  tranquillity,  in  the 
view  of  leaving_those  behmd  them,  to  whom  Christ  shall  be  as  precious  as  he  hath  been  to  them,  and  who  will  be 
xvuiting  for  Goa's  salvation,  while  they  are  gone  to  enjoy  it !     Amen. 


SECTION  XII. 

The  sages,  or  wise  men,  come  from  the  east,  under  the  guidance  of  a  star,  to  inquire  after  Christ ;  and  being  directed  unto  Bethlehem,  pay  him 
their  homage,  and  offer  him  their  presents  there.    Matt.  ii.  1 — 12. 

Matt.  ii.  1.  Matt.  ii.  1. 

NOW  when  Jesus  was  born  NOW  after  Jesus  ivas  horn  in  Bethlehem  of  Judea,  even  in  the  days  of  Herod  the  Great,   SECT, 
the  days  of^Tierod  the  kin"!  '^^'^^'  ^'^  the  time  of  Christ's  nativity,  was  king  of  that  country,  there^  happened  a  memo-     12. 
behold  there  came  wise  men  rablc  Occurrence,  which  gave  a  great  alarm  to  the  Jews,  and  made  the  era  of  Christ's  birth 


from  the  east  to  Jerusalem,     ^^^^  remarkable  among  them.     For,  behold,  there  were  [ce/'ifflin]  sagcs,'^  that  is,  wise  and   matt. 
learned  men,  (who,  on  account  of  their  applying  themselves  to  the  study  of  natural  phi-      ^^■ 
losophy,  were  called  Magi,)  that  had  observed  a  bright  and  unusual  luminary  in  the 
heavens,  which  they  were  taught  to  understand  as  an  intimation  that  a  very  illustrious 
person  was  then  born  in  Judea,  who  was  destined  by  God  to  that  universal  empire,  the 
fame  and  expectation  of  which  had  spread  so  far  in  those  ])arts  :  they  therefore  came  from 
the  east  country ,t  where  they  dwelt,  to  Jerusalem,  the  ca[)ital  of  the  Jewish  kingdom ;"  and 
there  they  began  the  inquiry  whicli  had  occasioned  them  to  undertake  so  long  a  journey, 
2  Saying,  Where  is  he  that  Saying  to  tliose  who,  they  thought,  might  be  most  likely  to  inform  them.  Where  is  he  that  2 
we''have*'sefn''his^stir'7n' t^e  '-5. ^0771  king  of  the  Jeivsl  for  we  have  seen  a  beautiful  light,  which  we  understand  to  be 
east,  and  are  come  to  worship  his  Star,  in  the  east  couutry,":  of  which  we  are  natives  ;  and  therefore  we  are  come,  m  hum- 
'""  ble  submission  to  tlie  will  of  Providence,  to  prostrate  ourselves  before  him,^  and  to  pay  our 

homage  to  him. 

For  we  have  many  other  instances  of  a  like  kind,  where  events  are  con-  pliers,  who,  by  the  divine  influence  on  their  minds,  had  been  led  to 
nected  by  Luke,  and  the  other  evangelists,  which  did  not  immediately  improve  their  knowledge  of  nature,  as  the  means  of  leading  them  to  that 
follow  each  other;  of  which  Luke  xxiv.  50.  is  particularly  memorable,  of  the  one  living  and  true  God  ;  audit  is  not  at  all  unreasonable  to  sup- 
as  will  be  shown  in  its  proper  place.  1  have  expressed  it  therefore  with  pose,  that  God  had  favoured  them  with  some  extraordinarv  revelations 
some  latitude,  as  it  seems  to  me  probable,  that  upon  leaving  Jerusalem  of  himself,  as  he  did  Melchizcdek,  Abimelech,  Job  and  his'  friends,  and 
they  returned  to  Bethlehem,  where  they  were  visited  by  t/ie  reise  men;  some  others,  who  did  not  belong  to  the  Abrahamic  family,  to  which  he 
and  which,  as  they  had  found  it  to  be  the  place  appointed  for  the  birth  of  never  inteniied  absolutely  to  confine  his  favours. — As  to  the  title  that  is 
Christ,  they  mieht  suppose  also  to  be  the  place  designed  for  his  education  here  given  them,  it  is  certain  that  the  word  Mayoi  was  not  appropriated 
and  abode,  ana  might  not  choose  to  remove  from  thence  till  God  had  in  ancient  times  to  such  as  practised  wicked  arts,  but  frequently  was 
ordered  them  to  do  it.  (See  Lightfoot's  Harmony,  Matt.  ii.  »«7.)  How-  used  to  express phi/osop/ieTS,  or  men  of  learning  ;  and  those  particularly 
ever,  if  they  now  returned  to  Kazareth,  it  is  more  than  possible  that  that  were  curious  in  examining  the  works  of  nature,  and  in  obsen'ing 
Providence  might  bring  them  afterwards  to  Bethlehem,  upon  some  the  motions  of  the  heavenly  bodies.  (Compare  Dan.  ii.  2.  27.  and  v.  ]]. 
occasion  or  other,  that  when  the  rcise  men  came  to  inquire  after  Jesus,  Septuag.)  And  indeed  Magi  is  become  a  title  so  familiar  to  us,  and  is 
Si*^  roignttind  him  in  the  place  to  which  they  were  directed.  Sea  Mr.  so  far  naturalized  among  us,  tliat  I  was  almost  ready  to  retain  it  in  mv 
Manne  s  first  Dissertation  on  the  Birth  of  Christ,  p.  41,  42.  and  compare  version,  had  I  not  feared  it  might  excite  in  common  readers  something 
note  n  on  Matt.  ii.  11.  in  the  next  section.  of  the  same  idea  with  mafficians,  which  always  suggests  a  bad  sense. 

p  lo  their  own  city,  Nazareth.']    It  has  been  suggested  to  me  by  a  very  b  Came  from  the  east  cownVTy.]    I  do  not  venture  to  determine  in  the 

learned  and  ingenious  writer,  since  the  publication  of  the  preceding  paraphrase,  from  what  part  of  the  east  these  philosophers  came.    Had 

note,  that  the  parents  of  Christ  carried  him  back  from  Jerusalem  to  they  been  (as  Mr.  Fleming  supposes  in  liis  Christology.  vol.  ii.  p.  .'!tt2.5 

^sthlehem  after  the  purification,  and  lived  there  a  year  or  more  before  a  deputation  from  all  the  Magi  in  Persia,  Media,  Arabia,  and  Chaldea. 

the  Magi  came  ;  Joseph  probably  thinking  it  his  duty  to  settle  there,  or  had  they  been  kings,  as  the  papists  fancy,  so  grand  a  circumstance  as 

"Om  the  persuasion  he  had  that  this  wonderful  child  was  the  Messiah,  either  of  these  would  in  all  probability  have  been  expressly  recorded, 

and  that  the  Messiah  was  to  be  ed'icaled,Sis  well  as  iorn,  at  Bethlehem,  I  rather  think,  with  Grotius,  that  they  came  from  Arabia,  which  is  often 

IJavids  city.    From  hence  he  removed  to  Egypt;  and  when  he  was  called  the  east,  (see  Gen.  xxv.  6,  18.  Job  i.  3.  Judg.  vi.  .3.   1  Kings  iv. 

directed  to  come  back,  Joseph  appears  to  have  designed  to  return  with  .'iO.  and  Jer.  xlix.  28.)  and  was  famous  for  gold,   frankincense,  and 

Jesus  to  Bethlehem,  had  not  God  commanded  him  to  go  to  Nazareth,  myrrh.  (Compare  ver.   11.)    And   if  so,  their  journey  lay  through  a 

*P'*'™/^'iich  he  seems  to  have  esteemed  too  contemptible  to  be  the  abode  barren  and   scorching  country,  and  they  were  oblisred  to  pass  through 

•'  ^0  illustrious  a  person.    And  this  gentleman  thinks,  that  when  Naza-  deserts  infamous  for  robbery  and  murder,  which  much  illustrated  their 

reth  IS  here  called  rrjv  iroXiv  avTuiv,  their  own  city,  it  intimates  an  at-  piety  and  zeal. 

'*P^Pt  to  settle  elsewhere  in  a  city  that  was  M(7?  Me«>  oa7j.  c   We  have  seen  his  star  in  the  east  country.]    There  is  no  need  ot 

t    .f'""*  sages.]    It  would  be  quite  foreign  to  my  purpose  to  enume-  supposing,  with  some  of  tlie  fathers,  that  they  knew  the  signification 

rate  the  various  conjectures  of  learned  men  relating  to  these  Magi.     I  of  this  star,  by  comparing  it  with  Balaam's  prophecy,  "Numb.  xxiv.  17. 

V,""  "°' *nioi3st  them  all  so  wild  an  hypothesis  as  that  of  Vander  or  Daniel's,  Dan.  ii.  44.  and  ix.  25.  nor  can  we  think,  as  Grotius  seems 

ti»irii,^New  Memoirs  of  Liter,  vol.  ii.  p.  62,  et  seq.)  that  they  were  to  intimate,  that  they  discovered  it  by  the  rules  of  their  art.    It  is  much 

"i^xt  K     "^  who  came  from  the  colonies  carried  away  by  Shalmanezer  more  probable  that  they  learned  it  by  a  divine  revelation,  which  it  is 

ana  ^ebuchadnezzar,  and  were  ambassadors  in  the  name  of  the  whole  plain  that  they  were  guided  by  in  their  return,  as  we  see  afterwards  at 

Body  to  pay  their  homage  to  the  Messiah,  and  to  congratulate  their  \er.  12.                                                                                                    „      , 

Drethren  on  his  birth.    It  is  most  probable  they  were  Gentile  philoso-  d   To  prostrate  owseh-es  before  him.']    This  I  take  to  be  generally  tlie 

D  2 


36  THE  VISIT  OF  THE  WISE  MEN  FROM  THE  EAST. 

SECT.       And  king  Herod,  who  was  a  prince  of  a  very  suspicious  temper,  and  whose  cruelties     3  wheniierodthekinghad 
12.     had  rendered  him  exceedingly  obnoxious  to  his  subjects,  ivhen  he  heard  \of  thh\  inquiry  troubiedr and 'atrierusaiem 
of  theirs,  was  very  much  truubled ;  and  all  Jerusalem  was  also  in  perplexity  with  him,  fear-  with  him. 


MATT,  ing  he  should  make  it  an  occasion  of  renewing  some  of  those  tyrannical  actions  which 
^'-  „  had  lately  filled  them  with  so  much  horror. « 

^  And  therefore,  to  secure  his  crown,  which  Herod  was  afraid  might  be  in  danger  from  4  And  when  he  had  gather- 
this  new-born  King,  rvhen  he  had  called  a  council,  and  had  assembled  all  the  chief  of  the  IcribeUf  the  plopFe  together! 
priests,^  and  with  them  the  scribes  of  the  people,  whose  peculiar  business  it  was  to  study  he  demanded  of  them  where 
and  explain  the  Scriptures,  he  inquired  of  them,  cohere  it  was,  according  to  the  Jewish  pro-  '"'"''^'  ^''°"''*  ^^ ''°''°" 

5  phecies,  that  the  long-expected  Messiah  ivas  to  be  born??  And  thet/  said  unto  him,  with  .  5  And  they  said  unto  hiin, 
one  consent,  He  is  certamly  to  be  born  at  Bethlehem  in  Judea;  for  so  it  is  written  bi/  the  {hus'^u'ii'^wdtten  bylhlpro- 

Q  prophet  Micah,  chap.  v.  2.     "  And  thou  Bethlehem  Ephratah,  in  the  land  of  Judah,  incon-  phet, 
siderable  as  thou  mayst  now  appear,  yet  art  by  no  means  the  least"^  among  the  cities  the  land  ot°judaf  art  not 'tiie 
belonging  to  the  princes  or  heads  of  thousands  in  Judah ;  for  out  of  thee  shall  come  forth  least  among  the'  princes  of 
a  great  and  illustrious  Ruler,  who  shall  feed  and  govern  mi/  people  Israel,  most  wisely  and  comi '  a^^governo",  V.lft  shall 
tenderly  performing  the  office  of  their  Great  Shepherd."  rule  my  people  Israel. 

7  Then  Herod,  having  secretly  called  the  sages  to  an  audience,  got  exact  information  from     7  Tiienlierod.whenhehad 
thcm-^  about  tvhat  time  the  ster,  which  they  had   soen,  and  v^ich  proved  the  occasion  P^''^;;;//^^^'/''!^^^'^ ''^'i^^^^^ 
of  their  journey,  first  appeared  to  them;  that  he  might  thereby  make  some  conjecture  con-  what  time  the  star  appeared. 
cerning  the  age  of  the  child  to  whose  birth  it  refen-ed.     (Compare  ver.  16.) 

8  And  after  they  had  satisfied  his  curiosity,  and  had  informed  him  of  the  obser\'ations  8  And  he  sent  them  to 
they  had  made  about  this  star,  Herod  communicated  to  them  the  answer  he  had  received  and'sS^archlliUgently'for  the 
from  the  priests  and  scribes;  and,  se7iding  them  to  Bethlehem,  as  the  place  where  they  joung  child ;  and  when  ye 

■1.  ^x  xU  K  r>'  I  •J/"'  ;  ;  j-         •  have    fomid   /am,    hrmg    me 

might  expect  to  see  the  new-born  rrince,  he  said,  Lro  and  make  a  very  exact  inquiry  con-  ^vord  again,  that  i  may  come 
cerning  the  child  you  are  seeking;  and  when  you  have  found  him,  return  hither  directly,  and  worship  him  also. 
and  inform  9ne  of  it,''  that  I  also,  who  would  permit  no  interests  of  mine  to  interfere  with 
tiie  decrees  of  Heaven,  j)my  come  with  my  family  and  court,  to  pay  my  homage  to  him,  to 
which  I  look  upon  myself  as  peculiarly  obliged. 

9  And,  having  heard  this  charge  from  the  king,  they  departed  from  Jerusalem  without  the  ,  .^^^^''^'Q  'h^>"  ''a<| ''«'""'' ',''« 
least  suspicion  of  his  treacherous  and  cruel  design :  a?id,  behold,  to  confirm  their  the'star^whlcirthey  'saw  in 
faith  in  him  to  whom  they  were  going,  the  very  same  star,  or  meteor,'  which  they  had  «!'«  <?iist,  went  before  tiiem, 
seen  in  the  cast  country,  appeared  to  them  again,  and  moved  on  before  them  in  the  air,  till  where  the"young  chi?d  was.^"^ 
it  came  down   still  nearer  to  the  earth,  and  at  length  stood  directly  over  \the  place^  ivhere  • 

10  the  sacred  infant  was.  And  when  thei/  saw  the  star,  thus  pointing  out  their  way,  and  at  lo  When  they  saw  the  star. 
length  by  its  station  over  it  markmg  the  very  house  in  which  they  were  to  find  him,  they  gJlat  joi"!'^'^  ^'  exceedmg 
rejoiced  ivith  a  transport  of  joy  [which  wasj  exceeding  great,"'  to  see  themselves  in  so 

remarkable  a  manner  under  the  dunne  direction,  and  with  such  certainty  conducted  to  the 
glorious  person  whom  tliey  came  to  seek. 

11  ylnd  when  f/iei/ were  come  into  the  houses  Vihere  Mary  was  lodged,  being  now  something  ii  And  when  they  were 
better  accommodated  than  at  the  time  of  her  delivery,  they  found  the  young  child  with  thrymmg*  dX"  w'ith^^vtoy 
Mary  his  mother ;  and  how  different  soever  this  appearance  might  be  from  \\-hat  they  had  his  mother,  and  fell  down, 
expected,"  they  were  not  at  all  offended  at  its  meanness  ;  but,  fulling  down  on  their  faces  w"ien^they"^ad  opened  their 
before  him,  they  paid  him  their  homage :    and,  as  it  was  customary  in  those  countries  to 

offer  some  present  to  any  illustrious  personage  they  came  to  visit,?  they  opened  their  trea- 

signification   of  vpocrKwetv-    It   is   a  ceremony   still   used   to  eastern  ama;;ing  thing  that  so  suspicious  and  so  artful  a  prince  as  Ilerod  should 

princes,  and  hathl)een  of  great  antiquity.     Compare  Gen.  xlii.  6.  and  put  this  important  affair  on  so  precarious  a  foot,  when  it  would  have 

xliii.  26,  28.  been  so  easy,  if  he  had  not  gone  himself,  under  pretence  of  doing  an 

e  Filled  them  with  so  much  horror.]    Besides  that  shocking  instance  honour  to  these  learned  strangers,  to  have  sent  a  guard  of  soldiers  with 

of  his  cruelty  which  he  had  formerly  given  in  the  slaughter  of  their  them,   who  might,    humanly  speaking,   without   any  difficulty,    have 

Sanhedrim,  (.loseph.  Antiq.  lih.  x'w.'rap.  9.  [al.  17.1  9  4.  and  Hi.  xv.  slaughtered  the  child  and  his  parents  on  the  spot.    Perhaps  he  might  be 

cap.  1.  i)  i.)  his  barbarous  inhumanity  was  such,  that   he  had   put  to  unwilling  to  commit  such  an  act  of  cruelty  in  the  presence  of  these  sages, 

death  his  beloved  wife  Mariamne  bv  a  public  execution,  (.'ln</?. /'A.  xvi.  lest  their  report  of  it  might  have   rendered  him  infamous  abroad;  or 

cap.  7.  [al.  11.1  ^  5.")  and  after  this"  had  caused  Alexander  and  Aristo-  rather  we  must  refer  it  to  a  sacred  infatuation,  with  which  God  can, 

bulus,  the  t%vo  sons  he  had  bv  her,  to  be  strangled   in  prison,  on  what  whenever  he  pleases,  confound  the  most  sagacious  of  mankind, 

appear  to  be  no  other  than  groundless  suspicions.    (.Anita,  lib.  xvi.  cap.  1   'Hie  .star,  or  meteor.]    1  say,  meteor,  because  no  star  could  point  out 

11.  [al.  Ifi.l  4  6.)    These  and  many  other  instances  of  his  cruelty   are  not  only  a  town,  hut  a  particular  house.     It  is  not  at  all  strange  . I ustin 

related  at  large  by  .losephus:  and  it  was  probably  about  this  very  time  Martyr  and  other  fathers  should  suppose  it  was  a  comet,  considering 

that  he  executed  many  of  the  Pharisees,  on  occasion  of  some  prediclions  how  little  astronomy  was  known  in  tlieir  days  ;  but  one  would  not  have 

they  had  given  out,  that  God  was  about  to  take  away  the  kingdom  from  imagined  Grotius  should  have  gone  so  far  as  in  the  least  to  intimate  such 

liim  :  and   likewise  slew  every  one   in  his  own  family  who  adhered  to  a  suspicion. 

those  things  that  were  said   by  the  Pharisees.  (.Antiq.  lib.  xvii.  cap.  1.  m   Fliey  rejoiced  with  a  joy  a/iic/t  was  exceeding  great. "^    The  original 

[al.  .'J.]  <)  4.)    From  whence  it  "might  be  seen  there  was  not  any  thing  so  phrase,  (;^apr\<rav  xapav  txitaXnv  atfroipa,  is  emphatical  beyond  any 

barbarous  and  horrid  which  such  a  cruel  tyrant  was  not  capable  of  thing  which  1  can  think  of  in  our  language.    They  joj/ed  a  great  joy  very 

doing.  vnuh,  though  very  bad  English,  comes  nearest  to  a  literal  version. 

f  AU  the  chief  of  the  priests.]    All  the  chief  priests  must  comprehenri  n   IVhen  they  mere  come  into  the  hovse.]    iMr.  Bedford  observes,  in  his 

here,  not  only  the  high  priest  for  the  time  being,  and  his  deputy,  witli  Chronology,  p.  740,  741.  that  it  is  not  expressly  said,  that  the  sages  came 

those  who  formerly  had  home  that  office,  but  also  the  heads  of  the  to  Bethlehem  ;  but,  from  the  series  of  the  account  that  Matthew  gives  us, 

twenty-four  courses,  as  well  as  anj'  other  persons  of  peculiar  eminence  it  seems  so  very  plain,  that  few  have  questioned  it:  and  it  is  the  less  to 

in  the  priesthood.     In  this  sense  .losephus  uses  tlie  word,  Antiq.  lib.  xx.  be  doubted,  because  if  Christ  (as  the  author  supposes)  had  been  now  at 

cap.  8.  i  8.  p.  973.  Edit.  Havercamp.  Kazareth,  he  could  hardly  have  been  canied  into  Egypt,  Avithout  pass- 

g   Where  the  Messiah  teas  to  be  horn.]    IIow  strongly  all  this  story  int' through  Herod's  dominions.     But  it  is  more  <lirticult  to  determine 

implies  a  general  expectation  of  the  Messiah,  I  need  no"t  say.     I  would  whether,  if  the  sages  found  him  at   Bethlehem,  (as  we  have  reason  to 

only  observe,  that  ifeiod  seems  to  have  believed  that  such  a  person  was  conclude  they  did,)  it  was  within  a  few  weeks  of  his  birth,  or  (as  Mr. 

foretold  ;  and,  on  the  credit  of  the  chief  priests  and  scribes,  that  he  was  Manne  supposes,  p.  41.)  about  a  year  after,  when  they  had  spent  some 

to  be  born  in  Bethlehem  ;  and  yet  was,  at  the  same  time,  contriving  to  considerable   time   at    Nazareth,    and   afterwards,   on  some  unknown 

destroy  him  ;  which  was  the   height  of  impious  madness  as  well  as  occasion,  made  a  visit  to  Bethlehem,  where  they  nmst  have  contracted 

cruelty.  some  acquaintance.    'I  he  latter  supposition  is  undoubtedly  favoured  by 

h  Art  by  no  means  the  least.]  When  this,  and  several  other  quotations  I.uke  ii.  39.  and  Matt.  ii.  Iti.  unless  we  say,  that  the  star  appeared  about 
from  the  Old  Testament  which  we  find  in  the  New,  come  to  be  com-  the  time  of  Christ's  conception.  It  also  suits  best  with  all  the  arguments 
pared  with  the  original,  and  even  with  tlie  .Septnngiiit,  it  will  plainly  brought  to  prove  that  Christ  was  bom  A.  l.'.  C.  747,  or  749,  and  that 
appear  that  the  apostles  did  not  always  think  it  necessary  exactly  to  Herod  died  A.  U.  C.  7,W,  or  751.  compared  with  the  tradition  of  the 
transcribe  the  passages  they  cited,  but  sometimes  contented  themselves  holy  family's  spending  two  years  in  Egypt.  (See  Munster  on  Matt  ii. 
with  giving  the  general  sense  in  some  little  diversity  of  language,  as  14.)  These  reasons  have  a  t'ace  of  strong  probability,  but  I  cannot  say 
Erasmus  has  well  observed  in  his  memorable  note  on  this  text.  If  the  they  entirely  convince  me  ;  and  therefore  in  the  paraphrase  I  have  de- 
clause  in  Micah,  which  we  render,  though  thou  be  little,  be  translated,  termined  nothing  either  way.  Compare  note  o  and  p,  in  the  last  sec- 
art  thou  small  among  the  thousands  of  Judah?  Ar.  it  will  solve  the  great  tion,  on  Luke  ii.  39.  p.  31,  3.5. 

difference  which  there  seems  to  be  between  the  prophet  and  the  evange-  o  From  what  they  had  expected.]    Perhaps  they  expected  this  great 

list  J  and  I  think  it  is  the  easiest  solution  of  it :  for  the  mark  of  interro-  Prince  would  have  been  horn  in  the  family  of  TIerod  :  at  least,  we  may 

gallon  is  not  always  expressed  where  the  sense  shows  it  must  be  implied,  be  sure  it  was  some  surprise  to  theni  to  find  him  accommodated  only 

See  the  Hebrew  of  Job  xli.  1,  2.  1  Kings  xxi.  7.  and  Zech.  viii.  6. — \  WVeacarpentefs  child:  but  they  wisely  considered,  that  such  miraculous 

do  not  urge  the  learned  Dr.  Pocock's  solution,  that  the  word  Tys  sig-  honours  as  the  star  gave  him,  were  far  beyond  any  external  circum- 

iiifies  both  little  and  great ;  which  seems  by  no  means  so  natural  and  stance,  and  therefore  paid  him  their  homage  as  readily  as  if  they  had 

just  an  account  of  the  matter,  though  Veil  on  this  place  prefers  it  to  all  found  him  in  the  richest  palace.    An  amiable  example  of  that  humble 

others.  ingenuous  temper,  which  fits  a  man  tor  the  reception  of  the  gospel. 

i  Got  exact  information  from  them.]    That  this  is  the  signification  of  p  Customary  in  those  countries,  to  offer  some  present  to  any  illustii- 

the   word   aKpi/SoM,  the   learned   Dr.   Scott's  note  on  this   place  hath  ous  personage  they  came  to  visit.]    '1  hat  this  was  customary  appears 

abundantly  convinced  me  ;  and  to  that  I  refer  for  the  reason  of  giving  f^rom  many  passages  of  the  Old  Testament.  (Cien.  xliii.  11,  25.   1  Sam. 

this  version  of  it  here,  and  in  ver.  16.  ix.  7,  R.  x.  27.  1  Kings  x.  2.  Psal.  Ixxii.  10.  and  Prov.  xviii.  16.)    And 

k    U  hen  you  have  found  him,  return — and  inform  me.]    It  is  really  an  Maiindrel.  Chardin,  and  many  other  modern  writers  of  the  best  credit, 


THE  FLIGHT  INTO  EGYPT.  37 

treasures,  they  presented  unto  sure.1,  which  they  had  brought  along  with  them  for  this  very  purpose,  and  presented  liini   SECT, 
him  gitts  ;  gold,  and  frankm-  ^^^^  the  choicest  produce  of  their  country,  tine  srold,  and  frankincense,  and  murrh.'i  12. 

cense,  anrj  niAirn.  *jp  ».i  ,  ti,        t  i  t»  i*^,,, 

12  And  being  warned  of      And,  after  this,  they  were  preparing  to  go  back  to  Jerusalem,  as  Herod  had  desired 

fhouid"not  retm'S  ^%erod,  them  ;  but  God,  who  knew  the  barbarous  intent  of  the  king,  interuosed  for  the  preservation  matt. 
they  departed  into  their  own  of  his  Son,  and  for  their  security  and  comfort.     So,  being  divineh/  admonis/ied  in.  a  dream,      ^'• 
country  another  way.  ^f^^^^  ^j^^y  should  not  go  back  to  Herod,  tliey  returned  into  their  own  country,  another  and 

more  direct  way,''  not  at  all  solicitous  as  to  the  consequence  of  Herod's  resentment. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  us  observe,  with  pleasure,  this  further  honour  which  God  did  to  his  only-begotten  Son,  in  ordering  a  new  Ver.  2 
star  to  appear,  as  the  signal  of  his  birth,  and  in  calling  these  illustrious  persons  from  afar,  to  pay  their  early  adora- 
tions to  him.     No  doubt  they  thought  such  a  discovery  as  brought  them  to  the  feet  of  their  infant  Saviour,^  an 
amjile  recompence  for  all  the  fatigue  and  expense  of  such  a  journey.    They  were  exceedingly  transported  when  lo 
they  saw  the  star.     So  let  us  rejoice  in  every  thing  which  may  be  a  means  of  leading  our  souls  to  Christ,  and  of 
disposing  us  to  cast  ourselves  down  before  kim  with  humility  and  resignation. 

Let  us  look  upon  this  circumstance  of  the  sacred  story  as  a  beautiful  emblem  of  that  more  glorious  state  of  the 
christian  church,  when  the  Gentiles  shall  come  to  its  light,  and  sages  and  kings  to  tiie  brightness  of  its  rising ; 
when  the  abundance  of  the  sea  shall  be  converted  to  it,  and  the  wealth  of  the  Gentiles  shall  be  consecrated  to  its 
honour.  The  multitude  of  camels  shall  cover  it,  the  dromedaries  of  Midian  and  Ephah ;  all  they  from  Sheba  stiall 
come ;  they  shall  bring  gold  and  incense,  and  they  shall  shew  forth  the  praises  of  the  Lord.     Isa.  Ix.  3,  5,  6. 

How  wonderful  was  the  honour  confen-ed  upon  so  obscure  a  town  as  Betlilehem,  when  it  was  made  thus  illus-  6 
trious  among  the  thousands  of  Judah  !     Happy  they  who  consecrate  not  only  their  gold  and  their  other  posses-  1 1 
sions,  but  also  their  souls  and  their  bodies  to  that  Great  Ruler,  whose  office  it  is  to  feed  and  govern  the  Israel  of 
God ;  under  whose  conduct  and  care  they  shall  receive  blessings  infinitely  more  valuable  than  all  the  treasures 
of  the  east  or  the  west ! 

But  oh  !  the  fatal  power  of  carnal  influence  on  the  heart !     This  engaged  Herod  to  receive  the  news  of  a  Re-  3 
deemer's  birth  with  horror;  and,  with  execrable  cruelty  and  vile  hypocrisy,  to  contrive  his  murder,  under  the 
specious  form  of  doing  him  homage.     Vain  and  self-confounding  artifice !     Let  us  rejoice  in  the  thought,  that 
there  is  no  understanding,  or  wisdom,  or  counsel  against  the  Lord ;  no  scheme  so  artfully  disguised  that  he  cannot 
penetrate  it,  or  so  politicly  formed  that  he  cannot  with  infinite  ease  confound  it. 

To  what  perplexity  and  grief  might  these  sages  have  been  brought,  had  they  been  made  even  the  innocent  1 2 
instruments  of  an  assault  on  this  Holy  Child  !     But  God  delivered  them  from  such  an  alarm,  and  happily  guided 
their  return  ;  so  that,  through  his  care  and  favour,  they  carried  home,  in  the  tidings  of  the  new-born  Messiah,  far 
richer  treasures  than  they  had  left  behind.     Thus  shall  they,  who  in  all  their  ways  acknowledge  God,  by  one 
method  or  another,  find  that  he  will  graciously  direct  their  paths. 

SECTION  XIII. 

The  flight  into  Egypt ;  the  slaughter  of  the  infants  ;  and  the  settlement  of  the  holy  family  at  Nazareth  after  Herod's  death.     Matt.  ii.  13 — S.'i. 
Matt.  ii.  13.  Matt.  ii.  13. 

■AND  when  they  were  de-  AND  after  the  retum  of  the  wise  men,  when  they  iiad  paid  their  homage  unto  Christ,  and   SECT, 
the  Lord  appeareth  to  josep'h  were  departed,  behold,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  appeareth  to  Joseph  in  a  dream,  with  a  message     13. 
in  a  dream    saying,  Arise,  from  heaven.  Saving,  Rise  up  without  any  delay,  and  take  with  thee  the  infant  and  his 


and  his'^niother,  and"ffee'^into  mother,  and  flee  directly  into  the  land  of  iEgypt,^  and  continue  there  till  I  shall  give  thee  matt. 
^Wi'h^"'i  th*  *^°"  .*''|'"*  notice  to  retum  ;  for  Herod,  alarmed  by  the  extraordinary  circumstances  which  have  lately  .  „^'- 
Herod  wiu^  seelf  the'^young  happened,*"  is  about  to  make  a  strict  search  for  the  young  child  to  destroy  him,  lest  he  in 
child  to  destroy  him.  °  time  should  )irove  a  formidable  rival  of  his  family. 

14  When  he  arose,  he  took      And  Joseph,  rising  from  his  bed,  immediately  obeyed  the  heavenly  vision  :  for  he  took  14 
mothei-'by^nicht,  and"depart-  ^''^  infant  and  his  mother  by  night,  and  withdrew,  with  as  hasty  a  flight  as  their  circum- 
ed  into  Egypt :  Stances  would  allow,  into  the  land  of  Egypt,  near  the  borders  of  which  Bethlehem  lay. 

rfi^h'^?Hr,?^^"'rh^ "•!>"''■"?.*  ^'"^  they  continued  there  till  after  the  death  of  Herod,  which  happened  not  till  several  1 5 

death  ot  Herod,  that  it  might  ii       "^/v       .   ,;    ^      /     »  i  f,,      r       li      ,i  i    .  tt        "*  .i  • 

be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken  montlis  aitcr  ;<^  that  What  was  spoken  of  the  Lord  by  the  prophet  Hosea,  on  another  occasion, 

sav'inl^So'TEgypth'rve  I  ""^''^  thus,  as  it  Were,  be  fulfilled  aiiew  ;  and  that  in  this  appointment  of  the  place  where 

calledmy  son.  Christ  should  take  up  his  abode,  there  might  appear  to  be  a  manifest  allusion  to  that  saying, 

(Hos.  xi.  1.)  "  Out  of  Egypt  have  I  called  my  Son  :"^  Christ  being  in  a  much  higher  and 

nobler  sense  the  Son  of  God  than  Israel,  of  whom  the  words  were  originally  spoken. 

assure  us,  the  custom  is  yet  retained.    See  also  jElian.  Var.  Hist.  lib.  resided  in  Egypt  would  make  their  abode  there  so  much  the  more  com- 

1.  cap.  .31,  32,  .33.  fortable. 

q  (jold,  and  frankmcense,  and  myrrh.']    This  was  a  most  seasonable  b  Alarmed    by  the  extraordinary  circumstances   which   have    lately 

providential  assistance,  to  furnish  .loseph  and   Mary  for  so  long  and  happened.]    When  the  wise  men  had  come  so  far  to  pay  their  homage  to 

expensive  a  journey  as  that  into  Egypt;  a  country  where  thev  were  a  new-born  Prince,  the  several  reports  of  what  had  lately  happened 

entirely  strangers,  and  yetweretoabide  there  for  some  considerable  time,  would,  upon  this  occasion,  be  revived,  and  the  behaviour  ot  two  such 

r  Another  and  more  direct  way.']    This  seems  to  be  intimated  in  the  celebrated  jjersons  as  Simeon  and  Anna,  on  the  presentation  of  Christ 

'^o^aavaKau^at,  which  might  perhaps  more  literally  have  been  ren-  in  the  temple,  which  might  at  first   be  only  taken  notice  of  by  a  few 

asTM,  betid  back  their  course.    Herod  in  the  mean  while  waiting  for  their  pious  persons,  would   probably  be  now  reported  to  Herod,  and  must 

return,  they  had  time  to  get  out  of  his  reach  before  his  passion  rose,  which  add  to  the  alarm  which  the  inquiry  of  the  sages  gave  him. 

might  have  been  fatal  to  them.  c  Which  happened  not  till  several  months  after.]   I  pretend  not  to  say 

*!,*.  li^    a  discoveiy— of  their  infant  Saviour.]   I  take  it  for  granted  here,  exactly  how  manv,  but  must  content  myself  with  referring  the  reader 

that  they  had  some  divine   intimation  or  human   instruction,  (which  for  the  proof  of  this  to  Sir.  Manne's  most  elaborate  and  elegant  Dis- 

Joseph  and  Mary  might  indeed  have  given  them,)  that  Christ  was  to  sertation  on  the  Birth  of  Christ,  p.  35—39.  which  advances  very  con- 

save  his  people  jrom  their  sins,  and  was  Emanuel,  God  with  us.    Surely  siderable  arguments  to  prove  that  Christ  was  born  in  the  spring,  A.  U. 

Liod  would  not  have  guided  them  in  this  extraordinary  manner,  merely  C.  74?.  Jul.  Per.  47«7.  and  that  Herod  died  about  the  Passover,  A.  U. 

to  pay  a  transient  compliment  to  .lesus.    T"i\t\T prostrations  probably  C.  750.  Jut.  Per.  4710.  probably  towards  the  end  of  March  ;  though, 

expressed  religious  adoration  as  well  as  civil  respect ;  and  it  is  not  un-  on  further  examination  1  rather  incline  to  place  the  birth  of  Christ  in 

Jikely,  that  theirreport  might  in  due  time  make  way  for  the  reception  of  September  or  October,  A.  U.  C.  749.  and  to  conclude  that  Herod  died 

the  gospel  in  the  countiy  from  whence  they  came.— And  if,  as  early  in  March,  A.  U.  C.  751.    See   Dr.   Lardner's  Credib.  part  i.  vol.  ii. 

antiquity  reports,  (Euseb.  Eccles.  Hist.  lib.  i.  cap.  13.)  and  both  Dr.  p.  796— au.  963,  ad  fin- 

t^ave  (.Lit.  Hist.  vol.  i.  p.  2.)  and  tlie  learned  Dr.  Grabe  iSpicileg.  d  Out  of  Egypt  have  I  called  my  Son.]  It  is  well  known  that,  from 
Patr.  vol.  1.  p  1 — 6.)  seem  to  think,  some  messages  of  extraordinary  the  time  of  Julian  at  least,  the  enemies  of  Christianity  have  been  cavil- 
respect  were  afterwards  sent  from  Abgarus,  king  of  Edessa  in  Arabia,  ling  at  the  application  here  made  of  a  prophecy  to  Christ,  which,  in  its 
to  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  (which  might  be  fact,  tliough  the  letters  now  original  sense,  seems  to  belong  to  the  people  of  Israel.  Learned  men 
r?i?'"'°°  should  be  supposed  spurious,")  it  is  very  possible,  the  report  have  laboured  with  great  solicitude  to  prove  it  literally  applicable  to 
Oynese  sages,  preserved  liy  tradition,  (if  they  were  then  dead,)  might  Christ.  Mr.  Pierce's  hypothesis,  (in  his  Dissertation  on  this  text,  added 
ana  weight  to  that  of  Christ's  miracles  about  thirty  years  after,  and  to  his  paraphrase  on  Philippians,  p.  103,  108.)  that  the  prophet  is  pur- 
aispose  that  prince  to  take  the  greater  notice  of  him.  suing  two  subjects  together,  and  alternately  treating  of  each,  which 

a  tiee  into  the    land   of   Egypt.]    This  circumstance  doth  not  at  all  must  therefore  be  read  interchangeably,  one  part  referring  to  the  people 

agree  with  the  conjecture  of  Grotius,  that  this  vision  might  appear  after  of  Israel,  and   the  other  to  Christ,  (as  if  it  were  designed  by  God, 

ineir  return  to  Nazareth;  for  tlien  (as  Le  Clerc  justly  observes)  it  is  that   the  prophecy  of   Christ's  being   called  out  of  Egypt  should  be 

much  more  probable  that  they  would  have  been  ordered  to  flee   into  obscured  by  such  a  method, J  appears  indeed  to  be  very  ingenious:  but 

u'      tu    *^  much  nearer  lo  Nazareth  than  Egypt;  to  which  they  I  fear,  if  such  liberties  were  to  be  allowed,  it  would  render  the  Scrip- 

couia   not  have  passed  from  thence,  without  going  through  the  very  ture  the  most  uncertain  book  in  the  world,— Bishop  Chandler  (in  his 

neart  ot  Herod  s  dominions,  unless  they  had  taken  a  very  large  circuit.  Defence  of  Christianity,  p.  294.)  supposes  that  calling  out  of  Egypt  is  a 

wim  great  expense  and  danger. — The  great  number  o"f  Jews   which  proverbial  expression  for  being  delivered  from  imminent  danger;  which 


38  THE  MASSACRE  OF  THE  INFANTS  IN  BETHLEHEM. 

SECT.        Then  Herod,  seeing  that  he  was  deluded,^  and  that  a  great  affront  (as  he  imagined)  was     16  Then  llerod,  when  he 

13.     designed  him  hr/  the^sages,  as  there  was  now  no  further  prospect  of  their  returning  to  him,  thrwise*men7was^'e°xc'eedin" 

— —  was  exceedivgly  enraged ;  and,  in  order  to  make  the  destruction  of  this  xmknown  infant  as  wroth,  and  sent  forth,  an3 

MATT,  sure  as  possible,  he  sent  forth  a  band  of  murderers,  and  inhumanly  slew  all  the  inale  chil-  fn'^ge'thkhem!  mid"in''al7thl 

■^^-      dren^  that  were  in  Bethlehem,  and  in  all  the  confines  of  it,  from  their  entrance  upon  the  coasts  thereof,' from  two  years 

^"  second  year,?  and  under ;  as  that,  according  to  the  time  of  xvfiich  he  had  got  exact  infonna^  °he  tfme"wMch  h?°hfd"iil^ 

tionfrom  the  sages,  must  include  all  that  were  born  there  since  the  appearance  of  the  star,  jiently  inquired  of  the  wise 

17  And  then,  as  this  cruel  execution  extended  itself  to  the  neighbouring  places,  and  in  par-  "'17  Then  was  fulfilled  that 
ticular  to  Ramah,  a  towTi  of  Benjamin,  which  lay  near  Bethlehem,  that  remarkable  saying  which  was  spoken  by  Jeremy 
was  {urthev  fulfilled,  which  was  spoken  bi/  Jeremiah  the  prophet,  (Jer.  xxxi.  15.)  for  this  was  t^e  prophet,  saymg, 
plainly  an  event,  to  which  those  words  might  be  applied  with  more  literal  propriety  than 

to  the  captivity  of  the  Jews  in  the  time  of  Nebuchadnezzai-,  which  they  were  originally  in- 

18  tended  to  describe,h  when  they  were  first  delivered  by  the  prophet,  sat/ing,  "  In  Kamah 

there  was  a  most  doleful  voice  heard,  lamentation,  and  weeping,  and  ahumant  mou7'ning,  I8  In  Rama  was  there  a 
as  if  Rachel,  that  tender  mother,  who  was  buried  near  this  place,'  had  risen  out  of  her  ^i°e'epin"^and^eat'^mo^^*^ 
grave,  and  was  bewailing  her  lost  children,  and  refusing  to  be  comforted,  because  then  are  if?.  Kachei  weeping  for  her 
„,„i  ')  •  .1  J  children,  and  would  not  be 

*  n        -L         r  T  ■  7         T7-        7  7      7  11  1  1.1-  ,  •  comforted,  because  they  aie 

19  But  alter  this,  when  tierod  was  dead,^  and  an  end  put  to  all  his  cruelties,  behold,  not. 

(in  angel  of  the  Lord  again  appeareth  in  a  dream  to  Joseph,  while  he  continued  to  sojourn  dead.^beholdj^n  Mgel^of^L^ 

20  ill  Egi/pt,  Saying,  The  way  is  now  prepared  for  thy  return  from  hence,  and  I  am  sent  ac-  Lord'  appeareth  in  °a  dream 
cording  to  the  intimation  that  was  given  thee  before,  to  bring  thee  notice  of  it ;  and  there-  '"c^o'llaying.^Anse,  and  take 
fore  now  arise,  and  take  the  infant  and  his  mother,  and  go  back  to  thine  own  abode  in  the  "'<*  young"  child  'and  his 
land  of  Israel;  for  thou  mayst  safely  do  it,  since  they  "aix  dead  who  sought  to  destroy  the  of°israef  f  for°they°ar(f  dead 

young  child's  life.^  ^V,*'}'^'?     sought     the     young 

21  And  Joseph  had  no  sooner  heard  the  message  that  was  brought  him  by  the  angel,  but  *^  ci'lnd'^he  arose,  and  took 
he  immediately  arose,  and,  cheerfully  confiding  in  the  divine  protection,  took  the  young  "^*  i,-^°"°^h  *^'^'''*'  ^^'^  "h* 
child  and  his  mother,  according  to  the  command  he  had  received,  and  came  into  the  fund  of  landof'lswel.'^'"^^  '"'°  *  ^ 

22  Israel.  But  when,  upon  his  coming  to  the  borders  of  it,  he  heard  that  Archelaus  j-eigned  ^fll"*  ^Ith"  ^^  '""■^'^'i  *'i^' 
over  Judea,  in  the  room  of  his  father  Herod,  knowing  him  to  be  the  heir  of  his  crueltyjm  in'^h'e^'room  cff  ^his"  faUier 
as  well  as  of  his  kingdom,  he  was  afraid  logo  thither  to  settle,  or  so  much  as  to  take  it  in  'ilfl*"^'.  ''*t^*'?h  f'^^}^  '"£*' 
his  way;  bid,  being  again  divinely  admonis/ied  in  a  dream,  he  withdreiv  into  the  region  ()/' ingwIr'nedofOodlna'dreami 
Galilee,  which  was  under  the  government  of  Herod  Antipas,  °  a  prince  of  a  milder  cha-  „!  Gaiif^  ^^^^^  '°*°  ^"^  ^"^^^ 
racter,  and  who  was  then  on  such  hostile  terms  with  Archelaus,  that  there  was  no  dan- 

23  ger  of  his  giving  them  up  to  him.  And  he  went  and  dwelt  in  a  little  citi/,  on  the  confines  23  And  he  came  and  dwelt 
of  Zabulon  and  Issachar,  which  was  called  Nazareth,  where  he  had  formerly  resided  before  "*  ^  "*^  '^''"^''  ^*^^**''  ■ 
he  went  to  Bethlehem  ;  and  being  thus  returned  to  his  own  city,  Jesus  was  there  brought 

np  and  educated  in  a  place  so  very  contemptible  among  the  Jews,  that  it  was  grown  into 

might  have  been  said  to  have  its  accomplishment  in  Christ's  escape,  moved  ;  and  as  his  cruelty  extended  even  to  those  who  had  entered  on 
though  he  had  lied  into  .Syria,  Arabia,  or  any  other  country  :  but,  with  the  second  year,  which  is  expressly  said  to  be  according  to  the  time  of 
all  due  deference  to  so  great  a  name,  I  must  observe,  that  neither  Isa.  which  he  had  got  exact  information  from  the  sages,  it  must  be  natural  to 
X.  26.  Deut.  xxviii.  68.  or  Zech.  x.  11.  seem  sufficient  to  prove  the  use  conclude  from  hence,  that  it  was  not  till  some  considerable  time  after 
of  such  a  phrase ;  and  I  apprehend  that  if  the  use  of  such  a  proverb  the  liirtli  of  Christ  that  he  was  visited  by  the  wise  men,  even  though  we 
were  proved,  the  passage  before  us  would  still  seem  a  plainer  reference  should  allow  the  first  appearance  of  the  star  to  have  been  (iis  some  sup- 
to  Hos.  xi.  1 .  than  to  such  a  general  form  of  speech  ;  so  that  the .  diffi-  pose)  about  the  time  of  Christ's  conception.  Compare  note  n,  on  Watt.  li. 
culty  would  still  remain. —  I  once  thought  the  words  in2n>»l  "JNiC  11-  P-  ."ifi. —  For  the  version  of  aKpi/Sow,  see  note  i,  on  ver.  7.  p.  .36. 
"P?3  '!)  might  be  rendered  and  paraphrased  after  this  manner  :  "  T/ioiiff/i  h  Which  they  were  originally  intended  to  describe.]  It  is  very  evident 
Israrl  he  a  child,  that  is,  wayward  and  troublesome  like  a  little  infant,  from  the  following  clause,  (ler.  xxxi.  I7.)  Thy  childreyi  shall  come 
vet  I  have  loved  him,  and,  in  token  of  my  tenderness  to  him,  Tuilt  call  again  to  tlitir  own  harder,  that  these  lamented  persons  were  not  slain, 
[lesus]  mp  Sun  ovt  of  Kpj/pt ;  having  there  preserved  hiin  from  the  hut  tarried  into  captivity  ;  and  it  is  well  known,  that  Kamah  was  the 
dangers  which  threatened  his  infancy,  that  he  may  at  Icnulh  accom-  place  where  thev  were  assembled  to  be  led  away  to  Babylon.  (Jer.  xl. 
plish  my  great  intended  salvation."  I  still  think  that  this  conjecture  1.)  .So  that  it  is  certain,  this  can  only  he  an  allusion,  as  it  is  inti- 
deserves  some  consideration,  as  much  more  probable  than  any  other  mated  in  the  paraphrase.  And  I  look  upon  this  as  a  sure  argument, 
solution  of  this  kind  I  have  ever  met  with. —  But,  on  the  whole,  especi-  that  a  passage  in  Scripture,  whether  prophetical,  historical,  or  poetical, 
ally  considering  the  context.  I  choose  to  take  them,  as  Grotius,  Ilein-  may,  in  the  langua^'e  of  the  New  lestamcnt,  be  said  to  be  fulfilled, 
sius,  and  manj- of  the  best  critics  do,  for  a  mere  allusion  ;  and  the  rather,  when  an  event  happens  to  which  it  may  with  ereat  propriety  be  ac- 
as  I  am  tully  convinced  that  the  next  quotation,  in  ver.  17.  must  neces-  commodated.  See  Dr.  Sykes  on  tlie  Truth  of  Christianity,  chap.  xiii. 
sarily  be  taken  in  this  sense.  p.  £17,  et  seg. 

e  Seeing  that  lie  teas  deluded.]  The  word  evenaixOn,  which  properly  i  liachel,  who  was  buried  near  this  place.]  See  Gen.  xxxv.  19.  and 
signifies  to  be  played  with,  well  expresses  the  view  in  which  the  pride    1  Sam.  x.  C. 

ot  Ilerod  taught  him  to  regard  this  action,  as  if  it  were  intended  to  k  M  hen  llerod  was  dead.]  It  is  well  worth  while  to  read  the  particu- 
expose  him  to  the  derision  of  his  subjects,  and  to  treat  him  as  a  child,  lar  and  aftectins  account  which  Josephus  has  given  of  the  terrible  death 
'■"J."^,''  than  a  prince  of  so  great  experience  and  renown.  of  this  inhuman  tyrant,  whom  God  so  remarkably  made  n  terror  to  him- 

t  Sent  Jorth  a  band  of  murderers,  and  slew  all  the  male  children.]  A  'el/,  as  well  as  to  all  about  him.  (See  Joseph.  /Intit/.  lih.  xvii.  cap.  6. 
very  ingenious  and  learned  friend  of  mine  has  attempted  to  account  for  [al.  8.]  (,  5.  and  Bell.  Jvd.  lih.  1.  cap.  %%.  [at.  21.]  <!  5,  6,  7.)  Eusebius 
Josephus  .s  silence  as  to  this  remarkable  fact,  by  a  conjecture,  that  thought  it  so  great  an  illustration  of  the  gospel-history,  that  he  has  in- 
instead  ot  sending  forth  fas  it  was  in  the  first  edition)  a  detachment  of  serteii  it  at  larsre,  (Arc/.  Hist.  lih.  1.  cap.  8.)  with  a  degree  of  exactness, 
soldiers  (of  which,  he  justly  urges,  nothing  is  expressly  said  in  the  text,)  which  joins  with  many  other  instances  of  the  like  nature,  to  show  lis  how 
he  might  only  send  private  orders  to  have  the  children  taken  ofl  as  cheerfully  we  may  depend  upon  the  many  invaluable  extracts  from  a 
secretly  as  possible ;  so  that  it  might  not  make  any  public  noise,  and  multitude  of  ancient  books  now  lost,  which  he  has  given  us  both  in  his 
corne  to  the  notice  ot  the  Jewish  historian.  But,  in  answer  to  this,  (not  Ecclesiastical  History  and  in  his  other  writings,  especially  in  his  Prepa- 
to  insist  upon  the  argument  from  Macrobius,  Saturnal.  lih.  ii.  cap.  4.    ratio  Evangelica. 

that  the  emperor  Augustus  had  heard  of  it  at  Rome,)  I  would  observe,  i  They  are  dead  wlio  sovght  to  destroy  the  young  child's  life.]  It  is  a 
that  It  IS  certain  nothing  ot  such  priiafj/ in  the  despatch  of  these  children  ver>'  inaenious  conjecture  of  Mr.  Manne,  that  Antipater,  the  son  of 
can  be  interred  from  the  word  avcXeiv,  since  it  is  also  used  to  express  Herod,  who  at  the  time  when  Christ  was  bom  was  heir  apparent  to  his 
ttie  crucifixion  of  our  Lord,  (Acts  ii.  2.3.  x.  39.)  the  stoning  of  Stephen,  cjown,  and  was  a  prince  so  cruel  and  ambitious,  that  he  had  procured 
11  u^'i""  ""•■'  """..the  beheading  of  James  the  apostle,  (Acts  xii.  2.)  the  death  of  his  two  elder  brothers,  to  clear  his  way  to  the  succession, 
all  which  were  public  executions ;  as  well  as  the  intended  assassination  would  very  probably  be  an  active  counsellor  and  instrument  in  seeking 
ot  Paul  by  a  band  of  anned  men.  Acts  xxiii.  15.  And  if  it  be  con-  the  destruction  of  the  new-born  Jesus,  and  in  advising  to  the  slaughter 
sidered,  on  the  one  hand,  how  difficult  it  is  privately  to  murder  children  of  the  infants.  And,  as  this  Antipater  died  but  five  davs  before  Herod, 
uiider  two  years  old,  as  they  are  hardly  ever  left  alone  :  and  on  the  both  might  be  referred  to  in  these  words  of  the  aneel,  fhey  are  dead,  &c. 
other,  how  111  such  a  cautious  and  uncertain  procedure  would  have  See  Manne's  Dissert,  p.  74,  7.5.  and  compare  Joseph.  Antiij.  Jvd.  lih. 
agreed  with  the  furious  disposition  of  Herod,  and  the  haughty  rage  in  xvi.  cap.  8.  [al.  11.]  ^  4.  lih.  xvii.  cap.  1,  &  8.  [al.  10.]  }  1.  Edit.  Haver- 
which  these  orders  were  given,  I  believe  few  will  incline  to  this  hypo-    camp. 

T?*?il!'';r'^^  tor  the  silence  of  Josephus,  it  is  to  be  considered,  that  m  The  heir  of  his  cruelty.]  Archelaus,  in  the  very  beginning  of  his 
Kethlehem  was  but  a  small  place  ;  and  therefore,  in  a  reign  of  so  much  reign,  massacred  three  thousand  Jews  at  once  in  the  temple,  and  was 
cruelty,  the  slaughter  ot  its  infants  might  not  be  taken  very  much  afterwards  banished,  in  the  tenth  year  of  his  government,  to  Vienna  in 
notice  ot.  .Josephus  was  not  old  enough  to  remember  it  himself:  and  it  Gaul,  by  Au.t'ustus,  on  a  complaint  brought  against  him  by  the  chief  of 
he  did  not  hnd  it  in  the  memoirs  of  Nicholas  of  Damascus,  (that  Hat-  the  Jews  for  his  various  cruelties.  See  Joseph.  Jnliq.  lib.  xvii.  cap.  9. 
tering  historian,  of  whom  we  know  he  made  great  use  in  compiling  the  [al.  11.]  5  3.  p.  851.  and  cap.  13.  [al.  15.]  «  2.  p.  866. 
lite  of  Herod,  (he  might  be  unwilling  to  introduce  it,  even  if  he  were  n  GaWce,— under  the  government  of  Herod  Antipas.]  Herod  the 
particularly  acquainted  with  it;  lest  the  occasion  might  have  led  him  Great  divided  his  dominions  by  his  last  will,  appointing  Archelaus  to 
to  tnention  what,  generally  at  least,  he  is  solicitous  to  decline,  I  mean  succeed  him  as  king  of  Judea,  Herod  Antipas  to  be  tetrarch  of  Galilee 
christian  aftairs.  On  the  whole,  if  we  compare  contemporary  historians  and  Pera;a,  and  Philip  to  be  tetrarch  of  1  rachonitis  and  the  neighbour- 
ot  every  age,  w-e  shall  hnd  some  material  fact  or  another  omitted  by  each  ing  countries  (Joseph.  Antiq.  lib.  xvii.  cap.  8.  [al.  11.]  5  1.)  Butllerod 
ot  them  ;  yet  that  silence  ot  one  is  never  urged  as  an  argument  against  Antipas  endeavoured  to  supplant  his  brother  Archelaus,  when  applica- 
admitting  the  express  testimony  ot  the  rest.  See  Dr.  Lardner's  Credib.  tion  was  made  to  the  Romans  to  confirm  the  will,  and  went  to  Rome 
part  I.  vol.  n.  book  11.  chap.  11.  sect.  1.  p.  746,  et  seq.  witha  view  of  obtaining  the  kinffdom,  (which  was  left  to  him  in  a  former 

g  irom  their  entrance  upon  the  second  year.]  The  reasons  which  de-  will,)  in  which  he  was  supported  by  the  interest  of  the  whole  family,  who 
termmed  me  to  render  otto  ^ietoit  thus,  may  be  seen  in  Sir  Norton  hated  Archelaus,  and  thought  his  brother  to  be  far  more  worthy  of  the 
Knatchbull  s  excellent  note  on  this  place.  It  is  probable  that  Herod,  kingdom  ;  and,  though  he  did  not  carry  his  point,  the  attempt  was  such 
in  his  passion,  ordered  the  slaughter  ot  the  infants  as  soon  as  he  per-  as  could  not  but  widen  the  breach  there  was  before  between  them,  and 
ceived  that  he  was  disappointed  in  his  expectation  ot  the  return  of  the  left  no  room  for  any  future  correspondence.  See  Joseph.  Antiq.  lih.  xvii. 
wi.sc  men,  lest  otherwise  the  child  he  was  so  jealous  of  might  be  re-    cop.  '>.  [al  11  ]  H  and  cap.  11   [al    13  ]  ^  4 


JESUS  GOES  UP  TO  THE  PASSOVER  AT  JERUSALEM.  39 

tiiat  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  a  proverb  with  tliem.  That  no  good  thing  could  be  expected  from  thence;  (John  i.  46.   SECT. 
ii'^-f'Ti'b"  ^fledajfl^S-ra*!'  '^"-  ^'^■)  **^  ^^^^  %  *'^  ^  way  was  further  opened  by  the  providence  of  God,  that  it  might     13. 
"*'*     **^  ^  'be  fill  filled,  what  had  been  spoken  in  effect  bi/  many  of  the  prophets,  "  He  shall  be  culled  a 

Nazdrmm,""  that  is,  he  shall  appear  in  mean  and  despicable  circumstances,  and  be  treated  matt. 

as  the  mark  of  public  contempt  and  reproach.  H- 

IMPROVEMENT. 

What  is  our  fallen  nature,  that  it  can  be  capable  of  such  enormities  as  we  have  now  been  surveying?  or  what  Ver.  16 
imaginable  cu-cumstances  of  grandeur  and  power  can  free  the  mind  of  an  ambitious  creature  from  servitude  and 
misery  ?  Who  can  behold  Herod  under  the  agitation  of  such  a  barbarous  rage,  and  not  see  the  vanity  even  of 
royal  dignity,  when  the  man  that  sways  the  sceptre  over  others,  hath  no  rule  over  his  own  spirit '!  Surely  none  of 
the  innocent  victims  of  Herod's  wrath  felt  so  much  from  the  sword  of  their  barbarous  murderers,  as  the  guilty 
mind  of  the  tyrant  from  its  own  unnatural  transports. 

Tlie  indignation  which  arises  in  our  minds  on  the  view  of  so  much  wickedness,  finds  a  secret  satisfaction  in  this 
thought.  But  how  grievous  is  it  to  reflect  on  what  the  parents  of  these  poor  babes  felt,  while  the  sword  that  18 
murdered  their  children  in  their  very  sight,  pierced  tlirough  their  own  bowels  !  Happy,  in  comparison  with  these, 
were  the  wombs  that  never  bare,  and  the  paps  that  never  gave  suck  !  Let  parents  remember,  how  soon  their  dearest 
hopes  may  be  turned  into  lamentation,  and  learn  to  moderate  their  expectation  from  their  infant  offspring,  and 
check  too  fond  a  delight  in  them. 

Let  us  all  learn  to  be  very  thankful,  that  we  are  not  under  the  arbitrary  power  of  a  tyrant,  whose  sallies  of 
distracted  fury  might  spread  desolation  through  houses  and  provinces.  Let  us  not  say,  Where  was  the  great 
Regent  of  the  universe,  when  such  a  horrible  butchery  was  transacted  ?  His  all-wise  counsels  knew  how  to  bring 
good  out  of  all  the  evil  of  it.  The  agony  of  a  few  moments  transmitted  these  oppressed  innocents  to  peace  and 
joy ;  while  the  impotent  rage  of  Herod  only  heaped  on  his  own  head  guilt,  infamy,  and  horror.  He  conceived 
mischief,  and  he  brought  forth  vaiiity,  (Job  xv.  35.)  and  while  he  studied  to  prevent  the  establishment  of  the 
Messiah's  kingdom,  and  set  himself  with  impious  rage  against  the  Lord,  and  against  his  Anointed,  He  that  sittetli. 
in  the  heavens  did  laugh,  yea,  the  Lord  had  him  in  derision.  (Psal.  ii.  2,  4.)  That  God,  who  discerns  every  secret 
purpose  of  his  enemies,  and  foresees  every  intended  assault,  knows  how,  whenever  he  pleases,  by  a  thought,  by  a 
dream,  to  baffle  it. 

The  preservation  of  the  holy  child  Jesus  in  Egypt  may  be  considered  as  a  figure  of  God's  care  over  his  church  13 
in  its  greatest  danger.     God  dotli  not  often,  as  he  easily  could,  strike  their  persecutors  with  immediate  destraction  ; 
but  he  provides  a  hiding-place  for  his  people,  and,  by  methods  not  less  effectual  though  less  pompous,  preserves 
his  chosen  seed  from  being  swept  away,  even  when  the  enemy  comes  in  like  a  flood. 

Egypt,  that  was  once  the  seat  of  persecution  and  oppression  to  the  Israel  of  God,  is  now  a  refuge  to  his  Son :  14,  15 
and  thus  all  places  will  be  to  us  what  divine  Providence  will  be  pleased  to  make  them.    When,  like  Joseph  and 
Mary,  we  are  cut  off  from  the  worship  of  his  temple,  and  perhaps  removed  into  a  strange  land,  he  can  be  a  little 
sanctuary  to  us,  and  give  us,  in  his  gracious  presence,  a  rich  equivalent  for  all  that  we  have  lost. 

They  continued  here,  till  he  gave  the  signal  for  their  departure.     Let  us,  in  like  manner,  remember  that  it  is  19 
God's  part  to  direct,  and  ours  to  obey ;  nor  can  we  be  out  of  the  way  of  safety  and  of  comfort,  while  we  are 
following  his  directions,  and  steering  our  course  by  the  intimations  of  his  pleasure  ! 

Jesus  survived  his  persecutors,  and  returned  into  the  land  of  Lsrael  again ;  but  such  was  his  condescension,  20 
that  he  abode  at  Nazareth,  which  seems  to  have  been  allotted  him  as  the  most  humble  station.    Let  us  never  be  23 
unwilling  to  bear  reproach  for  him,  who  from  his  infancy  endured  it  for  us ;  nor  take  offence  at  the  meanness  of 
his  condition,  whose  removes  were  directed  by  angelic  messengers,  as  immediate  envoys  from  the  God  of  heaven  ! 

SECTION  XIV. 

Jesus,  at  the  age  of  twelve  years,  comes  up  to  the  passover  at  Jerusalem,  and  there  discourses  with  the  doctors  in  the  temple.   Lukeii.  40,  to  the  end. 

Luke  ii.  40.  I^UKE  ii.  40. 

AND  the  child  grew,  and  AND  the  child  Jesus,  being  returned  to  Nazareth,  was  educated  in  that  city,  under  the   sect. 
wfth'tisdom  •'ani't'he  grice  ^arc  of  Joseph  and  his  mother,  and  there  grew  up  and  became  strong  in  spirit,  discovering     14. 
of  God  was  upon  him.  early  marks  of  a  sublime  and  heavenly  genius,  and  visibly  appearing  to  be  filled  with  an 


uncommon  portion  and  degree  of  wisdom  ;  and  it  was  plainly  to  be  seen,  that  the  grace  of  luke 
God  loas  eminently  upon  him ;  so  that  he  made  an  extraordinary  progress  in  knowledge      H- 
and  piety  betimes,  and  was  thus  looked  upon  as  a  distinguished  favourite  of  Heaven.  ^^ 
(Compare  Judg.  xiii.  24,  25.) 

41  Now  his  parents  went  to      Now  his  pious  parents  went  yearly  to  Jerusalem  at  the  feast  of  the  passover ;  as  it  was  41 
ivcI^rofX^p^oTO?"^  *'  "'^  usual  for  those  families  to  do  that  were  remarkably  religious,  though  only  the  adult  males 

were  by  the  law  obliged  to  appear  before  the  Lord  on  this  occasion.  (Compare  1  Sam.  i. 

42  And  when  he  was  twelve  3,  7,  21.;     And  when  he  was  twelve  years  old,  and  so,  according  to  the  Jewish  maxims,  42 
JeruLrem  atto  The 'cultom  Came  under  the  yoke  of  the  law,«  his  parents,  when  they  ivent  up  to  Jermaletn,  according 

of  the  feast.  to  the  usual  custom  of  the  feast,  thought  it  proper  to  take  him  vnth  them,  to  celebrate  that 

glorious  deliverance,  which  God  had  so  many  ages  ago  wrought  for  his  people  when  he 
brought  them  out  of  Egypt,  the  memory  of  which  was  carefully  to  be  transmitted  to  every 
succeeding  generation.  (Compare  Exod.  xii.  26,  27.) 

43  And  when  they  had  ful-      And  when  they  had  finished  all  the  religious  solemnities  to  be  observed  in  the  days  of  43 
t^ld*'the'dHUlJ?su's^?^ried  uulcavened  hxeiA,  and' were  returning  home,  the  child  Jesus,  charmed  with  the  sacred  enter- 
behind'  in  Jerusalem ;  and  taiumcuts  of  the  temple,  and  eagerly  desirous  of  improving  in  the  knowledge  of  his 
Josepii.and  his  mother  knew  father's  law,  staid  behind  them  in  Jerusalem ;  and  neither  Joseph  nor  his  mother  were 

44  But  they,  supposing  him  aware  [of  it.}     But  though  they  saw  he  was  not  with  them,  yet,  knowing  his  sociable  44 
wenf  a  'day's'°jouraey  ^''aifd  temper,  'they  Supposed  he  was  somewhere  in  the  company  (as  several  families  travelled 
they  sought  him  among'  tAeir  together  on  such  occasions)  :  And  they  went  a  whole  day's  journey  before  they  missed  him ; 
kinsfolk  and  acquaintance.      ^^^  ^^^^^  ^^  ^\^q  evening,  they  sought  for  him  amongst  their  kindred  and  acquaintance,  who 

were  their  companions  in  the  journey,  and  with  whom  they  had  concluded  he  had  been. 

o  He  shall  be  called  a  Nasar&an.']    If  the  solution  given  in  the  para-  was  foretold  by  David,  Psal.  xxii.  6,  et  seq.  Ixix.  9.  by  Isaiah,  chap.  lii. 

phrase  be  not  allowed,  I  must  acquiesce  in  Chrysostom's  opinion,  that  and  liii.  and  by  Zechariah,  chap.  xi.  12,  13. 

the  passage  referred  to  is  lost :  for  it  is  very  unnatural  to  explain  this  a  Came  under  the  yoke  of  the  law.]    Though  I  arn  not  satistied  ot  tlie 

text  by   Samson's  being  appointed  a  Nazarite,   Judg.   xiii.  5.  or  the  truth  of  Grotius's  assertion,  that  the  Jewish  children  under  this  age 

Messiah's  being  spoken  of  as   Netzer,  the  branch,  Isa.   xi.   1.  or  to  were  called  Q'312p,  or  little  ones,  and  afterwards  p'^y3,  or  children 

account  for  it  with  Witsius,  by  God's  being  called  Notzer,  the  preserver  (since  it  is  certain  that  the  word  15?:  is  otten  used  for  those  uncler  that 

nfmen.  Job  vii.  20.  (See  Wits.  Meletem.  Diss.  ^  16.)    The  joint  sense  age  ;  see  1  Sam.  i.  24.  Judg.  xiii.  24.  and   Hos.  xi.  j.  .3.)  yet  1  tninK 

ot  many  scriptures  is  thus  referred  to,  John  vii.  38.  and  James  iv.  5.  the  fact  asserted  in   the  jiaraphrase  is  generally  allowed  by  learnert 

And  that  the  Messiah  should  be  treated  in  a  very  contemptuous  manner,  men.   See  Wotton's  Miscel.  vol.  i.  p.  320.  and  Lightt.  l±or.  HeD.  m  toe. 


40  JESUS  REMAINS  AFTER  HIS  PARENTS  AT  JERUSALEM. 

SECT.  And,  not  finding  him  with  them,  they  returned  immediately,  and  came  hack  to  Jerusalem,    .45  And  when  they  found 
14.     seeking  him  eveiy  where  with  great  concern,  and  ready  to  suspect  that  some  hostile  assault  a"am°to  jeru^aWm'^seek?n» 


•  might  have  been  made  upon  him.  htm. 

LUKE       And,  three  dai/s  after  their  setting  out,''  they  found  him  in  an  apartment  of  the  temple,     46  And  it  came  to  pass, 
^^46  ^^^''^  ^^^  teachers 'of  the  law  used  to  lecture  upon  it  to  the  people ;  and  where  young  found'^^h[m*^'i^th*e''^teInpfi' 
persons  in  particular  were  examined,  and  had  a  liberty  to  ask  what  questions  they  thought  sitting  in  the  midst  of  the 
proper,  for  their  further  information."    Here  was  Jesus  sitting  in  the  midst  of  the  doctors,  and  a?king°them  qu^Uon's*.'"' 
whose  profession  it  was  to  teach  on  these  occasions ;  for  he  had  placed  himself  among 
others  at  their  feet,d  and  was,  with  all  possible  diligence,  both  attending  to  them,  and 
asking  them  such  questions  as  he  judged  proper,  for  the  further  illustration  of  what  they 
said. 

47  And  all  who  heard  him,  considering  the  tenderness  of  his  age,  were  in  a  perfect  transport  47  And  all  that  heard  him 
of  admiration^  at  his  understanding,  and  at  the  penetration  which  he  showed,  both  in  the  Jundi^g'and'^auswers^  ""''"^' 
questions  he  put  to  them,  and  also  in  the  answers  he  returned  to  what  they  asked  him. 

48  A7id  when  he  was  discovered  by  his  parents,  and  they  saw  him  thus  employed,  they  48  Andwhentheysawhim, 
likewise  ivere  struck  luith  wonder  ;  and  his  mother  said  unto  him,  Oh  my  .son,  lohy  hast  thou  mofhe7'said^"unto'^him"'son* 
dealt  thus  ivith  us  1  behold,  this  is  now  the  third  day  that  thy  father  and  I  have  sought  thee,  why  hastthou  thus  dealt  witli 
from  place  to  place,  with  inexpressible  anxiety  and  distress."  have''s'ol?.^htthee*i'ii^owfns'.  ^ 

49  And  he  said  unto  them.  What  is  the  cause  that  you  have  sought  me  with  so  much  concern  ?  49  And  he  said  unto  thein, 
and  why  is  it  you  were  at  such  a  loss  where  you  should  find  me?  Did  ye  not  know  that  wi°ryl'norti?aVl"mu'srbe' 
I  ought  to  be  at  my  Father-' s'f^  and  that  wherever  I  was,  I  should  be  so  employed  in  his  about  my  father's  business.' 

50  service  as  to  be  secure  of  his  protection  ?  And  they  did  7iot  perfectly  understand  the  ivords  so  And  they  understood  not 
ivhich  he  spake  unto  them  upon  this  occasion,?  as  being  expressed  in  something  of  a  con-  Jllfto^therii!  ^''"^'^  ^^  ^^^'"^ 
cise  and  ambiguous  manner. 

51  And  he  went  down  into  the  countrj'  with  them,  and  came  to  Nazareth ;  and  there  he  did  5i  And  he  went  down  with 
not  assume  any  air  of  superiority  on  account  of  the  extraordinary  applause  he  had  met  aJfd"wl^'subjert*unto^th™m'' 
with  from  the  people  who  had  heard  him  in  the  temple,  but  still  continued  subject  to  his  but  his  mother  kept  all  these 
parents,  and  respectful  to  them,  as  a  most  dutiful  and  obedient  child.     And  his  inother  ^^^'""^ '"  ^-^^  ^^^^*- 

kept  all  these  sayings  and  occurrences  in  her  heart,  and  often  reflected  very  seriously  upon 
them. 

52  And  Jesus  advanced  considerably  in  ivisdom,  as  well  as  in  age  and  statui-e,^  and  grew  52  And  .Tesus  increased  in 
proijortionably  in  favour  both  with  God  and  men ;  his  behaviour  being  not  only  remark-  ?  !f'',?"Lf,u''f-!!5'"!!^' ^""^  "* 

'1,1        ...        •',      •'         1  ,  111--  ic-        11^  irr-  n  tavouf  With  LfOd  and  man. 

ably  religious,  but  so  benevolent  and  obiigmg,  as  to  gam  the  friendship  and  anection  or 
all  that  were  about  him. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

\^er.41      Let  us,  who  are  heads  of  families,  take  occasion,  from  the  story  before  us,  to  renew  our  resolutions,  that  we  and 

42  our  house  will  serve  the  I^ord ;  and  remember,  that  it  is  a  part  of  our  duty,  not  only  to  God  but  to  our  domestics, 
to  engage  them  with  us  in  his  pul^lic  worship ;  the  pleasure  of  which  will  surely  be  increased  when  we  see  them, 
and  especially  our  dear  children,  joining  with  us  in  attendance  on  our  great  common  Father. 

43  Let  children  view  the  example  of  the  holy  child  Jesus,  with  an  humble  desire  to  copy  after  it.  Let  them 
40  love  the  house  and  ordinances  of  God,  and  thirst  for  the  instructions  of  his  good  word.  Let  them  think  them- 
selves happy,  if  his  servants  in  the  ministry  will  bestow  a  part  of  their  important  time  in  those  exercises  which 
are  especially  suited  for  their  instruction  ;  and  let  them  not  only  be  careful  to  return  the  properest  answers  they 
can,  but  at  convenient  times,  with  modesty  and  respect,  ask  such  questions  as  may  be  likely  to  improve  them  in 
knowledge  and  grace. 

51  Let  those  children  whose  genius  is  most  promising  and  most  admired,  learn  from  the  blessed  Jesus,  to  behave 
themselves  in  an  humble  and  submissive  manner  to  all  their  elders,  and  especially  to  their  parents  ;  for  though 
he  was  the  I^or-d  of  all,  yet  was  he  subject,  not  only  to  Mary  his  real  mother,  but  to  Joseph,  though  only  sup- 
40,  52  posed  to  be  his  father.  Such  children  may  well  hope  that  the  grace  of  God  will  still  be  upon  tliem ;  and,  grow- 
ing in  wisdom,  as  they  do  in  stature,  they  will  also  advance  in  favour  ivith  God  and  men,  and  be  the  darlings  of 
heaven,  as  well  as  of  earth. 

And  oh,  that  the  gi'eatest  and  the  wisest  of  us.,  those  of  the  longest  standing,  and  of  the  most  eminent  stations 
in  the  church,  might  learn  of  this  admirable  and  divine  child  ;  that,  always  remembering  our  relation  to  God,  and 

49  ever  intent  on  learning  his  will,  and  promoting  his  glory,  we  might,  with  humble  acquiescence,  accom- 
modate ourselves  to  all  the  disposals  of  his  providence !    How  easily  could  he,  who  discovered  such  early  marks 

47  of  a  sublime  genius  and  a  lively  wit,  have  relished  the  most  elegant  delights  of  science,  and  have  eclipsed  all  the 
most  celebrated  poets,  orators,  and  jihilosophers,  of  that  learned  and  polite  age !  But  he  laid  all  those  views  aside, 

51  that  he  might  pursue  the  duties  of  that  humble  rank  of  life  which  his  heavenly  Father's  infinite  wisdom  had  assigned 
him  :  and  joined,  as  it  would  seem,  to  assist  in  maintaining  himself,  and  his  parents  too,  by  the  daily  labour  of  his 
hands.     Let  us  learn  from  hence,  that  it  is  the  truest  greatness  of  soul  to  knosv  our  own  place  and  office,  and  to  deny 

b  Three  days  after  their  setting  out.]    The  first  day  was  spent  in  their  where  it  is  rendered,  in  my  Father's  home,  which  it  is  certain  they  will 

journey  homeward,  the  second   in  their  return  to  Jerusalem,  and  the  well  bear;    and  so  Josephus  puts  ei/  toi?  t«   Aios-,  for,   in  .Jupiter's 

third  in  searching  after  Christ  there. — The   word  n-j^vfro,  it  came  to  temple  ;  contra  Apion.  lib.  i.  ^  18.  p.  449.  Haverc.  (Compare  John  xix. 

.p«v.r,  is  a  mere  expletive :  and,  not  imagining  that  the  rules  of  the  most  27.  Esther  v.  10.  vi.  12.  vii.  9.   Gr.)    And,   indeed,   though   a  general 

faithful  and  exact  translation  would  oblige  me  always  to  retain  it,  I  apprehension  of  his  being  well  employed  might  be  a  reason  (as  it  is 

have  frequently  omitted  it.  intimated   in  the  paraphrase)   against  their  excessive    anxiety,  yet  it 

c  For  their  further  information.]    All   these  things  are  so  well  illus-  could  not  (as  the  words  in  this  connexion  seem  to  imply)  have  directed 

trated  and  confirmed  by  llr.  Lightfoot,  in  bis  Hor.  Heh.  on  this  place,  them  where  to  find  him.     It  is  to  be  remembered,  this  whs  the  first  visit 

that  I  cannot  but  refer  the  reader  thither.    See  also  Drusius's  excellent  Christ  had  ever  made  to  the  temple  since  he  was  a  child  in  arms  ;  and 

note  on  this  place.  it  is  no  wonder  therefore  that  the  delight  he  found  there  inclined  him  to 

d  Siltiny — at  their  feet.]    T  have  often  thought  it  a  great  injury  to  the  prolong  it. 

character  of  our  blessed   Hedeemer  to  represent  this  story,  whether  in  g  They  did  not  perfectly  understand  the  words  which  he  spake  vnio 

pictures  or  words,  as  if  Christ,  at  this  tender  age,  went  up  into  the  them.']     It  is  strange  Grotius  should  think  amnnav  should  here  be  ren- 

seats  of  the  doctors,  and  there  disputed  with  them.     Not  one  word  is  dered.  They  did  not  attentively  consider  what  he  said,  when  the  very 

said  of  his  disputing  by  the  evangelist,  but  only  of  his  asking  some  next  verse  assures  us  Mary  kept  ail  these  sayings  in  her  heart.    The 

questions,  and  answering  others,  which  was  a  very  usual  tiling  in  these  phrase  only  implies,  that  there  was  something  more  in  Christ's  words 

assemblies,  and  indeed  the  very  end  of  them.    All  was,  no  doubt,  con-  than  at  first  appeared.    He  conjectures  there  might  be  a  reference  to 

ducted  with  the   utmost  modesty  and  decorum.    And   if  he  were  with  its  being  the  Lord  who  was  to  come  into  his  temple,  (Mai.  iii.  1.)  which 

others  at  the  feet  of  these  teacliers,  (where  learners  generally  sat,  see  if  there  be,  it  is  indeed  very  obscure.     It  seems  more  probable,  it  may 

Luke  X.  :V).  and  Acts  xxii.  .S.)  he  might  be  said  to  be  in  the  midst  of  be  an  intimation  that  he  had  many  other  important  visits  to  make  to  his 

them,  as  they  sat  on  benches  of  a  semicircular  form,  raised  above  their  Father's  house  ;  which  evidently  appears  by  the  sequel  of  the  history, 

auditors  ancf  disciples.  Ii  In  wisdom,  as  well  as  in  age  and  stature.]    It  is  well   known  that 

e   Here  in  a  transport  of  admiration.]    Every  learned  reader  must  tjXiKia  may  signify  either  ar/e  or  stature;  but  I  think  the  latter  is  meant 

know  that  the  words  ffio-TaKTo  here  and  <Efc7rXa7tiiTai/ in  the  next  verse,  here,  because  the  former  was  too  apparent  to  need   the  mention.     It 

are  much  more  forcible  than  our  translation  of  them,  and  much  more  seems  a  very  just  and  important  remark  of  Erasmus  here,  that  all  the 

literally  rendered  here.  endowments  of  the  Man  Christ  Jesus  were  owing  to  the  divine  bene- 

f  /  ought  to  he  at  my  Father's:  ei/  toi?  th  Traxpo?  us  iei  enai  in.]  ficence,  and  that  the  Deity  communicated  itself  in  a  gradual  manner  to 

There  is  a  known  ambiguity  in  the  original.    1  have  chosen  with  Gro-  that  human  nature  which  it  had  assumed. 
lius,  Capelius,  Fuller,  &c.  to  follow  the  Syriac  version  of  the  words, 


THE  OPENING  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST'S  MINISTRY.  41 

ourselves  those  amusements  of  the  mind,*  as  well  as  those  gratifications  of  the  senses,  which  are  inconsistent  with  SECT, 
the  proper  services  of  our  different  relations  and  callings.  14. 


SECTION  XV. 

The  opening  of  John  the  Baptist's  ministry.    Marli  i.  1 — 6.    Luke  iii.  1—6.    Matt.  iii.  1—6. 

Mark  i.  1. 
Mark  i.  1. 
THE  beginning  of  the  sos-  THE  hef^huiing  of  the  gofpcl  history  of  Jems  Christ,  the  only-begotten  Son  of  God,  as  it  sect. 
pel  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  jg  recorded  by'tli'e  evangelist  Mark,  tlius  takes  its  rise  from  the" first  opening  of  John's     15. 

"  2  As 'it  is  written  in  the  ministry.     It  was  this  John  that  came  under  the  character  of  the  great  forerunner  of  the 

|J["J'''„'4V^ before \r"'*race^  Messiah  ;  as  it  is  written  in  the  prophets,  and   particularly  in   Malachi,  (chap.  iii.  1.)  mark 
wWch  sliaii  p^repare  t^y  way  "  Behold,  1  will  seud  mi/  messenger  before  thi/face,  O  my  Anointed  Son,  who  shall  prepare       ^■ 
before  thee.  f],y  y,„y  hefoix  thee  ;  and,  as  the  harbinger  a!)pointed  to  jjroclaim  thy  coming,  shall,  with  ^ 

remarkable  solemnity,  make  it  the  business  of  his  ministiy  to  introduce  thy  kingdom." 
3  The  voice  of  one  crying  So  also  it  was  prophesied  Concerning  him  by  Isaiah,  (ch.  xl.  3.)     "There  shall  be  heard  3 
in  the  wilderness,  Prepare  ye  fj^  ^^-     of  one  cniing  in  the  wildemess,'^  and  solemnly  proclaimmgto  this  purpose  in  the 

the  way  or  the    Lord,   make    ,  ,*'  -r     i       ^t-»"  -^i,  j-  ai  n   <t        t        i  i/i-  » 

his  paths  straight.  dcserts  of  Judca,  Frepare  ye  with  readiness  the  way  of  the  Lord,  and  make  his  paths 

straight  and  smooth,  by  removing  every  thing  which  might  prove  an  obstruction  to  his 
gracious  appearance."    These  prophecies  (as  it  will  presently  be  seen)  received  a  very 
signal  and  remarkable  accomplishment  in  John,  who,  from  his  office,  was  sumaraed  the 
Baptist. 
Li'KE  iii.  1.   Now  in  the      Now  this  eminent  person  made  his  first  public  appearance  in  the  fifteenth  year  of  the  luke 
T^Sus'Cssa'r^  PontUis'V^  '''''^«  '.'/"  ^^^  cmpcror  Tiberius  Ccesar,  (reckoning  the  beginning  of  his  reign  from  the  time     lit- 
late  beinsfiover'norof  judea,  when  Augustus  made  him  his  colleague  in  the  empire,'')  «;/(£«,  Archelaus  being  banished,  ■*■ 
Ga1ilee,'andMfbro\h'™Phiiip  ^nd  liis  kingdom  reduced  into  a  Roman  province,  Pontius  Pilate  was  governor  or  pro- 
tetrarch  of  iturea  and  of  the  cuKitor  of  Jiidea ;  and,  as  the  dominions  of  Herod  the  Great  had  been  divided  after  his 
LysaSia^We  tetr^ch'of  Abt  death,<:  Herod  Antipas,  one  of  his  sons,  was  tetrarch  of  Galilee,  or  governor  of  that  fourth 
leiie,  part  of  his  dominions ;  and  his  brother  Philip  tetrarch  of  another  fourth  part,  which  was 

the  region  of  Iturea  and  Trachonitis,  (the  name  now  given  to  that  tract  of  land  on  the 
other  side  Jordan,  which  had  formerly  belonged  to  the  tribe  of  Manasseh,)  and  Li/sanias 
was  tetrarch  of  Abilene,^  a  fair  city  of  Syria,  whose  territories  reached  even  to  Lebanon 
2  Annas  and  Caiaphas  be-  and  Damascus,  and  were  peopled  with   great  numbers  of  Jews.     In  those  dai/s,e  while  2 
of^God  ['m'th'JJsrdavsf  came  -Ajinas  and  Caiapluis  were  high  priests,^  the  word  of  God,  by  prophetic  inspiration,  came 
unto  John,  [the  Baptist,]  the  uuto  Joliu  the  Baptist,^  the  Son  of  Zach arias  and  Elisabeth,  who  had  lived  for  several  years 
i[en°L^tot''Jnde"i  "[Rlltt.'  retired  in  the  wilderness  of  Judea.     Compare  Luke  i.  80.  p.  26. 

"Va  d  TM  h     Id      •^"'^  John,  at  the  first  opening  of  his  ministry,  did  preach  with  great  power,  and  baptize  3 

h?ipt\zem\he\v\\derm:ii]aiv\]  in  the  wilderness ;  and,  perceiving  the  people  inclined  to  pay  an  attentive  regard  to  his 
came   into  all  the  ';oj^n'['y  doctrine,  he  did  not  confine  himself  to  that  wilderness  alone,  but  came  into  all  the  country 
baptism "o"  repentance'fo'r  the  ubo.ut  Jordan,  and  Went  a  progress  over  it,  from  one  place  to  another,  on  both  sides  the 
reinission  of  sins ;  [Matt.  iii.  river,  preaching  every  where,  as  he  went  along,  the  baptism  of  repentance  for  the  remission 
of  sins  ;  earnestly  exhorting  men  to  repent  of  all  the  irregularities  of  their  lives,  and  to  be 
fcaptized,  in  token  of  their  sincere  desire  to  be  washed  and  cleansed  from  them  ;  and 
assuring  them,  at  the  same  time,  that  if  they  attended  on  this  institution  in  a  truly  penitent 
manner,  they  might  consider  it  as  a  pledge  and  token  of  their  being  forgiven  by  God. 
Matt.  iii.  2.  And  saying.      And  while  he  was  thus  urging  his  exhortation,  and  sat/ing,  Repent  ye,  he  pleaded  with  m  vtt. 

Repent  ye:  for  the  kingdom  .i  j    •  Ji      V  i.        j-      /      -j    u    \ii     i'  "^         .' i    /  ■        j  /•      ;,! 

of  heaven  is  at  hand.  them  a  very  new  and  important  argument :    for  (said  he)  the  long-expected  kingdoin  of     m. 

heaven  is  now  approaching ;  ^  and  God  is  about  to  appear,  in  an  extraordinary  manner,  ^ 
to  erect  that  kingdom  spoken  of  by  Daniel,  (chap.  ii.  44.  and  vii.  13, 14.)  as  the  kingdom 
of  the  God  of  heaven,  which  he  would  set  up  and  give  to  the  Son  of  man,  making  it  finally 

i  Those  amusements  of  the  mind.l    I  hope  my  younger  brethren  in  Caiaphas  but  Tshmael  that  immediately  succeeded  Annas  or  Ananus, 

the  ministry  will  pardon  me,  if  I  bespeak  their  particular  attention  to  (Joseph.  Antiq.  Jtid.   lib.  xviii.  cap.  2."[al.  .3.]  ^  2.   p.  87.3.)  I  cannot 

this  thought ;  lest,  if  the  main  part  of  their  time  be  given  to  the  curiosi-  suppose,  as  some  have  done,  that  Annas  was  high  priest  the  former  part 

ties  ot  learning,  and  only  a  few  fragments  of  it  to  their  great  work,  the  of  this  year,  and  Caiaphas  the  latter ;  much  less  that  Luke  knew  so  httle 

care  of  souls,  they  see  cause  in  their  last  moments  to  adopt  the  words  of  of  the  Jewish  constitution,  as  to  suppose  there  could  be  two  high  priests 

dying  Grotius,  perhaps  with  much  greater  propriety  than  he  could  use  properly  so  called.    The  easiest  solution  is,  that  one  was  the  high  priest, 

them:    Proh!  vitam  perdidi,    operosd  nihil   agendo:— A\?is,\    1    have  and  the  other  his  sagan  or  deputy,  so  that  the  title  might,  with  a  very 

thrown  away  life  in  doing  nothing  with  a  great  deal  of  pains.  pardonable  liberty,  be  applied  to  both.     See  note  a,  on  John  xviii.  13. 

_  a  riie  voice  of  one  crying  in  the  wilderness^    Most  commentators  have  5  184.                                                _ 

imagined  these  words  originally  to  refer  to  the  proclamation  of  deliver-  g  The  word  of  God  came  v7ito  John  the  Baptist.']  I  think  these  words 
ance  from  the  Babylonish  captivity  :  but  there  is  no  imaginable  reason  declare,  as  expressly  as  any  words  can,  that  John  was  called  to  his  pro- 
tor  supposing  an  immediate  connexion  between  the  conclusion  of  the  phetic  work  in  the  fifteenth  year  of  Tiberius;  so  that,  if  Mr.  Marine's 
thirty-ninth  chapter  of  Isaiah,  and  the  beginning  of  the  fortieth  ;  nor  arguments  prove  (as  he  supposes  tiiey  do)  that  Christ  was  crucified  in 
can  1  observe  any  thing  in  the  process  of  this  chapter,  which  may  not  that  fifteenth  year,  then  it  will  follow,  that  all  the  events,  both  of  John's 
'■'erally  suit  the  evangelical  sense  here  given  it  by  Mark,  as  well  as  ministiy  and  of  our  Lord's,  must  be  reduced  within  the  compass  of  one 
•"'^'ttnew  and  Luke.  year ;  which  is,  for  reasons  elsewhere  given,  utterly  incredible.  I'o 
.  b  Keckoning  from  the  time  when  Augustus  made  him  his  colleague  conclude  that  by  the  language  which  Luke  here  uses,  he  intends  to  ex- 
in  the  empire.]  Supposing  Christ  was  born  A.  U.  C.  747,  (as  in  note  c,  press  the  time  of  Christ's  death,  though  it  did  not  happen  in  the  same 
jj-  •''7.)  It  is  absolutely  necessary  to  interpret  the  words  thus;  because  year, is  doing  the  greatest  violence  imaginable  to  the  whole  passaee. 
the  htteentli  year  of  Tiberius,  if  reckoned  from  the  death  of  Augustus,  flow  much  easier  would  it  be  to  admit  of  a  little  more  latitude  in  the 
e^c'}  !", August,  A.  U.  781,  and  would  thus  be  the  thirty-fourth  year  interpretation  of  Dan.  ix.  26.  an  aversion  to  which  seems  to  have  plunged 
or  Christ  s  lite,  which  is  plainly  inconsistent  with  Luke  iii.  23.  (See  that  accurate  and  ingenious  writer  into  a  train  of  inextricable  dilliculties 
Mamie  s  Dissert,  p.  136—140.)    But  if  the  birth  of  Christ  be  placed  (as  through  all  the  latter  part  of  his  second  essay. 

seems  most  probable,  in  September,  A.  U.  74y,  and  Tiberius  was  h  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  approaching.']  Dr.  Sykes,  in  his  &Jaj^  o« 
iwinutted  to  a  part  in  the  empire  (three  years  before  Augustus  died)  in  the  Truth  of  the  Christian  Heligion,  chap.  iii.  has  largely  proved  that 
August  764,  the  fifteenth  year  of  Tiberius  on  this  computation  began  in  this  phrase  refers  to  those  texts  in  Daniel  quoted  in  the  paraphrase.  It 
August  778^  And  it  John  entered  on  his  ministry  in  the  spring  follow-  properly  signifies  the  gospel  dispensation,  in  which  subjects  were  to  be 
"h"'  f  ■  i  "^^'  '"  "^^  same  year  of  Tiberius,  and  after  he  had  preached  gathered  to  God  by  his  Son,  and  a  society  to  be  formed,  which  was  to 
anout  t\velve  months,  baptized  Jesus  in  the  spring,  780,  then  Jesus  at  subsist  first  in  more  imperfect  circumstances  on  earth,  but  afterwarils 
Ins  baptism  would  be  but  thirty  years  of  age  and  some  odd  months,  was  to  appear  complete  in  the  world  of  glory.  In  some  places  of  Scrip- 
winch  perfectly  agrees  with  what  Luke  says,  of  his  being  at  that  time  ture,  the  phrase  more  particularly  signifies  the  former,  and  denotes  tlie 
k?h"b-!i  '^'^  *'««'■*  old-  t^ee  Dr.  Laidner's  Credib.  part  i.  vol.  ii.  p.  state  of  it  on  earth;  (see  Matt.  xiii.  throughout,  especially  ver.  41,  47. 
eJ8,  839.  an,)  Matt.  xx.  1.)  and  sometimes  it  signifies  only  the  state  of  glory ; 

c  JJivided  after  his  death.]    See  note  n,  on  Matt.  ii.  22.  p.  .38.  (1  Cor.  vi.  9.  and  xv.  SO.)  but  it  generally  includes  both.    It  is  plain  that 

a  l^ysanias  was  tetrarch  of  Abilene.']    Some  have  thought  this  Lysa-  the  Jews  understood  it  of  a  temporal  monarchy  which  God  would  erect, 

Si!I«  *J'<""«''  son  of  Herod  the  Great ;  but  it  seems  much  more  probable  the  seat  of  which  they  supposed  would  be  Jerusalem,  wliich  would  be- 

inai   he    was  descended  fi-om  a  prince  of  that  name,   who  had   been  come,  instead  of  Rome,  the  capital  of  the  world  ;  and  the  expected 

governor  ot  that  country  several  years  before.    See  Joseph.  Antiq.  Jud.  Sovereign  of  this  kingdom  they  learned  from  Daniel  to  call  the  Son  of 

'  J-  ^"P-  J^-  f^'-  -■'5]  *  3.  p.  722.    TIavercamp.                                     i  man  ;  by  which  title  tliey  understood  a  verv  excellent  person,  who  was 

fo  V.i^"  "'"■''^^.'"y-i  this  is  supplied  from  Matt.  iii.  1.  where  it  is  proper  the  promised  Messiah,  the  Christ,  or  the  Anointed  One  of  God.    Both 

Pvt^M-1''^*^   ^*   ■      phrase  ev  Tai':  hucpaii  6K6.i/ai9  is  used  in  a  very  John  the  Baptist,  then,  and  Christ,  took  up  this  phrase,  and  used  it  as 

wnr,l«   ft*^°u'^  L'"'  *'"''  '■*"''  "f  which  he  had  spoken  in  the  preceding  thev  found  it,  and  gradually  taught  the  Jews  to  aflix  right  ideas  to  it, 

worus   inough  these  events  happened  near  thirty  years  after  those  re-  though  it  was  a  lesson  they  were  remarkably  unwilling  to  learn.     J  his 

iiw.t  wVi  tu    '°''"'«''  chapter  ot  that  gospel. — And  the  phrase  is  here  very  demand  of  repentance  showed  it  was  a  spiritual  kingdom  ;  and  that 

nnh  I      k  '"*.  greater  propriety,  as  John  did  indeed  appear  under  his  no  wicked  man,  how  politic  or  brave,  how  learned  or  renowned,  soever, 

Fuouc  cnaracter  while  Christ  continued  to  dwell  at  Kazareth;  which  could  possibly  be  a  genuine  member  of  it.    See  my  Sermons  on  Re- 

f  H'*r'^"i  that  Matthew  had  last  mentioned.  generation,  Iso.  iv.  p,  106—117. 
n  ntie   jinnas   and   Caiaphas   were   high  priests.']    As    it  was  not 


42  THE  MINISTRY  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST. 

SECT,  victorious  over  all  other  kingdoms.    It  is  therefore  (said  the  Baptist)  of  the  highest  im- 
15.     portance,  that  you  should  be  the  subjects  of  this  kingdom ;  which,  without  a  sincere  and 
universal  repentance,  you  cannot  possibly  be. 


LUKE       And  upon  this  occasion  he  failed  not  to  repeat,  and  to  insist  upon  that  passage  of  Scrip-     Luke  iii.  4.  As  it  is  written 


III. 


when  he  is  saying,  with  a  manifest  reference  to  the  IMessiah's  kingdom,  "  There  shall  be  yetiie  way  of  the  Lord,  make 
heard  the  voice  of  one  crying  aloud  in  the  wilderness,  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord  with  3  j  ^""^^^  straight.  [Matt.  m. 
the  most  thankful  readiness,  and  cheerfully  set  yourselves  to  tnake  his  paths  straight  and 
plain,  by  removing  every  thing  which  might  prove  an  obstruction  when  he  comes  on  so 

5  gracious  a  design.  Every  valley  shall  therefore  be  filled  up,  and  every  mountain  and  hill  5  Every  valley  shall  be 
shall  be  brought  doxvn  before  him;'  even  the  crooked  roads  shall  be  made  into  a  straight  an<i  h'ill'shaii^be^brought  low" 
way,  and  the' rough  places  shall  be  laid  smooth  and  level;  for  by  the  mighty  power  of  1iis  and  the  crooked  shall  te  made 
grace,  which  shall  be  now  remarkably  displayed,  such  a  victorious  way  shall  be  made  for  IhaiHe^ie.  smootii^:  ^""^ 
nis  gospel,  and  it  shall  be  propagated  with  such  speed  and  success,  that  it  shall  seem  as 

if  the  whole  face  of  nature  were  miraculously  changed  ;  and  mountains  and  valleys,  and 
forests  and  rocks,  v/ere  to  spread  themselves  into  a  spacious  plain  before  the  messenger  of 

6  it.  And  thus  not  the  land  of  Israel  alone,  but  all  flesh,  or  the  whole  human  race,  not  ex-  6  And  all  flesh  shall  see  the 
cepting  the  remotest  Gentile  nations,  shall  see  and  admire  the  great  salvation  of  God."         salvation  ot  God. 

MATT.  JV^oit',  that  this  extraordinary  message  might  meet  with  the  greater  regard,  God  was  Matt.  iii.  4.  And  the  same 
III.     pleased  to  send  it  by  a  person  on  many  accounts  remarkable,  and  especially  for  the  tem-  canlei's'^hairl'and'^ a'Yeathem 

4  perance,  and  even  the  severity,  of  his  manner  of  living.     For  this  John  wore  (as  the  ancient  eird'e  about'  his  loins :  and 
prophets  used  to  do)  a  rough  garment  which  was  made  of  camel's  hair,  and  so  indeed  was  honey.^lftiark'^h"!.'!  ^  ^^' 
but  a  kind  of  sackcloth  ;  and  he  had  a  leathern  girdle  about  his  waist.  (Compare  2  Kings 

i.  8.  Zech.  xiii.  4.  Rev.  vi.  12.  and  xi.  3.)  And  as  for  his  food,  it  was  such  as  the  wilder- 
ness afforded,  which  was  frequently  nothing  but  a  large  kind  of  locusts,^^  which  the  law 
allowed  him  to  eat ;  (Lev.  xi.  21,  22.)  and  wild  honey,  often  to  be  found  in  hollow  trees,  or 
in  the  clefts  of  the  rocks.    (Compare  1  Sam.  xiv.  26.  Judg.  xiv.  8.  and  Psal.  Ixxxi.  16.) 

5  Tliese  uncommon  circumstances  of  his  public  appearance  concurred  with  the  time  of  it,  5  Then  went  out  *«  hi>" 
to  awaken  in  the  people  a  great  regard  for  his  preaching;  for  their  uneasiness  under  the  [Ihe'^'nd  ot^JTudeT,' and  all 
Roman  yoke,  which  then  bore  hard  upon  them,  raised  the  most  impatient  desire  of  the  the  region  j^o.^nfi  about  Jar- 
Messiah's  anival;  by  whom  they  expected  not  only  deliverance,  but  conquest,  and  uni-    ^'' 

versal  monarchy.  Tney  therefore  attentively  listened  to  this  proclamation  of  his  approach  ; 
so  that  the  inhabitants  of  Jerwrnlem,  and  multitudes  out  of  all  the  land  of  Judea,  and  all 

6  the  region  round  about  Jordan,  went  out  to  hear  him,  and  were  attentive  to  him.^     And     c  And  were  [all]  baptized 

.   !'        ,  p  ^,  1  1  i        J  ■  •  u     1  ■     r  •»!  r  1  O'   '""'  1"  [the  river  ot]  .lor- 

great  numbers  of  them  were  brought  under  very  serious  impressions  by  his  faitlitul  remon-  Han,   confessing  their  sins. 
strances,  expostulations,  and  warnings  :  a}ul  those  that  were  awakened  to  repentance,  [Mark  i.  5.] 
were  all  baptized  by  him  in  the  river  Jordan ;  expressing  the  convictions  they  were  under, 
by  confessing  their  sins,  and,  by  submitting  to  this  rite,  engaging  themselves  for  the  future 
to  reformation  and  obedience. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

MARK  With  what  pleasure  should  we  hear  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  the  Son  of  God !  and  with  what  reverence 
I.  1.    remember  the  dignity  of  his  divine  nature,  amidst  all  the  condescensions  of  his  incarnate  state ! 

MATT.  It  is  surely  matter  of  unspeakable  thankfulness,  that  the  kingdom  of  heaven  should  be  erected  among  men  !  that 
III.     the  great  God  should  condescend  so  far  as  to  take  to  himself  a  people  from  our  mean  and  sinful  world,  and 

2  appoint  his  own  Son  to  be  the  governor  of  that  kingdom.  How  happy  are  we  that  it  is  preached  among  us,  and 
we  are  called  into  it !     Let  it  be  our  great  care  that  we  be  not  only  nominal,  but  real  members  of  it. 

For  this  purpose  let  us  remember,  and  consider  that,  to  become  the  subjects  of  this  kingdom,  we  are  to  enter 

6  into  it  by  the  way  of  repentance ;  humbly  confessing  our  sins,  and  resolutely  forsaking  them,  if  we  do  indeed 

desire  to  find  mercy. 

LUKE       Let  us  bless  God,  both  for  the  promises  of  pardon  and  for  the  appointment  of  the  seals  of  it,  particularly  of 

III.     baptismal  washing  ;  always  remembering  the  obligation  it  brings  upon  us  to  cleanse  owselves  J'roni  all  fllthiness  of 

3  the  flesh  and  spirit,  peifociing  holiness  in  the  fear  of  God.  (2  Cor.  vii.  1.) 

A,  6      And,  being  ourselves  become  members  of  Christ's  kingdom,  let  us  pray  that  it  may  be  every  where  extended. 

May  divine  grace  remove  every  obstruction,  and  make  a  free  course  for  his  gospel,  that  it  may  every  where  run 

and  be  glorified,  so  that  all  flesh  may  see  the  salvation  of  God!  < 

MATT.      John,  with  this  awful  severity  of  manners  and  of  doctrine,  was  sent  before  Christ  to  prepare  his  way.     Let  us 

III.     learn  to  reflect  how  necessary  it  is  that  the  law  should  thus  introduce  the  gospel ;  and  let  all  the  terrors  of  Moses 

4  and  Elias  render  tlie  mild  and  blessed  Redeemer  so  much  the  more  welcome  to  our  souls  ! 


III. 


SECTION  XVI. 

John  the  Baptist  addresses  suitable  admonitions  to  those  that  attended  his  ministry,  and  proclaims  the  approach  of  the  Messiah.    Slatt.  iii.  7 — 12. 
SECT.  Mark  i.  7,  8.  Luke  iii.  7 — 18. 

^^-  ^Utv.  iii.  7.  „,„■.  iii.  7.  . 

WHEN  John  opened  his  ministry,  there  were  two  very  different  sects  among  the  Jews  ;  but  when  he  saw  many  of 
^^'"-  that  of  tlie  Pharisees,  who  were  exceeding  strict  in  ceremonial  institutions,  and  in  the  *■"=  Phansees  and  Sadducees 

i  Every  wonnlnin  and  hill  shall  he  hrmight  down  before  him.]   Grotiiis  part  of  the  food  of  the  Parthians  and  Ethiopians.  (See  Plin.  Nat.  Hist. 

has  most  elegantly  illustrated  the  reference  that  appears  so  plainly  in  Hh.  xi.  cap.  29.  and  lib.  vi.  cap.  30.)    The  matter  is  excellently  illus- 

tliis  passage,  to  the  custom  of  sendin?  pioneers  to  level  the  way  before  tiated  by  the  learned  notes  of  Ileinsius,  Drusius,  and  Eisner,  on  this 

princes,  when  they  are  coinini,'  with  numerous  attendants  :  but  by  the  place  :  but  Erasmus  is  tediously  prolix  upon  it ;  and,  which  is  strange, 

import  of  the  language  that  the  prophet  uses,  it  is  plainly  to  be  seen  that  he  is  very  warm  too.     What  need  have  we  to  keep  a  guard  upon  our 

the  main  work  is  God's,  though  men  are  called  to  concur  with  him  in  spirits,  when  so  great  and  so  good-natured  a  man  could  be  angry  in  a 

it ;  which  is  every  where  the  scheme  of  .Scripture,  as  it  certainly   is  of  debate  of  so  small   importance  ! — I  shall  add  only  on  this  point,  with 

sound  reason.    Compare  Phil.  ii.  12,  l.'i.  respect  to  the  use  of  locusts  for  food,  what  Dr.  Shaw  fells  us,  that,  when 

k  A  large  kind  of  /ocu.i/.t.]  1  hough  it  may  be  allowed,  on  the  autho-  sprinkled  with  salt,  and  fried,  they  taste  much  like  the  river  crayfish  ; 
rity  of  the  accurate  Sandys,  (see  his  valuable  Travels,  p.  18.3.)  and  who  justly  contends  for  the  signification  of  the  word  aapihti  in  his  ex- 
many  others,  that  there  is  in  these  parts  a  shrub  called  the  locust-tree,  cellent  Travels,  p.  2.58.  where  he  also  observes  that,  as  the  months  of 
the  buds  of  which  sometimes  resemble  asparagus  ;  yet  notwithstamiing  April  and  May  are  the  time  when  these  insects  abound,  it  may  proba- 
all  the  pains  .Sir  Norton  Knatchbull  has  taken  to  prove  it,  I  cannot  bly  be  conjectured,  that  .lohn  began  his  ministry  aliout  that  season  of 
imagine  the  word  axpi^ef  is  here  to  be  understood  as  referring  to  the  the  year ;  which  might  also  seem  more  convenient  for  receiving,  and 
product  of  it.  It  is  certain,  the  word  in  the  Septuagint  and  elsewhere  especially  for  baptizing,  so  great  a  number  of  people,  than  winter  could 
generally  signifies  the  animal  which  we  call  a  locust,  or  a  large  winged  have  been. 

grasshopper,  (see  Rev.  ix.  3,  7.  9.)  which  the  law  allowed  the  .lews  to  I    li'ent  ovt  to  Aim.]    The  novelty  of  a  prophet's  appearance  in  Israel, 

cat,  (Lev.  xi.  21,  22.)  and  which  Pliny  assures  us  made  a  considerable  the  family  of'John,  tlie  circumstances  of  his  birth,  anU  the  extraordinary 


raE  MINISTRY  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST.  43 

come  to  his  baptism,  he  said  observation  of  human  traditions ;  and  that  of- the  Sadducees,  who,  amono'  otlier  very  ob-  SECT. 

"rpers'''w'ho  h'^th  wame(""yo°u  noxioiis  notions,  denied  the  existence  of  spirits,  and  a  future  state  of  rewards  and  punish-  16-  ' 
to  Hee  from  the  -Hiatii  to  ments.     Yet  some  of  both  these  sects,  out  of  curiosity  or  popular  custom,  or  from  some 


other  unknown  reason,  attended  on  the  preaching  of  this  holy  man  :  and  wheyi  he  saw  matt. 
amonsf  the  multitudes  that  came  to  be  baptized  by  him,  that  maru/,  both  of  the  Pharisees  ^^^■ 
and  Sadducees,'^  were  comhig  to  receive  his  baptism;^  as  he  well  knew  the  open  profaneness  ^ 
of  the  one,  and  the  secret  wickedness  of  the  other,  he  did  not  flatter  them  at  all  in  his 
address,  but  said  unto  them,  as  with  some  surprise,  O  ye  abominable  broods  of  vipei^s,'^ 
crafty,  malignant,  mischievous  creatures,  who  hath  taught  you  to  put  on  this  form  of 
humility  and  repentance,  and  admonished  you  to  flee  from  the  wrath  which  is  surely  and 
speedily  ^0  come  ?  What  is  it  that  hath  moved  you  to  it,  when  you  Pharisees  think  your- 
selves so  secure  from  it,  on  account  of  the  pretended  sanctity  of  your  lives ;  and  you 

8  Brinsforth therefore  fruits  Sadducees  imagine  it  to  be  no  other  than  a  mere  fable  and  a  dream  ?    Let  me  exhort  you,  8 
pen'^uulce :  [Luke  Ui.^s!]  '  '""  therefore,  if  you  design  to  be  baptized  by  me,  to  make  it  your  serious  and  resolute  care  to 

biing  forth  Jruits  worthi)  of  lepentance,  and  to  act  like  those  that  are  penitents  indeed,  for- 

9  And  think  not  to  say  sakin'g,  as  well  as  Confessing,  your  sins  :  And,  if  you  neglect  this,  do  not  presumptuously  9 
Abraham'to^  OTirtather :  for  think  it  will  be  to  any  purpose  for  you  to  say  within  yourselves.  We  have  Abraham  for  our 

I  say  unt^o  you,  That  God  is  father  ;^  relying  on  your  descent  from  that  holy  patriarch,  and  your  being  that  seed  of  his 
up  Children"  unto'^Abrahairu  with  whom  a  peculiar  Covenant  was  made  :  for  I  solemnly  say,  and  declare  it  unto  you 
[Luke  iii.  8.]  as  a  certain  and  important  truth.  That  God  is  able,  of  these  very  stones  that  are  before 

your  eyes,«  which  he  can  animate  and  sanctify  whenever  he  sees  fit,  to  raise  up  those  who, 
though  not  descended  from  human  parents,  shall  be,  in  a  much  nobler  sense  than  you, 
children  to  Abraham,  as  being  made  the  heirs  of  his  faith  and  obedience  :  and  he  would 
sooner  v/ork  such  a  miracle  as  this,  than  he  would  suffer  his  promise  to  fail,  or  admit  you 
to  the  blessings  of  his  approaching  kingdom,  merely  because  you  have  the  abused  honour 
to  descend  from  that  peculiar  favourite  of  heaven. 

10  And  now  also  the  axe  is      These  are  truths  of  constant  concern,  and  now  particularly  seasonable ;  for  the  patience  10 
there'fore'eve?y'°Ue^whic^^^  of  pod  v/ill  not  much  longer  endure  so  provoking  a  people.     You  think  of  national 
hringeth  not  forth  good  fruit  deliverance,  but  beware  of  national  judgments  ;  for  I  assure  you  that  the  hand  of  God  is 

IS  hewn  down,  and  cast  mfo  i;a.„j  i  si  c  j-    ■        •      «.•        ■  -^  ;■    ;   .      ,i  „    , 

the  fire.  [Luke  iii.  9.]  ""ed  up,  and  the  axe  of  divine  justice  is  even  noiv  as  it  were  applied  to  the  very  root  of  the 

trees;  and  their  fore,  even/  tree  that  doth  not  produce  good  fruit,  {even  every  one 'that, 
while  he  professeth  himself  to  be  one  of  God's  people,  contradicts  that  profession  by  a  life 
of  wickedness,  or  by  the  neglect  of  vital  and  practical  religion,)  is  very  certainly  and 
quickly  to  be  cut  down^  by  death,  and  thrown  into  the  fire  of  hell. 
Luke  iii  10.   And  the  peo-      Upon  this,  many  of  the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees,  who  expected  to  have  been  treated   luke 

Fhilfwe  do'S'enf '"°'  ^ith  greater  respect,  were  so  provoked,  that  they  turned  their  backs  upon  the  prophet,  and     m. 

refused  to  be  baptised.  (Compare  Luke  vii.  29,  30.  and  Matt.  xxi.  25.)     But  it  was  other-  10 
wise  \*ith  the  common  people,  who  were  alarmed  by  what  he  said,  and  the  multitudes, 
who  were  more  teachable,  asked  him,  saying.  What  then  shall  we  do,  that  we  may  be  pre- 
pared for  the  kingdom  of  the  Messiah,"^and  may  escape  this  dreadful  condemnation  and 

11  He  answeretii  and  saith  ap])roaching  wrath  ?    And  heanswereth  and  saith  unto  them.  Be  careful  not  only  to  observe  11 
coaTs,  leTiiirn'' impart  to  hhn  the  Ceremonies  of  religion,  but  to  attend  to  the  great  duties  of  justice  and  of  charity  too, 
ham  mlat"Tt'hi"'^d'^*'rk'"  '^^^^^  ^^  incumbent  upon  you,  as  well  as  on  the  great  and  rich:  and  he,  for  instance, 
wise."^*"  '    ^     im    o  1  e-  ^^^^^  f^^^^j^  ^^^^^  coats,  let  him  imnart  one  of  them  to  him  that  hath  none;  and  he  that  hath 

plenty  of  food,  let  him  do  the  like.  o 

ic  Then  tame  also  pub-       Then  there  Came  also  some  of  the  publicans  to  be  baptized.     Now  these  publicans  were  12 
s'a'id'untohim.tfa'stertwira't  ^  ^^^  ^f  men,  whosc  office  it  was  to  collect  the  taxes  which  the  Romans  had  imposed  on 
shall  we  do  ?  '  the  Jews,  and  to  pay  them  to  others,  who  were  called  the  chief  of  the  publicans ;  and 

these  people,  being  generally  persons  of  an  infamous  character,  for  their  injustice  and 
oppression,  applied  themselves  to  John  under  a  strong  conviction  of  their  guilt,  and  said 
unto  him,  Master,  what  shall  we  do  to  testify  the  sincerity  of  our  repentance  ? 
ExLfnpmore Tf!fn™!rt  whkh      ^"^  ^^  ^"''^  ''"^°  ^'^^'"'  Though  you  are  not  absolutely  required  to  quit  your  employment,  1 3 
is  appointed  you.  take  care  that  you  exact  nothing  more  than  is  enjoined  you  by  your  principals,  whose  ser- 

vants you  are  in  collecting  the  public  money. 
dema'^ded*lPhim'"''sayTnt^      ^^^^  the  Soldiers  also  applied  themselves  to  him?  on  the  same  occa.sion,  and  in  like  14 
And  what  shall  we  iio  f  And  manner  asked  him,  saying,  And  as  for  us,  what  shall  we  do  1     And  he  said  unto  them,  Ter- 
lence'to  no  ma'lf 'Neither  1?  ^^^  "'^  "'^"*''  ^^  ^  violent  Overbearing  conduct,  nor  ivrong  [any]  bi/  false  accusation,  in 
cuse  aifp  falsely  ;'and  be  con-  Order  to  get  a  liberty  of  living  upon  him  at  free  quarters ;  and  be  contented  with  your  legal 
tent  with  your  wages.  wages,  or  pay,'  not  raising  mutinies  and  seditions  to  get  it  increased. 

p'ietTaTl  con^niTwIfT'ihJ"'''''*^'"^'*  ^?'"  "ii''='  "i?*^   undissembled       e  O/Mwe  very  x/«k«  that  are  before  your  eyes.]    The  many  learned 


Dietv   all  ronrnrrpH  vvifh  fL         '^""'"    .■    *  j' -^  ^JT   "na^semDiea  e  u/  tiiese  very  stones  that  are  before  your  eyes.]    The  many 

drawUnrh  v«t^,!f;if    1        f!  '^1^'^^^  mentioned   m  the  paraphrase,  to  commentators,  who  refer  tlws  to  God's  calling  the  Gentiles,  su 

Tpharhe^^fl^^^^%f!^''^^v'^■         .       .u     .■                 ...  some. of  them  to  be  present  here,  seem  to  lose"  all  the  beaut^  of 

sects  .r,i.v  hi  Zl  '>f™"««f-]   .^he   most  authentic  account   of  these  pression,  which   I   have  paraphrased   at  large,  because  I  think 


PPOSlDg 

the  ex- 
k  few,  if 


though  snmp   imHorcfonri   tiT^  ...    j         ^■^v-^;'  ■-  "■  ••""  w.ouiic; ,  lui,  luc  uiiKiuai,  111  uic  jjiK^Kiii  leiisB  :  aiiu  11  may  oe  or  some  importance  to 

comin-  ?^  «BB,»^  *[,  L„„-.    *  J^L^',  M'  '"'  /^'^■^V'^Ji  ?V-rov,  of  their  observe  here,  that  in  Scripture  language,  that  which  is  very  sure,  and 

nTworth  mfntfoni^^..  hC   L'nH  I '?''  ^^^  reasons  for  that  interpretation  very  near,  is  spoken  of  as  if  it  was  «/««rf^  d.me.    Thus  Cfirist  speaks 

giverthem  a  lpfr"er'i^^In^^            *^^u  my  reader  to  Raphelms,  who  has  of  himself,  as  if  he  was  already  in  possession  of  his  glory,  while  he  was 

gn™  them  a  larger  examination  than  they  deserve.  Annot.  ex  Xen.  here  on  earth,  John  xvii.  24.  and  sinners  too  are  represented  as  con- 

h«H  h.f,,f'!5^7      '^/V  7*?,'"'^ ''^'"'^  ^'''^  •'*°  be  understood  as  if  It  £pli.  ii.  6.  and  Ileb.  xii.  22,  23.                                                    *»      ./      . 

tion  on  their  narenKu'nnfnlf'"  of  mH-ed  parents  ■  but  such  a  rettec-  g  TAe  soldiers  applied  themselves  to  him.]    There  is  no  reason  to  be- 

Wfare  Slled  fL^lVL/?  S^^l'T'"^  ■lu'^^'V^'     ^''f  children  of  pious  lieve  that  these  were  Gentile  soldiers.    Grotius  has  excellently  proved, 

t\oJt\^:XrJ,t't'T^^^^^^                             '°c±<=";:°r  ''^n^":  '1^' the  Jews  in  general  did,  not  scruple  a  military  life  ;  and  a^multi- 


d   We'havp  Ahr^kn,,,  r„.  ^,.  r  .l.^^    t^     i.ru-.i,          n     u          ,  instructions  to  them  with  urging  the  worship  of  the  true  God. 

great  the  Dresumntinn  ^I'iZ/  '  "'^  .P"""  Whitby  well   shows  how  h   TerjOy  no  man.]   The  word  5,a^e<o-nTe  properly  signifies  "  to  take 

Munstei    on  tl^^ff  f     ^  .       ■'''"^^  °?  J","'  relation  to  Abraham  was.  a  man  by  the  collar  and  shake  him  ;"  and  seems  to  have  been  used  pro- 

in  whkh^f  k  «1h    .'  •'A"?''^k*  remarkable  passage  from  the  lalmud.  verbially  for  that  violent  manner  in  which  persons  of  this  station  of  life 

doth  not  Dermit  anx,  „  i  ?    .'Abraham  sits  next  the  gates  of    hell,  and  are  often  ready  to  bully  those  about  them,  whom  they  imagine  their 

St  perham  nt  .^»M  S,^       Israelite  to  go  down  into  it."    These  Jews  inferiors  in  strength  and  spirit ;  though  nothing  is  an  argument  of  a 

vain  aiirt  dan<r?ri,f      the  promise  in  Jer.  xxxi.  35,  36.  to  support  this  meaner  spirit,  or  more  unworthy  that  true  courage  which  constitutes  so 

"■ost  ^ore.  "S  L^?°wu"^^•  '?  opposition  to  such  a  multitude  of  essential  a  part  of  a  good  military  character. 

etse'7                                    threatenings;  particularly  Deut.   xxxji.   19,  i  /F»/i  :/ok;  legal  wages  or /lai/.]    The  word  o./-<o./(o,c  is  well  known 

to  signify  provision  or  food;  but,  when  applied  to  soldiers,  it  is  generally 


44  THE  MINISTRY  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST. 

SECT.       And,  us  the  people  were  in  great  suspense,  and  all  ivere  reasoning  m  their  hearts  with  much  .  15  And  as  the  people  were 
16.     solicitude  co?icerHJng  John,  debating  the  matter  with  themselves,  whether  he  were  the  musecTin  rile'iJ'iiearfs  of  John" 

Messiah  or  not,  John  answei-ed  all  that  put  the  question  to  him,  in  the  most  direct  and  whether  he  were  the  ciirist 

LUKE  positive  manner,  saying,  I  indeed  baptize  you  with  water,  to  engage  you  to  the  exercise  of  ""^ig^jihn  answered,  saying 
^^^:^  7Y/)e??;aKce,  which,  "by  submittmg  to  that  rite,  you  solemnly  profess;  but  there  is  one  "nto  t/iem  all,  i  indeed 
coming  after  me,  even  the  Messiah  himself,  who  is  much  more  powerful  and  considerable  repentenc"e";^butonemight'ier 
than  lean  pretend  to  be;  (see  John  x.  41.)  whose  very  shoes  t  am  'not  worthy  so  much  than  i  cometh,  [after  me, 
as  to  carry  after  him,  [or]  to  stoop  down  and  untie  the  tatchet  of  \them,'\  but  should  esteem  Jo  'bear!]"thl  latdie't°of^hose 
it  as  an  honour  to  perform  the  humblest  office  of  menial  service  for  him.  And,  if  you  ^)°^^  i  '^stoo'"'%own'^and'i 
are  indeed  his  people,  he  shall  baptize  you  with  a  most  plentiful  effusion  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  unloose':  1ie°^shal'r'bapt'ize 
and  with  fire;  causing  his  Spirit  to  descend  upon  his  followers  in  the  appearance  of  a  ^vJ-Jjjfir*'^. 'rMltt°ui*^ii''Mw^k 
flame  of' fire,  to  represent  its  operating  on  the  heart  like  fire,  to  kindle  pious  and  devout  i'.\^,8.f'  ^  '"''  '  ^ 
affections,  and  to  purify  and  enliven  the  souls  of  believers.  (Compare  Acts  i.  5.  and  ii.  3.) 

17  But  you  are  to  remember,  this  is  an  awful  as  well  as  an  amiable  Person,  whose  fan  is  17  Whose  fan  win  his  hand, 
in  his  hand,  and  he  will  thoroughly  winnow  and  cleanse  his  church,  which  is,  as  it  were,  hilVoorrincfwilf  gather" tfil 
his  threshing-floor,  and  at  present  is  covered  with  a  mixture  of  wheat  and  chaff:  for  such  wheat  into  his  gamer;  but 
will  be  the  "nature  of  the  doctrine  he  shall  teach,  as  ^yill  eflPectually  discover  what  is  the  f^g  unquenchable.  ^[Matt?'ii*il 
real  disposition  of  the  hearts  of  men,  and  perfectly  distinguish  between  the  hypocritical  ic] 

and  the  sincere.  A7id  happy  will  it  be  for  those  that  stand  the  trial :  for  he  ^cill  carefully 
gather  them,  as  the  wheat  into  his  granary,  and  lay  them  up  in  heaven  as  his  peculiar 
treasure :  btit  as  for  the  chaff  which  is  found  among  them,  as  for  those  empty  vain  pro- 
fessors that  are  now  mingled  with  his  people,  he  will  then  treat  them  as  men  do  the 
sweepings  and  the  refuse  of  the  floor,  and  bum  them  up  as  worthless  and  unprofitable 
trash;  and  I  faithfully  warn  you,  that  it  will  be  with  unquenchable  fire :'^  let  this  excite 
you  tlierefore  to  escape  so  terrible  a  doom.  (Compare  Isa.  xli.  16.  jer.  xv.  7.  and  Ezek. 
xxii.  15.) 

18  Such  was,  in  general,  the  tendency  and  purport  of  John's  preaching  :  and,  offering  .  ib  And  many  other  things. 
many  other  exhortations  to  them  to  the  same  eff"ect,  he  published  to  the  people  these  glad  j,"  i\\to'^the"i')lfople'  p'"'^'"^'*^'' 
tidings^  of  the  Messiah's  approach,  and  endeavoured  to  prepare  them  to  receive  him  in  a 

proper  manner;  as  will  be  more  particularly  shomi  hereafter.  (See  John  i.  15, et  seq.  and 
iii.  28,  et  seq.) 

IMPROVEMENT. 
MATT.      What  an  excellent  ))attern  of  ministerial  service  does  John  exhibit  in  the  passage  before  us !    Blessed  is  that 
III.     gospel  preacher  who,  like  him,  seeks  not  his  o\\'n  ease  and  pleasure,  and  indulges  not  to  luxurious  and  sensual 
"^  inclinations,  but  cheerfully  accommodates  himself  to  the  state  and  circumstances  which  Providence  hath  assigned 
him,  as  infinitely  more  intent  on  the  success  of  his  ministry  than  on  any  little  interest  of  his  own  that  can  interfere 
LUKE  with  it ! — Happy  the  man  who,  imitating  the  impartiality  of  this  faithful  servant  of  God,  gives  to  every  one  his 
III.     portio7i  of  meat  in  due  season,  and  abhors  the  thoughts  of  flattering  men  in  their  vices,  or  buoying  them  up  with 
10—14  delusive  iio])es  in  their  birth  and  profession,  while  they  are  destitute  of  real  and  vital  religion ! 
MATT.      May  this  plain  and  awakening  address  be  felt  by  every  soul  that  hears  it !    And,  in  particular,  let  the  children 
III.     of  religious  parents,  let  those  that  enjoy  the  most  eminent  privileges,  and  that  make  even  the  strictest  profession, 
9  weigh  themselves  in  this  balance  of  the  sanctuary,  lest  they  be  found  wanting  in  the  awful  decisive  day.    And  if 
the  warnings  of  the  gospel  have  alarmed  our  hearts,  and  put  us  upon  fleeing  from  the  wrath  to  come,  oh,  let  the 
8  terrors  of  the  Lord  engage  us,  not  only  to  confess,  but  to  forsake,  our  sins,  and  to  bring  forth  fruits  meet  for  re- 
pentance ! 

Let  all  to  whom  the  gospel  message  comes,  most  attentively  and  seriously  consider,  in  what  alarming  circum- 
stances of  danger  and  extremity  impenitent  sinners  are  here  represented.    The  gospel  is  the  last  dispensation  we 
10  must  ever  expect ;  the  axe  is  at  the  root  of  the  unfruitful  tree,  and  it  must  ere  long  be  cut  down  and  burnt,  be  its 
branches  ever  so  difliisive,  and  its  leaves  ever  so  green. 
LUKE       Christ  hath  a  fan  in  his  hand  to  winnow  us,  as  well  as  the  Jews.     Oh  that  we  may  stand  the  trial !    And  oh 
III.     that,  as  his  wheat,  we  may  be  laid  up  in  the  storehouse  of  heaven,  when  that  day  cometh  which  shall  burn  as  an 
1'  oven,  and  when  all  that  do  tuickedly  shall  be  consumed  as  stubble,  and  be  burnt  vp  as  chaff!  (Mai.  iv.  1.) 
16      And  to  conclude  :    that  we  may  be  prepared  for  that  final  trial,  let  us  be  earnest  in  our  applications  to  our 
gracious  Redeemer,  that  as  we  are  baptized  with  water  in  his  name,  he  would  also  baptize  us  with  the  Holy  Ghost 
and  with  fire ;  that,  by  the  operations  of  his  Holy  Spirit  on  our  cold  and  stupid  hearts,  he  would  enkindle  and 
quicken  that  divine  life,  that  sacred  love,  that  flaming,  yet  well-governed  zeal  for  his  glory,  which  distinguishes 
the  true  christian  from  the  hypocritical  professor,  and  is  indeed  the  seal  of  God  set  upon  the  heart,  to  mark  it  for 
eternal  happiness. 


SECTION  XVIT. 

The  testimony  John  the  Baptist  gave  to  Christ  is  taken  notice  of  by  John  the  evangelist,  and  his  own  testimony  added  to  confirm  it. 

John  i.  15—18. 

^17^'  .  -^O'JN  i-  15.  John  i.  15. 

AS  the  Messiah  now  was  shortly  to  appear,  and  the  time  just  at  iiand  in  which  he  was  to  John  bare  witness  of  him, 

jQjjjj    enter  on  his  public  ministry,  the  way  (as  we  have  seen)  was  opened  for  his  coming  by  ""^  "^^'^'  »»>'"§:.  This  was 
J.       John  the  Baptist's  being  sent  to  preach  the  doctrine  of  repentance :  and  when  the  people 
15  came  in  crowds  from  every  part  to  hear  him,  John  bore  his  testimony  of  him  in  a  public 

used  to  signify  ^/(e  ;;<2^  that  was  allotted  for  their  subsistence.  (Compare  either  that  any  thing  so  useful  as  straw  would  be  made  the  symbol  of 

Rom.  vi.  2.3.  where  it  is  rendered  wages  ;  and  1  Cor.  ix.  7.  where  we  these  worthless  reprohates,  or  that  it  would  be  represented  as  kurnt  vp. — 

tianslate  it  charges.')  As  to  the   phrase  of  burning  the  chaff  with   unqiienchable  fire,  Mr. 

k  The  chaff  he  loill  burn  with  imqitenchahle  fire.]    There  is  in  what  the  Ilorberry  has  observed,  with  his  usual  accuracy  of  judgment,  (Inquiry 

Baptist  here  declares,  an  evident  allusion  to  the  custom  of  burning  the  into  the  Duration  of  Future  Punishment,  chap.    i.  No.  1,   2.)  that  it 

chaff  after  winnowing,  that  it  might  not  be  blown  back  aiirain,  arid  so  is   absolutely  inconsistent   with  all    views   of    the    restoration  of    the 

be  mingled  with  the  wheat :  and,  though  it  may  in  part  refer  to  the  wicked ;  and  that,   however  the   phrase  of  being  consumed  like  chaff 

calamities  to  come  upon  the   Jewish   nation   for  rejecting  Christ,  Cas  might  seem  to  favour  the  doctrine  of  their  onnihi/ation,  (which  never- 

Bishop  Chandler  l)as  observed  in  his  Defence  of  Christianity,  p.  85.)  theless  it  is  certain  no  punishment  of  mind  or  body  can  of  itself  effect,) 

yet  it  seems  chieHy  to  intend  the  fnial  destruction  of  all  sinners  in  hell,  the  epithet  of  imgnenchahle  given  to  this^re,  is  so  far  from  proving  it, 

which  alone  is  properly  opposed  to  the  gathering  the  wheat  into  the  that  it  cannot,  bv  any  easy  and  just  interpretation,  be  reconciled  with  it. 

garner :  (compare  I\Iatt.  xiii.  40 — 42.)  and  howsoever  it  be  certain  that  I  Published  these  glad  tidings.]    Kl/I17•ye^lf«Tr>  has  plainly  this   im- 

the  word  «xi'P"'' '"  f'reek  authors  does  generally  signify  all  that  is  left  port  ;  and  as  it  was  a  very   imperfect   intimation,  rather  t1ian  a  full 

</  the  corn   when  the  grain  is  separated,   including  tlie   straw  ;  (see  discovery  of  the  gospel  that  was  given  by  the  I'.aptist,  it  does  not  seem 

Raphael.  Annot.  ci  Xen.  in  loc.  and  Gen.  xxiv.  25,  V2.  Septuag.^  vet  .so  proper  here  to  render  it  bv  preaching  the  gospel,  thouch  the  word 

I  apprehend,  that  in  this  place  it  must  be  equivalent  to  xfoi'C,  and  sig-  has  often  that  signiticatiou ;  see  Matt.  xi.  5.  Luke  iv.  18.  and  Acts  viii. 

nxty  chafl  as  disfmguished  from  «ra!i'.-  since  one  can  hardly  imagine  4,  &c. 


THE  TESTIMONY  OF  JOHN  THE  APOSTLE.  45 

lie  of  whom  I  spake,  He  tii;tt  declaration  of  the  dignity  of  his  person,  and  of  the  great  design  for  which  he  was  to  come ;  sect. 

Cometh  after  me  is  preferred  v^,hich,  though  it  was  at  first  expressed  in  general  terms,  yet  did  he  afterwards  apply  it  in  17. 

betore  me :  tor  he  was  betort  .    '.  o,  „  ,^  ,    r      .      .        ,p  ..,.,-'  i       i      ,  ,      i'  y 


particular  to  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  pointing  him  out  to  be  the  person  he  had  spoken  of^;  and, 


with  an  earnestness  that  suited  the  importance  of  this  grand  occasion,  he  openly  proclaimed  JOHN 
him  to  be  the  promised  Messiah,  ana  cried,  sat/ing,  This  is  the  person  that  I  told  you  of;  ^• 
and  this  was  lie  of  %vhom  I  said  before,"  (Matt.^iii.  11.)  He  that  cometh  after  me,  as  to  the  15 
time  of  his  appearance  in  the  world,  and  of  his  entrance  on  the  stage  of  public  life,  is 
upon  all  accounts  superior  to  me,  and  is  deservedly  preferred  before  me ;  for,  though 
indeed  as  to  his  human  birth  he  is  younger  than  me,  and  clid  not  come  into  the  world  till 
a  little  after  me,  yet,  in  a  much  more  ncTble  and  exalted  kind  of  being,  he  existed  long 
before  me,^  or  even  before  the  production  of  ai.y  creature  whatsoever. 

16  And  of  his  fulness  have      And  I,  John  the  apostle,  who  had  the  honour  of  being  numbered  among  his  most  16 
all  we  received,  and  grace  for  intimate  friends,  would,  with  pleasure,  in  my  own  name,  and  that  of  my  brethren,  add 
^^^'^'^'  my  testimony  to  that  of  the  Baptist,":  as  I  and  they  have  the  greatest  reason  to  do  :  for  of 

his  overflowing  fulness  have  we  all  received  v/hatever  we  possess,  as  men,  as  christians,  or 
as  apostles ;  and  he  hath  given  us  even  grace  upon  grace,-^  a  rich  abundance  and  variety 
of  favours,  which  v/ill  ever  make  his  name  most  dear  and  precious  to  our  souls. 

17  For  the  law  was  given      For  the  law  icas  given  by  Moses,  and  we  own  it  an  honour  to  our  nation  to  have  received  17 
by  Moses,  «7t<  grace  and  truth  [i^  ^nd  to  that  holy  man  toliave  been  the  messenger  of  it :  yet  to  the  sinner  it  is  a  dispensa- 
came  by  Jesus  Christ.  ^.^^  ^^  death,  and  passes  an  awful  sentence  of  condemnation  upon  him ;  [but]  the  Redeemer 

whom  we  celebrate  is  worthy  of  much  more  affectionate  regards ;  for  grace  and  truth  came 
by  Jesus  Ch>  ist,^  who  gives  us  an  ample  declaration  of  pardon,  and  an  abundant  effusion 
of  the  Spirit,  those  substantial  blessings  of  which  the  Mosaic  dispensation  was  but  a 

18  No  man  hath  seen  God  shadow.     His  gospel  therefore  should  be  received  with  the  most  cheerful  consent ;  for  no  18 
tVTo^''Xich*i's^n  the  tosmii  "'"'*  ^"^'''  ^^''^''  ^^'^'^  ^"^''  "°''  i^^^eed  Can  see  him,  as  he  is  an  incorporeal,  and  therefore  an 
o't"the"'Father,'^he  hath  de-  invisible  Being;  but  the  only-begotten  Son,  who  is  always  in  the  bosom  of  the  Fat  her,^  and 
clared  Aim.  g^g^,  favoured  with  the  most  endearing  and  intimate  converse  with  hini,  he  hath  revealed 

and  7nade  him  known  in  a  much  clearer  manner  than  he  was  before,  by  those  discoveries 
of  his  nature  and  will,  which  may  have  the  most  powerful  tendency  to  form  us  to  virtue 
and  happiness. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Happy  are  they,  that,  (Hke  this  beloved  apostle,)  when  they  hear  the  praises  of  Christ  uttered  by  others,  can  Ver.  16 
echo  back  the  testimony  from  their  own  experience,  as  having  themselves  received  of  his  fulness!     May  an  abun- 
dance of  grace  be  communicated  from  him  to  us  !     We  are  not  straitened  in  him  :  oh,  may  we  not  be  straitened 
in  ourselves ;  but  daily  renewing  our  application  to  him  as  our  Living  Head,  may  vital  influences  be  continually 
imparted  to  our  souls  from  him ! 

With  pleasure  let  us  compare  the  dispensation  of  Jesus  with  that  of  Moses,  and  observe  the  excellency  of  its  17 
superior  grace  and  of  its  brighter  truth  ;  but  let  us  remember,  as  a  necessary  consequence  of  this,  that  if  the 
despisers  of  Moses's  law  died  without  mercy,  they  shall  be  thought  worthy  of  a  much  sorer  punishment,  and  a  more 
aggravatea  condemnation,  ivho  tread  under  foot  the  Son  of  God.     CHeb.  x.  28,  29.) 

May  we  ever  regard  him  as  the  only-begotten  of  the  Father ;  and,  since  he  hath  condescended  so  far  as  to  come  18 
down  from  his  very  bonom  to  instruct  us  in  his  nature  and  will,  let  us  with  all  humility  receive  his  dictates,  and 
earnestly  pray,  that  under  his  revelations  and  teachings,  we  may  so  knoio  God,  as  faithfully  to  serve  him  now 
and  at  length  eternally  to  enjoy  him. 


SECTION  XVIII. 

Christ  is  baptized  by  John,  and  the  Holy  Spirit  descends  upon  him  in  a  visible  form.    Mark  i.  9 — 11.  Matt.  iii.  13,  to  the  end  ;  Luke  iii.  21—23.    SECT. 

MARK  i.  9.  Mark  i.  9.  _^ 
AND  it  came  to  pass  in  those  AND  it  came  to  pass  in  those  doj/s,  ^vhen  gvea.t  numbers  of  «//  ranks  and  professions  among  ^^^^^^ 
tiays,  [Luke,  when  all  the  ^^g  Jewish  people  ivere  baptizecl,^  that  Jesus  came  from  the  town  of  Nazareth  in  Galilce^^       i_ 

a  T/iis  was  lie  of  whom  I  said.']    This  probably  might  happen  at  the  p.  ICl.    Next  to  this,   I  should   prefer  Grotius's  interpretation,   who 

time  when  Jesus  made  his  first  appearance  among  those  that  came  to  be  would  render  it,  grace  of  mere  grace  ;  that  is,  the  freest  grace  imaginable, 

baptized  by  John  ;  when  at  his  offering  to  receive  his  baptism,  though  e  Came  hj  Jesiis  Christ.']    1  cannot  lay  so  much  stress  on  the  word 

John  before  had  been  a  stranger  to  him,  and  knew  him  not  by  any  per-  67ti'eTO  here,  as  opposed  to  e&otiri,  as  to  suppose  it,  with   Erasmus,  to 

sonal  acquaintance  with  him,  yet,  by  some  powerful  impression  on  his  imply,  that  whereas  Moses  was  only  the  messenger  of  the  law,  Christ 

mind,  he  presently  discerned  that  this  was  he  whom  he  before  had  taught  was  the  original  of  the  grace  and  truth  he  brought  into  the  world  by  the 

the  people  to  expect,  and  of  whose  person  he  had  given  them  so  high  a  gospel ;  since  all  that  is  intended  by  efive-ro  is  nothing  more,  than  that 

character.    For  it  was  plainly  from  his  knowledge  of  him,  that  John  at  it  was,  or  that  it  came  by  Jesus  Christ,  according  to  the  sense  in  which 

first  would  have   declined   baptizing  him,  as   an  honour  of  which  he  the  word  is  often  used  in  other  places  ;  and  iia  here  is  used  of  Christ  as 

looked  upon   himself  to   be  unworthy.     Nor  is  it  to  be  doubted,   but  well  as  of  Moses  :  so  that  both  are  represented  as  messengers,  though  of 

that,  when  first  he  knew  the  person  of  whose  appearance  he  had  raised  very  different  dispensations. 

such  expectations  by  his  preaching,  he  would  immediately  be  ready  to  f  In  the  bosom  of  the  Father.]    Critics  generally  agree,  this  .s  one  of 

acquaint  his  hearers,  that  this  was  he,  who  was  intended  by  him  ;  which  the  places  in  which  eir  is   put  for  tv;  but  had   it  here  been  rendered 

they  themselves  might  have  been  ready  to  conclude,  from  the  uncommon  near  his  Father's  bosom,  it  rni"ht  as  well  have  answered  the  design  of 

veneration  and  respect  with  which  the   Baptist  treated  him,  who  had  thf  original,  and  would,  I  think,  have  been  asexpressiveof  that  intimate 

been  always  used  to  treat  men  with  the  greatest  plainness.     And  upon  converse  and  entire  friendship,  which  the  phrase  implies. — Eisner  here 

this  account  it  may  be  proper,  that  this  testimony  of  him  should  be  cites  a  passage  from  Plato,  concerning  the  regard  due  to  the  authority 

introduced  (as  I  have  placed  it  here)  before  the  particular  account  that  of  a  6'o«  c/God  when  speaking  of  his  Father;  and  it  is  indeed  surpris- 

the  other  evangelists  liave  given  of  his  baptism.    Compare  Matt.  iii.  14.  ingly  opposite.     Elsn.  Oter;'.  vol.  i.  p.  296. 

and  John  i.  27,  ."iO.  a   IVhen  all  the  people  were  baptized.]    John  continued   baptizing  so 

b  He  existed  long  before  me;  wo-oro^  ij.h  r\\i.]    This  must  undoubtedly  long  after  this,  that  it  is  very  evident  the  word  alt  must  be  taken  with 

refer  to  that  state  of  glory  in  which  Christ  existed  before  his  incarnation,  the  restriction  used  in  the  paraphrase,  as  it  is  oftentimes  in  othei-places. 

of  which  the  Baptist  speaks  so  plainly,  John  iii.  31.  as  abundantly  to  b  Jesus  came  from  Nazareth  in  Galilee.]    The  learned  Dr.  Thomas 

justify  the  paraphrase  ;  (Compare  note  b,  on  John  i.  30.  ^  21.)    As  for  Jackson,  in  his  elaborate  examination  of  this  context,  (see  his  Works, 

the  preceding  clause,  euiTrpoa^ev  uk  Yeyovei/,  which  we  render  is  pre-  vol.  ii.  p.  515—519.)  supposes,  that  John  the   Baptist,  inquiring  into 

ferred  before  me,  I   think   Erasmus  truly  expresses  the  sense  of  it,  in  and  hearing  the  name  of  Jesus,  and  the  place  from  whence  he  came, 

supposing   it  to  refer  to   those  distinguishing  honours  which  had  been  and  comparing  it  in  his  own  mind  with  that  celebrated  prophecy,  Isa. 

paid  to  Christ  in  his  infancy,  by  prophets,  sages,  and  angels  too,  which  xi.  1,  2.  concluded,  that  this  Jesus,  or  divine  Saviour,  as  the  word  may 

nothing  that  had  yet  occurred  in  the  life  of  John  could  by  any  means  signify,  (see  note  d,  on  Matt.  i.  21.  p.  27.)  coming  from  Nazareth,  the 

equal.  town  of  Rods,  as  the  etymology  of  that  name  imports,  was  the  Rod  out 

c  I  add  my  testimony  to  that  of  the  Baptist.]    It  is  most  evident,  that  of  the  stem  of  Jesse,  upon  whom  the  Spirit  should  descend,  and  rest  like 

what  is  said  here  in  this  verse,  as  Chrysostom  justly  otiserves,  must  be  a  dove  on  a  branch.     And  thus  he  would  reconcile  John  s  address  to 

considered  as  the  words  ot  the  evangelist.    John  the  Baptist  had  never  Christ  as  so  extraordinary  a  person,  Matt.  iii.  14.  with  his  declaring 

yet  mentioned  the  name  of  Jesus  ;  and  the  expression  we  all,  shows  it  (John  i.  31,  33.)  that  he  h/tew  him  not  before ;  but  this  seenis  a  very 

could  not  be  his  words  ;  for  those  to  whom  he  addressed  himself,  do  not  precarious  solution,  considering  how   possible   it  might  be,  that  in  so 

appear  to  have  received  grace  from  Christ.    The  last  French  version,  large  a  place  as  Nazareth,  there  might  be  several  persons  or  the  name 

with  great  propriety,  includes  ver.  15.  in  a  parenthesis,  and  so  connects  of  Jesus,  or  Joshua,  so  verj- common   among  the  Jews.     It  appears 

this  l(jth  verse  with  the  14th ; — as  if  it  had  been  said.  He  dwelt  among  therefore  much  more  reasonable  to  have  recourse  to  the  solution  given 

"S—Jull  of  grace  and  truth  ; — and  of  his  fulness  have  we  all  received.  in  the  paraphrase  and  note  d,  on  the  last  cited  text,  5  21 ,  th"''  he  had  a 

a  Grace  upon  grace.]  This  seems  the  most  easy  sense  of  xap'f  avri  secret  intimation  given  him  who  it  was  that  came  to  be  baptized  by 
XapiTiK,  as  avx'  uvtaiv  oKiav  is  grief  upon  grief.  (Theogn.  v.  344.)  Com-  him  ;  and  all  that  this  very  ingenious  writer  has  said,  to  show  the  van- 
pare  Ecclus.  xxvi.  15,  17.  and  see  Blackwall's  Sacred  Classics,  vol.  i.  ous  marks  by  which  John  might  inow  Christ,  without  supposing  sucS  a 


4g  THE  BAPTISM  OF  CHRIST. 


SECT,  wl.ere  he  had  lived  for  many  years  in  a  retired  manner  with  his  parents,  to  the  river  Jor-  peopie  were  ^^.apti-ejU^hat 
18.     dan ;  and  applied  himself  to  John,  that  he  might  he  baptized  by  him  :"  and  loas  accordingly  ^f  Galilee,  [unto  John,  to  be 

baptized  by  John,  in  Jordan,  near  Bethabara.  (See  John  i.  28.  §  20.)  .        baptised  ^of  ,h.m,].  an.i_.  was 

MATT.      Now  the  providence  of  (iod  had  so  ordered  it,  to  prevent  all  appearance  ot  a  combina-  [M^tt.  iii.  is.  Luke  ill.  21.] 
"I-     tion  between  them,  that  Jolin  was  personally  a  stranger  to  Christ.  (Johni.  33.)  E«i  never-  Jl^l■^^}^■  ^^yij^"\  itl 
theless  as  soon  as  he  saw  him,  he  received  a  secret  intimation  from  above,  that  this  was  need  to  be  baptized  of  thee, 
the  Messiah,  upon  whom  the  Spirit  should  visibly  descend.    (See  the  note  on  John  i.  33.  and  comest  thou  tomer 
^  21.)     And,  upon  this  account,  such  was  the  modesty  of  Jo/in,  that  he  was  ready  to 
decline  the  service,  and  would  have  hindered  him  from  doing  what  he  proposed ;  and  ac- 
cordingly said  unto  him,  Thou  art  so  much  my  superior,  that  I  have  need  to  be  baptized 
by  thee  with  that  for  nobler  baptism  which  thou  art  to  administer  ;  and  dost  thou  come  to 
we  on  such  an  occasion  as  this  ?     I  am  confounded  at  the  thought,  and  cannot  but  con- 

15  sider  it  as  too  high  an  honour  for  me.     And  Jesus,  replying,  said  iinto  him.  Though  it  be  ,  ?f  ;f "^  hinf'su^rif '!-"& 
really  as  thou  sayest,  yet  do  not  go  about  to  hmder  me,  but  permit  {it]  now  ;  jor,  however  ,^  ^^^^ .  f^r  thus  it  becometh 
unable  thou  mayst  be  at  j^resent  to  enter  into  the  particular  reasons  of  it,  yet,  in  submission  us  to  fulfil  all  righteousness. 
to  the  divine  appointments,  it  is  decent  for  us  thus  to  comply  with  all  the  duties  of  reli-  ^"^"      ^'""'^''       • 
gion,  and  in  this  manner  it  becomes  us  to  fulfil  all  righteousness :  and  upon  this  account, 

as  it  is  a  part  of  my  duty  to  attend  this'  institution,  it  is  therefore  a  part  of  thine  to  ad- 
minister it.  Then,  as  John  knew  that  it  became  him  not  to  debate  the  matter  any  further, 
he  permitted  him  to  be  baptized.  ,      ,      ,      „ 

IG      And  after  Jesus  ivas  baptized,  as  soon  as  he  ascended  out  of  the  water  to  the  bank  of  ba^i^ed    went  up'^trai^ft* 
Jordan   behold,  the  heavens  were  immediately  opened^  unto  him,  and  in  a  wondrous  way  wav  out' of  the  water:  and, 
appeared  asif  they  had  been  rent  asunder  directly  over  his  head  :  and  at  that  very  instant,  ;,'^tJ,''f,i|jfYi'uKETeinS'r.- 
«s  he  was  looking  up,  and  prayings  in  a  devout  and  holy  rapture  ;  and  as  John  was  also  tized,  and  praying,]  aiid  he 
fixing  his  eyes  upon  this  wonderful  sight,  he  saw  the  Spirit  of  God,f  in  a  corporeal  form,s  ?^;YuiKF'"nl"bo°d1iy1ha^^ 
as  a  glorious  and  splendid  appearance  of  fire,  descending  with  a  hovering  motion  like  a  like  a  dove',  and  lighting  upon 
dove,  and  coming  upon  him  ;  as  a  visible  token  of  those  secret  operations  of  that  Blessed  hj"'^„  t^^^k  i.  10.  Luke  in. 
Spirit  on  his  mind,  by  which,  according  to  the  intimations  God  had  given  in  his  word,  he  '  ' "' 
was  anointed  in  a  peculiar  manner,  and  abundantly  fitted  for  his  public  work.    (Compare 
Psal.  xlv.  7.  and  Isa.  Ixi.  1.) 
LUKE       And,  as  a  further  testimony  of  the  Divine  regard  to  Christ,  and  of  the  glorious  dignity  ^  Jjuke^i_ir.  22^^And^£o]^^a 
HI.     of  his  person,  this  was  attended  with  a  very  memorable  event ;  for,  behold,  a  loud  and  awful  ^^^kh  safd?  Thou"Irt  my  bc- 

22  voice  came  out  of  heaven,-when  it  was  thus  opened,  which  said,  Thou  art  my  beloved  Son,^  in  ^°\^''^^°" '(^fjl'^  \7'^Ma''r'k 
thee  I  am.  well  pleased ;  that  is,  I  perfectly  approve  thy  character,  and  acquiesce  in  thee  f.  i^f  " 

as  the  .Great  Mediator,  through  whom  I  will  show  myself  favourable  unto  sinful  creatures. 
(Compare  Isa.  xlii.  1.) 

23  And  Jesus,  at  that  time  when  he  received  the  baptism  of  John,  and  was  beginning  the  2.3  And  .lesus  himself  be- 
public  exercise  of  [his  ministry, 1  was  about  thirty  years  old  r  at  which  time  lie  chose  to  Ifl^l  "^  """"'  """"'^  ^'^'""^ 
quit  his  retirement,  being  then  in  the  full  vigour  of  nature,  and  having  attained  the  age  in 

vi'hich  the  priests  used  to  begin  their  ministrations  in  the  temple.  (Compare  Numb.  iv. 
3 — 47.  and  1  Chron.  xxiii.  3.) 

IMPROVEMENT. 

MATT.      Let  our  Lord's  submitting  himself  to  baptism,  teach  us  a  holy  exactness  and  care  in  the  observance  of  those 
in.     positive  institutions  which  owe  their  obligation  merely  to  a  divine  command ;  for  thus  it  also  becometh  tts  to  fulfil 
Ver.  15  (ill  7-ighteousness ;  lest  by  breaking  one  of  the  least  of  Christ's  commandments,  and  teaching  others  to  do  it,  we  become 
unworthy  of  a  part  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.    (Matt.  v.  19.) 

16  Jesus  had  no  sin  to  confess  or  wash  away,  yet  he  was  baptized ;  and  God  owned  that  ordinance  so  far  as  to 
make  it  the  season  of  pouring  forth  the  Spirit  upon  him.  And  where  can  we  expect  this  sacred  eflriision,  but  in 
a  conscientious  and  humble  attendance  on  divine  appointments  ? 

Let  us  remember  in  how  distinguishing  a  sense  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the  anointed  of  God,  to  whom  the  Father 

hath  not  given  the  Spirit  by  measure,  but  hath  poured  it  out  iipon  him  in  the  most  abundant  degree.     Let  us  trace 

MARK  the  workings  of  this  Spirit  in  Jesus,  not  only  as  a  spirit  of  miraculous  power,  but  of  the  richest  grace  and  holiness  ; 

I.      earnestly  praying  that  this  holy  unction  may,  from  Christ  our  head,  descend  upon  our  souls  !     May  his  enliven- 

10  ing  Spirit  kindle  its  sacred  flame  there,  with  such  vigour,  that  many  waters  may  not  be  able  to  quench  it,  nor 

floods  of  temptation  and  corruption  to  drown  it. 

particular  revelation  as  is  there  suggested,  does  but  confirm  me  the  more  vol.  iii.  p.  66.)  supposes  to  have  been  all.    Dr.  Owen  and  Grotias  think 

in  the  necessity  of  admitting  it.  it  was  a  bright  Jlame  in  the  shape  of  a  dove  ;  and  .Tustin  Martyr  (who 

c  That  he  might  be  baptized  by  him.'\    By  this  he  intended  to  do  an  adds,  that  all  Jordan  shone  with  the  reflection  of  the  light)  says,  tliat 

honour  to  John's  ministry,  and  to  conform  himself  to  what  he  appointed  it   was   ev  etPin  nepia-Ttpa^ ',  and  Jerome  calls  it  (paana  opwWo?,  the 

to  his  followers:  for  which  last  reason  it  was,  that  he  drank  likewise  of  appearance  of  a  dove.     Roth  these  phrases  are  much  more  determinate 

the  sacramental  cup.    And  this  we  may  consider  as  a  plain  argument,  than  the  original ;  but  I  choose  to  leave  this,  and  many  other  things,  in 

that  baptism  may  be  administered  to  those  who  are  not  capable  of  all  the  same  latitude  as  I  find  them. 

the  purposes  for  which  it  was  designed.     See   Dr.  Whitby's  note  on        h   'J'hou  art  my  beloved  Son.']    Both  Mark  and  Luke  express  it  thus; 

Matt.  iii.  16.  which  inclines  me  to  follow  those  copies  of  Matthew  -which  agree  with 

d  The  heavens  xr'.re  immediately  openerf.'j    I  think  it  plain,  (as  Grotius  them,  rather  than  the  more  common  reading  there.  This  is  mij  beloved 

and  Blackwall  have  observed,)  that  what  is  here  intended,  is  to  intimate.  Son.    ^vhaiLi\cro.  properly  expresses  an  entire  acquiescence  in  him. 
that  directly  r,n  his  coming   up  out  of  the  water,  the  heavens  were        i  And  .Jesus, 7i'hen  beginning  \_his  ministry^was  abovt  thirly  years  old.] 

opened  :  for  it  must  certainly  appear  to  be  a  circumstance  of  small  Of  the  age  of  Jesus  at  this  time,  see  note  b.on  Luke  iii.  1.  p.  41. — I  can 

important-e,  and  very  little  use,  for  the  evangelist  to  say  that  Jesus  recollect  no  sufficient  authority  to  justify  our  translators  in  rendering 

went  up  straightway  out  of  the  crater,  after  lie  mas  baptized;  but,  if  we  >ii/  (Jio-ei  ercoK  Tpianoi/xa  apxouei'nr.  began  to  be  about  thirty  years  of  age, 

take  it  in  the  other  way,  it  very  fitly  introduces  the  remarkable  account  or   was   now  entering  on  his  thirtieth  year.    To  express  that  senses  it 

ot  what  directly  followed  it.    There  seems  to  be  such  a  transposition  of  should  have  been  mi/  qn>x°/^.^^°^  eii'ai,  f^c.  as  Epiphanius,  probably  by  a 

the    word   euOcw?,   Mark  i.   29.    and   xi.   2.     See   Blackwall's    Sacred  mistake,  has  quoted  it. —  i'he  learned  author  of  the  Vindication  of  the 

Classics,  vol.  i.  p.  89.  beginning  of  Matthe'o's  and  Luke's  Gospel,  extremely  dissatisfied  with 

e  As  he  was  praying.]    It  is  observable  that  all  the  three  voices  from  all  the  common  versions  and  explication  of  these  words,  would  render 

heaven,  by  which  the  Father  boie  witness  to  Christ,  were  pronounced  them.  And  Jesus  was  obedient  or  lived  in  subjection  [_to  his  parent.!] 

while   he  was  praying,  or  very  quickly  after  it.    (Compare  Luke  ix.  about  thirty  years :  and  produces  several  passages  from  approved  Greek 

29,  ."iS.  and  John  xii.  28.  writers,  in  which  apxoMevoc  signifies  subject.    But  in  all  those  places  it 

f  He  saw  the  Spirit  of  God.]  There  is  no  question  to  be  made  but  that  is  used  in  some  connexion,  or  opposition,  which  determines  the  sense ; 
this  wondrous  sight  was  seen  by  both  of  them  ;  for  Mark  has  so  expressed  and  therefore  none  of  them  are  instances  parallel  to  this.  I^^uke  evidently 
it,  as  plainly  to  refer  the  seeing  it  to  Christ,  and  John  the  Baptist  has  uses  apxoMei'Mi'-  chap.  xxi.  28.  in  the  sense  we  suppose  it  to  have  here; 
in  another  place  assured  us  that  he  saw  it,  and  took  particular  notice  of  and  since  he  had  before  expressed  our  Lord's  subjection  to  his  parents  by- 
it  as  the  sign  he  was  directed  to  observe  as  the  distinguishing  and  certain  the  word  iTroTatro-ouevor.  chap.  ii.  51.  there  is  great  reason  to  believe 
characteristic  of  the  Messiah,  .John  i.  .S2 — .■!4.  And  I  have  therefore  so  he  would  have  used  the  same  word  here,  had  he  intended  to  give  us  the 
expressed  it  in  the  paraphrase,  as  not  directly  to  confine  the  sight  of  it  same  idea.  And  indeed,  if  apxcMevo?  be  allowed  to  have  the  significa- 
to  either.  tion  which  this  accurate  critic  (for  such  undoubtedly  he  is)  contends  for 

g  In  a  corporeal  form.]    This  is  the  exact  English  of  au,na^tKa  etbei  :  here,  since  there  is  nothing  in  the  text  to  limit  it,  the  phrase  would  inti- 

a  phrase  which  might  with  propriety  have  been  used,  though  there  liad  mate,  he  was  subject  to  iwne  after  this  time  ;  an  assertion  which  1  should 

not  been  (as  most  understand  it)  any  appearance  in  the  shape  of  the  think  both  groundless  and  dangerous. — This  clause  of  Luke  has  been 

aiumal  here  mentioned,  but  only  a  lambent  flame  falling  from  heaven  already  mentioned  in  another  place,  where  it  was  only  inserted  (out  of 

vith  a  hovering  dove-like  motion,  which  Dr.  .Scott  (in  his  Christian  Life,  its  proper  order)  to  complete  the  sentence  :  see  i  9.  p.  29,  .30. 


CHRIST'S  TEMPTATION  IN  THE  WILDERNESS.  47 

Behold  God's  beloved  Son,  in  xvhom  he  is  well  pleased  !    As  such  let  us  honour  and  love  him ;  and  as  such  let  SECT, 
our  souls  acquiesce  in  him,  as  in  every  respect  sucn  a  Saviour  as  our  wishes  might  have  asked,  and  our  necessities     18. 

With  what  amazement  should  we  reflect  upon  it,  that  the  blessed  Jesus,  though  so  early  ripened  for  the  most  luke 
extensive  services,  should  live  in  retirement  even  till  his  thirtieth  year !     That  he  deferred  his  ministry  so  long,  -y-g^os 
should  teach  us  not  to  thrust  ourselves  forward  to  public  stations  till  we  are  qualified  for  them,  and  plainly  discover 
a  Divine  call :  that  he  deferred  it  no  longer,  should  be  an  engagement  to  us  to  avoid  unnecessary  delays,  and  to 
give  God  the  prime  and  vigour  of  our  life. 

Our  great  Master  attained  not,  as  it  seems,  to  the  conclusion  of  his  thirty-fifth  year,  if  he  so  much  as  entered 
upon  it;  yet  what  glorious  achievements  did  he  accomplish  within  those  narrow  limits  of  time!  Happy  that 
servant, 'who  with  any  proportionable  zeal  despatches  the  great  business  of  life !  so  much  the  more  happy,  if  his 
sun  go  down  at  noon  ;  for  the  space  that  is  taken  from  the  labours  of  time,  will  be  added  to  the  rewards  of  eternity. 

SECTION  XIX. 

Christ's  victory  over  the  temptations  of  Satan  in  the  wilderness.    Luke  iv.  1 — 13.  Matt.  iv.  1 — 11.  Mart:  i.  12,  13. 

.  Luke  iv.  L 

AND  Jesus  being  full  of  the  THEN  Jesiis  being  full  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  with  which  he  had  been  just  anointed  in  so  SECT. 
Holy  Ghost,  retained  from  extraordinary  a  manner,  returned  from  Jordan,  where  he  had  been  baptized;  and  imme-     19. 
d?ate1yi  was  led  by  tii'e 'spTrl t  diuteh/  after  this,  was  led,  bt/  the  strong  impulse  of  that  Spirit  on  his  mind,  into  that  desolate  ■ 


[Ma UK,  the  Spirit  dri%eth  ,^^^  solitary  place,  the  wilderness ;''  that  he  nmht  there  be  exercised  and  tempted  bii  the   luke 

him]  nito  the  wilderness  [to  be  .    ,    .»    r  '  '  j     i  ^  •         i  •  •    u^      /r     j  -ii      »  •  IV 

tempted  of  the  devil].  [Matt,  most  Violent  assaults  of  the  devil;  and,  by  conquering  him,  might  afford  an  illustrious  j  ^''• 
iv.  1.  Mark  i.  12.]  example  of  heroic  virtue,  and  lay  a  foundation  for  the  encouragement  and  support  of  his 

people,  in  their  future  combats  with  that  malignant  adversary. 

Mark  i.  13.    And  he  was      And  he  loas  there  in  the  ivilderness  fortif  days :  and  during  that  time  he  was  tempted  bi/  mark 
there  in  the  wilderness  fort^  Satan  ;  and  also  ivas  surrounded  with  a  variety  of  the  most  savage  and  voracious  kinds  of      I- 
w^^'w1tii^t*iie°wiid''be'asts;  Wild  beasts ;  but  they  were  so  overawed  by  his  presence,  that  (as  in  the  case  of  Daniel  ^'^ 
no"hin"  T^Luke  iv'^cl'''  ^^^  ^^^^^  in  the  den  of  lions,  Dan.  vi.  22.)  none  of  them  offered  him  the  least  injury  :  >>  and  in 
all  those  days  he  did  eat  nothing  at  all. 

Matt.  iv.  2.   And  when  he      And  ivhen  he  had  thus  fasted  forty  days  and  forty  nights,  as  Moses  the  giver  of  the  law,   matt. 
fori  *^i"hts^''he'  warafter'  (Exod.  x.xxiv.  28.)  and  Elias  the  great'restorer  of' it,  liad  done  before  him,  (1  Kings  xix.     IV. 
warS  'an  ^hungred?  [Luke  8.)  having  been  thus  far  miraculously  home  alcove  the  appetites  of  nature,  at  length  he  felt  ^ 
'^'-  "-^  them,  and  icas  very  hungry,  but  was  entirely  unprovided  with  any  proper  food. 

3  And  when  the  tempter      And,  just  at  that  timc^  the  tempter  coming  to  him''  in  a  visible  form,  (putting  on  a  human  3 
b^Tiie'so'li'of  God^'command  appearance,  as  one  that  desired  to  inquire'further  into  the  evidences  of  his  mission,)  said, 
tiiat  *tiiese  stones '  he  made  //'  thou  art  the  Son  of  God,  in  such  an  extraordinary  manner  as  thou  hast  been  declared 
bread.  [Luke  iv.  3.]  ^'q  ^^^  ^^^  ^p|.  indeed  the  promised  Messiah,  who  is  expected  under  that  character,''  com- 
mand that  these  stones  become  loaves  [of  bread^  to  relieve  thy  hunger;  for  in  such  a  cir- 
cumstance it  will  undoubtedly  be  done. 

4  But  [Jesus]  answered  and      But  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto  him,  It  is  written  in  the  sacred  volume,  (Deut.  viii.  4 
not'*'lile'bv  bread  afone^'but  "^O  "  -^^"^  -'^"^^  '"■Ot  ^'^'^  1>!I  bread  Only,  but  by  every  word  proceeding  out  of  the  mouth  of 
by  every  word  that  proceed-  God,  OX  by  whatever  he  shall  appoint  for  the  preservation  of  his  life."     He  can  therefore 
[Luke\v.'^4.']*  '""""^ "'  ^°'^'  support  me  without  bread,  as  he  fed  the  Israelites  in  the  wilderness  ;e  and,  on  the  other 

hand,  even  bread  itself,  if  these  stones  were  turned  into  it,  could  not  nourish  me  without 
his  blessing  ;  which  I  could  not  expect,  were  I  to  attempt  a  miracle  of  this  kind,  merely 
in  compliance  with  thy  suggestions,  without  any  intimation  of  my  Father's  will. 

5  Then  the  devil  taketh  him       Then,  as  the  devH  found  it  was  in  vain  that  he  had  tempted  Christ  to  a  distrust  of  Pro-  5 
cib-?'and 'se'tteth^him''  o^n  a  videncc,  he  was  for  trying  to  persuade  him  to  presumption  :  and  to  this  end,  he  taketh  him 
pinnacle    of    the    temple;  along  with  him'  to  Jerusalem,  which,  being  the  place  where  God  dwelt  in  so  distinguish- 

'■  "''''^-   ••'  ing  a  manner,  was  commonly  called  the  holy  city ;?  and  there  he  setteth  him  on  one  of 

the  battlements  of  the  temple,^  which,  in  some  parts  of  it,  and  particularly  over  the  porch, 

6  And  saith  unto  him,  If  was  SO  exceeding  high,  that  one  could  hardly  bear  to  look  down  from  it.i    And  as  he  G 
thou  be  the  .Son  of  God,  cast  stood  upou  the  brink  of  this  high  precipice,  the  tempter  saith  unto  him,  J f  thou  art  indeed 

thyself  down  [trom   hence]:    .,      c<  /•  r^     i  i  ,i        i,-  i  i      /•  i  j        ■       i         -ii    ii,  ii     .. 

for  it  is  written.  He  shall  give  the  Son  of  Uod,  ccLst  thyself  dowu  courageouslyj/'o/?/  hence,  ^nd  mingle  with  those  that  are 
thee'*'rto'kee'^Th'ee7"a'nd"in  assembled  for  the  worship  of  God  in  yonder  court.  The  sight  of  such  a  miracle  will  un- 
i/ietr  hands  they  shall  bear  deniably  convince  them  of  the  truth  of  thy  pretensions ;  and  thou  canst  have  no  room  to 
thee  up,  lest  at  any  time  thou  doubt  6f  thy  Safety  ;  for  tbou  well  knowest  it  is  written,  (Psal.  xci.  11,12.)  "  He  shall 
give  his  angels  charge   concerning  thee,    to  keep   thee ;^  and  they  shall   bear  thee  up  in 

a  Into  the  wilderness.^    Christ  probably  intended  this  as  a  devout  re-  d  The  promised  Messiah,  who  is  expected  under  that  character.] 

tirement,  to  which  he  found  himself  strongly  inclined,  that  he  might  That  the  .Jews  supposed  the  Messiah  would  be  in  a  very  extraordinary, 

give  vent  to  those  sacred  passions  which  the  late  grand  occurrences  of  manner  the  Son  of  God,  appears  from  comparing  Matt.  xiv.  33.  xvi.  16. 

the  descent  of  the  Spirit  upon  him,  and  the  miraculous  attestation  of  a  xxvi.  63.  John  i.  .34,  49.  xi.  S7.  xx.  31.  and  Acts  viii.  37. 

voice  from  heaven,  had  such  a  tendency  to  inspire.     It  seems  a  very  e  As  he  fed  the  Israelites  in  the  wildeniess.]     It  is  to  this  the  passage 

groundless  conjecture  of  Mr.  Fleming  (in  his  Christology.  vol.  ii.  p.  315.)  that  is  quoted  here  hath  a  plain  reference,  as  it  stands  in  the  Old  Testa- 

that  he  was  carried  through  the  air  to  mount  Sinai.    Mr.  Maundrel's  is  ment. 

much  more   probable,  that  it  might  be  the  wilderness  near  Jordan  ;  f  Taketh  him  along  with  him.]    This  is  the  exact  English  of  Trapa- 

which,  as  he,  who  travelled  through  it,  assures  us,  is  a  miserable  and  Xan/Savei.   (iiee  Ehner,  Odserv.  itiloc.)    But  whether  he  did,  or  did  not, 

horrid  place,  consisting  of  high  barren  mountains,  so  that  it  looks  as  if  transport  him  through  the  air,  cannot,  I  think,  be  determined  from  this 

nature  had  suffered  some  violent  convulsions  there.    (See  Maundrel's  passage. 

Travels,  p. 'is.)    This  h  the  scene  of  the  paraile  of  the  good  Samaritan.  g  The  holy  city.']     This  is  a  phrase  that  frequently  and  very  pro- 

(Luke  X.  30.)    Our  Lord  probably  was  assaulted  in  the  northern  part  of  perly  is  used   to  express  Jerusalem.  (Compare  Neh.  xj.  1.  Isa;  Hi.  1. 

it,  near  the  sea  of  Galilee,  because  he  is  said  here  to  be  returning  or  Dan.  ix.  24.  and  Matt.  xxii.  53.)    The  heathen  writers,  in  like  manner, 

going  back  to  Nazareth,  from  whence  he  came  to  be  baptized,  Mark  i.  often  call  those  cities  holy,  in  which  any  of  their  deities  were  supjiosed 

p.  45.  to  hold  their  special  residence,  and  from  whence  their  oracles  were 

b  None  of  them  offered  him  the  least  injury.]    It  is  strange  that  any  delivered.  (.See  Eisner,  Observ.  vol.  i.  p.  17,  18.) 

should  think  he  was  during  this  time  hunted  by  the  wild  beasts :  this  is  h  Otie  of  the  battlements  of  the  temple.]    'Though  pinnacle  agrees  very 

the  more   improbable,  as  such  a  hurry  would  have  been  inconsistent  well  with  the  etymology  of  the  CJreek  word,  yet,  according  to  its  use 

with  the  design  of  God  in   leading  him   thither ;  which  was,  that  he  among  us,  it  leads  the  Lni'.lish  reader  to  imagine,  that  he  stood  on  the 

might  be  assaulted  by  Satan,  at  first  probably  by  secret  suggestions,  the  point  of  a  .wire.    The  truth  is,  the  roof  of  the  temple  was  flat,  and  had 

horror  of  which   would   be  increased   by  such   a  gloomy  place.    The  a  kind  of  balustrade  round  it;  (see  Deut.  xxii.  8.)  and  somewhere  on 

angels  might  be  the  instruments  of  intimidating  the  beasts.     Could  Dr.  the  edge  of  this  battlement,  we  may  suppose  that  Satan  placed  Christ, 

Lightfoot  have  proved  what  he  asserts,  that  this  happened  in  October  or  in  his  attacking  him  with  this  temptation. 

November,  the  cold  would  have   been,  as  he  suggests,  an  additional  i  Hardly  bear  to  look  down  from  it.]    Josephus  gives  us  this  account 

circumstance  of  affliction  to  our  Lord  :  but  it  seems  rather  to  have  been  of  it,  Atitiq.  Jud.  lib.  xv.  cap.  11.  [al.   14.]  §  5.   p.  781.  Edit.  Haver- 

iii  the  beginning  of  summer;  see  note  b,  on  Luke  iii.  1.  p.  41.  and  note  camp. 

k,  on  Matt.  iii.  4.  p.  42.  k  Charge  concerning  thee,  to  keep  thee.]    Many  (after  Jerom)  have 

c  'She  tempter  coming  to  him.]    Our  translation,  which,  in  its  render-  observed  that  Satan  made  his  advantage  of  quoting  Scripture  merely  hy- 
ing of  these  words,  is  not  so  literal  as  the  version  I  have  given,  seems  to  scraps,  leaving  out  those  words,  in  all  thy  ways,    llie  cause  ot  truth, 
intimate,  what  is  not  any  where  asserted  in  the  sacred  story,  that  this  and  sometimes  of  common  sense,  hath  suffered  a  great  deal  by  lliose 
was  the  first  time  the  tempter  came  unto  him ;  a  circumstance  which  who  have  followed  his  example, 
can  hardly  be  supposed. 


4f5  CHRIST'S  TEMPTATION  IN  THE  WILDERNESS. 

SECT.  //"''■'•  f>uml->'^  lest  thou  sluw/dst  by  any  accident  duHh  thij  foot  against  a  stone.']    And  surely  'Jfjj^t'^y  ^^°\^''^['f  *  "°"=- 
19.     the  Son  of  God  may  depend  upon  a  promise  which  seems  common  to  all  his  saints.  7  [And]  Jesus  [answering] 

.     And  JesMS  answering  said  unto  him,  It  is  also  written,  to  prevent  the  ungrateful  abuse  of  |ti1n" Ttou'shalV not'Temp" 

MATT,  such  gracious  promises  as  these,   (Deut.  vi.  16.)  "  T/iou  shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord  thy  the  Lord  thy  God.   [Lukeiv. 
^^'-      Gorf,"  by  demanding  further  evidence  of  what  is  already  made  sufficiently  plain,i  as  my  12.] 
'  relation  to  God  is,  by  the  miraculous  and  glorious  testimony  he  hath  so  lately  given  me. 

8  Again,  the  devil,  being  resolved  once  more  to  attack  him  by  the  most  dangerous  temp-  8  Again,  the  devil  taketh 
tation  he  could  devise,  taketh  him  up  into  a  mountain  in  those  parts,  which  was  exceedi7ig  jj!;;;,  mounta?n,''and""'s''heVe"h 
high;  and  from  thence,  in  a  moment  of  time,  sheiveth  him,  in  an  artful  visionary  represen-  hn'n  all  the  kingdoms  of  tiie 
tation,  all  the  most  magnificent  kingdoms  of  the  world,  and  all  the  luxury,  and  pomp,  and  [!„ amoment ot!imJ]°  [Luke 
glory  of  them ;  displaying  to  his  view  one  of  the  finest  prospects  that  the  most  pleasure-  iv.  5.] 


LUKE   able  and  triumphant  scenes  could  furnish  out.-"   And,  with  the  most  egregious  impudence     Luke  iv.  6.   And 

TV.       J   f„1„„l A     tk„  ,l„.,;i  ,.„;,1    o,„#^,  /.;.„      All    th;<:   PvtPnsivP    nmnpr     TtnuH   ////  //iAv^  snlpndid    said  unto  him,  All  t! 


the  devil 


6 


and  falsehood,  the  devil  said  unto  him.  All  this  extensive  power,  \und:\  all  these  splendid  ['^Yuhese''tMng1]\vm  Tgive 
thin<rs,  will  I  give  thee,  and  all  the  glory  of  them,  which  thou  hast  now  before  thee  ;  (for  thee,  and  the  glory  of  them: 
it  j/ail  delivered  to  me,^  who  am  the  prince  of  this  world,  and  I  give  it  to  ivhom  I  please.)  ^"'^To  'vhomsoev^^^^^ 

7  And  great  as  the  gift  is,  I  am  so  charmed  with  that  wisdom  and  magnanimity  which  I  give  it,   [Matt.  iv.  9.] 
have  now  observed  in  thee,"  that  I  propose  to  give  it  thee  upon  the  easiest  terms  thou  ^ J,i  'd'own°and]''worsh'p  me! 
canst  imagine  ;  for  all  that  I  desire  is,  that  thou  shouldst  pay  me  homage  for  it :  if  there-  all  shall  be  thine.   [Matt.  iv. 
fore  thou  wilt  hut  fall  down  and  ivorship  me,  upon  thy  making  this  little  acknowledgment  ^-J 

"to  me,  all  these  things  shall  be  thine. 

8  Then  Jesus,  moved  with  indignation  at  so  blasphemous  and  horrid  a  suggestion,  ^J^And^.Iesus^ans^^red  and 
ansivered  and  said  unto  him,  with  "iDecoming  resentment  and  abhorrence.  Get  thee  hence,  hence,]"Get  thee'  behi'nd  me, 
Satan,v  and  begone  out  of  my  sight,  for  I  will  no  longer  endure  thee  near  me  :  for  it  is  ^^^f^'J^^^^l  'Mle'lmd^  ti^ 
written,  as  a  fundamental  precept  of  the  law,  (Deut.  vi.  13.)  "  Thou  shalt  ivorship  the  God,  rnThimon?y  shalt thdu 
Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve."'  It  would  therefore  be  unlawful  thus  to  serve.  [Matt.  iv.  10.] 
worsliip'thee,  who  art  no  other  than  a  mere  creature,  even  though  thou  wast  indeed  his 

deputy  on  earth ;  and  how  much  more  then  must  it  be  so,  as  thou  art  in  reality  the  great 
avowed  enemy  of  God  and  man  \i  for  such,  under  all  thy  disguise,  I  well  know  thee  to  be. 
13      And  when  the  devil  had  ended  all  the  temptation  we  have  given  an  account  of,  being  so     13  And  when  thedeyii  had 
baffled  and  confounded  as  not  to  be  able  to  present  any  others  which  seemed  more  likely  departed   tvoin  "hmt  tor  a 
to  succeed,  he  departed  from  him  for  a  season;  yet  secretly  meditating  some  future  assault,  season. 
(Compare  John  xiv.  30.)  af  ,»    •  th      ti 

MATT.       And,  then  the  devil  having  left  him,  behold,  a  detachment  of  angels  came  and  waited  upon  devil  leailth  him,  and.  bJf- 
^^'-  ^  him,-'  furnishing  him  with  proper  supplies  for  his  hunger,  and  congratulating  so  illustrious  hold,  angels  came  and  minis- 
11         -^  ?i  •  ^f  1   „i  „„,r  teied  unto  him.   [Mark  i.  13.] 

a  Victory  over  the  prmce  01  darkness. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

MATT.      Who  can  read  this  account  without  amazement,  when  he  compares  the  insolence  and  malice  of  the  prince  of 

IV.     darkness,  with  the  condescension  and  grace  of  the  Son  of  God? 
Ver.  1,      What  was  it  that  animated  and  imboldened  Satan  to  undertake  such  a  work?     Was  it  the  easy  victory  he  had 

et  seq.  obtained  over  the  first  Adam  in  paradise  ?  or  was  it  the  remembrance  of  his  own  fall,  from  whence  he  arrogantly 
concluded,  that  no  lieart  could  stand  against  the  temptations  of  pride  and  ambition  ?  Could  he,  who  afterwards 
proclaimed  Christ  to  be  the  Son  of  the  Most  High  God,  and  had  perhaps  but  lately  heard  him  owned  as  such  by 
a  voice  from,  heaven,  make  any  doubt  of  his  Divinity  ?  Or,  if  he  actually  believed  it,  could  he  expect  to  vanquish 
him ;  we  may  rather  conclude  that  he  did  not  expect  it ;  but,  mad  with  rage  and  despair,  he  was  determined  at 
least  to  worry  that  Lamb  of  God,  which  he  knew  he  could  not  devour ;  and  to  vex  with  his  hellish  suggestions 
that  innocent  and  holy  soul,  which  he  knew  he  could  never  seduce.     Wretched  degeneracy !   How  art  thou  fallen, 

0  Lucifer,  son  of  the  morning  !  to  be  thus  eagerly  driving  on  thine  own  repulse  and  disgrace ! 

But,  on  the  other  hand,  how  highly  are  we  obliged  to  our  great  Deliverer,  who  hath  brought  forth  meat  out  of 

5,  8  the  eater,  and  sweetness  out  of  the  strong!     Who  can  sufficiently  adore  thy  condescension,  O  blessed  Jesus! 

who  wouldst  permit  thyself  to  be  thus  assaulted  and  led  from  place  to  place  by  an  infernal  spirit,  whom  thou 

couldst  in  a  moment  have  remanded  back  to  hell,  to  be  bound  in  chains  of  darkness,  and  overwhelmed  with 

flaming  ruin  ! 

The  apostle  tells  us  why  he  permitted  this  :  it  was  that,  having  himself  suffered,  being  tempted,  he  might,  by  this  ex- 
perience that  he  had  of  Satan's  subtilty,  and  of  the  strength  of  his  temptations,  contract  an  additional  tenderness,  and 
be  the  more  inclined,  as  well  as  better  able,  to  succour  us  when  we  are  tempted.  (Heb.  ii.  18.)     Let  this  imbolden 
us  to  come  unto  the  throne  of  grace,  to  obtain  merci/,  and  find  grace  to  help  in  the  time  of  need.     (Heb.  iv.  16.) 
3      Let  us  remember  and  imitate  the  conduct  of  the  great  Captain  of  our  salvation  :  and,  like  him,  let  us  learn  to 
resist  Satan,  that  he  may  flee  from  us.     Like  Christ,  let  us  maintain  such  an  humble  dependence  on  tlie  divine 
6  blessing,  as  never  to  venture  out  of  the  way  of  it,  be  the  necessity  ever  so  urgent ;  nor  let  us  ever  expose  our- 
8,  9  selves  to  unnecessary  danger,  in  expectation  of  extraordinary  deliverance.     Like  him,  let  us  learn  to  overcome  the 
world,  and  to  despise  all  its  pomps  and  vanities,  when  offered  at  the  price  of  our  innocence. 

I  By  demanding  further  evidence  of  what  is  already  made  sufficiently  temptation  ;  but  Luke  makes  it  the  second  ;  whence  it  evidently  appears 

plain.]    That  this  is  the  purport  of  the  phrase,  teinpting  God,  is  easy  to  that  Luke  did  not  confine  himself  exactly  to' observe  the  order  of  time 

be  seen  from  comparing  Exod.  xvii.  C,  7.  Numb.  xiv.  22.  Psal.  Ixxviii.  in  his  story  ;  a  remark  of  vast  importance  for  settling  the  Harmony. 

18.  and  Psal.  cvi.  14.    See  Limborch,  Theoloq.  lib.  v.  cap.  22.  ^  16.  See  note  g,  on  Luke  i.  .3.  p.  17. 

m  One  ot  the  finest  prospects  that  the  most  pleasurable  and  triumphant  p  Get  thee  hence,  Satan.']    The  word  H7ra76  plainly  expresses  his  au- 

scenes  could  furnish  out.]    As  Christ  was  probably  attacked  with  this  thority  over  Satan,  as  well  as  his  detestation  of  so  vile  a  suggestion, 

temptation  upon  some  mountain  in  the  wiUerness,  this  beautiful  and  <\  The  great  avowed  enemy  of  God  and  man.]   T  his  odious  character 

taking  prospect  that  was  represented  to  him,  being  set  ofi^  by  the  horror  is  intimated  in  tlie  name  Satan,  which  our  Lord  gives  him,  by  which 

ot  the  place  he  was  in,  would  in  such  a  contrast  appear  peculiarly  he  made  it  to  appear  he  knew  him,  however  he  might  seek  to  be  dis- 

charming;  see  note  a,  p.  4".  guised.    If  we  suppose  him  now  to  have  worn  the  form  of  an  angel  of 

n  I'or  It  j.t  all  delivered  to  me.]  Grotius  has  well  observed,  that  this  light,  (as  2  Cor.  xi.  14.)  it  will  make  botli  this  and  the  former  temptation 
contains  a  vile  insinuation,  (hat  God  had  done  what  none  that  truly  un-  look  more  plausible  :  for  thus  he  might  pretend,  in  the  former,  to  take 
derstands  the  nature  ot  God  and  the  creature  can  suppose  possible,  (he  charire  of  Christ  in  his  fall,  as  one  of  his  celestial  guards;  and  in 
namely,  that  he  had  parted  with  the  government  of  the  world  out  of  his  th'is,  to  resign  him  a  province  which  God  had  committed  (o  his  ad- 
own  hands.  And  we  add  to  this,  (hat  in  the  text  which  Christ  has  ministration  and  care.  And  this  may  be  consistent  with  supposin"-,  that 
quoted,  there  is  enough  to  overthrow  that  notion ;  since  God's  appro-  he  first  appeared  as  a  man,  (it  may  be,  as  a  hungry  traveller,  who  pre- 
J>riating  to  himself  the  worship  of  all  his  creatures  plainly  implies  his  tended  to  ask  the  miracle  of  turning  stoyies  into  loaves  for  iiis  own  suu- 
umversal  empire  and  dominion  over  all,  and  the  regard  he  has  to  the  ply  ;)  for  angels  under  the  Old  Testament  had  often  worn  a  human 
religious  adoration  and  obedience  of  all  the  subjects  of  his  kingdom.—  form.  Compare  Gen.  xviii.  2.  xix.  1,  10,  16.  Josh.  v.  1,3,  14.  Judsr  vi 
It  IS  remarkable,  that, amongother  thingswhich  severalheatheriwriters  11.  12.  and  xiii.  3,  8,  10.  ' 
learnt  of  the  primitive  christians,  this  was  one,  to  represent  evil  spirits  as  r  Atigels  came  and  waited  upon  Mm.]  The  word  rtmKoi>cn'  does  often 
tempting  nien  from  their  duty  by  views  of  -uvrldlp  riches  and  grandeur  ;  sisrnify  to  wait  at  table:  see  Matt.  viii.  15.  Luke  xvii.  8.  xxii.  "7  and 
over  which.  Porphyry  in  particular  says,  they  often  would  pretend  to  John  xii.  2.— As  one  celestial  spirit  might  have  been  abundantl  v  suHi- 
much  more  power  than  they  really  have.    See  Eisner,  Viserv.  vol.  i.  p.  cient  for  the  relief  of  our  Lord's  necessities,  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose, 

X  T                u          J      -iu  X,    i        ,  •  ■    T  ,                     ,  '"'*'  t'^<^  appearance  of  a  numher  of  them  upon  this  occasion  was  to  do 

o  I  am  so  charmed  with  that— which  I  have  now  observed  in  thee.]  him    the   more   illustrious   honour,    after   this   horrible  combat   with 

1  his  seems  the  most  plausible  view  in  which  the  temptation  could  be  .Satan ;  to  which,  for  wise  and  gracious  reasons,  he  was  pleased  to  con- 
introduced.— It  is  plam  from  the  next  verse,  th.tt  this  was   the  lau  descend. 


JOHN  THE  BAPTIST'S  TESTIMONY  TO  CHRIST.  il' 

To  furnish  us  for  such  a  combat,  let  us  take  tlw  Hword  of  the  Spirit,  which  is  the  word  of  God.     Let  us  not  only   SKCT. 
make  ourselves  familiarly  acquainted  with  the  words  of  Scripture,  but  let  us  study  to  enter  into  the  true  design     19. 

and  meaninsT  of  it ;  that  so,  if  Satan  should  attempt  to  draw  his  artillery  from  thence,  we  may  be  able  to  guard 

against  "that' most  dangerous  stratagem,  and  to  answer  perverted  passages  of  holy  wnt,  by  others  more  justly  mait. 

3.r)r)liGcl-  \J       f\ 

Once  more ;  when  the  suggestions  of  Satan  grow  most  horrible,  let  us  not  conclude  that  we  are  utterly  aban-     ^'^^ 
doned  by  God,  because  we  are  ))roved  by  such  a  trial ;  since  Christ  himself  was  tempted  even  to  worship  tlie  9 
infernal  tyrant.     But  in  such  cases  let  us  resolutely  repel  the  solicitation,  rather  than  parley  with  it,  and  say,  m 
imitation  of  our  Lord's  example,  and  with  a  dependence  on  his  gxace,  Get  tliee  behind  me,  Satan.  10 

If  our  conflict  be  thus  maintained,  the  struggle  will  ere  long  be  over;   and  angels  who  are  now  the  spectators  n 
of  t!ie  combat,  will  at  length  congratulate  our  victory. 


SECTION  XX. 

;  built 

John  i.  19. 


John  the  Baptist  being  examined  by  the  sieat  mm  among  the  Jews,  acknowledsfs  tliat  lie  was  not  the  Christ;  and  refers  them  to  one  among 
them,  wliom  he  confesses  to  be  vastly  his  suiierior.    John  i.  19 — 28. 


John  i.  19.                                                                                  „    ,      ,                ,  ,            •          ■        ,                     •          i       t  i 
AND  this  is  the  record  of  WE  have  already  taken  notice  of  the  honourable  testimonies  that  were  given  by  Jolin  in   sect. 
John,  when  the  Jews  sent  ^  more  general  way  to  the  Messiah  in  his  discourses  to  the  people,   before  Jesus  was     20. 
Sem?toasrhim,w'h';;ari  baptized.    We  shall  proceed  to  others  that  were  more  particular,  which  followed  after 


tiiat  event ;  and  this  that  we  shall  now  produce  is  the  testimom/  of  John,  ivhen  the  san-   John 
hedrim,  or  grand  council  of  the  Jews,  at  Jerusalem,  sent  some  wlio"  were  reckoned  among  ^g^- 
the  most  venerable  and  holy  men  of  the  nation,  even  some  of  the  priests  and  Levites,  to 
inquire  of  him,  saying.  Tell  us  plainly,  who  art  thou  that  drawest  such  a  crowd  of  people 
after  thee,  and  pretendest  to  something  so  uncommon. 

20  And  he  confessed,  and      And  Jolui,  according  to  the  natural  plainness  of  his  temper,  presently  replied  to  their  20 
am  not  "he 'Christ*""''"'""''  '  inquiry  ;  and  with  the  utmost  freedom,  he  most  readily  acknowledged,  and  did  not  at  all 

affect  either  to  deny  or  to  disguisfe  his  real  character ;  but  in  the  strongest  terms  he 
solemnly  j9ro/fsfcrf,=*' I  am  not  tlie  Messiah,  nor  would  I  in  the  least  pretend  to  arrogate  to 
myself  the  honours  which  are  due  to  none  but  him. 

21  And  they  asked  him.      And,  upon  this,  thei/  further  asked  him.  What  art  thou  then,  if  thou  art  not  the  promised  21 
And'hfsTith  Vam  not'^' Art  Messiah  ?    Art  thou  \he  celebrated  Elijah,'^  come  down  from  that  abode  in  heaven,  to 
thou  that  prophet?  And  i;e  which  he  was  miraculously  translated,  (2  Kings  ii.  11.)  to  introduce  the  great  and  terrible 
answered.  No.  ^^^  ^f  ^y^g  l_oxdLl  (Mai.  iv.  5.)     And,  in  reply  to  this,  he  said,  with  the  same  plainness  as 

before.  Though  it  is  true  that  I  am  come  in  the  spirit  and  power  of  Elijah,  yet  I  am  not 
he.  And  they  again  inquired  of  him.  Art  thou  a  prophet  of  the  former  generation  raised 
from  the  dead? <-•  ^«c? /(£  directly  wn.swerfrf,  A'^o. 

22  Thensaid  they  unto  him,      Now  as  it  only  was  hi  negatives  that  he  had  hitherto  replied,  they  said  unto  him  there-  22 
sWe^an"" answer  tSlhem "tifai./ore  yet  once  more,  Tell  us  then  plainly,  Who  art  thou?  that  ive  may,  hi  a  more  direct  and 


of1he'^Lo.^,'aT'faid*the  Irl  have  frequently  before  declared  myself  to  be)  the  voice  of  one  cri/ing  here  in  the  ivilderncss,^ 
phet  Esaias.'  and  Saying,  Make  the  way  of  the  Lord  clear  and  straight,  by  removing  every  obstruction  ; 

for  he  is  now  appearing  for'sucli  gracious  purposes,  as  demand  the  most  cheerful  recep- 
tion ;  as  Isaiah  the  prophet  said,  in  a  passage  which  you  cannot  but  be  acquainted  with. 
(Isa.  xl.  3.)  . 

C4  And  tiiey  which  were      Now  the  messensers  that  came  on  this  errand  ivere  of  the  sect  of  the  Pharisees;  who,  as  24 
s.nt  were  of  the  piiansees.      ^^  ^j^^  ^^^  j^^^^^  ^^^^  professed  a  great  regard  for  the  prophets,  and  believed  their  existence 
in  a  future  state,  so  on  the  other  hand  tliey  strenuously  opposed  any  innovations  in  reli- 

25  And  they  asked  him,  gion,  which  were  not  warranted  by  tlie  tradition  of  the  elders.     And  therefore,  upon  hear-  25 
U2lr}ho"u"\'hen"'it^^thou''b;  1"^  this  account  that  John  tlie  Bav>tist  aave  them  of  himself,  thci/  axked  him  again,  and 
not  that  Christ;  nor  Eiias,  said  unto  him  with  some  warmth.  Why  then  dost  thou  take  upon  thee  thus  to  baptize''  all 
neither  that  prophet.'  ^j^,^^  appear  to  be  awakened  by  thy  preaching,  in  token  of  the  forgiveness  of  their  sins  ; 

since,  by  thy  own  confession,  thou  art  neither  the  Messiah,  nor  Elijah,  nor  even  a  prophet 
of  lower  rank  raised  from  the  dead  ? 

26  John   answered  them,      And  John  answered  them,  by  repeating  the  testimony  he  had  formerly  borne  to  the  peo-  26 


but  there  s'taJJdefhTne  amon'^  ple,  (Lukc  ill.  16.  p.  44.)  sa^/i^ng,  I  indeed  baptize  you  with  water ;  but  tltere  is  one  that 


snyin, 


you  whom  ye  know  not ;        for  some  time  has  stood  in  the  midst  of  you,  and  is  now  coming  to  be  daily  conversant 
among  you,  whom  as  yet  you  know  nof  to  he  so  eminent  a  person,  who  will  administer  a 

a  fio\emn]y  protesied.'i   The  word  touoXo'vno-ei'  is  the  same  which  is  messengersof  God  to  Israel  of  old  ;  which  espcciaUy  appears  from  Mark 

rendered  achwwledged  in  the  former  clause ;  but  being  thus  repeated,  vi.  15.  where  to  he  a  propltet.  and  to  be  as  one  of  the  prophets,  xre  spoken 

its  siirnitication  seems  to  be  heightened,  especially  by  its  opposition  to  of  as  distinct,  which  they  could  not  be  but  on  this  interpretation  :  and  if 

BK  wOTHcraTo,  he  denied  iwt.  the  alternative  n  be  left  out,  and  it  be  read  as  it  is  in  some  manuscripts 

b  Art  thun  the  celebrate<l  E!iia/i?'i    It  is  plain  by  this  question,  that  and  printed  copies.  He  is  a  prophet  hie  one  of  the  prophets,  there  w;ill 

they  were  strangers  to  the  parentage  of  Jo/in  the  Baptist.    And  with  be  a  foundation  tor  the  same  remark,  and  one  oj  the  prophets  must  signify 

regard  to  the  reply  he  makes  to  this  inquiry,  there  is  no  scruple  to  be  otie  of  the  ancient  prophets.      .       .                             ,    ,ru    i  i         uu-  u 

made,  but  that  Me  ij'ao^j^Mnight  justly  denv  that  he  was  Elijah,  as  he  d  I  am  the  voice  of  one  crying  m  the  wi!der>wss.\  Jhe  late  archbishop 

indeed  was  not  that  prophet,  though  he  came  in  his  spirit.    See  Luke  i.  of  Cambray  beautifully  illustrates  the  huinility  ot  this  reply,  as  it  this 

17   r,  oi  illustrious  prophet  had  said,  "  tar  from  being  tile  ^J(;.-.>^«/J,  or  t/za.s,  or 

c  Jirt  thou  a  prophet  of  the  former  gnneration  raised  from  the  dead  ■]  one  of  the  old  prophets,  1  am  nothing  but  «  voice;  a  sound  that,  as  soon 

It  is  necessary  that  tliis  question  should  be  understood  with  such  a  limita-  as  it  hatli  e^pr^  ssed  the  thought  ot  which  it  is  the  sign,  dies  into  air,  and 

tion,  because  John  the  Baptist  was  really  a  very  illustrious  prdjsAe^,  as  13  known  no  more."    -See  fenel.  Ctuvres  rh/los.  vol.  ii.  p.  19.3. 

we  may  plainly  see  from  what  is  said  by  Christ  himself.  Matt.  .\i.  9.  e   Hhy  then  d<:st  thou  take  upon  thee  thus  to  baptize.']    It  is  not  to  De 
And  this  inter|)retation  Cwhich  is  largely  vindicated  by  Castalio)  seems    certainly  determined  from  this  text,  whether  the  baptism  oj  proselytes  v/zs 

much  preferable  to  that  of  Theophylact  and  Erasmus,  who,  because  of  the  then  in  use  among  the  Jews,  or  not.     Ihe  words  indeed  will  maKe  a 

article  6  Trpo<bmm,  would  render  it  as  we  do,  that  prophet ;  concluding  very  strong  and  well-adapted  sense,  should  they,  be  understood,  as  "  u 

without  any  proof,  that  the  Jews  understood  Deut.  xviii.  18.  not  of  the  had  been  said.  Why  is  it  then  that  thou  dost  institute  such  a  n«.-t  ".'/  »f 

Messiah  himself,  but  of  some  prophet  of  considerable  note,  who  was  to  this  '    But  surely  too  they  will  be  very  proper  in  the  other  sense,    r  we 

introduce  liim  .  ami  Crotius  has  supposed  the  question  that  they  offer  should  take  them  to  imply.  Why  is  it  then  that  thou  "^^t  .taKe  upoii 

to  refer  to  Jeremiah,  orwhose  return  to  life  there  was  a  mighty  rumour  thee,  without  any  commission  from  the  sanhedrim,  'o  adminisier  wap- 

that  prevailed  among  the  Jews.  (Compare  Matt.  xvi.  11.)    But  I  can  see  tism  ?  and  that,  not  only  (as  is  usual)  unto  tliose  who  l^f^fe 'YVn,,!  i 

no  reason  to  resU'ain  it  to  a  particular  prophet ;  and  since  (as  Ijmborch  heathens,  but  even  to  the  Jems  /    And  this  (toi  reasons  w  mcri  """''''•' 

well  observes  in  his  dispute  witii  Orobio  the  .lew)  that  text  in   Deute-  not  be  proper  here  to  enter  upon  at  large)  I  take  to  De  tiie  '"'■'';  1;'"' ,•*"', 

ronomy  was  the  clearest  and  strongest  in  all  the  Mosaic  writings  to  sense,  and  so  suppose  John's  use  ot  this  c^reii'Ony '" ,*".Vhl.rnmp  i^^ 

enforce  the  necessity  of  submitting  to  the  Messiah,  it  is  probable  .lolm  be  a  strong  intimation  that  Jews  as  well  as  Gentiles  """f.  ^'=^3«  y™°«, 

would  have  corrected  so  great  a  mistake,  if  they  had  put  the  question  lytes  to  the  new  dispensatwn  that  ^'^s  then  opening  to  tne  woiiti,  aiia 

to  him  upon  this  presumption.    The  best  French  versions  render  it  as  I  howsoever  holy  they  imagined  themselves  to  be,  yet  tney  aii  sioou  in 

have  done  ;    and  indeed  it  seems  to  me  that  the  word  prophet  in  the  absolute  need  of  being  washed  from  their  sins,  as  ne  Deiore  naa  .iiusi 

Evangelists  generally  signifies  one  of  those  holy  men  who  were  tlie  emphatically  declared,  Matt.  m.  8,  9.  p-  '^^. 


^0  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST'S  TESTIMONY  TO  CHRIST. 

.SECT,  much  more  noble  baptism,  attended  widi  such  miraculous  effects  as  will  abundantly 
20.    justify  mine.     And  tim  is  he,  that  cometli  after  me,  as  to  the  time  of  his  appearance  in  tlie     27  lie  it  is,  who,  cominK 

. world,  whom  yet  I  have  declared  to  have  "existed  long  before  me;  and  wtiu  is  therefore  nie!'\vh'ose'sho?s1atchetlam 

JOHN   upon  all  accounts  deservedly  prf/ivre^/  before  me,  as  being  one  whose  glorious  dignity  is  not' worthy  to  unloose. 
^•,_  such,  as  that  I  freely  own  him  to  be  vastly  my  superior  ;  of  whom  I  am  not  icorthy  to  be 
employed  in  any  oftice  as  his  menial  servant,  not  even  to  unloose  the  latchet  of  his  shoe,  or 
to  untie  the  string  with  wliich  his  sandals  are  bound  on. 
28      These  things  passed  on  the  other  side  Jordan,  at  a  place  called  Bethabara,  or  the  house  .  C8  These  things  were  done 
of  passage,  which  lay  near  that  part  of  the  river  which  was  miraculously  dried  up,  that  the  '^hlti^fohn\^^^blpii^ini'°' 
Israelities  under  the  command  of  Joshua  might  pass  over  into  Canaan,  (see  Josh.  iii.  16, 
and  Judges  xii.  6.)  which  was  the  place  whci'e  John  was  now  baptizing. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

V'ei'.20      How  remarkably  were  the  words  of  our  blessed  Redeemer  fulfilled  in  John,  He  that  humbleth  himself  shall  be 
21  exalted!  (Luke  xviii.  14.)     He  declined  assuming  the  name  of  any  of  the  servants  of  God  among  the  prophets  ; 

and  yet  our  Lord  bore  testimony  to  him,  as  of  a  higher  rank  than  any  of  the  prophets,  than  whom  there  was  7ione 

greater  among  those,  that  had  in  a  natural  way  been  born  of  women.     (Luke  vii.  28.) 
27      Did  John,  this  great  and  illustrious  saint,  speak  of  himself  as  unworthy  to  untie  even  the  sandals  of  Christ  ? 

what  reverence  then  do  we  owe  him  !  and  what  reason  have  we  to  admire  his  condescension,  that  he  should 

honour  us,  who  are  so  much  more  unworthy,  vvith  the  title  of  his  servants  ! 
26      Let  not  any,  the  most  distinguished  of  t!iat  happy  number,  wonder  if  they  be  unknovra  by  the  world,  and 

perhaps,  too,  .slighted  and  despised ;  since  it  appears  that  even  Jesus  himself,  not  only  at  his  first  appearance, 

stood  unknown  among  the  Jews,  but  afterv/ards  was  rejected  by  them,  when  his  claim  was  solemnly  entered,  and 

his  miracles  most  publicly  wrought. 
19,&c.      \'^ain,  and  worse  than  vain,  was  this  message  and  inquiry  which,  when  answered,  was  soon  overlooked  and 

forgot.     May  divine  grace  teach  us  to  inquire  as  those  that  are  in  earnest  in  our  search  !  and  then  shall  ice  know 

to  saving  purposes,  if  we  thus  follow  on  to  know  the  Lord.     (Hos.  vi.  3.) 


SECTION  XXI. 

Lamt 
tance 

John  i.  29. 


John  the  Baptist  bears  a  repeated  testimony  to  Jesus  as  the  Lamb  of  God  ;  which  proves  an  occasion  of  introducing  some  of  his  disciples  into  an 

acquamtance  with  him.    John  i.  29 — 12. 


John  i.  29. 

SECT.   THE  next  day,  after  John  had  returned  this  answer  to  the  priests  and  Levites  who  were  the  next  day  John  seeth 
21.     sent  to  inquire  into  his  character  and  mission,  he  seeth  Jesus  (who  was  now  returned  from  l^f^  "^fillioid  "t'he°  I'amb^'o! 

his  temptation  in  the  desert)  coming  toicai-d^  him;  and  says  to  them  that  were  near  him,  God,' which  taketu  away  the 

JOHN    Behold,  with  the  strictest  attention  and  regard,  that  innocent  and  holy  Person,  who  may  ^'""'^t''^  world! 

^'oQ  P'^op^rly  be  called  the  J^amb  of  God ;  as  it  is  he  that  is  the  great  atoning  sacrifice,  of 

~'    which  the  lambs  that  by  divine  command  are  daily  offered  in  tJie  temple  were  intended 

to  be  types ;  xchich  expiates  and  takes  awai/  the  sin  a  of  the  whole  world,  and  is  set  forth 

to  be  a  propitiation,  not  only  for  the  Jews,  for  whom  alone  the  sacrifices  of  the  law  were 

offered,  but  for  the  Centiles  too,  that  through  his  name,  whosoever  believeth  in  him,  may 

30  receive  remission  of  sins.  And  I  now  point  him  out,  and  tell  you.  This  is  he  of  whom  I  -^o  This  is  he  of  whom  I 
formerly  have  said,  That  after  me  there  comes  a  man  loho  is  to  be  preferred  abundantly  whfchti  preterred'before  ml" 
before  me,  as  being  one  that  is  incomparably  greater  and  more  excellent  than  I  ;  for  he  for  he  was  before  me. 

31  existed  long  before  me.^     (Compare  John  i.  15,  27.  p.  4.5,  50.)     And,  till  the  time  of  his     .>i  And  i  knew  him  not: 
appearance' )ji' a  public  way,  I  was  a  stranger  to  him,  and  did  not  personally  know  him  ;  n"'„jfot  to  fsraii'  thereto* 
for  it  was  ordered  so  by  Providence,  that  notwithstanding  the  relation  which  there  was  »">   i  tome  baptizing  with 
bet\yeen  us,  we  were  not  brought  up  in  any  intimacy  of  acquaintance  with  each  other  ;<=  ^^^'*'"-  v 
yet  in  the  general  I  was  aware  of  his  intended  approach  ;  and  it  was  chiefly  for  this  end, 

with  a  particular  regard  to  him,  that  I  came  (as  you  see)  baptizing  with  water,  that  he 
might  thus  be  more  remarkably  7mide  manifest  to  Israel,  and  might  be  introduced  with 
greater  solemnity. 

32  And  John  proceeded  at  the  same  time,  while  Jesus  was  before  him,  and  bore  his  testi-  32  And  John  bare  record, 
7nony  to  him,  saifwg.  This  must  be  certainly  the  Son  of  God  ;  for  I  declare  that  when  he  Sfng  tw,m  he\v^en  Me *a 
was  baptized,  I  plainly  saw  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  a  surprising  token  of  his  presence,  de-  dnve,  and  it  abode  upon  him. 

33  .scendmg  with  a  hovering  motion  like  a  dove  from  heave?!,  and  it  abode  upon  him.  And  that  ^3  And  i  knew  him  not : 
you  may  not  suspect  any  confederacy  between  us,  I  repeat  the  assurance  which  I  but  just  h"'  with  water" thellme  said 
now  gave  you,  that  I  did  not  personally  know  him :  but  as  he  was  approaching  to  me,  I  "nto  me,  Upo'n  whom  tifou 
had  a  secret  intimation  given  me^  that  it  was  he,  whom  I  should  see  to  be  distinguished  !l]t%'nd  remaining  on  "him" 
by  this  sign  ;  for  he  that  sent  me  to  baptize  with  water,  as  an  earnest  of  that  nobler  baptism  the  same  is  he  which  baptizetli 
which  IS  now  soon  to  be  expected,  even  that  God  whose  messenger  I  am,  he  said  unto  me  '"*''  """  "°'^  ^''°^'- 

by  an  unquestionable  revelation,  This  is  the  sign  that  I  will  give  thee,  that  upon  ivhom 
thou  shalt  see  the  Spi?-it  de.'tceruling  in  a  corporeal  and  miraculous  appearance,  and  remain- 

34  ing  upon  him,  this  is  he  that  baptizeth  ivith  the  Holt/  Spirit.  And  I  saw  this  sig-n  with  my  34  And  i  saw,  and  bare 
own  eyes ;  and  upon  this  convincing  evidence  it  is,  that  I  have  testified  already,  and  still  [^""{"^  *'"'*  *'''^  ''*  "^e  Son  of 
go  on  to  testify,  that  this  is  really  the  Son  if  God,  who  is  come  into  the  world  in  a  human 


CHRIST  CALLS  ANDREW  AND  SIMON.  51 

form,  to  accomplish  tlie  great  work  of  redemption  and  salvation ;  who  is  therefore  most  SECT, 

reverently  and  affectionately  to  be  received  by  us,  as  we  regard  his  Father's  protection  21. 
and  favour. 


->5  Again,  tiie  next   day      Again  it  came  to  pass  on  the  7iext  day,  that  John  was  standing  near  the  same  place,  and  John 
after, .Tohn^stood,  anil  two  of  ^,^,y  ^^-  /^^j  cliscipks  at  that  time  were  with  him  :«    And  looking  stedfastly  on  Jesi/s,(  as  he  ^f.^- 
'36  And  looking  upon  Jesus  was  walking  at  some  little  distance,  he  takes  occasion  to  repeat  his  former  declaration,  and  ''* 
hoidVe  Lambof  God*!'  ^*  *"'/*  ^°  ^i^  disciples,  that  he  might  lead  them  to  a  due  regard  to  Christ,  Behold  the  Lamb 
of  God,  whom  I  before  have  represented  as  the  great  expiatory  sacrifice  for  the  sins 
of  men. 

37  And  tiie  two  disciples      And   when   the  two   disciples   that   were    with  him  heard   him  speak  such  high   and  37 
fonowed7es^LV5^^'*'  ^"^  honourable  things  of  Christ,  they  took  such  notice  of  it,  that  thei/  immediately  went  on 

wnAfolloxoed  Jesus,  who  was  then  returning  to  a  lodging  which  he  had  at  a  small  distance 

38  Then  lesus  turned,  and  froni  that  placc.s    And  Jesus  turning  back,  and  seeing  them  intent  on  follouung  and  coming  38 
miTo*%em?' what^'seek  ^ye*?  ^^^^^  [liim,\  sai/s  to  them,  not  to  discountcnance  and  turn  them  back,' but  to  encourage  and 
TUey  said  unto  him.  Rabbi,  invite  them  to  a  free  converse  with  him.  What  do  you  seek  ?  and  what  maybe  the  business 
p*S,Masterf)'where dwell-  that  you  have  with  me?    And  they  said  to  him,  with  the  greatest  reverence  and  respect, 
est  thou?        '  Rabbi,  (which  being  tramlated  from  the  Syriac,  which  was  the  language  that  was  then 

spoken  by  the  Jews,  is  the  same  with  Master,)  may  we  have  leave  to  ask  thee,  ivho-e  dost 
thou  dwell  ?  for  we  are  desirous  of  making  thee  a  visit,  that  we  may  enter  into  some  con- 
versation with  thee,  which  would   not  be  so  proper  or  convenient  in  this  public  way. 

39  He   saith   unto   them.  And,  pleased  to  hear  of  the  inquiry  they  made,  he  says  unto  them,  Come  with  me  now,  39 
an"'uaw'where'he^iweit?and  '^'"'^  ^^*^  where  it  is  I  lodge ;  for  you  shall  both  be  welcome  to  attend  nie  home.    And 
abode  with  him  that  day':  tor  they  most  readily  Complied  with  his  kind  invitation,  and  cume  and  saw  where  he  dwelt. 

It  was  about  the  tenth  hour,  taking  particular  notice  of  the  place  ;  and  they  went  in,  and  continued  with  him  all  the 
remainder  of  that  day ;  it  being  then  about  the  tenth  hour,  or  four  in  the  afternoon ;  so  that 
they  had  an  opportunity  of  spending  the  whole  evening  in  conversation  with  him,  abun- 
dantly to  their  delight  and  satisfaction. 

40  One  of  the  two  which      Now  Andrew,  the  brother  of  Simon  Peter,  who  will  make  so  considerable  a  figure  in  40 
ed"b?m'°was'AndrTw  ^simoii  ^^^  histoiy,  was  One  of  the  two  disciplcs  that  heard  John  [speak  of  Jesus']  in  the  manner  we 
Pefer's'brother.        '  have  before  related,  and  followed  him.     And  so  exceedingly  was  he  transported  with  the  41 
brothel sfinon*'and'saith  unto  pl^asure  that  he  found  in  his  acquaintance  with  him,  that  he  was  ready  to  impart  the  joy- 
him.  We    have    found   the  ful  news  to  Others,  to  whom  he  knew  it  would  be  welcome  ;  and  hastening  to  communi- 
tenjreted,  The  Christ.*^"'^  '""  ^^^e  it  to  his  friends,  as  the  most  acceptable  tidings  he  could  bring  them,  he  first  findeth 

his  oum  brother  Simon^  and  tells  him  with  the  greatest  joy.  We  certainly  have  found  the 
promised  Messiah  ;  (ivhich  being  translated  from  the  Hebrev/  or  the  Syriac  tongue,  is  the 
Christ,  or  the  Anointed  One.) 
42  And  he  brought  him  to      And,  that  his  brother  Simon  might  be  satisfied  of  the  truth  of  what  he  told  him,  he  42 
K^M^Uv^'J,'^  "'^'■T  hm'"^  ^^:  brought  him  unto  Jesus.     And  Jesus  looking  stedfastUi  upon  him,  as  if  he  had  read  in  his 

held  him,  he  said,   Ihou  art  t'  <■  i  ■       i  P    n  \  '     !•  .  •        ■     ^l        i         i  •  7      i  i  • 

Simon  the  son  of  jona;  thou  countenance  the  traccs  01  his  character,  and  ot  his  luture  service  in  the  church,  saul,  at  nis 
fs.'^by'interpretS^ra  ^' stom^^  coming  to  him,  Thou  art  Simon  the  son  of  Joints  ;i  and  thou  shall  also  be  called  Cephas; 
(which  in  the  Greek  may  be  expressed  by  Peter,  and  signifies  a  rock ;)  a  name  well 
adapted  to  his  character,  upon  account  of  that  resolute  and  patient  firmness  with  which 
he  should  maintain  the  cause  of  the  gospel ;  and  which  also  expressed  the  use  which 
should  afterwards  be  made  of  him,  as  he  should  prove,  in  subordination  to  Christ,  one  of 
the  great  foundations  of  the  church. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  our  faith  daily  behold  Jesus  under  the  character  of  the  Lamb  of  God,  a  Lamb  indeed  without  blemish  and  Ver.  29 
without  spot ;  by  whose  precious  blood  we  are  redeemed,  as  by  an  infinitely  more  valuable  ransom  than  silver  and 
gold.    (1  Pet.  i.  18,  19.)     As  such  let  us  humbly  apply  to  him  to  take  away  our  sins,  and  rejoice  that  (as  the 
apostle  John  elsewhere  expresses  it)  he  is  the  propitiation,  not  for  our  sins  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world;  all  ages  and  nations  being  interested  in  the  benefit  of  His  atonement.     (1  John  ii.  2.) 

Let  us  consider  him  as  anointe(j  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  as  baptizing  his  church  with  it ;  and  learn,  after  the  33, 
example  of  John  the  Baptist,  to  bear  our  testimony  to  him  again  and  again,  with  continued  steadiness  and  grow-  et  seq. 
ing  zeal. 

Our  satisfaction  in  him  as  the  great  and  only  Saviour,  will  surely  grow  in  proportion  to  our  acquaintance  with  39 
him.    If  divine  grace  hath  discovered  him  to  us,  and  taught  us  to  repose  the  confidence  of  our  souls  upon  him, 
let  us,  like  Andrew  in  the  passage  before  us,  be  concerned  to  make  him  known  to  others  ;  and  especially  to  lead  41 
our  nearest  relatives  and  our  most  intimate  friends  into  that  acquaintance  with  him  which  is  so  absolutely  neces- 
sary to  their  eternal  happiness  ! 

Let  the  condescending  readiness  with  which  our  blessed  Redeemer  accepted,  and  even  invited,  the  visit  of  these  39 
two  disciples,  engage  every  preacher  of  righteousness  most  willingly  to  give  his  private  as  well  as  his  public 
labours,  and  his  time,  (valuable  as  that  treasure  is,)  to  the  service  of  those  who  are  seriously  affected  with  the  con- 
cerns of  their  souls,  and  are  inquiring  after  the  way  to  salvation.  We  are  sufficiently  honoured  if,  by  any  means, 
and  by  all,  we  may  be  instrumental  in  promoting  that  cause  which  employed  the  daily  labours  of  God's  incarnate 
Son,  and  at  length  cost  him  his  very  blood  ! 

e  T7C0  of  his  disciples  were  with  him.]    It  plainly  appears  by  ver.  •10.  Iiis  own  brother,  to  distinguish  him  from  some  other  that  belonged  to  the 

that  Andrew  was  one  of  these  ;  and  perhaps  John,  the  beloved  apostle,  family,  who  possibly  might  be  his  brother-in-law,  or  was  related  to  him 

might  be  the  other,  who  being  the  penman  of  this  gospel,  does  frequently  only  in  half-blood. — Peter  was  so  remarkable  a  person,  that  it  might  be 

conceal  his  name.    Compare  John  xiii.  23.  and  xx.  2.  proper  to  tell  us,  who  was  the  first  means  of  bringing  him  acquainted 

f  Looking  stedfastly  on  Jesns.']   This  seems  the  most  exact  signification  with  Christ ;  and  if  John  was  the  other  disciple  that  is  here  referred 

of  the  word  e;j/3Ae<l<as ,  and  I  have  thus  translated  it  again  in  ver.  4G.  to,  he  might  mean  this  as  an  humble  intimation  that  Andrew's  zeal  was 

g  A  lodging  at  a  small  distance  from  that  place.]    As  Jesus  was  a  in  this  respect  greater  than  his  own. — We  may  observe  here  by  the  way, 

person  who  had  no  attendants,  and  was  a  stranger  in  this  country,  we  that  Peter  was  not  the  first  of  Christ's  disciples,  (in  which  the  papists 

may  conclude,  that  he  had  only  some  obscure  and  private  lodging  here  ;  would  have  been  ready  to  have  gloried,)  but  that  another  was  the  means 

which  must  have  been  at  no  jireat  distance  from  the  place  where  John  of  bringing  him  to  an  acquaintance  with  Jesus. 

baptized,  as  may   be  gathered  from  his  appearing  there  from  day  to  i  Thou  art  Simon.^    Some  have  thought,  that  Christ  intended  an  allu- 

day.    And  by  this  means  he  did  an  honour  to  John's  ministry,  and  had  sion  here  to  his  name  Simon,  which  may  signify  n  hearer,  intimating  the 

an  opportunity  of  receiving  his  testimony.  candour  and  impartiality  with  which  he  was  willing  to  hear  Christ  s 

h  He  first  findeth  his  oum  brother  Simmt.^   This  is  a  much  more  literal  instructions.  (See  Dr.  Clarice's  7iote.)    But  I  did  not  express  this  in  the 

translation  of  Ei/picrKei  outos  ttpmto?  nbiXcbov  Toi/  16101/  Smwi'a,  than  paraphrase,  because  it  is  not  certain.    Perhaps  our  Lord  only  meant  to 

that  of  the  new  translation  in  1727,  which  renders  it.  The  first  that  he  show,  that  though  he  had  never  seen  him  before,  he  knew  his  name  ana 

fonnd,  or  happened  to  meet  with,  71'as  Peter. — He  may  perhaps  he  called  his  family.    Compare  ver.  48.  and  John  iv.  16,  19. 

E  2 


52  CHRIST  CALLS  PHILIP. 

SECTION  XXII. 

The  calling  of  Philip,  and  the  interview  of  Christ  with  Nathaniel.    John  i.  43,  to  the  end. 

John  i.  4.3.  j^hs  i.  43. 

SECT.    THE  next  day  after  he  had  met  witli  Peter,  Jems  determined  to  depart  from  thence^  to  THE  day  following  Jesus 
22.      Gulilee,  and  there  to  enter  on  his  public  ministry  ;  and  at  his  coming  thither  he  findeth  rcr'4deth°PMi'ip,°and  salfh 

Philip,  whom  he  intended  for  one  of  his  most  intimate  companions,  and  sai/s  iinto  him,  unto  him.  Follow  me. 

JOHN    FoUoiu  me;  which,  beino-  secretly  influenced  by  his  grace,^  he  accordingly  did.     Now     4+ NowPhiiipwasofBeth- 
1-       Philip  was  an  inhabitant  of  Bcthsaida,  which  was  a  town  of  Galilee  on  the  sea  of  Tiberias,  ff^i'j'.'/hs  city  ot  Andrew  and 
and  was  also  the  city  of  Andrew  and  Peter,  who  have  already  been  particularly  mentioned  ; 
and  by  his  calling  these  disciples,  he  gave  an  intimation  of  his  purpose  of  making  some 
longer  stay  in  that  country. 

45  And  Philip ,  after  he  was  thus  become  a  follower  of  Christ,  findeth  his  pious  friend  45  Philip  findeth  Natha- 
Nathaniel,  who  was  also  of  Galilee,  and  lived  in  a  town  of  it  which  was  called  Cana,  [J^^^-  foumf'him 'of-' "whom 
(John  xxi.  2.)  and  sai/s  unto  him,  We  have  found  him  who  has  so  long  been  earnestly  ex-  iNioses  in  the  law,  and  the 
pected  by  us,  even  that  illustrious  and  extraordinary  Person,  ivhom  Moses  gave  us  an  ?[azaret'h,1ifesTn'of  Joleph"*^ 
account  of  in  the  laxv,  and  whom  the  prophets  also  tiave  described'^  in  such  a  strong  and 

lively  manner ;  and  with  the  greatest  joy  I  am  come  to  tell  thee,  I  know  him  who  he  is, 
\even\  Jesus  the  son  of  Joseph,  who  comes//-o;/<  Nazareth,  and  is  undoubtedly  the  promised 
Messiah. 

46  And  when  Nathaniel  heard  that  he  was  one  of  Nazareth,  his  prejudice  against  the  place  to^ifj^f  °^-^,^thg[?^^J  ^""l""." 
was  such,  that  he  was  ready  to  conclude  that  Philip  was  mistaken ;  and  he  therefore  said  thin<r"eome  out  ot^i^azanth'? 
unto  him,  Can  any  good  thing  at  all,  and  especially  any  such  great  and  glorious  blessing  f^'^'^g/"'"'  ""'°  '"'"•  "^"""^ 
as  this,  come  out  of  a  place  so  infamous  as  NazarethH    And  Philip  sai/s  unto  him.  Do 

not  suffer  yourself  to  be  borne  away  by  a  vain  popular  prejudice,  but  come  and  see ;  con- 
verse with  him  yourself,  and  you  will  soon  be  satisfied. 

47  Now  when  Jesus  saw  Nathaniel  coming  towards  him,  (though  there  was  no  personal     47.  Jesus    saw   Nathanael 
acquaintance  between  them,)  at  the  first  siglit  of  him  he  presently  discerns  what  was  his  h°m,"lch'oid"an  Uraeihe'in*^ 
real  character,  and  says,  concerning  him,  so  loud  that  he  might  easily  hear  it.  Behold  here  deed,  in  whom  is  no  guile  l 
cometh  one  [that  is]  trult/  an  Israelite,  (compare  Rev.  iii.  9.  and  John  viii.  39.)  a  person 

that  indeed  deserves  the  honourable  title  of  one  of  God's  people,  and  is  worthy  of  his 
descent  from  Jacob,  his  pious  ancestor,  as  being  a  plain  and  upright  man,  in  whom  there 
is  no  deceit,  either  towards  God  or  man.     (See  Gen.  xxv.  27.) 

48  Nathaniel,  perfectly  surprised  at  such  an  unexpected  testimony,  presently  sai/s,  with  all  48  Nathanael  saith  unto 
the  natural  frankness" of  his  temper,  to  him.  Whence  dost  thou  knmo  me,  or  how  canst  thou  [j^'"V  j^us'a'jfsw'ered  anri  said 
at  once  thus  undertake  to  answer  for  the  most  secret  part  of  a  stranger's  character  ?  Jesits  unto  iiim,  Before  that  Piiilip 
replied,  and  said  unto  him,  I  am  not  so  entirely  a  stranger  to  thy  character  as  thou  a;t  under  t'le^fi" Tree" /saw  thee' 
ready  to  suppose,  nor  do  I  take  it  merely  from  uncertain  report ;  for  before  Philip  culled 

thee,  I  saw  thee,  when  thou  wast  alone  under  the  fig-tree ;''  and  as  I  was  present  m  spirit 
to  observe  what  passed  in  that  secret  retirement,  I  know  how  well  thou  deservest  the  tes- 
timony which  I  have  now  borne  to  thy  integrity. 

49  Nathaniel  w^s  so  struck  with  this  express  reference  to  what  he  knew  none  could  be  49  Nathanael  answered  and 
witness  to  but  God  and  his  own  conscience,  that  all  his  prejudices  were  at  once  removed  ;  Irt'th^Son'of  Goll^^thou'a'rt 
and  he  immediately  replied  to  Christ,  and  says,  with  all  that  openness  and  candour  that  the  King  of  Israel.' 

was  so  natural  to  him,  Kahbi,  from  this  one  circumstance  I  cannot  but  believe  all  that  my 
friend  hath  told  me  concerning  thee ;  and  therefore  I  not  only  honour  thee  as  a  wise  and 
holy  teacher,  but  am  convinced  that  thou  art  the  Son  of  God ;  yea,  that  thou  art  the 
promised  Messiah,  wiiorn  we  so  earnestly  have  been  expecting  as  the  King  of  Israel ;  for 
surely  such  divine  knowledge  can  be  longed  in  no  meaner  person.f 


51  things  than  these  to  prove  it.  And  he  accordingly  proceeds  and  says,  not  only  unto  him,  [ha".  tfsV"  °™'"*''  ^^'"^ 
but  unto  all  that  were  then  present  with  him.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,?  and*  solemnly  fi\  And  he  saith  unto  him, 
declare  it  as  a  most  certain  truth,  to  be  regarded  with  the  most  diligent  attention,  and  Joul'^tiereafter  ye  fhairsee 
received  as  coming  from  the  mouth  of  one  who  is  truth  itself.  That  from  this  time  you  heaven  open,  and  the  angeU 
.s7/«// .sffi  such  a  surprising  train  of  miracles h  wrought  by  me,  in  the  whole  course  of  my  scendhfjv  tlZt'tue  'sol/of 
succeeding  mmistry,  that  it  shall  seem  as  if  heaven  was  opened,  and  all  the  angels  of  God  ""»"• 
were  continually  (as  they  appeared  in  vision  to  Jacob,  Gen.  xxviii.  12.)  ascending  and 

a.  Determined  to  depart  from  thence  ;  r\9e\r\a€v  fie'KBtiv.']  The  force  Zech.  iii.  10.  In  thafdny  ye  shall  call  every  man  his  neighbour,  tinder 
ot  the  word  flaXo)  seems  to  be  something'  greater  tlian  our  translation  the  vine,  and  under  the  fig-tree.  It  was  Christ's  saying  that  he  ,««»  liitn 
expresses  ;  and  there  are  several  other  te.Nts  which  may  suggest  the  same  there,  that  struck  his  mind  in  so  powerful  a  manner  ;  and  it  is  very  pro- 
remark.  (Compare  Matt.  xiv.  .5.  xix.  17.  xx.  14.  Luke  iv.  6.  xxiii.  CO.  bable  that  he  was  then  employed  in  some  secret  devout  meditations.  See 
10  ^    d''  !,■  ^''    1'         ^l''  -^^^  ^'"'-  '*■'•  '*'■'"■  -■*■  '"^'-  "•  ^'^'^  "  '^™-  "•■  ^''-  Evans's  Christian  Temper,  vol.  ii.  p.  .343. 

1     I  rerhaps  it  may  here  intimate,  that  our   Lord  on  this  occasion  f  .Such  divine  knowledge  can  be  lodged  in  no  meani'r  person.!    Just 

broke  through  the  miportunity  of  some,  who  would  rather  have   per-  thus  the  vowan  of  .Samaria  arsued,  John  iv.  23.  Come,  .tec  a  man  which 

suadea  Dim  to  continue  at  Bethabara,  for  the  advantage  of  further  testi-  to/d  me  all  things  that  ever  I  did;  is  not  this  the  Christ  ^  which  plainly 

mpnies  from  the   Baptist,  or  to  have  gone  to  Jerusalem,  where  they  intimates,  that  they  supposed  tlie  Messiah  would  be  endowed  with  the 

"ui°  L"^^-^'",^   1-,    his  ministry  would  have  been  opened  more  honour-  most  perfect  knowledge,  and  ha\e  the  gift  of  prophecy  in  the  hiahe^t 

ably  than  m  Galilee.     Compare  John  vii.  3,  4.  degree.— There  was  a  great  deal  of  courage  in  Nathaniel's  making  snch 

D  Be  ng  secretly  influenced  by  his  grace.]    When  we  consider  how  a  declaration,  if  it  was"  before  a  mixed  company  ;  for  Christ's  assuniin"- 

sudden  y  some  ot  Clirist  s  disciples  left  their  stated  employments  to  the  title  of  the  Son  of  God,  was  afterwards  interpreted  to  be  no  less  than 

follow  him,  (according  as  we  read,  Matt.  iv.  18—22.  Luke  v.  27,  C8.  blasphemy.  John  x.  36.  and  xix.  7. 

"S^s^  ^^^ililSf  ^TZ^'Jl  "^J^^^^S^^.^.  <i:™:  .A^^A/!'-'^!,//"^  "»{"  ^""A  -jui^  ->^nyy  ^^t«  m^v.l.  There  is 


nay  suppose  him  to  have  done  eitlier  to  excite  the  greater  attention,  or 

V,   ,,  ..L,„.  ^„„..r,,.     i^iu  L„c  pivjjiKis  mtve  aescrioea:  o\i  e-/pa\l/e  Mwo-iic  in  a  more  emphatical  and  stronger  manner  to  assert  the /™//j,  not  onlv 

"i"'  °','^P.°^"'^a,'J    .  "'S  is  a  very    literal  translation:  for  -jpaAoi  fre-  of  the  thing  affirmed,  but  of  the  person  that  affirms  it.     Von^s  amen  in 

1„  I   ^1  L"      d"  *"*^  same  sense  elsewhere,  and  m  particular  is  justly  Hebrew  signifies  truth.  (Isa.  Ixv.  Ifi.)  so  Christ,  as  bein-  the  true  n-.f 

V-r    V      00   c     »'"■ ''^     ■    '^^""'P^'^'^  '"Sh- "viii.g.  Judg.  viii.  14.  and  faithful  7vft>iess,  is  cMed  the    Amen.  (Kev.   iii.   14.)    This  repeated 

H   A'',!icT.ri^^F.!iv,^I„  .        AT         w  n     V    XT  .u     •  ,                  ■        .  asseveration  therefore  may  be  considered  as  an  intimation  to  us,  not  only 

Galilee'^  i.n,tL^lC,^  hfn?/',f  f^    As  Nathaniel  was  a  native  of  that  the  saying  unto  which  it  is  prefixed  is  true,  but  that  we  should  re- 

e^ahee.  It  appeals  from  hence,  that  the  Galileans  themselves  had  but  gard    t  as  proceeding  from   the  trve  and  faithful  TVit7,e.<!S     See  Dr 

f„^    'i'H!'"?^°"i  Nazareth   as  worse  than  the  rest  of  that  country;  and  lightfoot's  Harmony^ -And  Hor.  heh.  in  too 

o  hare  deserved^"/'"  Se,."T  nki^fv  ^^/{"o^Vo"  "ifH^^?,"'"-^^"'.'!"^  """'"  .^  ^''f"  '*"  ''"i'  ^"'^  "'"'^f  '%  ^  ^'^"^  of  miracles.]  Accordingly,  within 

1  nh^^^rj,,    ;      Jr    w H:    •  ^^'  ^\"^-  ""'^  ^^''*'-  •'""■  V,^'  ^'  ■"">:  ''"'^^  ''"V^  "»«  glorious  miracle  was  performed  by  Christ  at  Cana  <.f 

wf.h  Htln,  f^trftr*''  '''.<' fiv-tree.-\    I  see  no  reason  at  all  to  think.  Galilee;  which  being  the  town  to  which  Nathaniel  belonge.l,  there  is 

nf  \TMit    ■  V^'  '^"'*  *''i^i°i'''"'^.'?"  P,™''i«^ed  by  these  words  m  the  mind  great  reason  to  believe  he  was  present  with  the  rest  of  Christ's  disnoles 

of  Nathaniel,  proceeded  from  the  allusion  he  perceived  them  to  bear  to  at  it.  Corryjare  John  ii.  2,  1).  sect   "3                               <.misi  s  distipies 


CHRIST  ATTENDS  A  MARRIAGE-FEAST  AT  CANA.  63 

descending'  \  to  wait]   upon  the  Son  of  man,  and  to  receive  and  execute  his  orders :  and  sixi. 

thus  you  will  be  furnished  with  a  most  convincing  proof  that,  humble  as  the  form  of  my  22. 
present  appearance  is,k  I  am  indeed  the  illustrious  Person  foretold  under  that  title,  and 


am  intended  for  that  glorious  throne,  around  which  the  highest  angels  shall  account  it  john 
their  honour  to  appear  as  humble  attendants,  when  the  whole  world  shall  be  convened       ^■ 
before  it. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  cautiously  should  we  guard  against  popular  prejudices,  which  jiossessed  so  honest  a  heart  as  that  ofV^er.46 
Nathaniel,  and  led  him  to  suspect  that  the  blessed  Jesus  himself  was  an  impostor,  and  that  no  good  could  1)e 
expected  from  him,  because  he  had  been  brought  up  at  Nazareth  !     But  his  integrity  prevailed  over  that  foolish 
bias,  and  laid  him  open  to  the  conviction  of  evidence,  which  a  candid  inquirer  will  always  be  glad  to  admit, 
even  when  it  brings  the  most  unexpected  discovery. 

How  amiable  is  the  character  here  given  of  Nathaniel :  An  Israelite  indeed,  in  whom  there  is  no  guile .'     May  47 
the  attainment  of  so  excellent  a  character,  and  a  resemblance  to  him  in  it,  be  the  daily  aim  and  emulation  of  all 
who  have  the  honour  to  be  called  into  the  Israel  of  God  ! 

A  constant  intercourse  with  God  in  secret  devotion  will  be  a  hap(:)y  expression  of  one  branch  of  this  sincerity,  48 
and  an  efiectual  means  of  promoting  the  rest.  Let  it  therefore  be  our  care  that  the  eye  of  him  that  seeth  in  srcret, 
may  often  behold  us  m  religious  retirement,  pouring  out  our  souls  before  God,  and  humbly  consecrating  them  to 
his  service.  The  day  will  come,  when  those  scenes  of  duty  which  were  most  cautiously  concealed,  shall  be  com- 
memorated with  public  honour :  and  when  he  who  now  discerns  them,  and  is  a  constant  witness  to  the  most 
private  exercises  of  the  closet,  ivill  reivard  them  ppenti/.    (Matt.  vi.  6.) 

Happy  were  those  who  saw  the  miracles  performed  by  the  Son  of  man  while  he  was  here  on  earth  !  and  happy  51 
those  fa\ourite  spirits  of  heaven  which  were  ascending  and  descending  as  ministers  of  his  to  do  his  pleasure  !  But 
in  some  degree  yet  happier  are  they  who,  having  not  seen,  have  believed,  John  xx.  29.  As  their  faith  is  peculiarly 
acceptable,  it  shall  ere  long  be  turned  into  sight.  They  shall  behold  much  greater  things  than  ever  were  seen 
below,  and  more  extraordinary  manifestations  of  his  glory  than  they  can  now  conceive ;  and,  being  brought  with 
all  his  people  to  surround  his  throne,  shall  join  in  those  nobler  services  which  attendant  angels  render  him  above. 

SECTION  XXIII. 

Christ  attends  a  marriage-feast  at  Cana  in  Galilee,  and  miraculously  changes  water  into  wine.    John  ii.  1—11. 

John  ii.  1. 
John  ii.  1.  •  i    at     i 

AKD  the  third  day  there  was  NOW  the  third  daji  after  Christ's  coming  into  Galilee,  and  discoursing  there  with  Natha-  sect. 
*  ""^'j^fk'"  *"  u'**  ''f  f""   ^'^^\  in  the  manner  we  have  related  above,  there  wan  a  maiTiage  at  Cana,  a  town  ia  Galilee'^     23. 

was  there:**       "*        ^'^^^  which  Originally  belonged  to  the  tribe  of  Asher,  (John  xix.  28.)  and  Mary  the  mother  of 

Je.s7/.s-  ivas  there  ;''  it  being  the  marriage  of  a  near  relation  or  an  intimate  friend  of  hers,   john 
'2  And  both  Jesus  was  call-  And  Jesus,  and  those  of  his  disciples  that  v/ere  with  him,  (namely,  the  two  disciples  that      >^- 
marrhilre'!'^  disciples  to  the  ^^^  followed  him  froin  the  banks  of  Jordan,  with  Peter,  Philip,  and  Nathaniel,)  being  ^ 
known  to  be  in  the  neighbourhood,  were  invited  to  the  marriage  :  and  Jesus,  not  affecting 
the  austerities  which  became  the  character  and  ministry  of  John  the  Baptist,  freely  ac- 
cepted of  the  invitation,  and  favoured  them  with  his  instructive  presence. 
3  And  when  they  wanted      Now,  as  it  was  known  that  Jesus  would  be  present  at  the  feast,  this,  in  coniunction  3 
wine,  the  mother  of  Jesus  ^t;^  the  events  which  had  lately  risen,  occasioned  a  greater  resort  of  company  than  was 
saith  unto  him,  They  have  no  ,  7       ,         ,,         .  •'     •  1     1   /■       .1  ,     ,  -  ^     c  ^i  ^      i-  71    1      ^    ji 

wine.  expected  ;  and  when  the  wme  provided  tor  the  entertainment  ot  the  guests  Jelt  short,  the 

mother  of  Jesus,  who  either  had  seen  some  of  his  miracles  in  private,  or  received  from  him 

some  hint  of  his  intention,  now«  thought  proper  to  inform  him  of  it,  and  says  unto  him. 

Son,  dost  thou  observe  they  have  no  wine  to  cany  on  the  feast  ? 
■»  Jesiis  saith  unto  hor.  Wo-      But  Jcsiis  not  approving  it,  that  she  should  take  upon  her  to  direct  him  in  the  exercise  4 
thee '?  '^fne'^hou/  is  not"ye't  ^f  his  miraculous  power,  says  freely  to  her,  with  an  air  of  serious  rebuke,  and  in  a  plain- 
ciince.  ness  of  language  suited  to  the  simplicity  of  those  ages  and  countries,  O  Woman,^  what 

hast  thou  to  do  with  mc,^  thus  to  direct  me  how  and  when  my  miracles  are  to  be  wrought? 

Let  me  now  say  at  once  for  all,  this  is  a  thing  that  does  not  lie  within  thy  proper  sphere  ; 

and  in  particular,  for  what  is  now  proposed,  my  time  of  doing  it  is  not  yet  come,^  but  it  is 

i  "The  angels  of  God  ascending  and  descending^    If  Nathaniel  was,  as  especially  as  he  is  no  where  mentioned  in  the  gospel  afterwards.    .See 

some  have  thought,  the  person  afterwards  called   Bartholomew,  and  Dr.  Lishtfont's  Harmmiy,  in  loc. 

made  an  apostle,  (see  Lighttbot's  Hor.  Hehra.  on  Matt.  x.  3.)  he  must  c  Either  had  seen  some  of  his  miracles  in   private,  or  received  some 

regard  the  vision  of  angels  attending  Christ's  ascension  as  a  glorious  hint,  Ac.]    Without  supposing  the  one  or  the  other  of  these,  one  can 

accomplishment  of  these  words  ;  as  his  tinal  appearance  at  the  day  of  hardly  imaghie  why  she  should  thus  apply  to  him  on  this  occasion.    For 

judgment,  w/ien  the  Son  of  man  shall  come  in  his  glory,  and  all  the  holy  she  could  sxarce   suppose    he    had  money  to  buy  any  large  quantity ; 

angels  with  him,  will  yet  more  eminently  be.  Compare  Matt.  xxvi.  64.  nor  would  it   have  been  so  proper  to  have  done  it,  if  he  had,  lest  it 

where   am    qpn  so  plainly  signifies  hereafter,  that  I  much  question  should  have  been  interpreted  as  an  atiront  to  the  bridegroom.     But  the 

whether  it  might  not  justly  have  been  rendered  so  here  ;  but  where  I  am  supply  that  she  expected  from  lum,  was  by  his  working  of  a  miracle  ; 

dubious,  I  always  choose  tlie  more  extensive  sense,  in  which  (as  here)  and  it  is  plain  that,  notwithstanding  the  rebuke  she  justly  met  with,  yet 

the  more  limited  is  generally  comprehended.  she  had  still  a  view  to  this,  by  her  clirection  to  the  servants  afterwards, 

k  Humble  as  the  form  of  my  present  appearance  is.]    Though  it  be  ver.  5.  to  do  whatever  he  should  order  them, 

very  true,  as  Dr.  Sykes  has  excellently  proved  at  large,  that  the  phrase  d  O  ■tcnnian.']    We  have  no  reason  to  conclude  that  there  was   any 

Son  of  ma?i  does  generally  refer  to  the  glorious  kingdom  over  which  rudeness  in  his  addressing  to  his  mother  thus.    For  though  indeed  it  is  a 

Christ  was  to  preside,  according  to  the  prophecies  of  Daniel,  yet  I  think  manner  of  expiession  that  is  very  unusual  among  us,  to  call  a  person 

it  equally  evident,  that  it  is  originally  used  in  the  Old  Testament  in  a  7t'oman,  when  we  are  speaking  to  her,  if  she  be  one  to  whom  we  think 

sense  that  carries  something  of  humiliation  in  it.    See  Job  xxv.  6.  Psal.  that  any  respect  is  due  ;  yet  some  of  the  politest  writers  of  antiquity 

viii.  4.  cxiiv.  .3.  Isa.  Ii.  IC.  and  especially  Psal.  Ixii.  9.  where  we  justly  make  the  most  well-bred  and   accomplished  princes   use  it,  in  their 

translate  0"lt<  ''3!),  men  of  low  degree.    A  multitude  of  texts  as  well  as  addressing  unto  ladies  of  the  highest  quality  ;  and  even  servants  too  are 

this  before  us,  appear  with  great  advantage,  when  this  remark  is  attended  sometimes  represented  as  speaking  to  their  mistresses  in  the  same  lan- 

tq ;  though    Le  Clerc  cannot  by  any  means  be  vindicated  in  confining  guage.    'J'here  Kre  some  instances  of  this  referred   to  in   Blackwall's 

his  interpretation  so  entirely  to  this  latter  view.  Sacred  Classics,  vol.  i.   p.  206.  to  which  many  more  might  easily  be 

a  Cana,  a  town  in  Galilee.']    It  lay  toward  the  southern  part  of  the  added, 

land  of  Asher,  (Josh.  xix.  28.)  and  might  be  called  Cana  in  Galilee,  to  e   What  hast  thon  to  do  -oith  me?]    Some  have  thought,  ti  ejuo'  Kri< 

distinguish  it  from  another  town  of  that  name  in  Ccelosyria,  mentioned  rsoi,  might  be  rendered.   What  is  that  to  me  and  thee?  "  What  do^  it 

by  Josephus.    Antiq,  Jnd.  lib.  xv.  cap.  5.  [al.  6.]  i  1.  "p.  751.    Haver-  signify  to  us,  or  what  concern  is  it  of  ours,  if  they  want  wine.''    But 

camp.  Jesus  was  of  so  benevolent  a  temper,  and  Mary  seems  to  be  so  tar  con- 

b  The  mother  ofjesvs  71'as  there.]    Some  have  supposed  this  marriage  cerned  as  a  relation,  that  it  does  not  in  this  sense  appear  to  be  so  proper 

t9  be  celebrated  at  the  house  of  Cleopas  or  Alpheus,  whose  wife  was  a  I'eply.     It  seems  rather  to  be  intended  as  a  rebuke  to  Mary;  and  it 

sister  to  the  mother  of  our  Lord,  (John  xix.  25.)  and  one  of  whose  sons  was  surely  expedient  she  should  know,  that  Jesus  was  not  upon  such 

was  Simon  the  Canaanite,  whom  some  have  thought  to  he  so  called,  occasions  "to  be  directed  by  her.    And  nothing  is  more  evident,  than 

trom  his  being  an  inhabitant  of  this  Cana.    (Mark  iii.  18.)    And  this  that  the  phrase  in  other  places  has  the  meaning  that  our  version  gives 

may  be  considered  as  tlie  more  probable,  as  Mary  was  not  only  present  it.    See  Matt.  viii.  20.  and  Judges  xi.  12.  £  Sam.  xvi.  10.  1  Kings  xvii. 

>**  *he  least,  but  was  concerned  about  supplying  them  with  wine  ;  and  18.  2  Kin^s  iii.  13.  and  ix.  ly.  Septuag. 

when  the  teast  was  over,  we  are  told  at  ver.  12.  that  Jesus  was  attended,  f  Mij  ttme  is  not  yet  come.]    Some  are  for  adding  a  note  ot  interroga- 

at   his  leaving  Cana,  not  only  with   his  own   disciples,  but  with  his  tion  here,  (as  Gregory  Nyssen  does,)  and  so  would  render  if,  y.«  niX  w^/ 

brethren,  or  his  nearest  kinsmen,  who  probably  came  thither  as  rela-  time  yet  come!  As   if  he  had  said,  "  Am   I  not  old  enough  to  know 

tions,  to  be  present  at  the  marriage.— As  Mary  here  is  spoken  of  alone,  when  to  work  jmracles  !  and  now  that  I  have  entered   on  my  puhlic 

it  may  be  reasonable  to  conclude,  that  Joseph  was  now  dead,  and  that  ministry,  is  it  not  time  that  I  should  be  exempt  from  thine  authority, 

he  lived  not  to  the  lime  when  Jesus  entered  on  his  public  ministry,  and  should  he  left  to  govern  my  own  actions  without  any  direction? 


^^  CHRIST  CHANGES  WATER  INTO  WINE. 

si'CT    best  to  wait  a  little  longer,  and  leave  it  to  my  conduct  to  determine  when  it  will  be  the 
"  23.     littestand  the  most  convenient  season  for  me  to  interpose. 

jjj  ti^is  fiiff  mother  readily  acquiesced,  as  conscious  to  herself  that  she  had  been  over-     5  His  mother  saith  unto  the 

JOHN   hasty  in  the  proposal;  but  yet,  as  she  inferred  from  his  answer  that  he  intended  them  unt^y^Ciioit?^''''  *" '^' 
i''      some  extraordinary  supply,  she  sai/s  unto  the  servants,  with  some  degree  of  authority,  as 
■^  bein<j-  in  part  concerned  in  managing  the  feast.  Whatever  he'  shall  order  you,  see  that  you 
carefully  do  [it  ;'\  for  he  may  have  reasons  for  it,  beyond  what  you  imagme. 

6  Now  there  were  set  there,  near  the  room  in  which  the  feast  was  kept,  sir  water^ots  or  ,i;f  .^JJ^^  ^{^^^[tone'  after 
jars  of  stone,  from  whence  the  water  might  be  taken  that  was  made  use  of  by  the  guests  the  manner  of  the  purifying 
to  wash  their  hands  and  feet,  and  that  was  necessary  for  the  washing  of  the  cups  and  of  Sr^ee'fiTkinsTpfici"^  ""' 
other  vessels  that  were  used  at  table,  according  to  the  lavish  custom  of  pwifying,  which  in 

some  instances  was  grown  to  such  a  superstitious  nicety,^  as  to  require  a  considerable 
quantity  of  water  to  be  ready  upon  such  occasions  :  these  jars  were  therefore  of  a  consider- 

7  able  bigness,  containing  each  of  them  two  or  three  measures)'  And  Jesus  choosing,  for  wise  7  Jesus  saith  unto  them, 
reasons,  to  make  use  olf  these*  rather  than  the  vessels  in  which  the  wine  had  before  been  t^j.','  A^Thly ^u'fdthem up 
contained,  after  some  convenient  pause,  that  the  failing  of  the  wine  might  be  the  more  to  the  brim. 

observed,  goes  to  the  servants  that  were  waiting,  and  says  to  them,  Fill  up  those  jars  with 

8  water.  And  they  filled  them  up  to  the  very  brim.  And,  having  presently  transformed  the  8  And  he  saith  unto  them, 
water  by  his  divine  power  into  excellent  wine,  he  says  unto  them.  Now  draw  some  of  it  Se'''a™erno^'o^"'^the%■e^^ 
out,  and  cany  it  to  the  president  of  the  feast.    And,  in  obedience  to  the  orders  Jesus  gave  And 'they  bare  it. 

them,  thei/  carried  [it~[  to  him. 

9  Noiv  when  the  president  if  the  feast  had  tasted  the  water  that  tvas  made  wine,  and  knew  ^^9  ^^^en  the  ruler  ^f^^hc 
not  whence  it  came,  (though  the  servants  that  drew  the  ivater  very  well  knew,)  observing  ,v^  mtuiT^viiK,  '^^d  %ulw 
that  it  had  a  finer  flavourlhan  any  they  had  drank  before,  the  president  of  the  feast  calls  "ot  wiience  it  was,  (but  the 

'         ,     "     .  ,  ,  -^       1  -^         1  1  ^1     X  iU-         ■        I,    J  u  •  1    J        I      J  servants  which  drew  the  water 

10  for  the  bridegroom,  at  whose  expense  he  reckoned  that  this  wine  had  been  provided;  And  knew,)  the  governor  of  the 
'sat/s  unto  him,  thou  hast  acted  to-day  in  a  very  uncommon  manner,  for  eveni  man  that  ^'^^^ '^"^'^  *ftf["" u^^°° ^,n 

makes  a  feast,  first  sets  out  the  good  wine,  and  tvlien  they  have  drank  plentifully,'^  so  that  E\ery  man  at  the  beginning 
their  taste  is  not  so  delicate  as  laefore,  then  brings  out  that  which  is  worse ;  \but^  thou  hast  ^^^hen  men'h'airtc?l°drunk 
kept  the  good  wine  until  now,  and  towards  the  conclusion  of  the  feast  surprisest  us  with  then  'that  which  is  worse :  ita 
wliat  is  much  better  than  we  have  yet  tasted.  This  naturally  gave  the  bridegToom  an  thou  hast^ kept  the  good  wine 
opportunity  of  declaring  that  he  knev.'  nothing  of  this  new  supply ;  which  occasioned  an 
examination  of  the  servants,  and  so  a  discovery  of  what  Christ  had  done  in  it. 

11  This  was  the  beginning  of  his  public  miracles,^  which  Jesus  wrought  (as  we  have  now  n  This  beginning  of  mira- 
related)  in  Cana  of  Galilee,  and  thereby  manifested  his  glory ;  and  that  in  such  an  illus-  Galilee,  aiidmam°ested°tbrth 
trious  manner,  that  his  disciples  believed  on  him  more  stedfastly  than  before,  as  the  fact  was  hisgi^ry ;  and  his  disciples 

,    ■  1  ,     ,  i'  •'  '  believed  on  him. 

so  certain  and  so  remarkable. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

V^er.  1 1  We  have  here  the  first  of  Christ's  public  miracles,  which  we  find  was  not  wrought  till  about  his  thirtieth  year. 
How  much  sooner  could  he  have  glorified  himself,  and  amazed  the  world  by  the  display  of  his  divine  power ! 
But  he  waited  his  Father's  call,  and  the  delay  added  at  length  to  the  lustre  of  his  works. 

1  It  was  [)erformed  to  grace  a  nuptial  solemnity  :  and  who  doth  not  see,  that  it  was  in  effect  a  testimony  borne 
to  the  honour  and  purity  of  that  happy  state,  on  which  so  much  of  the  comfort  of  the  present  generation,  and  the 
existence  of  the  future,  regularly  depends  ? 

2  How  happy  were  these  guests  while  Jesus  was  among  them !  and  how  condescending  did  he  appear,  in  making 
one  on  the  occasion  !  His  social  and  obliging  temper  should  sweeten  ours,  and  be  a  lesson  to  his  followers,  that 
ihey  avoid  every  thing  sour  and  morose,  and  do  not  censure  others  for  innocent  liberties,  at  proper  seasons  of 
festivity  and  joy. 

3,  4  If  his  mother  met  with  so  just  a  rebuke  for  attempting  to  direct  his  administration  in  the  days  of  his  flesh,  how 
absurd  is  it  for  any  to  address  her,  as  if  she  had  a  right  to  command  him  on  the  throne  of  his  glory  !  And  how 
indecent  for  us  to  direct  his  supreme  wisdom  as  to  the  time  and  manner  in  which  he  shall  appear  for  us  in  any 
of  the  exigencies  of  life  ! 
.'i  Her  submission  and  faith  manifested  on  this  occasion  are  truly  amiable :  and  with  this  we  have  surely  reason 
to  admire  the  benignity  and  generosity  of  Christ  in  this  miracle  before  us,  who  consulted  the  pleasure  and  enter- 
tainment, as  well  as  the  necessity,  of  his  followers  ;  and  by  this  abundant  supply  amply  repaid  any  extraordinary 
expense  which  he  might  have  occasioned  to  the  family. 

7,  8  How  easily  could  he,  who  thus  tur7ied  water  into  wine,  have  transfomied  every  entertainment  of  a  common 
table  into  the  greatest  delicacies,  and  have  regaled  himself  daily  with  royal  dainties  !  But,  far  superior  to  such 
animal  gratifications,  he  chose  the  severities  of  a  much  plainer  life.    Blessed  Jesus !  who  can  say  whether  thou 

But  I  conceive  the  sense  in  which  it  is  generally  taken,  to  be  more  use  of  these  large  vessels,  thus  to  add  to  the  dignity  of  the  miracle,  bv 

^f'l/fX       x^^':  ^.?°,     ■'^'''"l''  '■"*''?'■  choose  to  understand  it  of  the  the   liberal  quantity  of  mne  produced,   which  we  have  no  reason  to 

,^A^I!,f  tV       ]"^«"<^^'^  to  perform^///*  mtracle,  for  which   the   proper  believe  was  all  drank  that  day.     If  the  feast,  as  was  usual,  lasted  seve- 

mo^"pnir»rw»w^ .?'''','"■•  "^^.i"*  yf t.quite  come,  than  to  refer  it  in  a  ral  days,  CGen.  xxix.  27,  28.  and  Judg.  xiv.  12,   17.)  a  considerable 

nirtfr-^WLfL^^  f    V'^'""'  "!  "^'S.  '^""'i.  miracles  in  public,  or  more  expense  might  by  this  means  be  saved,  and  an  equivalent  given  for  the 

im  led  hJs^pkPwh»r„  J   ii'h  ?•  ''^  '""'a"^  ■,^-'\^;'/''T!?;'';^'\"^*'  ^^I'"''  additional  charge  of  entertaining  so  many  of  his  disciples.     Not  to  say, 

h  m  hprp   tn  f,  t  r,f     II  ♦  !"  ''""^- ""d  ^^hich  Mr   L'Enfant  supposes  that  this  would  prevent  any  suspicion  that  the  tinctire  or  taste  of  tfie 

Tpw«  »^n  Jnn  .  r,l^  i '  '^f*  I'e  would  not  anticipate >v  provoking  the  water  might  be  cferived  from  any  remainder  of  wine  in  the  vessels:  for 

renue^t   wh?ch'  it  w^f,!    T"      have  implied  a  denial  ol  his  mother's  indeed  the   goodness  of  the   wine  thus  made,  would  be  sutficient  to 

r.^-  f.i  .'u'*   plain,  from  ver.  5.  she  did  not  apprehend,  and  obviate  such  a  thought. 

■    „  Wo- „^r     ,         I"''''  "Christ  did  not  design.  „     .^        ,  k   When  they  have  drank pleniiMly.-[    Though  ue0ue<i/  often  signifies, 

«fn.^hat^were  innn"int.H  h^'>l'"oV"°"'f  r'^l^;      ^''"^''"  ^^^  purifica-  to  drink  to  excess,  yet  it  would  "be  very  unjult  and  absurd  to  suppose  . 

Srs  thL  wrr/t'h'pn  nrl^r.pH^.   ^,^^^°'*'  "'-[u  l'^.^  multitude  of  that  it  implies  here  that  these  guests  had  already  transgressed  the  rules 

elde?s      rnn  n.re  M.r'w  vi     I   d     compliance  with  the  tradition  of  the  of  temperance.     None  can  seriously  imagine  the  evangelist  so  destitute 

lih\\\   cnD\\    \i  '  Godwin's  Moses  and  Aaron,  of  common  sense,  as  to  represent  Christ  as  displaying  his  gloty,  bv 

li  7Vm  nr  fhrei>  ,'„,nf„r^.^    Ti,p  .^0,0  .  „  „f  «,  •     .  miraculously  furnishing  the  company  with  wine  to  prolong  a  drunken 

erta^nthf^tHs  hardly  o^ifhl?  to  A^^^^^  revel.     It  is  much  more  reasonable  to  conclude,  tllat  it  signifies  here 

crtain,  tnat  it  is  hardly  possible  to  determine  the  exact  content  of  (as  it  does  in  Gen.  xl  '     "  "" 

ie  vessels.    Some  have  computed  them  to  contain  about  two  or  three  to  drink  so  freely   as 

Lit^'ihA.?"    J     '1  ''%^'^^l^'^  so  in  our  translation  as  to  make  them  tnis  perhaps  might  or 

fain  above  a  hundred  gallons.    But  it  is  hardly  probable  the  vessels  not  of  those  who,  dr; 

^,r»t    >  -'^^  '  '"u^  M"'*'  '™''f'   ","P,l™?  signifies  no  more  than  mea-  but  lately  come  in. 

1  Choosing  to  make  use  of  these.]    Jesus  mislit  rather  choose  to  make    ^'    ' " 


JESUS  CELEBRATES  HIS  FIRST  PASSOVER  AT  JERUSALEM.  65 

art  oreater  in  what  thou  didst,  or  in  what  thou  didst  not  do  ?     May  none  of  us  thy  followers  be  too  intent  on  in-  SFXT. 
duHno-  our  taste,  or  any  of  our  other  senses ;  but  pursuing  those  intellectual  and  devotional  pleasures  whicli     23. 
were  thy  meat  and  thy  drink  on  earth,  may  we  wait  for  that  good  wine  which  thou  reservest  for  thy  people  to  the  • 


last,  and  for  those  richer  dainties  with  which  thou  wilt  feast  those  who  shall  drink  it  with  thee  in  thy  father  s  John 
kiiiirdom/    (Matt.  xxvi.  29.)  "  "• 


SECTION  XXIV. 

d  vindi 
Fohn  ii. 

John  ii.  12. 


Dur  Lord  celebrates  the  first  passover  of  his  public  ministry  at  Jerusalem  ;  and  vindicates  the  outer  court  of  the  temple  from  the  profanation  of 

those  that  bought  aud  sold  there.    John  ii.  12,  to  the  end. 


John  ii.  12.  ,  i  •  i        i  j    i 

AFTER  this,  he  went  down  NOW,  after  Jesus  had  attended  at  this  marriage,  where  he  miraculously  turned  the  water  sect. 
to  Capernaum,  h^e,^^and_^his  Jj^|^q  wine,  hc  and  his  mother,  and  his  brethren,  (or  his  near  relations,)  and  his^  disciples,^  who     24. 

his  dfscip"es :  'ancT  they 'con-  were  now  ready  to  attend  him  wheresoever  he  should  go,  went  down  from  Cana  to  Caper 

tinued  there  not  many  days.   „f,„„,^  ^  ^ity  that  lay  near  the  north  part  of  the  sea  of  Galilee,  on  the  south  border  of  the  John 
land  of  Naphtali ;  and  at  this  time  the  stay  they  made  was  but  short,  for  they  continued     Il- 
ls And  the  Jews'  passover  there  not  mam/  days.     And  the  reason  of  their  lea\'ing  it  so  soon  was,  that  the  passover  qft3 
was  at  hand,  and  Jesus  went  i/,g  jg,j,j  ^/,,j,,^  7iedr,'<'  when  it  was  ordered  by  the  law  of  Moses,  that  all  the  males  should 
up  to  Jerusalem,  appear  before  the  Lord;    (Exod.  xxiii.  17.  and  Deut.  xvi.  16.)  a«rf  therefore  Jesus,  who 

maintained  a  religious  regard  to  the  ceremonial  as  well  as  the  moral  part  of  the  law,  we7it 
■up  to  Jerusalem  to  wors'aip  at  the  temple, 
u  And  found  in  the  tern-      And,  at  his  coming  thither,  he  found  in  the  outer  court  and  cloisters  of  the  temple,  those  14 
pie  those  that  sold  oxen  and  ^/,„^^  under  a  pretence  of  accommodating  such  as  came  to  worship  there  with  proper  sacri- 
cSerrof  mo°ney,  sUtuig :  ^  fices.  Sold  oxcn,  and  sheep,  and  doves  ;h  and  he  also  saw  there  t/ie  money-chansers  sitting  at 
their  tables,  v/ho,  for  a  certain  profit,  changed  any  foreign  coin  into  that  which  was  cur- 
rent, and  larger  yjieces  of  money  into  half-shekels,  which  were  on  some  occasions  to  be 


15  And  when  he  had  made  paid  into  the  sacred  treasury.     (Exod.  xxx.  15.)     Now,  at  the  sight  of  this,  Jesus  was  15 
scourge  of  small  cords,  he  moved  with  a  just  indignation,  to  think  that  so  sacred  a  place,  honoured  witli  such  pecu- 
temple.*^'^  the  °sheep,*  and  liar  tokens  of  the  divine  presence,  should  be  profaned  in  this  audacious  manner,  and  so 


the  oxen  ;  and  poured  out  the  great  an  affront  be  put  on  the  devout  Gentiles,  in  whose  court  this  market  was  kept ;  and 

thre'rthetTbles^'         '"*'^'  therefore,  having  made  a  whip  of  the  small  cords,  (with  which  they  were  used  to  tie  the 

beasts  to  some  rings  fixed  in  the  pavement  for  that  purpose,)  he  drove  them  all  out  of  the 

temple,  and  the  sheep,  ami  the  oxen,  which  they  had  brought  into  it ;  and  he  also  poured  out 

16  And  said  unto  them  that  the  money  of  the  exchangers,  and  overturned  the  tables  at  which  they  were  sitting.     And  he  16 

sold  dm^s^  Take  thes|_tMnss  g^/jj  f^,  ^y^j^  ffj^,f  jp/^  doves.   Take  all  tlicse  things  cmay  from  hence  directly;  [and]  do  not,^ 

housi 'aS^iio^use  ^^nierchln-  for  shame,  make  my  Fathers  house,  by  such  scandalous  practices  as  these,  an  house  of 

<li2ie-  public  traffic,  and  turn  it  to  a  common  market-place,  or  exchange.     Now,  by  his  sayiiig 

thus,  he  openly  proclaimed  that  God  was  his  Father,'=  and  made  such  a  declaration  of  his 

ir  And  his  disciples  re-  divine  mission  as  could  not  but  be  greatly  observed  by  the  multitude.     And  his  disciples,  17 

t^rTh?ze*''of"thinf  house  ^^^n  they  saw  so  meek  a  person  in  such  an  unusual  transport  of  just  displeasure,  renietn- 

hatL  eaten  me  up.  bercd  that  it  ivas  written  of  David,'!  in  words  which  well  expressed  the  character  of  Christ 

on  this  occasion,  (Psal.  Ixix.  9.)  "  The  zeal  of  thine  house  hath  eaten  me  up ;"  as  if  it  were 

said,  A  regard  for  the  honour  of  thy  sanctuary,  like  a  secret  flame  glowing  in  my  bosom, 

preys  upon  my  spirits,  and  would  have  consumed  me  had  I  not  given  it  vent. 

18  Then  answered  the  Jews      A  fact  SO  public  and  remarkable  as  this,  could  not  but  immediately  come  to  the  know-  18 
s"pVel^hoo°un'to'uI''tle1ng  ledge  of  the  priests  and  rulers  of  the  Jews,''  whose  supreme  council  sat  in  a  magnificent 
that  thou  doest  these  things  'i    chamber  belonging  to  the  temple  :  ^  some  of  them,  therefore,  when  they  heard  of  it,  an- 
swered and  said\nto  him.  By  what  authority  dost  thou  thus  take  upon  thee  to  reform  what 

is  amiss  here,  and  what  sign  dost  thou  shew  us,  seeing  that  thou  dost  these  things  to  prove 
thy  having  a  divine  commission,  since  it  is  certain  tliou  hast  none  from  the  government? 

19  Jesus  answered  and  said  Jcsu^  ansivei^ed  and  Said   unto  them.  You  shall  not  want  convincing  evidence,  that  I  19 
unto  them.  Destroy  this  tem-  j^^^g  ^„  authority  far  Superior  to  what  man  can  give  me  ;  for  if  you  demolish  tins  temple, 

a  The  passover  of  the  Jews  drew  near.]    As  the  evanffelists  have  not  (See  Manne's  Dissert,  p.  179, 180.  and  compare  Locke's  Reasonahleness 

expressly  determined  the  number  of  passovers  which  liappened  between  of  Christianity,  p.  91 .  et  seq.  as  well  as  with  the  retiection  ot  his  brethren  ; 

the  baptism  and  death  of  Christ,  or  during  the  course  of  his  public  John  vii.  3,  et  seq.  the  notes  on  which  place,  m  js  98.  may  be  consulted 

ministry,  so  it  is  well  known  that  learned  men  have  been  much  divided  here.)— But,  in  reply  to  tins  objection,  I  would  beg  leave  to  observe, 

in  their  opinions  about  them.     By  far  the  greater  part  have  supposed  1.  That  for  Jesus  to  call  the  temple  his  Father  s  house,  dul  not  amount 

there  were /o!;r  ;  reckoning  this  the  first ;  the/eajmientinned  John  v.  ].  to  an  express  declaration  that  he  was  the  Messiah;  since  the  Jews  in 

the  second  ;  the  passover  spoken  of  John  vi.  4.  as  the  third  ;  and  that  at  general  spake  of  God  as  their  Father,  John  yiu.  41.  (bee  .lohn  x.  24.  25. 

which  Christ  sutfered  the  fourth.     But  there  are  others  of  a  different  with  the  note  there,  i)  l.?4.)    Aud,  2.  That  though  in  the  circunistances 

opinion.— The  celebrated  Sir  Isaac  Newton  reckons  .A're  ;  the  first,  this  that  here  attended  it,  there  was  an  oblique  intimation  ot  something  ex- 

which  is  now  before  us  ;  the  second,  according  to  him,  happened  four  traordinary,  it  might  not  be  so  dangerous  now  as  afterwards ;  because 

months  after  Christ's  discourse  with  the  woman  of  Samaria,  John  iv.  ma  Lord  not  having  opened  the  spiritual  aUme  ot  his  kingdom,  or  as  yet 

35.  the  third,  a  few  da\-s  before  the  story  of  the  disciples  nibbing  the  ears  rendered  himselt  obnoxious  to  the  Pharisees  by  sucn  just  invectives  as 

of  corn,  Luke  vi.  1.  the  fourth,  a  little  after  the  feeding  of  the  five  thou-  he  afterwards  used,  they   who  expected  the  Messiah  to  appear  about 

sand  ;  and  the  last  at  the  time  of  our  Lord's  crucifiiion.    The  reasons  this  time,  and  longed  tor  his  appearance,  might  be  inclinable  tor  awhile 

for  this  the  reader  will  find  at  large  in  Sir  Isaac  Newton's  Observat.  on  to  wait  the  issue  of  Christ  s  pretensions,  and  so  much  the  rather,  as  he 

Proph.  part.   1.  chap.  xi.  and  the  most  considerable  of  them  will  be  now  wrought  some  wonderful  miracles.    (Compare  ver.  2:).  and  chap 

touched  upon  in  their  proper  places.— .Mr.  Manne  has  with  great  learning  iii.  2.)    Accordingly  we  hnd  m  the  beginning  ot  the  next  chapt<>r  one  ot 

and  ingenuity  attempted  to  revive  a  long  exploded  notion,  that  Christ's  the  chief  among  the  Pharisees  comes  privately  to  confer  with  Christ  m 

?ninistry  continued  but  sixteen  months  ;  (iit&UMmei'i  second  Dissertation,  a  very  respectful  manner.     It  seems  necessary   to  acquiesce   in  these 

p.  146,  et  seq.)  so  that  there  were  but  t:oo  passovers  during  the  whole  solutions,  because  the  conference  which  refers  to  the  miracles  wrought 

course  of  it.     Mr.  Whiston's  reasoning  against  this  hypothesis,  in  the  at  this  feast,  is  expressly  said  to  have  been  before  John  the  liaptist  was 

sixth  of  his  late  i)«i(!rta«07ii-,  appears  to  me  unanswerable.     For  he  imprisoned.  Compare  John  in.  22— 24.^2(.  ,  i,  ,„„,.„ 

there  shows  that  if  this  was  true,  Christ  must  have  travelled  on   an       d  Remembered  that  it  was  written  ot  David.]     riiat  these  words  were 

averaee  near  ten  miles  a-day  during  the  course  of  his  ministry.    Besides,  originally  spoken  of  David,  and  not  of  Christ,  is  plain  from  Xh^ ptii 

the  transpositions  in  Scripture  which  this  would  introduce  seem  very  verse  of  the  Ixixth  Psalm  :  O  God,  thou  kuowest  myfoolis^mess,  «««  '".V 

unwarrantable  and  dangerous  ;  and,  among  other  difficulties,  it  is  none  sins  are  not  hid  from  thee  ;  which  cannot  be  applied  to.  <-','"^'^'-    ^""."' 

of  the  least,  that  Jlr.  Manne  is  obliged  to  suppose  that  Christ  only  dance  of  other  scriptures  are  quoted  with  such  a  beautiful  accommoaa- 

piirged  the  temple  at  his  last  passover,  and  consequently  that  St.  John  tion  as  this.    .,.,,.  »        u  ki     *i,o*  «i,o  Tpws  here 

has  misplaced  this  story  ;  though  ver.  24.  of  this  chapter,  and  ver.  22,        e  Hulers  of  the  Jews.\  It  seems  most  probable  that  J»e  Jews  iiere 

2.-!,  24.  of  the  next,  (sect.  27.)  afford  such  strong  arguments  to  the  con-  mentioned   were   riders,   because  we  know  that  tne  great  fssemoi^   "t 

trary.    Compare  note  c,  and  note  m,  of  this  section.  Jewish  rulers   (that  is,  the  sanhedrim)  sat  m  the  t?mple,  anu  inai  me 

b  Sold  oxen,  and  sheep,  and  doves.]    There  must  have  been  a  grand  chief  of  them  often  attended  public  worship  there.     1  ^f /"'"""J^/Lir 

market  for  these  animals  at  such  times;  for  Josephus  tells  us  that  no  (in  driving  out  the  buyers  and  sellers)  xnait  "™o"''*f,°'|l  *= ,  Ji,./,'    ca l-I 

less  than  256,500  victims  were  offered  at  one  passover  ;  see  Joseph,  de  knowledge;  and  as  tlieir  office  would  seem  to  a"'' """^h:!;' ,''  'm  ■ 

Bell.  Jud.  lib.  vi.  cap.  9.  (al.  vii.  17.  sect.  iii.  p.  .S99.)  edit.  [lavercamp.  him  to  au  account,  we  are  sure  their  prejudices  against  mm  woum  - 


open  declaration,  that  tlie  Temple  was  Ins  Father  s  House,  wouia  nave  sacreu  precincts.  .T.ee  ^ni.uct  =  -^7"T"A''o  T^HWiKii  Miscell  Sacr 
put  him  too  much  into  the  power  of  his  enemies,  and  would  have  been  Lighttoofs  Descnptio.i  oj  tlie  Temple,  chap.  9,  and  witsu  Misceii.  oacr. 
inconsistent  with  the  prudent  reserve  which  Christ  kept  on  this  head.    lib.  i.  Diss.  iii.  ?  oG. 


5(5  CHRIST  CELEBRATES  HIS  FIRST  PASSOVER  AT  JERUSALEM. 

sFCT    I  promise  and  assure  you,  I  will  raise  it  up  again  in  three  days.'     The  Jews  then  said  unto  pie,  and  in  tiiree  days  I  will 
'24.  '  him,  in  proud  derision  and  contempt  of  what  they  did  not  understand,  This  temple  hath  ""^If  ^ ,X  5^;^   the   Jews, 

/,(Y'n  no  less  than  six  and  forty  years  huildiiii;,^  Cfor  it  is  now  so  lonsc  since  Herod  began  to  Forty  and  six  years  was  this 

JOHN  repair  it,)  and  notwitlistanding  bauy  thousand  men  have  been  employed  upon  it,  it  is  not  o^rei^it'upliftliVee  days  ? 
^^•„,  yet  entirely  finished  ;  and  wilt  thou  undertake  to  i-uise  it  up  in  three  days  ?     None  certainly 

will  be  foolish  enou'^jh  to  pull  it  down,  to  try  the  experiment.     But  they  were  quite  mis-     21  But  he  spake  of  the  tem- 
taken  in  the  sense  of  what  he  said ;  for  what  they  understood  him  to  have  spoken  of  the  ^'^  "'"'"^  ''°*'^- 
temple  of  Jerusalem,  he  spake  of  the  much  more  sacred  temple  of  his  own  bodi/,  in  which 
the  Deity  dwelt,  in  a  far  nobler  manner  than  in  their  holy  place,  (Col.  ii.  9.)  and  he  might 
22  give  some  intimation  of  it  in  the  gesture  that  he  used  in  speaking.     When  therefore  he     sc  AVhen  therefore  he  was 
was  risen  from  the  dead,  just  on  the  third  day  after  his  crucifixion,  his  disciples  reinemhered  ci'fies  reTeifiberldlhat  hi  hid 
that  he  had  said  (his  to  them. ;  and  they  yet  more  firmly  believed  the  scripture,  in  all  its  pro-  said  tiiis  unto  them ;  and  they 
phecies  concermns  the  Messiah's  kingdom,  awr/ their  faith  in  him  was  confirmed  by  ^//e  {;^^''=;^J^,a*h^hiVh''jesus  had 
word  ivhich  Jesus  had  spoken;  for  such  a  wonderful  event  as  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  said, 
considered  in  its  connexion  with  this  solemn  prediction,'  justly  appeared  as  the  fullest 
conceivable  proof  of  his  divine  mission. 


inwaraiy  persuaaea  inat  nc  was  ine  iviessia;!  ;  J^ui  jesu-s  utu  am  caie  lu  i/usi  nimstt/  10  m  nis  name,  when  they  sa 
the?n,'^  so  far  as  to  acknowled2;e  it  expressly,  that  he  was  actually  the  jiromised  Messiah ;  "^04™BuT'fesirs''did  n^ot  com- 
and,  by  confessinsf  who  he  was,  to  put  himself  into  their  power,  because  he  knew  them  mi"t  himself  unto  them,  be- 
25  all;  And  had  no  need  that  any  one  should  testify  or  tell  him  any  thing  of  the  character  <?/" ''''^'' ^nd" nLciid"' not  that 
any  man,  though  ever  so  much  a  stranger  to  him  :  for  he  himself,  by  an  immediate  and  any  should  testify  oi;  man : 
unerring  penetration,  knew  what  was  m  the  heart  of  every  man  ;  and  consequently  knew  *'"'' he  knew  what  was  m  man. 
that  those  people  had  such  gross  notions  of  the  Messiah's  kingdom,  that  there  was  no 
room  for  him  to  confide  in  them,  or  to  expect  them  to  be  faithful  to  him. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  14  How  powerful  is  the  love  of  tins  world,  when  it  could  engage  even  the  priests  and  the  Pharisees  to  let  out  the 
temple  itself  for  a  market-place !  thoua:h  a  professed  zeal  for  the  honour  of  it  made  so  g^reat  a  part  of  the  righteous- 
15,  16  ness  of  which  they  boasted  before  God.  P>ut  our  Lord  beheld  the  scene  with  just  indii^nation  ;  as  that  displeasure 
is  indeed  just  which  arises  from  a  sense  of  dishonour  done  to  God,  and  contempt  poured  on  the  institutions  of  his 
worship.  Happy  shall  we  be  in  the  warmest  emotions  of  zeal  which  do  not  transport  us  beyond  the  rulc^  of 
prudence  and  love,  and  make  us  forget  those  stations  in  life,  which  require  the  same  principles  to  show  tliemselves 
in  v/idely  different  effects  ! 

Methinks  the  state  of  the  temple,  when  these  traders  had  erected  their  seats  and  their  stalls  in  it,  and  turned 
the  courts  of  God's  house  into  a  market,  is  too  just  an  emblem  of  the  state  of  our  hearts,  when  we  appear  in  the 

16  sanctuary  distracted  with  worldly  cares,  to  the  neglect  of  that  one  thing  needful,  which  then  demands  our  most 
attentive  regards.  Would  to  God  that  in  this  sense  our  Father's  house  were  not  often  made  a  house  of  nier- 
cha.ndise !  Let  us  pray  that  Jesus,  by  his  Sfood  Spirit,  would  assert  it  to  himself,  and  drive  out  those  intruders 
which  break  in  upon  our  truest  enjoyments,  in  proportion  to  that  degree  in  which  they  intrench  on  our  devotion. 

19  After  a  thousand  proofs  of  his  divine  mission,  the  Jews  were  wicked  and  desperate  enough,  with  sacrile£;ious 
hands,  to  destroy  the  temple  of  Christ's  body :  but  let  us  be  thankful  for  the  undoubted  evidence  we  have,  that  as 
an  everlasting-  monument  of  his  ])ower  and  truth,  he  raised  it  again  in  three  days. 
23,  25  Happy  will  it  be  for  us,  if  we  cordially  believe  a  gospel  so  gloriously  attested ;  but  most  vain  will  that  belief 
be  which  doth  not  penetrate  and  influence  the  heart.  "Let  us  remember,  that  we  have  to  do  with  him  that  formed 
our  nature,  and  is  most  intimately  acquainted  with  all  its  recesses.  He  knows  what  is  in  man  :  may  he  .see 
nothing  in  us  which  shall  not  be  thoroughly  agreeable  to  the  profession  we  make,  of  being  his  faithful  disciples  ! 

-4  To  conclude  :  let  us  learn,  from  the  caution  which  Jesus  used,  not  rashly  to  put  ourselves  and  our  usefulness 
mto  the  power  of  others;  but  to  study  a  wise  and  happy  medium  between  that  univeisal  prejudice  and  suspicion 
which,  while  it  wrongs  the  best  and  the  most  worthy  characters,  would  deprive  us  of  all  the  pleasures  of  an  inti- 
mate friendship,  and  that  undisting-uishint^  easiness  and  openness  of  temper,  which  might  make  us  the  property  of 
every  hypocritical  pretender  to  kindness  and  respect. 


SECTION  XXV. 

The  tormer  part  of  our  Lord's  conference  with  Nicodemus,  in  which  he  states  the  nature  and  necessity  of  regeneration.    John  iii.  1— 10. 

John  iii.  1. 


JOHN 

in 


25^'  !1^^^''  "^^'^^  our  Lord  was  thus  attending  at  Jerusalem  to  keep  the  passover,  there  was  a  tiiere'wL''  "'man  of  the 

certain  man  of  the  sect  of  the  Pharisees,  whose  name  was  Nicodemus,  a  magistrate  of  the  Pharisees,    named    Nicode- 

^   Jeivs,  and  a  member  of  the  a^reat  sanhedrim,  (John  vii.  50.)  who,  bemg  alarmed,  as  many  '""''  '^ '"''"" "'  "''  ^'""^  ' 

ot  his  brethren  were,  and  filled  with  wonder  at  the  miracles  that  Jesus  wrought,  made  him 
1  a  visit  m  person,  that  he  might  more  distinctly  be  informed  of  the  nature  of  his  doctrine 
and  of  the  true  intent  and  purpose  of  his  coming.     But,  lest  any  off-ence  should  be  taken     e  The  san,e  came  to  je.us 

Compare  JNlark'xtv  '.8  '^''i^^'"'"""'''^  ^  ""'''"'^^  °*  ''°'"«  '»  ^misclf.    to  rebuild  the  temple  nusht  then  be  made  to  the'.Tews  at  the'^feaTt  o£ 

h   This  temple  hath  hem  >ix  mid /..rlv  year,  huildinn  ^    Atr    WhUMn     ,  !   .     ^^k'      "''"  ^'"°"'  a '''??''  1""  ''"'  ^  ^""^  ™<'"«''*  '"O'"'^  than  forty-six 

fin  his  View  of  the  //«™«»/    ,     u^TwouM  ,Zri7;,     F,r;„      ^  '^"^  l\*?  I''*'  P<"'"r^''-    A-  V-  "«!■    "r,  smce  a  year  or  more  niii-ht 

calculation,  fin  his  Christoloff!,,  vaCnp.sGe-^^n)  to  u^^^^^  by  Dr.  Jenkms,  m  his  Iieasona6le,iess  of  Ohrimanity,  vol.   i.   p.  25, 

pl^'^^^f^;^\{Sr;for4e*'S  LS?rn1^''o^r^r^i"4f'1'''r'™r'-J    '^hese  words,  as  also  those 

began  to    rebuild    it.   which  he  first   proposed   to   the   neonip    \l^\t  r'V  ■  ♦   *i   '  "■  ^^\  '^-  *p-  P  ^mly  refer  to  some  miracles  wrought  by 

eighteenth  year  of  his  reign,  (Joseph.  Jn«W«i   //^    xv   c«l   11    r*^  '-^"nJr^" ^^■^'^^''1  of  wli.ch  are  not  transmitted  to  us.             "      "^ 

14.]  U.  /^«'-f«'«/',)  and  though  he  fin  shed  «4ah4proposS' in  eithf  TTehf^ilm  wh C-hlt'^-^i   "*''   '"  ^^^  ""-"g'""!,   Miered  i„  hi.,  name;  a 

or  mne  years,  it  seems  (as  Dr.  Lightfoot  and  Dr    I  ardne?  have  h.rifri  rnm^,,n  thin  tJ^  ^  ^'h  "°'  '•'"'"',  "'^'^•'ssary  to  retain.     Nothing  is  more 

ously  observed)  that  the  Jewsstilfweut  on  iniproving ^d  adomin^  ft  r,a?i Tohn  f  lo" ''"S'^pfT^''*  ^  Person  for  theperson  himself.    Con,- 

for  fong  after  this,  under  the  government  of  Florurtabout  the  vpm^p  nf  '  ,^    nhV^,:^    ,  i  ^-  K-^"''  {"""i  'v  A'^^^  '■  ^^-  ^"f'  l^e^'-  '"•  4. 

Christ  6,5,)  Josephus  speaks  Sf  the  temple's   SSed    ami   th  J  ..'^.  .^''^  "^'"'^"'""•^elfto  them.]    I  look  upon  this  as  a  demonstration 

workmen  dismissed  :  so  that  it  seems  they  were  at  work  upon   t  t  I    he  t  thL'^^h^r'JV  'I'T  "'°''*"  "h  ^?^  ""u'  ">=*'  «'  ^hich  Christ  svfftred; 

time  ot  Christ's  ministry  and  life.    (Compare  John  riiSoTlOS     on  roomTor  it                       "    "'"^  °^  '""''  ^  precaution,  and  mdfed  ni 


THE  CONFERENCE  OF  JESUS  WITH  NICODEMUS.  57 

by  night,  mid  saiil  unto  iiim,  at  his  Conversing;  openly  with  him,  he  secretly  came  to  Jesus  bi/  night,  in  order  to  a  private  SFXT. 
Kabbj,  we  know  that  thou  conference  with  him  at  his  own  lodg-ings;  and,  with  the  greates't  reverence  and  respect,     25. 

art  a  teacher  come  tiomuoci ,  •    •  i  •  ii  •       i.u  c  i      /■  t  ■      i        i'         ' 

torno  man  can  do  these  mira-  he  Said  unto  him,  m  his  own  name,  as  well  as  in  the  name  ot  several  ov  his  brethren, 


God  brwUh^him""^''  ^""^"^'^  Rahbi,'^  the  wonders  thou  hast  done  have  been  related  to  us  ;  and,  having  seriously  con-  John 
sidered  tlie  account  that  has  been  given  us,  we  know,  and  cannot  but  allow,  that  thou  art  „  ^^^• 
a  teacher  come  with  a  commission  from  God ;  for  we  are  thoroughly  convinced  tliat  none 
can  ever  do  these  wondrous  miracle's,  that  are  in  all  respects  so  beneficial  and  divine,  which 
we  perceive  thou  dost,  unless  he  be  invested  with  a  power  from  on  high,  and  God  himself 
be  icith  him  in  an  extraordinary  manner.  (See  John  ix.  30,  33.)  I  am  come  tlierefore  to 
desire  a  more  particular  account''  from  thine  own  mouth,  both  of  the  doctrine  which  thou 
teachest,  and  of  the  kingdom  which  thou  declarest  God  is  about  to  erect. 

3  Jesus  answered  and  said      Jesus,  knowing  the  prejudices  he  laboured  under,  both  as  a  Jew  and  a  Pharisee,  judged  3 
unto  him.  Verily,  verily,  I  j^.  necessarv   immediately  to  acriuaint  him  with  the  absolute  necessity  of  a  thorough 

say  unto  thee,  bxcept  a  man     ,  ,.'_,.  -i       ii  iic  ^  ^  li  ii 

be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  change,  by  divuie  grace,  both  in  heart  and  life ;  a  change  so  great,  as  might  appear  like 
tiie  liiiigdom  of  God.  coming  into  a  new  world,  and  would  bring  the  greatest  and  most  learned  men  to  the 

simplicity  of  little  children.  (Compare  Matt,  xviii.  3.)  He  therefore  answered  and  scad 
unto  him,  Veribi,  vcri/i/,  I  say  unto  thee,  and  declare  it  with  the  utmost  solemnity,  as  a 
truth  of  the  highest  importance,  that  whatever  great  privileges  any  may  inherit  by  his 
natural  birth,  or  how  exact  and  strict  soever  he  may  be  in  ceremonial  observances,  unless 
a  man  be  born  aguin,'^  he  cannot  possibly  see  the  kingdom  of  God,  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
secure  an  interest  in  its  invaluable  blessings. 

4  Nicodemus    saith    unto      Now,  as  this  forni  of  Speech  was  figurative  and  concise,  Nicodetnus  did  not  understand  4 
whi'n^'eTs  old  r^nhe^mer  ^^'l^at  it  meant ;  and  therefore  sai/s  unto  him,  Hoiv  can  a  man  be  born  again,  when  he  is  old, 
the  second  time  into  his  mo-  as  I  iiow  am?     Can  he  possibly  enter  a  second  time  into  his  mother  s  womb,  and  so  be  bom 
ther's  womb,  and  be  born?      over  again ?     It  would  be  perfectly  absurd  to  think  that  thou  intendest  this  should  be 

taken  in  a  literal  sense  ;  and  I  confess,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  know  what  figurative  interpreta- 
tion is  to  be  put  upon  it. 

5  Jesus  answered,  Verily,      Then  Jesus,  to  explain  his  former  meaning,  answered,  Verili/,  verily,  I  sai/  unto  thee,  5 
cept''*a'ma!fbe"born'orwi!ter  ^"^^  again  repeat  it,  That  tmless  a  man  be  born  of  water,  and  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into 
and  o/the  Spirit,  he  cannot  the  kingdo7n  of  God ;  OT,  in  plain  terms,  whosoever  would  become  a  regular  member  of 
enter  into  the  kingdom  ot  -^^  |^g  must  not  Only  be  baptized,  but  as  ever  he  desires  to  share  in  its  spiritual  and  eternal 

blessings,  he  must  experience  the  renewing  and  sanctifying  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
on  his  soul,  to  cleanse  it  from  the  power  of  corruption,  and  to  animate  it  to  a  divine  and 

6  That  which  is  born  of  the  Spiritual  life.     For  were  it  possible  for  a  man  to  be  born  again,  in  the  literal  sense  that  6 
fs^born  of^the  Spfriuf  spirit''  ^^^  ^'^^^  mentioned,  by  entering  a  second  time  into  his  mother's  womb,  such  a  second 

birth  would  do  no  more  to  qualify  him  for  the  kingdom  of  God,  than  the  first :  for  that 
which  is  born  of  the  flesh,  is  only  flesh  ;  and  what  proceeds  and  is  produced  from  parents 
that  are  sinful  and  corrupt,  is  sinful  and  corrupt  as  they  are;*  but  that  which  is  born  of 
the  Spirit,  is  formed  to  a  resemblance  of  that  blessed  Spirit,  whose  office  it  is  to  infuse  a 
divine  life  into  the  soul. 

7  Mar\ei  not  that  T  said       Wonder  not,  therefore,  that  I  said  unto  thee,  and  have  declared  it  as  a  truth  that  you  7 
agahi.  "  ""''  "  are  all  concerned  in.  That  you  yourselves,  even  though  you  are  Jews,  and  Pharisees, , and 

rulers  of  the  people,  yet  must  be  born  again ;  since  the  degeneracy  of  the  human  nature  is 
of  so  universal  an  extent,  as  to  be  common  to  you  all.  Nor  have  you  any  cause  to  be 
surprised,  if  there  be  some  things  in  this  doctrine  of  regeneration,  which  are  of  an  obscure 

8  The  wind  bloweth  where  and  Unsearchable  nature;  for  even  in  the  natural  world  many  things  are  so.     The  ivind,  8 
soumr1he''reof!'but''ctntf  not  ^1'  ^Stance,  bloweth  where  it  tvill,  sometimes  one  way  and  sometimes  another,  and  is  not 
tell  whence  it  cometh,  and  subject  to  the  direction  Or  command  of  man ;  and  though  thou  hearest  the  sound  thereof, 
wil'toVislomofThe^Spir^^  and  feelest  its  sensible  and  powerful  effects,  yet  thou  caiist  riot  exactly  tell  from  whence  it 

Cometh,  and  whither  it  goeth ;  for  whatever  general  principles  may  be  laid  down  concern- 
ing it,  when  you  come  to  account  for  its  jiarticular  variations,  the  greatest  philosophers 
often  find  themselves  at  a  loss ;  and  in  like  manner,  so  it  is  with  every  oyie  that  is  born  of 
the  Spirit :  and  you  are  so  far  from  being  capable  of  accounting  for  it,  that  it  is  easy  to 
be  seen  there  is  a  sovereign  freedom  in  that  divine  agency,  which  makes  it  oftentimes 
impossible  to  say,  wliy  it  is  imparted  to  one,  rather  than  to  another ;  and  there  is  a  secret 
in  the  manner  of  its  operation  on  the  mind,  which  it  is  neither  necessary  to  know,  nor 
possible  to  explain. 

9  Nicodemus  answered  and      But  Nicodemus,  who  had  been  accustomed  to  the  pomp  and  ceremony  of  an  external  9 
^idngs^ '"'"' ""'"'''*"'*'"'"  religion,  «/mrer«i;««f/.s«M/  unto  him.  How  can  these  things  be?  for,  after  all  this  explica- 
tion, I  am  still  at  a  loss  to  understand  what  this  being  born  of  the  Spirit  means,  and 
therefore  cannot  conceive  how  it  should  be  so  absolutely  necessary. 

unto  hlm^ArUho^ifa  m^'ter      '^'"'"'^  ^^^^^  uuswered  and  Said  unto  him.  How,  Nicodemus  !  art  thou  a  teacher  of  Israel,  \o 
of  so  distinguished  a  rank  and  character,  and  dost  thou  not  know  these  things!^  when  so 

a  Said  unto  Itim.  RabU.}    This  title  cannot  but  appear  very  remark-  would  render  aviaOev,  from  above  ;  but  it  is  plain  that  Nicodernus  did 

able,  as  given  by  a  person  of  so  great  dignity  to  one  who,  with  regard  not  take  it  so;  for  he  thought  that,  without  entering  a  second  time  into 

to  his  education  and  rank  in  secular  life,  made  so  low  an  appearance  as  his  mother's  womb,  there  was  no  being  horn  in  the  manner  Christ  spoke 

our  blessed  Lord  did.  of,  avu^ei',  that  is,  again. — What  is  added  atver.  5.  explains  what  w;as 

b  I  am  come  to  desire  a  more  particular  account,  &c.]    Our  Lord's  before  undetermined  as  to  the  original  of  this  birth.    Dr.  Owen  with 

answer  intimates,  that  he  either  expressly  made,  or  secretly  intended,  great  propriety  observes,  "That  if  regeneration  here  mean  only  r^- 

such  an  inquiry;  and  it  is  impossible  to  enter  into  the  beauty  of  this  formation  of  life,  our  Lord,  instead  of  making  any  new  discovery,  has 

discourse,  without  considering  it  in  this  view.    Our  Lord  touches  on  the  only  thrown  a  great  deal  of  obscurity  on  what  was  before  plain  and 

tbllowina  grand  points,  in  which  it  was  of  tke  utmost  importance  that  obv'ious,  and  known  not  only  to  the  Jews,  but  the  wiser  heathens.     And 

Mcodem'us  and   his  brethren  should  be  informed  ; — That  no  external  indeed,  (says  he  immediately  after,)  this  is  the  main  article  m  dispute 

profession,  nor  any  ceremonial  observances,  or  privileges  of  birth,  could  between  many.    .Some  think  all  thinss  in  Scripture  are  expressed  m 

entitle  any  to  the  blessings  of  the  Messiah's  kingdom  ; — that  an  entire  condescension  to  our  capacities,  so  that  there  is  still  to  be  conceived  in 

chanse  ot  heart  and  life  was  necessary  to  that  purpose  ; — that  this  must  many  of  them  an  inexpressible  erandeur ;  while,  on  the  other  hand, 

be  accomplislied  by  a  divine  influence  on  the  mind  ; — that  mankind  was  others  suppose  that,  under  the  pomp  and  grandeur  ot  the  most  hyper- 

m  a  state  of  condemnation  and  misery  ; — that  the  free  mercy  of  (iod  bolical  expressions,  things  of  a  low  and  ordinary  sense  are  to  be  untler- 

had  given  his  Son  to  deliver  them  from  it,  and  to  raise  them  to  a  blessed  stood."    See  Dr.  Owen  on  the  Spirit,  p.  17,7. — For  the  full  import  ot  the 

immortality,  which  was  the  great  design  and  purpose  of  his  coming; —  phrases  used  in  this  verse,  see  my  Sermons  on  Regeneration,  JNos.  iv. 

that  all  mankind,  that  is.  Gentiles  as  well  as  Jews,  were  to  share  in  the  and  v.                                                                                                           hi 

benefits  of  his  undertaking; — that  they  were  to  be  procured  by  his  being  d  Is  sinful  and  corrupt  as  they  are.]    The  -nanv  passages  m  wnicu 

lifted  up  on  the  cross,  and  to  be  received  by  faith  in  him  ;  but  that  if  thev  fle>/i  is  put  for  a  corrupt  degenerate  nature,  enslaved  to  animal  appetites 

rejected  him,  there  was  no  other  remedy,  and  their  eternal  assravaterl  and  pursuits,  seemed  to  me  to  justify  this  interpretation  :  and  woum  to 

condemnation  would  be  the  certain  consequence  of  it. — (Jur  Lord  might  God,  fact  and  experience  did  not  so  |)lainly  vindicate  it .  {L  omP'».'"^  ^^"■ 

enlarge  more  copiously  on  these  heads,  which  it  might  be  the  more  pro-  vi.  3.  Itom.  viii.  8.  Gal.  v.  17.  C4.  and  Jude,  ^er-  23.)     Inaeeil  "seems 

per  to  do,  as  some  of  them  were  directly  contrary  to  the  notions  com-  to  me  impossible  to  clear  up  either  the  beauty  ot  the  antithesis,  or  even 

monlv  entertained  by  the  Jews  concerning  the  Messiah's  kingdom.  the  truth  of  the  assertion,  on  any  other  interpretation. 

c   Unless  a  man  be  born  again;   eai/  wn  tk  7ei/v»ift|  avaViv-']    Some  e  Art  thou,  a  teacher  of  Isiael,  and  dost  thou  not  know  these  things  .J 


58  THE  CONFERENCE  OF  JESUS  WITH  NICODEMUS. 

SECT    much  is  every  where  said  in  the  Scripture,  of  the  purifying  and  quickening  operations  of  of  Israel,  and  knowest  not 
25.  '  the  divine  Spirit  on  men's  hearts?  (Compare  Jer.  xxxi.  33,  34.  and  Ezek.  xxxvi.  26,  27.)  these  things' 
— It  is  high  time  thou  shouldst  be  better  informed  concerning  them. 

"'fi"^'  IMPROVEMENT. 

He  that  hath  ears  to  hear,  let  hhn  hear  with  attention  what  the  blessed  Redeemer  said  on  this  great  occasion. 

It  is  surely  a  matter  of  ixniversal  concern  :  for  who  would  not  desire  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God  ?  to  be  an 

Ver.  3  accejjtable  member  of  Christ's  church  now,  and  an  heir  of  glory  beyond  the  grave  ? — But  how  is  this  blessing  to 

be  expected  and  secured  i  Thus  saith  the  Lord  himself.  Unless  a  wan  be  horn  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of 

Qod Let  us  remember  therefore,  that  it  is  not  enough  that  a  new  name  be  given  us,  or  that  a  new  profession  be 

assumed  ;  it  is  not  enough  that  we  are  descended  from  the  most  pious  ancestors,  that  we  have  been  externally 
devoted  to  God  by  the  early  seal  of  his  covenant,  or  that  we  openly  have  made  a  solemn  and  express  profession 
of  our  own  faith  and  obedience,  and  have  been  born  of  baptismal  water  in  our  riper  years.  There  must  be  a  new 
nature  imjilanted,  a  new  creation  formed  in  our  souls,  by  the  almighty  energy  of  the  eternal  Spirit,  or  it  had  been 
better  for  us  that  we  had  never  been  born  at  all. 

6  That  which  is  born  of  the  flesh,  is  flesh;  and  as  we  all  proceed  from  a  corrupt  original,  we  do  not  more  evi- 
dently bear  the  image  of  the  "earthly  Adam,  in  the  infirmities  of  a  mortal  body,  than  in  the  degeneracy  of  a  cor- 

8  rupted  mind.  Oh,  let  us  earnestly  entreat  that,  being  born  of  the  sanctifying  influences  of  the  Spirit,  we  may 
bear  the  image  of  the  heavenly  !  And  to  these  influences  let  us  with  all  humility  and  thankfulness  be  ready  to 
yield  up  our  souls,  as  remembering,  that  tliey  are  of  a  free  and  sovereign  nature,  like  the  wind  that  bloweth 
where  it  will,  and  does  not  stay  for  the  command  of  the  children  of  men. 
7,  8  Let  none  of  us  indulge  a  vain  and  useless  curiosity  with  respect  to  the  manner  of  the  Spirit's  operations,  or 
wonder  that  we  meet  with  some  things  that  are  secret  and  unknown  in  matters  of  a  spiritual  nature ;  when  we 
see  daily  there  are  so  many  things  unknown  in  the  common  appearances  of  the  natural  M'orld,  and  indeed  so  few 
that  we  can  perfectly  understand. 
10  May  the  pride  of  a  falsely  pretended  reason,  be  subdued  to  the  authority  of  faith!  And  more  especially,  may 
such  as  are  teachers  in  Israel,  or  who  are  designed  for  that  important  office,  take  their  instructions  with  all  humi- 

2  lity,  from  this  teacher  sent  from  God !  For  it  must  surely  be  not  only  their  calamity,  but  that  too  of  the  church 
in  general,  if  its  guides  continue  ignorant  of  tliose  sublime  and  spiritual  truths  which  Christ  came  down  from 
heaven  to  reveal,  or  are  so  biassed  by  the  carnal  reasonings  of  a  depraved  mind,  as  to  be  indisposed  and  back- 
ward to  receive  tliem. 


SECTION  XXVI. 

The  latter  part  of  our  Lord's  conference  with  Nicodemiis,  in  which  he  opens  the  design  of  his  coming  into  the  world,  and  shows  the  absolute 

necessity  of  faith  in  him.    John  iii.  11—21. 

JoHNiii.  IL  John  iii.  11. 

SECT.  JESUS,  pursuing  his  discourse  with  Nicodemus,  said,  I  find  that  you  are  stumbled  at  verily,  verily,  i  say  unto 
26.     this  doctrine  of  regeneration,  which  I  have  now  been  opening  to  you  :  but  howsoever  it  kn'ow,  and  tesWy  that  w^ have 

may  still  appear  to  be  obscure  and  strange,  yet  labour  to  subdue  tlie  prejudices  that  arise  seen  ;  and  ye  receive  notour 

JOHN   against  it ;  for,  verih/,  verily,  I  sai/  unto  thee.  That  in  the  doctrine  we  have  now  delivered,  ^'  °*^^' 

^^^:  .  we  speak  nothing  but  what  ive  certainly  know,'^  and  tcsfifi/  no  other  than  that  which  we  have 

seen^  and  can  declare  upon  the  surest  grounds  to  be  a  most  important  truth,  and  to  be 

perfectly  as^reeable  to  what  we  have  received  in  commission  from  God  himself;  and  yet, 

the  disposition  of  the  Jewish  rulers  and  people  is  generally  such,  that  ye  receive  not  our 

12  testimony,  and  are  likely  still  to  reject  it:  For  these  things  which  I  have  already  told  you     lo  if  l   have   told    you 
are   but  the  first  principles,  to  make   way  for  what  is  yet  more  marvellous.     Now,  jy"  J  ^^5!'how\'haU  ve'^bclleve^ 
hitherto  have  told  you  things  which  have  iDeen  capable  of  being  represented  to  you  in  a  tell' you.)/  heavenly  things, 
familiar  way,  and  being  illustrated  by  obvious  and  well-known  similitudes ;  so  that  by 

reason  of  their  plainness,  and  of  the  frequent  references  to  them  in  the  Old  Testament, 
they  may  be  called  earthly  things,  and  ye  believe  not  even  these ;  hcnv  then  iconld  you  be- 
lieve, if  I  should  yet  go  on  to  tell  you  other  doctrines,  which  are  not  capable  of  being 
thus  explained  ;  and  which  indeed  are  so  much  more  mysterious  and  sublime,  that,  in 
comparison  of  what  has  been  already  told  you,  they  may  be  called  heavenlt/  things? <: 

13  (Compare  Heb.  vi.  1,  2.  Psal.  ciii.  11.  and  Isa.  Iv.  9.)  Yet  even  these  you  will  have  no  13  And  no  man  hath  as- 
just  reason  to  suspect,  when  you  consider  whence  they  come,  and  who  it  is  that  reveals  that^'camTdown  from  heaven! 
them  to  you  :  for  no  one  ever  has  ascended  up  to  heaven,  to  search  into  the  secret  counsels,  eze,,.  the  Son  of  man,  which  is 
and  to  obtain  an  intimate  and  perfect  knowledge  of  the  truths  of  God;''  wiless,  as  you  '" ''«'»^'=n- 

will  see  hereafter,  he  has  done  it,  ivho  is  really  descended  from  heaven ;  \cven'\  the  Son  of 
wan,  ivho  is  in  heaven,  as  there  is  the  place  of  his  stated  abode,  whither  he  shortly  will 

Couid  it  be  proved  that  the  Jewish  Rabbis,  so  early  as  Christ's  time,  says  onlv  in  the  singular  nnmher.  If  I  have  told  you  earthly  things,  &c. 

called  a  baptized  persoti,  one  iorn  again,  or  bum  of  rtater,  that  woidd  See  Lightfoot's  Barmony,  in  loe. 

stronffly  illustrate  the   passage  before  us.     Rut  though  Dr.  Claget  and  b  And  testify  that  which  we  hare  seen.']    Christ  seems  here  to  allude 

nir.  Locke,  and  after  them   Dr.  Clarke,  give  the  words  this  turn,  the  to  what  was  mentioned  in  the  law  as  qualifving  a  man  to  be  a  witness, 

tact  did  not  appear  to  mc  so  evident,  as  to  allow  of  my  inserting  it  in  that  he  was  able  to  declare  of  what  he  te"stified,  that  he  had  seen  or 

the  paraphrase.— However,  it  is  stiange  to  me,  that  any  should  doubt  ktiown  it.  rLevit.  v.  1.)  And  as  he  therefore  had  a  clear  perception,  and 

whether  proselytes  were  admitted  into  the  Jewish  church  by  baptism,  a  certain  knowledge  of  the  truth  of  what  he  said,  there  was  the  highest 

that  IS,   by  waslang  ;  whew  it  is   plain   from  express  passages  in  the  reason  to  receive  his  f««'»(o;iji,  and  to  regard  him  as  a /rw  a/irf/a/V ///></ 

Jewish  law,  that  no  Jew  who  had  lived  like  a  dentile  for  one  single  dav,  witness. 

could  be  restored  to  the  communion  of  their  ciuircli  without  it.'    Com-  c  Heavenly  things.}    This  has  been   understood   by  some,   of  those 

pare  Numb.  xix.  19  CO.  and  many  other  precepts-  relating  to  ceremonial  sublime  and  heavenly  doctrines  that  were  afterwards  revealed, — of  the 

pnllutions  ;  by  which  the  Jews  were  rendered  incapable  of  appearing  eternal  generation  of  the  Son,  and  of  \.\\e  fulness  of  the  Godhead  dwelling 

before  CiOd  m  the  tabernacle  or  temple,  till  they  were  washed  either  by  in  him  bodily,— and  of  those  other  mysteries  of  godliness,  that  are  above 

batlnng  or  sprinkling.  tl,e  reach  of  human  reason,  and  cannot  be  illustrated  by  earthly  things 

a   i^e  speak  what  we  know.}    Some  have  supposed  that,  as   Christ  (See  Lightfoot's  Harmony,  in  loc.-)    Though  it  would  rather  seem,  that 

speaks  here  in  the  plural  number,  he  may  refer  not  only  to  the  doctrine  our  Lord  does  more  immediately  refer  to  the  doctrines  which  he  men- 

that  was  delivered  by  Aimfe//,  but  to  the  testimony  that  was  given  to  tions  in  the  remaining  part  of  "his  discourse  to  Nicodemus  :— of  his 

the  truth  ot  it  tty  Jnlm  the  Baptist,  anA  to  the  preaching  also  of  his  own  descent  from  heaven  to  instruct  us  in  the  things  of  God,  and  be  united 

disciples   who  all  concurred  in  testify mg  the  same  things;  the  certainty  to  the  human  nature  here  below,  while  by  his  divine  nature  he  still 

of  which  they  were  assured  of  by  t>ie  teachings  of  the  Spirit,  and  by  continued  to  be  present  above  ;— of  the  design  for  which  he  came  into 

their  own  experience,  while  it  was  known  to  Christ  by  his  omniscience,  the  world,  to  be  lifted  up  upon  the  cross,  that  he  might  save  us  from 

?i"    P',l       mtmiate  acquaintance  that  he  had  with  all  the  counsels  of  our  sins :— of  everlasting  life  and  happiness  to  be  obtained  bv  faith  in 

the  ba(her.--And  others   have  supposed,  that  he  included  here,  with  his  death  ;— and  of  the  condemnation  of  all  those  that  should  rijpct  him  • 

inmselj,  the  lather  and  the  Spmt,  who  are  expressly  spoken  of  in  other  which  may  be  counted  as  the  deep  things  of  God,  which  he  reveals  unto 

passages,  as  bearing  witness  to  the  truth  of  what  he  said,  and  as  agreeing  us  by  his  Spirit,  and  which  the  natural  man,  who  disregards  that  Spirit 

^n    ofi""  ">  'he  testimony  that  he  gave.    (Compare  John  viii.  18.  xiv.  reeeiicth  ?iot,  for  they  are  foolishness  unto  Aim:  7ieither  can  he  know 

M,  J,b.  and  1  John  v.  6,  8.) — But  there  is  no  necessity  we  should  sup-  them,  because  they  are  spiritually  discerned.  1  Cor.  ii.  10,  14. 

pose  him  to  refer  to  any  other  than  Inrnself ;  since  nothing  is  more  usual  d  Ascended  up  to  heaven  to  search   into— the  truths  of  God  ]    The 

than  tor  a  person  of  authority  to  speak  of  himself  in  the  plural  number,  phrase  of  ascending  into  heaven  is  plainly  used  in  this  sense.  Dciit.  xxx 

as  Christ  may  be  observed  to  have  done  elsewhere ;  (Mark  iv.  30.)  and  12.   l!om.  x.  6.  and  Prov.  xxx.  4.— As  for  the  turn  here  given  to  tiie 

ui  the  next  vsrse  he  appears  to  have  restrained  it  to  himself,  where  he  particle  ei  nr\,  see  the  note  on  John  xvii.  12.  §  179. 


THF  CONFERENCE  OF  JESUS  WITH  NICODEMUS.  59 

return,  and  as  he  now  is  present  there  by  his  divine  nature,  which  fills  both  heaven  and  sr.cr. 

earth.  26. 
14  And  as  Moses  lifted  up      And  now  I  mention  the  Son  of  man,  let  me  rectify  that  grand  mistake  of  yours  con- 


the  serpent  m^th^e^wnderness,  ceming  his  kingdom,  which  Otherwise  may  be  attended  with  such  fatal  consequences.   John 
be^ltf^ed  up;  You  expect  to  see  him  raised  on  a  magnificent  throne,  and  not  only  breaking  off  the  yoke  .  ^^^■ 

from  the  Jewish  nation,  but  leading  them  on  to  conquer  and  destroy  the  Gentiles :  but  I 
must  assure  you,  that  as  Moses  lifted  up  the  brazen  serpent  on  a  pole  in  the  wilderness,  to 
heal  those  that  were  dyingby  the  Venom  of  the  fiery  serpents  there,  (see  Numb.  xxi.  8,  9.) 
so  also  must  the  Son  of  man  be  first  lifted  up  on  a  cross,  (compare  John  viii.  28.  xii.  32, 
34.)  and  then  publicly  exhibited  in  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  that  sinners  may  by  him 

15  That    whosoever    be-  receive  a  far  more  noble  and  important  cui'"! :«  Even  that  whoever  helieveth  on  him  may  not  15 
lieveth  in  him  should   not  p(,,~ig/,   ^g  ^11  in  their  natural  state  would  otherwise  do.f  but  may  obtain  so  perfect  a  re- 

pcrish,  but  have  eternal  lire,    r  >  ,  ,-,.         -n        i  ■     •     •     i       i  ,i         -^  c  .1     ^  ■ 

16  For  God  so  loved  the  coveiy,  as  Certainly  to  have  eternal  life,     tor  this  is  indeed  the  summary  or  that  important  16 
bSoKen'^Son^tlarwhosoever  message  which  I  bring  to  the  children  of  men,  that  God  so  loved  the  iuorld,w  apostate  and 
beRevcth  in  'him  should  not  miserable  as  it  was  ;  yea,  to  such  an  amazing  and  unutterable  a  degree  did  he  love  it,  that 
jierish,  but  have  everlasting  ^^  ^^^^^^  ^^^^  i^j^  onlif-bef^otten  Son  from  his  embraces,  that  whoever  believeth  on  him,  what- 
ever be  the  nation  he  laelongs  to,  or  whatever  his  guilt  be,  he  7nai/  not  perish  under  the 

17  ForGodsentnothisSon  Sentence  of  divine  justicc,  but  mai/ have  everlasting  life  and  glory.     For  God  sent  not  his  17 
theVor!d'*^bu't\h'atth°e"worid  ^"'*  '"'"  ^^^  ivorld  to  Condemn  the  world,  and  to  execute  that  vengeance  upon  them  which 
through  him  might  be  saved,    their  guilt  might  have  taught  them  to  fear  ;    nor  did  he  send  him  to  destroy  the  (^entile 

nations,  as  your  Jewish  prejudices  are  ready  to  represent  it ;  but  that  the  ivorld  of  man- 
kind, whether  Jews  or  Gentiles,  might  be  saved  by  him,  even  all  without  exception  who 

18  He  that  believeth  on  him  will  listen  to  the  Overtures  of  his  gospel.     And  therefore,  on  the  one  hand,  he  that  be-  18 
th  {""befiewth^^wt'  i^^'con''  ^'e^^e^/t  on  him,  how  great  soever  his  sins  may  have  been,  and  however  unpardonable  ac- 
demned  already,  because  he  cording  to  the  tcnor  of  the  Mosaic  law,  yet  shall  not  be  finally  condemned,  but  shall  obtain 
of'the°onf'-besotten''son'of  ^  complete  pardon  :    and  on  the  other  hand,  he  that  believeth  nut,  whatever  his  external 
God.  profession  and  privileges  may  be,  is  condemned  already,  remaining  under  the  sentence  of  his 

former  guilt,  yea,  and  subjecting  himself  by  his  refusal  of  the  only  remedy  to  greater  and  more 
aggravated  woe  ;  because  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  illustrious  namc^  of  the  only-begotten 
Son  of  God,  though  expressly  revealed  to  liim  on  so  glorious  and  important  an  occasion. 

19  And  this  is  the  condem-       Noiv,  through  the  great  perverscness  of  mankind,  I  certainly  foresee  that  this  will  be  19 
nation,  that  light  IS  come  into  (-j^g  ^^^^  ^yj^]^  multitudes:  for  this  is  the  great  condemnation,  the  crime  that  fills  up  the 

the    world,    and   men    loved  .  ,..."-'  ,  ^  ^  ri-fii  i'- 

darkness  rather  than  light,  measure  of  men  s  iniquities,  and  proves  the  surest  cause  01  their  final  and  speedy  ruin, 
because  their  deeds  were  evil,  iffat  a  d'lv'me  light  is  come  into  the  ivorld,  and  yet  men  have  loved  darkness  i-ather  than 
light,  and  have  "chosen  to  remain  ignorant,  rather  than  to  submit  themselves  to  the  teach- 
ings of  this  heavenly  revelation  ;  and  the  reason  is  plainly  this,  became  their  deeds  were 

20  For  every  one  that  doeth  cvH,  and  they  have  not  virtue  enough  to  resolve  on  a  thorough  reformation.     For  every  20 
cometif^to'  the  li^ht'  l"'^t"h''^  ""^  '*'^^  ^^  conscious  to  himself  that  he  doeth  evil,  and  will  persist  in  his  wickedness,  hateih 
deeds  should  be  reproved:      the  light,  as  the  cause  of  anguish  and  shame  to  his  guilty  mind ;  a7id  he  cometh  not  to  the 

light,  lest  his  actions  should  be  reproved  by  it,  and  so  his  character  exposed,  and  his  con- 

21  But  he  that  doeth  truth  Science  disquieted.  (Compare  Eph.  v.  13.)     But  he  that  practises  truth'^  and  virtue,  sin-  21 
deeJh  may  be^niade''iTian'ifest  merely  endeavouring  to  adjust  his  actions  according  to  the  eternal  law  of  righteousness,  or 
that  they  are  wrought  in  God.  the  nature  and  obligation  of  things,  comes  to  the  light  with  confidence  and  pleasure,  and 

takes  all  opportunities  of  improving  his  knowledge,  that  his  actions  may  be  made  manifest, 
as  in  open  day  ;  knowing  it  will  appear  that  they  are  wrought  in  God,\L  that  is,  that  they 
are  agreeable  to  the  divine  nature  and  will,  and  the  consequence  of  that  union  of  soul 
with  him,  which  is  the  highest  dignity  and  happiness  of  a  rational  creature.  Be  it  there- 
fore known  unto  you  all,  that  this  gospel  which  I  preach,  is  the  great  touchstone  of  men's 
true  characters  ;  and,  as  nothing  but  a  corruption  of  heart  can  oppose  it,  so  I  faithfully 
warn  you,  that  if  you  reject  it,  it  is  at  the  peril  of  your  souls. 

This  was  the  purport  of  our  Lord's  discourse  with  Nicodemus ;  and  it  appears  by  some 
following  circumstances  of  the  story,  that  it  made  a  deep  and  lasting  impression  on  his 
mind.     See  John  vii.  50.  and  xix.  39. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  happy  is  it  for  us,  that,  since  none  of  the  children  of  men  ever  ascended  up  into  heaven,  to  learn  the  Ver.  1 3 
mysteries  of  divine  knowledge  there,  the  only-begotten  Son  of  God  has  been  pleased  to  come  down  from  thence,  11 
that  he  might  instruct  us  !     He  spake  what  he  knew,  and  testified  what  he  had  seen  :  Oh  that  men  were  so  wise 
as  to  receive  his  testimony,  be  the  discoveries  ever  so  knew,  or  the  doctrines  ever  so  sublime ! 

Let  us  witli  peculiar  pleasure  attend  unto  that  abstract  of  the  gospel,  which  he  exhibited  in  this  profitable  and 

comprehensive  discourse  with  Nicodemus It  presents  to  our  view  Christ,  and  him  crucified.     It  opens  the 

treasures  of  divine  beneficence  and  compassion,  and  shows  us  the  Father  of  mercies  .so  loving  a  world,  which  he  16 
might  justly  have  abhorred  and  destroyed,  as  to  give  his  only-begotten  Son  to  be  a  ransom  for  it. 

Let  us  behold  him  lifted  up  on  the  cross,  as  the  great  attractive,  to  whom  all  were  to  be  dra\vn !    In  him  shall  14 
we  find  the  divine  cure  for  our  souls,  infected  as  they  are  with  the  poison  of  sin,  if  we  behold  him  not  merely  15 
with  a  curious  but  a  believing  eye.     Whatever  our  wounds  be,  if  in  the  exercise  of  faith  we  look  to  him,  we 
shall  not  die  of  them ;  but  it  is  owing  to  our  own  obstinacy  and  impenitence  if  we  yet  perish. 

e  A  far  more  noble  and  important  cure.]    The  grand  point  of  simili-  honestly  reported :  and  it  is  sad  to  think,  what  an  aggravation  it  was  of 

tilde  here,  is  in  the  tnanner  ot  performing  the  cure,  that  is,  by  believing  the  unbelief  and  impenitence  of  that  grand  council,  who  afterwards 

regards  to  something  lifted  up  tor  that  purpose,  by  a  divine  appointment,  treated  Christ  with  so  much  contempt  and  malisnity. 

It  would  be  blasphemy  to  run  a  parallel  between  Christ  and  that  which  h  Believed  in  the  illustrious  name.]     Though  the  name  of  a  person  be 

gave  us  the  deadly  wound:  and  to  talk,  as  Grotius  and  Dr.  Clarke  here  often  put  for  l/ie  perso?i  himself,  yet  I  think  it  is  further  intimated  in 

ilo,  of  the  resemblance  between  him  and  the  image  of  the  .terpent,  as  he  that  expression,  that  the  person  spoken  of  is  great  and  magnificent ;  and 

^yas  made  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  seems  in  this  connexion  to  be  therefore  it  is  generally  used  to  express  either  God  the  father,  or  our 

foreign  to  the  purpose.  L,ord  Je.ms  Christ, 

f  As  all  in  their  natural  state  would  otherwise  do.]    This  is  strongly  i  He  that  practises  truth:  6  ttoiuiv  Tr\v  aXtiflemi'.]    This  phrase  often 

implied  here,  and  yet  more  strongly  in  ver.  18.   where  all  that  do  not  occurs  as  the  chai-acter  of  a  good  man:  (Compare  Psal.  cxix.  30.  Isa. 

believe  are  said  to  be  condemned  already:  and  till  men  enter  deeply  into  xxvi.  2.  1  Pet.  i.  22.  1  .Tohn  i.  6.  and  2  John,  ver.  4.)    And  it  is  used 

this  important  truth,  the  gospel  may  indeed  be  their  amusement, "but  I  with  great  propriety,  since  there  is  as  really  a  truth  or  falsehood  in 

see  not  how  it  is  like  to  be  their  joy  or  their  cure.  actiotts,  as  in  words  ;  as  Mr.  WooUaston  in  particular  has  shown  at  large  ; 

g  God  so  loved  the  world.]    It  is  not  only  a  very  arbitrary  criticism.  See  Reliy.  of  Nature,  chap.  i. — Of  the  same  kind  is  the  phrase  irottiy 

by  which  Erasmus  makes  these  the  words  of  the  evangelist,  rather  than  x'levMi,  used  more  than  once  by  St.  John,  perhaps  in  a  beautiful  ospMi- 

ot  Christ,  but  if  it  were  admitted,  it  would  destroy  much  of  the  beauty  tion  to  this  before  us  ;  and  should  it  be  rendered,  practiselh  a  lie,  that 

and  energy  of  that  awful  admonition  which  our  Lord  gives  to  N  icode-  opposition  would  be  more  apparent ;  see  Rev.  xxi.  27.  xxii.  lo.      ... 

mus,  and  by  him  to  his  brethren,  in  this  his  first  entrance  on  his  ministry.  k  That  they  are  wrouoht  in  God:  ev  ecu  uptaau-eyi^-i    Grotius  tninKS, 

No  doubt,  many  of  them  attended  him  to  learn  the  result  of  this  con-  that  ^v  is  here  used  for  Kara,  and  that  it  only  i\m\\hes,agreeai)ie  to  tiie 

terence,  which  to  the  best  of  his  understanding  we  may  conclude  he  divine  nature:  this  is  certainly  comprehended,  but  it  is  not  all  u  ex- 


60  JOHN  THE  BAPTISTS  TESTIMONY  TO  CHRIST. 

SECT.      He  misht  justly  have  appeared  in  a  different  form  for  the  condemnation  of  sinners  rather  than  their  salvation. 

26.  The  Son  of  God  might  have  come  into  an  apostate  world,  armed  v/itli  thunderbolts  of  flaming  vengeance,  to  punish 
. the  violation  of  his  "Father's  law;  but  his  hands  are  filled  with  eternal  blessings. 

JOHN  As  we  love  our  own  souls,  let  us  apply  to  him  in  tmie  for  this  salvation.  Let  us  dread  the  aggravated  con- 
^":„  demnation  of  those  who,  when  light  is  come  into  the  world,  prefer  darkness  to  it,  and  obstinately  shut  their  eyes 
against  it,  though  it  be  the  dawninos  of  an  eternal  day. 

20,  21  "  Mm/  integrity  and  uprightness  preserve  tis  !  (Psal.  xxv.  21.)  And,  conscious  of  a  real  desire  to  govern  ourselves 
according  to  the  light  we  have,  may  we  cheerfully  lay  ourselves  in  the  way  of  more ;  that  in  the  last  awful  day, 
when  the  sentence  of  divine  wrath  shall  be  executed  on  all  the  servants  of  sin,  and  their  character  sliall  stand 
disclosed  in  the  most  odious  colours,  ours  may  shine  out  beautiful  and  fair,  and  the  good  deeds  that  we  have  done, 
being  now  wrouo-ht  in  C-od,  may  then  not  only  be  accepted  and  applauded,  but,  through  the  grace  of  the  Re- 
deemer, abundantly  rewarded  by  him ! 

SECTION  XXVII. 

John  the  Baptist's  last  testimony  to  Christ,  on  occasion  of  a  dispute  concerning  his  baptism  and  that  administered  hy  our  Lord's  disciples. 

John  iii.  22,  to  the  end. 

John  iii.  22.  jo„j,  in.  oc. 

SECT    AFTER  these  thincs  Jesus  and  his  disciples  came  from  Jerusalem,  where  they  had  kept  after  these  things  came 

27.  the  passover  together,  into  a  part  of  the  land  of  Judea,  at  some  distance  from  the  capital  thelLdrf j udelJT'and'thefe 
city  ;  and  there  he  continued  with  them,  and  by  their  ministry,  though  not  in  his  own  per-  he  tarried  with  them,  and 

JOHN   son,' baptized.     (See  John  iv.  2.)  aptize  . 

^^%n  ^ind  John  was  also  at  that  time  baptizing  at  Enon,  which  was  a  place  near  Satim,  a  town  2.3  And  John  also  was  hap- 
on  the  west  side  of  Jordan ;  and  he  particularly  chose  that  place,  because  there  was  a  great  because"the  °e' was  mucii  wa't"; 
quantiti/  of  ivater  there,''-  which  made  it  very  convenient  for  his  purpose  :    and  they  came  there  |^_^and  jjiey  came,  and 

24  from  all  parts,  and  were  baptized  by  him.  For  the  reader  will  observe,  that  John  the  ^""l'/  po^  'John  was  not  yet 
Bajitist  was  not  yet  thrown  into  prison  ;^  as  he  was  a  few  months  after,  by  the  injustice  of  cast  into  prison. 

Herod,  in  whose  territories  that  place  lay. 

25  And  there  was  about  this  time,  a  warm  dispute  {between  some']  of  the  disciples  of  John     25  Then  there  arose  agues- 
arul  a  [certain']  Jew,''  who  had  been  baptized  by  Clirist,  about  this'  right  of  purif>/ing,  or  ^'"^i^fe^lnd  thfjews.  about 
baptism,  which  was  administered  in  different  parts  by  these  two  divine  teachers ;  for  not-  purifying, 
withstanding  their  commissions  and   administrations  were  so   harmonious,   yet  some, 

through  ignorance  and  weakness,  were  ready  to  oppose  them  to  each  other. 

26  And  such  was  the  concern  of  John's  disciples  upon  this  occasion,  that  they  came  to  26  And  they  came  unto 
John,  and  said  unto  him.  Rabbi,  we  are  solicitous  for  thy  honour  in  the  present  conjuncture  i°iM;i,'ire''that'was  with 'thee 
of  affairs:  for /;e  if/(«^  w'o.s  lately  w;'//*  thee  on  the  other  side  Jordan,  and  to  whom  thou  beyond  Jordan,  to  whom  thou 
gavest  such  an  honourable  testimony  there,  behold,  he  now  huptizeth,  and  people  from  cdl  s^anri^baptS,  anll^aU"  Je« 
parts,  yea,  even  such  as  have  before  received  thy  baptism,  come  unto  him  ;  which,  as  we  come  to  him. 

fear,  may  cause  thy  baptism  to  be  neglected,  and  tend  to  the  injury  of  thy  character; 
since  some  are  already  makintx  very  invidious  comparisons  between  him  and  thee. 

27  But  John  replied  to  his  disciples,  with  a  humility  and  integrity  agreeable  to  the  rest  of  27  John  answered  and  said, 
his  character,  ai^d  said,  in  order  to  convince  them  further  of  the  superior  honours  due  to  |;c"pTit*'be  givin  liim  troni 
the  blessed  Jesus,  Do  not  give  way  to  such  vain  partiality  and  fondness  for  me  :  for  a  man  heaven. 

can  indeed  receive,  and  therefore  ouglit  to  assume,  nothing  to  himself,  unless  it  be  given  him 
from  heaven ;  but  we  are  just  what  God  is  pleased  to  make  us,  and  must  stand  in  that 

28  rank  which  his  infinite  wisdom  has  seen  fit  to  assign  us.  Nor  have  you  any  reason  to  be  28  Ye  yourselves  bear  me 
surprised  at  the  report  you  bring  me,  or  to  imagine  I  shall  regard  it  as  a  matter  of  com-  tiie'chr'is'trbut  that'i'a''msent 
plaint :  for  you  yourselves,  in  what  you  now  have  said,  bear  tvitness  to  me,^  and  cannot  before  liini. 

but  remember  that,  even  from  the  very  first  of  my  appearance,  I  expressly  said,  and  was 
on  all  occasions  ready  to  repeat  it,  that  I  am  not  the  Christ ;  hut  that  I  am  sent  as  a 
harbinger  before  him ;  and  therefore  am  so  far  from  being  in  any  opposite  and  separate 

29  interest,  that  his  success  is  mv  greatest  iov.     It  is  the  bridegroom  only  that  hath  the  bride ;   ,  29  He  that  hath  the  bride  is 

J   •,   ■     1  ■  1-         ■    Li  1  •        11-  1    i        r      ii         t™,   4.     r  •       1     r  ^1     the  bridegroom :  but  the  tnend 

and  it  IS  his  peculiar  right  to  enjoy  her  as  his  own  :  but  as  lor  the  intimate  //vcHrf  of  the  of   the    bridegroom,   which 

bridegroom,  who  standeih  near  him,  and  heareth  him  express  his  deliglit  and  com])lacency  standeth  and  heareth  him  re- 
in her,e  he  is  so  far  from  envying  and  repining  at  it,  that,  if  he  really  deserves  the  name  of  ■|"r'ki*egroom's^voice^"Th^sniy 
a  friend,  he  rather  irjoiceth  with  exceeding  great  joy  on  accomit  of  the  bridegroom^  voice.  J^y  therefore  is/uiiiUed. 
Such  therefore  is  the  friendship  and  the  high  regard  I  have  for  Jesus,  that  this  that  you 
have  told  me  is  my  joy  ;  wliich  is  so  far  from  being  at  all  impaired,  that  it  is  heightened 
and  completed  on  this  happy  occasion,  which  you  should  rather  have  been  ready  to  con- 
gratulate, than  to  have  made  it  matter  of  complaint. 

30  I  know  that  as  to  him,  he  daily  inust  increase,  and,  like  the  growing  moon,  appear  con-     30  He  must  increase,  but  I 
tinually  more  and  more  glorious  :    but  I  inust  gradually  wane  and  decline,  till  I  entirely  '""■"  '^<^"ease. 
disappear  from  hence :    (for  the  end  of  my  ministry  is  now  in  a  great  measure  answered, 

31  and  therefore  I  quickly  expect  to  be  dismissed  from  it.)  And  it  is  fit  it  should  be  so:  3i  He  that  cometh  from 
for  he  that  cometh  from  above,  as  Jesus  did,  is  far  above  all  the  children  of  men,  and  so  ^'''"''^  "  ''^°'''  ""'  ^^  "'^"* 

presses.    His  instance  of  the  like  use  of  the  particle,  in  1  Cor.  vli.  39.  c  A  certain  Jew.]    The  many  copies  which  read  it  thus,  as  well  as  the 

seems  insufficient ;  for  to  marry  tv  tui  ¥.vs>ia,  hi  the  Lord,  signifies  there,  authority  of  the  Sy riac  version,  and  the  citations  of  some  of  the  fntligrs, 

the  marrying  one  who  is  in  Christ,  that  is,  a  Christian.  determine  me  to  prefer  this  reading,  which  1  think  gives  rather  an  easier 

a  At  Enon.-^hecause  there  Joas  a  great  qnantity  of  water  there.]    It  is  sense  ;  as  a  single  Jew  might  most  properly  be  opposed  to  John's  dis- 

cxceeding  difficult  to  determine  the  true  situation  of  this  place,  about  ciples,  who  were   lews  themselves;  and  as  a  considerable  part  of  the 

which  geographical  writers  are  not  at  all  agreed.    We  may  conclude,  nation  had  entere<i  themselves  into  that  number,  at  least  so  far  as  re- 

however,  from  ver.  26.  that  it  was  on  the  west  side  of  Jordan,  as  Betha-  ceiving  his  baptism  was  a  token  of  it. 

bara,   where  John  had   baptized   before,  was  on  the  other  side. — But  d   You  yourselves  hear  witness  to  me:  avToi  vu.ei<!  txot  luapTrpeiTe.j 

nothing  surely  can  be  more  evident,  tlian   that   TroXXa  xj&aTa,    many  There  seems  to  be  an  intimation  in  these  words,  that  what  they  them- 

waters,  signifies  a  large  quantity  of  water,  it  being  sometimes  used  for  selves  had  just  been  sayinir.  was  a  sufficient  proof  of  what  the  Baptist 

the  Euphrates,  Jer.  li.  13.  Septuagint.    To  which,  I  suppose,  there  may  was  going  to  declare  ;  for  tliey  had  described  Jesus  by  the  character  of' 

also  be  an  allusion.  Rev.  xvii.  i.    Compare  Ezek.  xliii.  2.  and   Rev.  i.  him  to  whom  John  had  borne  witness. 

15.  xiv.  2.  xix.  6.  where  the  voice  of  many  waters  does  plainly  signify  e  Heareth  kirn  express  his  delight  and  complacency  in  her.]    Some 

the  roaring  of  a  high  sea.                  ,  have  supposed  that  this  alludes  to  a  peculiar  ceremony  attending  the 

0  John  Was 7iot  yet  thrown  into  prison.]  I  think  it  probable  from  hence,  m«mff(;;fi  among  the  Jews  :  which  the  reader  may  fiml  in  Dr.  llam- 
as well  as  from  tradition,  and  many  other  passages  in  this  gospel  itself,  mond,  iti  loc.  and  Selden.  llror.  Heb.  lib.  ii.  cap.'  16.  But  perhaps  it 
niat  St.  John  wrote  it  as  a  supplement  to  the  rest.  For  he  speaks  of  the  may  be  a  more  general  reference  to  any  of  the  natural  expressions  of 
Kaptist'simprisonmentasathinggenerally  known,  and  yet  savs  nothing  ,;'o^  on  such  an  occasion. — I  pretend  not  to  determine  how  far  Bishop 
ot  nis  martyrdom,  though  he  had  given  so  large  an  account  of  his  minis-  Patrick  may  be  right  in  supposins,  "  that  this  is  an  allusion  to  the 
1  ^'  }<  c^innot  suppose  he  would  have  omitted  so  material  a  fact,  had  caba/istic  doctritie,  that  Tipheret,  the  Great  Adam,  or  the  Messiah,  is 
tie  not  known  that  the  other  evangelists  had  recorded  it  at  large  ;  as  will  married  to  Malcuth,  the  congregation  of  hrael,  as  (lie  terrestrial  Adam 
tie  seen  in  the  next  section,  and  in  sect.  77,  was  to  Eve."    See  his  Preface  to  Canticles,  i  4. 


THE  TESTIMONY  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST.  61 

of  the  earth  is  earthly,  ami  undoubtecllv  is  above  me  ;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  he  that  originally  was  of  the  carth,^  SECT. 

speakeih  of  the  earth:  "he  that  jjeincr  born,  like  me,  in  a  natural  way,  is  still  of  the  earth,  mean  and  imperfect,  and  can     27. 

co^neth  trom  heaven  is  a  rave  ^^^^  hope,  by  any  refinements  and  improvements,  to  equal  what  is  heavenly  and  divine ; 

but  what  he  says  will  correspond  with  his  original,  and  being  earthly  in  his  rise,  he  speak-  John 
eth  of  the  earth:  the  subjects  of  his  discourse  are  comparatively  low,  or  howsoever  noble  ^}^^- 
and  sulDlime  they  be,  there  is  a  mixture  of  infirmity  and  weakness  in  his  way  of  treating 
them ;  whereas  he  who  originally  comcth  from  heaven,  and  who  has  shown  so  wonderful  a 
conde'scension  in  his  visiting  this  lower  world,  is  still,  in  the  midst  of  all  his  voluntary 
abasement,  incomparably  above  all  that  dwell  upon  earth,  not  only  in  the  dignity  ancl 
3C  And  what  he  hath  seen  glory  of  his  person,  but  in  the  spiritual  and  heavenly  nature  of  his  doctrine.     And  I  de-  32 

and  heard,  that  he  testifieth ;  ^j^^g  [^  ^q  yo,;  •^vith  the  greatest  confidence,  that  what  he  hath  seen  and  heard,  or  what  he 

t"mony.'"^"  ^"'^"^■^*'' '''^ '""  knows  to  the  utmost  degree  of  certainty,  that  does  he  testify  and  publish  to  the  world  ; 

and  I  exceedingly  lament  it,  tliat  notwithstanding  all  that  eagerness  of  curiosity  with  which 

the  multitudes  are  flocking  now  about  him,  yet"  no  man  cordially  receives  his  testimony ; 

and  among  all  that  hear  him,  there  are  very  few  who  are  duly  affected  with  what  he  de- 

,-53  He  that  hath  received  livers,  and  yield  as  thev  ought  to  its  divine"  evidence  and  importance.     But  he  who  hath  33 

his  testimnny  hath  set  to  his  in^ged  received  his  testimony,  acts  a  most  wise  and  happy  part,  and  hath,  as  it  were,  set 

seal  that  uoa  is  true.  ^  .^  ^^^^^  ^^^  .^^s^  ^^^^^  ^^^^^  .^.  ^^  ^^^  ^    acknowledging  his  hand  in  these  credentials  given  to 

his  Son,  and  his  veracity,  in  sending  him  thus  furnished  to  fulfil  his  ancient  proiiaises  to 
.T{  For  he  whom  God  hath  his  people.     For  he  whom  God  hath  sent  into  the  world  as  the  promised  Messiah,  spraketh  34 
tied  ■^'bTGocl  ''i'veth°not%he  '^'^  "'"''^'^  "f  ^"^'  ^"^  ^^^  ^'^^^  '^^  reveals  should  be  regarded  as  divine  oracles  :  Jor  God 
Sphit  by  measure '««;"'/«v«!'^  giveth  not ' thc  powers  and  the  inspiration  of  his  Spirit  [to  him]  hi/  measure,  under  such 
limitations  and  with  such  interruptions  as  he  gives  it  to  his  other  messengers  ;g  but  it  dwells 
,35  The  Father  loveth  the  in  him  Ijy  a  Constant  presence,  and  operates  by  a  perpetual  energy.     For  the  Almighty  35 
mto'iUsliand  ^''^"^''''™°'  Father  lovcth  the  Son  incomparably  beyond  the  most  faithful  of  his  servants;  and  hath 
not  only  established  him  as  the  great  Teacher  of  his  church,  but  hath  given  the  govern- 
ment of  all  things  into  his  hand,  that  he  may  be  regarded  as  the  universal  Lord. 
36  He  that  beiieveth  on  the      So  that,  instead  of  repining  at  his  growing  glories,  you  should  rather  be  solicitous  to  36 
he'timt'beaev!fth''not' t'i^e  Son  sccure  an  interest  in  his  favour :  for  tliis  is  the  substance,  and  this  is  the  end  of  my  whole 
s'haii'''not''  s'eV  Ufe°  bi*t  the  testimony,''  that  he  who  beiieveth  on  the  Son,  hath  a  sure  title  to  eternal  life,  and  hath 
wratiiotGodabidethonhim,  already  the  beginnings  of  it  wrought  in  his  soul;  but  he  that  is  disobedient  to'tlie  Son,^  and 
obstinately  persists  in  his  unbelief  and  impenitence,  shall  not  see  and  enjoy  that  Ufe ;  but, 
on  the  contrary,  is  so  far  from  it,  that  the  wrath  of  God,  and  tlie  unpardoned  aggravated 
guilt  of  all  his  sins,  ubideth  even  now  vpon  him,  and  will  quickly  sink  him  into  final  con- 
demnation and  ruin. 

Thus  did  that  holy  man  John  the  Baptist  conclude  those  testimonies  to  Christ  which 
are  recorded  in  the  gospel,  and  was  quickly  after  imjtrisoned  by  Herod  the  tetrarch ;  as 
the  course  of  this  history  will  presently  show. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

It  is  indeed  too  true  that  the  spirit  which  naturally  dweTleth  in  us  all,  lusteth  to  envy,  (Jam.  iv.  5.)  and  it  is  far  Ver.26 
from  being  a  low  attainment  in  religion  to  look  with  complacency  and  thankfulness  on  the  superior  abilities  and 
acceptance  of  others,  especially  of  those  who  once  appeared  in  an  inferior  rank.  But  for  the  cure  of  this  unreason- 
able and  restless  passion,  so  contrary  to  the  true  spirit  of  the  gospel,  let  us  remember  that  a  man  can  receive  nothing  27 
at  all  except  it  be  given  him  from  heaven.  It  is  God  that  makes  one  man  to  difier  from  another ;  and  surely  nothings 
can  be  more  unreasonable  tlian  that,  when  we  ourselves  have  received  all  from  his  bounty,  our  eyes  should  be  evil 
because  he  is  good.  (Matt.  xx.  15.) 

If  we  are  indeed  the  friends  of  Christ,  we  shall  rejoice  to  see  his  interest  advance,  and  especially  to  see  souls  29 
espoused  to  him  as  the  great  Bridegroom  of  the  church,  whoever  are  the  instruments  of  promoting  so  happy  a  work. 
Would  to  God,  that  in  this  sense  all  the  Lord's  people  were  even  as  the  greatest  of  the  prophets,  or  as  the  very 
chief  of  the  apostles  !  (Numb.  xi.  29.) 

But  if  indeed  they  were  so,  yet,  like  those  brightest  luminaries  of  the  church,  they  must  in  time  have  their  change  30 
and  their  wane,  if  God  does  not  darken  their  glories  by  a  sudden  eclipse,  yet  they  who  are  now,  like  the  Bap- 
tist, burning  and  shining  lights,  must,  like  him,  gradually  decrease,  while  others  are  increasing  about  them  ;  as 
they,  in  their  turns,  grew  up'amidst  the  decays  of  the  former  generation.  Let  us  know  how  to  set  as  well  as  to_ 
rise ;  and  let  it  comfort  our  declining  days,  to  trace  in  those  that  "are  like  to  succeed  us  in  our  work,  the  openings  of 
yet  greater  usefulness.  So  shall  we  grow  in  our  meetness  for  that  world  where  all  the  righteous  shall  sliine  forth 
together,  as  the  sun  in  the  kingdom  of  their  Father,  in  a  bright  resemblance  of  him  with  whom  there  is  no  varia- 
bleness nor  shadow  of  turning. 

As  the  surest  means  of  guiding  us  to  that  happy  world,  let  us  make  it  our  great  care,  by  receiving  the  testimony  33 
of  Christ,  to  set  our  seal  to  the  truth  of  God,  engaged  in  his  cause. — With  how  much  ])leasure  should  we  do  it, 
and  with  what  joy  should  we  reflect,  that  the  Father  so  loveth  the  Son,  that  he  has  not  only  given  him  the  rich  3-1,  35 
and  unmeasurable  communications  of  the  Spirit,  but  has  committed  also  into  his  hand  the  reins  of  government ! 
Let  his  faithful  servants  remember  it  with  joy,  and  cheerfully  commit  their  concerns  to  him  who  is  made  head 
over  all  things  for  the  benefit  of  his  church.  (Eph.  i.  22.) 

And  to  conclude  :  let  it  engage  us  to  see  to  the  sincerity  of  our  faith  in  him,  and  subjection  to  hirn ;  since  it  is  36 
not  a  light  matter,  but  our  life,  even  the  very  life  of  our  souls.     May  God  awaken  those  on  whom  his  wrath  now 
abideth,  to  a  sense  of  their  danger,  and  may  he  strengthen  in  each  of  our  souls  that  faith  which  is  the  pledge  of  a 
ha[)py  immortality  ! 


tlie  appearance  of  a  tautoloiry  in  tlie  following  words,  ck  th?  7i!t  eo-n,  selt  at  a   loss  to  fix  tlie  clause  at  which  this  supposed  c/iange  of  tne 

which  would  otherwise  seem  unavoidable.  person  speai-mi;  hef>m^.                                   .  ,    .    .      c         »•          t  r,,- 

?  Under  such  limitations  and  with  such  interruptions  as  he  gives  it  to  i  He  that  is  disobedient  to  the  Sort.']    I  think  it  is  of  great  importance 

his  other  messengers.]    V/ith   what  limitations  and  interruptions  the  to  preserve  a  difference  in  the  translation,  correspondent  to  tnat  in  tne 

extraordinary  gifts  of  the  Spirit  were  given,  even  to  the  greatest  of  the  original,  between  6  irf^evav  ei?  tov  vXov,  and  oaTrfiOmi joi  vM'.neciMse 

children  of  men,  we  shall   have  repeated  occasion  to  observe  in  the  the  latter  phrase  explains  the  former,  and  shows  that  , he ^«»<«  to  wnicra 

process  of  this  work.  the  promise  of  life  is  annexed,  is  an  effectual  principle  ot  sinceie  ami 

h  This  is  the  substance,  and  this  is  the  end  of  my  v/hole  testimony.]  unreserved  obedience  ;  and  it  is  impossible  to  make  one  part  «'  ■??"''"."* 

Krasmus  here  destroys  (as  he  had  done  before,  at  ver.  16.)  the  beauty  consistent  with  another,  unless  this  be  taken  into  our  mea  or  ™!''"'' 

of  this  discourse,  by  supposing  that  the  latter  part  of  it  is  to  be  con-  faith;  as  I  have  shown  at  large  in  the  first  of  my  iisrmons  on  .^anaiiou 

sidered  as  the  reflection  and  attestation  of  the  evang:elist,  upon  occasion  by  Grace  through  Faith. 


g.2  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST  IMPRISONED  BY  HEROD. 

SECTION  XXVIII. 

John  the  Baptist  is  imprisoned  by  Ilerod.    Luke  iii.  19,  20.  Mark  vi.  17 — 20.  Matt.  xiv.  3 — 5. 

Luke  iii.  19.  Lo^e  ;;;.  ,g. 

SECT.  THUS  John  went  on  to  prosecute  the  great  design  of  his  appearance,  and  to  prepare  the  but   Herod  the  tetrarch. 


28. 


being   reproved    by  him  for 


• course  of  his  ministry  to  be  interrupted,  and  his  life  itself  to  be  quickly  after  brought  to  Philip's  wife.  [Mark,  tor  he 

LUKE   its  period.     For  Herod  Antipas,  t/ie.  tetrarch  of  Galilee,  having  out  of  curiosity  sent  for  [hlf  evIF^'which  Herod^'iild 
^^^'■iQ.  him  to  his  court,  this  holy  man  thought  it  his  duty  to  admonish  him  in  regard  to  the  done.  [Matt.  xiv.  3.  Markvi. 
public  scandals  of  his  life  and. reign.     Now  Herod  being  thus  plainly  and  faithfully  re-  ^'' 
proved  by  him,  both  on  account  of  Herodias  his  brother  Philip's  wife,  (for,  to  the  infamy 
and  scandal  of  his  character,  he  had  ungenerously  taken  her  from  lier  husband,  and 
publicly  married  her,*  in  contempt  of  all  laws  human  and  divine,'')  and  also  for  all  the 
other  evils  that  Herod  had  done,  which  were  many  and  great,  that  haughty  prince  was  so 
20  exasperated,  that,  instead  of  falling  under  the  admonition,  he  meditated  revenge:  And     20  Added  yet  this  above  all, 
though  for  the  present  he  dismissed  him,c  it  was  not  long  before  he  prosecuted  his  design,  |Jj!J*^j^^  ^''"'   "P   ■'°''"  '" 
and  added  yet  this  act  of  wickedness  to  all  [the  resf  ]  of  his  enormous  crimes,  that  he  con- 
MARK  fined  and  shut  up  John  in  prison.     For  Herod  himself'^  sent  officers  after  him,  and  .seized     Mark  vi.  17.   For  Herod 
VI-     Jo/(H,  who  had  returned  to  prosecute  his  ministry  in  "a  place  which  lay  withm  the  territo-  uid^'^hoid"' upo^n *  John!  and 
ries  of  Galilee ;  and  having  thus  got  him  into  his  power,  he  hound  him  with  chains,*^  and  bound  him  [and  put  /«>i]  in 
put  him  in  prison ;  though  his  confinement  there  was  not  so  close  but  that  his  disciples  P'''^°"-   t^'""-  '"^-  3-] 
were  sometimes  suffered  ito  converse  with  him.    (Compare  Matt.  xi.  2,  4.  and  Luke  vii. 
19,  22.  sect.  Ivii.) 

18  And  thougli  he  might  assign  other  political  reasons  to  excuse  his  conduct,  as  if  his     18  For  John  had  said  unto 
growing  poi)ularity  rendered  him  dangerous  to  the  state,f  yet  the  true  reason ^br  which  he  t^ee"^  \'ave"thy*brother's 
idid  it  was  this,  that  John  had  treated  him  with  such  a  freedom  as  he  knew  not  how  to  wite.  [Matt.  xiv.  4.] 
bear,  and  had  told  Herod  to  his  very  face,  Jt  is  not  lawful  for  thee  that  thou  shouldst  take 

upon  thee,  as  thou  dost,  to  have  thy  brother  s  wife,  nor  canst  thou  ever  have  any  solid 

1 9  peace  of  conscience  while  thou  continuest  to  retain  her.  And  for  tliis  cause  Herodias  also  19  Therefore  Herodias  had 
was  yet  more  furiously  incensed  against  him,  and  with  an  unrelenting  cruelty  still  hung  toldcnlave^iiiikd  him'-  Init 
vpon  him  ;S  and  not  contented  with  what  he  suffered  in  his  imprisonment,  ivould  fain  have  she  could  not. 

20  put  him  to  death,  but  she  could  not  immediately  compass  that  design  :  For  Herod,  notwith-  20  For  iifod  feared  John, 
standing  all  his  resentment,  still  reverenced  John^  in  his  heart;  knowing  that  he  was  a  num"'and'au'  hoiyi'*ind ^ob- 
righteous  and  holy  vtan,  of  which  the  fidelity  of  his  reproofs  was  a  very  convincing  evi-  served  him;  and  when  he 
dence.  And  therefore  calling  him  to  frequent  audiences,  Ae  heard  hhn  discourse  mkYA  things, and'heaixl  him  glad^^ 
attention^  and  pleasure ;  and  was  so  fai-  influenced  by  it,  that  he  did  many  things  accord- 
ing to  his  exhortations.'' 

MATT.      But  as  John  was  still  pressing  him  to  dismiss  Herodias,  and  telling  him  the  insufficiency     Matt  xiv.  5.  And  when  he 
•XIV-    of  any  other  reformation  while  he  continued  his  infamous  commerce  with  her,  a?7d  she  in  ire°"eared^*th'e"muitUude!''be- 
5  the  mean  time  wearied  Herod  with  her  importunity  ;  ivhen  he  at  length  was  so  far  wrought  cause  they  counted  him  as  a 
upon,  that  he  ivould  gladly  have  consented  to  put  him  to  death,  he  was  so  apprehensive  of  ''™^  "^ ' 
the  consequences  of  it,  that  he  durst  not  do  it,  since  he  feared  the  multitude ;  because  he 
knew  that  they  respected  John,  and  looked  upon  him  as  a  prophet^  and  he  did  not  think  it 
safe  to  provoke  such  a  factious  people  by  an  action  so  extremely  unpopular. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

LUKE       What  dangerous  things  are  grandeur  and  power,  if  divine  grace  does  not  secure  the  hearts  of  those  who  possess 
III.     them!  How  unhappy  are  they  whose  fatal  prerogative  it  is  to  be  able  to  oppress  with  impunity,  and  to  render  it 
19,  20  hazardous  even  to  reprove  them  ! 

MARK      John  well  deserved  the  veneration  and  esteem  of  Herod,  when  he  thus  took  the  freedom  to  perform  this  danger- 

^^i  8  ^^^^  office  of  friendship,  and  to  manifest  a  fidelity  so  seldom  to  be  found  in  courts,  and  indeed  so  often  wanting 

elsewhere.    A  wise  prince  would  have  courted  his  friendship,  and  sought  his  advice ;  but  he  is  at  length  rewarded 

vi^ith  imprisonment  and  death. 

17     This  good  man  was  taken  from  his  work,  and  laid  aside  in  the  midst  of  his  days  and  his  usefidness;  but  he 

calmly  acquiesced  in  the  disposals  of  Providence,  and  no  doubt  carried  along  with  him  to  his  prison  incomparably 

more  liapinness  than  his  persecutors  could  find  on  the  throne. 

20      In  this  confinement  the  prophet  was  not  forgotten  ;  but  as  if  Herod  had  studied  to  increase  his  own  toiTnent,  he 

must  be  sent  for  again  and  again  to  discourse  before  him.    That  he  reverenced  a  man  of  such  approved  integrity, 

a  On  account  of  Herodias— for  he  had  married  her.}    Josephus  gives  were  added  to  his  confinement,  as  usual  in  such  cases  ;  fcompare  Acts 

us  an  account  ot  this  incestuous  marriage,  which  proved  the  occasion  of  xii.  6.  and  xxviii.  CO.)  so  that  those  versions  which  consider  tbncrev  as 

the  Baptists  mipnsonment  and  death,  iAntiq.  lib.  xviii.  cap.  5.  [al.  7.]  an  expletive,  lose  part  of  the  sense. 

^  ''  4-  ifarercom;)  )  from  whence  it  appears,  that  this   Herodias  was  f  Danaerous  to  the  state.]    Josephus  espresslv  says,  that  Herod  was 

daughter  to  Anstobulus,  one  of  the  sons  of  Herod  the  Great,  and  con-  afraid  the  authority  of  so  great  a  man  should  occasion  a  revolt  among 

sequently  was  niece  both  to  Philip  her  former  husband,  and  to  Herod  his  subjects  ;  and  that  he  thought  it  better  to  take  him  off,  tlian  to  venture 

Antipas  the  tetrarch,  her  latter.     Bv  Philip,  whom  Josephus  also  calls  the  danger  of  such  a  revolution  as  he  niiaht  have  occasioned,  /Itttit/.  HA. 

Herod,  (as  princes  had  often  several  names,)  she   had  one  daughter,  xviii.  rap.  5.  i  2.  p.  884.    He  there  adds,  that  he  first  confined  him  in 

whose  name  was  Salome,  Udid.  p.  885.)  who  probably  was  the  yonni;  the  castle  of  Machasris. 

ady  afterwards  mentioned,  §  77.  as  instructed  by  her  mother  to  ask  the  g  Herodias  hung  upon  him.']  This  seems  to  me  the  import  of  the  phrase 

head  ot  John  the  Baptist.    And  that  historian  informs  us,  that  Herod  ei/eixei'  at/Tw,  which  is  with  peculiar  propriety  applied  to  a  dog's  fasten- 

the  tetrarch,  to  make  way  for  his  marriage  with  Herodias,  divorced  his  ing  his  teeth  into  his  prey,  and  holding  it  down.    See  De  Dien,  in  loc. 

torrner  wite,  the  daughter  ot  Aretas ;  which  made  tliis  commerce  a  kind  and  compare  Luke  xi.  53.    There  seems  an  opposition  seldom  remarked 

nt  double  adiiltenj,  -Aud  was  the  occasion  of  a  war  between  those  two  between  this  and  ver.  17.    Herod  himself  seized  him,  but  Herodias  went 

princes,  in  which  Herod  s  forces  were  defeated.  still  further.— Josephus  ffives  a  very  bad  character  of  this  Herodias,  and 

b  In  contempt  of  all   laws  human  and  divine.]    The  only  case  in  assures  us  that  her  ambitious  and  envious  spirit  was  at  last  tlie  cause  of 

which  the  law  allowed  of  marrying  one  who  had  been  a  brother's  -wife,  Herod's  ruin  an<l  her  own.  Antiq.  lib.  xviii.  cap.  7.  [al.  9.] 

was,  when  the  brother  rf;e<;  childless.  (Lev.  xviii.  16.  xx.  21.  and  Deut.  h  Reierenccd  .fobn,  eAofleiTo.]    I'he  same  word  is  justly  so  translated, 

XXV.  5.)  whereas  in   this  instance  Philip  was  yet  living,  and  had  a  Eph.  v.  ,33.  and  there  are  many  other  passages  where  it  has  the  same 

daughter  by  Herodias.     It  was  also  in  violation  of  all  the  rites  of  ho.^pi-  sense.    See  Luke  xii.  5.  and  Rev.  xi.  18.  xiv.  7. 

taliti/,  that  Herod,  while  a  guest  in  his  brother's  house,  seduced  his  i  Heard  him  with  attention.]    So  I  choose  to  render  (7i-i/eT»tpei  avrov 

^^  aa~^     ^^"^^         expressly  observes.  Anttg.  lib.  xviii.  cap.  5.  §  1.  rather  than /;re.fCTOerfor  pro/ec^erf/«»i,  (compare  Luke  ii.  19.  (;i'.)though 

P'^l'       u  r     »u               i,     J-      -       ,,-      ,    ,..       ,                .  I  know  that  the  word  sometimes  signifies  fo/i;-eterz'e.  (Matt.  ix.  17.)  Our 

c  1  hough  tor  the  present  he  dismissed  him.]    Llse  there  would  have  F.nglish  version  of  this  passage  appears  to  be  improper ;  and  I  hope  the 

been  no  need  tor  his  sending  to  seize  him,  as  we  are  presently  told  he  did.  littfe  transposition  1  have  made  here  will  be  forgiven,  since  it  makes  not 

d  Herod  himself.]     Ihere  seems  to  be  a  peculiar  emphasis  in  this  ex-  the  least  alteration  in  the  sense,  and  suits  best  with  the  genius  of  our 

pression,  which  probably  may  be  designed  to  intimate,  that  his  seizing  language.    Such  little  liberties  elsewhere  seem  not  so  considerable  as  to 

John  was  not  merely  the  effect  ot  Herodias  s  solicitations,  but  of  his  own  need  a  more  particular  apolo»y 

resentment.— 1  he  p/fffe  where  he  seizetl  him  might  probaby  be  Enon.  k  Did  many  things.]    Grotius  would  have  it  rendered,  that  he  had 

where  John  had  lately  baptized,  and  where  he  again  might  return  to  heard  him  formerly  7vith  pleasure,  and  had  dnie  many  things  :  snpposin"- 

his   work;  and  if  so,   Enon  must  have  been  in  Herod  s  jurisdiction,  thisrefers  to  what  had  passed  beforehis  imprisonment ;  but  suchachan"e 

Compare  note  a,  on  John  111.  2.3.  p,  60.  doth  not  appear  necessary,  as  the  p«r^;,/,/««  plainly  shows. 

e  Hound  him  -with  chains.]    It  is  plain  from  Matthew  s  manner  of  1  Looked  upon  him  as  a  prophet.]    Accordingly  Jo'sephus  says  (in  the 

expressing  tins,  that  he  bound  htm,  and  put  him  m  prison,  that  chain.<:  place  quoted  above  in  note  f,)  that  the  Jews  in  seneral  looked  on  the 


CHRIST'S  CONFERENCE  WITH  THE  WOMAN  OF  SAMARIA.  63 

none  can  wonder :  but  while  he  would  not  be  entirely  reformed  by  his  remonstrances,  that  he  should  hear  him  with   SECT, 
pleasure,  and  do  many  things,  is  very  surprising.     Delusive  pleasure  !  unprofitable  reformation  1  while,  whatsoever     28. 

instances  he  gave  of  his  regarding  him,  Herodias  was  yet  retained.     May  divine  grace  preserve  us  from  such  fatal ' 

partiality !  since,  did  we  keep  the  whole  law,  and  offend  allowedly  but  in  one  point,  we  should  become  guilty  of  mark 
all.     James  ii.  10.  ,   20    ' 

We  cannot  wonder  if  a  reformation  thus  insincere  and  partial  was  but  short-lived,  and  was  followed  at  length 
by  a  grosser  a]iostasv.  More  bitter  than  death  is  the  woman  lehose  heart  is  snares  and  nets,  and  her  hands  bands. 
(Eccles.  vii.  26.)  To  what  may  not  the  artifices  of  sucli  an  abandoned  creature  work  up  the  wretch  that  is 
entangled  with  her  charms !  Such  was  the  influence  of  Herodias  over  him,  that  at  her  instigation  Herod  is  pre- 
vailed" upon  to  seek  the  death  of  that  righteous  and  holy  man,  whose  virtues  he  revered,  and  whose  preaching  he 
had  attended  with  pleasure.  ^  .     ^        n^    i        i  ,    j 

But  the  fear  of  tlie  people  restrained  him,  though  he  was  destitute  of  the  fear  of  God,  and  had  not  any  generous  matt. 
regard  to  men.    Thus  does  God  govern  the  world,  and  thus  does  he  protect  his  church,  by  often  making  it  the    -^iv. 
interest,  even  of  the  worst  of  men,  to  forbear  those  injuries  and  crueUies  which  the  malignity  of  their  natures  might  ^ 
otherwise  dictate.     Let  us  courageouslv  commit  the  keeping  of  our  souls  to  him  in  well-doing,  as  firmly  believing 
that,  whatever  hazards  we  may  be  exposed  to,  the  wratli  of  man  shall  on  the  whole  be  found  to  praise  him,  and 
the  remainder  of  that  wrath  sliall  he  restrain.     Psal.  Ix.wi.  10. 


SECTION  XXIX. 

•s  into  i 
iv.  1—2 

John  iv.  1. 


Christ  "oin"  from  JuJea  to  Galilee,  meets  with  a  woman  of  Samaria,  and  enters  into  a  conference  with  her,  in  which  he  discovers  himself  to  her 
'    ''-      "  as  the  Messiah.    John  iv.  1 — 26. 


John  iv.  1. 

WHEN  therefore  the  Lord  THE  testimony  wliich  the  Baptist  had  given  to  Christ,  together  with  the  miracles  he  him-  sect. 
heard  ''h^Vjesus'^'mad^e'  and  Self  had  wrought  at  Jerusalem  during  tlie  passover,  (see  John  ii.  23.  and  iii.  2.)  impressed     29. 

baptUed  "more'disciples  than  the  minds  of  the  people  to  such  a  degree,  that,  during  his  long  abode  in  those  parts,  vast • 

Jo'"'-  numbers  were  continually  flockin^^  around  him  ;  which  gave  great  umbrage  to  the  JeM'ish   JOhx 

rulers.    When  thcirfore  the  Lord  Jaiew  that  the  Pharisees,  whose  interest  in  the  sanhedrim  .  ^^'• 
was  so  considerable,  had  heard  with  great  concern  what  began  to  be  so  much  talked  of 
abroad,  th(d.  Jesus  made  and  baptized  wore  disciples  than  John  the  Baptist  himself  had 
2  CThoush  Jesus  himself  done  ;'^  (  Though  intleed  Jesus  himself,  for  wise  reasons,  did  7iot  choose  to  baptize  any  with  2 
baptized  not,  but  his  disci-  jjjs  Q^yjj  hands,''  but  left  some  of  his  disciples  to  do  it  in  the  name  of  a  IMessiah  shortly  to 
^3^\u  left  Judea,  and  de-  be  manifested  ;)   In  order  to  avoid  both  their  envy  and  their  curiosity,  he  left  Judea,  after  3 
parted  again  into  Galilee.       having  continued  there  about  eight  montlis,*^  and  departed  airain  into  Galilee,  his  former 
abode,  where  the  influence  and  power  of  the  council  were  not  so  great. 

4  And  he  must  needs  go       No^v,  unless  he  would  have  taken  such  a  circuit  through  Judea,  and  the  neighbouring  4 
through  Samaria.  parts,  as  in  liis  present  circumstances  was  very  inconvenient,  he  was  obliged  to  go  through 

5  Then  cometh  he  to  a  city  the  country  of  Samaria.     He  Cometh  therefore  in  his  way  to  a  cift/  of  Samaria,  originally  5 
of  Samaria,  which  is  called  £.f,//ff/  Sichem,  but  uow,  especially  by  the  Jews,  Sichar ;  which  name  they  used  as  a  term 

Sycnar,  near  to  the  parcel  or      .  ,     ,  '.      .  .    '       ,'        i     *^  i    ■      ■  i  V    i         i        i         /  x  -....> 

pround  that  Jacob  gave  to  his  01  reproach,<i  intimating  thereby  that  it  was  the  seat  oi  drunkards  :  (see  Isa.  xxvni.  l.j 

son  Joseph.  g^^j  j^  ^^,^^  j^^^^.  ^j^^^f-  ^j^^g  ^j-  g^omjj  which  Jacob  (having  purchased  it  of  the  children  of 

Hamor,  Gen.  xxxiii.  19.)  by  a  particular  grant  goie  to  Joseph  his  beloved  son.  (Compare 

6  Now  Jacob's  well  was  Gen.  xlviii.  22.  and  Josh.  xxiv.  32.)    And  there  was  a  well  belonging  to  it,  called  Jacob's  6 
wearied''w^"h /»>7oufneyr3a1  "'^^^  >"  it  having  been  uscd  by  him  and  his  family  while  they  dwelt  in  these  parts.  (See 
thus  on  the  well ;  ««i/ it'was  Gen.  xxxiii.   18.  XXXV.  4.)     Noiv  Jesiis,  being  wearied  with  his  journey,  sat  down  imme- 
aboutthe  sixth  hour.  diately^  by  the  side  of  the  ivell ;  \and[  it  was  then  about  the  sixth  hour,  or  just  high  noon  ; 

so  that  the  heat  joined  with  the  fatigue  of  the  journey  to  increase  botli  his  thirst  and 
faintness.'' 

7  Ttiere  cometh  a  woman  of      And  at  this  very  juncture  of  time,  there  comes  a  certain  woman  of  Samaria  to  draw  water ;  7 
fa^ith'''^unto'l[eT  GhTnlfto  ^"^  -^^^^^  Con  purposc  to  introduce  a  discourse  by  which  he  graciously  intended  her  con- 
drink-.  '  version  and  salvation)  .say.s  unto  her,  I  desire  you  would  give  me  \some'\  water  to  drink. 

8  (For  his  disciples  were  For  his  discipks  were  not  near  to  assist  him,  but  were  gone  to  the  neighbouring  city  to  buy  8 

soiie  awav  unto  the  city   to    ,y^  j  ^  7  o  o  o        ./  ./ 

buy  meat.)  JOOa. 

9  Then  saith  the  woman  of       Then  sai/s  the  woman  of  Samaria  to  him.  How  is  it  that  thou  ivho  art,  as  appears  by  thy  9 
Samaria  unto  him  Flow  is  it  habit  and  dialect,  a  Jew'  askest  drink  of  me,  who  am  a  woman  of  Samaria  1  for  the  reader 

that  thou,  being  a  Jew,  askest  ,     ,  ,,     .    ,,      x  i  /■  '      j;  '  •    ,  -.i    ,i-'  a  -^         ~  i, 

drink  of  me,  which  am  a  must  oDscrv^e,  that  the  Jcws  have  no  friendly  intercourse  with  the  Samaritans,?  nor  so  much 
Te"'"'"have  no"d" ti'  "°^  "tf  ^^  ^^"^^  ^°  receive  any  favour  from  them,  looking  upon  them  as  an  impure  and  accursed 
the  Samaritans.  °  nation. 

succeeding  calamities  of  Herod's  reign  as  &, judgment  from  God  for  Ins  d  A  term  of  reproach.]    It  is  remarkable,  as  IVIr.  L'F.nfant  observes, 

injustice  to  this  holy  man.  that  Sichar  in  tlie  Syriac  language  signifies  a  drimkard  and  a  liar. 

a  More  disciples  than  John  the  Baptist  himself  had  done.]    I  am  not  e  Sat  dovin  immediately^    ILKaOiCeTo  «Tm?,  that  is,  n'eary  as  he  was, 

certain  whether  this  happened  hefine  John's  imprisonment  or  after  ;  but  says  Dr.  Whitby.    I  think  Mr.  Blackwall  has  not  sutliciently  proved 

if  I  had  been  sure  it  happened  before.  1  should  still  have  thought  it  pro-  that  «tm?  sometimes  signifies  therefore,  or,  for  this  cause,  though  he  lias 

per  to  add  the  account  of  that  event  (as  I  have  done  in  the  preceding  attempted  it  in  his  Sacred  Classics,  vol.  i.  p.  143,  144.    1  he  particle 

secrion)  immediately  after  his  last  testimony,  though  some  other  facts  seems  to  have  nuich  the  sense  I  have  here  given  it,   Acts  x,\-.   11.  and 

might  possibly  intervene  ;  but  if  (which  seems  most  probable)  Rlaft.  iv.  may  often  be  rendered,   accordingly,  upon  that,  or  after  which.     See 

12.  and  Mark  i.  14.  i  .31.  init.  refer  to  this  journey,  they  both,  in  plain  Acts  vii.  8.  xvii.  33.  x.xvii.  44.  and  John  viii.  59.    Compare  Eisner, 

v.'ords,  assert  \t\VAsafter  Jolm'simprts07iment. — 1  cannot  forbear  saying,  Ohserv.  vol.  i.  p.  3ri3. 

it  is  astonishing  that  a  person  of  Mr.  Whiston's  learning  and  sagacity  f  The  heat.joined  with  the  fatigue,  itc]    It  is  well  known  th&t  in  the 

should  place  all  these  events  before  the  baptism  and  temptation  of  Christ,  latitude  in  which  Jerusalem  lies,  the  weather  sometimes  in  December  is 

AVere  his  arguments  to  confirm  his  eighth  proposition  far  more  specious  exceedingly  hot  at  noon,  even  on  days  when  the  cold  has  been  very  severe 

than  they  are,  Wwy  would  never  solve  or  balance  the  flasrant  absurdity  in  the  morning. 

of  making  John  declare,  (John  i.  32,  .34.)  that /lesnzt' </ie  .SiuW^  rfef«Krf»(^  S  The  Jexcs  have  no  friendly  intercourse  with  the  .Samaritans.']    This 

on  Christ,  above  a   year  before  it  did  so  descend  ;  yet  this  ingenious  must  be  the  import  ot  aviXP'^^'^a'  'i^'"^  '•  for  it  is  evident  from  ver.  8. 

writer  has  forgotten  himself  so  far,  as  to  represent  the  matter  in  this  con-  that  the  Jews  had  some  dealings  with  them.     It  has  been  frequently  ob- 

tradiitory  view  ;   (see  Whiston's  Harmony,  p.   135 — 139.   and  p.  227.  served,  that  many  causes  concurred  to  occasion  this  inveterate  hatred  of 

compared  with  p.  242.)    The  interpretation  given  above  of  Matt.  iii.  14.  the  Jews  to  the  Samaritans  ;  such  as — not  only  their  foreign  extract,  and 

and   Luke  iii.  21.  (p.  46.)  may  solve  some  of  the  chief  arguments  on  the  early  mixture  of  superstition  and  idolatry  in  their  religion,  (2  Kings 

which  he  builds  this  singular  hypotliesis.  xvii.  24^  33 — 41.)  but  also  the  injurious  mariner  in  which  they  treated 

h  Jesus  himself  did  not  choose  to  bapti-^e  any  with  his  own  hands.]  the  Jews  after  their  return  from  the  captivity,  (Ezra  iv.  1 — 6.  Neh..vi. 
'1  his  might  be  partly  to  avoid  importunate  inquiries  whether  he  was  the  1 — 14.) — and  especiall.v  their  building  a  temple  on  mount  Oerizim. 
Me.ssiah,  and  partly  to  prevent  those  prejudices  which  might  have  arisen  which  they  made  the  centre  of  their  worship,  in  opposition  to  that  at 
against  the  more  perfect  form  of  baptism  afterwards  instituted,  if  any  Jerusalem,  Joseph.  Aniif/.  lib.  xi.  cap.  8.  And  perhaps  nothing  con- 
had  received  this  less  perfect  baptis?n  from  Christ  himself.  trihuted  more  to  expose  them  to  tlie  contempt  and  abhorrence  ot  tlie 

c  After  having  continued  there  about  eight  months.]    This  appears  Jews,  than  that  infamous  offer  thev  made  to  Antiochus.  ot  dedicating 

from  ver.  35.  (ar  harvest  began  quickly  after  the  passover  ;  Lev.  xxiii.  that  temple  to  Jupiter,  and  admitting  the  rites  of  his  idolatrous  worsliip, 

10,  15.    Christ  therefore  staid  in  Judea  from  one  passover  till  within  at  a  time  when  the  Jews  were  suffering  the  utmost  extremities  in  defence 

four  months  of  the  other  ;  that  is,  near  eight  months  ;  so  that  this  journey  of  their  religion.  See  Joseph.  Antia.  lib.  xii.  cap.  5-.  fal.  7-J^-  ?■  •Vy^'f,''" 

into  Galilee  must  be  made  near  the  middle  of  winter,  probably  about  camp. — The  reader  may  find  several  passages  in  Whitby,  and  Ligmtoot  s 

the  beginning  of  our  December.    See  Sir  Isaac  Newton  on  Prophecy,  p.  Hor.  Heh.  in  loc.  that  express  the  mutual  aversion  ot  the  two  nations  to 

117,118.  each  other. 


CHRIST'S  CONFERENCE  WITH  THE  WOMAN  OF  SAMARIA. 
64 

Tainf  to  con^'ince  her  that  he  was  not  under  the  power  of  such  common  prejudices,  and     lo  Jesus  answered  and  said 
''29.  '  to  "awaken  lier  further  intjuiries,  amwercd  and  said  unto  her,  If  thou  hadst  known  the  great  gftf of  God!  IndVho  rif  that 

^M  „f-  Qod,  which  he  is  now  bestowing  upon  the  chddren  of  men  by  his  Son,  and  who  it  saith  to  thee,  Give  me  to 

JOHN  IS  that  says  unto  thee,  Give  me  to  drink,  thou  ivouldst  not  only  have  complied  with  his  Jked 'of  hTm'and  hf  would 
i^-     request,  but  wouldst  ere  this  time  surely  have  asked  him,^  and  ^e,  without  objecting  to  thee  have  given  thee  living  water. 
^^  on  account  of  the  people  to  wliom  thou  belongest,  would  readily  have  given  thee  living 
watcr,^  far  better  than  what  thou  art  now  drawing.     By  which  our  Lord  intimated  his 
ability  and  readiness  to  communicate  those  influences  of  God's  Holy  Spirit,  which  afford 
the  noblest  refreshment  to  the  soul,  and  therefore  are  often  described  by  water. 

11  But  the  woman,  who  understood  him  only  in  a  common  sense  of  fresh  spring  water,     11  The  woman  saith  unto 
says  to  him,  with  greater  respect  tlian  before,  (as  being  struck  both  with  the  piety  and  draw  with   "nd'lhTweif^s 
kindness  of  his  former  reply,)  Sir,  thou  hast  no  bucket,^  nor  any  thing  else  to  draw  with,  deep;  from  whence  then  hast 
and  the  well  before  thee,  which  is  the  only  spring  hereabouts,  Is  very  deep ;  whence  hast  "'°"  *''"'  '"'""^  ^^'^''  • 
thou  then  this  living  water,  of  which  thou  speakest ;  or  what  is  the  extraordinary  supply, 

12  which  thou  declarest  may  be  had  from  thee  ?  Art  thou  greater  and  wiser  than  our  father  ic  Art  thou  greater  than 
Jacob,  who  gave  us  this  well,  leaving  it  to  his  descendants  as  a  legacy  of  importance ;  and  If  tife""w'e"™'''and'''drank 
while  he  lived,  he  drank  of  it  himself,  with  his  children,  and  his  cattle,  as  the  best  water  in  thereof  himseiV,  and  his  diii- 

r,  .     1  ■  dien,  and  hib  cattle  ? 

these  parts  .' 

13  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  her,  Whoever  drinketh  of  this  water,  how  much  soever  it  13  Jesus  answered  and  said 
may  be  esteemed,  though  it  refresh  the  body  for  a  little  while,  will  quickly  thirst  again  :  lf\^^^'  ^^^^%Z.n"ttrst 

14  Biit  he  that  drinketh  of  the  luater  which  I  shall  give  him,  will  find  it  so  reviving  to  the  soul,  again : 

that  he  will  never  thirst,^  or  be  in  danger  any  more  of  perishing  for  want ;  but  the  water  of'^he^warer'ThlTfshai'rgive 
which  I  shall  give  him  will  be  a  never-failing  source  for  his  supply,  and  rvill  be  in  him  as  a  him,  shall  never  thirst  :°but 
fountain  of  ivater  that  will  continually  be  springing  up,  and  flowing  on,  ^0  everlasting  life:  him;?aH'"be'^nhL''k''weU  of 
'for  that  which  I  shall  communicate  to  him,  will  bring  him  to  everlasting  composure  and  water^springing  upintoevcr- 
satisfaction  of  mind  now,  and  will  be  the  earnest  and'principle  of  eternal  happiness.  ''*''"°  '  ^• 

15  The  woman,  still  ignorant  of  his  spiritual  meaning,  and  understanding  him  only  of  15  The  woman  saith  unto 
natural  water,  says  unto  him,  Sir,  I  claim  thy  promise,  and  desire  thou  wouldst  give  me  }h™t'l^th'irfrnot"neUherTO'me 
this  extraordinary  wafer,  that  I  may  not  thirst  any  more,  nor  have  the  trouble  to  come  hither  to  draw. ' 

hither  daily  to  draw  it,  as  I  now  do. 

16  Jesus,  perceiving  her  ignorance,  and  willing  to  discover  himself  to  her,  in  a  manner  that  J6  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Go, 
might  more  immediately  touch  her  conscience,  says  unto  her,  Go  home,  and  call  thy  hUhen^  husband,  and  come 

17  husband  to  me,  and  then  corrie  hither  again.  The  woman,  sensible  of  the  way  in  which  she  17  The  woman  answered 
lived,  and  thinking  to  conceal  her  shame,  answered  and  said,  I  have  no  husband.     Jesus  je^us'"sa'id  u^nto"her"'ThoLi 

18  says  to  her,  Thou  hast  answered  rvcll,  in  tliat  thou  hast  said,  I  have  no  husband:  For  I  hast  well  said,  i  have  no 
know  that  thou  hast  had  five  husbands,  and  that  he  whom  thou  hast  now  with  thee,  as  thou  '"slf'or'thou  hast  had  five 
hast  never  been  lawfully  married  to  him,  is  not  thy  husband  ;"^  in  this  respect  thou  hast  husbands;  and  he  whom  thou 

1.711  now  hast  IS  not  thv  husband: 

spoken  truly  and  properly.  in  that  saidst  thou  truly. 

19  The  woman,  surprised  at  such  an  extraordinary  instance  of  his  knowledge,  (yet  desirous  ig  The  woman  saith  unto 
at  the  same  time  to  turn  off  the  discourse  from  a  subject  so  much  to  her  confusion,)  says  '"m,  sir,  i  perceive  that  thou 
to  him,  Sir,  I  perceive,  by  thy  discovering  the  circumstances  of  my  life  so  truly,  though  I 

am  a  perfect  stranger  to  thee,  that  thou  art  a  prophet ;  and  therefore  I  would  gladly  take 
this  opportunity  of  being  informed  concerning  that  great  question  which  divides  the 
Jewish  and  Samaritan  nations."" 

20  It  is  well  known  from  the  Mosaic  WTitings,  that  our  fathers  worshipped  on  this  mountain,"  co  Our  fathers  worshipped 
which  we  think  a  circumstance  of  considerable  weight  in  our  favour;  whereas  you  Jews  {hatpin "lerus^i'em ?s"t1ie  place 
say,  that  the  temple  at  Jerusalem  is  the  great  place,  ivhere  we  should  all  present  our  sacri-  where  riien  ought  to  worship, 
fices  unto  God,  and  ought  to  attend  upon  the  duties  of  his  ivorship,  and  whither  all  the 

tribes  are  to  resort  three  times  a-year.  I  would  beg  therefore  to  be  informed  by  thee  in 
this  important  case,  which  of  the  two  I  should  believe,  and  which  is  really  the  place  most 
acceptable  unto  God. 

21  In  answer  to  this  case  of  conscience,  Jesus  says  to  her.  Woman,  believe  me,  and  attend  21  jesus  saith  unto  her, 
to  what  I  say,  The  hour  is  now  coming,  when  this  controversy  shall  be  entirely  over,  and  Woman,  believe  i"e,  the  hour 

..I  j.f  •  j_    •  ,    T  i~         1     II  7-1     '^-r-i     7         ■       1  -^  Cometh,  when  ye  snail  neither 

neittier  on  this  mountain,  nor  at  Jerusalem,  shall  ye  worship  the  rather,  in  the  same  manner  in  this  mountain,  nor  yet  at 
as  ye  now  do  ;  for  God  is  going  now  to  introduce  such  a  pure  and  spiritual  dispensation,  i'fg"''''''"''  ""^"'"ip  the  Fa- 
as  will  remove  all  manner  of  distinctions  as  to  the  place  in  which  he  would  be  wor- 

22  shipped,  and  supersede  tlie  ceremonies  practised  here  or  there.  But  as  to  this  dispute  22  Ye  worship  ye  know  not 
vvhich  has  so  long  been  carried  on  between  the  Jews  and  you,  it  is  apparent,  on  the  prin-  ^'"at :  we  know  what  we 
ciples  of  the  Mosaic  religion,  that  you  Samaritans  are  "in  a  gross  mistake ;  and  with 

respect  not  only  to  the  place,  but  in  a  great  measure  to  the  object  also,  and  the  manner  of 
your  sei-vices,  j/OM  worship  you  know  not  what :  whereas  wc  Jews  are  much  better  instructed 

h  Thou  u'oKldst  stirdy  have  asked  him.']    This  seems  exactly  to  express  John  xi.  26.  §  140.  with  the  notes  on  those  places  ;  and  John  xiii.  10. 

the  force  ot  the  phrase,  o-u  av  tjTno-ar  auTOv.  §  169. 

ijie  wmdi  have  given  thee  living  water.']    It  is  certain  that  the  phrase  m  Is  not  thy  husband.']    This  can  imply  no  less,  than  that  she  was 

living  water  does  ui  many  good  authors  signify  spring  uater,  oi-  running  not  married  to  the  man  she  lived  with  now,  at  all ;  for  Christ  seems  to 

>aater,m  opposition  to  that  which  stagnates,  and  so  quickly  grows  not  allow  the  other  Jive  to  have  been  husbands,  though  her  separation  from 

?c  -^  rf''  '^'"'."5  "^  commonly  express  it,  dead,  but  at  length  corrupt,  some  of  the  former,  and  her  marriage  with  the  rest,  had  probably  hei-n 

{^ee  i-Isner  in  lac.  and  compare  Gen.  xxvi.  19.  T.ev.  xiv.  6.  Jer.  ii.  13.)  unlawful  ;  which  quite  overthrows  that  argument,  which  Jerome  would 

^  et,  as  our  Lord  elsewhere,  in  a  remarkable  passage  recorded  by  this  draw  from  hence,  against  the  lawfulness  of  marrying  more  than  once. 

evangelist,  (John  vi.  51.)  calls  himself /U7«(7  hrend,  because  by  feeding  See  Heinsius,  in  loc. 

upon  him /»/«  IS  to  be  obtained,  it  seems  convenient  literally  to  adhere  to  n  That  great  question  which  divides  the  Jewish  and  Samaritan  na- 

tlie  original  in  this  version  ;  tliough  I  own  it  is  very  probable,  this  woman  tions.]    It  is  well   known,  and  necessary  to  be  recollected   here,  that 

unilerstood  our  Lord  pt  some  fine  spring  water  which  tiowed  so  easily  Sanballat,  by  the  permission  of  Alexander  the  Great,  had  built  a  tern- 

as  lint  to  neeti  the  pains  ot  rf™7«n^,  and  was,  on  this  account  at  least,  pie   upon   mount  Gerizim,    for    Manasseh   his  son-in-law,   who,   for 

preteraWe  to  thnt  ot  Jacob  s  we  1.    And  our  I,ord's  reply,  ver.  13,  14.  marrying  Sanballafs  daughter,  was  expelled  from  the  priesthood,  and 

Show;s  that  the  smiile  would  hold  in  that  respect.  from  Jerusalem.  (See  Meh.  xiii.  28.  and  Joseph.  Antiq.  Hi.  xi.  cap.  8  ) 

K  Jliou  hast  n.i  /luctet.]     1  his,  as  it  is  the  most  material  instrument  This  was  the  place  where  the  Samaritans  used  to  worship,  in  opposition 

ror  tiramng  water,  answers  the  Greek  avrAmia  better  than  any  single  to  Jerusalem  ;  and  it  was  so  near  Sichem,  the  scene  of  this  story,  that  a 

-E.nglisli  word  1  recollect.    And  we  find  afterwards,  upon  the  woman's  man's  voice  might  be  heard  from  the  one  to  the  other.  Judg.  ix   7 

returning  iR  haste  to  the  city,  that  she   eft  her  water-pot  or  pail  behind  o  Our  fathers  worshipped  on  this  mountain.]    As  the  Samaritans  pre- 

M^'  ^'j""'  11  :  n  "'"  ^y^^  .1^  ^■'"'^ff'  ^'"^  "?"  '""""Sht  to  draw  with.— Mr.  tended  to  deduce  their  genealogy  from  Jacob,  so  it  is  evident  that  this 

Maundrell  tells  us   that  the  well  now  shown  as  Jacob's,  is  thirty-five  refers  to  Abraham,  and  to  Jacob,  who  erected  altars  in  this  place,  (Gen 

^"l    IW?/IJ;,   .,"/"•, 'iq'"^  f.' /«■«««/««,  p.  63.  xii.   6,  7.  and  xxxiii.  18,  20.)  and  possibly  to  the  whole  conqreqntwn. 

.iLll^n,  ?/!,v  ,  /■  /     •'      kT  %"'.''    ''''"'^,"'  **  *"'  'V'r,"'^"  f'5'.,-™.;  a<wra,  who  were  directed  when  they  came  into  the  land  of  Canaan,  to  'put  the 

shallnot  thitstjor  ever:  but  not  to  urge  how  much  this  spoils  the  anti-  blessing  upon  mount  Gerizim,  Deut.  xi.  29.— And  though  Hvrcaiiusthe 


Ilh  ^(n    n  "''^"r^^"'^.  "sed  -'ohn  }'■  3o.  « ju„  aW,„<rn  ;n-<.>,roTe,  IS  not  son  ot  Simon,  who  succeeded  his  father  as  high  priest  and  prince  of  th 

i«rlc  t/n^  ?"l'*'"?i!'''i"/,^'     ""«fo'"<;e»"'' truth  of  our  Lord's  assertion  Jews,  had  long  ago  destroyed  the  temple  whic^  Sanballat  built  here 

seems  tp  he  m  this,  that  the  most  impatient  and  restless  desires  of  the  (Joseph.  Antiq.  lib.  xiii.  cap.  9.  [al.  17.1  sect.  1  )  vet  it  is  n  ain 

nfhLfl^?.^^^^^^^'h  '■"^"R  u  '-^  ^'""^  "'^  '^"l^  1"^  ",^  supreme  happiness,  Samaritans  still  resorted  thither,  having,  no  dou"bt,  rebuilt  it, 

other  M?m  was  not  worth  bemg  mentioned.  See  John  viii.  51,. 52.  ^105.  probably  in  a  meaner  manner.  "  uuuui,  leuum  u, 


that  th. 
though 


CHRIST'S  CONFERENCE  WITH  THE  WOMAN  OF  SAMARIA.  66 

worsliip;  for  salvation  is  of  in  tliese  things,  and  know  whom,  and  on  7v/iat  authority,  wc  worship:  for  truly  die  sal-  SECT. 

the  Jews.                            vation  God  has  promised  to  his  people  is  to  arise_//o/«  the  Jews,  and  the'way  of  obtaining  29. 
23  But  the  hour  cometh,  it  is  with  the  greatest  advantage  to  be  learned  among  them.     Nevertheless,  as  I  sai 


wOTsMRTerl'shaU  worsMp  thi  before,  I  assure  you  again,  the  hour  approaches,  and  now  is  just  arrived,  when  the  true  and   John 
Father  in  Spirit  and  in  truth :  acceptable  worshippers  shall  worship  the  great  Father  of  all,  not  with  these  external  rites  c,-}^' 
wor'shlp^'him."'"^''^"' ^"''''  *°  on  which  you  lay  so  much  stress,  l3ut  in  spirit  and  in  truth,v  or  in  a  more  devotional  and 
rational  manner,  to  which  those  corporeal  and  typical  ordinances  must  soon  give  way ;  for 
the  Father  seeketh  such  to  ivorship  him,  as  that  kind  of  homage  is  most  suited  to  his  own 

24  God  is  a  Spirit:  and  nature,  as  well  as  peculiarly  delightful  and  useful  to  the  pious  mind.     For  God  is  himself  24 
worsh?p*'/ij>n°iu'spirit"aud"fn  ''■  P'-^'"^  Spirit ;  and  therefore,  thei/  that  ivorship  him,  ought  to  worship  him  in  spirit  and  in 
truth.  truth :  and,  as  some  degree  of  spirituality  and  sincerity  is  necessary  under  every  dispensa- 
tion, you  need  rot  wonder,  if  at  length  he  set  aside  those  external  rites,  which  were  never 
principally  regarded  by  him. 

25  The  woman  saith  unto       Thc  wonuin  saitk  iinto  him,  I  know  that  the  Messiah,  %vho  is  called  Christ,  is  coming,  and  25 
Cometh^  ''^vluch'''^*s  *aiUed  ^^^^  ''°*'"  appear ;  \und^  when  he  is  actually  come,  he  will  undoubtedly  teach  us  all  these 
Christ:'  when  he  is  comei  he  Sublime  truths  at  wnich  you  have  been  hinting,  and  whatever  other  things  it  is  necessary 

will  tell  us  all  things.  fo^  yg  ^^  knOW.q 

26  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  I      Upoti  her  mentioning  this,  as  Jesus  was  not  apprehensive  of  those  inconveniences  here,  26 
that  speak  unto  thee  am  Ae.     y/\i[Q\i  might  have  attended  such  an  open  acknowledgment  among  the  Jews,"^  he  plainly 

and  directly  tells  her  in  so  many  words,  I  that  am  now  speaking  to  thee  am  he  :  a  declara- 
tion which,  no  doubt,  she  heard  with  great  amazement :  but  before  she  could  answer  him, 
the  disciples  appeared,  which  for  the  present  put  an  end  to  the  conference. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Condescending  and  compassionate  Redeemer!  who  would  thus  graciously  converse  with  a  Samaritan,  with  X'er. 
a  woman  of  an  infamous  reputation  too,  from  whom,  on  various  accounts,  a  haughty  Pharisee  would  have  turned  6 — 9. 
away  in  proud  disdain !  and  could  forget  his  thirst,  pressing  as  that  appetite  is,  that  he  might  instruct  and  lead 
her  to  the  waters  of  life  ! 

Gracious  gift  of  God  to  the  children  of  men !  how  noble  and  how  lasting  a  delight  does  it  administer !  Let  it  10 
be  our  language,  "  Lord,  evermore  give  us  this  living  water!"  Oh,  pour  out  this  enlivening  spirit  on  us,  which  13 
alone  can  allay  the  thirst  of  our  souls,  and  give  us  that  lasting  satisfaction,  which  we  in  vain  would  seek  from  1 3 
these  broken  cisterns,  from  these  precarious  streams;  till  at  length  the  fountain  springs  up  in  Paradise,  and  flows  14 
on  to  life  everlasting  ! 

May  this  good  Spirit  anticipate  those  immortal  delights  to  our  souls,  by  leading  us  into  that  spirituality  of  23 
worship  whidi  the  nature  of  God  demands,  and  which  the  gospel  dispensation  is  so  eminently  calculated  to  pro- 
mote !  Let  it  be  inscribed  on  our  hearts  that  God  is  a  Spirit ;  and  let  it  teach  us  to  worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  24 
truth.     Such  worshippers  the  Father  seeks ;  such  may  he  ever  find  in  us  ! 

May  all  intemperate  zeal  for  matters  of  doubtful  disputation,  all  sentiments  of  bigotry  and  severity  against  our  20,  2 1 
brethren,  be  happily  swallowed  up  in  this  infinitely  greater  concern !  and  while  others  contend  about  places  and 
forms  of  worship,  may  we  pour  out  our  hearts  before  him,  and  feel  the  love  of  God  and  man  shed  abroad  in 
them,  by  his  Spirit  given  unto  us !    (Rom.  v.  5.) 


SECTION  XXX. 

Christ's  discourse  with  his  disciples  at  Jacob's  well,  his  visit  to  the  Samaritans,  and  their  regards  to  him.    John  iv.  2" — 42. 

John  iv.  27.  J^"^'  i^"  ^'^^ 

A  ND  upon  this  came  his  dis-  THUS  expressly  did  Jcsus  declare  to  the  woman  of  Samaria,  that  he  was  the  Messiah;  sect. 

tafked  w^th'^the  woma'n^Vet  ""'^  immediately  upon  this,  his  disciples  (who,  as  was  said  before,  were  gone  into  the  city  to     30. 

no  man  said,  What  seekest  buy  food)  came  to  this  well,  where  Jesus  had  appointed  them  to  meet  him ;  and  they 

wUh'heT?  ^^^  talkest  thou  ^^ondered  that  he  was  thus  talking  in  so  friendly  a  manner  with  the  ivoman,^  whom  they  John 
knew  to  be  one  of  that  nation  so  peculiarly  obnoxious  to  the  Jews.     But  though  it  gave     ^^  • 
them  some  uneasiness,  yet  they  had  such  a  reverence  for  him,  that  none  of  them  said,  27 
What  dost  thou  seek  from  this  Samaritan  ?  or  whi/  dost  thou  talk  with  her  ? 

28  The  wonian  then  left  her      Then  the  wonian.  Seeing  Other  company  coming  up  to  interrupt  the  discourse,  immedi-  28 
into^the*ci'ty"an^Taith'to"the  ately  left  her  wciter-pot  Or  pail  behind  her,  as  her  thoughts  were  taken  up  with  matters  of 
men.  far  greater  importance ;  aiid  went  away  in  haste  to  the  neighbouring  city,  and  says  to  the  29 

29  Come,  see  a  man  which  men  of  her  acquaintance  there.  Come  directly  to  .Jacob's  well,  and  you  may  there  see  a 
did:'h^not  thi°fhe'c1ir?stT     wondcrful  7nan,  ivho  has  told  me,  in  a  manner,  all  that  ever  I  did,  even  some  of  the  most 

secret  circumstances  of  my  past  life  :  is  not  this  the  expected  Messiah  ?  I  assure  you  it 
seems  exceeding  probable  to  me  tliat  he  is :  and  he  himself  has  told  me  so  in  so  many 
words. 
.10  Then  they  went  out  of      They  therefore,  struck  with  so  great  a  name,  in  concurrence  with  so  strange  an  event,  30 
the  city,  and  came  unto  him.  ^^^^f.  j^^  ^^^^^  numbers  out  of  the  city,  and  ca7ne  to  him,  who  still  continued  where  the 
woman  left  him. 
31  In  the  mean-while  his      In  the  mean  time,  the  disciples  entreated  him  to  refresh  himself,  saying,  Rabbi,  eat  of  the  3 1 

p  Worship  the  Father  in  spirit  and  in  truth.'i  Truth  is  elsewhere  This  Mr.  Locke  has  staled  at  large  in  his  Reasonableness  of  Christianity, 
opposed  to  types  and  ceremonies,  John  i.  14,  I7.  Heb.  viii.  2.  ix.  24.  p.  59 — 77.  Yet  T  think  thare  was  a  nicety  in  Christ's  conduct,  bevond 
This  important  sentiment,  as  likewise  what  is  said  in  ver.  24.  is  well  what  is  there  represented  :  for  our  Lord  in  effect  declared  the  thing, 
illustrated  by  many  fine  quotations  from  ancient  writers  by  Grotius,  m  while  he  declined  that  particular  title  ;  and  in  a  multitude  of  places, 
loc.  And  all  that  know  any  thing  of  that  learned  commentator,  know  represents  himself  as  the  Son  of  man,  and  the  Son  of  (iod.  which  were 
that  he  has  a  thousand  rich  collections  of  this  kind,  which  do  a  great  both  equivalent  phrases,  and  generally  understood  by  the  Jews,  though 
honour  to  Scripture,  by  illustrating  its  superior  beauties  :  but  it  would  a  Roman  would  not  so  easily  have  entered  into  the  force  of  them.  Ac- 
be  quite  foreign  to  the  design  of  this  work,  either  to  transcribe  such  col-  cordingly  we  find  this  interpretation  was  in  fact  given  to  them,  John 
lections,  or  to  attempt  any  supplement  to  them.  vii.  31,  41.  and  ix.  22. 

q  '-/'cac/i  j«  a// (/ij'ns'f  it  is  necessary  for  us  to  know.]    This  Cas  well  as       a   With  the  woman,  nera  -yvvaiKo^.^    As  the  article  is  wanting,  the 

ver.  29,  42.)    plainly   proves,   both  that  the    Samaritans  expected  the  Prussian  Testament,  and  many  others,  render  it,  Kith  a  aoman ;  and 

Messiah,  and  that  they  concluded  he  would  be  a  prophet.  Dr.  Lightfoot,  in  his  note  on  this  place,  has  produced  a  great  many  un- 

r  Not  apprehensive  of  those  inconveniences  here  which  might  have  accountable,  and  some  of  them  very  stupid,  passages,  fjom  the  Talmud 

attended  such  an  open  acknowledgment  among  the  Jews.]    That  Christ  and  other  Rabbinical  writers,  to  prove  that  it  was  reckoned  scandalous 

was  very  cautious  of  acknowledsihg  himself  to  be  the  promised  Messiah,  for  a  man  of  distinction  to  talk  publicly  with  a  woman.  (See  Lightfoot  s 

in  nis  conversing  with  the  Jews,  is  very  apparent ;  (compare  Matt.  xvi.  Hor.    Hebra.  in  loc.)    But  the  disciples  surely  knew  that  Jacob  and 

20.  Mark  viii.  29,  30.  Luke  xxii.  67.  and  John  x.  24.)  and  the  reason  JMoses,  and  others  of  their  greatest  and  holiest  prophets,  had  done  it ; 

X?^'  •  V  *  "'^  Jfws  had  such  notions  of  the  temporal  kingdom  of  the  and  some  of  them  in  circumstances  remarkably  resembling  this,  in  which 

Messiah,  that  they  would  have  construed  an  open  declaration  of  himself  the  woman  came  to  draw  water  ;  (compare  Gen.  xxix.  9 — 12.  l-.xod.  11. 

under  that  character,  as  a  claim  to  the  thnme  of  David ;  in  consequence  1.5—17.    See  also  1  Sam.  ix.  11—14.)    It  is  plain  the  wcmder  \\e.ye.  was, 

ot  whah,  many  would  have  taken  up  arras  in  the  cause,  (John  vi.  15.)  that  he  talked  with  a  Samaritan.— As  for  the  omission  of  the  article,  see 

and  others  would  have  accused  him  to  the  Roman  governor,  as  a  rebel  note  b,  on  John  i.  1.  p.  18.  and  the  end  of  note  d,  in  this  sectiou,  on 

against  Caesar,  (Luke  xx.  20.")  as  they  afterwards  did,  Luke  xxiii.  2.—  John  iv.  ,3fi. 


CHRIST'S  CONFERENCE  WITH  THE  PEOPLE  OF  SYCHAK. 

Go 

,.„   provisions  we  have  brought  thee.''    But  he, referring  to  the  conversation  lie  had  lately  had  disapies^prajed  uim, saying, 
''so     with  the  woman  and  to  the  preparation  making  for  the  conversion  of  the  Samaritans,  said     -^o  gut  he  said  unto  them, 

. ynto  them,  with  an  air  of  great  satisfaction,  I  have  meat  to  eat  that  ye  know  not  of,  which  j[„have  meat  to  eat  that  ye 

JOHN   aives  me  a  much  better  entertainment  than  you  can  bring  me.     The  disciples  therefore,  not     .-js  Therefore  said  the  disci- 
IV.'    understanding  his  words  in  that  spiritual  sense  in  which  he  intended  theni,  said  me  to  ]!,lllZlulHhuLZufftio!"li 
^^  another  with  some  surprise,  considering  where  he  was,  Has  any  one  been  with  him  in  our 

34  absence,  and  brought  him  any  [food]  to  eat  heve  1  Jes«s,  who  "knew  the  loss  they  were  at  Ml'„L'aris1odoThe°Ji!i'?f- 
to  understand  his  meaning,  says,  to  explain  it  to  them.  Mi/  most  refreshing  and  deiighttul  him  that  sent  me,  and  to  finish 
food  is  to  do  the  will  of  him  that  sent  7ne  into  the  world,  and  to  finish  his  ^vork  as  fast  as  ^'^  work. 
possible  in  the  conversion  of  souls,  and  in  the  propagation  of  His  kingdom ;  and  I  with 
:55  iileasure'can  assure  you  that  it  is  now  going  on  successfully.     Do  not  you  say,  that  there  are     35  Say  not  ye.  There  ^ar^ 
yet  four  months,  and  harvest  comethl"  Nay,  but  behold,  1  say  unto  you.  Lift  up  your  eijes  cometh harvest '  behold,  I  say 
even  now,  and  surrei/  the  fields  round  about  you  -for  they  are  already  laden  with  a  plentifiil  unto  vou.  LUt^up  vour  eye^s, 
crop,  and  appear  ivhite'unto  the  harvest:  alluding  to  the  disposition  of  the  people  m  they  are  white  already  to  har- 
gene'ral,  and  more  particularly  to  the  multitude  of  Samaritans,  who,  struck  with  the  report  vest. 
of  the  woman,  were  coming  "to  inquire  after  him  as  the  Messiali;  and  unto  whom  he 
pointed,  and  directed  them  to  look,  as  being  then  within  their  view.  ,-  ^    , ,    .>  , 

36  And  lie  yet  further  added.  It  is  your  happiness  to  be  emp  oyed  in  such  a  work  as  this  :  ,e?vett"vagls  andlaCreth 
for  he  thai  faithfully  7-eap^  the  harvest  of  which  I  now  speak,  receiveth  tar  more  valuable  fruit  unto  lite  eternal ;  that 
wases  than  men  can  give,  and  has  the  great  additional  satisfaction  of  thinking,  that  he  ^ot^  '- ^^i.at^ «o weth  and^.he 
gathers  in  the  fruit  unto  eternal  life  ;^  so  that,  on  this  account,  both  he  that  sows,  and  he  that  together. 

reaps,  nun/  rejoice  together ;  and  tliose  souls  to  whose  salvation  they  have  in  different  ways 
contributed,' will  be  to  both  a  crown  of  honour,  and  objects  of  everlasting  complacency 

37  '""Fot'^inMs  sense  it  may  be  justly  said,  that  herein  is  that  proverbial  saying  remarkably  t,iJI.^;;^3^',^^JtV;\ndanXf 
true.  One  soweth,and  another  reapeth ;  for  after  he  has  sown  his  held,  it  often  liajipens,  reapetli. 

that  a  man  dies  before  he  gathers  in  the  harvest,  and  so  leaves  it  to  another,  who  enjoys 

38  the  advantage  of  his  pains.     And  thus  it  is,  that  I  have  sent  you  forth  to  reap  the  fruit  of  ,,i';»,Jof/'\Vbestowed^L*'ia! 
that  on  which  you  have  not  laboured,  either  to  tdl  or  sow  the  ground:  the  prophets  and  hour:  other  men  laboured, 
other  holy  men  of  former  ages  having  toiled,  as  it  were,  to  cultivate  the  field,  and  thereby  '^^^^yf^^"'  ^""='^'1  ""o  "'^''■ 
made  vour  work  a  great  deal  easier  than  it  would  otherwise  have  been.     So  that  the  suc- 
cess of  my  preaching  this  day  in  your  absence,  is  an  emblem  of  what  Uod  has  wisely 

ordered  in  the  course  of  his  Providence  :  others  have  laboured,  and  you  are  entered  into  the 
field  on  which  their  labour  has  been  carefully  employed .<•  Let  this  engage  you,  therefore, 
to  apply  yourselves  in  earnest  to  your  work,  with  a  becoming  spirit,  and  a  ready  cheer- 
fulness. ,  •  ,     , 

39  Now  when  the  woman  had  informed  the  people  of  the  discourse  which  she  had  had  ,,4^3^JJ-'J^];t^^;;/^^\\?g,?J'J"„'^ 
with  Jesus,  7nani/  of  the  Samaritans  from  that  city  believed  on  htm  as  some  extraordinarv  him  for  the  saying  of  the 
person,  by  reatoh  of  that  saying  of  the  tcoman,who  testified  concerning  him,  He  told  me  all  ^^^^^  .^^^^''^^  *eve'''l  did"* 

40  that  cvei' I  did.  'When  therefore  the  Samaritaiis  had  heard  the  wonderful  account  the  40  So when  the  Samaritans 
woman  gave  of  Jesus,  and  were  come  with  her  to  the  well  to  see  him,  they  were  so  taken  ^;':;';,4°,'"h''im"'th°at'hrwou15 
with  the  manner  of  his  deportment,  and  the  strain  of  his  discourses,  that  they  entreated  fs.ny'with  them:  and  he 
liim  to  tarry  with  them  for  some  time,  as  being  desirous  of  a  further  acquaintance  with  him,  ^^'-^le  there  two  days. 

and  of  receiving  further  benefit  from  his  instructions :  and,  ready  to  lay  hold  of  every 
opportunity  of  doing  good,  he  went  with  them  to  their  citv,  and  continued  there  two  daysS 

41  And  there  were  many  more,  who  in  this  time  believed  on  him,?  on  account  if  his  oicn  dis-  ^^■^^^^^"^^"^t'lfij'o"™  l^ord^-' 

42  course,  which  they  might  also  see  confirmed  by  some  extraordinary  works.  And  they  said  *"  4.^  And  said  unto  the  wo- 
to  the  woman,  Nmv  we  believe,  and  that  not  merely,  nor  yet  chiefly,  on  account  of  what  thou  h'^paus^of^thy  savin"''' for'JJ'l 
hast  spoken  of  him  :  for  we  owselves  have  heard  him  teach,  and  have  examined  his  credentials ;  havt  heard  '/li'm  ourselves, 
and,  by  the  most  convincing  evidence,  we  know  that  this  is  really  the  Christ,  the  Saviour  ^"J^f.j""^"'  the'savbur'of  the 
(fthe  world,^'  even  the  expected  Messiah,  and  are  determined  to  regard  him  as  such.  wmid. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  34  I^et  us  behold  with  pleasure  the  glorious  example  of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  and  learn  to  imitate  his  zeal.  It 
was  his  meat  and  drink  to  pursue  his  Fathers  work,  to  glorify  God,  and  do  good  to  souls :  and  ought  it  not  to  be 
ours  ?  Let  us  bless  God  for  every  opportunity  of  applying  to  it,  and  every  field  of  service  which  Providence 
opens  to  us. 
38  Let  gospel  ministers,  especially,  be  thankful  for  all  that  hath  been  done  to  introduce  their  ser\ices,  not  only  by 
the  ministrations  of  the  prophets  under  the  Old  Testament,  but  by  the  apostles  also  under  the  New,  and  by  suc- 
37  ceeding  servants  of  Christ  in  every  age  of  the  church.  In  this  sense,  with  regard  to  us,  is  that  j-.roverb  true,  One 
soweth,  and  another  reapeth.    We  have  entered  into  the  labours  of  others  :  May  others  in  time  enter  into  ours  !  May 

b  Eat  of  the  provisions  we  have  brought  thee.l    Their  bringing  back  that  of  a  considerate  reaper,  who  is  supported  in  his  fatigue,  not  only  by  a 

the  provisions  to  him  here,  makes  it  probable  that  he  did  not  intend,  had  reifard  to  his  own  wnrjet.  but  to  the  advanlaire  which  the  public  receives 

it  not  been  on  this  occasion,  to  have  gone  into  the  t<iwn ;  and  so  (as  by  the  hariest  he  gathers  in.    This  the  expression  awaici  KnpTrov  ei? 

was  said  in  the  paraphrase,  ver.  07.)  ordered  his  disciples  to  meet  him  fojiii/  aimvinv  seems  plainly  to  import,  and  so  is  nearly  parallel  to  Jam. 

at  this  place,  which  was  undoubtedly  well  known  to  travellers.  v.  20.  and  suggests  a  most  forcible  consideration  to  diligence  and  zeal. 

c  There  are  yet  four  intml/is,  and  harvest  cometh.^   Dr.   Whitby,  and  — KapTroi'  here  seems  to  be   put^  for  run  napTvati,  the  fruit,  that  is,  the 

Grotius,  and  many  others,  understand  this  as  if  our  T.ord  had  said,  "  It  souls,  he  gathers  in. 

is  a  proverbial  expression  for  the  encouragement  of  husbandmen,  that  e  The  field  on  which  their  labour  has  been  employed.]    This  seems 

there  are  but/OTrr  »nowM,s  between  jcerf-rwie  and //nrre*/.    And  the  author  the  signification  of  kottov  here,  as  Grotius  well   proves.    Compare  S2 

of  the  late  English  translation  therefore  renders  it,  (in  his  paraphrastic  Cor.  x.  15. 

manner,)  You  eommo^ily  say.  T'other  four  months  and  the  harvest  -will  f  Co?ttinued  there  two  days.}    This  was  a   proper  medium  between 

come.    iSut  1  cannot  acquiesce  in  this  interpretation  ;   1.  Because  none  entirely  neglecting  them,  and   giving  them  so  much  of  his  time  and 

of  the  learned  writers  mentioned  above,  nor  Dr.  Li^'htfoot,  who  is  large  company,  as  would  have  broken  in  upon  the  design  of  his  journey  info 

on  this  text,  could  produce  any  such  proverb.    2.  Because  indeed  there  Galilee,  or  might  have  given  umbrage  to  the  lews, 

could  be  no  foundation  for  it,  since  the  distance  between  seed-time  and  g  Mnny  ?nore  believed  on  him.]    This  was  the  more  extraordinary,  as 

harvest  must  differ,  according  to  the  dift'erent  kinds  of  grain  in  question,  they  not  only  had  a  national  prejudice  against  him  as  a  .lew,  but  living 

And,  3.  Because  if  there  had  been  such  a  proverb  it 'would  have  been  near  mount  Gerizim,  had  a  particular  interest  in  n:aintainiua  the  usual 

improper  to  apply  it  here  ;  since  our  Lord  wasnotspeakin2;of  the  period  worship  there,  which  must  be  very  advantaseous  to  the  neiuhbourhood. 

oi' time  beisveen'the  prophets'  soiling  m\A  the  apostles' reaping,  i\o  which  Perhaps  on  this  they  would   no  longer   \vorship  there,   which   might 

four  months  has  no  analogy,)  but  only  means  to  tell  them,  that  though  irritate  the  rest  of  the  Samaritans,  ajul  might  m  part  provoke  the  ill 

they   reckoned   yet  four  months  to  the   earthly  harvest,  the  spiritual  usage  that  Christ  afterwards  met  with  in  this  country.    I.uke  ix.  52,  53. 

harvest  was  now  ripe.    .So  that  I  choose,  as  Sir  Isaac  "Newton  does,  to  h  The  Saviour  of  the  uorld.']     They  might  probably  collect  from  what 

take  the  words  in  their  plainest  sense,  as  an  intimation  that  it  was  then  was  prophesied  by  .lacob  of  the  Messiah,  Gen.  xlix.  10.   To  him  shall 

fmir  months  to  the  beainning  ai harvest ;  see  note  c,  on  ver.  3.  p.  63.    Anil  the  gathering  of  the  people  be  ;  that  the  Gentile  nations  were  to  receive 

[  take  this  passage  to  be  of  great  importance  for  settling  the  chronology  some   benrlit  by  the   Messiah's  coming,  and  one  wav  or  another  to  be 

of  Christ's  ministry.  subjected  to  hiin  ;  and  Christ's  discourse  might  confirm  that  apprehen- 

d  Gathers  in  the  fruit  iinto  eternal  life,')    I  apprehend  our  Lord's  sion  :  but  there  is  no  reason  at  all  to  believe  thev  perfectly  understood 

thought  here  to  have  been  more  comprehensive  than  commentators  ha\  e  the  doctrine  of  the  calling  of  the  idolatrous  Gentiles,  which  was  so  ioiig 

been  aware.     He  seeilr;  fo  cimipare  the  case  of  a  christian  minister  to  a  mystery  even  to  the  ufostles  themselves. 


THE  NOBLEMAN'S  SON  OF  CAPERNAUM  CURED  AT  CANA.  67 

t!)e  work  be  delivered  over  from  one  faitliful  hand  to  another,  and  be  carried  on  by  eacli  with  growinsf  zeal  and   sect. 
success  !     Blessed  time,  when  all  the  workmen  shall  meet  and  join  their  songs ;  and  eacli  of  the  souls  gathered     «iO. 

in  to  eternal  life  shall  be,  to  all  concerned  in  their  conversion  or  edification,  an  ornament  of  glory,  and  a  source 

of  pleasure  !  John 

Surely,  if  we  know  Christ  ourselves,  we  shall,  like  this  woman  of  Samaria,  be  solicitous  to  communicate  the  -y^^oo 
knowledge  to  others,  and  shall  sometimes  forget  our  little  worldly  interests  to  attend  to  this  vast  superior  care.  ^^^•■^^ 
May  we'believe  in  iiim,  not  merely  on  the  report  and  testimony  of  others,  but  on  our  own  experience ;  that,  '^^ 
having  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious,  we  may  bear  a  more  lively  and  effectual  testimony  to  him  !  41,  42 

Let  us  watchfully  observe  the  leadings  of  Providence ;  and,  v/hatever  our  own  schemes  may  have  been,  let  us  40 
still  adjust  our  conduct  by  the  intimations  of  present  duty ;  and,  especially  where  we  have  reason  to  believe  that 
God  is  by  his  Spirit  beginning  to  work  on  men's  hearts,  let  us  bo  ambitious  of  being  ivorkers  together  with  him. 
A  word  spoken  in  such  a  sea.son  is  remarkably  good,  and  it  is  a  great  part  of  Christian  and  ministerial  prudence 
to  observe  and  improve  those  tender  times. 

SECTION  XXXL 

Christ  comes  from  Samaria  into  Galilee  ;  and  while  at  Cana  cures  a  nobleman's  son,  who  lay  at  the  point  of  death  in  Capernaum.    Mark  i.  14, 

15.  Watt.  iv.  12.  .lohn  iv.  4.3,  to  tlie  end. 

,,        .  ,,  Mark  i.  14. 

Mark  i.  14.  ...,.,, 

NOW  after  that  John  was  put  NOW  after  John  wos  cust  into  prison,  and  Jes'is  had  heard  [ofitj  in  Judea  where  he  then   sect. 
heani'^°that— h"    dewrtcd^  '^^^-^j  he  withdrew  fi'om  thencc,  [and]  came  into  Galilee,^  (as  was  said  before,  John  iv.  3.     31. 

ofirf]     came'    into    tiaiiieei  sect.  29.)  being  Willing  to  take  the  advantage  of  those  impressions  which  the  ministry  of 

ki'^n^dom^of'^Go1i°^'[Matt  fv   John  might  have  made  on  the  minds  of  thepeople  there,  who  had  so  signal  an  esteem  for  mark 
u.]  °'"  '  "     '  him;  an  esteem  which  would  be  heightened,  rather  than  abated,  by  the  injurious  things       '• 

which  they  saw  him  suffer.     Jesus  came  tlierefore  into  that  country,''  preaching  the  good 
news  of  the  kingdom  of  God,  which  was  speedily  to  be  erected  by  the  Messiah,  whom 
1.5  Andsayins,  The  time  is  God  had  appointed  to  raise  and  govern  it;     And  saying,  Behold,  the  time  fixed  by  the  15 
God'K'f'arhindVrepe''nt"Vef  ancient  nrophets  is  now  fulfilled,  and  the  kingdom,  of  God  is  near  ;  see  to  it  therefore  that 
and  believe  the  gospel.        '  you  cordially  repent  of  all  your  sins,  and  believe  the  gospel  which  I  publish  to  you,  that 
you  may  secure  an  interest  in  the  blessings  of  it. 
.John  iv.  43.   Now  after      And  having  been  prevailed  upon  (as  we  have  seen  before)  to  stop  at  Sichar  in  his  way,  john 
l^Ue^^r  from^l^i!Suir\^"an(i  "ft^^'  '^^  ^^^  Continued  there  two  days,  with  the  Samaritans,  he  departed  from  thence,  and    ^tV- 
went  into  Galilee.      '  went  (as  has  been  just  now  said)  into  Galilee.    And  he  chose  to  make  a  journey  through  '^•^ 

a  considerable  part  of  it,  before  he  returned  to  Nazareth,  that  the  reputation  lie  gained  else- 
where might  be  some  balance  to  those  prejudices  which  the  inhabitants  of  tliat  jilace  would 

44  For  Jesus  himself  testi-  naturally  entertain  against  him  :  For  Jesus  himself  test  if  ed,  that  a  prophet  has  no  honour  in  44 
iwnourfn  his''oml' country ."°  ^is  own  country;'^  wliere  those  that  knew  him  in  his  childhood  and  youth  can  hardly  be 

persuaded  to  look  upon  him  with  the  reverence  due  to  a  messenwr  from  God. 

45  Then,  when  he  %yas come       Whe?i  therefore  he  came  into  Galilee,  the  Galileans  received  and  entertained  him  with  a  45 
receiv?d^him,' havdn^teen'al!  great  deal  of  pleasure ;  (compare  Luke  iv.  14,  15.)  for  many  of  them  had  been  witnesses 
thethings  tha'thediJat  Jeru-  to  his  surprising  miraclcs, /iftvjffg  seen  all  the  wonderful  things  that  he  did  at  Jerusalem 
at'o  wen't  unto^thf  tUst ''^'^^  during  tlic  fcast  of  the  passover,  (for  they  also  came  to  thejeast,)  and  they  had  now  an 

46  So  Jesus  came  again  into  expectation  of  Seeing  some  of  them  renewed.     Jems,  therefor-e,  encouraged  by  this  read i- 46 
mide  tte  wtt'erwine.^'^And  "ess  of  theirs  to  attend  his  ministry,  pursued  his  journey  till  he  came  again  to  Cana  of 
there  was  a  certain  nobleman,  Galilee,  which  was  the  place  where  he  before  had  made  the  water  wine. 

w_hos^e  son  was  sick  at  Caper-      ^^^  ^^j^^,^  j^^  ^^^.^  ^^  ^^^^^  ^j^^^^  ^^^^^  ^^  ^^^,^^^.^^  nobleman  belonging  to  king  Herod's  47 

^  47  When  he   heard    that  court,''  luhose  soH  wus  dangeiously  ill  at  Capernaum  ;  [Who,]  ivhen  he  heard  that  Jesus  was 
into'^Ga1ilee!"he°  we°nt  umo  Come  out  of  Judea  into  Galilee,  ivent  in  person  at  least  a  day 's^ journey"^  cross  the  country 

him 
he 


,  and  besought  him  that  ^^  /j/,^,  ^^(^  earnestly  entreated  him  that  he  would  come  down  to  Capernaum,  and  cure  his  son, 

would   come   down,   and    ,>      ,     '  •  -^    i       .1         ^       ■    ■  1  j    •     j.  i     ^      t  t       ^  „    '  1  tl  „  „y 


hearhis  sonTtbr  he' was"at  for  he  was  given  Over  by  the  physicians,  and  seemed  ;«sf  7-eadt/  to  die.  Jesus  said  therefore  48 
""Is*"! hen' said '''lesus  unto  ""^"  ^""''  ^"^  ^^^""^  ^^^^  '^^^^  about  him,  I  perceive"  that  though  the  Samaritans  showed 
him,  Except  ye  see  si^ns  and  SO  great  a  regard  to  my  word,  and  the  report  of  my  miracles,  unless  you  see  with  your  own 
wonders,  ye  will  not  believe,  gygg  gQ„.,g  remarkable  and  repeated  signs  and  wonders,  you  xvill  not  believe ;  thereby  justly 
reproving  him  and  them  for  that  mixture  of  suspicion  and  slowness  of  faith  which  he  dis- 

49  The  nobleman  saith  unto  cemed  in  their  minds.''     The  nobleman,  weak  as  his  faith  was,  determined  nevertheless  to  49 
ch"ilddie'."^°"*"^°'^"  ^"^  "'^  urge  the  matter  to  the  utmost;  and  therefore,  without  any  explication  or  apology  on  that 

head,  says  to  him,  Sir,  I  beseech  thee  to  come  doim  before  my  child  die ;  for  the  case  is  so 

50  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  Go  extreme,  that  a  delay  may  be  attended  with  the  mos't  fatal' consequences.     LTpon  which  50 
th^S' believed  The' wo"d  ^'^■5?<s,  to  show  that  "it  was  not  necessary  for  him  to  go  in  person  to  accomplish  the  cure, 
that  Jesus  had  spoken  unto  says  to  him,  Go  thy  wciy  home,  for  I  assure  thee  that  thy  son  is  living,  and  at  this  instant, 
him,  and  he  went  his  way.     ^}ijig  J  ^m  speaking  to  thee,  is  recovered  from  his  illness.     And  the  man,  though  he  had 

never  seen  or  heard  of  a  parallel  case,?  believed  the  word  that  Jesus  spoke  unto  him,  and  went 
away  without  any  further  importunity. 

a  After  John  was  cast  into  prison,  Jesics  withdrew  and  came  into  Gali-  which  is  particularly  called  his  own  country,  in  distinction -from  Galilee, 

lee.]    It  is  strange  that  Mr.  Whiston,  and  some  others,  should  represeut  and  even  from  Capernaum,  Luke  iv.  23.          .-       ,,            .  t    t-u       i 

it  as  an  argument  against  the  order  we   have   followed  here,  that  it  d  A  certain  nobleman  belonging  to  king  Herod  s  court.]    I  hough 

would  have  been  imprudent  and  inconvenient  for  Christ  to  have  gone  Herod  was  only  tetrarch  ot  Galilee,  yet  was  he  commonly  distinguished 

immediately  into  Herod's  territories,  just  after   he   had  seized  John;  by  the  title  of  king:  (see  Matt.  xiv.  9.  and  Mark  vi.  14.  sect,  a.)  and 

when  two  of  the  evangelists  assure  us,  this  was  the  very  reason  of  his  as  Capernaum  lay  m  his  dominions,  it  is  probable  that  this  was  one 

journey.    The  cause  of  Johns  imprisonment  was  particular;  and  the  belonging  to  his  court,  who  was  a  nobleman  ol  some  distinction,    tor 

reasons   assigned   in   the   paraphrase  seem   considerable,   besides   that  this  is  properly  the  signification  ot   ^amXiKor,  which  the  Syriac  and 

already  mentioned,  John  iv.  1,  3.    See  note  a,  )>.  63.  Arabic  versions  render  a  minister,  or  servant  cf  the  king ;  and  many 

b  Jesus  came  therefore  into  that  country.]    Mr.  Le  Clerc  supposes,  have  conjectured,  that  the   person  who  is  here  spoken  ot  was  L-huza, 

(in  his  Harmonv,  p.  75.)  that  Jesus  went  from  Sichar  directly  to  Naza-  Herod's  steward,  whose  wife  is  thought  to  have  been  converted  on  tnis 

reth,  and  that  this  visit  which  he  made  to  Cana  (at  ver.  46.)  was  some  occasion,  and  became  afterwards  an  attendant  on  Christ.  Luke  viu.  J. 

time  after  he  wasexpelledfjom  Nazareth,  and  had  dwelt  at  Capernaum.  e  At  least  a  day  s  journey.]    This  may  be  very  fairly  mteiied  rrom 

But  that  he  took   a  circuit  elsewhere   before  he  went  to  Nazareth,  is  ver.  52.  as  well  as  trom  the  accounts  the  best  geographers  give  or  me 

certain  from  John   iv.  43,  44.  compared  with  Luke  iv.  14—16.    And  situation  ot  Cana  and  Capernaum.                                    .  ,        i„  t    rt  ;. 

though  we  cannot  positively  say  whether  tlie  visit  to  Cana  was  made  in  f  Reproving  him  and  them  tor  that  mixture  ot  suspicion,  a.c.j    ii   s 

this  first  journey,  or  in  the  other  which  is  mentioned  afterwards,  (Luke  necessary  to  suppose  some  such  reference  to  illustrate  the  Justice  oi  "is 

iv.  44.  Matt.  iv.  23.  and  Mark  i.  38,  39.  ^  36.)  yet  I  have  introduced  it  reproof;  for  in  the  general  it  was  very  reasonable  to  e''P*/t,.\"^^y^''%' 

here,   because  John   mentions  it  immediately  after   his  coming  from  should  wor*  »nrar/e.f  in  proof  ot  his  divine  mission,  as  ne  nmseu  uuea 

Sichar;  and  it  has  been  a  maxim  with  me  in  this  work,  to  take  all  the  plainly  intimate  elsewhere.  See  John  xv.  24.  y ''O^^" 'f,'',;  ^'iJ.u„,ion 

stories  and  discourses  in  the  order  they  lie,  if  there  be  not  (from  other  person  now  applying  to  him,  might  have  made  some  sucn  aeciarauoii, 

evangelists)  a  plain  reason  for  transposing  them.  that  he  would  never  believe  such  things,  till  '{f, f»* '".^f'  '"''l  ?o  show 

c  lor  Jesns  himself  testi fied ,  that  a  prophet  has  no  honour  in  his  own  eyes'  Christ  might  mean  by  this  reflection  to  ''""''''e  h  ™'  -^^f  ^"O'*' 


c  lor  jesus  /iimsetj  testijied,  that  a  propuet  Has  no  Honour  >n  nis  own    eyes:  i^nrisi  migni  mean  uy  mis  iciic..iiuu  ^^ .-•^ 

country.']    There  is  no  manner  of  occasion  here  to  render  7ap  although;  him  a  specimen  of  his  extraordinary  knowledge,  as  v 

for  it  IS  plain,  that  this  is  spoken  as  the  reason  why  he  rather  chose  to  g  Thoush  he  had  never  seen  or  heard  ot  a  parauei  c 

travel  into  those  parts  of  Galilee,  and  not  to  go  directly  to  Nazareth  ;  had  heard  of  Christ's  miracles,  but  this  is  the  J'lit  r. 


.  _    as  power, 
.case.]   It  is  plain  he 

p...-*..   ..i'   f^..i;i —     ,.«.j   ..n*  tr.  n^  rixr- I.I-*  I ,'  tt\     tv -i -y-i  iv.Mi  •      iiQM   iirt-jrM  f\T   I   I, net  f  ntimrip^^   iiiiL  iiii.:>  13  14 1^.  .f  ■ '  " .  r.COrdCU  111    Wllll-U    IC 


CHRIST'S  PREACHING  IN  THE  SYNAGOGUE  AT  NAZARETH. 

IJO 

SECT       Nmv  the  day  after  he  had  taken  his  leave  of  Jesus,  as  he  ims  going  down  to  Capernaum,  ^own"^ ^^^^4  mrt^him! 
31.     some  of  his  servants  met  him  on  the  road,  eager  to  bring  him  such  accejrtable  news,  and  ^^^  ,'oid  i,j„,^  saying,  Xhy 

told  \ him,']  saying,  T/n/  son  who  was  so  dangerously  ill,  is  now  recovered.  _   And  therefore,  ^°^„'J^'|^*'i-i„q„iredheofthem 

JOHN  to  compare  it  witli  the  account  that  .lesus  gave,  he  presently  inquired  of  them,  wliat  was  the'iiour  when  lie  besan  to 
i^L,  the  hour  ivhen  he  began  to  mend:  and  they  said  unto  him.  Yesterday  at  the  seventh  hour,  or  ^n;^^"4esterdiy'k7ttfefeveS'th 
at  one  in  the  afternoon,  the  fever  left  him  at  once,  and  he  grew  well  on  a  sudden.  The  hour  the  fever  left  him. 
father  therefore  knew  that  [i't  u-f/s]  k  the  very  hour  in  which  Jesus  said  to  him,  Thy  son  is  ;,t^„fatthUame^.omTnthe 
S'i  recovered  ■  and  when  he  came  to  reflect  on  the  astonishing  circumstances  of  the  case,  he  which  Jesus  said  unto  him, 
and  his  whole  family  hclicved,  that  the  person  by  whom  so  convincing  and  beneficent  a  i]|y^  son  m'eth.:and^^^^^^ 
miracle  was  wrought,  must  be  not  only,  as  he  before  supposed,  some  great  prophet,  but 

even  the  Messiah  himself.  54  This  is  asain  the  second 

54  This  is  again  the  second  miracle  which  Jesus  performed  at  Cana ;  and  he  wrought  it  when  Jf^'^^^comeoutof  Juderinto 
he  came  out  of  Judea  into  Galilee;  a  circumstance  in  which  it  agreed  with  the  former .^      Galilee. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

JOHN       How  unreasonable  are  the  passions  and  prejudices  of  mankind ;  and  this  in  particular,  that  a  prophet  should 

IV*     have  no  honour  in  his  own  country!     One  would  have  imagined,  that  Jesus  at  least,  free  as  he  was  from  all  the 

'^'^  follies  of  childhood  and  youth,  should  have  been  an  exception ;  nay,  indeed,  that  he  should  have  been  peculiarly 

honoured  there,  where  his  early  wisdom  and  piety  could  not  but  be  observed. 
43      Our  Lord  however  intended  them  a  visit,  even  at  Nazareth ;  and  it  is  the  duty  of  his  ministers  to  bear  their 
testimony,  ivhether  men  will  hear,  or  whether  they  will  forbear.     Yet  should  they  learn  of  their  great  Master  to 
study  as  much  as  they  can  to  obviate  those  prejudices  which  might  prevent  their  usefulness,  and  should  use  the 
most  prudent  and  gentle  methods  to  vanquish  them. 

Such  was  this  beneficial  miracle  of  our  Lord  ;  which  may  afford  us  many  particulars  w^orthy  of  our  notice. 

47  With  what  affection  and  zeal  does  this  tender  parent  apnly  to  Christ,  on  the  sickness  of  his  child  !  Let  us  not  be 
less  importunate,  when  soliciting  spiritual  blessings  in  behalf  of  our  dear  offspring  :  and  so  much  the  rather,  as 

49  their  lives  are  so  precarious,  and  we  know  not  how  soon  these  lovely  flowers  may  be  cut  down,  and  all  further 
petitions  for  them  be  for  ever  superseded. 
50,  51      Our  Lord,  while  at  a  distance  from  the  patient,  wrought  and  perfected  the  cure.    And  has  he  not  still  the  same 
divine  power,  though  he  does  not  exert  it  in  the  same  miraculous  way  ?    Let  not  his  bodily  absence  abate  our 
faith,  while  praying  for  others,  or  for  ourselves. 

53  Salvation  now  came  to  this  house,  and  blessings  infinitely  more  valuable  than  noble  blood,  or  ample  posses- 
sions, or  royal  favour,  or  recovered  health  could  give ;  for  the  cure  wrought  on  the  body  of  one,  was  a  means  of 
producing  faith  in  the  hearts  of  all.  Blessed  Jesus  !  tliy  power  was  no  less  employed  in  the  latter,  than  in  the 
former.  Oh  may  that  power  work  in  such  a  manner  on  our  souls,  as  that  we  may  all  be  disposed  cordially  to 
receive  thee,  and  cheerfully  to  venture  our  eternal  all  upon  thee !  May  v/e  and  our  houses  concur  in  so  wise  and 
happy  a  resolution  ;  and,  not  insisting  upon  evidence  beyond  what  thy  gracious  wisdom  has  thought  fit  to  give 

48  us,  niay  we  candidly  receive  the  light  we  have,  and  faithfully  improve  it,  so  as  to  be  at  length  entitled  to  the 
blessedness  of  those  ivho  have  not  seen,  and  yet  hare  believed.'  (John  xx.  29.) 


SECTION  XXXII. 

Christ  preaching  at  Nazareth,  is  at  first  admired,  but  immediately  after  rejected;  the  people  there  making  an  attempt  upon  his  life,  he  leaves 

them,  and  comes  to  Capernaum.    Luke  iv.  1-1—30. 

Luke  iv.  14.  l„ke  iv.  i4. 

SECT.  IT  has  already  been  observed,  that  after  John  the  Baptist  was  imprisoned,  and  Jesus  was  AND  Jesus  returned  in  the 
32.     acquainted  with  it,  he  left  Judea,  and  returned  into  Galilee;  and  from  what  follows  it  le?rand%'ere''".Vnt*°oV,?'a 

will  be  plainly  seen,  that  he  went  thither  under  the  guidance,  and  in  the  power  of  the  faine  of  him  through  all  the 

LUKE   Spirit  ;a  for  as  a  mighty  impulse  on  his  own  mind  determined  him  to  undertake  the  jour-  ''^'^"^"  '"""'^  ''^"*- 
^^'.  .  ney,  so  an  amazing  divine  energy  attended  his  progress  through  it ;  and  his  irnmvn  was 
spread  abroad,  as  soon  as  he  arrived  in  (Jalilee,  and  went  through  all  the  neighbouring 

15  region.  And,  ready  to  embrace  all  opportunities  that  offered  to  instruct  the  people,  /le  i-'5  And  he  taught  in  their 
went  from  place  to  place,  and  taught  in  their  synagogues,  loith  universal  admiration  and  of  a1f.°^"**'  ''^'""  ^'°'"'*'^'* 
applause.^ 

16  And  having  thus  prepared  his  way,  he  came  at  length  to  Nazareth,  where  it  has  been  16  And  he  came  to  Naza- 
observed  before  (Matt.  ii.  23  ;  and  Luke  ii.  51.)  that  he  rvas  educated;  and,  according  to  bro'l.'ghrup  ■*  and,  lL'"his''c'irs- 
his  custom,  which  he  constantly  observed  there  and  elsewhere,  he  entered  into  the  synagogue  *<"n  ^as,  he  went  into  the 
on  the  snbbath-duy  ;  and,  out  of  regard  to  the  high  reputation  he  had  lately  gained,  being  d^"^  aml'stood  up  forTo''re''a*d' 
desired  by  the  ruler  of  it  to  officiate,"  he  stood  up  to  read  the  Scriptures,  which  made  a  con- 

stant  part  of  their  public  worship.  (See  Acts  XV.  21.)  unVo  ^in^tXok' oflh^To' 

17  Alia   the  book  or   Isninh  the  nronnet  was  delivered  to  him.  a   narncrrann  of  tlip  law  havino-  ohet   F.saias.     And  when  he 


18  ,  -    -     ,         -        -J  ,    

dant  degree /or  the  important  purpose  to  jrhich  he  'hath  anointed  me,f  and  solemnly  set  me  upon^me?''be'crus'e''*h^hlth 
apart;  and  important  indeed  it  is,  Ifor]  he  hath  sent  me  to  preach  good  news  to  the  poor  anointed  'me  to  preach  the 
and  afflicted,?  to  heal  those  whose  hearts  are  broken  with  sorrow,  to  proclaim  free  dismission  leTmetol^Tihe  broken*^ 

cured  the  patient  a<  a  ,«.v<anfc,  and  probably  was  hitherto  in  this  respect  thus  be  recollected  :  they  were,  as  the  copies  of  the  Old  Testament  in 
unequalled.  .  .  ,      .  .  „  "i^  Jewish  synagogues  now  are,  lim(j  scrolls  of  varchment    that  wert- 


Fleming's,  that  this  intimates  that  Christ  was  transported  through  the  air    respective  hy  liotliesps. 

hither   after  his  temptation  in  the  wilderness.    See  ITem.  Christol.  vol.      e  It  Kas  rentlen  to  this  effect.]    It  is  evident  that  the  quotation,  as  it 

"'\Fnr.!      ■         ,        7  ^y   >  ,  T„  ,    .        Stands  here,  does  neither  exactly  agree  with  the    Hebrew  nor  the  Sep- 

b  IVtthumiersnl  applause  ;  ^o^alou.evoiviTovavTa\,.i  Our  translation,  tuagint.  i  he  many  old  copies  in  which  that  clause,  laaaa^ai  tow  avv- 
which  has  rendered  it,  hetng  glorified  of  all,  is  indeed  more  literal :  but  Tcpinnevov;  mv  KapSati-,  to  heal  the  broken-hearted,  is  wantinsr,  has  iii- 
to  glorify  a  preacher  is  an  uncommon  phrase  in  Tnslish  ;  and  that  I  have  dined  many  learned  critics,  with  Grotius,  to  snpnose  it  added^from  the 
used  IS  so  plainly  equivalent  to  the  other  in  signification,  that  I  hope  it  Hebrew  :  but  one  would  rather  conclude  that  CI  i  ist  read  the  passage  as 
may  be  allowed  as  very, ust.         ,  .,  ,      ^  .  .    ,    „  ,      ,    it  was,  and  that  these  words  might  accidentally  be  <^^opM  by  sm^^^^^^ 

c  Being  desired  by  the  ruler  of  it  to  olficiate.]    One  cannot  but  be  transcriber.  .  j- ucuiuijij™  \ii  suiucert.iy 

amazed  at  the  ignorance, of  Suidas,  in  arguing  from  hence  that  Christ  f  lor  me  purpose  to  rehich  he  hath  anrinled  me  ■  n„  fi.fi^t.,  «vm,T«  .,<  1 
wasa  ^jriccr  It  is  well  known  that  any  man  ot  gravity  and  reputation  It  is  very  difficult  to  explain  the  connexion  of  the  t"o  cla,ieAn  this 
might,  at  the  request  ot  the  ruler,  officiate  on  such  occasions.  (Compare  passage,  if  we  render  ov  eveKfv  either  hecanse,  or  therefore  ■  and'l  cannot 
Acts  xiii.  15.)  r    1     1    7  n    o  ,-  ,       •     ■     ""sfollect  that  it  ever  signities  became.     But  the  translation  I   propose 

d   f/nro/^n^  the  volume  of  Ms  A,w<-.]    .So  amTrTpfac  properly  signi-    seems  to  remove  the  difficulty.  See  Acts  xix   32  j>un«c 

ties ;  and  I  choose  to  retain  it,  that  the  form  ot  the  books  then  used  may       g  Poor  and  afflicted.]    Grotius  well  observes  that  it  is  probable  somt 


CHRIST'S  PREACHING  IN  THE  SYNAGOGUE  AT  NAZARETH.  69 

nearted,  to  preach  deliverance  to  wretched  captives,  even  the  recovery  of  sight  to  them  that  are  blind  in  prison  •  [and]  to  set  SECT 
ins"of"shrto  the  bUnd!  to  ^^'«e  at  Uberti/  who  are  bruised  witR  tfie  heavy  load  of  their  fetters  :  i>   In  a  word,  to  pro-     32.  ' 


set  at  liberty  them  that  are  cluim,  as  bv  the  sound  of  a  trumpet,  that  ivelcome  year  of  the  Lord,'  which  the  year  of  - 
''^g^To  preach  the  acceptable  jubilee,  pleasing  and  grateful  as  it  is,  can  but  imperfectly  represent,  though  debts  are  then  luke 
year  of  the  Lord.  forgiven,  and  slaves  released,  and  inheritances  restored  to  their  original  owners."  ^^• 

20  And  he  closed  the  book,      And  having  rolled  up  the  book,  which  was  a  long  scroll  of  parchment,  he  delivered  it  to  20 
miuis'terfandsatdowS.'Vnd  the  servant  of  the  synagogue,  whose  proper  office  it  was  to  take  care  of  it;  and  then, 
the  eyes  of  them  that  were  in  according  to  the  cu3tom  of  the  Jewish  rabbies,  sat  down  to  preach  ;  (see  Matt.  v.  1.  xxiii. 
0*?^  bm"r°°°""'  ^^'^  fastened  3^  3.  xxvi.  55.  and  John  viii.  2.)  and  the  eijes  of  all  in  the  synagogue  were  attentively  fixed 

upon  him,  as  they  were  very  curious  to  know  what  he  would  say  on  a  scripture  which 
seemed  so  plainly  to  refer  to  the  Messiah.'' 

21  And  he  began  to  say  un-      And  he  began  to  speak  at  large  from  this  excellent  and  suitable  passage  ;  and  the  main  21 
ture  fiTlfilled  ?n  your'ears"''   tendency  and  purport  of  his  discourse  was  to  say  to  them,   To-day  this  scripture  I  have 

now  been  reading  is  remarkably  fulfilled  in  your  hearing ;  for  I  am  the  person  foretold 
under  this  character,  and  sent  with  such  ample  powers  to  fulfil  these  purposes  of  the 
Divine  mercy. 

22  And  all  bare  him  vit-      And,  Strong  as  their  prejudices  were  against  him,  they  all,  by  their  very  countenances,  22 
graciou"'^wOTds'^  which**  prcf-  (^66  Job  xxix.  11.)  bore  their  testimony  to  him  as  a  most  excellent  preacher,  «/<c?  were 
ceeded  out  of  his  mouth.  And  astonished  at  those  graceful  as  well  as  comfortable  words^  which  proceeded  out  of  his  mouth ; 
they^said,  Is  not  tins  Joseph's  go  that  they  could  not  forbear  Saying  to  each  other,  even  while  he  spoke.  Is  not  this  he 

that  was  brought  up  among  us,  the  son  of  Joseph  the  carpenter?  And  if  it  be,  how  is  it 
possible  that  a  man  of  so  mean  an  education  should  be  able  to  discourse  thus  excellently 
well? 

23  And  he  said  unto  them.      And  he  Said  to  them,  further,  You  will  undoubtedly  say  to  me  in  the  words  of  that  com-  23 
thfs^prov|rb/^hy'sTcian%ea!  ^on  proverb.  Physician,  cure  thyself;  [f/nrf]  for  the  satisfaction  of  thy  own  relations  and 
thyself:  whatsoever  we' have  neighbours,  if  thou  art  really  so  extraordinary  a  person,  do  also  here,  at  home  /'«  thine  own 
afso  here"in'thv™un"try!"'*^''  cou7itry,  those  miraculous  worJcs  which,  as  we  have  heard,  ivere  done  at  Capernaum  and  else- 

24  And  he  said,  Verily  I  where."*     But  to  expose  the  vanity  of  this  suggestion,  he  went  on  and  said.    Verily,  I  say  24 
accepted  m°hi's  own comitry!^  unto  you,  that  no  prophet  is  acceptable  in  his  own  country,  (compare  John  iv.  44.  p.  67^^) 

and  therefore  I  know  that  you  who  have  been  acquainted  with  me  from  my  infancy,  will, 
through  envy  and  prejudice,  refuse  me  an  opportunity  of  workmg  such  miracles,  and 

25  ButT  tell  you  of  a  truth,  would  indeed  be  still  as  obstinate  and  unbelieving  as  before,  if  you  should  see  them.    But  25 
in'the tSysoFFlfas^ when' The  ^^^  ^^  ^^  remembered  by  you,  that  God  sometimes  punishes  men  for  this  unreasonable 
heaven  was  siiut  'up  three  temper,  by  directing  his  prophets  to  cqnfer  those  favours  on  strangers,  of  which  their 
great  famine"  w^stooughou"  Countrymen  and  neighbours  have  rendered  themselves  so  unworthy.     For  thus  I  tell  you 

all  the  land  ;  "        us  a  certain   truth,  which  well  deserves  your  consideration,  that  there  were  many  poor 

wido%vs  in  Israel  in  the  days  of  Elijah,  when  the  heaven  was,  as  it  were,  shtd  up  for  three 
years  and  six  months,'^  so  that  there  was  no  rain,  and  a  great  famine  prevailed  in  cdl  the 

26  But  unto  none  of  them  laiid :  And  yet  Elijah  was  sent  to  none  of  them  with  a  miraculous  supply  of  meal  and  oil,  26 
Sarepta,' o  c (V^ of  .sidon,  unto  ^"^  to  a  widow  woman  at  Sarepta ;  [a  city'\  of  the  Gentiles,  in  the  country  of  Sidon.  ( 1  Kings 

»  OT°  A*"i """  ^"\  ^  ^'''^'^''"■''■.  xvii.  9.)  And  there  were  also  many  lepers  in  Israel  in  the  time  of  FJisha  the  prophet ;  yet  27 
in  israef  in"the  time'^of^Eli^  none  of  them  was  miraculously  cleansed,  but  that  singular  favour  was  bestowed  on  Naaman 
them^'w^rdea'  ^j'^  """"^ "''  ^^^  Syrian,"  a  Gentile,  and  one  of  a  hostile  nation.  (2  Kings  v.  14.)  Presume  not  there- 
>'aanian  the  Syrijfn.'  '^^"^^  fore  on  youF  being  my  countrymen  and  neighbours,  so  as  on  that  account  to  reject  my 
message,  lest  you  provoke  God  to  send  those  blessings  to  strangers,  and  even  to  Gentiles, 
of  which  such  infidelity  and  gratitude  would  render  you  unworthy. 

28  And    all   they  in  the      Nothing  could  be  more  disagreeable  to  them  than  such  an  intimation  :  and  all  that  were  28 
t^ese" things 7were  filled  with  *"  ^^^  Synagogue,  xvheii  they  heard  these  things,  were  filled  with  the  most  outrageous  /wry : 
^'^**'    ,  ,  ,        And  rising  up  at  once,  in  a  tumultuous  manner,  without  any  reverence  to  the  place  or  29 

29  And  rose  up,  and  thrust  j„  or  c  ■    \-  u  •..      jl  •    1      li  j.  1  ■  ..     r  ^i 

him  out  of  the  city,  and  led  day.  Or  any  sense  01  justice  or  common  humanity,  they  violently  cast  him  out  01  the  syna- 
him  unto  the  brow  of  the  hill  goguc,  and  out  of  the  city  too;  and  brought  him  to  the  very  brow  of  the  mountain  on  which 

copies  rnight  read  W'yS,  the  poor,  instead  of  □''13J>,  the  meek,  which  is  ment  to  prove  that  this  visit  to  Nazareth  was  made  after  that  to  Caper- 

the  word  made  use  ot  in  Isaiah.    And  as  to  that  clause  of  restoring  sight  naum,  in  which  those  miracles  were  wrought  which  are  recorded,  Mark 

to  the  blind,  which  is  omitted  in  Isaiah,   I  am  not  able  to  determine  i.  21 — 34.  and  Luke  iv.  33 — 41.  (?  35,  .36.)"when  Luke  himself  so  plainly 

whether  our  Lord  in  his  discourse  borrowed  this  clause  from  Isa.  xlii.  says  that  he  came  down  from  Nazareth  to  Capernavm.  and  then  gives  an 

7.  by  way  of  illustration  ;  or  whether  (as  Dr.  Prideaux  supposes  m  his  account  of  those  miracles,  (Luke  iv.  30,  et  sea.)  and  Matthew  also  intro- 

Cminection,  vol.  ii.  p.  547.)  it  was  taken  from  some  Cha/dee   Targum  duces  the   history  of  them   with  saying,  (Matt.   iv.    13.)  that  leaving 

which  is  now  lost.  Nazareth  he  came  and  dwelt  at  Capernaum. — We  are  expressly  told  by 

n  Sight  to  them  that  are  blind,  and  to  set  those  at  liberty  who  are  John,  that  Jesus,  after  the  miracle  which  he  wrought  at  Cana  in  Galilee, 

brutsed.]    It  is  beautifully  observed  by  the  judicious  Mr.  Cradock,  in  went  with  his  mother  and  his  brethren  and  disciples  to  Capernaum,  and 

his  excellent  book  On  the  Evani/elisls,  that  the  former  clause  seems  an  continued  some  time,  though  not  very  long  there,  (John  ii.  12.  4  24.) 

allusion  to  the -wretched  state  ol  those  prisoners  who,  accordincr  to  the  and  it  is  very  possible  he  might  visit  it  again  in  his  passing  through 

inhuman  custoni  still  retained  in  tlie  eastern  countries,  had   their  eyes  Galilee,  (John  iv.  43,  44.  i  31.)  which  if  he  did  after  the  cvre  wrought 

put  out :  and  with  regard  to  such  as  these,  this  great  Deliverer  is  repre-  on  the  nobleman's  so/i  there,  (which  undoubtedly  preceded  this  visit  to 

sented  as  restoring  them,  a  work  far  beyond  all  human  power.    See  Nazareth,)  he  would  certainlj'  meet  with  some  extraordinary  regard,  as 

Cradock's  Harm.  p.  69. — I  take  them  to  be  the  same  with  those  who  the  cure  was  performed  at  a  distance,  and  many  other  miracles  might 

are  spoken  of  in  the  next  clause  -as  bruised  with  the  weight  of  their /«/««;  then  be  wrought  there  ;  so  that  this  passage  may  refer  to  these  and  other 

for  it  is  plain  that  even  Hind  captives  were  sometimes  loaded  with  them  ;  miracles  not  particularly  recorded  by  Luke  ;  as  we  have  seen  before  that 

as  was  the  case    with   Samson,   Judges  xvi.  21.    and   with   Zedekiah,  John  refers  to  others  (John  ii.  23.  and  iii.  2.)  which  neither  he  himself 

2  Kings  XXV.  7.  had  mentioned,  nor  indeed  any  of  the  rest  of  the  evangelists.    If  it  be 

1   That  welcome  year  of  the  Lord.']    It  is  strange  that  any  a?icient  or  asked,  why  Christ  did  not  perform  such  miracles  here  as  elsewhere.'  we 

modern  writers  should  argue  from  hence  that  Christ's  ministry  lasted  answer — that  this  whole  discourse  is  intended  to  prove  that  God  might 

but  one  year,  or  a  little  more.    One  might  as  well   plead,  from  2  Cot.  dispense  these  extraordinary  favours  as  he  pleased  ;  and  they  do  not 

VI.  2.  that  the  day  of  salvation  included  but  one  natural  day. — Here  is  a  appear  to  have  brought  their  sick  to  him,  and  seem  to  have  suspected  his 

filain   allusion   to  the  jubilee ;  compare   Lev.  xxv.  9,    10.   and  Psal.  power;  (compare  Matt.  xiii.  58.  and  .Mark  vi.  5.  ^  73.)  a  suspicion,  the 

xxxix.  15.  unreasonableness  of  which  was  greatly  aggravated  by  the  credible  re- 

_   k  A   scripture  which  seemed  so  plainly  to  refer  to  the  Messiah.]  port  of  what  he  had  done  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  by  the  knowledge 

Though  many  commentators  of  note  apply  Isa.  Ixi.  1.  to  the  good  news  they  had  of  his  early  piety  and  exemplary  behaviour, 

ot  the  dismission  of  the  Jews  from  Bab3'lon,  I  refer  it  to  the  impartial  n  The  heaven  was  shut  up  for  three  years  and  six  months.]    This  is 

reader  to  judge  whether  it  be  not  much  more  probable,  that  ver.  4,  5,  6.  again  asserted  by  the  apostle  James,  (chap.  v.   17.)  either  as  grounded 

(where   the  prophet  speaks  of  repairing  the  waste  cities,  planting  vine-  on  oiir  Lord's  authority  here,  or  as  a  circumstance  established  by  tradi- 

yards,  (St.)  may  be  either  meant  in  a  spiritual  sense,  or  literally  predict  tion  ;  for  in  both  places  it  is  spoken  of  as  a  thing  well  known  :  nor  can 

the   temporal  prosperity  of  the  church  after  the  conversion  of  the  Jews,  we  doubt  but  the  account  is  very  exact,  thouah  the  particular  time  is 

than  that  Christ  should  mistake  the  true  sense  of  the  text,  or  build  his  not  determined  in  the  Old  Testament,  nor  is  it  certainly  deducible  from 

areument  on  a  mere  allusion.  See  Dr.  Sykes's  Vindication  of  Chris-  it. — Lightfoot  and  others  have  observed,  that  there  is  somewhat  here 

tianity,  p.  259.  and  Jetfery's  True  Grounds,  p.  120.  remarkable  in  this  circumstance  of  time,  as  it  agrees  with  the  continu- 

I  Astonished   at    those   graceful   words.]    The   phrase  in  the  original,  ?Ltice  of  Christ's  public  ministry  ;  that  as  Elijah  shut  up  heaven  by  his 

Xoroi!-  TH9  xap'Tos-,  literally  sisnifies  words  of  grace  ;  which,  it  is  pro-  prayer,  so  that  it  rained  7int  on  the  earth  by  the  space  of  three  years  and 

bable,  may  reter  to  the  agreeable  manner  of  Christ's  discourse,  as  well  six  months,  so  from  the  baptism  to  the  death  of  Christ,  the  heavens  were 

as  to  the   matter  of  it :  and  as  they  could  not  but  take  notice  of  the  opened  for  the  like  space  of  time,  and  his  doctrine  dropped  as  the  rain,  and 

majesty  and  grace  with  which  he  spoke,  so  it  must  naturally  fill  them  his  .speech  distilled  as  the  dew.    (Deut.  xxxii.  2.)    See  Lighttoot  s  Har- 

witha.vM7H,i/i/nen<,  considering  the  meanness  of  his  birth  and  education ;  monj/,  and  Grotius,  m /oc.                                             .      ,   ^c  ,     i-           c 

see  Eisner,  m /or.  o  None  of  them  was  cleansed  but  Naaman  the  Syrian.]   (Jf  the  force  of 

ni  At  Capernaum  and  elsewhere.]    It  is  strange  that  Dr.  Clarke  and  the  particle   ei  un  here,  and  in  some  other  remarkable  places,  see  the 

many  others  should  lay  so  much  stress  as  they  do  on  this,  as  an  argu-  note  on  John  xvii.  12.  |  179. 


70  CHRIST'S  VISIT  TO  CAPERNAUM. 

SECT    their  citi/  was  buili,  that  they  wight  cmt  him  down  headlong,  and  dash  him  to  pieces.     But  whereon  tlicir  city  was  built, 
32.     Jesus,  when  he  had  pemii'tted  their  madness  to  go  thus  far,  confounded  their  sight  in  f^hat^tii^ey^migiitcast  him  down 

such  a  miraculous  manner,  that  he  passed  through  the  midst  of  them  unknown,?  imd  went     so  Bm'he,  passing  through 

LUKE  away  to  the  neighbouring  city  of  Capernaum,  wliere  he  abode  for  some  time.  wa>™'^^'  °^  ""*'"'  ^^*'"'  '"* 

^^'  IMPROVEMENT. 

V'er.  16  Wf.  see  that  it  was  the  custom  of  our  blessed  Saviour  to  frequent  the  sjraagogues  every  sabbath-day  :  how  well 
therefore  does  it  become  his  servants  to  be  constant  in  their  attendance  on  public  ordmances  ;  especially  since 
those  of  the  gospel  are  in  many  respects  so  much  nobler  tlian  any  which  the  Mosaic  institution  would  admit ! 
17  In  the  synagogues  the  Scriptures  were  constantly  read  ;  and  it  is  matter  of  pleasing  reflection,  that  in  all  ages 
of  the  Christian  church,  the  reading  of  them  hath  usually  been  made  a  part  of  the  service  in  most  of  its  solemn 
assemblies.  Let  it  still  be  so  with  us,  for  this  reason,  among  others,  that  so  glorious  a  testimony  to  the  genuine- 
ness of  Scripture  may  not  be  impaired  in  our  hands,  but  transmitted  to  those  that  shall  arise  after  us. 

And  surely  the  Old  Testament,  as  well  as  the  New,  deserves  our  attentive  perusal ;  in  which,  if  we  are  not 
strangely  negligent,  or  strangely  prejudiced,  we  must  often  meet  with  remarkable  prophecies  of  Christ  shining 
with  a  pleasmg  lustre,  like  lights  in  a  darJ:  place.  (2  Pet.  i.  19.)     How  amiable  a  view  of  him  is  given  in  that 

18,  19  which  he  now  opened !  Let  us  seriously  attend  to  it.  It  is  a  moving  representation  that  is  here  made  of  the 
deplorable  state  in  which  the  gospel  finds  us  !  The  helpless  prisoners  of  divine  justice,  the  wretched  captives  of 
Satan,  stripped  and  wounded,  the  eyes  of  our  understanding  blinded,  and  the  powers  of  our  souls  enfeebled,  and, 
as  it  were,  bruised  with  those  chains  which  prejudice  and  vice  have  fastened  upon  them  !  But  in  these  miserable 
circumstances,  Jesus  appears  to  open  the  doors  of  our  prison,  to  strike  off  our  fetters,  and  even  to  restore  our 
sight.  He  comes  to  enrich  our  impoverished  souls,  and  to  preach  a  far  better  jubilee  than  Moses  could  proclaim  ; 
the  free  forgiveness  of  all  our  sins,  and  the  recovery  of  an  inheritance  of  eternal  glory.  Surely  it  should  be  to  us 
a  most  acceptable  time.  Blessed  are  the  people  that  know  this  joyful  sound;  they  shall  walk,  O  Lord,  in  the  light 
of  thy  countenance!  (Psal.  Ixxxix.  15.) 

21,  22  In  some  sense  this  instructive  and  comfortable  scripture  is  this  day  fulfilled  in  our  ears  likewise.  Let  us  also 
bear  our  testimony  to  the  gracious  words  of  this  welcome  messenger,  whom  God  hath  anointed  for  such  happy 
purposes ! 
20  One  would  have  imagined  that  while  the  eyes  of  his  auditors  were  fixed  upon  him,  their  souls  should  have 
drank  in  his  doctrine,  as  the  thirsty  earth  sucks  up  the  rain,  and  that  every  heart  should  have  been  open  to 
embrace  him.     But,  O  blessed  Jesus,  while  thou  art  preaching  these  glad  tidings  of  great  joy,  what  a  return  dost 

28,  29  thou  find !  Thou  art  ungratefully  rejected,  thou  art  impiously  assaulted  ;  and  had  their  rage  and  malice  been 
able  to  prevail,  the  joyful  sound  would  have  died  into  empty  air  as  soon  as  it  began,  and  this  thy  first  sermon  at 
Nazareth  had  been  thy  last. 

Thus  disdainfully  art  thou  still  rejected  by  multitudes  who  still  hear  the  same  message  echoing  from  thy  word. 
And  is  there  not  a  malignity  in  the  hearts  of  sinners  which  might  lead  those  of  our  own  days  to  tlie  outrageous 
wickedness  of  these  Nazarenes,  were  their  opportunities  the  same,  rather  than  they  would  bow  their  stubborn 
hearts  to  the  obedience  of  faith  ?  But  while  they  are  crucifying  thee  afresh  by  their  sins,  and  putting  thee  to 
open  shame,  may  we  honour  thee  as  the  Son  of  God,  the  Saviour  of  men  ;  and  labour  by  the  ardour  of  our  love, 
and  the  steadiness  of  our  obedience,  in  some  measure  to  balance  the  ingratitude  of  those  who,  while  they  are 
opposing  thee,  are  destroying  themselves  ! 


Christ  goes  to  Capernaum,  and  teaches  in  the  synagogue  there  with  great  acceptance  ;  and  calls  Peter  and  Andrew,  and  .lames  and  .Tohn,  to  a 
more  stated  attendance  upon  him.    Matt.  iv.  13—22.  Luke  iv.  31,  32.  Blark  i.  16—20. 

..rr^T  .  Matt.  iv.  13.  Matt.  iv.  13. 

SECT.  AJSID  Jesus,  leaving  Nazareth,  from  whence  he  was  expelled  and  driven  out  in  the  r.n-  and  leaving  Nazareth,  he 
^^-     grateful  manner  that  was  before  described,  came  and  dwelt  for  a  while  at  Capernaum,  which  ^^'i^^,  ^vlJinf  i?  upoli  tV,e''sTa 
was  a  considerable  city  of  Galilee,  that  lay  on  the  sea-coast,  even  on  the  northern  shore  of  coast,'in  the  borders  of  Zabu- 
MATT.  the  lake  of  Gennesareth,  in  the  confines  \)f  Zebulon  and  Naphtali ;  and  from  thence  he  '°"  ""'^  >iephthalim: 

14  ™^^^^  ?6yei^l  small  excursions  to  visit  the  neighbouring  places.  And  this  was  ordered  by  i4  That  it  misht  be  fulfilled 
a  special  Divine  Providence,  that  what  was  said  by  the  prophet  Isaiah  (chap.  ix.  1,  2.)  J^'''^''  "?*  spoken  by  Esaias 

15  ?night  be  fulfilled,'^  ^^•hen,  speaking  of  the  land  of  Zebulon  and  the  land  of  Naphtali,  by  the  l.^Ti'-^'Vamf  ot''  /abulon, 
way  of  the  sea,  and  the  country  «foi<nhose  parts  of  Jorrffl??,b  which  is  called  by  the  general  ?"',',  ""^  land  of  Nephthalim 
name  of  G«///e.  ,f  the  Gentiles  ^  (because  so  many  Gentiles  were  early  settle^d  there,  and  .'"oJli^nTl^aTille^  ^f  th'eTen' 
tiad  filled  it  with  a  variety  of  superstitions,)  he  says,  "  That  though  God  had  once  made  "''''' 

the.se  nations  vile,  yet  he  would  hereafter  render  them  glorious  ;<>  since  even  there,  by  the 

1 6  settlement  and  preaching  of  the  Messiah  among  them,  The  people  that  sat  in  darkness  saw     16  The  people  which  sat  in 
(tiat  is,  should  surely  see)  a  great  and  glorious  light,  to  disperse  that  i<?norance  and  vice  'l^rknesssaw  great  light :  ami 
which  before  clouded  them;  and,  even  to  them  tlmt  sat  miserable  and  helpless  in  the  dark  region 'anc" shadow  ot "death 
region  and  gloomy  shadoiv  of  death  itself,  in  the  most  melancholy  and  the  most  dangerous  '>ght  is  .sprung  up. 
condition,  light  has  remarkably  sprung  up,^  to  cheer  their  hearts,  and  guide  them  into  the 

ways  of  peace  and  happiness." 

1 7  AxiA  from  that  time  of  his  departure  into  Galilee,f  Jesus  began  to  preach  in  all  the  places     17  From  that  time  Jesus 

lav  in?erfriprt?cr''hL'fV""''/'  "/  '^""^  ."nknown.]    Whether  the  miracle       d  Though  Go.l  had  made  them  vile,  yet  he  would  hereafter  render 
■^L'^'5'^'.'Sl!.   .™^!lL?"*''"<^'y  ""■".'''fe.  .or  m  puttuig  on  .some  «./,.,•    tl,em   glorious.l    I   follow  Mr.  Mede'    mst  and   hp»ntif.d  JlrLnT^' 


■«r»;  or  in  .«■„!.,,,     .h  •""'"'''■*'  """.">'«.  .Or  m  puttuig  On  .some  other  tliem   glorious.]    I   follow  Mr.  Mede's  lust  and   beautiful  version  and 

{hn^id  nM  1?    ,   /'   "'"'"  ''^'"  "J  """'^s  'n  such  a  manner  that  thev  interpretation  of  Isa.  ix.  1.    See  Mede'i  Hi-r"?  n    10      lOo    and  Jrf 

evid"int"that'l44^Vo"me?h7n"g°LvS°  Jinllfe^^^^  IT^  fery'.r  Y^..,.»   p.  125    126.  whe^'e^'at  int"r;etitron'fs'both-vindicat?d 

viii.  59.  Lukrxliv.'^JoTnd  o^in"^'  '  I'ollSn '"^  ^'"''-    Compare  John  and  unproved  :  and  I  see  no  reason  to  doubt  that  it  is  originally  meant 

.  n^r  ,  _  ,   ■=  ^^'      Jy-.'*™  -  Mngs  VI.  18—20.  of  the  illnnnnaiion  and  hojwur  these  afflicted  countiies  should  receive 


represented  the  arrival 
sprung  up  in  the 

,,._,,, J    ..  is  but  just  before 

ac^o^'^^'^^-f^i^jr-Ms'ir^js^^j-^SFs^r 
&|^^^iSi^i^^^?^:}«et^-£S^S^^ 

occasioned'^it  to  be  filled  w?thtbreigie?s-,  and  to  be  peopled*  d  "am  Fx '    Ma  Jhew  iK",rs°/ilntr''f'  '"""t'l^P^'^"*"'/  his,f.«,„rf  passovcr,  of  which 
y    /   .  «/7.  ,\  1.  p.  o-.>.  c"r«?/<iuitedi«tinct  from  the  former.    It  is  true  indeed  that  our  Lord  is 


PETER  AND  ANDREW,  JAMES  AND  JOHN,  CALLED  BY  JE&US.  71 

began  to  preach,  and  to  sa.v,  that  he  caine  to,  in  a  more  piiblic  manner,  mid  to  say,  Repent,  and  turn  unto  the  Lord,  for  SECT. 
Kcpentj^^OT  tte  kingdom  ot  j^g  j^  ^^^^^  fulfiUing  his  ancient  promises,  and  the  khig(knn  (if  heaven  is  at  hands     And  this      33. 
'Tuke  '^v.   31. "  And  [he]  was  the  doctrine  which  he  ivas  teaching  them  during  tlie  tinie  of  his  abode  at  Capernaum,  ■ 


taugiit  them  on  the  sabbatii-  ^^^  ^^^^  j^g  made  the  Subject  of  his  preaching  in  th'eir  synagogue  on  the  sabbath-days ;  not   t.uKE 
^^^'  being  discouraged  by  the  ill  usage  that  he  met  with  at  Nazareth  upon  his  preaching  of  the     ^^• 

32  And  they  were  astonish-  same  doctrine  there."   And  they  were  powerfully  struck,^  and  very  much  affected  with  his  32 
ed  at  his  doctrin^^^for  his  [ig^frine ;  for  his  word  was  attended  inith  an  air  oi  authority  and  majesty,  which  incom- 
wor  was  wi    power.  j)arably  exceeded  that  low  and  servile  manner  of  preaching  which  the  scribes  and  Phari- 

sees commonly  used  in  retailing  their  precarious  traditions  and  insipid  comments  to  the 
l)eople. 
Mark  i.  16.  Now  as  [Jesus]      And  it  was  about  this  time  that,  «.5  Jcsn%  was  walking  hy  the  sea  of  Galilee,  he  saiu  two  mark 
he^sawV^wo'brlthren]^simon  brethren,  that  have  been  already  mentioned,*  Si7non,  who  v/as  also  called  Peter,  and  Andrew      i- 
[cafled  plter]"and  Andrew  his  brother,  casting  a  net  into  the  sea  ;  for  by  their  occupation  they  were  fshers.     And  after  17 
thls'lT-''for'tifey"lere"fisiiCTs*'  some  clrcumstanccs,  an  account  of  which  will  presently  be  given,  (sect.  34.)  Jesus  said  (o 
[Watt.  iv.  18.]         .  '  them,  Come  after  me,  and  from  henceforth  attend  me  constantly  in  the  course  of  my 

then/comiyeaftl^me^aml  ministry,  and  1  Will  make  you  to  become  fshers  of  men,  and  give  you  such  abundant  suc- 
I  will  make  you  to  become  cess  in  your  ministry,  that  the  number  of  souls  converted  by  you  shall  be  greater  than 
^Is  And"sukiaWway'''they  that  of  the  fish  you  have  been  used  to  catch.     Aiid  they,  being  struck  with  a  very  won-  18 
forsook  tiieirnets,  and  follow- derful  miracle,''  the  particulars  of  which  will  presently  be  related,  immediately  forsook 
edhim.  [.Matt.  IV.  20.]  ^^^,-^,  ^^^^^^  though  the  fishing  trade  was  all  they  had  to  depend  upon  in  life,  and  j'ollowed 

hiyn. 
19  And  when  he  had  gone      And  going  a  little  Way  from  thence,  he  saw  two  other  brethren,  James  the  son  of  Zebcdee,  19 
a  little  farther  tiience.  he  saw  ^^,,^/  j,j^j  /^^j  brother ;  and  they  xvere  in  a  ship  by  tlie  sea-side,  with  Zebedee  their  father, 
the  %7i  of  Zebedeerand  John  employed  in  mending  their  nets,  which  had  been  broken  by  the  vast  draught  of  fishes  they 
his  ''J'f  Y[v'ith''zebederthi^  ^^  taken  just  before.     And  he  immediately  applied  to  them,  as  he  had  done  before  to  20 
father]'' niend'ing''thei>  newts'!  Peter  and  Andrew,  and  called  them  to  follow  him  :  and  they  no  sooner  had  received  his 
'''^"o'Andst!ai"htwa  he  call-  Orders,  but  presently  they  l(ft  their  father  Zebcdee  with  the  hired  servants  in  the  ship,  and, 
ed*  them  :^  and  thL'y^  [imme-  in  conseqiicnce  of  the  Secret  energy  which  attended  that  call,  they  joined  with  Peter  and 
dce'liftVe^sVip'^wi^h'the  hfred  Andrew,  and  with  the  greatest  cheerfulness  and  readiness  went  after  him,  being  deter- 
servants,  and  went  after  him.  mined  to  Continue  with  him  as  his  stated  attendants:  and  they  were  all  afterwards 
[Matt.  iv.  21,  22.]  honoured  with  extraordinary  favours  from  their  Master ;  especially  John,  who  was  his 

bosom  friend,  and  came  to  be  called,  by  way  of  eminence.  The  disciple  whom  Jesus 
loved. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Such  was  the  zeal  and  courage  of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  that  he  no  sooner  had  been  persecuted  and  assaulted    luke 
at  Nazareth,  but  he  went  and  preached  in  the  synagogue  at  Capernaum.    Thus  may  all  the  opposition  that  we      iv. 
meet  with  in  the  course  of  our  duty  animate,  rather  than  overbear,  our  resolution  m  performing  it ! 

How  happy  was  the  land  of  Zebulon  and  Naphtali  in  the  visits  of  such  a  guest !    And  may  we  not  add  too,   matt. 
how  happy  is  our  own  land  in  being  visited  by  the  everlasting  gospel,  which  is  now  much  more  clearly  discovered      iv. 
to  us  than  it  was  to  these  coasts  while  Christ  began  to  open  his  ministry  among  their  inhabitants.  15 

In  us  is  this  prophecy  of  Isaiah  eminently  fulfilled.  We  but  a  few  ages  ago  sat  in  darkness;  and  behold  we  16 
see  a  great  light.  Our  countrv,  amidst  all  the  advantages  of  its  soil  and  situation,  was,  in  a  spiritual  sense,  the 
region  and  the  shadow  of  death;  but  the  Sun  of  Righfeousness  is  risen  upon  us,  nor  do  we  only  behold  his  rising 
beams,  but  his  meridian  lustre.  May  we  not  'be  so  ungrateful  as  obstinately  to  shut  our  eyes  against  it,  lest  the 
valley  of  vision,  and  Emanuel's  land,  should  on  the  whole  prove  to  us  the  land  of  destruction,  and  the  valley  of 
death  itself!  . 

That  this  may  never  be  our  case,  let  us  diligently  attend  to  this  divine  Teacher,  who  speaks  with  such  authority,   luke 
and  whose  words  are  so  weighty  and  powerful.     May  we  feel  the  energy  and  authority  of  them !    May  they  call      iv. 
us  off  from  every  undue  attachment  to  the  business  or  the  pleasures  of  life !    And  if  he  should  ever  see  fit  to  try  32 
us,  as  he  did  these  his  servants,  with  a  command  to  forsake  our  nearest  relations,  and  our  earthly  all,  for  his   mark 
service,  let  us  do  it  with  pleasure;  remembering  on  the  one  hand,  that  he  who  loves  father  or  mother,  wife  or       \. 
children,  houses  or  lands,  more  than  Christ,  is  not  worthy  of  him  ;  and  on  the  other  hand,  that  he  who  abandons  1 ' 
these  engagements ^or  his  sake,  shall  receive  an  hundred-fol'd  now  in  this  time,  and  in  the  ivorld  to  come  hfe  ever- 
lasting. ^(Matt.  X.  37.  and  Mark  x.  29,  30.) 

SECTION  XXXIV. 

St   Luke  gives  a  more  particular  account  of  a  miraculous  draught  of  fishes,  by  which  Peter  and  his  three  partners  were  prevailed  upon  statedly    S^C  I . 

to  loUow  Christ.    Lukev.  1— 11.  ^4. 


Luke  v.  1. 
ANDitcame  to  pass,  tl.at,  as  THE  calling  of  those  four  celebrated  apostles,  Peter  and  Andrew,  and  James  and  John,      y. 
was  briefly  related  above  ;  but,  considering  the  important  part  which  most  of  them  bear  1 

said.  Matt,  iv,  13.  after  leaving  Nasarcth,  to  have  come  and  dwelt  at  t\\e  sea  of  Galilee.    Forthey  no  sooner  were  gone  home  but  they  returned 

Capernaum :  but  if  that  should  be  allowed  to  imply  his  making  this  the  again  to  their  oUl  employment,  and  contmued  in  it  till  they  were  now 

place  of  his  more  stated  residence,  so  as  to  call  it  his  home,  it  is  evidently  taken  off  from  any  further  regard  to  their  worldly  business,  and  were 

intimated  that  he  did  7iot  stay  long  in  it  at  first;    and  shortly  after  it  is  particularly  called  by  Christ  to  a  constant  and  stated  attendance  upon 

spoken  of  only  as  owe  ()/</(e  f?V««  m  which  he  was  JCM^  <o  preafA,  Mark  him.  See  Lightfoot's  Hrar/noHy  on  Luke  v.  3.                                 .    r    /  ■ 

i.  .38.     Nor  can  1  find  that,  after  he  began  to  preach,  he  ever  contimied  k  Being  struck  with  a  very  wonderful  miracle.]     1  he  account  ot  tins 

lo7ig  in  any  one  place  miracle  (which  is  recorded  by  Luke,  chap.  v.  1 — 11.)    1  shall  consider 

g  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand.]   See  note  h,  on  Matt.  iii.  2,  p.  41.  in  the  next  section,  and  shall  there  give  my  reasons,  in  note  a,  tor  su  n- 

h  Powerfully  struct.]    See  Luke  ii.  47,  48.  note  e,  p.  40.  posing  it  happened  at  this  time,  and  was  not,  as  Mr.  Winston  would 

i  Two  brethren,  that  have  been  already  mentioned.]    John  gives  us  an  have  it,  the  occasion  ot  another  call  to  these  disciples.    But  .1  would  here 

account  (chap.  i.  40^42.  %  21.)  that  Andrew  and  Simon   had  before  observe,  that  besides  him,  some  who  agree  with  me  m  this  particular, 

been  called  to  the  knowledge  of  Christ  upon  the  banks  of  Jordan,  and  yet  out  of  regard  to  the  supposed  regularity  ot  St.  Luke  s  narration, 

that  the  name  of  Peter  had  been  then  given  to  Simon  :  and  it  is  probable  place  this  call  of  the  four  disciples  after  the  ejection  oj   tlie  devil,  ana 

that,  from  their  first  acquaintance  with  him,  they  followed  Jesus  for  the  cure  of  Peter  s   nipther-m-law  at  Capernauin,  and  V'"''5„'^  "'';V,H 

some  time,  and  went  with  him  to  Cana  and  Capernaum,  (John  ii.  2, 12.  through  Galilee,  which  are  recorded.  Matt,  viii  14,  15.  iv.  -;'—-o.  aim 

«  23,  24.)  and   atterwards  to  Jerusalem,  (John  ii.  13,  17.  4  24.)  and  Mark  1.  21— .3<l.  (§  .35,  30.)   &ee  t^radock,  Le  Clerc,  Wells,  Uaike,  a^^^^^ 

tarried  with  him  while  he  continued  in  Judea.  (John  iii.  22.  §27.)   But  L'Entant,  m  their  Harmonies     But  they  seem  to  "a^ «  ^ 9rf »"f "  ,'"^; 

when  the  Pharisees  grew  jealous  of  the  number  of  his  followers,  and  St.  Mark  expressly  asserts,  (chap.  1.  21.)  that  after  tne  ca  iiii„  01  iNLst 

Herod  was  offended  at  the  popularity  of  John,  we  may  suppose,  that  four  disciples,  they  went  into  Capernaum,  and  straig/it-aayon  "«  ™su- 

Jesus  at  his  return  to  Galilee  might  think  it  prudent  to  dismiss  liis  dis-  mg  sabbath  he  entered  into  the  .'synagogue,  and  theie  cast  fj^'  '„,„„„„,'' 


72  THE  MIRACULOUS  DRAUGHT  OF  FISHES. 

o,.,-T    in  fhe  followino-  history,  we  shall  here  eive  a  more  particular  account  of  it.*     Now  it  came  the  people  pressed  upon  him 

StCl.    Ill  ujc  lu  „        T___-''     ___.; J    .„   _„„;j«   „»  r'!,„„^r,o„rv,    o„Ac«    /A^   ™„/^.V,,r/^    „^„„^j  to  hear  the  woid  ot  (jod,  he 


34.  '  <o  n«.s-s,  Mrt^  while  Jesus  continued  to  reside  at  Capernaum,  luhen  the  multitude  pressed  s?oodVtheTake  o?  Gennesa^ 

upon  him  with  eao-erness  to  hear  the  word  of  God,  as  he  stood  b>/  the  lake  of  Gennesareth,^  ret, 

LUKE  on  the  banks  of  which  he  had  been  walking,  (Mark  i.  16.  sect,  xxxiii.)  He  saw  too  little     2  And       j      ^i     tand- 


upon  him  with  eao-erness  to  hear  the  word  of  God,  as  he  stood  bi/  the  lake  of  Gennesareth,^  ret, 
1  the  banks  of  which  he  had  been  walking,  (Mark  i.  16.  sect,  xxxiii.)  Be  saw  too  little  ;„!/   the  lake  but  tiie  fisher 
sscls  standing  iy  the  side  of  the  lake,  hut  wiih  no  person  in  them;  iox  the  jisherm  en,  m?n  were  gone  out  of  them, 


^  after  the  labour  of  a  very  unsuccessful  night,  were  gone  out  of  them,  and  were  washing  their  and  were  washing  t/,eir  nets. 

3  7iets  in  the  sea  as  thev  stood  on  the  shore.  And  entering  into  one  of  the  vessels,  ivhich  3  And  he  entered  into  one 
belonged  to  Simon  Peter,  with  whom,  as  well  as  with  his  brother  Andrew,c  we  have  al-  ^^^^^l  anf 'prayed'  h™  thil't 
ready  seen  that  he  had  formed  some  acquaintance  on  the  banks  of  the  Jordan,<i  while  John  he  would  thrust  out  a  little 
was  baptizing  there,  (John  i.  37—42.  sect,  xxi.)  he  desired  him  that  he  umdd  put  out  a  doTn.^ndfeughtlhe  peopfe' 
little  wai/  from  land,  that  he  might  thus  avoid  the  crowd,  and  at  the  same  time  be  more  out  ot  the  ship, 
conveniently  heard  :  and  at  a  proper  distance  he  sat  down,  and  taught  the  multitude  out  of 

the  vessel. 

4  And  when  he  had  made  an  end  of  speaking  to  the  peoyile,  he  said  to  Simon,  Put  out  yet  ^^  Jow  ^when  ^'^^^had  left 
further  into  the  deep  water,  and  then  let  down  i/our  nets  into  the  lake /or  a  draught  of  fishes,  ilaunch  out  into  the  deep,' 

5  And  Simon  answering  said  unto  him.  Master,  we  have  been  labourvw  all  night,  and  have  ^"^^,i'ht*'°"'"  y°"''  °^'^ '°'"  * 
caught  nothing:  nevertheless,  I  will  let  down  the  net,  and  make  another  trial  o^  thi/  word,    "s^lnd    Simon   answering 

6  both  in  obedience  to  it,  and  in  dependence  on  it.  Aiul  accordingly  when  they  had  done  ^aid^  Jjpto^  alUhe'^nf  hT'  and 
it,  they  inclosed  a  great  multitude  of  fishes;  so  that  their  net  brake  in  several  places  as  they  have  taktn ''nothi'ng'f  n'e?er- 

7  were  drawing  them  up.  And  they  beckoned  to  their  partners  James  and  John,  ivho  were  J]Jf|';ft,fg'  ^^^  ^'''°'''^  ^  ^^'"  '"^^ 
at  some  distance  from  them  in  the  other  vessel,  to  come  and  assist  them  ;  and  they  came  and     6^And*%vhen  they  had  this 

filled  both  the  vessels,  so  that  they  ivere  overloaden,  and  drew  so  much  water  that  they  fn°u"it!tud?of*fishef  f  andfhdJ 
seemed  ready  to  sink.  net  brake. 

8  Now  Simon  Peter,  seeing  [this\fell  doivn  before  the  knees  of  Jesus  in  amazement,  and,  ,/i,>^p°a1.t!,e%,  which  wer"e"in 
covered  with  confusion,  said.  Lord,  what  am  I,  that  thou  shouldst  come  into  my  vessel  to  the  other  ship,  that  they 
me  ?  Let  me  entreat  thee  now  to  go  out  from  me ;  for  I  am  such  a  sinful  man,  O  Lord,<^  And''\heTcame,  ^In^  'fiflTd 
that  I  am  utterly  unworthy  to  receive  and  entertain  thee,  nor  dare  I  to  continue  in  the  both  the  ships,  s'o  that  they 

9  presence  of  so  great  and  holy  a  prophet.  For  this  amazing  proof  that  Jesus  had  now  '"^s^when'simon  Peter  saw 
given  of  his  power  was  such,  that  astonishment  seized  him  and  all  that  ivere  with  him,  on  it,  he  tell  down  at  Jesus' 

10  account  of  the  vast  draught  cf  fishes  which  they  had  taken  :  And  in  like  manner  also  James  me'^^^VorYam'a^mtill'  mal" 
and  John,  the  sons  of  Zebedee,  who  ivere  partners  in  the  trade  ^vith  Simtm,  were  struck  o  Lord. 

with  wonder  and  amazement  at  tlie  sight  of  this  surprising  miracle.  And  Jesus  said  to  ^^^^  au'ihat^v^r?w^ll'him.*at 
Simon,  ]}o  not  fear;  for,  instead  of  doing  thee  any  harm,  \  from  this  time  design  to  the  draughtofthe  fishes  which 
employ  thee  in  "much  nobler  work,  in  which  I  will  give  tliee  such  happy  success,  that  thou  ^  lo  And'so^"a.r  also  James 
shall  captivate  men^  in  greater  abundance  than  those  fishes  which  thou  now  hast  caught,     and  John,  the  sons  of  Zebe- 

11  And  when  they  had  brought  their  vessels  to  land,  they,  (that  is,  first  Peter  and  Andrew,  sfmo^I"'^And  jlfus'sTid  iTnto 
and  presently  after  them,  James  and  John,  who  were  mending  their  broken  nets  with  .Simon  Fear  not;  from  hence- 
Zebedee  their  father,  upon  Christ's  repeating  the  call,)  Itft  their  vessels  and  nets,  with  the  °i\  And^  when''"they'^"had 
fish  they  had  taken,  even  all  they  had  in  the  world,  and  followed  him ;  being  now  deter-  jrought  their  ships  to  land, 
mined  to  attend  statedly  upon  his  ministry,  that  they  might  thus  be  fitted  for  the  great  lum.  °^^°°  ^  ''*" 

work  in  which  he  intended  to  employ  them. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  10     How  wonderful  a  choice  does  Jesus  make  of  those  who  were  to  be  the  chief  ministers  in  his  kingdom  !  Surely 
11  the  same  divine  power  which  prevailed  on  these  honest  fishermen  to  leave  their  little  all  to  follow  him,  could  with 
equal  ease  have  subdued  the  hearts  of  the  greatest  and  wisest  of  the  nation,  and  have  engaged  them  to  have 
attended  him  in  all  his  progress  through  the  country,  with  the  exactest  observance  and  the  humblest  reverence : 
but  he  chose  rather  to  preserve  the  humble  form  in  which  he  at  first  appeared,  that  thus  he  might  answer  the 
schemes  of  Providence,  and  by  the  weak  things  (f  the  world  confound  them  that  are  mighty.     (1  Cor.  i.  27.) 
4>  5      Yet  we  may  observe  that  he  does  not  go  to  call  them  that  stood  all  the  day  idle  ;  but,'  on  the  contrary,  confers 
this  honour  upon  honest  industry ;  on  them  that  had  been  toiling  all  the  night  in  the  proper  duties  of  their  station 
and  profession  in  life.     Let  us  pursue  our  business  with  vigilance  and  resolution  ;  assuring  ourselves  that,  how- 
ever mean  it  be,  Christ  will  graciously  accept  us  in  it;  and  let  us  fix  our  dependence  on  his  blessing,  as  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  our  success. 
These  pious  fishermen  let  down  their  nets  at  Christ's  word,  and  it  was  not  in  vain.     How  vast  was  that  power 
6  which  brought  such  a  7nulfitude  of  fishes  into  it !  but  how  much  greater  and  more  apparently  divine  was  the 
energy  which,  by  the  ministration  of  one  of  these  illiterate  men,  converted  at  once  a   much  greater  number  of 
souls,  and  turned  the  despisers  and  murderers  of  Christ  into  his  adorers  !     (See  Acts  ii.  41.) 

ufhf  r!^l'™h'"''  (S^*  Jon<'5's.^'"'^»>n"o«  <\f  Matthew,  p  ill,  lie.)  This  there  were  delightful  gardens  on  the  banks  of  it,  which  possibly  might 
hiifri«^Mr«™  ;,,''".  ui.l^!!°''^  J.  ^?''.^  '"*''*'  transposed  not  only  Luke,    be  the  reason  of  this  name,  which  some  would  have  to  be  derived  from 

itices ;  though  others  rather  think  it  to  be  only 

"  nnereth,  or  Citmerol/i,  which  is  the  jiame  by 

the  Old  Testament.  (Numb,  xxxiv.  11.  aud 

IS  a  ni<irin<r  ctnr,,  hr„,«  <i.  *     f    i         i,         ,    .  —     — -    — '    "   .arge  Collection  of  waters,  through  which  the 

haveinthpnrrr?Hi^^.  ^'  °^  '>><!  calling  of  these  disctples,  ^bich  \ye  river  Jordan  passed,  and  was  continually  supplying  it  with  a  fresh 
ofclona/  C  ,1,  ,?,f  /?;/'".',•'''','  ^^^y  '■"'i^.t  <*"'  '■?"«d  only  to  an  quantity  of  water.  Josephus  tells  us  it  was  an  i;uhdred  and  forty  fur- 
acSsce  in  thir^nr  .lf»lli„  •  ''"*^"''a"«  ""  ^.h'lst.  But  I  could  not  lonss  long,  and  forty  broad.  (Joseph,  de  Dell.  Jnd.  Iih.  iii.  cap.  K).  [al. 
?TuSnces   l'/;?L«  in  ti^  reasons :  1    There  are  many  leading    18.]  5  7.  p.  257.  Bavercamp.)    And  it  was  usual  with  the  Jews  to  call 

PeteT^AndrL  TaZZ  »nH  r.*  fo  ",';  "^  \°-^^' '  ^  ""  instance,  that  such  places  seas  where  there  was  such  a  large  extent  of  water.  See 
jSfi^^  or   as  LukfAnrpd/ff  /i/z'^/^'r'  i^""'Jl"'."' '"'"',  .an'<  '/'«'>    Lightfoot's  Harmvnv,  and  Drusius,  in  he. 

X    L%voutdmake  thim   ft^Al;/-5""*°  <^  "■'  brother   Andrew.]    'Ihe  name   of  Andrew  is  omitted  by  St. 

of  the  storv  we  have  nnvv  h»t^^^^  "•   ^^^'\  l'  ""  c""cumstance    Luke  in  the  relation  that  he  gives  us  of  this  story  ;  but  it  is  plain,  from 

the  other^^as  ?he  X  Hve  re^Hpr'Ji'l''^''  ""^^  "°1''^  reconciled  with  the  account  of  it  that  we  ha?e  just  now  had  from  .Matthew  and  Marie 
especalTv'onvei  11  where  fit  in  m,^'  l^l""'"'^  ^V  my  paraphrase,  in  the  foregoing  section,  that  Andrew  was  then  present  with  Simon, 
rFew  tvordrto  sli lesrthe  .nh,   nn^f-"^  ^^"  "?^'^  ^  >*''^  .•^''"^<="  *"    and  that  they  both  were  called  at  the  same  time. 

acToun%"o1  cte's'cXnriheref^  ^OeZ^Z  i:;e^r'l  J^^  a  sinM  man,  O  Lord.l    Peter  could  not 

friends  of  Maf  hew  to   a^  «»w  XnH»5»''r  persons  and   mtmiate    but  conclude  there  was  some  peculiar  presence  of  God  with  a  person 

„„""_".  '"?".^_^'^_i^     a    S  ated    attendance    on    him.      And,    4.  There     who  rm, 1,1    nerfnrm    ....rh  »  mi  V..,,.!.  •    =.nH    a    ,-nn..rin,.>;ne«    nf    sin    ma,U 


ne.t  day  after  those  c»r«  v^h  ch    0  di  eSy  folio  ved  thafcM  o^hZ    IT-'^'^^f.  'f^  ^"""'T''  "'°."^'^k*  ".""P^OP"''  and  unsafe(where  it  could 
disciples  which  is  related  by  those  two  evange  is  ^  See  note  k  on  fc    f.ff  t"'^''2  ^'^  f""*  ""'"  *",  ^^  "I  "'1  '^'"*^  ''".P  "'"'  '"'''■'.''H'  *"*  "" 

'•  iJU  i^/rGZ^^irsy^i^?^  ii^^t^f  Sm^":nf=^K?^^^iii;:n^^'i^:-^tx^ v^rwitr^H.*^?  i^z 
caiieL'^/,/,.7{/Vs^^^^  ii'^l;er"oi/r?o?'r^p""T4'"^ ""  ■'"'  ^'™"='  '"''""""■  "'' 

of'(^:i?L'.';*^^;;'f^  y''^;!KrerTas"fa%^oti\^h:''^e'L\'e?^^  P^'ousli^-c^'^^'^-^A^'^   is  the  exact   English  of  ^„,p„. 

tor  Its  oth^r  name.  Geiinesa^^th/S  Werte-Lc^<'nlar'4 


more 
require. 


TWO  MIRACLES  PERFORMED  AT  CAPERNAUM.  73 

Blessed  Jesus !  we  would  humbly  bow  ourselves  before  thee  as  the  Lord  of  nature  and  of  grace  ;  and,  instead   SECT, 
of  savino-  with  Peter,  Depart  fro7?i  us,  for  we  are  sinful  men,  we  would  rather  say,  "  Lord,  for  that  very  reason,      34. 

while' we' own  ourselves  most 'unworthy  of  thy  presence,  we  most  importunately  entreat  it:  Come  unto  me,  O 

Lord,  for  I  am  a  sinful  man  ;  and  if  thou  starid  at  a  distance  from  me,  I  perish !   Come,  and  recover  my  heart   luke 
from  t'he  tyranny  of'sin  ;  come,  and  possess  and  fix  it  for  thyself !"  '^'• 

That  secret  power  which  these  good  men  felt  on  their  souls  while  the  words  of  Christ  were  sounding  in  their  9, 10 
ears,  would  be  to  them  a  token  for  good  as  to  the  success  of  their  ministry  upon  others.     Surely  we  cannot  wish 
any  thing  of  greater  importance  for  the  edification  of  the  church,  than  that  the  persons  who  are  employed  in  its 
pu^ijlic  offices  may  themselves  experimentally  know  the  power  of  divine  grace,  and  be  brought  to  a  determination 
to  follow  Christ  whithersoever  he  goeth,  before  they  undertake  to  invite  and  persuade  others  to  do  it. 


SECTION  XXXV. 

Christ  enterin"  into  Capernaum,  teaches  ia  the  synagogue,  and  casts  out  a  devil ;  and  coming  into  Peter's  house,  cures  liis  mother-in-law  of  a 
fever.    Mark  i.  21—31.    Matt.  viii.  14,  15.    Luke  iv.  33—39. 

■  n.  Mark  i.  21. 

Mark  i.  21. 
AND  tliey  went  into  Caper-  WHEN  our  Lord  had  thus  called  Peter  and  Andrew,  and  James  and  John,  tfiej/  all  left  sect. 
naum :  and  strais/htway  on  ^he  side  of  the  lake,  and  entered  with  him  into  the  city  of  Capernaum  ;  and  imniediatelt/     35. 

the  sabbath-day  he  eitered  m-  .  ,,      ,     7         '       •  i-  1  •  1  ■    j.     j.l  j.     j.         lj.  rt.i      "n 

to  the  synagogue,  and  taught.  071  the  Sabbath-day,^  going,  according  to  his  custom,  into  the  synagogue,  he  taught  [Wew  J 

the  important  truths  whi'ch  he  was  in  so  extraordinary  a  manner  commissioned  to  vindi-  mark 
22  And  they  were  astonish-  cate,  or  to  reveal.     And  they  were  again  struck  nnth  amazement^  at  the  sublimity  and  ^o^' 
tau  M  thlm'^S^o'nrtharh^  excellency  of  his  doctrine,  for  he  loo.v "continually  teaching  them  in  such  a  manner  as  one 
au"hority?™and  ° not  as  the  who  had  an  immediate  authoritii  from  God  to  dictate  to  them ;  and  not  as  the  scribes,  their 
sc'ibes.  established  teachers,  who  dealt 'in  precarious  traditions  and  fanciful  allegories, — the  amuse- 

ment of  light  minds,  but  utterly  unfit  to  alarm  the  conscience,  and  to  captivate  the  heart. 
s  ■na^o-'ue  ^there 'wi"a'man      -^^^  there  was  in  their  si/nagogue  a  7nan  that  had  the  spirit  of  an  unclean  demon,'^  or  fallen   luke 
which  iiad  a  spirit  of  an  un-  angel,  possessing  him,  by  which  he  was  miserably  distorted  and  agitated  ;  and  he,  either     i"*- 
wftif  a^loud  vo^e,''[Mark'i!  Compelled  to  bear  an  unwilling  testimony  to  Christ,  or  desirous  by  malicious  praises  to  33 
£3.]  '  '  bring  him  into  suspicion  as  a  confederate  with  those  infernal  spirits,  ciied  out  with  a  loud 

what1mve"we^todo"witl!ti"|p!  voice,  Sui/ing,  in  the  name  of  all  the  rest.  Let  ?/.s  alone ;  what  hast  thou  to  do  with  us,  O  34 
t/im  Jesus  of  Nazareth  ?  Art  Jesus  of  Nazareth  ?  Art  thou  come  to  destroy  us,  by  driving  us  out  of  our  abodes  on  earth, 
kZvTel  wVthou  ■''art ! 'the  to  the 'regions  of  darkness?  /well  know  thee,  and,  under  all  the  disadvantages  of  thy 
Holy  une  of  God.  [Mark  i.  present  appearance,  can  sufficiently  discern  tvho  thou  art ;  and  therefore  dread  thee  as  the 
^*^  And  Jesus  rebuked  him,  Holy  One  of  God,  whom  he  hath  sanctified  and  sent  into  the  world  for  the  destmction  of 
saying.  Hold  thy  peace,  and  niv  kingdoiTi  in  it ;  but  take  notice  that  I  do  not  begin  the  quarrel  by  offering  thee  any 

come  out  ot  hiin.    And  when   ■    '•  /r       . 

the  devil  had  thrown  him  in  mjury  Or  atlront.  .  t,       w 

the  midst,  [anrf  to"""  him,]  he      But  Jcsus,  scoming  praises  from  so  impure  a  mouth,  rebuked  him,  saying.  Be  silent,  and  35 
came  out  of  hini,'and '  hurt  eome  out  of  him  ;  ctud,  upon  this,  the  demon  having  thrown  him  violently  from  his  seat 
'''M^k' ■ '""-"a 'd"d  "^■■'-      *"'"  ^^^  midst  of  the  assembly,  \and\  having  terriWy  convulsed  him,^   cried  ivith  a  loud 
all  amazed,"  insomucVi  "hS  voice,  [and'\  Came  out  of  lum  ;  but  was  so  restrained  by  the  divine  power  and  mercy,  that 
they  quebtioned^mons  them-  ]^g  f/j^  /,j„,  ,,0  further  harm  ;^  and  the  man  immediately  recovered,  and  was  perfectly  well. 
thisrwS'"new  doctrine  fs      And  they  were  all  exceedingly  amazed  at  so  miraculous  a  cure,  so  that  they  iiiquired  of  mark 
''owerUommantoh'he  even  ^cich  other,  and  Said,   What  an 'extTcLOrdmsxy  evcut  is  this?  [and^  what  a  new  and  unex-       I- 
th'e"'unc\e°a"n"sph-ifs,  andthly  ampled  doctrine  is  this?  for  behold  he  does  not  only  distinguish  himself  by  his  incom-  2' 
['Lu'keiv'''.36']'^*'"'' ^°"^^  °"*'''  parable  manner  of  teaching,  but  with  majestic  authority  and  efficacious  potver  he  com- 

28  "^And  immediately  his  numdeth  even  the  unclean  spirits,  and  they  instantly  obey  hitn,  and  come  out  of  the  possessed, 
otiTali'Srreo'ionToun'd  about  showing  thereby  that  they  are  subject  to  him.     And  'his  fame  was  so  raised  by  this  signal  28 
Galilee,  [into  every  place  of  miracle^  that  it  Went  forth  immediately  through  all  the  region  of  Galilee,  and  made  way 
[Lukriv"':^.]  ™"°'*   »bout.]  fQj.  jjjg  reception  in  the  progress  he  afterwards  took  into  every  place  of  the  neighbouring 

29  And    forthwith,    when  country. 

svn^ag^ffue  therentoef  into      And  presently  after  this  miraculous  cure,  Jesus  going  out  of  the  synagogue  with  his  dis-  29 
the  house  of  Simon  and  An-  ciplcs,  they  Came,  with  James  and  John  in  their  company,  into  the  house  of  Simon  and 
''Vfeut'sinwr^vil-e's^mo-  Andrew,  who,  being  brothers,  did  then  live  together:    And  Simons  wife's  mother  was  30 
ther  lay  sick  of  aFgreat]  fever;  dangerously  ill,  and  A"e/j^  her  bed^  of  a  violent  fever ;  and  having  seen  the  miracle  which 
[^dXsoS'him'for^^heni  he  had  wrought  but  just  before  in'the  synagogue,  they  presently  tell  him  of  her,  and  en- 
[Luke  iv  3^.]        r    .  ,     ,  treated  him  that  he  would  be  pleased  to  interpose  for  her  recoveiy.     And  coming  into  the  31 
o4i  he"  ]  andTok  her  by  the  Toom  where  she  lay,  and  standing  near  her,  he  took  'her  by  the  hand,  and  raised  her  up  in  her 
tii'nd,  and  lifted  her  up;  [and  bed,  and,  with  an  air  of  majesty,  rebuked  the  fever,?  arid  immediately  the  fever  left  her  at 
media^tely  t^he  fiver  let^  he^  once :  and  she  was  instantly  restored  to  such  a  degree  of  strength,  that  she  arose  and 
an^d  she  [arose,  and]  minis-  located  uvou  them ;  being  so  far  fi-om  needing  the  assistance  of  others,  as  she  had  done 
39™Matt!'viii.  14^15.]'"  ^  '^'  before,  that  she  became  capable  of  taking  her  part  in  the  business  of  the  family. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Justly  may  we  join  our  astonishment  with  that  of  the  inhabitants  of  Capernaum,  and  say,  What  manner  of  mark 
teaching  is  this?  and  with  what  regard  should  it  be  received,  when  the  devils  themselves,  and  the  most  desperate      I- 
diseases,  are  thus  apparently  subject  to  him  that  uses  it? 

a  Atid  immediately  on  the  sahhath-day .'\    It  is  in  the  original  T019  vincing  proof  on  the  side  of  it.     It  is  most  incredible  that  an  evangelist 

traS/3a<Ttv,  in  the  plural  number  ;  and  it  is  frequently  expressed  in  the  should   have  been  left  to  ascribe  this  man's  disorder  to  the  spirit  of  an 

same  manner  where  it  is  plainly  to  be  understood  of  a  particular  day,  unclean  demon,  if  it  were  only  lunacy  or  the  falling-sickness  ;  or  that  a 

as  Matt.  xii.  1.  xxviii.  1.  Acts  xiii.  14.  and  elsewhere.  There  is  no  doubt  physician  of  common  sense  should  speak  of  it  as  a  memorable  circum- 

but  it  is  spoken  here  of  the  neii  sahhath,  and  probably  of  the  very  next  stance,  that  such  a  distemper  did  not  hurt  a  man  by  leavinK  him  :  see 

datj  after  his  coming  back  with  his  disciples  to  Capernaum  ;  see  note  k,  ver.  35. — 1  retain  the  word  demon,  as  the  epithet  unclean  seems  to  have 

on  Mark  i.  18.  p.  72.  little  force  when  joined  with  devil,  being  necessarily  implied  in  it. 

b  I'hey  were  again  slriici-  aith  amazement.']  It  has  already  been  d  Haring  X^rrWAy  convulsed  him .'\  This  seems  to  be  the  proper  mean- 
observed,  that  they  were  thus  amazed  at  his  first  coming  to  preach  ing  of  the  word  (jTrapafar  that  is  used  by  Mark  here,  which  signihes  to 
among  them,  (Luke  iv.  32.  %  33.)  and  there  seems  also  to  have  been  shake  or  move  witli  violence :  and  to  this  purpose  Grotius  has  obseryea, 
something  in  the  discourses,  as  well  as  in  the  miracles,  of  this  last  sab-  that  o-7rapa7Mo?  is  sometimes  used  to  signify  a  convulsion.  And  it  is 
bath  that  he  spent  among  them  at  this  time,  which  raised  their  wonder,  much  more  natural  to  understand  it  thus,  than  to  suppose  the  dej  11  to 
and  affected  them  in  a  peculiar  manner ;  as  appears  from  the  multitude  have  torn  him,  (according  to  the  common  translation,)  which  leads  ine 
oi  sick  people  \\\nc\\  were  brought  to  him  that  evening.  See  Mark  i.  32,  reader  to  imagine  that  he  grievously  7iOK?/rfcrf  A/m,  when  Luke  expressly 
33.  Luke  iv.  40.  and  Matt.  viii.  16.  in  the  next  section.  says  that  he /iwr^ /r(;n  710?.                                                                   ex 

c   The  spirit  rf  an  nnclean  demon.]     It   is  well    known   that  a  late  e  Did  him  no  further /larm.]    This   is  properly  the  sense   or  I^Vdev 

learned  and  ingenious  writer  hath  revived  the  notion  long  since  main-  aXa-^av  avrov;  for  while  the  convulsion  continued,  """'*', "^^PJ,'"*'! 

tained   by   Mr.   Joseph   Mede   and    Dr.   Bekker,  that   these   supposed  some  pain,  and  might  have  been  attended  with  lasting  disoraer,  naa  not 

demoniacs  were  only  lunatics  or  epileptics  :  but  on  the  most  impartial  the  restraining  and  healing  power  of  Christ  prevented, 

perusal  of  what  has  passed  between  him  and  his  learned  antagonists,  I  f  Kept  her  ied.]    This  seems  the  proper  meaning  or  tne  woro  Karf- 

am  fully  convinced  that  there  is  no  sufficient  reason  for  departing  from  Keiro.                                                       ,  ,           .               ■     „.  ;„  ti,„  „,.,« 

the  received  interpretation;  and  I  should  think  this  story  alone  a  con-  g  Rebided  the  fever.']    There  could  be  no  inconvenience  in  tne  eian- 


NUMEROUS  CURES  PERFORMED  AT  CAPERNAUM. 

We  see  the  malice  of  Satan  in  possessing  and  tormenting  the  bodies  of  men.     God  then  permitted  it,  to  render 
^^35.     Christ's  triumph  over  him  so  much  the  more  illustrious,  and  the  appearance  of  that  great  Deliverer  so  much  the 

L-  niore  welcome.''     Such  diabolical  operations  as  these  are  now  restrained ;  and  it  is  matter  of  great  thankfulness 

LUKE   that  they  are.     But  would  to  God  that  malignant  enemy  did  not,  in  a  yet  more  fatal  manner,  possess  the  souls  of 

i\'-     men,  and  ivork  in  the  children  of  disobedience  I    Yet  there  can  the  power  of  Jesus  prevail  to  bind  the  strong  man, 

^^  and  spoil  Im  goods.  ,  .  .  .  j       •      ■       „    ,      , 

34  35      Wisely  did  Christ  silence  the  suspicious  praises  of  an  unclean  spirit;  and  vain  is  all  the  hope  which  men 

'       build  merely  on  those  orthodox  professions  of  the  most  important  truths,  in  which  Satan  himself  could  vie  with 

MARK       Christ  returnino-  from  the  synagogue,  finds  the  mother-in-law  of  Peter  detained  from  the  solemn  assemblies,  a 

I.      prisoner  at  home^under  an  afflictive  providence,  which  that  circumstance  of  confinement  probably  rendered  yet 

29  30  more  afflictive  to  her.     But  the  mercy  which  the  evening  brought  with  it  was  a  rich  equivalent  for  all  the  sorrows 

'  31  of  the  day.     Jesus,  their  welcome  guest,  appears  as  the  great  Physician  both  of  soul  and  body  ;  a  touch  of  his 

hand  assuages  the'tumult  in  her  veins,  and  at  his  voice  the  distemper  leaves  her.     Surely,  as  the  great  Lord  in  the 

kino-dom  of  providence,  he  performs  those  cures  which  are  now  wrought  by  natural  means,  and  is  to  be  owned 

LUKE   in  them.     Must  not  each  of  us  thankfully  acknowledge  how  often  he  hath  rebuked  fevers  and  other  distempers  by 

IV.     the  skill'  of  physicians,  and  the  efflcacy  of  medicines ;  so  that  they  have  departed  from  us  perhaps  when  we 

39  esteemed  them  desperate,  and  had  received  the  sentence  of  death  in  ourselves. 

Let  us  learn  to  imitate  the  pious  gratitude  of  this  good  woman  ;  who,  when  recovered,  immediately  arose  and 
ministered  unto  Christ.  Thus  let  it  be  our  care  that  those  lives  which  are  spared  by  his  goodness,  and  that  strength 
which  is  renewed  by  his  power,  may  be  faithfully  and  affectionately  devoted  to  his  service. 

SECTION  XXXVI. 

Christ  havin"  performed  several  cures  on  the  evening  of  the  sabbath  day,  retires  earlv  the  ne,\t  morning  to  his  devotions  ;  and  declining  a  lon^rer 
abode  at  Capernaum,  talces  a  circuit  about  Galilee,  preaching  and  worliing  miracles.  Mark  i.  32 — 39.  Luke  iv.  40,  to  the  end.  Matt.  viii. 
]6,  17.  and  iv.  23,  to  the  end. 

Mark  i.  32.  3^1^ „j.  j.  ^o 

SECT.  THE  remainder  of  the  day  Jesus  spent  in  Peter's  house  ;  (ind  in  the  evening  when  the  sun  and  at  even,  when  the  sun 
36.     was  set,  and  conse(}uently  the  sabbath  was  ended,"  thei/  brovght  wito  him,  on  their  beds  }jj^  '«/,•  th^;7,,,ei°''aiseMed" 


and  couches 


3S,  which  they  scrupled  before  to  carry,''  all  that  were  ill,  and  man>/  that  were  and  [many]  that  were  pos- 

mark  possessed  with  devils :   Yea,  all  that  had  «?»/  persons  in  their  houses  sick  of  various  distem-  i6!'Lul^e'iV?4o.'f'  ^ ■^'''"- '"'• 

^•„„  pers,  brought  them  unto  him  for  relief:  and  he  sent  none  of  them  away  with  a  denial,  but     Luke  iv.  40.  .All  they  that 

^^  with  a  sovereign  authority  cast  out  the  \evii:\  spirits  icifh  a  word :  and  treating  those  that  eSerbmTffhtThem  unto'"him'- 

LUKE   were  diseased  in  the  most  gracious  and  compassionate  manner,  he  laid  his  hands  on  even/  and  he  [cast  out  the  spirits 

^^-     one  of  them,  and  healed  all  that  were  sick,  without  the  use  of  any  means,  how  inveterate  hands  oVevery 'one  ot^ them! 

40  and  desperate  soever  their  distemper  was  :  That  thus  it  might  appear  to  be  accomplished  in  and  healed  [ailthat  were  sick  ] 
MATT,  some  measure  rvhich  ivas  spoken  of  him  in  a  more  noble  and  important  sense  bi/  the  pro-  " Man." iVi.  17.  rhat'itniiJlit 
^'^^l.-    phet  Isaiah,'^  sai/ing,  (chap.  liii.  4.)  "  He  ^/wsf//"  graciously  took  our  infirmities  upon  him,  be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken 

^'  and  with  incredible  labour,  self-denial,  and  compassion,  'bore  [flway]  the  burden  of  our  in^„,   Hims'elf  t^'ooT'our^m" 

diseascf.,^  and  happily  delivered  us  from  those  miseries  which  our  corruption  and  depravity  fixities,  and  bare  our  sick- 

MARK  had  introduced."     And  this  occasioned  such  a  concourse  of  people,  that  in  a  manner  the  ""^M^k  i.  33.   And  all  the 

I-      whole  city  of  Capernaum  was  gathered  together  at  the  door  of  the  house  in  which  Jesus  J^ity  was  gathered  together  at 

33  was;  some  coming  as  humble" petitioners  for  themselves  or  their  friends,  and  others  as 

curious  spectators  of  the  surprising  miracles  he  wrought. 

LUKE       And  there  were  devils  also  that  came  out  of  many,  cn/ing  out  with  great  violence,  (as  that     Luke  iv.  41.    And  devils 

.  ^^-     before  had  done  which  had  been  cast  out  by  him'  in  "the"  synagogue,)  and  sai/imr,  as  that  f^f  nun*^aTd  saj' hit"^  i'hmi" 

41  other  did,  We  know  thee  who  thou  art,  the  promised  Messiah,  and  the  Soji  of  G^od.  But  art  Christ  the  .son  o'f  God. 
he  severely  chid  them,  and  did  not  suffer  them  to  speak  these  things  so  frequently  and  largely  ^^ed'thVm  not'to'splak'i^for 
as  they  would  otherwise  have  done;  for  they  well  knetu  that  he  was  the  Messiah:  but  as  they  knew  that  he  was  Christ, 
wise  reasons  made  him,  in  his  own  discourses,  often  to  decline  the  opportunities  he  had  ^^^■^'^^  '•  34-] 

of  expressly  avowing  that  title  and  character,  so  they  engaged  him  in  a  much  stronger  man- 
ner to  be  more  particularly  cautious  with  respect  to  evil  spirits,  of  receiving  it  from  them.« 
MARK       Thus  was  it  that  the  day  was  spent  in  preaching,  and  the  evening  in  working  miracles  :     stark  i.  35.    And  in  the 
^-      and  after  all  this  labour  and  fatigue,  Jesus  allowed  himself  but  a  very  short  repose ;  for  in  wh[i"'"fefo're'"Jay",''[when^1t 
35  the  morning  he  rose  before  it  was  light,^  and  as  the  day  was  coming  on,  he  went  out  of  the  was  day,]  he  went  out,  and 

gelist's  using  this  phrase,  more  than  in  saying  he  rebuked  the  winds  reckoned  their  day  from  evening  to  evening,  and  that  the  sabbath  begun 

and  sea,  (see   Watt.  viii.  26.')  for  it  is  hardly  to  be  thought  the  .Tews  and  ended  at  sun-set.  See  Lev.  xxiii.  .32. 

would  imagine  the  fever  a  real  person  ;  but  it  was  quite  otherwise  as  to  b  Which  they  scrupled  before  to  carry.]    We  have  a  memorable  in- 

their  notion  of  demons.  stance  of  this  scruple  in  .lohn  v.  11) — 16.  ;>  46. 

h  The  appearance  of  that  great  Deliverer  so  much  the  more  welcome.]  c  In    a  more  noble  and  important  sense  by  the  prophet  Isaiah.)    It 

It  would  be  very  foolish  to  imagine  that  God  suffered  these  unhappy  seems  evident  that  Isaiah,  in  the  place  here  refeired  to,  speaks  of  the 

persons  to  be  possessed,  merely  tliat  Christ  might  have  the  honour  of  sitfferings  which  Christ  endured  for  us:  for  on  account  of  these  only 

curivg  them :  but  it  is  to  be  considered  that  the  view  under  which  Christ  could  he  be  esteemed  (as  it  is  ad<led  in  the  end  of  the  verse)  stricken, 

IS  most  frequently  represented,  is  as  the  great  antagonist  to  the  prince  smitten  of  God,  and ajjiicted.    So  that  the  evangelist  has  only  introduced 

of  darkness,  and  the  gospel  has  its  foundation  in  the  victory  which  Satan  it  as  an  allusion  to  those  words,  as  being  capable  of  the  sense  here  given 

has  gained  over  mankind.   Compare  Gen.   iii.  15.   Matt.   xii.  28,  29.  in  themselves;  though  we  are  certainly  to  understand  them  in  a  more 

1  John  ni.  8.  Hcb.  ii.  14.  and  Kom.  xvi.  20.  (as  also  Matt.  vi.  13.  John  exalted   sense  when  we  consider  them  in  their  connexion.    Or  if  they 

xvii.  15.  Lph.  vi.  16.  and   1   John  ii.  13,  14.   iii.  12.  v.  18,  19.   in  all  should  be  understood  by  any  as  if  it  had  been  said,  "  Ihough  he  miracu- 

which   places  6  Troi/tjpor  seems  to  signify  the  wicked  one,  that  is,  the  iously  cured  our  diseases,  yet  he  was  thus  ungratefully  censured  ;"  it 

devil,   whose  powerful  influence  over  men  is  intimated  or  expressed  in  must  be  then  allowed  on  this  less  natural  interpretation,  that  Peter  uses 

each  ot  them:)  and   it  appears  trom  Wisd.  ii.  24.  that  the  Jews  before  them  allusively  when  he  applies  them  to  the  crucifixion  if  Christ,  as  hr. 

Christ  s  time  had  something  ot  this  notion,  and  considered  tlie  wicked  in  evidently  does,  1  Pet.  ii.  24.     Such  instances  are  frequent  in  the  sacred 

general   as  taking  part  with  the  devil :  the  words  are,  Ihrovgh  envy  of  writers  ;  and  they  are  elegances  and  beauties  rather  than  imperfections. 

the  devil  came  death  into  the  world,  and  they  that  do  hold  of  his  side  do  Had  it  been  arirucd  from  this  text  that  the  Messiah  must  have  healed  the 

find  It.     I  he  inspired  texts  above  show  that  the  expression  is  just ;  and  sick,  there  had  been  then  indeed  some  room  for  an  objection. 

It  was  certainly  on  this  account  a  most  wise  and  gracious  dispensation  d  Bore  auay  the  burilen  of  our  dhea>es.]    Grotius  has  well  observed 

to  permit  the  devil  about  this  tirne  to  give  some  unusual  proofs  of  his  the  emphasis  of  the  word  t/Ja'surTev,  which  signifies,  to  carry  a  heavy 

existence,  power,  and  malice,   in  thus  attacking  men's  hodies ;  which  /rarf,  (Kom.  xv.  1.  Gal.  vi.  2.)  and  sodoes  wellexpressthe  indefatiKable 

would  naturally  convince  them  what  a  dangerous  enemy  he  was  to  their  labours  of  Christ,  spending  the  evening  in  healinn  the  sick,  probably  witli 

souls,  and  what  need  they  had  ot  the  patronase  of  Christ;  as  the  sensi-  many  intermin?led  discourses,  after  he  had  emploved  the  day  in pre«fA- 

ble  victory  of  Christ  lu  these  dispossessions  wimU  be  a  proot  and  speci-  ino.    I  have  endeavoured  to  sugL'est  this  idea  in  the  paraphrase, 

men  ot  that  illustrious  and  complete  triumph  over  him  and  hisconfede-  e  Cautious  of  receiving  it  from  them.]     It  is  probable  that  if  it  was 

rate  powers  in  which  ok/-  Lords  mediatorial  kingdom  is  to  end.     No  not  by  mere  constraint  that  these  evil  spirits  made  this  confession,  it  was 

kind  of  miracles  therefore  could  be  more  fit  to  attest  his  mission,  and  to  (as  was  hinted  before  on  Luke  iv    33   p   73  )  with  an  artful  design  to 

promote  his  iriterest  among  men  ;  and  hence  it  is  that  hardly  any  are  brinsr  our  Lord  into  suspicion  as  actins  in  confederacy  with  them  :  and 

I"''™  ii''l^"f"_iV;yr.? '.''.'■' ""Pi??* ',*l:Y  ,??'^"^^j~^'"".^'=',"?  a.suthcient  the  perverse  Pharisees  might  perhaps  lay  hold  of  (his  occasion  of  fixing 

not  cast  out 

This  does 
mention  or  tne  injernai  powers  in  our  preaching,  now  rasliionable  soever    suthciently  express  the  sense  of  the  ori^inil-  for  i^wncov  Xiav  does  pro- 
such  omissions  may  grow.  .,,.,.  ,,    ,  .,,,,_,  P<''rh  f^'i;pii'y,  when  the  night  was  very  rar  advanced,  or  when  it  was  yet 
A  When  the  sabbaih  was  emied.]    It  is   well   known  that  the  Jews   rfec/i /»57«;  and  either  of  these  interpretations,  in  this  connexion,  implies 


CHRIST'S  JOURNEY  THROUGHOUT  GALILEE.  75 


departed  into  a  solitary  place,  liouse  where  he  had  lodged,  to  avoid  the  concourse  of  the  jieople,  or  any  interruption  from  SECT, 
and  tlieie  prayed.   [Liike  iv.  ^j^g  family,  and  privately  departed  to  a  desert  place  in  the  neighbourhood  ;  and  thei^e  prayed     36. 
to  his  heavenly  Father  in  secret,  pouring  out  his  soul  in  the  most  copious  and  affectioriate 


manner.  mark 

36  And  Simon,  and  they      And  when  the  day  was  something  advanced,  and  crowds  of  people  came  to  inquire  after       ^• 
"rt'rliim  '^"''  '^''"'  '°"°"'^'^  him,  Simon  Peter,  and  they  that  were  luith  him,  (who  have  been  already  mentioned  as  36 

his  partners  and  companions,)  guessing  where  Jesus  was,  went  out  axid  folhnucd  after  him. 
fofmd^Mm,'\he"v  sakT  unto  And  when  they  had  found  him  at  his  private  devotions,  thei/  said  unto  him,  Master,  the  37 
him,  All  ?nen  seek  for  thee      providence  of  God  calls  tliec  now  to  more  public  service;  for  all  the  people  of  the  city  are 
sougM  him!'and'camrunto  assembled  yonder,  and  are  seeking  after  thee.s 
idm.  and  stayed  him,  that  he      jind  what  they  Said  was  immediately  ctnfirmed  ;  for  the  multitudes  sought  after  him   luke 

Siark"°!  ssl^AnT'he  sidd  with  SO  nuich  diligence,  that  they  traced  the  steps  of  Peter  and  his  companions,  and  while      IV. 
unto  them,  let  us  go  into  the  they  were  Speaking,  came  even  to  the  place  in  which  they  had  found  him  ;  and  they  would  42 
th'e'realsotfoV''[iimis\  preach  fain  have  detained  him  a  while,  and  pleaded  in  a  very  importunate  manner  that  he  should 
the  kinsdomof  Ood  to  other  „^,^  devurt  from  them.     But  they  could  not  prevail :  and  he  said  to  them  that  were  his  con-  mark 

cities  also ;  tor  therefore  am  r^      •',  -,    ,  t        .1      •    ,      _t/  ■    11         ■        j.  j^l    j.    t  j   ±1  t 

I  sent,]  therefore  camel  forth,  stant  attendants,  Let  US  go  directly  into  the  neighbouring  towns,  that  1  may  preach  there       i- 
'■^Matt'^ 'iv^' C3    And  lesus  "^•*'''  without  returning  back  to  Capernaum  at  present ;  for,  though  we  have  many  friends  38 
went  about  all  Galilee,  [and  and  well-wishers  there,  I  must  by  all  means  preach  the  kingdom  of  God  to  other  cities 
thei'rT  na"o"ues  anlfillch"  "^^"•'  ^"^  /'"'  ^''"^  purpose  I  am  Sent  into  the  world  by  my  Fatlier,  v(?ith  the  most  extensive 
ingThe^'go^slTelrf^thTkinsdom,  designs 'of  usefulness,  [aiuQ  therefore  I  came  forth  from  his  more  immediate  presence. 
sicknesT^'and  "all  manner  of      ^"'^  ^^^"^  Jesws'  took  a  Circuit  with  his  dis'ciples  through  all  Galilee,  teaching  in  their  matt. 
disease  'amon?   the  people.  synasoQucs,  wherever  he  had  an  opportunity,  and  preaching  the  good  news  of  the  kingdoyn     ^^• 
'■'^24  A'nd^'hVs"'^fam'e^went  which feod  was  about  to  crect ;  and  he  confirmed  and  illustrated  what  he  said,^  hy  casting  23 
throughout  all  Syria  :    and  out  devils,  and  healing  every  disease  and  every  malady  of  the  people  among  whom  he  came, 
sicif  p'eo^ple'^'that"  wereTaken      ^"^^  ^'^  /'"'"^  '^^"^  through  all  the  neighbouring  country  of  Syria ;  and  they  brought  to  24 
with  divers  diseases  and  tor-  him  from  theucc,  as  Well  as  from  nearer  places,  all,  that  is,  great  numbers  of  sick  people^ 
po^^essecT^vith^^devUs^,  ^''ILd  tli"t  ^'^'^''^  Seized  with  a  variety  of  distempers,  and  most  tormenting  and  incurable  pains,  even 
those  which  were  lunatic,  and  demoniacs,  and  lunatics,  and  paralytics  ;^  and  he  healed  them,  not  excepting  those  whose 
he^hea'ild  them'.'"'  ''^'^^ '  ''"'^  cascs  were  the  most  deplorable  and  helpless.     And  these  miraculous  cures,'  together  with  25 

C5  And  there  followed  him  his  excellent  manner  of  preaching,  rendered  him  so  popular,  that  great  multitudes  of  people 
hom  Gmll"'^!L\%m°^^tfolloived  all  the  towns'  of  Galilee,  and  from  the  region  of  Becapolis}  and  even 

capolis,  and /row  Jerusalem,  "from  Jerasrt/e/n,  and  the  Test  of  Judca,"^  and  all  \ the  country']  about  Jordan,"  looth  on  its 

and  from   Judea,    and  from  i.  j  »  i        i 

beyond  Jordan.  eastern  and  western  banks. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  delightfully  were  the  sabbaths  of  Christ  spent  in  the  midst  of  all  his  fatigues  !    How  pleasantly  did  the  mark 
sun  go  down  upon  him,  when  he  had  been  imitating  that  heavenly  luminair  in  his  steady  and  constant  course ;       I. 
scattering  a  brighter  light  and  more  beneficial  influences  upon  all  about  him  !  32,  33 

And  when  the  sabbath  had  been  spent  in  these  labours  of  piety  and  love,  how  happily  were  the  fruits  of  it  33 
carried  into  the  ensuing  week '.  The  first  morning  of  it,  that  it  might  be  most  pleasantly  and  most  profitably 
begun,  Jesus  rose  before  it  was  light,  that  he  might  enjoy  God  and  himself  in  religious  retirement.  It  surely 
becomes  us  sometimes  willingly  to  deny  ourselves  the  gratifications  of  sleep,  that  we  may  have  the  better  oppor- 
tunity for  devotion.  And  it  shovild  be  the  peculiar  care  of  those  who  are  employed  in  God's  public  service,  to 
cultivate  communion  with  him  in  private,  lest,  while  they  keep  the  vineyard  of  others,  their  own  be  neglected 
and  impoverished.  (Cant.  i.  6.) 

Our  Lord's  retirement  is  interrupted  by  the  peoi)le  who  came  to  inquire  after  him,  and  desired  to  have  detained   luke 
him  longer  among  them  :  and  who,  that  has  ever  known  the  pleasure  of  conversing  with  him,  would  not  desire     IV. 
that  it  might  be  longer  continued,  and  frequently  renewed?     But  in  this  instance,  their  request  must  be  denied  ;  42 
the  great  purposes  of  his  ministry  required  his  presence  elsewhere,  and  he  breaks  through  all  that  importunity 
which  would  have  broken  in  upon  his  schemes  of  usefulness :  a  resolution  which  we  must  learn  in  some  cases  to 
imitate,  if  we  would  prosecute  the  business  of  life  with  vigour  and  success.     Let  us  often  reflect  wherefore  we  43 
were  sent,  and  judge  by  that  where  God  would  have  us  to  be;  that  by  the  intimations  of  his  pleasure  every 
motion  may  be  regulated,  and  every  abode  determined. 

Wherever  Christ  removes,  he  still  goes  about  doing  good,  publishing  the  gospel,  and  confirming  it  by  the  most  matt. 
amazing  works  of  power  and  of  mercy.     How  well  were  these  miracles  suited  to  awaken  men's  attention,  and  to     IV. 
convince  their  consciences  of  his  divine  mission  !  Well  might  his  fame  go  over  the  whole  country :  may  it  extend  23—25 
itself  now  to  the  remotest  regions,  that  cdl  the  ends  of  the  earth  may  look  unto  him  and  be  saved,  (Isa.  xlv.  22.^ 
while  he  displays  a  healing  power  over  their  spirits  proportionable  to  that  which  he  here  exerted  on  their  bodies ! 

that  the  rfawwm^  (1/ </ie  rfaj/ was  near  at  hand.    And  thus  it  may  be  easily  a//  in  this  general  manner,  see  Mark  i.  37.  Luke  iii.  21.  John  iv.  29. 

reconciled  witJi  Luke  ;  for  'jevonevm  huepa^.  which  the  comn:ion  trans-  xiv.  26.  1  Cor.  ix.  22.  and  Phil.  ii.  21. 

lation  renders,  wkeu  it  was  day,  might  as  well  have  been  rendered,  as  k  E-uen  demoniacs,  and  lunatics,  and  paralytics.\  Possession,  mad- 

the  day  was  coming  on :  for  ^ei/owevtif  may  be  understood  (as  Grotius  ness,  and  the  palsy,  are  justly  reckoned  as  cases  of  great  misery  and 

has  observed)  not  only  as  expressive  of  the  time  that  is  already  come,  little  hope  ;  the  evangelist  therefore  pioperly  instanced  in  these.     It  is 

but  as  implying  what  is  wear  nt  hand,  or  what  is  forming  now,  and  an  evident  proof  that  these  were  thought  distinct  cases  ;  tor  the  different 

ready  to  approach.  (Compare  John  xiii.  2.  and  tlie  note  there,  <)  169.) —  readings  are  so  ill  supported  as  not  to  deserve  a  particular  mention. 

Some  have  mdeed  maintained  that  different  facts  are  referred  to  in  the  1  From  Decapolir.]    This  is  well  known  to  have  been  a  tiact  ot  land 

texts  of  Mark  and  Luke  before  us ;   the   former  referring  to  Christ's  on  the  east  side  of  the  sea  of  Galilee,  m  which  ten  cities  were  situated 

risinff,  the  latter  to  his  going  ovt ;  but  it  seems  that  Mark  connects  his  near  each  other,  and   formed  into  a  distinct  district.    It  formerly  be- 

going  out  so  immediately  with  his  rising,  that  no  stress  can  be  laid  on  longed  to  the  half-tribe  of  Manasseh. 

such  a  distinction.  m  From  Jerusalem  and  Judea.]    Hence  Sir  Isaac  Newton  concludes 

g  All  the  people  are  seeking  after  thee.]    It  is  very  likely  that  Peter  that  Christ  had  been  at  Jerusalem  at  his  secoud  passover  ;  and  that 

and  they  that  were  with  him,  warm  as  they  were  with  the  expectations  these  people  had  attended  him  from  thence.    (See  Newton  o«  Prophecy, 

of  a  temporal   kingdom,  might   think   this  a  very   favourable    oppor-  p.  151.)    The  circuit  described  above  might  indeed  have  been  the  ein- 

tunity  of  increasing  Christ's  popularity,  ou  which  those  hopes  were  i)loyment  of  four  months,  and  probably  took  up  most  ot  that  time  ;  but 

built.  Matthew  might  have  used  this  expression,  if  persons  who  came  from 

h  Confirmed  and  illustrated  what  he  said.]     It  is  iustly  and  beauti-  Jerusalem  followed  Christ  here,  though  he  himself  had  never  been  there 

fully  observed  by  the  author  of  a  late  U«jco!ineoM  Me  M«Vae/efo/C/i/-j.t?.  at  all.    On  the  whole,  however  ingenious  and  probable  the  hypothesis 

that  they  were  not  onlv  a  proof,  but  aspecimen,  of  the  power  he  claimed  of  this  learned  author  is,  it  is  liable  to  so  many  objections,  that,  on  the 

as  the  Messiah.    Thus"  his  giving  sight  to  the  blind  illustrated  his  power  maturest  deliberation,  I  durst  not  venture  to  build  upon  it  the  structure 

of  enlightening  the  prcjudicecl  minds  of  men  ;  his  healing  their  bodies  of  an  harmony,  entirely  different  from  that  ot  all  oths-r  commentators 

showed"  how  able  he  was  to  heal  their  souls,  and  was  a  specimen  of  his  except  Osiander,  which  (if  I  ndstake   not)  in  most  places  agrees  witli 

authority  to  forgive  sin,  as  it  was  in  part  an  actual  removal  of  its  punish-  his   maxims.    I  rather  choose  to  add   an  appemlix,  Z'?!"'^**",'- 'JS   ; "o 

ment ;  his  casting  out  devils  was  an  emblem  of  his  final  victory  over  order  in  which  the  sections  are  to  be  read  according  to  hiin  ;  wnicn  wiii, 

i^atan  ;  and  his  raising  particular  persons  from  the  dead  was  a  convincing  to  the  more  curious  part  of  my  readers,  be  sut^cl(;nt,  aiifi  wiii  ^•Y;"'^ 

display  of  his  power  to  accomplish  a  general  resurrection.  me  from  the  necessity  of  swelling  these  notes  in  such  a  manner  as  i  luusi 

1  All,  that  is,  great  numbers  of  sick  people.]    It  would  be  endless  to  otherwise  have  done.                                       ■      ik 

enumerate  the  texts  where  common  sense  requires  us  to  take  the  word  n  Aioul  Jordan.]    See  note  b,  on  Matt.  iv.  15.  p.  7U. 


CHRIST'S  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT. 
SECTION  XXXVII. 

Christ  be-'ins  his  sermon  on  the  mount,  with  the  beatitudes,  and  general  exhortations  to  exemplary  piety.    Matt.  v.  1—16. 

Matt.   v.    1.  Matt.  v.  l. 

or^r-T    4Nn  rr^wsl  in  his  circuit  throu2;h  Galilee,  aeeiinr  the  vast  Jimlt itudes  v/hich  flocked  and  seeing  the  multitudes, 

SECT.    JllMJ    |jts«-»,j    111    ■113    v.i^-u  -,  .       ■    p  .1,  1  1      .ii         1      1     J   he  went  up  nito  a  mountam : 

37.     around  him  from  all  parts,  thoucrht  it  proper  to  inform  them  more  largely  than  he  had  ^nd  when  he  was  set,  his  dis- 

hitherto  done  concerning  the  nature  of  his  doctrine  and  the  design  of  his  appearance,  that  ciples  came  unto  him : 

MATT,  he  might  correct  those  false  notions  of  the  Messiah's  kingdom »  which  so  generally  pre- 
^-     vailed^  and  which  would  prove  so  pernicious  to  those  who  were  governed  by  them.     He 
^  therefore  went  up  to  a  mountain,^  that  he  might  be  the  better  heard  by  the  crowds  which 
surrounded  him ;  and  when,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  Jewish  rabbies  in  their  ser- 
mons he  ims  set  'down  to  teach  them,"they  that  were  already  his  disciples,  and  others  that 

2  were  disposed  to  receive  information,  came  near  to  him.     And  opening  his  mouth,'^  with  an     2  And  he  opened  his  mouth, 
air  of  great  solemnitv,  to  intimate  the  importance  of  what  he  was  going  to  deliver,  he  '"'''  '"""*'*  "'''"'•  ^^^"'^' 
tausht'them  the  most" suitable  and  excellent  lessons.     And  as  happiness  was  the  great  end 

to  which  the  wisest  philosophers  undertook  to  conduct  their  hearers,  our  Lord  began  his 
discourse  with  several  weighty,  though  uncommon,  remarks,  as  to  the  surest  method  of 
obtaining  it :  saying,  .        j     .,        • 

3  You  naturally  conoratulate  the  rich  and  the  great ;  and  expect,  under  the  reign  ot  the  3  Blessed  are  the  poor  in 
Messiah,  to  be  advanced  to  wealth,  and  dignity,  and  power :  but  happy ^  are  the  poor  in  dom",;?  fa* n!''  "  ""^  '"°^' 
spirit «  tliose  humble  souls  that,  deejjly  conscious  of  their  ignorance  and  guilt,  can  quietly 

resign  to  divine  teachings  and  divine  disposals,  and  accommodate  themselves  to  the 
lowest  circumstances  which  Providence  shall  appoint  them  ;  for  howsoever  they  may  be 
despised  and  trampled  on  by  men,  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven ;  they  will  be  most 
likely  to  embrace  the  gospel,  and  they  alone  will  be  entitled  to  its  most  important  blessings 
for  time  and  eternity.  ,        ,     ,  ,  1*1, 

4  You  admire  the  gay  and  jovial  part  of  mankind,  and  please  yourselves  with  the  hopes  4  Blessed  are  they  that 
of  joy  and  festivity :  but  I  say  unto  you,  Happy  are  the  men  of  a  more  serious  temper,  mou™ ;  tor  they  shall  be  com- 
and  especially  thei/  that  uow'mourn  under  a  penitent  sense  of  their  sins;'' /or  they  shall 

ere  long  be  comforted  with  the  discoveries  of  God's  forgiving  love,  and  be  cheered  with 
the  reviving  rays  of  his  everlasting  favour. 

5  You  imao-ine  that  military  courage  and  martial  exploits  are  to  introduce  the  kingdom     5  Blessed  «re  the  mefk: 
now  to  be  erected,  and  to  raise  men  to  distinguished  stations  in  it :  but  I  rather  say,  earth!  ^*^  '°      ' 
Happi/  are  the  men  who  are  meek  and  gentle  under  injuries  and  provocations,  and  are 

cautious  in  offering,  but  patient  in  bearing  them; /or  they  shall  weather  many  a  storm 
which  would  bear  down  the  rugged  and  obstinate,  and  at  length  (as  the  Psalmist  expresses 
it,  Psal.  xxxvii.  11.)  "  shall  inherit  the  earth,  and  delight  themselves  in  the  abundance  of 
peace,"  which  can  only  have  its  seat  in  such  gentle  bosoms. 

6  Hawv  are  they  that,  instead  of  desiring  insatiably  the  iiossessions  of  others,  and  endea-  ^6  Blessed  are  they  which 

.Iry        ,,.-',  1  1  J     -   •.  1      ;  I  n  ■     i     j-t  ■    1 1  do    hunoer   and    thirst    after 

vouring  to  obtain  them  by  violence  or  deceit,  eagerly  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness,^  rishteousness :  tor  they  shall 
and  make  it  the  delightful  business  of  life  to  improve  in  all  the  branches  of  virtue  and  be  tilled, 
goodness  ;  for  they  shall  never  be  disapjiointed  in  these  pious  pursuits,  but  he  abundantly 
satisfied  with  the  righteousness  they  seek,  (compare  T'rov.  xxi.  21.)  and  be  competently 
supplied  with  every  necessary  inferior  good.     (See  Matt.  vi.  33.) 

7  Far  from  training  you  up  to  delight  in  scenes  of  desolation  and  slaughter,  I  rather     7  Blessed  «rf  the  merciful: 
declare,  Happy  are  the  merciful  and  compassionate,  that  feel  the  sorrows  of  others  as  their  ?<"■  they  shall  obtain  mercy, 
own,  and  with  tender  sympathy  hasten  to  relieve  them  ;  for  they  shall  obtain  that  mercy 

from  God  which  the  best  and  happiest  of  mankind  need,  and  on  which  they  continually 
and  entirely  depend. 

8  Indulge  not  a  thought  of  those  licentious  gratifications  which  are  often  mingled  with     ^  J'.'!-^^.^!  '"""h'lT  ""'ocxf 
victory,  and  are  accounted  as  the  |)leasures  of  the  great :  happy  are  the  men  that  not  only    *"    •  "'    ey  s  a 
abstain  from  these  gross  enormities,  but  are  concerned  that  they  may  be  pure  in  heart  too,'' 

avoiding  every  irregular  desire  and  mortifying  every  unruly  passion  :  this  resolute  self- 
denial  shall  be  the  source  of  nobler  and  more  lasting  pleasure ;  for  they  shall  see  God  :* 

a  That  he  might  correct  those  false  notions  of  the  Messiah's  kingdom.]  sions  for  charitable  purposes  ;  or  confine  it,  with  Grotius  and  Baxter,  to 
In  order  to  enter  into  the  beauty  of  this  discourse,  it  is  necessary  to  con-  a  disposition  to  bear  poverty  with  resolution,  submission,  and  cheerful- 
sider  it  as  addressed  not  merely  to  the  apostles,  (who  were  not  yet  chosen  ness  :  yet  I  doubt  not  but  tlie  latter  of  these  is  comprehended  in  that 
under  that  character,)  but  to  his  disciples  in  general,  and  to  vast  numbers  huniilfty  which  is  here  expressed  by  povertp  of  spirit ;  which  is  a  temper 
of  people  who,  affected  with  the  sight  or  fame  of  his  miracles,  were  now  that  inrleed  is  absolutely  necessary  in  order  to  our  being  cordially 
assembled  around  him  ;  probably  expecting  that  he  would  immediately    reconciled  to  the  gospel  method  of  salvation. 

declare  himself  the  Messiah,  and  full  of  those  false  notions  of  his  kins-  f  They  that  mourn  under  a  penitent  sense  of  their  sins.l  It  *eems 
dom  which  so  generally  prevailed.  Mr.  Blair,  in  his  excellent  Dis-  proper  to  restrain  it  within  these  limits,  since  there  is  a  sorrow  of  the 
conrses  on  this  chapter,  has  shown  (1  think  beyond  all  others)  how  wurW  which  ends  in  death,  2  ("or.  viii.  10.  and  thouL'h  maiiTning  for  the 
directly  the  beginning  of  this  sermon  is  levelled  asainst  these  pre^Hrf/cff.  calamities  of  life  be  often  allowable  and  commendable,  yet  it  is  so 
«e  has  also  observed  (as  it  is  very  necessary  to  do)  what  a  beautiful  natural  an  affection,  and  sometimes  in  its  degree  so  sinful,  that  one  can 
correspondence  there  is  between  the  characters  described  in  these  beati-  hardly  suppose  our  Lord  here  pronounced  a  blessing  upon  it  in  such 
tudes,  and  the  hlessitigs  connected  with  them.  general  terms. 

b  Went  vp  to  a  mmntain.]  It  does  not  appear  in  what  part  of  Galilee  g  That  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness.']  The  very  pious  and 
tnis  mountain  was  situated ;  and  (if  the  cure  of  the  leper,  which  Christ  judicious  writer  I  mentioned  above,  in  note  a,  has  taken  a  great  deal  of 
pel  Formed  at  his  descending  from  it,  was  wrought  in  the  confines  of  pains  to  prove  that  these  words  are  chiefly  designed  to  recommend  a 
some  other  city,  and  not  of  Capernaum)  there  is  no  reason  to  suppose,    love  of  justice  towards  our  fellow-creatures  ;  and  is  for  rendering  vop- 

as   most   *vnn.,to.=  A^    >u..*   .,  ,„„.   .„  .u„   „_:„,.u-.._.__,  ..  .K  J  ■>  .•     ■  „se  who  are  violent  and 

unger ;  Psal.  xxxiv.  lo. 
^/((eo?/me.ij,  mustsuVely 

ho  kt^  ..-..o  „  ).     »■  »     "     .'. —  r '   ■*■".',•  1-  »^"  '  •""'  "   ""^    uc  expressive  of  mucli  moire,  tiian  mereiv'asteady  care  to  treat  all  inan- 

r,.,Jllr,  ,^^  !  u  11  I  "^"C*'  *  -^^  *'°""'  considerable  distance  from  kind  equitably,  and  to  avoid  what  would  be  injurious  and  oppressive  : 
h=,P.  loH  n.'T",!,  sn>'''«'s«^''nere  give  some  hints  of  the  reasons  which  and  we  may  rather  understand  it  as  a  iust  and  beautiful  description  of 
I^r^vi,;,.=  (J  .1  ot  V,  u  I  that  this  discourse  was  different  from,  and  a  holy  ardour  of  soul,  in  pursuit  of  the  most  eminent  attainments  in 
Sn^nl?  fvir'  n  I,  Ji  ^  fl')!  1  ^"'"""f  i'l'  '"  ""^  "-^"^  chapter  of  his  Universal  goodness,  which  will  end  in  complete  satisfaction,  as  the  neces- 
IfJ^t^l  «m;   h!i  ,w;%.    .^'i  T*'"^'  °,„"'J  5«»""'»=uts  and  expressions    sary  consequence  of  perfect  holiness  in  a  future  state.  -1  hese  different 

r  nLfi^a'l,\-^n]?}jjA\  a}'   ^t  V\  -^.'w  ^^'^        ■         .  "'^^^  of  '^e  future  blessedness  sufficiently  vindicate  our  Lord   from  the 

«,l^f  tn  h^tu3ff'-'/i         "«*'»*=«  the  expression  of  opening  his    charge  of  tautology,  though  we  should  suppose  (as,  after  all  that  Mr. 
Xfe'mav  sulcfen.lv^  fovt,T,p'  inn,n"r""r  '"  ^^'"^^  ']  '"  '^''^^  '^"^^-     "^l^"'"  ^^^  said  to  the  contrary,  I  think  we  must)  that  our  Lonl  leads  the 
Job  id       Ixxiii  i  a,  d  A,tsvii%r«   ?!■''■  iTfh''''  ."''''•  "'•  ^-A-  36-    minds  of  his  disciples  upwards,  in  almost  each  of  these  beatm.dcs. 
and  NniLn  uW-   ,  p^  U  r=  P??,'.;'^       And  thus  the  ancient  Greek       h  Happy  are  the  pmre  in  heart.]    Mr.  Blair  supposes  this  may  refer  to 

d  H^lm,  1  h,v.  hpl  ,'=^H  fh^w^P  7^''  '^*":r-  'Tu'-  '•  P,-  "«•  21-  the  expectation  they  had  of  possessing  themselveL  of  beautiful  ca,tives. 
more  ev'L^^il  .n.wpH    ftn  f.'',h  "'Tif  '•«ther  than  blessed,  as    in  those  wars  by  which  they  fancied  that  the  Messiah's  kingdom  would 

Sid  I  tht  rM  hH?  rhnoil'^fn  '^^.'^aTU  ?h,  L^h""'''  '^°^'  to  e..\o.y„Me™.  ;  be  raised  and  established.  The  large  seraglios  „f  eastern  princes  and 
fntimatP  hv  not  onit  h»i  fh»  Hl.Lli.in',,  ^hf"'^  """"  ^"'^^  ",'^'""'  »«  «""''«'  '"<^"-  ^^''^^'  *>>•  «  ^eiy  mistaken  taste,  were  regarded  as  matters 
bethewav^o■f,^t^^A.!ll«t   hfn^^^^^^  "T""'''    "f  state  and  grandeur,  gave  too  much  countenance  to  such  a   wild  and 

attended  with  f hi  trLstT» n  n^^^^^^  n  2*  Ti'*^  inn""'*'^"''^  *"=    extravagant  notion  :  but  as  the  hint  is  at  most  but  obliquely  intimated.  I 

n^"7fc'^",f;l;^.!!'  ffigh'l  c^niliTtS  ;::]ltl.f:?To;^p^h  Mede  "^T^^.T'' ''''''''  '°  '°"^"  ""°"  ''  ""'^  '"  '^ '''''  '^""='^"' '""'  "^"''- 
tp.  25.)  that  this  chiefly  refers  to  a  disposition  to  part  with  ,!,eir  roues-       i  For  they  shall  see  God.]   El.ner  has  illustrated  this  text  by  showing. 


CHRIST'S  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT.  77 

and,  thus  purified  and  refined,  shall  enjoy  liim  in  his  ordinances  now,  and  dwell  with  him  SECT, 
for  ever  in  heaven.  37. 

9  Blessed  are  the  peace-      I  come  not,  as  you  may  fondly  suppose,  to  lead  you  forward  to  the  field  of  battle,  or  to ■ 

makers:  '"<"■  they  shall  be  (gj^^i^  ygy  \q  nropagate  relisfion  by  the  sword;  but,  on  the  contrary,  I  declare  unto  vou,  matt. 

called  the  children  or  Uod.  J  i       i     o  fj  .;  -j  .      i-  i     t    i    u  ..  »■  -^i     ■  "V" 

Happy  are  the  peace-makers,  who  not  only  avoid  contention,   but  labour  to  extinguish  it  „    ^• 
wherever  it  prevails  ;  for,  though  mistaken  men  may  ascribe  such  a  gentle  disposition  to 
cowardice  and  meanness  of  spirit,  t.lie>i  shall  have  the  honour  to  be  called  the  children  of 
the  God  of  peace,''  and  be  owned  by  him  in  that  dear  relation,  as  they  resemble  him  in 
the  benevolence  of  their  characters. 

10  Blessed  are  they  which      Instead  of  these  pomps  and  pleasures,  these  victories  and  triumphs,  (in  expectation  of  10 
ness^'sSfe"' for^°theiirs''is"tife  which  you  may  now  be  crowding  around  me,)  my  followers  must  prepare  themselves  for 
kingdom  of  heaven.  the  severity  of  Suffering :  but  huppij  are  they  that  are  persecuted  for  the  sake  of  righteousness, 

and  courageously  endure  the  greatest  extremities,  for  the  testimony  of  their  consciences : 
their  richest  treasure  is  beyond  the  reach  of  their  most  inveterate  enemies ;  J'or  theirs  is  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  and  they  shall  reign  with  God  in  everlasting  glory. 

11  Blessed  are  ye,  when      And  on  these  principles,  happi/  are  ye,  my  sincere  disciples  and  faithful  friends,  when  11 
persecute' 'j-mrand^s'ha'il  say  ""'"  ^'^'"'^  injuriously  reproach  ijou  and  persecute  you,  and  shall  falsely  say  every  thing  that  is 

all  manner  of  evil  agamst  evil  and  scdiudalous  of  you  for  my  sakc,  and  because  of  your  professed  relation  to  me.    Be  12 

•^"12  Hijoicc/amrbe'e«^ed-  ^^^  discouragcd  undeV  all  this"  load  of  infamy  and  oppression ;  but  rather  rejoice,  and 

ing'glad:  for  great  is  your  triumphantly  cxult}  because  your  rcivard  in  heaven  \\villbe~\  proportionably  ^'rfo^  and  dis- 

se^uTed '"thly^^fie  ^*prop{Jets  tinguished  -.for  this  has  in  all  ages  been  the  portion  and  the  proof  of  the  most  eminent 

which  were  before  you.  saints ;  and  you  particularly  know  from  the  sacred  records,  that  it  was  thus  they  persecuted 

the  prophets  of  their  own  nation,"'  xvho  ivere  long  before  you  the  ambassadors  from  God  to 

them  ;  and  as  you  now  share  in  the  tribulation  of  tnese  lioly  men,  you  shall  ere  long  share 

in  their  glory. 

13  Ye  are  the  salt  of  the      Let  it  be,  in  the  mean  time,  your  care  to  imitate  their  piety  and  zeal,  as  remembering  13 
h^rs^avour  where^vUh Ihal'f  it  that  you,  my  disciples,  are  to  be  as  it  were  the  salt  of  the  earth,  the  means  of  preventing 

be  salted  ?  it  is  thencefortii  or  Curing  the  growth  of  that  corruption  which  prevails  in  it,  and  of  seasoning  men's  minds 
cast^out!^  and'""(f'be"uodden  with  wisdom  and  grace :  but  it  would  be  most  unhappy  for  yourselves,  as  well  as  for 
underfoot  of  men.  them,  if  you  should  be  destitute  of  those  blessed  principles  ;  for  tf'the  salt  be  grown  insipid,^ 

with  what  can  it  possibly  be  seasoned?  It  is  no  further  of  any  uveal,  or  significancy  at  all ; 
but,  as  a  useless  thing,  is  left  to  be  thrown  out  of  doors,  and  to  be  trampfed  on  by  men,  as 
the  common  dirt  of  the  streets :  thus  worthless  and  contemptible  will  you,  my  disciples, 
be,  even  in  the  most  eminent  stations,  if  you  lose  your  character  for  real  and  vital  religion. 

14  Ye  are  the  liaht  of  the      And  therefore,  that  this  may  not  be  the  case  with  you,  consider  the  distinguished  cir-  14 
an'h'iU  cannot^be'Md!^  ^^^  ""  cumstanccs  in  which  you  are  placed  :  you  are,  like  the  sun,  to  be  the  light  of  the  world; 

and  how  conspicuous  and  bright  should  you  appear  under  that  character  f  Even  a  city 
that,  like  yonder  town,  is  situated  on  a  77wuntain,°  cannot  be  hid,  but  will  attract  men  s 

15  Neither  do  men  light  a  eycs  from  a  considerable  distance.  Neither  do  men  light  so  much  as  a  common  hmip,  and  15 
bushef;  bm'on'' a'cindieslkkl  /'"^  «^  under  a  bushcl,  and  conceal  it  there ;  hut  they  rather  set  it  on  a  stand,  and  it  givet/i 
and  it'giveth  liyht  unto  all  light  to  all  that  are  in  the  house.  How  much  less  will  it  become  you,  whom  I  have  com- 
"'if6Yet'you'r'i?"ht'so  shine  parcd  to  the  sun,p  to  hide  or  to  suppress  your  rays?  On  the  contrary,  let  it  be  your  care,  16 
before  men,  that  they  may  see  i\\^.t  your  light  may  SO  sliine  before  mcu,  that  they  may  continually  see  your  good  works  in 
vour  ""ratiTe^  which  ^is"in  every  circumstance  and  relation  of  life,  and  may  thereby  be  engaged  to  glorify  your  Father 
neaven.  i^Iiq  j,?  j,j  heaven ;  not  only  praising  him  for  sending  such  a  religion  into  the  world,  but 

also  themselves  embracing  your  faith  and  imitating  your  holy  example. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

What  abundant  reason  have  we  to  bless  God,  that  this  large  and  edifying  discourse  of  our  blessed  Redeemer  is  Ver.  1 
thus  particularly  recorded  by  the  sacred  historian.     Let  every  one  that  hath  ears  to  hear,  attend  to  it ;  for  surely  2 
never  man  spake  as  our  Lord  here  doth.    Let  us  fix  our  souls  in  a  posture  of  humble  attention,  that  we  may  receive 
the  law  from  his  mouth. 

He  opened  it  with  blessings,  repeated  and  most  important  blessings.  But  on  whom  are  they  pronounced  ?  and  3 — 12 
whom  are  we  taught  to  think  the  iiappiest  of  mankind  ?  The  meek  and  the  humble,  the  penitent  and  the  merciful, 
the  peaceful  and  the  pure,  those  that  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness,  those  that  labour  but  faint  not  under 
persecution  !  Blessed  Jesus  !  how  different  are  thy  maxims  from  those  of  the  children  of  this  world  !  They  call 
the  proud  happy,  and  admire  the  gay,  the  rich,  the  powerful,  and  the  victorious.  But  let  a  vain  world  take  its 
gaudy  trifles,  and  dress  up  the  foolish  creatures  that  pursue  them.  May  our  souls  share  in  that  happiness  which 
the  Son  of  God  came  to  recommend  and  to  procure !  May  we  obtain  mercy  of  the  Lord ;  may  we  be  owned  as 
his  children  ;  may  we  see  his  face ;  and  may  we  inherit  his  kingdom !  With  these  enjoyments,  and  these  hopes, 
we  will  cheerfully  welcome  the  lowest  or  the  most  painful  circumstances. 

Let  us  awaken  and  stir  up  our  souls  to  the  cultivation  of  those  amiable  virtues  which  are  here  recommended  to 
our  pursuit ;  this  humility  and  meekness,  this  penitent  sense  of  sin,  this  ardent  desire  after  righteousness,  this 
compassion  and  purity,  this  peacefulness  and  fortitude  of  soul,  and,  in  a  word,  this  universal  goodness  which 
becomes  us  as  we  sustain  the  character  of  the  salt  of  the  earth,  and  the  light  of  the  ivorld.  13,  14 

Is  there  not  reason  to  lament  it,  that  we  answer  the  character  no  more?  Is  there  not  reason  to  cry  out,  with  a 

that  the  pagans  thought  a  good  man  might  see  their  deities  in  some  cir-  provements  they  learned  from  thence,  might  easily  have  suggested  a 

cumstances,  when  to  the  wicked  they  were  invisible.  (Elsn.  Ohserv.  vol.  much  nobler  sense,  which  the  paraphrase  expresses.    The  word  txuipav0n 

i.  p.  22,  2:i.)    But  this,  in  their  tineology,  might  be  intended  to  subserve  has  a  peculiar  beauty  and  strength  here,  and  might  literally  be  rendered, 

some  fraudulent  views,  from  which  the  nature  of  Christianity  is  most  if  it  he  iyifatnated,  or  grown  foolish,  alluding  to  the  common  figure,  in 

abhorrent.    The  remark,  however,  may  in  some  degree  show  how  natural  which  sense  and  spirit  are  expressed  by  salt :  but  I  thought  the  metaphor 

the  thought  is,  in  the  words  before  us.  too  strong  to  be  literally  retained  in  the  version,  and  therefore  contented 

k  The  children  of  the  (id  of  peace.]    So  God  is  often  called,  Rom.  myself  with  a  distant  imitation,  as  we  call  a  flat  lifeless  discourse  in- 

xvi.  20.  2  Cor.  xiii.  11.  Phil.  iv.  9.  and  Ileb.  xiii.  20.  (Compare  Ecclus.  sipid.    Compare  Job  vi.  6.  and  Col.  iv.  6. 

IV.  10.)  To  4ei  ca//«rf  GorfV  (^Az/rf;e?/,  signifies  to  be  really  so,  and  to  have  n  A  city  that,  like  yonder  town,  is  situated  on  a  mountain.]    Mr. 

a  right  to  that  name  conferred  upon  us   by  a  divine  adoption.     See  Maundrel  tells  us  that  there  is  a  city  called  Saphet,  supposed  to  be  the 

1  John  iii.  1.  and  .lohn  i.  12.  ancient  Bethulia,  which,  standing  on  a  high  hill,  might  easily  be  seen 

1  Triumphantly  emit.']    Of  the  emphatical  signification  of  the  word  from  the  Tnountain  on  which  Christ  made  this  discourse;  and  probably 

a7a\_\(a(Tye,  see  note  f,  on  Luke  i.  14.  p.  21.  supposes  he    might  point   to  that  here,    as   afterwards  he  did  lo  the 

m   Thus  they  persecuted  the  prophets   of  their  own  nation.]    This  is  birds  anii  the  lilies:  Matt.  vi.  26 — 28.  (Maundrd's   Irarels.  p.  115.) 

abundantly  evident  from  the  known  histories  of  Moses,  .Samuel,  David,  Many  writers  have  justly  observed,  that  our  Lord,  like  Socrates,  takes 

Elijah,  Elisha^  Jeremiah,  Ezckiel,  Amos,  etc.    See  2  Chron.  xxxvi.  15,  his  similes  from  the  most  obvious  things,  familiarly  knoiyn  to  his  hear- 

16.  Matt,  xxiii.  29— .35.  Acts  vii.  51,  52.  and  Heb.  xi.  36,  .37.  ers,  and  often  before  their  eyes,  even  while  he  was  speaking;  a  thought 

n  IJ  the  salt  be  grown  insipid.]    Mr.  Le  Clerc  sinks  the  meaning  of  most  largely   illustrated  by  Sir  Isaac  Newton  On  the  Frophectes,  p. 

this  noble  passage  very  low,  when  he  supposes  our  Lord  only  intends  to  148,  140.                                                                     -  ,                        j  .    .u 

compare  his  disciples  to  salt-ashes  used  in  manuring  the  ground.  (See  p  How  much  less  will  it  become  you,  whom  I  have  compared  to  the 

Luke  Mv.  34,  35.)    That  passage  in  which  Livy  calls  Greece  Sal  Gen-  sun,  &c.]     That  this  is  the  sense  and  spirit  of  this  beautiful   passage, 

tium,  the  salt  ot  all  the  nations,  on  account  of  those  intellectual  im-  Mr.  Pierce  has  well  shown  in  his  fourth  Dissertation, 


yg  CHRIST  CAME  TO  ESTABLISH  THE  LAW. 

sFrT   ffood  man  in  former  times*  "Blessed  Jesus!  either  these  are  not  thy  words,  or  we  are  not  christians !"  Oh, 

37.  ■  season  our  hearts  more  effectually  with  thy  grace !  Pour  forth  that  divine  od  on  our  lamps !   Hien  shall  the  tlame 
.  brit^hten ;  then  shall  the  ancient  honours  of  thy  religion  be  revived ;  and  multitudes  be  awakened  and  anmiated  by 

MATT,  the  lustre  of  it,  to  glorify  our  Father  in  heaven  !  Amen. 

•  •  Linacer.  . ■ 

SECTION  XXXVIII. 

Our  Lord  declares  his  purpose  of  establishing  and  vindicating  the  moral  law,  and  enters  on  his  divine  exposition  of  it.    JIatt.  v.  17—26. 

Matt.  v.   17.  Matt.  v.  n. 

SECT.  THAT  the  great  design  of  our  Lord's  appearance  might  be  more  fully  understood  by  the  thtnk  nnt  that  i  am  come 

38.  multitudes  that  were  now  assembled  around  him,  he  proceeded  in  his  discourse,  and  said,  plietf  .'Tanrnot'Vome  toT- 
■ Suppose  not  that  I  am  come  to  dissolve  that  goodly  fabric  of  holy  precepts  contained  in  the  stroy,  but  to  fulfil. 

MATT,  sacred  writings  of  the  laiv  or  the  prophets ;  for  I  solemnly  assure  you,  That  I  am  not  come 
^•.  7  to  dissolve,  but  rather  to  vindicate  and  illustrate,  to  complete  and  adorn,  Ithon,]""  both  by 
my  example  and  discourses,  as  well  as  to  answer  the  highest  ends  of  the  ceremonial  insti- 
18  tutions.     For  veribj  I  say  unto  you,  That  as  their  original  is  divine,  their  honours  shall  be     18  For  verily  i  sav  unto 
perpetual ;  so  that,  till  heaven  and  earth  pass  away,  and  the  whole  visible  frame  of  nature  ^^";  one  jot  oTone  tittle  thai  i 
be  disjointed,  not  one  jot  or  one  tittle  shall  pass  or  perish ^ro;«  the  law,^  till  all  things  which  in  no  wise  pj^s  from  the  law, 
it  requiresor  foretells  sfiall  be  effected^     Whoever  therefore  shall  himself  transgress  or  violate  *'  i/whosoeve'  thei 


1 9  it  requiresor  foretells  shall  be  effected^  Whoever  therejore  shall  himself  transgress  or  violate  ig  wi.osoever  therefore  shall 
one  of  the  least  of  these  commandments  which  are  contained  therein  ;  and  especially,  who-  j^;|^^,„°^f„°''  ^^^^-  |f^'i|\^°'Ju 
ever  shall  teacK  other  men  so  to  do,  whether  by  his  licentious  principles  or  irregular  men'so.Te^shaUbe^ called  die 
example,  he  shall  be  accounted  [one  of]  the  least  and  unworthiest  members  m  the  kingdom  h^eaven"" b,.'t' whololveTshaU 
of  heaven,  or  in  the  church  of  the  Messiah ;  and  shall  soon  be  entirely  cut  off  from  it,  as  do  and' teach  them,  the  same 
unfit  for  so  unholy  a  society:  but  ivhosoever  shall  do  them,  and  teach  [them]  ^^'th  that  |i;^ll^b^^caned^^m-eat  in  tiie 
advantage  which  nothing  but  the  authority  of  a  good  example  can  give,  lie  shall  he  called      ° 

great  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  be  treated  with  distinguished  honour  and  favour,  in 

20  proportion  to  his  zeal  in  so  good  a  cause.  Let  this  therefore  be  the  care  of  all  that  hear  co  For  i  say  unto  you, 
me  this  day  :  for  I  say  unto  you,  with  all  the  solemnity  that  so  important  an  affair  requires,  l^^^shM^'x^ieT^h/rfXe^'o!^'- 
That  unless  your  righteousness  abound  far  more  than  lthat~\  which  is  apparent  in  the  lives,  «<>*.,■  of  the  scribes  and  Phari- 
or  even  required  in  tlie  precepts,  if  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,-^  as  highly  as  tiiey  are  gene-  f,^?o\f,e  kingdorn'of'^lSlve^n!'^ 
rally  esteemed,  ye  shall  be  so  far  from  making  any  illustrious  figure,  that  ye  shall  not  by 

am/  means  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven/  or  be  owned  by  the  Son  of  man  as  truly  his 
subjects. 

21  To  illustrate  this,  I  will  now  proceed  to  explain  some  of  those  precepts  of  the  law,     21  Ye  have  heard  that  it 
which  these  Pharisaical  teachers  have,  by  their  perverse  glosses,  enen'ated  and  dishonoured ;  tiwu  shLKt^idirf  and  whpl 
and  I  will  begin  with  the  sixth  commandment.     You  have  heard  that  it  ivas  said  to  the  soever  shall  kill  shall  be  in 
ancients,^  and  particularly  to  your  fathers  at  mount  Smai,  Thou  shalt  not  kill  ;S  and  you  'l^°g«^'"°t  the  judgment: 
have  been  taught,  that  the  only  design  of  it  was  to  restrain  men  from  actual  murder;  and 

accordingly  it  has  been  added.  That  whosoever  shall  unlawfully  kill  another,  shall  be  ob- 
noxious to  the  judgment,'^'  and  be  capitally  punished  in  the  common  courts  of  judicature. 

22  But  I  say  unto  yon.  That  it  was  the  design  of  God,  in  this  precept,  to  prohibit  extravagant  22  But!  say  unto  you,  That 
passions  and  abusive  language,  as  well  as  the  most  fatal  effects  of  them  in  destroying  the  Sjtherwiti'ou't'^a'XuIe'shait 
lives  of  each  other  :  so  that  ivhosoever  shall,  ivithout  just  cause,^  be  angry  with  his  brother,  be  in  danger  of  the  judg- 
so  as  secretly  to  wish  him  evil,  shall  be  obnoxiow'i  to  the  judgment,  or  shall  be  liable  to  a  sIy"to  hirbVoth'e°r?Raca, Ihall 
worse  punishment  from  God,  than  any  that  your  common  courts  of  judicature  can  inflict  ti*  be  in  danger  of  the  council : 
and  whosoever  to  his  secret  anger  sliall  add 'opprobrious  and  contemptuous  words  ;  or,  for  iS)'i7'sUll'lw''?n  dan'ger'of 
instance,  shall  say  to  his  brother,  Raca,  that  is.  Thou  worthless  empty  fellow,'  shall  be  hell'iire. 

exposed  to  yet  more  terrible  effects  of  the  divine  resentment,  and  be  obnoxious  to  a  yet 
severer  punishment,  that  will  as  far  exceed  tlie  former  as  that  inflicted  by  the  sanhedrim, 
which  extends  to  stoning,  does  that  which  follows  on  the  judgment  of  the  inferior  courts, 
which  only  have  the  power  of  the  sword  ;  but  whosoever,  in  his  unreasonable  passion,  shall 
presume  to  say  unto  his  brother,   Thou  fool,  that  is,  Thou  graceless  wicked  villain,™ 

a  To  vindicate  and  illustrate,  to  complete  and   adorn  them.']     I  was  e   Ye  shall  imt  hy  any_  means  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven.']    This 

■willing  to  take  the  word  TrXiipno-ai  in  its  most  extensive  sense,  as  com-  must  greatly  surprise  Christ's  hearers,  if  the  proverb,  which  has  since 

prehending  what  Christ  has  done  to  answer  the  end  of  the  ceremonial  prevailed,  were  of  so  ancient  a  date;  for  it  has  been  commonly  said  by 

//zw,  as  well  as  to  vindicate  and  enforce  the  mora/;  yet  by  the  connexion,  the  Jews,   that  "if  but  two  men  were   to  enter  into  the   kingdom  of 

it  seems  that  the  latter  was  chieHy  intended  ;  and  this  phrase,  the  law  heaven,  one  of  them  would  be  a  Pharisee  and  the  other  a  scribe. 

and  the  prophets,  is  used  in  thissense.  Matt.  xxii.  40.     It  is  stranse,  that  f  Yoa  have  heard  that  it  was  said  to  the  ancients.]    Thus  are  the  words 

any  shoidil   h.ive  questioned  whether  the   precepts  of  Moses  requiretl  trot**)]  toi?  apxa'oit,  to  be  rendered.  .See  Grotius  and  Whitby,  !m /of. 

such  spiritvality  of  obedience  as   Christ  here  demands.    That  great  g  Thou  shal't  not  kill.]    I  might  have  rendered  On  (povevam,   'I'hou 

connnand,  of  loving  the  Lord  God  with  all  the  heart,  ^c.  and,  our  neigh-  shalt  not  commit  murder,  as  Dr.  Scott  has  very  properly  done  ;  but  I 

km"''  '""■■'<^'/.  <Matt.  xxii.  37.)  must  surely  comprehend   all  tins.    I  choose  to  retain  the  words  of  the  commandments,  as  they  are  usually 

shall  only  aikl,  that  Vitrinsa's  interpretation  of  irXripoM,  who  supposes  expressed  among  us,  that  it  might  at  first  hearing  be  more  apparent  to 

'11     I^  4'"  answer  to  the  Chaldee  TDJ,  which   siimities  to  paraphrase,  every  reader,  tliat  what  follows  each  is  our  Lord's  conunentary  upon  it. 

Illustrate,   open,   or  explain,  seems  to   me  worthy   of  consideration.  h  'Shall  lie  obnorions  to  the  .judgment.]    'I'o  understand  this  and  the 

(Lompare  Horn,  x  v.  19.  TreTrXiipMKevai  to  eva-fi^Xiov,  I  have  fully  ex-  following  verse,  it  is  necessary  to  observe,  that  the  Jews  had  a  common 

plained  the  gospel ;  and  Col.  iv.  IC.  ireTrXiipMUf  i/oi  ev  WtXiiMari  t«  Bea,  court  of  txoenty-thiee  men,  wherein  capital  sentences  miiiht  be  pa-^sed,  on 

completely  ni.structed  tn  the  will  of  God.}    See   Vitring.   Uiserv.   Sacr.  which  a  malefactor  might  be  strangled  or  beheaded  ;  this  was  called  the 

K  V)*^'^'' '"■'""■''•■  ^"  ' '^'  judgment;    but  the  sanhedrim,  or  council,   was   the  supreme  Jewish 

A     u.  ir'"'  "''  ""*  li'tlf.]     The  word  ,a,To,  winch  we  render  jot,  un-  court,  consisting  of  seventy-two,  in  which  the  hiu'ft-st  crimes  were  tried, 

aoubtediy  answers  to  the  Hebrew  letter  jod,  whence  the  English  word  which  they,  and  they  alone,  punished  with  stonim;,  which  was  thought 

Here  used  seems  to  be  derived,  and  which  being  the  least  letter  of  their  a  more  terrible  death  than  the  former.    See  Grotius's  excellent  note  on 

alphabet,  might  properly  be  used  proverbially  on  this  occasion.— Kepaia,  this  text,  of  which  the  commentaries  upon  it  since  him,  are  little 'more 

Which  we  render  tittle,  properly  signifies  one  of  those  little  ornamental  than  transcripts.  (See  Bishop  Hopkins's  Works,  p.  65,  Ce.)— As  murder 

curvatures,  or  ffounshes,  which,  when  Hebrew  is  elegantly  written,  are  was  undoubtedly  a  capital  crime.   Dr.   Lightfoot,  and  after  him.  llr. 

generally  used  at  the  begmnmg  and  end  of  a  letter,  and  sometimes  at  Whitby,  must  be  mistaken  in  supposing  th:\t  judgment  here  signifies 

ine  corners  too.— 1  think  it  might  well  have  been  rendered,  not  the  lea-t  punishment  from  the  immediate  hand  of  God,  as  in  a  case  which  human 

tetter  or  stroke  ^c.  and  so  much  the  rather,  as  jo/  and  tittle  in  English  laws  would  not  reach.    See  Lighlf.  Hor.  Ilehr.  and   Whitby  on  Watt 

signify  much  the  same.  v   22 

c  r«7/a//</;!W  which  it  requires  or  foretells  shall  «ef#ef<erf.- ewfav  'i   Without  just   cause.]    Though  emn.  without   cause,  be  wantin"  in 

navTa  ^ei/nTai.  I     1  he  translation  here  given  is  most  literal  and  compre-  some  old  versioi^s  and  manuscripts,  the  sense  plainly  implies  it      See 

heiisive.     the   law  has  its  effect,  when  its  sanctions  are  executed,  as  Dr.  Whitby,  m  foe.                                                  i-         j        i- 

well  as  when  Its  precepts  are  obeyed.  k  To  a  worse  punishment  from  God.  &c.]    That  judgment  must  here 

^^^.■^fP'''y'^"^^\^'^'^"'''%^'°^^''^'^\''<'M'"[%'}inth^  Sicmi'y  punishment  from   God,  is    plain,   because  this  causeless   anger 

Vli;t.Il",?"'"-^      I  ?•"■"  Lord  'evels  bis  following  discourse,  not  so  much  might  be  so  concealed  in  the  heart,  as  not  to  admit  of  conviction  before 

against  the  corrupt  lives  of  these  Jewish  teachers  as  against  their  doc-  men.                                                                                                '^""u  ueiuic 

tnnes,  I  conclude,  that  the  text  cliieliy  refers  to  the  latter  ;  yet  since  1  Jiaca,  that  is,  thou   worthless  empty   fellow.]    Drusius  "ives  the 

their  lives  were  yet  worse  than  their  maxims,  it  must     ^mprehend  the  most  learned  and  accurate  account  of  the  etymology  and  import  of  this 

Jormer.     1  hey  seem  Cso  tar  as  we  can  judge  by  this  sermon,  and  other  word,  wliich  seems  pretty  exactly  to  answer  to  coxcomb  in  our  lan- 

scriptures)  to  have  taught— that  the  precepts  of  the  law  extended  only  gua"e                                                          <'i'»«ei   10  cuacumb  in  our  lan- 

wnninl^v^f*  actions-that  a  zeal  in  the  ceremonial  parts  of  religion  m°  Thou  fool,  that  is,  thou  graceless  wicked  villain.]   Mr.  Blair  thinks 

,^^  L,   ,^'^  ""^""^ ''"  Kf*^  ''"'^  irregularities-and  that  some  important  that  u«pe,  thou  fool,  answers  to  raki:H£I,t,  ;  but  that  being  only  applied 

piivilcffcs  weie  inseparably  connected  with  adescent  trom  Abraham,  &c.  to  a  debauchee,  seems  too  contracted.     Wicked  men  are  so  often  eked 


CHRIST  CAME  TO  ESTABLISH  THE  LAW.  79 

thereby  impeaching  his  moral  character,  as  well  as  reflecting  on  his  intellectual,  shall  he  SECT. 
obnoxious  to  the  frre  of  hell,  or  to  a  future  punishment  more  dreadful  even  than  tliat  of     38. 

being  burnt  alive  in  the  valley  of  Hinnom,"  from  whence  you  borrow  the  name  of  those 

infernal  regions.  ,  matt. 

e.-i  Therefore  if  thou  bring      Remember  therefore  to  lay  aside  all  your  animosities,  and  to  live  in  peace  and  love,  as  ^o^'" 
thy  gift  to  the  aUar,  and^t^here  gygj.  you  vvould  cscape  God's  wrath,  and  secure  his  favour.     Witliout  this,  your  most 
fiXoightlgLinsttifeer  ^"  expensive  sacrifices  would  be  so  vain,  that  I  must  inculcate  it  on  every  one  of  you  as  a 
most  necessary  caution.  If  thou  art  brhigi»g  thi/  gift,ho\ye\ev  costly  and  free,"  even  to  the 
very  altar,  and  there  reco'llectest  that  tlu)  brother  has  am/  just  cause  of  [complaint]  against 
thee,  do  not  content  tliyself  with  a  secret,  and  it  may  be  a  treacherous,  purpose,  tnat  thou 
C4  Leave  there  thy  gift  be-  wilt  hereafter  accommodate  the  affair,  but  biing  it  to  an  immediate  issue  :  And,  leaving  24 
^v'^"'  ■*''first"be'  reconcfi"ed*'to  ^^  ^'f^  there,  in  the  hand  of  those  that  are  ministering  before  the  altar,  go  awar/  and  first 
tiiy^'brothlr,  and^'then  come  make'  it  thy  care  to  be  reconciled  to  thi/  brother  by  an  acknowledgment  of  thy  fault,  and 
aud  o«er  thy  gift.  ]^y  ^  readiness  to  make  him  any  reasonable  satisfaction  ;  and  then  come  and  offer  thy  gift,v 

which  thou  mayest  then  cheerfully  hope  God  will  accept  at  thine  hands. 
25  Agree  with  thine  adver-  And  it  Will  "be  prudence,  as  vvell  as  humanity,  to  apply  this  advice  to  suits  at  lay?,  25 
sary  quickly,  whiles  thou  art  [f  y^^^  ^re  SO  unhappy  as  to  be  engaged  in  them :  my  counsel  then  to  each  of  you  is, 
any  t*iin™"thradversary''deii-  That  thou  shouldst  make  it  thine  endeavour  to  come  to  a  friendly  agreement  with  thine 
■ud  """"ddiveV^th^e  '\'o''  the  cdversary'i  quickly,  while  thou  art  in  the  way  going  uuth  him  to  a  magistrate ;  lest  the  adver- 
oHile^  and  \hou  bTciJ  into  san/  should  deliver  thee  to  be  tried  before  the  judge ;  and  the  judge  deciding  the  cause 
v^ion-  against  thee,  deliver  thee  to  the  officer  of  the  court,  to  keep  tliee  in  custody  till  payment  be 

made ;  and  thou,  not  having  eiiougli  by  thee  to  discharge  an  account  inflamed  with  so 
C6  Verily  1  say  unto  thee,  many  additional  articles  of  expense,  shouldst  be  cast  into  prison  :    Verili/  I  sai/  unto  thee,  26 
Lu"hl.Ke!tuA'iiorh!LYpa"id  Thy  antagonist,  when  he  has  got  diee  at  such  an  advantage,  will  be  more  rigorous  in  his 
the  uttermost  fartiiing.  demands  than  before  ;  and  thou  shall  not  bi/  any  means  come  out  from  thence  till  thou  hast 

discharged  the  very  last  farthing  of  thy  debt.  And  surely  if,  by  impenitent  wickedness, 
thou  makest  thyself  the  prisoner  of  the  divine  justice,""  thy  case  wdl  yet  be  more  deplorable 
and  hopeless. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  us  seriously  consider,  and  often  recollect,  the  purposes  of  Christ's  appearance :  he  came  not  to  destroy  the  Ver.  17 
law  and  the  prophets,  or  to  dissolve  men's  obligation  to  observe  them ;  but  rather  to  enforce,  as  well  as  to  fulfil 
them.     How  fatally  shall  we  pervert  the  purposes  of  his  coming,  if  we  regard  him  as  the  minister  of  sin  !     How 
ungratefully  shall  we  abuse  the  merciful  constitution  of  his  gospel,  should  we  take  encouragement  from  thence  to 
violate  his  law !     Dangerous  as  well  as  ungrateful  abuse  indeed  !     For  God's  eye  will  be  watchful  over  its 
honours,  and  his  hand  exerted  to  maintain  them  ;  so  that  heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away,  before  it  shall  fail  of  18 
its  accomplishment  in  being  either  obeyed,  or  avenged  on  the  impenitent  sinner.     May  it  be  our  constant  care  to 
keep  it  ourselves,  and  to  teach  others  to  observe  it !  May  we  teach  it  by  our  lives  as  well  as  our  lips ;  and  let  our  19 
daily  conversation  demonstrate  how  practicable  and  how  amiable  its  jirecepts  are  !    So  shall  we  be  great  in  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  in  the  pursuit  of  which  we  may  give  full  scope  to  the  noblest  ambition  of  which  human 
nature  is  capable. 

Let  our  hearts  own,  and  feel,  the  spiritual  sense  of  God's  law,  that  we  may  rise  to  a  more  sincere  and  more  20 
extensive  righteousness,  than  that  of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees.     May  we  delight  in  it  after  the  inward  man,  and 
learn  to  regrdate  our  thoughts  and  our  passions,  as  well  as  our  external  behaviour,  by  it ! 

Especially  let  us  avoid  all  the  malignant  and  ill-natured  passions,  all  thoughts  of  rash  and  immoderate  anger,  21,  22 
all  words  of  contumely  and  reproach.     If  we  would  maintain  communion  with  the  God  of  love,  let  love  govern 
in  our  hearts ;  and  when  we  come  to  present  our  devotions  to  him,  let  us  Ift  up  holy  hands  without  xvrath,  as  well  23 
as  without  doubting.  (1  Tim.  ii.  8.)   So  may  we  promise  ourselves  a  gracious  welcome;  so  shall  we  carry  away  the 
most  valuable  blessings ! 

But  are  none  of  us  strangers  to  this  blessed  state  ?  Are  none  of  us  obnoxious  to  the  divine  displeasure  1    If  we 
are  so,  with  what  a  holy  solicitude  of  soul  should  we  labour  to  make  up  the  controversy,  and  come  to  an  agree- 
ment, while  we  are  yet  "in  the  way  with  this  awful  adversary !   lest  we  be  immediately  hurried  before  the  tribunal  25 
of  tlie  righteous  Judge  of  all  the  world,  and  be  delivered  into  the  hands  of  justice,  to  be  reserved  in  everlasting 
cliains,  beyond  the  })Ossibility  of  redemption. 

Lord,  we  were  all  the  debtors,  and,  in  one  sense,  the  prisoners,  of  thy  justice ;  and  of  ourselves  were  most  26 
incapable,  not  only  of  paying  the  uttermost  farthing,  but  even  of  discharging  the  least  part  of  the  debt !  We  bless 
thee  for  that  generous  Surety,  who  has  undertaken  and  discharged  it  for  us ;  and  by  the  price  of  whose  atoning 
blood  we  are  delivered  from  the  chains  of  darkness,  and  are  translated  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  thy  children. 

fools   ill  the  Old  Testament,  especially  in  the  writings  of  David  and  gifl.  implies  that  it  was  k  free-will  offering;  which  adds  great  strength 

Solomon,  that  the  appellation  in  the  Jewish   language  signifies,  not  so  to  the  sentence,  beyond  what  it  would  have  had,  it  the  word  had  bean 

much  a  weak  thoughtless  creature,  as   a  man  deliberately  guilty  of  Bvaiav,  sacrifice.                                                                     ,     a-       ■        r  i 

some  heinous  crime,  or,  in  one  word,  a  villain.    On  this  account,  I  p  First  he  reconciled  to  thy  brother,  and  then  come  and  offer  tlnj  gi]t.\ 

cannot  but  think  it  wrong  that  ai/otjToi,  Luke  xxiv.  C5.  or  a0poi.,  1  Cor.  It  is  observable,  that  Philo,  ide  J^acnf.p.  8-J4.)  explaining  the  law  ot 

XV.  36.  should,  by  so  harsh  a  translation  as  ours,  have  been  confounded  the  trespass-ottering,  tells  us,       That  when  a  man  had  iniured  Ins  bro- 

with  such  an  infamous  word  as  this.  ther,  and,  repentmg  ot  his  fault,  voluntarily  acknowledged  it,  (in  which 

n  Burnt  alive  in  the  valley  of  Hinnom.]    Though  it  is  so  well  known  case,  both  restitution  and  sacrifice  were  required,)  he  was  hrst  to  make 

to  the  learned,  I  must  beg  leave  to  remind  my  English  reader,  that  the  restitution,  and  then  to  come  into  the  temple  presenting  his  sacrifice,  and 

vallei/  of  Hinnom,  or   Tophet,  had  been  the  scene  of  those  detestable  asking  pardon."    This  is  a  very  just  and  natural  account  ot  the  matter, 

sacrifices,  in  which  children  were   burnt  alive   to  Molech  ;  (Compare  and  adds  a  great  illustration  to  this  text;  especially  when   it  is  con- 

2  Kings  xxiii.  10.  2  Chron.  xxviii.  3.  and  .Ter.  xix.  2—5.  xxxii.  .35.)  and  sidered,  that  our  Lord  supposes  in  this  case,  not  a  trespassojtering,  bat 

was  afterwards  defiled  by  .Tosiah,  2  Kings  xxiii.  10.  and  made  a  recep-  a  voluntary  gift  presented  before  the  altar;  and  yet  declares,  that  this 

tacle  for  the  filth  of  the  city,  where  tires  were  kept  constantly  burning  will  not  be  accepted,  while  there  is  a  consciousness  ot  having  wronged  a 

to  consume  it :  and  it  is  probable,  that  if  any  criminals  were  executed  brother,  and  not  made  him  reparation.                                    i    .ni,             i 

on  the  statute,  Lev.  xx.  14.  or  xxi.  9.  this  accursed  and  horrible  place  q  Come  to  a  friendly  agreement  with  l/iine  adversary,  j     I  he  worn 

might  be  the  spot  of  ground  on  which  they  were  consumed.    However  orTidnco?  properly  signifies  a  person  who  is  gnmg  to  la.o  with  anotner 

that  were,  it  seemed,  both  with  regard  to  its  former  and  latter  state,  a  I  have  rendered  ,»(*<  eia'owv,  come  to  afri.ndly  agreement,  because  ine 

lit  emblem  of  hell  itself.  (See  Isa.  XXX.  33.  and  ler.  xix.  11— 13.)  which,  original  seems  to  imply,  not  only  peace,  but  AeneOT/sHfC.   , 

in  the  Svriac  language,  takes  its  name  from  thence,  and  was  conimonlv  r  If  thou   makest  thyself  the  prisoner  ot  the  divine  il"S"ce.j     inis 

called  (iehenna  by  the  Jews.  (.See  Lightf.  Ilor.   Hebr.  in  loc.  and  P,e-  thought  is  a  natural  refiection  on  what  was  said  before  ;  but  it  '■;  ^Vlf' 

face  lo  his  Har.  'of  the  New  Test.)—\t  must  here  signifv  a  degree  of  intimated  than  expressed  in  our  Lord  s  words,  which  so  "»'"'l''^;'ffeJ5 

future  punishment,  asi  much  more  dreadful  than  that  inVnrred' in  the  to  the  sense  given  in  the  paraphrase,  that,  to  those  who  are. unacquamiea 

former  case,  as  burning  alive  was  more  terrible  than  stoning;  for  I  ap-  with  the  popish  manner  ot  managing  controversies,  it  '"''".'php  vanitv 

jireheud  the  punishment  of  each  degree  of  atiper  and  fury  here  mentioned,  prising  they  should  ever  be  urged  in  favour  ot  P«'S""t"/':,  ,,,J^,.,irlJ 

is  to  be  referred  to  the  irivisible  world,  or  else  our  Lord's  words  would  and  inconsistency  of  it  is  well  exposed  by  Bishop  Burnet  I'n  iiie  .iim  '<:», 

not  be  generally  true.  p.  169.  and  Limborch,  T/ieolog.  lib,  vi.  cap.  10.  ?  2-. 

i.1  If  tlwu  art  bringing  thy  gift,  however  costly  and  free.]    ^uipov,  a 


QQ  CHRIST'S  EXPOSITION  OF  THE  LAW. 


SECTION  XXXIX. 

prohibit! 
rtues.    M 

Matt.  v.  27. 


SECTION   XAXiX. 

Our  Lord  proceeds  in  his  exposition  of  the  law,  strictly  prohibitin?  uncleanness,  divorce,  contention,  and  revenge ;  and  urging  the  contrary 

virtues.    Matt.  v.  27,  to  the  end. 


SECT.  JESUS  proceeded  in  his  sermon  to  the  seventh  commandment,  and  observed,  Yoii  have  YE  have  heard  that  it  was 
39.     often  heard  that  it  tvas  said  to  the  ancients,   Tfiou  shatt  not  commit  adultery;  and  that  'nlou  sLlf  not  commit  adull 

law  has  been  explained,  as  if  it  related  only  to  the  grossest  acts  of  uncleanness :  But  I  tery : 

MATT,  say  unto  you,   That  it  extends  not  only  to  unchaste  actions  and  words,  but  even  to  That  whosoeve?  lookl'th  on"a 
^-      looks,  and  the  very  thoughts  of  the  heart ;  for  wliosoever  shall  gaze  on  a  woman'^  to  lust  woman  to  lust  after  her,  hath 
^^  cifter  her,  s.nd  thus  cherish  and  mdulge  the  secret  workings  of  irregular  desire  in  his  X'Id'y  inhfs'helrt'.''''''^ ''^'^ 
mind,  has  already  committed  that  adultery  with  her  in  his  heart,^  which  this  commandment 
was  designed  to  forbid,  and  thereby  reiidered  himself,  in  the  sight  of  God,  guilty  of  the 
breach  of  it. 

29  You  will  think  me  severe  in  requiring  you  so  strictly  to  mortify  all  the  irregular  propen-  29  And  if  thy  right  ej'e 
sities  of  nature,  but  you  will  find  it,  on  the  whole,  as  much  for  your  interest  as  it  is  to  "rs't^y/from^lhee  •  Vor*  u  t 
part  with  a  gangrened  member  to  prevent  the  death  of  the  whole  body  ;  yea,  indeed,  it  is  profitable  for  thee  that  one 
infinitely  more  so.  And  if,  therefore,  thy  right  eye  offend  or  insnare  thee,<=  or  any  thing  dear  ^L\'-LT'to'[hf  wholfb-Siy 
as  thy  right  eye  would  be  the  necessary  occasion  of  leading  thee  into  sin,  pluck  it  out  with  should  be  cast  into  hell. 
inexoi-abTe  resolution,  and  cast  it  far  frorn  thee  with  abhorrence  :  for  it  is  advantageous  to 

thee,  that  one  of  thy  members  should^ perish,  rather  than  thy  ivhole  body  should  be  thrown 
into  hell ;  which  vet  must  be  the  fatal  consequence  of  indulging  the  most  favourite  lust. 

30  Yea,  if  thy  right  hand  offend  or  insnare  thee,'^  though  it  be  so^  useful  and  necessary  a  part,  30  And  if  thy  right  hand 
do  not  spare  it,  but  immediately  cut  it  off  and  cast  it  from  thee  ;  for  I  renew  the  declara-  °  from  t^e'e?  for°  t  ilprofit- 
tion.  That  it  is  highly  advaniageoiis  to  thee,  that  any  o?;e  of  thy  members  should  perish,  ^^'^^^^"r/gi^ouM^' eri^h"* '*'5 
rather  than  thy  rvhole'body  should  be  thrown  into  hell,"  to  be  the" companion  of  thy  guilty  not"\/j«'< "  thy  whoVe*  'body 
soul  there,  in  "everlasting  hoiTor  and  misery.  ....  should  be  cast  into  hell. 

31  It  has  been  said,  (Deut.  xxiv.  1.)  Whoever  would  dismiss  his  wife,  let  him  give  her  a  31  it  hath  been  said,  who- 
writing  of  divorce  :  and  this  precept,  which  was  indeed  intended  to  prevent  the  frequency  '"ff^^'jet^h^"  gh^  her  a^writ! 
of  sudi  dismissions,  by  making  it  so  solemn  and  irrevocable  a  thing,  has  perversely  been  iug  of  divorcement : 

32  interpreted  as  a  warrant  for  having  recourse  to  it  upon  every  trifling  occasion.  But  such  a  32  But  i  say  unto  you.  That 
practice  is  directly  contrary  to  the  original  design  of  marriage,  and  highly  injurious  to  the  wit°!°saWng  for^the^S  of 
common  good  of  mankind:  I  therefore  think  it  necessary  to  restrain  so  dangerous  a  fornication,  causeth  jjer  <<> 
liberty,  and  say  unto  you,  That  whosoever  shall  dismiss  his  wife,  except  it  be  on  the  account  soev^r'shaiUilny  her  that  ?s 
of  whoredom, f'  causeth  her,  by  a  second  marriage,  to  commit' adultery,  or  at  least  exposeth  divorced,  comimtteth  adul- 
her  to  great  danger  of  doing  it ;  and  whoever  shall  marry  her  that  is  thus  unlawfully  dis-   ^^^' 

missed,s' committeth  adultery,  since  the  bond  of  the  former  marriage  does  in  the  account  of 
God  remain  undissolved. 

33  Again,  you  have  hear-d  that  it  was  said  to  the  ancients,  (Lev.  xix.  12.  Deut.  xxiii.  21.)  s-i  Again,  ye  have  heard 
Thou  shall  not  perjure  or  forswear  thyself,  but  shall  diligently  perform  unto  the  Lord  thine  ^^fj^l  \-^J^^fi,T^'^J',^il^f^^t 
oaths  and  vows  :  and  this  has  been  expounded  as  extending  merely  to  those  oaths  in  forswear  thvseif,  but  shait 
which  the  name  of  God  is  expressly  used,  and  only  prohibiting  the  violation  of  such,  but  P|[|5f.'"  "°*°  '^"^  ^''^  '•>'"« 
tolerating  the  use  of  them,  even  on  slight  occasions,  so  it  be  not  in  confirmation  of  a  false- 

34  hood.  But  I  say  unto  you,  Swear  not  at  all  in  your  common  discourse  with  each  other,''  u  But  I  sav  unto  you, 
even  so  much  as"  by  the  creatures ;  either  by  heaven,^   for  it  is  the  tlwone  of  the  glorious  healenT*  foV*  it  Is"  God's 

35  and  holy  God  ;  Or  by  the  eai'th,  for  it  is  under  his  dominion,  and  subject  to  him  as  his  throne/ 

footstool ;  or  by  Jerusalem,  for  it  is  the  city  of  the  great  King  of  Israel  and  of  the  uni-  is1?is^footstoo'r:*'nel'the^r''^by 

36  verse.  Neither  shall  thou  sivear  by  thy  head,  for  thou  art  so  far  from  having  an  absolute  lerusalem  ;  tor  it  is  the  city 
power  over  it,  that  thou  canst  not  make  the  colour  of  one  hair  of  it  white  or  black  :  so  that  "'35' Kl'jther  shaft  thou  swear 
these  oaths  by  the  creatures,  if  they  have  any  sense  at  all,  are  an  implicit  appeal  to  God.  hy  thy  head,  because  thou 

37  But  I  charge  you  to  avoid  the  customary  use  of  all  such  oaths,  as  well  as  of  those  in  ;;«n^s»_^not^'"»ke  o"e  hair  white 
which  the  name  of  God  is  directly  expressed;  and  let  your  conversation  be  all  plain  and     T*  But  let  your  communi- 
simple  :  when  you  affirm,  say,  Yes,ycs  ;  and  when  you  deny,  No,  no  :  for  if  you  conduct  nayTfor'^What'so'ever^is  move 
yourself  as  you  ought,  this  will  be  sufficient  to  gain  you  credit;  and  you  may  be  assured,  than  these,  cometh  of  evil, 
that  whatever  is  mor-e  than  these,  cometh  fr-om  the  evil  one,^  who  artfully  contrives,  by  the 

habitual  use  of  swearing,  even  by  the  creatures,  to  lessen  your  reverence  for  the  solemnity 

a  JV/w.toeier  s/iall  gaze  an  a  woman  :  6  /iXenav  yvvaiKa.l    There  are  marriage.     But  1  prefer  the  sense  here  given,  because  it  makes  this  latter 

several  other  places  where  the  word  ^\evu>  signifies  to  look  on  an  object  clause  more  correspondent  to  the  former,  and  prevents  the  necessity  of 

with  great  attention,  or  \o  fix  the  eye  uponii.  See  Matt.  vii.  3.  xviii.  10.  supposing  Moixeuw  to  be  used   in  two  difterent  senses  so  near  toge- 

Luke  vii.  44.  viii.  18.  Acts  i.  9.  iii.  4.  1  Cor.  iii.  10.  .\.  12.  Phil.  iii.  2.  ther. 

«uid  Rev.  xvii.  8.  h  Saear  not  at  alt  in  your  common  discourse  with  each  other.]    The 

h  Committed  adultery  with  her  in  his  heart.}    In  the  first  edition  I  had  opposition  between  this  verse  and  the  .37th,  limits  the  prohibition  to  this 

rendered  it  debauched  her,  because  it  is  plam  eMoixci'o-ei/  must  extend  sense  ;  and,  waving  that,  it  would  be  necessary  to  interpret  it  as  a  re- 

to  smgle  as  well  as  married  persons  ;  but,  on  the  animadversion  of  a  sfrictive,  lather  than  an  universal,  precept,  and  to  consider  it  as  more 

learned  friend,  1  am  convinced  that  the  spirit  of  our  Lord's  meaning  is  particularly  levelled  at  the  common  practice  of  the  .lews,  who  reckoned 

best  expressed  by  retaining  the  word  used  in  the  seventh  commandment,  swearing  hy  the  creatures  to  be  far  more  excusable  than  suearing  lip  the 

and  giving  the  passage  such  a  turn  as  1  have  now  given  it  in  the  para-  name  of  God,  and  made  but  little  scruple  of  the  frequent  use  of  it.     For 

phrase,  which  does  not  at  all  limit  the  sense.     But  to  render  ^vvaiKa  a  that  all  swearing  is  not  here  condemned  as  a  thins  absolutely  evil,  is 

married  woman,  would  be  a  limitation  I  think  not  to  be  justified.  fully  evident  from  other  passages  of  Scripture,  and  of  necessity  must  be 

c  Offend  or  insnare  thee.']    It  is  well  known  that  this  is  the  force  of  allowed  to  vindicate  the  conduct  of  Christ  and  his  apostles.    Compare 

the  word  o-Kav5aXifa),  which  most  literally  sisnifies,  to  be  a  stumbling-  Mark  viii.  12.   Matt.  xxvi.  64.  Rom.  i.  9.  ix.  1.  (ial.  i.  20.  2  Cor.  i.  18. 

block  in  a  person's  way,  or  an  occasion  of  his  fall ;  and  so  implies  much  and  Heb.  vi.  16. 

more  than  merely  to  displease.    I  mention  this  remark,  obvious  as  it  is,  i  Either  by  heaven.']    Thoush  I  allow,  with  the  learned  Heinsius,  that 

because  the  sense  of  so  many  texts  depends  on  attending  to  it.    .See  Kom.  the  words  u»)  dixoaai  6X™?,  may  be  rendered ,  By  no  means  swear,  either 

XI.  9.  XIV.  13,  21.  xvi.  17.  1  Cor.  viii.  13.  Gal.  v.  11.  and  Rev.  ii.  14.  by  heaven,  earth,  or  the  like ;  yet  it  will  not  follow  that  the  words  only 

u  V,  '^'1/  right  hand  offend  or  insnare  theePi    The    greatest   part  of  forbid  swearing  hy  creatures,  since  ver.  .37.  forbids  whatever  is  more  than 

Christ  s  auditors  were  poor  people  who  lived  by  their  daily  labour ;  yea  or  nay.    So  that  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  have  recourse  to  some 

?i?    'o  t"^s|  t''«  ,l°ss  of  a  rtght  hand  would  be  a  much  greater  calamity  other  solution  of  this  prohibition,  as  well  as  of  that  in  Jam.  v.  12.  where 

than  that  of  a  right  eye  :  so  that  there  is  a  gradation  and  force  in  this  any  other  oath  is  forbidden  ;  and  nothing  is  more  natural  and  easy  than 

passage,  beyond  what  has  generally  been  observed.  to  understand  it  in  both  places  as  a  prohibition  of  the  use  of  oaths  in 

.  ^  liather  than  thy  whole  body  shovld  be  thrown  into  hell.']    This  plainly  common  conversation. 

implied  the  doctrine  of  a  resurrectio^i,  though  Christ  had  not  yet  ex-  k  Cometh  from  the  evil  one.]    Ek  t»  iroi-nps  (';:v  will  properly  bear 

Pressly  taught  it.  this  version  ;  and  some  copies  read  d,a/3o\«,  coo:efh  from  the  devil.     X 

'  Un  the  account  of  whoredom.]    It  is  very  evident  that  iropveta,  as  would  observe,  that  whether  this  version  or  the  common  one  be  admitted, 

here  used,  niust  have  a  more  ambisuous  and  larger  sense   than  the  the  clause  before  us  contains  a  demonstration  that  \er.  .34.  is  to  be  ex- 

bnMish  word  fornication,  which  generally  answers  to  it;  and  must  be  plained  with  the  limitation  proposed  :  tor  it  is  evident  that  cafA.t  were  in 

understood  here  of  (irfH^iTcrj/.  some  cases  not  only  allowed,  but  required,  by  the  Mosaic  law.  (.See 

XI,?  J       1   """''''^  tier  that  is  unlawfully  dismissed.]    Mr.  Blair  (in  the  Exod.  xxii.  11.  Lev.  v.  1.  ^umb.  v.  19,  21.  and  Deut.  xxix.  12,  14.)    So 

third  volume  of  his  Sermons,  p.  Ill,  112.)  explains  this  clause,  as  in-  that  if  Christ's  prohibition  had  here  referred  to  swearing  in  solemn  and 

tende*  t9  forbid  women  divorced  for  adultery  to  marry,  which  he  thinks  .judicial  cases,  he  would  in  these  words  ha\e  charged  the  dii  ine  law  with 

an  additional  punishment  inflicted  on  persons  guilty  of  so  enormous  a  establishing  an  immorality,  which  it  is  most  absurd  to  suppose  ;  and  I 

crime,  and  a  wise  provision  for  preventing  bad  women  from  committing  cannot  but  wonder  that  so  obvious  and  decisive  a  thought  should  not 

adultery   m  hopes  of  opening  their  way  to  another  more  agreeable  have  been  more  insisted  upon  in  this  controversv. 


CHRIST'S  EXPOSITION  OF  THE  LAW,  81 

of  an  oath,  and  to  lead  vou  at  length  to  take  the  name  of  God  in  vain,  even  by  penury   SECT, 
itself.  '  .  39. 

heard  that  it       You  have  heard  that  it  haa  been  said  in  the  law,  (Deut.  xix.  21.)  An  eye  for  an  eye,  and- 


e''e''  and  aTooth'I^SrTtooth''"  «  ^"o^^'  /*"'  "  ^""'^  •  ^"^  *^'''^  Statute,  wliich  was  Only  intended  to  direct  judges  as  to  the  matt 
eye,  an   a  o  a         .  pg^^^i^jg^  ^.^  ^^  inflicted  in  case  of  violent  and  barbarous  assaults,  has  been  interpreted  as      '^• 

39  But  I  say  unto  you,  encouraging  a  rigorous,  severe  revenge  of  every  injury  a  man  might  receive.     But  I  say  39 
whoLevef?hall"mit7thee''on  unto  you,  that  when  )ou  meet  with  ill  usage  in  the  world,  you  do  nut  immediately  set 
thy  right  cheek,  turn  to  him  i/ourselves  against  the  injurious  person^  in  a  posture  of  hostile  opposition,  and  witli  a  reso- 
the  otiier  also.  lution  to  return  evil  for  evil ;  but,  where  the  damage  is  not  great,  choose  rather  to  pass  it 

by,  though  possibly  it  might  on  that  account  be  repeated,  than  to  enter  mto  a  rigorous 
prosecution  of  the  offender.     On  these  principles,   //'  any  man  strike  thee  on  thy  right 

40  And  if  any  man  will  sue  cheek,  patiently  turn  the  other  to  him  also."''    And  if  any  one  be  resolved  to  sue  thee  at  law,  40 
fh"  coat*^ 'feT' him 'hive "^M"^  ^"^'^  '<'  ^"^'^  "'^'''3/  %  ^'^•^^'  7^^"'"^  ^""  ^'^  ^"'^^  %  majitle  too ;"  for  the  loss  of  both  would 
cioke'^afso.  ^     "^    ^^*  "^  be  but  a  trifle,  in  comparison  of  those  vexations,  snares,  and   expenses  which  would 

41  And    whosoever    shall  probably  attend  the  continuance  of  the  suit.     Atid  if  any  press  thee  to  go  with  him  one  41 
with^him^twah/"  "  ""'^'  ^°  ""^<''  obliging  thee  and  thy  carriages  to  attend  him  on  a  public  account,"  rather  go  with 

im  wdMi.  ^.^^  ^^^  more,  than  disturb  the  peace  by  a  forcible  opposition  ;  for  in  many  such  cases  as 

these,  it  will  be  more  for  your  own  comfort,  as  well  as  the  credit  of  your  profession,  to 
submit,  than  contend. 

42  Give  to  him  that  asketh      When  thou  seest  any  one  in  real  necessity,  and  hast  it  in  the  power  of  thine  hand  to  do  42 
boTrowo/'t*i"ee''t™ri''not'thou  it,  give  to  him  that  asketh  thee  thy  charity ;  p  and  do  not  turn  away,  with  a  severe  denial, 
away.  /,/,„  fi^i  yjould  borrow  of  thee  ;'i  for  in  some  cases  a  seasonable  loan  may  be  as  valuable 

a  kindness  as  a  gift. 

4S  Ye  have  heard  that  it      By  such  condescensions  and  favours,  you  will  generally  gain  the  friendship  of  those  43 

fo^^e  thrnei|hbour,''and'hate  ^'^  whom  you  converse ;  but  if  any  should  be  so  base  as,  notwithstanding  all,  to  persist 

thine  enemy?         '  in  using  you  ill,  do  not  indulge  to  sentiments  of  revenge.     I  know  yow  have  heard  that  it 

was  said  to  OUT  fathers,  Thou  shall  love  thy  neighbour ;  (Lev.  xix.  i 8.)  and  from  thence, 

though  in  direct  contradiction  to  many  other  scriptures,  (Exod.  xxiii.  45.  Lev.  xix.  17. 

and  Prov.  xxv.  21.)  some  have  argued,  as  if  it  had  been  added.  Thou  shalt  hate  thine 

enemy ;  and  the  precepts  for  destroying  the  Canaanites,  (Deut.  vii.  16.  and  the  like,)  have 

44  But  I  say  unto  you,  been  abused  to  countenance  such  an  addition.""     But  instead  of  favouring  this  pernicious  44 
them  that  curse^y^uTdo  good  maxim,  I  Say  unto  you.  Love  your  enemies,  and  whatsoever  you  may  suffer  by  them,  while 

to  them  that  hate  you,  and  you  abhor  their  siiiful  practices,  show  a  concern  for  the  true  welfare  of  their  persons ;  bless 

Fufiy  u'sVyou.  and'^ perte^ufe  them  that  in  the  bitterest  manner  curse  you,  (whether  by  jjrofane  execrations  in  their  com- 

yo" ;  .  mon  discourse,  or  by  unjust  anathemas  in  their  ecclesiastical  assemblies,)  be  ready  to  do 

good  to  them  that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  the  conversion  ot  them  that  insult  you,^  and  perse- 

45  That  ye  may  be  the  cute  you ;   That  you  may  thus  approve  yourselves  to  be  the  children  of  your  heavenly  45 
wiiic^^s  in*^heaven  •  fbr'^he  ^^^^h' '  f'^''-)  ^i^li  the  most  diffusive  kindness  and  beneficence,  he  causeih  his  sun  to  arise 
maketh  his  sun  to  rise  on  the  On  the  evil  and  the  good,  and  showcreth  down  rain  on  the  just  and  the  unjust ;  so  that  his 
eth'rainoSthl^ustknd1)n  the"  enemies  share  in  his  providential  bounties,  and  subsist  on  his  daily  care. 

unjust.  Let  it  be  therefore  your  concern  to  imitate  this  extensive  goodness  :  for  if  you  only  love  46 

whfch^?oveyou^wh'a?reward  ^^^'"  ^^^^^  ^^^^  you,  wlu/t  reward  have  ye?  or  what  extraordinary  praise  can  you  expect? 
have  ye '  do  not  even  the  Do  not  even  the  most  iiifamous  and  scandalous  sinners,  such  as  the  very  publicans,  do  the 
*"47''And*iFye'"saiute  your  ^""'^  ?  And  if  ye  salute  and  embrace  yoMr  brethren  only,*-  or  those  of  the  same  sect,  party,  47 
brethren  only,  what  do  ye  and  interest  With  yoursclves,  what  extraordinary  thing  do  you  practise  more  than  the  rest 
Se''publi^a,>s1o?''°°°*^"'°  of  mankind,  though  your  advantages  are  so  much  greater  than  theirs?    Do  not  even  the 

heathens  and  publicans  do  so  ?  And  will  not  common  humanity  teach  even  the  very  worst 

of  men  civility  to  those  that  treat  them  with  respect,  and  excite  them  to  some  sentiments 

of  gratitude  to  their  friends  and  benefactors  ? 
48  Be  ye  therefore  perfect,      You  who  Stand  in  SO  near  a  relation  to  God,  as  my  professed  disciples,  should  far  excel  48 

them :  be  ye  therefore,  in  these  instances  of  undeserved  and  forfeited  goodness,"  and  in  all 

1  Do  not  set  yoitrselves  against  the  itijnrious  persoTt.'\    So  the  phrase  care  of  our  families,  (as  1  Tim.  v.  8.)  but  with  natural  justice  and  cora- 

avTi^mai  tw  irovrtpto  may  exactly  be  rendered.    (.Compare  2  Tim.  iii.  mon  sense.    It  is  amazins,  therefore,  that  any  who  do  not  think  them- 

8.)    Had  our  Lord  meant  to  intimate,  that  we  should  rather  suffer  our-  selves  obliged,  by  the  literal  sense-  of  this  precept,  to  yive  or  letid  to 

selves  to  be  murdered,  and  our  families  to  be  ruined,  than  resist  the  every  idle  importunate  creature  whatever  he  asks,  should   insist  on  a 

villain  that  attempts  it,  he  would  have  laid  down  so  stranee  a  precept  in  rigorous  interpretation  of  the  preceding  passage,  from  ver.  34 — 41. 

the  strongest  terms;  and  it  is  verv  unreasonable  to  inter  it  from  this  q  Do  not  tiir-n  away  htm  that  2vonld  horrow  o^-thee.-]    Tov  Oe^ovra  ano 

passage  which  speaks  of  so  trifling  an  injury  as  a  slap  on  the  face,  or  suing  <r»  daveiaairOac  txrt  aTTO'^pa<pn<:,  is  thus  most  literally  rendered, 

a  man  for  the  value  of  a  waistcoat  or  cloak. — If  it  be  asketi,  whether  we  r  Ihe  precepts  for  destroying  the  Canaanites  have  been  abused,  iVc] 

are  universally  forbidden  to  resist  on  these  occasions  ?  I  answer,  we  are  ;  These  precepts  were  of  a  peculiar  nature  ;  and  that  in  particular,  Deut. 

unless  we  be  m  our  consciences  convincetl  that,  in  present  circumstances,  xxiii.  6.   Thou  shalt  not  seek  their  peace  nor  their  prosperity  alt  thy  days 

to  stand  on  our  defence  will  be  more  for  the  public  good  ;  and  in  those  for  ever,  relates  to  avoiding  throughout  all  generations  any  association 

cases,  this  particular  precept  is  superseded  by  the  general   law  of  uni-  with  the  Moabites  :  which  was  an  everlasting  brand  of  infamy  set  upon 

versal  benevolence.    But  I  apprehend  these  expressions  intimate,  that  them,  for  the  affront  which,  in  the  matter  of  Peor,  they  had  offered  to 

on  the  whole,  it  will  generally  be  for  the  best  to  wave  rigorous  prosecu-  God   himself,  under  whose  conduct  the  Israelites  were.     Kut  though  it 

lions  on  such  slight  occasions.  forbids  any  natimial  alliance  with  them,  it  seems  that  the  settlenient  of 

m   Turn  the  other  to  him  also. '\    This  is  a  proverbial  phrase,  to  express  Ruth  in   Israel,  when  she  embraced  the  Jewish  religion,  (Ruth  i.  16.) 

a  meek  submission  to  injuries  and  attronts.    See  Isa.  1.  6.  and  Lam.  iii.  and  the  permission  given  to  the   Moabites  to  live  as  tributaries  under 

30.  David  after  the  conquest  of  their  country,  (2  Sam.  viii.  2.;  were  not  at 

n  Thy  mantle  too^i     Vest  and  mantle  more  exactly  answer  to  xnav  all  inconsistent  with  this  law. 

and    inaTioi'   than    coat    and    cloak;  (compare   John   xix.   23.  and  see  s  That  insult  you  ;  crnpin^ovTav  vna';.]    As  this  word,  according  to 

Casaubon,  «n /oc.)  and  are  parts  of  dress,  under  different  names,  still  the  judgment  of  Erasmus,  Beza,  and  several  other  able  critics,  is  derived 

retained  in  Barbary,  Egypt,  and  the  Levant.    .See  Dr.  Shaw's  Travels,  from  Aprn,  the  name  of  jiars,  it  may  perhaps  strictly  answer  to  dra- 

p.  289 — 292.    The  mantle  being  much  larger  than  the  vest,  must  pro-  gooni7ig  in  our  modern  language  :  but  as  it  is  plainly  used  by  St.  Peter 

bably  be  more  valuable  ;  and  as  it  would  be  natural  for  a  robber  on  the  to  express  abusive  language,  (1  Pet.  iii.  16.)  I  chose  to  render  it  insult, 

highway  to  take  the  outer  garment  first,  I   look  on  this  manner  of  ex-  which  may  be  applied  either  to  injuriouf  words  or  actions.    To  traduce 

pressing  it  as  a  good  argument  for  retaining  our  translation  of  npiDrwai,  does  by  no  means  express  the  force  of  the  idea.    Nor  can  I  think,  with 

and  rendering  it  sue  thee  at  law,  rather  than  take  it  in  a  more  general  the  learned  Eisner,  (vol.  i.  p.  30,  31.)  that  this  clause  is  to  be  inteipreted 

way,  as  signifying  to  strive  or  contend :  though  I  know  it  has  sometimes  chieHy  of  malicious  prosecutions  in  judicial  courts,  though  tliat  be  a  sort 

this  last  signihcation,  as  Lud.  Cappellus  urges.  of  insult  and   persecution,  undoubtedly   comprehended    among  many 

o  Press  thee  to  go  with   him,   •S'c.l    Tlie  word  press  seems  best  to  others,  and  often  expressed  by  the  Greek  words  here  used. 

answer  the  original  aiiape-iu>,  which  is  well  known  to  be  derived  from  t  If  ye  salute  and  embrace  your  brethren  only.-]    Ihe  word  ucvaipvrOe 

*ne  name  of  those  officers  who  were  commissioned  for  this  purpose  by  alludes  to  the   custom  of  saluting  by   embracing.    And    when  Christ 

the  Persian  emperors  when  Judea  was  one  of  their  provinces.    See  cautions  against  confining  their  regards  to  brethren,  he  may  perhaps 

Drusius,   in  loc.    (Compare   Matt,  xxvii.   .32.)    Aniong  the  Jews,  the  obliquely  glance  at  those  prejudices  which  different  sects  h.ad  against 

disciples  of  their  wise  men  were  excused  from  such  services  ;  but  Christ  each  other,' and  intimate  that  he  would  not  have  his  followers  imbibe 

"'''•■'ses  his  disciples  not  to  insist  on  that  exemption.    See  Lightfoot,  thM  narrow  spirit.    Would  to  God  the  hint  had  been  more  attended  to 

lior.  Heh.  in  loc.  among  the  unhappy  subdivisions  into  which  his  church  has  been  t-rum- 

P  GiM  to  htm  that  asleth  thee  thy  charity  :  tw  annvri  tre  iton.'i    Mr.  bled  ;  and  that  we  might  at  least  advance  so  far,  as  cordially  to  embrace 

Blair  would  refer  this  to  wovnpai,  in  ver.  39.  and  render  it,  Give  to  the  our  brethren  in  Christ,  of  whatever  party  or  denomination  they  are. 

tyijurious  person  uhat  he  asleth  tlwe  ;  and  has  a  verv  beautiful  discourse  u  In  these  instances  of  undeservecf  and  forfeited  goodness.]     1  lie  love 

"PO"  't  '"  that  view:  but  it  is  plainly  unnecessary  to  limit  it;  and  I  to  friends,  enjoined  by  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  was  very  im  pertect : 

tbink  that,  en  this  interpretation,  it  would  too  much  coincide  with  ver.  we  are  to  labour  after  a  more  complete  resemblance  to  Oori,  in  loving 

44.     In  whatever  sense  it  be  taken,  it  must  admit  of  some  exceptions,  or  enemies.    Our  Lord  therefore  afterwards  expressed  it  in  a  parallel  ais- 

it  wtil  not  only  be  inconsistent  with  such  prec/^pts  as  require  us  to  take  course,  bv  saying,  Be  ye  merciful,  as  your  lather  also  if  merciful,  Luke 


CHRIST'S  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT. 

82 

otlier  respects  as  far  as  frail  mortality  will  admit,  perfect,  even  as  your  heavenly  Father  is  even  as  your  Father  which  is 
*39^'  perfect;^  whose  name  you  will  most  effectually  honour,  and  whose  favour  you  will  most  '"  ''^'''■*°  ''  p*'"''^'^'- 

1_  happily  secure,  by  a  care  to  imitate  him  to  the  utmost  in  all  the  moral  perfections  of  his 

MATT,  nature.     (Compare  Eph.  iv.  31,  32.  v.  1.) 

^  IMPROVEMENT. 

V  r  48     Alas  '  how  may  we  blush  to  call  God  our  Father,  while  we  resemble  him  so  little  !  And  what  reason  is  there, 
47  on  a  survey  of  these  directions  of  our  Lord,  to  acknowledge  our  deficiencies  and  our  faults !    Let  us  review  the 
many  advantaoes  we  enioy  as  christians,  and  the  engagements  we  are  under,  in  the  particular  circumstances  in 
which  Divine IProvidence "has  placed  us;  and  blush  to  think,  that  we  do  so  little  more  than  others,  perhaps  in 
many  instances  falling  short  even  of  the  virtues  of  heathens.  .  ^         .,     , 

4'?_45  Let  us  particularly' be  instructed  by  these  lessons  of  our  Divine  Master,  to  recompense  good  for  evil:  lessons 
which  come  with  peculiar  grace  from  his  mouth,  as  he  was  himself  the  kindest  friend  to  his  most  inveterate 
enemies  and  bore  and  foro-'ave  more  than  any  but  himself  could  possibly  do. 
'58-42  Let  us  who  are  his  disciples,  abhor  contention  and  revenge.  Let  us  not  prosecute  every  little  mjury  to  the 
utmost  nor  govern  ourselves  by  those  false  maxims  of  prudence  and  honour,  which  pride  and  self-love  have 
introduced  on  the  ruins  of  real  Christianity.  Let  us  not,  even  in  the  most  legal  methods,  seek  the  punishment  of 
those  who  have  wronged  us,  except  in  circumstances  in  which  we  are  in  our  conscience  persuaded  it  will,  on  the 
whole  be  oreater  charity  to  animadvert  on  the  offence  than  to  pass  it  by ;  and  even  then,  let  us  act  in  a  calm  and 
dispassionate  manner,  pitying  and  loving  the  persons  of  the  injurious,  even  while,  for  the  sake  of  society,  we  pro- 
sgcuIg  tliGir  criTUGS. 
46  If  this  be  our  duty  towards  our  enemies,  how  inexcusable  are  we,  if  we  are  cold  and  insensible  to  our  friends  : 
and  how  much  worse  than  publicans  themselves,  if  we  do  not  love  them  that  love  us,  and  do  good  to  those  from 
whom  we  have  received  it.  Happy  is  that  Christian,  to  whom  the  God  of  nature  hath  given  a  heart  so  turned  to 
sentiments  of  benevolence,  that,  in  all  these  instances,  love  is  a  law  unto  itself! 

Yet  let  us  remember,  that  the  whole  of  our  duty  is  not  comprehended  in  these  social  regards.   Ihe  great  Author 

of  our  being,  who  hath  endowed  us  with  rational  faculties,  justly  requires  that  we  assert  their  empire  over  the 

27  28  meaner  powers  of  appetite  and   passion.     We  see  that  he  forbids  not  only  gross  enormities,  as  adultery,  (which, 

'       though  so  unaccountably  spared  by  the  laws  of  many  Christian  countries,  the  heathens  themselves  have  condemned 

as  a  capital  crime,  and  which  some  of  the  most  barbarous  nations  have  esteemed  infamous,)  but  the  unchastity  of 

the  eye,  and  of  the  heart.     Let  us  then  earnestly  pray  that  God  would  create  in  m  a  clean  heart,  and  renew  a  right 

29  spirit  within  us ;  (Psal.  li.  10.)  and  let  us  maintain  a  most  resolute  guard  over  our  senses  and  our  thoughts, 
remembering  that  there  is  no  otlier  alternative,  but  that  the  dearest  of  our  lusts  must  be  mortified  and  subdued, 
or  our  v/hole  persons  be  cast  into  hell. 

30  Elevate  our  affections,  O  Lord,  to  nobler  objects  than  tliose  which  are  suited  merely  to  animal  nature  !  Teach 
us  to  keep  under  the  body,  and  bring  it  into  subjection,  (1  Cor.  ix.  27.)  tliat  we  may  not  finally  be  cast  away  from 
thy  presence,  and  fall  into  that  dreadful  state  where  every  drop  of  sinful  pleasure  will  be  recompensed  with  fiall 
vials  of  misery  and  despair.  . 


SECTION  XL. 

in  his  divine  Discours 
irayer,  and  fasting.    W 

Matt.  vi.  1.  m^^t.^.,  ,.i,  j. 


SECTION   XL. 

Our  Lord  havin?  thus  vindicated  the  Mosaic  law,  proceerls,  in  his  divine  Discourse  on  the  Mount,  to  caution  his  disciples  against  vain-glory  in 

alms-deeds,  prayer,  and  fasting.    Matt.  vi.  1 — 18. 


SECT.   OUR 
40.     them, 


Lord,  proceeding  in  his  discourse  to  caution  them  against  vain-glory,  said  unto  TAKE  heed  that  ye  do  not 
,  Take  heed,  in  general,  that  you  practise  not  your  righteousness,^  or  perform  not  any  1°"^  of'Them?%he?wise°  yl 

■ religious  action,  in  an  ostentatious  manner  before  men,  making  it  your  chief  end  to  te  have  no  reward  of  your  B'ather 

MATT,  viewed  and  admired  by  them  :  or  otherwise,  if  this  caution  be  neglected,  you  will  have  no  ^^  "■   " '"    *''^'^"' 
^^'     reward  from  your  heavenly  Father,  who  knows  all  the  secret  principles  of  your  heart,  and 
indispensably  requires  the  greatest  uprightness  and  sincerity  there. 

2  The  caution  is  so  important,  that  I  shall  illustrate  it  in  various  particulars.  When,  2  Therefore  when  thou 
therefore,  for  instance,  thou  performest  \ thine']  alms-deeds,  do  7iot,  as  it  were,  sou7id  a  trmn-  aTrumta  betbre1hee°'arthe 
pet  before  thee,  and  make  proclamation  to  all  around,  to  induce  them  to  take  notice  of  it ;  hypocrites  do  in  the  syna- 
as  it  is  customary  for  the  hypocrites  to  do  in  the  public  assemblies,'^  and  in  the  streets,  that,  fi°e^y  majj"have  slory^ot^men! 
acting  their  part  as  on  an  open  theatre,<=  thei/  may  be  applauded  of  men,  who  are  the  spec-  Verily  f  say  unto  you,  tliey 
tators  of  their  liberality :  verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  in  tliis  empty  sound  of  human  '^^'^  ^'"^"^  '^'^^^^'^  ' 
praise,  they  have  their  poor  reward,^  and  must  expect  no  acceptance  and  recompence  from 

3  God.     But  when  thou  art  doing  [thine  \  alms,  use  the  utmost  privacy  ;  and,  if  it  be  pos-    ^  ^"/ 7h''*"/'rt  V"^d' k''"^' 
sible,  let  not  thy  left  hand  know  what  thy  right  hand  is  doing,^  when  it  is  stretched  out  to  what"thy  rTght  hand"doeth : 

vi.  36.  but  it  is  probable  he  used  a  greater  latitude  of  expression  here,  e/iarit^  or  liherality ;  because  though  I  am  well  aware  it  has  that  signi- 

to  remind  us  of  our  obligations  to  imitate  the  Divine  Being  in  all  his  fication  sometimes,  (I  thinlt  not  so  often  as  some  have  supposed,)  yet 

moral  perfections.  admitting  it  here  would  destroy  that  beautiful  variety  between  this  and 

X  Perfect,  even  asymir  heavenly  Father  is  perfect.']  Many  authorities  the  following  verse,  which  1  have  endeavoured  to  illustrate  in  the  para- 
are  produced  by  Eisner,  in  his  nute  on  this  text,  to  prove,  not  only  that  phrase,  and  which  makes  it  so  proper  an  introduction  to  this  part  of  our 
the  heathens  gave  tlie  epithet  of  tcXcioi,  or  perfect,  to  many  of  their  Lord's  sermon. 

gods,   especially  the  chief;   b'ut   that  some  of  their  writers  describe  b  In  the  public  assemblies.]    It  is  certain  that  the  word  (Tiii'a7o)7ti  "iiy 

clemency  ».n<i  gooiiness  tn  enemies  as  a  virtue  by  which  mortals  make  the  be  taken  in  this  extent ;  and  though  it  is  most  probable  it  may  even 

nearest  approach  to  divine  perfection. —  Ihese  words  conclude  Christ's  here  refer  to  religions  assemblies,  yet  we  may  recollect  on  this  occasion, 

excellent  vindication  of  the  law  from  the  corrupt  glosses  of  the  .lewish  that  it  is  a  known  custom  in  the  eastern  nations  to  distribute  alms  when 

teachers.    I  know  it  has  been  objected  to  it,  that,  consideiing  the  many  they  are  going  to  enter  on  public  counsels. — The  phrase  of  sounding  a 

figurative  expressions  used  in  it,  we  misht  as  easily  trace  out  the  duties  trnmpet  before  them  seems  only  a  figurative  expression  to  represent  their 

recommended  by  the  light  of  reason  alone,  as  adjust  the  sense  of  such  doing  it  in  a  noisy,  ostentatious  way  ;  as  it  is  certain,  that  to  do  a  thiiig 

obscure  and  hyperbolical  precepts.    But  if  it  were  really  so,  (which  I  n'iih  the  somid  of  a  trumpet  is  sometimes  used  proverbially  to  express  a 

cannot  gi;ant,)  it  is  to  be  remembered,  that  the  chief  design  of  the  gospel  public  ostentation.    See  Eisner,  in  loc. 

IS  not  to  intorm  us  what  is  justice,  humamty,  and  charity,  in  particular  c  Acting  their  part  as  on  an  open  theatre.]    Erasmus  and  Beza  very 

rases,  (which  a  view  of  present  circumstances  can  alone  discover,)  but  justly  observe,  that  iltiSinai  in  the  verse  before  is  a  theatrical  word  ; 

to  awaken  a  regard  to  the  known,  thoueh  neglected,  dictates  of  natural  and  v-KOKonai  is  well  known  \os\sm1y  players  disavised  (as  the  Grecian 

religion  on  these  heads ;  and  this  may  be  mcst  effectually  done  by  such  actors  used  to  be)  in  ma.ks  ;  not  to  say  that  the  sounding  a  trumpet  may 

animated    and  sprightly  exhortations  as  those,  especially  when  con-  allude  to  the  ot?m7c  of  the  stage.     I   have  endeavoured  to  express  this  in 

sidered  as  coming  from  a  Person  whose  authority  and  love  concur  to  tlie  phrases  here  used  in  the  paraphrase 

demand  our  attention  and  obedience.  ,i   Xhey  have  their  reuard.]    Sir  Norton  KnatchbuU  earnestly  contends 

a  Practise  not  your  righteousness.]    As  some  copies  and  very  ancient  that  avcxovat  tov  i.ita-Oov  mnutv,  ought  to  be  rendered,  they  fall  short  of 

versions  read  dtnatotrvvm,  rjphteousvess,  instead  of  eXetiwoo-iii/fiv,  alms-  their  reward:  but  the  word  nTrevw  is  plainly  used  in  the  sense  in  which 

deeds,  and  several  of  the  fathers  quote   it  so,  I  choose,  with   Beza,  to  our  translators  take  it,  Luke  vi.  24.  Philip,  iv.  18.  and  Philem.  ver.  15. 

follow  that  reading  ;  because  it  prevents  the  appearance  of  a  tautology  and   it  is  with  peculiar  propriety  that  human  applause  is  here  called 

in  the  toliowing  words,  and  makes  this  verse  a  general  and  very  proper  their  reward,  as  beimr  that  which  they   choose  and  seek.    See   Beza'a 

introduction  to  the  remaining  part  of  the  section,  m  which  the  caution  elegant  note  on  the  word^ 

is  branched  out  into  the  particular  heads  of  alms,  prayer,  and  fasting.  (t  Let  not  thy  left  hand'lno-v  what  thy  right  hand  is  doina.]  \t  is  said. 
(See  l)r  Mill,  an  fcc.)— Nevertheless  1  by  no  means  insist  on  the  that  the  poor's  chest  stood  on  the  riuht  hand  as  they  entered  the  syna- 
change:  but  it  it  be  admitted,  T  cannot  acquiesce  in  the  criticism  of  a  gogues,  to  which  some  siippo.sc  the  words  to  allude.  If  is  plainly  a  pro- 
learned   triend,   who   would   explaui   nghteovsness  as   here   signifying  verhial  expression  of  strict  care  to  conceal  an  action. 


CHRIST'S  SERJNION  ON  THE  MOUNT.  80 

these  charitable  purposes ;  and  far  from  publishing  it  with  vain  affectation,  conceal  it,  as  SECT. 

4  That  tliine  alms  may  be  far  as  may  be,  from  thy  nearest  friends  :   That  thine  alms  7nai/  be  performed  hi  secret ;  and  40. 
in  .^^jj=™*,j|,^"'^p'[?^t  h^jn'iseU  ^'''V  fc'^her,  who  sees  in  secret,  and  knows  every  circumstance  of  your  most  retired  actions, 


shlu  reward  tiiee  openly.       Will  himself  be  ready  to  honour  and  reward  thee  another  day,  and  tliat  opcnh/  before  the  matt. 
assembled  world.  VI. 

5  And  when  thou  prayest.  And  a^Am,  ivhen  thou  prai/cst,  (as,  if  thou  art  my  disciple  indeed,  thou  often  wilt,)  thoii  5 
S-?fes'''«^''."'tor''''they''fove''to  shalt  mUbe  US  the  hi/pocrites,  who  discover  on  all  occasions  the  vanity  of  tlieir  hearts  ;  for 
pray  standing  in  "tiie  syna-  even  when  performing  their  particular,  and  those  that  ought  to  be  their  secret,  devotions, 
the  st?eeYsf  that'they'inay  b^  thet/  love  to  pray  standing  in  the  public  assemblies  in  sight  of  numbers  of  people,  and  fixing 
seen  ot  men.  Veniy  I  say  them  exactly  to  One  constant  hour,  contrive  to  be  catched,  as  it  were,  just  at  that  sacred 
unto^you,  they  have  then- re-  ^-^^^.f  ^^^^  ^^^^  -^^  ^|jg  common  places  of  resort,  but  in  the  corners  of  the  streets,  where 

several  ways  meet ;  that  they  may  thus  be  sure  of  being  vietved  by  a  great  number  of 
beholders ;  but  howsoever,  upon  this  account,  they  may  indeed  be  admired  of  7nen,  as 
persons  of  singrdar  piety,  yet  verily  I  say  unto  yoa,  that  in  tliis  admiration  of  those  that 

6  But  thou,   when  thou  observe  them,  thei/  have  all  their  reward.     But  thou,  O  my  disciple,  whoever  thou  art,  6 
S^whe™thoii"iiast^shut°thy  when  thou  prayest,  and  dost  not  intend  it  as  a  social  exercise  of  devotion,  witlidravv  from  the 
door,   pray  to   thy  Father  sight  and  intercourse  of  men,  and  enter  into  thy  closet,  or  any  other  retired  apartment ;  s 
Father .'wh'i'cifseefh'in'secfe^  o'd  having  sliut  thy  door,  to  prevent  interruption  and  exclude  spectators,  prai/  with  a  holy 
shall  reward  thee  openly.     '  freedom  of  soul  to  thy  Father  who  IS  with  thee  in  secret ;  and  thy  Father,  who  always  sees 

in  secret  as  distinctly  as  in  the  most  open  scene  of  action,  will  regard  these  addresses  with 
peculiar  pleasure,  as  the  emotions  of  a  pious  and  sincere  heart ;  and  will  another  day 
reward  thee  openh/  for  these  duties,  which  were  so  entirely  referred  to  the  views  of  lionour- 
ing  and  pleasing  him. 

7  But  when  ye  pray,  use      J^ut  when  you  pray,  do  not  use  a  vain  nndtipUcity  ofwords^  as  it  is  usual  for  the  heathens  7 
heathen" rt;7or'the°yt^^^^  to  do  in  the  mvocation  of  their  deities;  for  they  foolishly  thiyik  they  shall  be  heard  in  their 
they  shall  be  jieard  for  their  addresscs  to  diem  for  their  Speaking  much.     Be  not  ye  therefore  in  this  respect  like  them,  8 
"e'^Be'not  ye 'therefore  like  since  you  are  SO  m'uch  better  instructed  in  the  divine  nature  than  they,  and  cannot  but 
unto  them :  for  your  Father  know  that  vour  pravcrs  are  intended  to  affect  your  own  hearts,  that  thev  may  be  fit  to 

knoweth  what  things  ve  have  .,,.'.  'j         ^   j.      ■    r  i  a.\      \         i.     c  i~^    ^       r     '  i  i 

need  of,  before  ye  ask  him.     receive  blessings,  and  not  to  inform  or  work  upon  the  heart  of  dod  :  for  7/(H(r  heavenly 
Father  is  ready  to  bestow  his  blessings  on  you,  and  always  knows  ivhat  you  really  want, 
even  befor-e  you  ask  him ;  which  therefore  should  teach  you  to  avoid  whatever  may  look 
like  prescribing  to  him,  by  too  minute  and  repeated  a  detail  of  particulars. 
9  After  this  manner  there-       Thus  therefore  prat/  ye,  or  to  this  effect  at  least,  and  in  this  plain,  concise,  and  humble  9 

which^arfin  heave?i?haUowe^d  manner,  if  not  in  tliese  very  words :  "  Our  Father,  who  art  seated  on  a  throne  of  glory 

be  thy  name :        '  in  the  highest  heaven  ;  while  we  bow  before  thine  awful  presence  with  the  humblest  reve- 

rence, we  would  nevertheless  approach  thee  with  a  filial  confidence,  as  our  bountiful  and 
compassionate  Parent ;  uniting  our  supplications  to  thee,  with  hearts  fall  of  brotherly 
love,  and  asking  for  each  other  the  blessings  we  seek  for  ourselves.  We  would  so  remem- 
ber our  relation  to  thee,  as  to  be  above  all  things  concerned  for  thy  glory  :  and  therefore 
make  it  our  first  petition,  Mai/  thy  illustrious  name  be  sanctified!  May  the  whole  race  of 
mankind,  yea,  the  whole  world  of  intelligent  creatures,  pay  that  dutiful  veneration  to  thy 
?o  Thy  kingdom  come :  thy  divine  majesty,'  whicli  thy  matchless  perfections  so  justly  require  !  And  for  this  purpose,  10 

iT/ heaven  "*  '"  ^^'^"^'  ^^  "  '^  '"«'/  that  thy  kingdom,  v/!iich  thou  art  now  introducing  among  men,  more  perfectly  come,^ 
may  it  be  established  with  greater  efficacy,  be  more  clearly  discovered,  and  more  reso- 
lutely pursi^ed  !  May  thy  ivill,  always  wise  and  always  gracious,  be  done,  as  in  heaven,  so 
likeioise  upon  earth  ;  and  may  we  mortals  be  taught  to  regard  it  with  a  resignation, 

11  Give  us  this  day  our  acquiescence,  and  obedience,'  resembling  that  of  the  heavenly  spirits  !    And  as  for  our-  11 
ai  y  bread :  Selves,  O  Lord,  we  would  not  seek  the  great  things  of  life,  we  would  not  be  anxious 

about  its  distant  futurities,  but  humbly  entreat  thou  wouldst  open  that  bountiful  hand  on 
which  we  continually  depend,  and  wouldst  give  us  this  day  our  daily  hrad,™  providing  a 
competent  supply  for  our  present  necessities,  and  teaching  us  to  refer  the  rest  to  thy  con- 

12  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  tinual  paternal  care!    And  though  we  have  in  many  respects  been  disobedient  and  un-  12 
as  we  orgiseour   e  ors .      grateful  children,  yet  we  beseech  thee,  O  most  compassionate  Father,  to  forgive  us  our 

offences,  whereby  we  stand  chargeable,  as  it  were,  in  thy  book,  with  debts  which  we  can 
never  clear :  yet  do  thou  freely  forgive  them  all,  as  we  also  desire  to  forgive  our  debtors, 
even  all  that  have  in  any  respect  offended  and  injured  us :  yea,  such  pardon  may  v/e 

13  And  lead  ns  not  into  receive  from  thee,  our  God,  as  we  are  willing  to  impart  to  them !"    And  do  not  bring  us  13 
frixn  evil":'  for'thiue'Ts"^  the  ^^to  circumstauccs  of  pressing  temptation,  lest  our  virtue  sliould  be  vanquished,  and  our 

souls  endangered  by  them ;  but  if  we  must  be  thus  tried,  do  thou  graciously  rescue  iis 
from  the  power  of  the  evil  one,''  that  he  may  not  triumph  in  our  sin  and  ruin!  These 

f  Contrive  to  be  catched  at  that  sacred  time.]    Thus  the  late  pious  and  under  this  perfect  revelation  of  the  gospel,  cannot  pioperly  use  it  pre- 

eloquent  Mr.  Grove  explains,  and  finely  illustrates,  this  text  in  his  Vi.i-  cisely  with  the  same  meaning:  but  so  extensive  a  phrase  may  justly 

course  on  Secret  Prayer,  p.  3,  4.     It  is  plain  this  custom  still  prevails  admit  of  other  senses,  at  least  by  accommodation,  as   the  Assembly'' s 

Among  the  Mahometans  ;  as  Pfeiffer  has  observed,  Theolcg.  Mohammed ;  Catecliism.  with  great  propriety,  illustrates  it ;  and  1  believe  there  are 

(Jper.  p.  818,  974.  and  Bohovius,  in  his  Turkish  Liturgy,  §  1.     See  a  re-  few  who  decline  the  use  of  this  prayer  on  this  account,  who  do  not  often 

markable  illustration  of  it  in  Mr.  Addison's  i-Vee/ioWcr,  ^o.  59.  use  scripture  phrases  with  a  much  greater  latitude. 

g  Enter  into  thy  closet,  or  any  other  retired  apartment.]    Taixeiov  1  designation,  acquiescence,  and  obedience.]    I  have  here  .toined  these 

signifies  closet,  chamber,  wardrobe,  warehouse,  or  any  other  separate  several  expressions,  because  I  am  not  able  certainly  to  determine  which 

place  -.  and  Mr.  Blair  piously  conjectures,  that  Christ  might  use  a  word  was  most  directly  intended.    There  is  a  great  deal  ot  beauty  and  spirit 

of  such  latitude,  that  none  might  omit  secret  prayer  for  want  of  so  con-  in  the  interpretation  which  Mr.  Addison  gives  of  this  petition  :  Spectat. 

venient  an  apartment  as  they  could  wish  to  retire  into.     It  will,  1  hope,  vol.  iii.  IS'o.  207. 

be  observed,  that  many  remarks  of  this  kind  proceed  on  a  supposition,  m  Our  daily  bread:   tok  aproi'  iwiav  tov  eTnov(riov.S    I  can  see  no 

that  the  Spirit  of  God  directed  the  apostles  in  their  writings  to  choose  reason  for  changing  our  received  translation,  and  cannot  hut  acquiesce 

such  (ireeli  words  as  most  exactly  corresponded  to  those  in  the  .lewish  in  Mr.  Mede's  remark,  that  errwvaLos  signifies  what  is  sntlic'ent  foi"  ouf^ 

language  which  Christ  used.  present  support  and  subsistence,  as  Trtpioiro-ios  signifies  ahundant ."  so  that 

h  Do  not  use  a  vain  multiplicity  of  words:  ,ir\  l3aTTo\o'/n<rrne.]   Beza  this  petition  is  nearly  purMel  to  that  of  Agur,  Pi-ov.  xxx.  8.  (See  Mede  s 

has  well   explained  the  etymology  of  the  worcl ;  and   Dr.  Hammond  JVorlcs,  p.  125.)    This  is  a  most  excellent  lesson  to  teach  us,  on  the  one 

shows  how  applicable  it  was  to  the  devotion  of  the  Gentiles.    (Compare  hand,  moderation  in  our  desires,  and  on  the  other,  an  hunmle  depencl- 

1  Kings  xviii.  26.  and  Acts  xix,  34.)    It  is  plain  that  the  .lews  were  ence  on  Divine  Providence  for  the  most  necessary  supplies,  be  our  pos- 

running  into  the  same  fault,  if  we  may  judge  by  their  oldest  Liturgies,  sessions  or  our  abilities  ever  so  great.                                   n    it  -^  i,ar^i,r 

(See  Le  Clerc,  in  lor.  and  Selden,  de  Syned.  lib.  i.  cap.  xii.  p.  467,  et  n  Such  pardon— as  we  are  willing  to  impart  to  them. J    it  is  naraiy 

seq.^    And  Dr.  Wotton  has  illustrated  the  text  so  well,  if  it  be  considered  possible  to  imagine  a  more  effectualexpedient  to  promote  me .ro! givenes.t 

as  referring  to  them,  that  one  could  wish  he  had  produced  some  better  of  injuries  than  this,  of  making  it  a  pait  ot  our  daily  l'.''"^'"' l°j^{l  ^S" 

authorities  than  he  has  done  for  reading  vnoKpcTai  rather  than  eOwKoi.  pardon  from  God  as  we  impart  to  our  oftending  hrotner.     '  0|  '»  jnis 

See  Wot.  Misc.  vol.  i.  p.  186—188.  circumstance,  every  malicious  purpose  against  him  wouic   turn  r/m 

i  That  dutiful  veneration  to  thy  divine  majesty.]    The  name  of  God  petition  into  an  imprecation,  by  which  we  should,  as  it  were,  oina  aown 

seems  a  phrase  nearly  answering  to  that  of  majesty,  when  applied  to  an  the  wrath  and  vens-eance  of  God  upon  ourselves, 

earthly  sovereign ;  as  Mr.  Blair  has  justly  observed,  Setm.  vof.  iv.  p.  42.  o  Rescue  us  from  the  evil  one.']  .  'Vvaai  nii-a^  af",  tok  Trovtipou  iiiaj 

k  More  perfectly  come.']    It  is  reasonable  to  believe  this  petition  had  literally  be  rendered  thus.    For  this  significaiion  ot  „  Tioi-npoc,  see  note 

a  sense  peculiar  to  the  period  in  which  it  was  prescribed,  and  that  we,  h,  p.  74.                                                     „ 

G  2 


not 
neither 


CHRIST'S  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT. 

84 

.  r    tl.ino-s  we  know  that  thon  canst  do  for  thy  children,  and  we  are  humbly  bold  to  hope  thou  kingdom,  and  the  po«;er,  and 
'40      SKo  tluJm  for  us:  for  thine  is  the  hin^dom  of  universal  nature,P  uml  the  fufness  of  ^''^  s'°^' '- --•   ^"-"- 

ahnio-hty  power,  and  the  ^loj^y  of  infinite  perfection ;  and  to  thee  be  the  praise  of  all 

MATT,  ascribed  for  ever.     Amen.     So  may  it  be !    We  most  sincerely  and  earnestly  desire  that 
\'^-     thou  mavest  be  glorified,  and  our  petitions  heard  and  accepted." 

14  Let  this  be  the  model  of  your  prayers,  for  these  are  the  most  important  blessings  you  ^^i4  F"/  '/j^  /°L?  heaven" 
can  ask.  And  let  me  particularly  charge  you  to  remember  the  view  and  connexion  m  ly  Father  will  also  forgive 
which  I  have  taught  you  to  ask  the  pardon  of  your  sins  :  for  if  you  forgive  men  their  you  .- 

offences,  your  heavenh/  Father  icill  also  forgive  you,  supposing  that  forgiveness  to  proceed 

15  from  a  truly  religious  principle  :  But  if  you  do  not  forgive  men  their  offences,  but  continue     15  f"ti[  ye  forgive 
to  cherish  resentment,  and  to  seek  revenge,  neither  u-ill  that  God  whom  vou  call  7/our  ?yt^;!^^l'Flth!rl^^y^y 
heavenly  Father  own  you  for  his  genuine  offspring,  3.ndfvgire  you  i/our  offences  ;  but  by  trespasses, 
using  the  petition  I  have  now  been  prescribing,  you  will  in  effect  bind  down  a  curse  upon 

yours6lv6S. 

16  I  would  also  apply  the  general  advice  I  before  gave  to  fasting  as  well  as  to  prayer;  and  be^6^f°/X'hywcHt^f^a 
would  amin  exhort  vou,  That  ivhen  you  keep  a  private  fast,  (as  I  conclude  my  disciples  ^^^  countenance :  tor  they 
will  often  do,)  you  he  not  like  the  'hypocrites,  going  about  with  a  dejected,  melancholy  ;J;f/"'-^,^';'^j,'-„f^^;^'^'^fJ«^f 
face,  and  putting  on  a  dismal  air  ;  for  upon  these  occasions  thei/  emaciate,  contract,  and  verily  I  say  unto  you,  they 
deform  their  countenances,i  that,  by 'their  sad  and  mournful  looks,  they  may  appear  to  men  have  their  reward. 

to  fast,  and  may  be  esteemed  as  "persons  of  unusual  mortification  and  holiness  :    vcrilj/ 
■    I  say  unto  you.  That  in  this  notice  that  is  taken  of  them  by  their  fellow-creatures,  they 

17  have  all  their  reward,  and  have  not  any  to  expect  from  God  But  thou,  O  my  disciple,  fJ73t^^Lfn'tThinrKl^d,*a'S3 
when  thou  keepest  such  a  fast,  and  comest  from  thy  devout  retirement,  dress  thyselt  just  as  ^ash  thy  face ; 

thou  dost  at  other  times  ;  anoint  thy  head  with  oil,  and  wash  thy  face,'  instead  of  fouling  it 

18  with  ashes  :  That  thou  mayestnot  appear  to  men  as  one  thatfasteth,  but  only  to  thy  Father  ,„if„  ^];«\„<^°^'J  bTuntot"hy 
who  is  in  secret ;  and  thy  Father,  who  sees  in  secret,  and  observes  what  passes  in  retire-  Father  which  is  in  secret :  and 
ment,  as  the  surest  testof  meiVs  true  characters,  ivill  not  fail  to  reward  thee  openly  for  thy  ^^^refi^'shairrLward'^ee 
genuine  and  unaffected  devotion.  openly. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  1      Let  us  learn  from  these  repeated  admonitions  of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  what  is  the  only  acceptable  principle  of 
.5,  16  every  religious  action  ;  namely,  a  desire  to  approve  ourselves  to  God  in  it :  and  let  us  particularly  bring  it  into 

the  instances  in  which  it  is  here  recommendea. 
2,  6  Our  Lord  takes  it  for  granted,  that  his  disciples  would  be  both  charitable  and  devout.  Let  us  cultivate  both 
these  branches  of  the  christian  temper,  and  avoid  ostentation  in  both ;  as  remembering  the  day  approaches,  when 
every  one  of  us  must  be  made  manifest  in  his  true  character  before  the  tribunal  of  Christ. — And  oh,  what  dis- 
coveries will  then  be  Ojjened  upon  the  world  !  How  many  specious  masks  will  be  plucked  off,  that  the  hypocrite's 
character  may  appear  in  its  native  deformity !  And,  on  the  other  hand,  how  many  secret  acts  of  piety  and  bene- 
volence, which  have  been  industriously  concealed  from  human  observation,  will  then  shine  forth  in  all  their  glory, 
18  celebrated  and  rewarded  by  God  himself,  who  sees  in  secret,  and  whose  eye  penetrates  all  the  recesses  of  our  houses 
and  our  hearts !  •  . 

There  may  our  praise  and  our  portion  be  !    In  the  mean  time,  let  us  with  humble  pleasure  obey  the  call  of  our 

divine  Master,  and  be  often  addressing  our  heavenly  Father  in  such  language  as  he  hath  taught  us  ;   entenr.g  for 

secret  exercises  of  devotion  into  our  closet,  and  shutting  our  door,  excluding,  as  far  as  possible,  every  thought 

6  which  would  interrupt  us  in  these  sacred  and  happy  moments.     From  thence  let  our  prayers  daily  come  before  the 

throne  like  incense,  and  the  lifting  up  of  our  hands  be  as  the  morning  and  the  evening  sacrifice.     (Psal.  cxli.  2.) 

9—1.3  Christ  himself  has  condescended  to 'teach  us  to  pray.  Attentive  to  his  precepts,  animated  by  his  example,  and 
imboldened  by  his  intercession,  let  us  learn  and  practise  the  lesson.  Shed  abroad  on  our  hearts,  O  Lord,  thy 
Spirit  of  adoption,  which  may  teach  us  to  cjy,  Abba,  Father.'  to  draw  nigh  to  thee  with  filial  reverence  and  con- 
fidence, and  with  fraternal  charity  for  each  other,  even  for  the  whole  family  to  whom  thou  graciously  ownest  the 
relation  !  Inspire  us  with  that  zeal  for  thy  glory,  which  may  render  the  honour  of  thy  name,  the  prosjierity  of  thy 
kingdom,  and  the  accomplishment  of  thy  will,  far  dearer  to  us  than  any  interest  of  our  own  !  On  thee  may  we 
maintain  a  cheerful  dependence  for  our  daily  bread ;  and  having  food  and  i-aiment,  be  therewith  content  I  (1  Tim.  vi. 
8.)  most  solicitously  seeking  the  pardon  of  our  past  sins,  ancf  the  influences  of  thy  grace  to  preserve  us  from 

14,  15  future  temptations,  or  to  secure  us  in  them  !  And  may  our  sense  of  that  need  in  which  we  stand  of  forgiveness 
from  thee,  dispose  us  cordially  to  forgive  each  other,  especially  as  thou  hast  wisely  and  graciously  made  this  the 
necessary  means  of  receiving  our  own  pardon !  Our  corrupted  hearts  are  too  little  disposed  for  these  sentiments ; 
but  may  God's  almighty  power  produce  and  cherish  them  in  us !  and  while  the  comfort  is  ours,  may  all  the  glory 
be  his,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  !  Amen. 


SECTION  XLI. 

Our  Lord  cautions  his  disciples  against  the  love  of  the  present  world,  and  urges  a  variety  of  lively  and  convincing  arguments  to  dissuade  them 

from  anxiety  about  the  morrow.    Matt.  vi.  19,  to  the  end. 

SECT.  Matt    vi    10 

^^  xYiAii.    VI.    i.i.  Matt.  VI.  19. 

I  WOULD  also  take  this  opportunity  of  cautioning  you,  my  hearers,  against  that  covetous  LAY  not  up  for  yourselves 


MATT    *^™P^'''  which  the  Pharisees  are  so  ready  to  indulge,  (compare  Luke  xyi.  14.  and  Matt.  mo'th"aSi"ru"std^oth ''corrupt! 

yrj   ■  xxiii.  14.)  and  therefore  add,  T)o  not  make  it  your  great  care  to  lay  up  for  yourselves  trea- 

19  sures  here  on  earth,  where  so  many  accidents  may  deprive  you  of  them  ;  where  the  moth, 

p  For  thine  is  the  iingdom,  &c.']    Though  I  am  sensible  tliere  is  some  added  to  the  conclusion  of  our  prayers,  it  is  intended   to  express  the 

reason  to  doubt  of  the  genuineness  of  this  doiolppy,  notwithstanding  all  sincerity  and  earnestness  with  which  we  desire  tlie  blessing  we  asic,  with 

that  Mr.  .lones  (in  his  History  of  the  Canon,  vol.  i.  p.  141,  142.)  has  some  cheerfulness  of  hope  as  to  the  success  of  our  petitions, 

urged  in  its  defence,  (see  Dr.  Mill,  ZK /i)f.  and  Mr.  Hallet,  in  his  A'o<«j  q  Emaciate,  contract,  and   deform  their  countenances. "[    I   know  not 

on  Scripture,  vol.  i.  p.  1.33.  et  seq.')  yet  it  is  certainly  very  ancient ;  and,  any  word  in  our  language  which  exactly  answers  to  u<pavi^Hm  in  this 

as  Bishop  Hopkins,  Mr.  Blair,  and  other  excellent  writers,  have  well  connexion.     It  is  rendered  corrupt,  in  ver.  20.   (Compare  Acts  xiii.  41. 

observed,  so  admirably  suits  and  enforces  every  preceding  petition,  that  Heb.  viii.  13.  and  lames  iv.  14.)  and  properly  signifies  to  clianpe,  spoil, 

I  could  not  persuade  myself  to  omit  it.    And  I  nope  the  learned  reader  and   consume  ;  and    is  with  peculiar  elegance    applicable   to   such    an 

will  excuse  me,  if,  in  matters  of  moment,  I  sometimes  seem  over-cautious  alteration  of  the  natural  countenance  as  proceeded  from  their  cmnciatinp 

of  omitting  some  passages  which  are  indeed  wantina  in  many  ancient  themselves,  and  contracting  their  faces  into  a  rfi.fma//(i/'m. —  The  learned 

manuscripts,  and  omitted  by  some  celebrated  commentators,  ancient  as  author  of  Fortuita  .Sacra,  p.   1.3 — 22.  has  rendered  it  unnecessary  for 

well  as  modern.    I  apprehend  I  shall  have  done  my  part,  in  thus  hint-  me  to  add  any  thing  more  on  this  or  the  following  verse, 

ing  at  the  doubt  which  learned  men  have  entertained  concerning  them,  r  Anoint  thy  head  with  oil,  and  wash  thy  face.]    Tliis  was  usual  among 

where  I  conceive  the  reasons  for  such  doubt  to  be  considerable. — For  the  .Tews,  not  only  at  feosK,  but  at  other  times.    Comiiare  Huth  iii.  3. 

the  word  amen,  as  it  signifies  truth,  see  note  g,  on  John  i.  51.  p.  52.  when  2  Sam.  xiv.  2.  and  ludilh  xvi.  R.    On  the  other  hand,  dust  and  ashei 


CHRIST'S  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT.  85 

and    where    thieves    break  for  instance,  may  Spoil  your  finest  garments,  and  a  devouring  canker  may  consume  your  sect. 

through  and  steal ;                 ^Q^n^  OP  ^^^.^j  corrupt  the  Very  metals  you  have  hoarded;*  and  where  thieves  may  dig  37. 
through  the  strongest  walls  that  you  have  raised  about  them,  and  may  steal  them  away. 


20  But  lay  up  for  your-  But  build  your  happiness  on  a  nobler  and  more  certain  foundation,  and  store  up  for  your-  matt. 
where  neither  moth  nor^'rust  selves  treasures  in  heaven,  where  none  of  these  accidents  can  happen  ;  where  neither  moth     ^^' 
doth   corrupt,    ami    where  nor  caukev  can  consumc  them,  and  ivhere  thieves  cannot  break  in,  nor  steal  them  away ;  but  ^^ 
nor  s?eal°  "°'    ^^^    *  ™"°    the  arms  of  everlasting  power  and  love  shall  secure  you  from  every  calamity  and  invasion. 

21  For  where  your  treasure      Tlie  influence  which  this  ad  vice  will  have  on  your  whole  conduct,  should  engage  you  21 
is,jhere  will  your  heart  be  ^^  attend  more  diligently  to  it ;  for  where  that  vvhich  you  account  your  chief  treasure  is, 

there  icill  your  heart  also  be,  and  thither  will  the  tendency  and  series  of  your  actions  be 

22  The  light  of  the  body  is  referred.  See  therefore  that  you  form  a  right  judgment  on  so  important  an  article,  and  do  22 
ey^ebningU.Oiy^ whole bo(^^  "o*-  ovei-value  the  world  and  its  enjoyments.  For  as  the  eye  is  the  lamp  of  the  whole 
shall  be  full  of  light :  body  ;  and  therefore,  on  the  one  hand,  //"  thine  eye  be  clear^  and  free  from  any  vitiating 
th'^  5"! ' h'^'"^ h"*'n  h'^  ^^'II  humour,  thy  whole  body  will  be  full  of  light :  But,  on  the  other  hand,  «/'  thine  eye  be  dis-  23 
ot^darkne%.°^^'  therefore  the  tempered,  thy  whole  body  ivill  he  full  of  darkness :  so  it  is  with  respect  to  the  practical 
light  that  is  in  thee  be  dark-  judoment  you  fomi  as  t'o  the  worth  of  earthly  and  heavenly  enjoyments.  If  therefore  the 
ness'l  °"^  °'^^  "    ^^    ^     light  that  is  in  thee  be  darkness,  how  great  is  that  darkness  !  and  if  the  maxims  you  lay 

down  to  yourselves  are  wrong,  how  very  erroneous  must  your  conduct  be  ! 

24  No  man  can  serve  two  And  do  not  impose  upon  vourselvcs  so  far  as  to  imagine  that  your  hearts  can  be  equally  24 
masters:  tor  either  lie  will  v  •  i  i  i  ^  L  i  ^\.  r  j  /i-^y 
hate  the  one,  and  love  (lie  divided  between  heaven  and  earth :  for  as  no  tnan  can  serve  two  masters  whose  interests 
other;  or  else  he  will  hold  and  commands  are  directly  contrary  to  each  other;  but  ivill  quickly  appear  e/Mer  com- 
other.  Ye  caVnot  serve'cod  paratively  to  hate  the  one  and  love  the  other ;  or,  by  degrees  at  least,  will  grow  weary  of 
and  Mammon.                      SO   disagreeable  a  situation,  so  as  to  adhere  entirely  to  the  one,  and  quite  neglect  and 

abandon  the  other  :  so  you  will  find  you  cannot  at  the  same  time  serve  God  and  Mammon,'^ 
that  unworthy  idol  to  which  so  many  are  devoting  their  hearts  and  pursuits. 

25  Therefore  I  say  unto      And  I  would  charge  you  therefore  to  take  heed  that  your  affections  be  not  engaged  in  25 
youflife^,  what  ye  "shall  eat"^  a  seivice  SO  inconsistent  with  religion  and  true  happiness  ;  and  in  particular,  I  say  unto 

or  what  ye  shall  drink ;  nor  you,"^  Be  not  distressed  with  anxious  cares  about  your  subsistence  in  life,"  ivhat  you  shall 

yet  tor  your  body,  what  ye -^    ,'        i       ,     ,  i    ii  j   ■    i         i,  <.     i      if  ■    •  -'  "^  •,, 

shall  put  on.    Is  not  the  life  £ut,  and  what  you  shall  drink,  when  your  present  stock  of  provisions  is  gone ;  nor,  with 

San^rahnent^?^''  ^^^  '''*  ''°'*^  respcct  to  your  body,  what  you  shall  put  on  when  the  garments  you  have  are  worn  out.     Is 

not  life  a  better  and  ?nore  valuable  gift  than  food,  and  the  body  than  raiment?    And  if  it 

be,  why  should  you  not  trust  that  almighty  and  gracious  Being  who  formed  your  bodies, 

and  inspired  them  with  life,  to  maintain  the  work  of  his  own  hands  ? 

26  Behold  the  fowls  of  the      You  mav  surely  do  it,  when  you  reflect  on  his  care  of  the  inferior  creatures.     Look  on  26 

air :  tor  they  sow  not,  neither   ,;      i  •     ,       ;'•  ,i         =       /■        •      ^  "^  ^i     ..  n    ■  j  e    r      ^^  i     .1 

do  they  reap,  nor  gather  into  thc  birds  of  the  air,  for  instance,  that  are  now  nying  around  you  : '  for  though  they  are 

Father  feedetiuhem ''*Ar°'^  ^^^  ^"^  clieerful  to  a  proverb,  yet  do  they  neither  soiv  nor  reap  :  nor  do  they,  like  some 

not  much  better  thantheyV*  Other  animals,  gather  a  stock  of  food  ijito  hoards,  to  lay  up  for  winter  ;  and  yet  the  rich 

providence  of  your  heavenly  Father  plentifully  /efrfert  them  :  and  fl?'e  not  you  his  children, 

much  more  valuable  in  his  sight  than  they ;  as  well  as  much  better  furnished  with  means 

27  Which  of  you  by  taking  of  providing  for  yourselves  ??    Why  then  should  you  at  any  time  suspect  his  care  ?    And  27 
hissfature"'^  '  °"^ ''"  'tunto  ^^jg-,  ^^y^  ^.j^j^,  immoderate  carefulness  is  useless,  as  well  as  unnecessary  ;  for  which  of  you 

can,  by  \all  his']  anxiety,  add  to  his  age  or  vigour ^^  so  much  as  one  cubit,  or  even  the 
smallest  measure  or  moment  beyond  what  God  shall  appoint  ?  Nay,  it  is  much  more  pro- 
bable you  should  rather  impair  than  strengthen  your  constitution  by  indulging  such  a 
temper,  which  sometimes  brings  on  gray  hairs  and  death  before  their  time, 
fo?^ ithi'IentT '^r*' '^d'"'"^h '      ^"'^  "*  f^^'  ''"""^"^  ^*"^.'/  (^''^  y^'^  anxious  [about  that?]    Observe  not  only  the  animal,  28 
lilies  of  the  field,  how  they  hul  what  IS  yet  much  lower,  the  vegetable,  part  of  the  creation ;  and  particularly  consider 
do°tTiey  spm'°''  °°''  "^'""^'"  there  ^/;e  lilies  of  the  field,  lunv  they  grow  ;  they  toil  not  to  prepare  tlie  materials  of  their 

29  And  yet  T  say  unto  vou.  Covering,  nor  do  they  spin  or  weave  them  into  garments  :     Yet  I  say  unto  you.  That  even  2C> 

Jwl'^y.^rc,''!!!?™"'"  J  1*1'^  the  magnificent  So/()wow,  2«  ff//  his  Toyal  glory,  when  sitting  on  his  throrie  of  ivorv  and 

glory  was  not  arrayed  like  „  i  i    /?  r--  ^  r>  \  j.  /■     '^      ■       ,       r  ^         i  ■.     i         i     c        i 

one  ot  these.  gold,  ( 1  Kings  X.  18.)  tvas  not  arrayed  in  garments  of  so  pure  a  white,'  and  of  such  curious 

30  Wherefore,  if  God  so  workmanship,  as  one  of  these  lilies  presents  to  your  view.     And  if  God  so  clothe  the  grass  30 

were  often  used  in  times  of  deep  momning,  or  public  fasting,  which  Dr.  Clarke  in  his  Sermons,  vol.  iii.  p.  116,  et  seq.  do,)  that  our  Lord  only 

must  sadly  deform  the  countenance.    Ute  2  Sam.  xiii.  19.  Esth.  iv.  1,  3.  addresses  this  to   his  apostles,   who    were  to  cast   themselves   on   an 

Isa.  Ixi.  3.  Uan.  ix.  3.  and  Jonah  iii.  6.  extraordinary  providence,   without  being  any   wavs  concerned   them- 

a  Canker  may  consume  your  corn,  or  corrupt  the  very  metals  you  selves  for  their  support.     Mr.  Blair  has  well  proved  the  contrary  at  large 

have  hoarded.]    'J'he  word  /3pM<ns-  is  by  some  translated  smut,  or  weavel,  in  his  excellent  Appendix  to  his  fourth  Sermon,  vol.  i.  p.  55,  et  seq.  and 

and  is  supposed  to  signify  any  little  insect  that  gets  into  corn  and  eats  it  is  easy  to  observe,  that  the  arguments  our  Lord  urges  contain  nothing 

It.     Mr.    Blair  seems  to  understand  it  so,  and  thinks  our  Lord  here  peculiai"  to  their  case,  but  are  built  on  considerations  applicable  to  all 

refers  to  clothes,  grain,  and   gold,  as  the  chief  treasures  respectively  christians.    Compare  Phil.  iv.  fi.  and  iPet.  v.  7.  as  also  Luke  xxii.  .S5, 

obnoxious  to  moth,  smut,  and  thieves  ;  which  may  seem  the  more  pro-  36.  and  Acts  xx.  .34.  from  whence  it  appears  that  the  apostles  themselves 

bable,  as  a  different  word,  lor,  is  used   for  riist,  .lam.   v.  3.     But  as  were   not  entirely  to  neglect  a  prudent  care  tor  their  own  subsistence, 

/SpMCTit  properly  signifies  any  thing  that  rats  itao  another  substance,  I  in  dependence  on  miraculous  provisions. 

rather  clioose  to  render  it  canker,  which  has  much  the  same  ambiguity  ;  f  The  birds  of  the  air  now  flvina  around  you.]    It  is  not  so  proper  to 

and  to  paraphrase  it  in  a  manner  including  both  the  senses.  render  vrereiKa  fowls,  as  that  word  geneially  signifies  the  larger  kind  of 

b  If  thine  eye  he  clear,  ^c.'\    Some  commentators  have  explained  this,  hirds,  and  especially  those  under  the  care  of  men.— For  mentioning  tlie 

as  if  our  Lord  intended  here  to  urge  the  practice  of  liberality,  as  what  birds  as  then  in  their  sight,  see  the  latter  part  of  note  o,  on  Matt.  v.  14. 

would  have  a  great  influence  on  the  whole  of  a  man's  character  and  p.  77. 

conduct ;  and  suppose  it  illustrated  by  all  those  passages  where  an  evil  g  Are  not  you  much  more  vahiable  than  they,  as  well  as  much  better 

eye  signifies  a  grudging  temper,  and  a  good  eye  a  bountiful  disposition,  furnished  with  means  of  providing  for  yourselves?]    Ouk  irueif  ixaWov 

(compare  Deut.  xy.  9.  Prov.  xxiii.  6.  xxviii.  22.  and  xxii.  y.  Hebr.)  and  ^m^epexe  avTwv,  may  be  rendered.  Have  not  you  greatly  the  advantage 

also  by  those  texts  in  vi\\\c\\  simplicity  \i  put  (or  liberality,  (Kom.  xii.  8.  "/  them?  which  may  refer  to  men's  being  capable  of  soiling,  reaping, 

and  2  Cor.  viii.  2.  ix.  11,  13.  Gr.)    See  Hammond,  Whitby,  L'Enfant,  and  gathering  into  barns,  which  thc  hirds  are  not:  and  though  I  rather 

and  Beausobre,  in  loc.    But  the  sense  given  above  appears  most  natural,  prefer  the  former  sense,  1  thought  it  not  improper  to  hint  at  the  other ; 

as  well  as  most  extensive. — I   have  rendered  airXsr  clear,  rather  than  as   I   have  done  in  many  other  places  where  such  ambiguities  have 

single,  as  less  ambiguous,  and  with  more  evident  propriety  applied  to  occurred. 

the  eye:  it  is  opposed  to  an  eye  overgrown  with  a  film,  which  would  h  Can  add  to  his  age.]    It  is  well  known,  that  this  is  frequently  the 

obstruct  the  sight.  signification  of  the  word   nXiKia ;  there  being  many  places  where  it  is 

c  God  and  Mammon.]    Mammon  is  a  Syriac  word  for  riches,  which  evident  that  it  is  used  for  age,  (as  .John  ix.  21,  23.  and  lleb.  xi.  11.)  and 

our  Lord  beautifully  represents  as  a  person  whom  the  folly  of  men  had  certainly  it  makes  the  best  sense  here  :  for  it  is  seldom  found  that  persons 

deified.     It  is  well  known  the  Greeks  had  a  fictitious  god  of  wealth  ;  but  are  solicitous  about  growing  a  cubit  taller. —  1  confess  a  cubit  of  age  is 

1  cannot  find  that  he  was  ever  directly  worshipped  in  Syria  under  the  not  a  common  phrase  among  us,  though  an  inch  of  time  be  sometimes 

narne  ot  Mammon.  used  ;  and  in   this  view  had   I  rendered  cubit  by  moment,  as  a  learned 

fl'^'cfore  I  say  unto  you,  Sjc]    A  late  writer,  who  takes  upon  him,  friend  who  remarked  on  this  passage  advised,  it  would  have  been  very 

by  the  strength  of  his  own  reason,  to  reject  at  pleasure  what  the  apostles  justifiable. 

believed  and  taught,  strangely  complains  of  a  want  of  connexion  be-  i   Was  not  arrayed  in  garments  of  so  pure  a  white.]    As  the  eastern 

tween  this  and  the  preceding  verse.     But  can  there  be  any  better  reason  princes  were  often  clothed   in  white  robes,   ard   they  were   generally 

assigned  against  immoderate  anxiety  than  this,  that  such  a  subjection  to  counted  a  magnificent  apparel,  (compare  Esth.  viii.  15.  and   Dan.  vu. 

Mammon  as  this  expresses,  is  utterly  inconsistent  with  the  love  and  9.)  I   think  it  more  natural  to  explain  the  words  thus,  (as  talnietdoes 

service  or  God  ?                                                                                    •  in  his  Dissert,  vol.  ii.  p.  230.)  than  to  suppose  with  Kay  (on  the  Lrea- 

e  Be  not  anxious  about  your  subsistence  in  life.]    It  is  certain  that  tion,  p.  107.)  that  Kpiva  signified  tulips  ot  various  colours,  or  a  purple 

the  word   jjepiMi/au  generallv  signifies  an  excessive  anxiety  ;  (see  Luke  kind  of  lily.    Some  have  indeed  quoted  ('ant.  v.  13.  m  support  ot  the 

X.  41.  XII.  11.  xxi.  :i4.  and  Phil.  iv.  6.   and   indeed  almost  every  other  last  interpretation  ;  but  that  text  may  refer  to  the  tragrancy  oi  thosB 

place  where  it  is  u.sed  0  which  is  agreeable  to  the  derivation  of  it.   There  flowers,  rather  than  their  hue. 
IS  no  need  therefore  to  say,  (as  Archbishop  Tillotson,  vol.  ii.  p.  255.  and 


CHRIST'S  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT. 
86 

SECT. 

41.     ,,-  ^.  ..      _,   . 

. /lot  much  more  \ clothe]  yim,  -i    -,       c-r, 

MATT,  should  be  so  diffident  as  to  distrust  his  care,  or  in  the  least  to  doubt  ot  it ! 

VI-         Be  not  ye  therefore  any  more  distracted,  and  torn  in   pieces  (as  it  were)  with  anxious    3i  Therefore  take  no  thoughtj 
^^  and  unbelieving  thoughts,  sa,/h>g,  What  shall  we  eat,  or  what  shall  we  drmk  ?  How  is  it  we  'or'  "fh'at  shHil  we  drink  ?  or; 

32  sliall  be  provided  for,  or  wliat  shall  we  wear,  in  the  remainder  of  our  lives  ?  {For  it  is  wherewithal  shall  we  be 
really  beneath  your  character,  as  my  disciples,  thus  to  distress  yourselves  on  this  account :  ""  32' (For  after  all  these  things 
the  heathen,  who  are  strangers  to  the  promises  of  God's  covenant  and  to  the  hopes  of  his  ^.^JJ^La^'e^nivlather  know" 
o-lory,  do  indeed  seek  after  all  these  things  ;  and  it  is  no  wonder  that  their  minds  are  taken  eth  that  ye  have  need  of  all 
up  with  them  :    but  y'ou  have  greater  business  to  employ  you,  and  higher  liopes  to  am-  tiiese  things. 

mate  and  encourage  you.)  For  you  mav  be  assured,  that  as  7/onr  heavenli/  Father  knoivs 
that  yon  need  all  these  things  while  you  dwell  in  the  body,  he  will  not  fail  "to  provide  them 

33  ^But  i  exhort  you,  that  you  turn  your  cares  into  a  nobler  channel,  and  seek,  in  the  first  ^^J^^%^'^^  oPV-od  Ind  hil 
place,  and  with  the  greatest  earnestness  and  concern,  the  kingdo/n  of  God  and  his  ivghteous-  righteousness ;  'and  all  these 
ness  ,-">  labouring  to  secure  an  interest  in  the  promises  of  the  gospel  yourselves,  and  to  timi§s  shall  be  added  unto 
promote  its  reception  among  others,  that  by  the  submitting  to  the  righteousness  of  God, 

you  ma\  be  thus  accepted  as  righteous  before  him  :  in  that  you  will  be  sure  of  success  ; 
and  as  for  cdl  these  little  things  of  which  I  have  now  been  speaking,  they  shcdl  be  added  to 
you  over  and  ahove,'^  and,  as  it  were,  thrown  in  amidst  a  crowd  of  far  more  valuable  bless- 

34  "ino-s      And  therefore,  while  you  faithfully  attend  to  this,  he  not  anxious  even  for  the  mor-    .34  Take  therefore  no  thought 

01  iii_,s.      xiiiu  (/(c/r/i//c,   Willie,    j^  ■•    J      J    ,;  I     //  •?     r       v^,/^.    j.i„i  for  the  morrow:  tor  the  mor- 

row,  and  much  less  for  future  years  :  for  indeed  the  morrow  shall  provide Jor  itself ;  that  row  shall  take  thought  tor 
Providence  which  hath  taken  care  of  you  formerly,  shall  send  in  new  supplies,  and  sug-  Ij^'t^'^j;'/^  °^"  ^^"^{/^  ^^^ft^^^^^ 
gest  new  expedients,  as  new  necessities  and  difficulties  require  them.    And,  in  the  mean  of. 
time,  you  need  not  anticipate  future  trials ;  for  without  such  an  addition,  sufficient  for  the 
present  dai/  \is\  the  evil  of  it,  and  it  is  well  if  you  have  wisdom  and  grace  proportionable 
even  to  that. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.34      How  kind  are  these  precepts  of  our  blessed  Redeemer!  the  substance  of  which  is  indeed  but  this.  Do  thyself 

31    32  no  liarm.     Let  us  not  be  so  ungrateful  to  him,  and  so  injurious  to  ourselves,  as  to  harass  and  oppress  our  minds 

vv'ith  that  burthen  of  anxiety  which  he  has  so  graciously  taken  off.     Every  verse  and  clause  we  ha\'e  been  reading, 

speaks  at  once  to  the  understanding  and  the'heart.     We  will  not  therefore  indulge  these  unnecessary,  these  use- 

34  less,  tliese  mischievous  cares ;  we  will  not  borrow  the  anxieties  and  distresses  of  the  morrow,  to  aggravate  those  of 

the  present  day :  but  rather  will  we  cheerfully  repose  ourselves  on  that  heavenly  Father  who  knows  that  we  need 

25  these  things,  and  has  given  us  life,  which  is  "more  than  meat,  and  the  body,  which  is  more  than  raiment ;  and, 

26,  28  thus  instructed  in  the  philosophy  of  our  heavenly  Master,  will  learn  a  lesson  of  faith  and  cheerfulness  from  every 

bird  of  the  air,  and  every  flower  of  the  field. 

Let  the  Gentiles  that  know  not  God,  perplex  their  minds  with  unworthy  suspicions,  or  bow  them  down  to  the 

24  ignoble  servitude  of  Mammon,  that  base  rival  of  our  living  Jehovah  :  but  we,  far  from  desiring  to  share  our  hearts 

and  our  services  between  two  such  contrary  masters,  will  cheerfully  devote  them  to  him,  whose  right  to  tliem  is  so 

19,  20  infinitely  beyond  all  room  for  any  contest.     Let  us  take  heed  and  beware  of  covet ousness,  and  make  it  our  business 

not  to  hoard  up  earthly  and  corruptible  treasures,  \mt  first  seek  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  righteousness ;  so  shall 

33  other  things  be  added  for  present  subsistence  :  and  so  shall  we  lay  up  in  store  an  incorruptible  treasure  in  heaven, 

in  which  we  shall  be  ricli  and  happy,  when  the  riches  of  this  world  are  consumed  with  their  owners,  and  the 

whole  fashion  of  it  is  passed  away. 

22,  23      While  these  divine  maxims  are  spreading  their  light  about  us,  let  our  eye  be  clear  to  behold  them,  and  our 

heart  open  to  receive  them ;  and  let  us  cautiously  guard  against  those  deceitful  principles  of  action,  which  would 

give  a  wrong  bias  to  all  our  pursuits,  and  turn  the  light  which  is  in  us  into  a  fatal  and  incurable  darkness. 


SECTION  XLII. 

Our  Lord  proceeds  in  his  discourse  to  caution  his  disciples  against  rash  judgment,  and  to  exhort  them  to  impartiality,  prudence,  prayer,  and 
resolution  ;  and  warns  them  agaiust  seducers.    Matt.  vii.  1 — 20. 

Matt.  vii.  1.  nr. ......     -  , 

Matt.  vh.  1. 

SECT.  YOLT,  my  disciples,  live  in  a  very  censorious  age,  and  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  who  are  .JUDGE  not,  tliat  ye  be  not 
42.     in  the  highest  esteem  for  the  strictness  of  their  lives,  place  a  great  part  of  their  own  reli-  J"^se<l- 

gion  in  condemning  others ; "  but  see  to  it,  that  you  do  not  judge  those  about  you  in  this 

MATT,  rigorous  and  severe  manner,  nor  pass  such  unnecessary  or  uncharitable  censures  upon 

'^'11-    them,  that  you  may  not  Yourselves  be  judged  yn\h  the  like  severity.     For  in  this  respect     2  For  with  what  judsroent 
^  you  will  fihd,  that"  according  to  the  judgment  ivifh  which  you  judge  others,  you  shall  be  ^nd'"wft1j^tha?"n!'e'asure''ye 
judged :  and  by  that  very  measure  that  ye  mete  to  them,  it  shall  be  measured  back  to  you  :  mete,  it  shaU  be  measured 
God  and  man  will  make  great  allowances  to  the  character  of  the  candid  and  benevolent ;  '°  y°"again. 
but  they  must  expect  "  judgment  without  mercy,  who  have  showed  no  mercy ;"  nor  can 
they  deny  the  equity  of  such  treatment.     (.Tam.  ii.  13.) 
3      The  caution  I  have  mentioned  is  more  apparently  necessary,  considering  how  prone     3  And  why  behoidest  thou 
men  are  to  be  partial  to  themselves:  but  rvhy  dost  ^/«w,  who'ever  thou  art,  foo/c  «Mhat  Jt^^/J'^'Vbut consVere^^^^ 
little  infirmity  which  is  but  like  a  mote  in  thy  brothers  eye,  while  thou  observest  not  the 

k  Shelters  and  adorns  the  flower.l  The  word  an^iewuinv,  which  we  (See  Dr.  Svkes  on  Christianily,  p.  .35,  .36.)  But  it  seems  more  natural 
render  clothe,  properly  expresses  the  puttmg  on  a  complete  dress  that  to  interpret  it,  of  that  way  of  becomiun  righteous  which  the  gospel  pro- 
surrounds  the  body  on  all  sides,  and  is  used  with  peculiar  beauty  for  poses,  and  which  St.  Paul,  by  a  phrase  exactly  equi\alent  to  this,  calls 
that  elegant,  yet  strong  external  membrane,  which  (like  the  skin  in  the  the  riqhteonsness  of  Gnd.  Compare  Hom.  x.  3.  and  Phil,  iii.  9. 
uiman  body)  at  once  adorns  the  tender  structure  ot  the  vegetable,  and  n  Added  over  and  above.']  1  his  seems  to  be  the  exact  import  of  the 
likewise  guards  It  troni  the  innines  ot  the  weather.  Every  microscope  word  7rpo^cC>i(^«Tai,  than  which  expression  nothing  could  have  been 
m  which  a  Ho\yer  is  viewed,  affords  a  lively  comment  on  this  text.  more  proper  ;  for  these  temporal  blessings  are  by  no  means  essential  to 

1  Is  throun  t7,to  the  fyrnuce  or  the  still. 1    I  apprehend  that  this  may  the  stipulations  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  but  are  entirely  to  be  referred 

be  as  propel  y  the  signification  of  the  word  K\,/3ayov  as  oven,  and  that  to  the  divine  good   pleasure,  to  add  or  withhold,  as  God  shall  see  fit. 

the  sense  will  thus  appear  to  be  more  easy  ;  tor  it  can  hardlv  he  sup-    Comnare  1  Kings  iii    11 13 

posed  that  grass  or  flowers  should  be  thrown  into  the  oven  the  "day  after  a  Place  a  great  pkrt  of  their  own  religion  in  condemning  others.! 

they  are  cut  down  ;  unless  it  was  the  custom  to  heat  their  ovens  with  Though  Christ  does  not  so  directly  level  his  discourse  against  the  Pha- 

"/"i;/ ^•i?^?'.'i''  ^^"^"^^  not  very  natural.     Eisner  indeed  renders  xoprav  risees  in  this  chapter,  as  in  the  two  foregoing,  he  seems  to  glance  upon 

itubble;  but  that  seems  not  to  suit  the  context.  them  in  this  and  other  expressions  which  he  uses  in  it.    That  they  were 

rn  Jhe  kingdom  of  Oodand/usrighleonsness.^    By  ng/itenisness.  Dr.  culpable  on  this  head  appears  from  such  passages  as  Luke  xviii.  9— 14. 

.Sykcs  here  understands  the  Messiah,  the  nghteons  branch,  who  was  to  xvi.  14,  15.  and  John  vii.  47,  49.    (Compare  Isa.  Ixv.  5.)    Their  unjust 

rule  m  nghteousness,  and  m  whose  days  the  nghteoxis  xcere  to  flourish,  censures  of  Christ  are  the  strongest  instances  of  it  that  can  be  conceived. 


CHRIST'S  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT.  87 

the  beam  that  is  in  thine  own  much  greater  fault,  which  is  like  a  beam  in  thine  own  ei/e?^    Or  how  canst  thou  say  to   SECT. 
'^■*'*  o  ■  1        'It  thou  sa    to  ^'"/  brotha-,  with  any  appearance  of  justice,  or  any  degree  of  assurance,  Hold  still,  [and]     42. 

thy  brother',  Let  me'puU'^ou't  J  wiY/  take  the  mote  Old  of  thine  eye  :'^  while,  behold,  it  is  much  more  visible  that  \_theie  is] 

the  mote  out  of  thine  eye :   ,  ;,^.^^,^^  ,„  ^/,/„g  ^y^j  ^ „g  /    Thou  partial  hi/pocrite,  begin  thy  reformation  at  home,  and  matt. 

am  ,    behold,    a   beam   ts   in  ,       •      i         /•     .  .        i  ±  li      i  i-  j.i  •  »  ^   .1  /.     vti 

thine  own  eve  r  make  it  tliv  first  care  to  dear  out  the  beam  from  thine  own  eye,  or  to  correct  tlie  errors  of  ^  *-'^- 

5  Thou  hypocrite,  first  cast  ^^^  iudgmeiit,  and  the  enormities  of  thy  life  ;  and  then  wilt  thou  better  discern  \how\  to 

out  the  beam  out  or  thine  own       J    J       "  '  ,•  ,,       #       ,j      >  "^      i  in  i.  'i.       -1.1  j  ^         -•    1, 

eve ;  and  then  shall  thou  see  remove  the  mote  Old  of  thi)  brothers  eye,  and  mayst  attempt  it  with  more  decency,  as  well 
ouTo{4^ro?he°r-s'e*'^.  """''  ^s  greater  probability  of  success. 

6  Give  not  that  which  is      I  would  further  remind  you,  that  how  unexceptionable  soever  your  own  characters  may  6 
holy  unto  the  dogs,  neither  |,g  ^^j^gj-g  jg  ^q^q  caution  to  be  used  in  attempting  to  reprove,  or  even  to  inform,  others  ;  or 

cast  ye    your   pearls    before   -^j-^^  ..  ^'^.j  i  ^u  /^'  ±   It     ^ 

swine,lestthey  trample  them  you  may  cxpose  your  admonitions  to  contempt,  and  yourselves  to  abuse.  Uive  not  that 
a"ain  and  rend'^'bu^"'^  '"™  ^'"^'/  r/'''"^]  ^'^  ^^"^■^'  o""  ^^  ^^^'^  profane,  furious,  and  persecuting  wretches  as  deserve  no 
agam  an   ren   you.  better"  a  name ;  nor  cast  your  precious  pearls  of  heavenly  wisdom  before  such  profligate 

sensualists,  as  resemble  swine  rather  than  men ;  lest,  as  those  brutal  creatures  might  do  if 
jewels  were  thrown  before  them,  they  trample  them  under  their  feet  with  scorn,  and  turn- 
ing [upon  you,]  as  if  they  had  received  an  injury  rather  than  a  "favour,  ilisten  on  you,  and 
tear  you :  ^  for  so  extremely  sordid  and  malignant  will  you  find  many  in  these  degenerate 
days. 

7  Ask,  and  it  shall  he  given      Now,  whether  you  want  wisdom  to  guide  you  in  these  difficulties,  or  fortitude  to  7 
vou ;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find ;  animate  you  asfainst  such  hardships  ;  or,  in  a  word,  whatever  your  exigencies  or  necessities 
knock,  and  It  shall  be  opened  ,        J   ,     .'^    ..    .  .  '.     '       '  j  -^    l    ii  i.        ■  it.         j  in 
unto  you :                            may  be,.  «.s7c  the  divine  assistance  in  prayer,  and  it  shall  be  given  you ;  seek  it,  and  you  sluiU 

firut  it :  and  if  it  be  a  wliile  delayed,  knock  with  repeated  importunity  at  the  door  of  mercy, 

8  For  every  ono  that  asketh  and  it  shall  at  length  be  graciously  opened  to  you.    To  this  you  are  encouraged  by  the  8 
«"eceiretii :  i"i<l  he  that  seek-  experience  of  every  praying  soul ;  for  every  one  that  asketh  aright,  receiveth :  and  he  that 
kLockltif  it  shall  be° opened.''*  diligently  seeketh,jindeth:  and  to  him  that  patiently  knocketh,  [the  door]  shall  be  opened. 

9  Or  what  nian  is  there  of      And  indeed^  it  is  no  inconsiderable  encouragement,  which  you  may  derive  from  that  9 


,  whom  if  his  son  ask  natural  affection  to  your  offspring  which  a  merciful  God  has  infused  into  the  hearts  of 

HI,    Will   ne    give    nim    h,  ^  i  *  ^    r^  t     .  •#)  f'li.i' 

e  >  those  of  you  that  are  parents  ;  for  what  one  man  is  there  among  you,'  in  all  this  numerous 

I  Or  if  he  ask  a  fish,  will  assembly,  iclio,  if  his  son  should  ask  him  for  bread,  ivill  give  him  a  stone  1   Or  if  he  ask  him  : 


vou, 
bread 
stone  .' 

10 

he  give  him  a  serpent  r  ^j^^,  ^j  fi^h  will  give  him  a  serpent  ?  Can  you  imagine  any' father  could  be  so  unnatural  as  to 

deny' the  necessary  supplies  of  life  to  his  hungry  child;  and  instead  of  these,  to  give  him 
n  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  what  would  Starve  or  poison  him?  Jf  therefore  you,  imperfect  and  evil  as  you  are,  and  11 
unto  your''ch?l.fron  fowm^uch  '^^^^^  ^f  you  perhaps  tcuacious,  froward,  and  unkind,  yet  know  how  to  give  good  gifts  to 
more  shall  your  Father  which  your  children ;  if  you  find  your  hearts  disposed  and  ready  to  communicate  the  best  of 
totheniThltalkhim?^""""'^  '^^'^'^t  you  have  for  their  relief  and  sustenance,  how  much  more  will  your  almighty  and  all- 
bountiful  Father  in  heaven,  who  has  a  perfect  sight  of  all  your  wants,  and  can  with  perfect 
ease  supply  them,  and  who  himself  has  wrought  into  your  hearts  these  benevolent  affec- 
tions, be  ready  to  exceed  you  in  expressing  his  kindness,  so  as  freely  to  give  good  things 
to  those  that  a'sk  them  of  him  by  fervent  and  constant  prayer  ? 

12  Therefore    all    things      Being  animated  therefore  by  his  goodness,8'  study  to  express  your  gratitude  for  it,  by  12 
menlhou'id  do  to' y°ou''do''ye  ->'0"^"  integrity  and  kindness  to  your  fellow-creatures  ;  and  take  it  as  a  most  sacred  rule, 
even  so  to  them;  for 'this  is  All  things  which  ye  would  be  willing  that  men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye  also  in  like  manner  to 
the  law  and  the  prophets.       f/^^.^^^  .  ^^.Q^^  ^|^gjj-^  -j^  every  instance  just  as  you  would  thiiik  it  reasonable  to  be  treated  by 

them,  if  you  were  in  their  circumstances,  and  they  in  yours ;  for  this  is,  in  effect,  a  sum- 
mary and  abstract  of  all  the  humane  and  social  virtues  recomm'ended  in  the  moral  precepts 
of  the  law  and  the  prophets ;  and  it  was  one  of  the  greatest  ends  of  both^  to  bring  men  to 
this  equitable  and  amiable  temper. 

13  Enter  ve  in  at  the  strait      It  will  indeed  be  very  difficult  thus  to  overcome  the  prejudices  of  self-love,  and  to  sub-  13 
gate:  for  wfde  li  the  gate,  and  due  those  Other  corruptions  of  the  heart  which  oppose  themselves  to  the  obedience  of  the 

divine  laws ;  and  the  persecutions  to  which  good  men  are  often  exposed  will  increase  the 
difficulty:*  but  I  would  press  you  to  exert  a  becoming  resolution,  and  courageously  to 
enter  in  through  the  strait  gcde  of  self-denial  and  holiness  ;  for  wide  is  the  gate,  and  smooth 

b  Zjook  at  a  mole  in  thy  brother's  ei/e,  while  thou  ohservest  nnt  the  beam  they  so  closely  are  directed,  through  the  whole  of  them,   as  an  imme- 

in  thine  own  eye.']    Dr.  Lightfoot  (Hor.  Hebr.  in  loc.')  has  shown,  that  diate  address  "to  his  hearers  ;  and  are  not  loose  and  general  harangues, 

this  expression,  as  well  as  that  in  ver.  2.  was  a  proverb  among  the  .lews,  in  the  manner  of  those  essays  which  are  now  grown  so  fashionable  in 

The    word    Kafxpo^,    which    we    render    mote,    is    well   explained    by  pulpits.     If  any  are  grown  too  polite  to  learn  true  oratory  from  Christ, 

Hesychius,  who  tells  us  it  sienifies  a  little  splinter  of  wood  ;  (though  1  wish  they  would  at  least  learn  it  from  Demosthenes,  who,  I  doubt  not, 

others  understand  it  of  a  small  seed  ;)  and  thus  it  is  opposed  to  5okov,  a  would  have  admired  the  eloquence  of  (his  sermon. 

large  beam,  with  great  propriety.     But  as  it  is  impossible  that  such  a  g  Being  animated  therefore'ay  his  goodness.]    Some  would  have  us  to 

thing  as  a  beam  of  aiond  should  be  lodged  in  the  eve,  I  am  ready  to  consider  the  particle  ovv  in  this  passage  as  a  mere  expletive  ;  but  there 

imagine,  that  these  words  might  sianify  different  kinds  of  distempers  to  is  ceri;unly  a  force  in  tiie  connexion,  beyond  what  most  have  observed, 

which  that  tender  part  is  subiect ;  the  former  of  which  might  be  no  more.  See  the  excellent  Discourses  of  Bishop  .^tterbury  and  Dr.  Evans  upon 

in  comparison  of  the  latter,  than  a  grnin,  or  splinter,  to  a  beam.  it;  which  illustrate  the  sense,  reasonableness,  and   use  of  this  golden 

c  Hold  still  [aiidl  1  will  take  the  mote  out  of  thine  eye.]    This  seems  to  law,  in  a  manner  that  deserves  the  most  attentive  perusal, 

be  the  exact  meaning  of  ad)e?  eK/3iiXoi,  which  I  chose  to  translate  thus  h  One  of  the  greatest  ends  of  both.]    I  say  one  of  the  greatest,  that  this 

literally,  as  I  think  it  elegantly  intimates  how  ready  men  are  to  shrink  may  be  reconciled  with  our  Lord's  declaring  the  love  of  God  to  be  the 

back  from  reproof.   The  simile  here  used  implies,  that  it  is  as  absurd  for  a  first  and  great  commandment ;  (Matt.  xxii.  .38.)  and  it  is  indeed  a  most 

bad  man  to  set  up  for  a  reprover  of  others,  as  it  would  be  for  one  that  is  absurd  and  fatal  error  to  imagine  that  the  regulation  of  social  life  is  the 

almostiZ/Mrfhimselfto  pretend  to  peifonnoperationsonothermen'seyes.  only  end  of  religion.    1  fear  many  good-natured  deists  will   perish  by 

d  And  turning  [upon  you]  tear  you.]     I  cannot  blame  the  translation  of  taking  this  one  principle  for  granted,  and  my  heart  is  wounded  with  the 

1727,   which  follows  Castalio,  and  renders  it,  lest  these  (that  is,  the  sad  apprehension  of  it. 

swine)  tratnple  them  underfoot,  and  those  (that  is,  the  dogs)  turn  upon  i  Persecutions — will   increase  the   difficulty.]    In  order  to  reconcile 

2/ou  and  tear  you.    I'liis  may  perhaps  be  our  Lord's  meaniiig,  but  it  did  what  is  here  advanced  with  those  passages  which  assert  Christ's  yoke  to 

not  seem  necessary  to  alter  the  version,  as  it  is  possible  that  dogs  misiit  be  easy,  and  the  ways  of  wisdom  to  be  ways  of  pleasant Hexs,&c.  a  late 

trample  upon  jewels,  and  swine  might  be  ready  to  wound  those  that  learned  writer  thinks  it  necessary  to  suppose  that  this  (est  refers  entirely 

disturbed  them. — That  the  figure  here  supposed  is  sometimes  used,  does  to  the  case  of  persecution  ;  and  that  the  strait  gale  is  a  violent  (leath, 

indeed  appear  by  comparine  Matt.  xii.  22.   1  Cot.  xi.  11.  2  Cor.  ii.  15.  which  lay  at  the  end  of  the  narrow  way,  and  concluded  the  injuries  and 

and  Philem.  ver.  5.     But  I  think  the  order  of  the  words,  as  they  stand  calamities  which   persecutors  would   bring  upon  christians,    (^-ee  IjAr. 

in  the  original,  may  very  well  be  retained  in  the  translation  of  these  Hallet's  Disc,  vol.iii.  p.  24 — 29.)     But  nothing  is  more  certain  than  that 

places;  for  the  transposition  of  words,  even  where  there  is  a  trajection  Christ  requires  from  all  his  disciples,  in  all  ages  and  places,  a  lite  or 

in  the  sense,  is  so  dangerous  a  thing  where  sacred  writers  are  in  question,  mortification   and  self-denial;   which,  though  it  is  min»led  with,  and 

that  no  small  advautaue  gained  in  elegance  or  perspicuity  seems  sutli-  introductory  to,  pleasures   abundantly  sufficient  to  counterbiilance  it, 

cient  to  counterbalance  it.  vet  to  corrupt  nature  is  difficult  and  painful.    (See  INIatt.  v.  2'.),  '.-M.  -xvi. 

e  And  indeed.]    Dr.  Whitbv  thinks,  that  where  the  particle  11  is  placed  24.  Rom.  vi.  6.  viii.  13.  Col.  iii.  5.  Gal.  v.  16,  17-  and  1  Cor.  i.>:.  20.  -7-) 

at  the  beginning  of  a  sentencei^  it  is  intended  merely  for  a  mark  of  interro-  However,  therefore,  I  allow  that  persecutions  are  to  be  included  among 

gation  ;  and  in  this  way  it  is  that,  he  supposes,  we  are  to  understand  it  other  difliculties,  yet  I  can  see  no  reason  to  believe  en».t  martyrdom -vim 

here,  and  likewise  in  Matt.  xx.  15.  m\A  1  Cor.  xiv.  .36.    But  as  the  sense  so  common  in  the  age  of  those  to  whom  Christ  addressed  himse  t,  as  ro  ue 

will  very  fitly  bear  it,  i  conceive  that  in  each  of  these  places  it  may  be  spoken  of  in  such  general  lansua^e  as  the  gate  leading  to  l.ie:  j'"'  w 

rendered  indeed.  insist  upon  it,  that  our  Lord  now  speaks  of  what  then  was.  and  not  wnat 

f  IV/iat  one  man  is  there  among  yon  ?]    This  seems  to  be  the  emphasis  would  be  the  case  in  future  years  ;  and  that  he  mentions  the  ca'*  Derore 

ot  Tis-  6511/  tf  iiuwv  avUpano^  :  some  think  it  also  to  implv  the  same  as  the  way;  whereas  I  think  Mr.  Mallet's  interpretation  would  nave  re- 

if  it  had  been  said,  Whic/t  of  you  is  there,  though  but  a  man  ?    And  as  quired  a  different  order.— When  Grotius  refers  the  straitriess  0}  the  gat^ 

what  is  adiled  in  the  eleventh  verse  plainly  expresses  this  sense,  perhaps  to  the  difticulty  of  virtue  in  itself,  and  the  ruggedness  oj  ttieway  to  aai- 

it  might  al>o  he  intended  here. — Young  preachers  will,  I  hope,  observe  dental  oppositions,  beseems  to  refine  toomuch.— Many  parallel  passages 

how  much  hie  and  force  it  adds  to  thcje  discourses  of  our  Lord,  that  from  heathen  writers  may  be  seen  in  him  and  Dr.  Vv  hitby. 


CHRIST'S  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT. 
88 

and  spacious  the  way  which  leads  to  destruction;  and  there  are  vtany  who  enter  into  broad  w  the  way,  that  leadeth 
^42      destruction  bu  it :  And  this  they  do,  hecatise  they  are  discouraged  by  the  hardships  which  Sere  be  wMch  roIS  i\^S'tZ 

. attend  the  entrance  on  a  religious  life,  or  must  be  expected  in  a  progress  in  it;  as  they  ,,.y„^^f,Sw1/dre'wn^4'dJ 

MATT,  see  that  strait  is  the  ^ate,  and  rugged  and  painful  the  ivai/  which  leads  to  eternal  lije ;  and  ,e^,,e,h  unto  lite;  'dn'd  few 
V"-    theti  who  find  it,  andTwith  a  holy  ardency  and  resolution  press  into  it,  so  as  to  arrive  at  there  be  that  find  it. 
■''^  that  blessed  end,  are  comparatively  feiu.     See  to  it,  therefore,  that  you  be  of  that  little 

15  And  it  concerns  you  so  much  the  rather  to  be  careful  about  it,  as  the  falsehood  of  many     i5  Beware  of  false  prophets, 
who  set  up  for  religious  teachers,  will  in  some  degree  increase  the  difficulty  and  danger.  cimhincXt^nwardly'''they 
Be  therefore  on  your  guard  against  those  false  prophets,  ivho  come  to  you  indeed  in  the  are  ravening  wolves : 
clothin"  of  sheep,^  in  the  most  specious  forms  of  humility,  innocence,  and  piety ;  but 

inwardhi  'are  ravening  wolves,  which  seek  nothing  but  to  feed  themselves  by  the  destruc- 

16  tion  of  the  flock.  And  you  will  find,  on  a  more  accurate  obser\'ation  of  their  actions,  that  i6  Ye  shall  know  them  by 
you  may  generally  know  them  by  their  fruits,'^  and  discover,  through  all  their  disguise,  that  ^apes'of 'tho™° ,T  l^^'of 
'base  character  which  lurks  beneath,  and  which  may  justly  render  you  suspicious  as  to  tiiisUes  .= 

their  doctrines.  (2  Tim.  iii.  5—9.)  For  do  men  look  to  gather  grams  from  thorns,  or  figs 
from  thistles;^  or  can  it  be  expected  by  you,  in  a  common  way,  that  you  should  gather 
^spiritual  advantage,  or  should  obtain  religious  improvement,  from  the  lessons  of  wicked 

17  men''  Their  influence,  on  the  whole,  will  be  more  likelv  to  debauch  than  edify  your  17  Even  so  every  good  tree 
minds;  for  as  the  fruit  will  be  agreeable  in  its  nature  and  kind  to  the  tree  that  produces  ^""^"^^i^pf^JJ^'/^briLgeto  j-oru! 
it,  even  so,  even/  good  tree  produces  good  fruit,  hut  a  corrupt  tree  produces  bad  fruit ;  and  evil  fruit. 

in  like  manner  will  the  fruits  that  men  produce  be  answerable  to  the  habitual  frame  and 

18  disposition  of  their  hearts.  Nor  can  it  indeed  be  otherwise  in  the  usual  course  of  things;  is  A  good  tree  cannot  bring 
for  as  a  good  tree  cannot  bear  evil  fruit,  so  neither  can  a  corrupt  tree  bear  good  fruit ;  ^"'"^Ij.^^'^'t  *™'^'  gr'i^l'^^'fo'rTh 

19  (compare  Matt.  xii.  33— 35.  sect.  1x11.)    And  therefore,  by  the  way,  to  prevent  such  false  good  fruit.  ° 
pretenders  to  religion  from  being  a  lasting  encumbrance  and  mischief,  they  shall  assuredly  ^of  forth -UTfruU.  u'hlwn 
be  overtaken  by  the  righteous  judgment  of  God  :  and  as  you  see,  that  every  tree  ivhich,  down,  an3  cast  into  the  fire, 
after  a  competent  trial,  bearet'h  not  good  fruit,  how  fair  and  flourishing  soever  it  may 

seem,  is  cut  doxvn,  and  cast  into  the  fire ;  such  too  will  be  the  end  of  hypocritical  professors 

20  and  uneodly  men,  which  it  becornes  you  all  seriously  to  consider.     Upon  the  whole,  it     20  Wherefore  by  their  fruits 
will  be  found  that  there  is  now  a  difference  in  men's  characters  correspondent  to  the  great  y«  ^'>''"  ''"°*  ">«"'• 
difference  to  be  made  in  their  future  estate ;  so  that  I  had  reason  to  say  that  you  shall 

generally  Imow  them  by  their  fruits :  the  disguise  will  fall  off"  in  an  unguarded  moment, 
and  it  will  be  your  wisdom  to  observe  and  improve  the  signal. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

When  will  the  happy  time  come,  in  which  christians  shall  form  themselves  on  these  important  maxims  of  their 
great  Master  !    When  "shall  they  be  known  to  be  his  disciples,  by  the  candour  of  their  sentiments,  the  equity  of- 
their  conduct,  and  the  beneficence  of  their  actions,  as  well  as  by  the  articles  of  their  faith,  and  the  forms  of  tneir 
worship  !  Let  us  ajl  apply  these  charges  to  ourselves,  in  the  dear  and  awful  name  of  Him  that  gave  them. 
Ver.  1      What  can  be  more  dreadful  to  us  than  to  think  of  being  severely  judged  by  that  God,  without  whose  hourly 
2  forbearance  and  gracious  indulgence  we  are  all  undone  ?  Let  us  then  exercise  that  mercy  which  we  need  ;  and  to 
3,  5  form  our  minds  to  this  most  reasonable  temper,  let  us  often  be  thinking  of  our  own  many  infirmities,  and  be  hum- 
bling ourselves  before  God  on  account  of  them. 
7,  8     Animated  by  the  sracious  invitations  and  the  precious  promises  which  are  here  given,  with  earnest  importunity 
let  us  make  our  daily  addresses  to  his  throne ;  asking,  that  we  may  receive  ;   seeking,  that  we  may  find  ;  and 
9 — 11  knocking,  that  the  door  of  mercy  may  be  opened  to  us.     And  while  any  of  us  feel  in  our  hearts  the  workings  of 
parental  tenderness  towards  our  infant  off'spring,  let  us  consider  it  as  a  delightful  emblem  of  yet  greater  readiness 
in  our  heavenly  Father,  to  pity  and  relieve  his  children. 

May  universal  righteousness  and  charity  be  practised  by  us  in  the  whole  of  our  behaviour,  and  may  we  ahiviys 
exercise  ourselves  herein  to  have  a  conscience  void  0/' offence,  both  tmvards  God  and  towards  men  !  (Acts  xxiv.  16.) 
May  we  avoid  all  manner  of  injustice,  and  guard  against  the  sallies  of  a  proud  and  overbearing  temper  !  May  we 
be  upritjht  and  benevolent  in  all  our  conduct ;  and  make  it  our  constant  care  to  govern  our  actions  by  that  most 

12  equitable  rule,  of  doing  to  others  as  ive  would  reasonably  desire  they  should  do  to  us,  on  a  change  of  our  circum- 
stances and  theirs  !  Happy  those  generous  souls,  in  whom  the  bias  of  self-love  is  so  rectified,  that  they  can  in  this 
instance  hold  the  balance  between  themselves  and  others  witli  an  impartial  and  unwavering  hand  ! 

20      On  the  whole,  let  us  remember  that  we  ourselves  are  at  last  to  be  tried  by  the  rule  by  which  we  are  here 
17,  18  directed  to  judge  of  others,  even  by  the  fruits  which  we  produce.     May  God  by  his  grace  make  the  tree  good,  that 
the  productions  of  it  may  be  found  to  his  glory  and  the  refreshment  of  all  around  us,  tliat  we  may  not  be  cut  down 
19  as  cumberers  of  the  ground,  and  cast  into  the  fire  .' 

The  way  of  life  which  our  blessed  Redeemer  has  marked  out  for  us  in  such  precepts  as  these,  may  indeed  to 

13  corrupt  nature  appear  rugged  and  narrow,  and  the  gate  strait  through  which  we  are  to  pass  :  but  let  us  encourase 

14  ourselves  against  all  these  difficulties,  by  considering  that  immortal  life  and  glory  to  which  they  infallibly  lead. 
Then  shall  we,  doubtless,  prefer  the  most  painful  way  of  piety  and  virtue,  though  with  yet  fewer  companions 
than  we  might  reasonably  expect,  to  all  those  flowery  and  frequented  paths  of  vice  which  go  down  to  the  chambers 
of  death. 

tJ'J^'"'  ''"Z^/"  J"'" '"  f''«  clothing  of  sheep.']    It  is  a  very  low  thought    in  some  instances.    But  as  to  this,  I  answer,  that  our  Lord  does  not 
l?r?^£F    f    1 1 .";""  Lo"".'' '•^'■e  "'el's  to  the  rough  habit  worn  by  fahe    exhort  his  disciples  to  reject  whatever  such  nien  taught,  but  only  to  he 


^mtv.V;;^;,  „>■  ,  1:   •  t-.". ..-,.„,  „  „,x,^c<i  iimii  iiirti  iiiaKKs  a  great  ine  people  was  so  mjunous  to  the  cospel.and  so  exceertuig  mischievous 

?m  I?-1J  K  .    ,r    I"      •  l^    '^"i""*  'I'f.'-mble  so  wel    as  not  to  be  dis-  to  those  who  had  a  veneration  for  them,  that  our  Lord  found  it  necessary 

Pl,»ri.».=-in  1      c  ■''  ^    r''?*'""  'v''''HS''  ..'"^^  -^i'^'  "1^  character  of  the  often  to  repeat  such  cautions.    See  Matt.  xv.  IC,  13.  -xvi.  6.  xxiii.  2,  /* 

i-harisees  in  oui  Saviour  s  days.   See  Matt,  xxiii.  23—28.  and  Luke  xi.  sei,.  J\lark  viii.  15.  and  Luke  xii   1 


may  teach  good  doctrines,  and  even  the  worst  have  been  known  to  do  it 


CHRIST'S  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT.  89 


SECTION  XLIII. 

F  the  absc 
eud. 

Matt.  vii.  21. 


Our  Lord  concludes  his  serinon  on  the  mount  with  a  lively  representation  of  the  absolute  necessity  of  a  practical  regard  to  his  precepts. 

vii.  21,  to  the  end. 


Matt.  vii.  CI. 

NOT  every  one  tiiat  saith  THESE  are  the  precepts  I  thought  proper  to  give  you ;  and  you  must  govern  your  lives  sect. 
unto  me,  Lord,  i.oni   shall  \yy  them,  if  ever  you  nope  to  find  vour  account  in  the  most  diligent  attendance  on  mv     43. 

enter    into    the    kingdom   ot      •'..'„.      Z  1  ,•'         .   ,  T       j     r      j        u       ■  j  "  

heaven;   but  he  that  doeth  mmistry :  lor  it  IS  not  every  one  who  saitn  unto  me,  Lord,  Lord,  who  is  ready  now  m • 

the  will^of  my  Father  which  ^vords  to  acknowledge  me  as  his  Master,  or  wlio  at  last  with  the  most  passionate  and  matt. 
earnest  cries  entreats  my  mercy,  that  ahull  cuter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven,'^  and  lie  ad-„,^^'- 
mitted  to  the  complete  felicity  in  which  the  administration  I  am  now  opening  shall  finally 
terminate;  but  he  only  shall  be  entitled 'to  that  privilege,  who  conscientiously  jBer/o/v«s,  in 
the  main  series  of  his  life,  the  holy  ivill  of  my  Father  who  is  in  heaven. 

22  Many  will  say  to  me  in      It  will  be  your  wisdom  to  attend  to  these  things  ;  for  tliough  you  now  see  me  in  what  22 
we'  110?  'prophesied"^' In  ''thy  "^"^.Y  ^^^"^  a  mean  and  despicable  form,  the  time  will  certainly  come,  when  I  shall  appear 
namer  and  in  thy  name  have  as  the  Universal  Judge  :  and  I  now  forewarn  you,  that  mani/  ivill  say  to  me  in  that  day, 
ntfme°dLe*^Inily^vondertul  when  their  eternal  state  is  to  be  determined.  Lord,  Lord,  have  we  not  been  employed  m 
works?  distinguished  offices  in  thy  church,  and  been  furnished   for  them  even  by  miraculous 

endowments?  and  in  pursuance  of  them,  have  we  not  taught  and  prophesied  in  thy  name? 
and  in  the  authority  of  thy  name  have  cast  out  devils  1  and  in  thy  name  have  done  many 

23  And  then  will  I  profess  wonderful  works!  And,  nevertheless,  I  will  then  openly  declare  unto  them,  I  never  Imcw  23 
depart'fromu4^ix\Tat  worli  y^"'  ^^  never  approved  of  your  chai-acter,''  even  when  you  made  the  most  florid  profes- 
iniquity.  '  sion  ;<^  and  therefore  depart  from  me,  ye  workers  of  iniquity  -A  and  whatever  you  that  hear 

me  may  now  imagine,  that  separation  from  me  will  be  their  everlasting  destruction. 

24  Therefore    whosoever      Hear  therefore  the  conclusion  of  the  whole  matter,  and  seriously  attend  to  it.     Every  24 
and'^doeth'^them'^'i^\v?lVl'ik"en  ""^j  whoever  he  be,  and  how  great  soever  his  former  irregularities  may  have  been,  who 
hini  unto  a  wise  man,  which  hearetli  these  my  words,  and  doth  them ;  or  in  the  main  course  of  his  life  governs  his 
built  his  house  upon  a  rock:  temper  and  his  actions  by  them,  lays  a  solid  foundation  for  present  comfort,  and  ever- 
lasting security  and  joy  :  I  ivill  compare  him  therefore  to  a  prudent  man,  ivho  built  his  house 

25  And  the  rain  descended,  upon  u  firm  rock ;  And  the  stormy  rain  descended,  and  the  foods  came,  and  the  winds  blew,  25 
\Wii('s'^bil"w'^^and"beaT'upoii  ""^  ^*^^'^  ^^''•'^  violence  vpon  that  house ;  and  it  fell  not,  for  it  was  founded  on  a  solid  rock. 
that  house ;'  and  it  fell  not:  And  thus  shall  the  gooQ  man's  hopcs  be  established,  when  they  come,  as  all  must  come, 
rock'-'  ^"^  fo""ded  upon  a  to  the  Strictest  trial.     But  every  one  that  heareth  these  my  sayings,  and  doeth  them  not,  how  26 

26  And  every  one  that  hear-  constantly  socver  he  may  attend  them,  and  whatever  zeal  he  may  profess  for  them,  may 
f/cleththem  notfshaU  be  n'k't'n'!  j^^tly  be  Compared  to  «  fooUsh  man,  who,  without  any  care  to  secure  the  foundation,  built 

ed  unto  a  foolish  man,  which  his  liouse  upon  the  suud ;  And  the  stormy  rcdn  descended,  and  the  foods  came,  and  the  winds  27 
sand :  ""^  '"'"^^    "''°"    "'^  ^''^^  vvith  a  tcmpestuous  violence,  and  struck  directly  on  that  house  ;  and  it  fell  at  once, 

27  And  the  rain  descended,  cind  its  ruiii  was  great  and  wide,  as  the  building  had  been :  a  lively  emblem  of  the  ruin 
wind's  ^ble'w.^and'l'eat^upon  which  wiU  another  day  overwhelm  the  unhappy  man  who  trusts  to  an  outward  profession 
tiiat  house ; 'and  it  fell :  and  and  form  of  godliness,  when  he  does  not  sincerely  and  practically  regard  it. 

""^lit  Xnd  i^  came  to  pass.      And  it  Came  to  pass,  that  lohen  Jesus  had  finished  these  excellent  sayim^s,^  the  multitudes  28 
wiien^.iesus  had  ended  these  that  heard  him  we>r.  Struck  ivith  a?naze?nent  at  his  doctrine.     For  in  tliis,  and  his  other  29 
asto'nish'ed  at^his'dodrineT'^'^  scrmons,  he  ivas  Still  teaching  them^  as  one  that  had  a  divine  authority  to  dictate  in  his  own 
^'"'h-^"'^  a^  *a"^'|'  ^^^^  "^  name,  and  not  as  the  scribes,  their  established  teachers;  who  generally  contented  themselves 
as^the  scnbes'.  "^' '  ^'  ""^   "°   with  quoting  the  name  and  authority  of  some  celebrated  doctors  of  the  former  age,  and 
that  frequently  to  confirm  some  trifling  remark  or  useless  ceremony  of  human  device  ;ff 
whereas  the  discourses  of  Christ  were  weighty  and  convincing,  and  always  delivered  with 
an  air  of  seriousness,  dignity,  and  majesty,  becoming  the  great  Prophet  and  King  of  his 
church,  and  the  immediate  delegate  from  God  to  men. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  justly  may  our  admiration  concur  with  theirs  that  heard  these  sayings  of  our  Lord,  while  we  have  the  Ver.  28 
honour  and  pleasure  of  attending  these  discourses  as  the  inspired  penmen  have  recorded  them,  by  the  assistance 
of  that  Spirit  who  was  to  bring  all  things  to  their  remembrance !  Are  we  not  struck  with  the  authority  of  this 
Divine  Teacher,  so  as  to  bear  our  witness  to  the  gracious  and  edifying  ivords  that  proceeded  out  of  his  mouth  1 
(Luke  iv.  22.) 

Let  us  not  content  ourselves  with  applauding  what  we  have  heard,  but  let  us  go  away  and  practise  it.  Shortly  24—27 
vyill  that  stormy  day  arise  which  must  try  the  foundation  of  our  hopes.  God  will  lay  judgment  to  the  line,  arid 
righteousness  to  the  plummet ;  and  the  hail  shall  sweep  aivay  the  refuge  (f  lies,  and  the  waters  shall  overflow  the 
hiding-place.  How  thankful  should  we  be  that  God  has  laid  in  Z ion,  for  a  foundation,  a  chief  Corner-stone,  elect 
and  precious ;  with  an  assurance,  that  he  that  believeth  on  him  shall  not  be  confounded  !  (Compare  Isa.  xxviii.  16, 
et  seq.  and  1  Peter  ii.  6.)  But  let  every  man  take  heed  how  he  builds  thereupon ;  lest  the  weight  of  his  ruin  be 
proportionable  to  the  height  of  his  hopes.     (1  Cor.  iii.  10.~) 

We  say  unto  Christ,  Lord,  Ijord ;  but  let  us  remember  this  will  not  secure  our  e?7ferjw^  into  his  heavenly  kingdom.  21 
Whatever  be  our  profession,  or  whatever  our  office  in  his  church,  the  most  splendid  and  honourable  of  our  works  22,  23 
will  be  vain,  if  we  are  found  %vorkers  of  iniquity  ;  for  our  great  Master  will  then  disown  us,  as  those  whom  he  has 
never  approved.    Blessed  Jesus  !  it  will  then  be  in  vain  to  fly  to  thee  with  the  importunity  of  prayer,  and  to  repeat 
the  most  earnest  addresses.    We  would  now,  while  yet  there  is  room  for  it,  fall  down  before  thee,  entreating  thee 

a  Shall  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven.)    Here  the  kiniidom  of  heaien  that  several  passaces  related  by  Luke  as  spoken  at  ditferent  times,  are 

must  sisnify,  that  of  glory  above  ;  for  callins  Christ,  Lord,  is  the  very  repetitions  of  it.    Compare  Matt.  v.  .3,  et  seq.  with  Luke  vi.  20,  et  seq. — 

circumstance  which  constitutes  us  the  subjects  of  his  earthly  kingdom.  Matt.  v.  13.  with  Luke  xiv.  34,  35. — Matt.  v.  25.  with  Luke  xii.  58. — 

or  members  of  his  visible  church.    Compare  Matt,  viii.  11.   Luke  xiii.  Matt.  vi.  9,  et  seq.  with  Luke  xi.  2,  et  seq. — Matt.  vi.  20,  21.  with  Luke 

28.  and  1  Cor.  xv.  50.  xii.  .33,  34.— Matt.  vi.  24.  with  Luke  xvi.  13.— Matt.  vii.  1,  et  seq.  with 

b  1  never  knew  you,  or  never  approved  of  your  character.]    The  word  Luke  vi.  37,  et  seq. — and  Matt.  vii.  13,  14.  with  Luke  xiii.  24. 

kno7e  IS  plainly  used  in  this  sense,  Psal.  i.  6.   Matt.  xxv.  12.  2  Tim.  ii.  f  He  teas  still  teaching  them.)    Beza  has  well   observed,  that  these 

19.  Jcmn  X.  14.  Rom.  vii.  15.  and  perhaps  J  Cor.  viij.  3.  words  r\v  hihaaKmv  refer  to  the  continued  course  and  general  character 

^      i^'ii*''''^"  ^°"  made  the  most  tiorid  profession.]    This  is  a  very  of  his  teaching,  of  which  this  discourse  is  a  noble  specimen  ;  indeed  so 

TrT'r-ro  ;  <^'''cumstance,  that   is  strongly   implied    in  the   words,  /  glorious  a  one,  that  1  persuade  myself  the  reader  will  pardon  my  having; 

in        *"^'''  *""•  parai^hrased  it  in  so  copious  a  manner. 

d  Uepart  from  me.  ye  XL'orkers  of  iniq-uittj.)  There  is  an  incomparable  g  To  confirm  some  trifling  remark,  or  useless  ceremony  ot  human 
dignity  in  this  whole  passage,  which  1  have  endeavoured  a  little  to  device.]  If  we  may  judge  of  the  teachines  of  the  scribes  m  Christ  s 
illustrate  in  the  paraphrase.  The  poor  despised  .lesus  not  only  calls  God  days,  by  the  .lewish  Talinuds,  or  even  by  their  Mishnah,  this  was  so 
Ins  Jraiher,  but  speaks  as  the  F.temal  Judge,  before  whom  men  should  eminently  the  character  of  it,  that  nothing  could  be  more  justly  con- 
beg  and  plead  for  their  very  lives,  dreading  banishment  from  him  as  temptible  ;  and  their  frigid  and  insipid  comments  and  lessons  couhl  no 
their  hnal  destruction.  more  be  compared  with  those  strains  of  divme  eloquence,  with  which 

e   \\heii  Jesus  had  finished  these  excellent  sayings.']    This  plainly  inti-  our  Lord's  discourses  abounded,  than  a  glow-worm  can  be  compared  to 

mates  that  all  this  discourse  was  delivered  at  once,  and  consequently,  the  sun. 


QQ  CHRIST  CLEANSES  A  LEPER. 

SECT    to  add  the  teachings  of  thy  Spirit  to  those  of  thy  word,  that  we  may  be  effectually  engaged  to  do  the  ivill  of  thine 
43.  '  heavenly  Father,  that  we  may  finally  be  confessed  and  owned  by  thee,  and  be  admitted  into  the  joy  of  our  Lord! 


SECTION  *XLIV. 

Jesus  descending  from  the  mount,  cleanses  a  leper  who  applied  to  him  for  a  cure.    Matt.  viii.  1 — 4.    Luke  v.  12 — 16.    Mark  i.  40,  to  the  end. 

Matt.  viii.  1.  Matt. viii.  i. 

SECT.  JVOn'^  when  Jesus  had  finished  this  large  and  excellent  discourse,  as  he  was  coming  doion  wfien  he  was  come  down 
44.     from  the  mountain^  on  which  he  delivered  it,  great  multitudes  of  people,  impressed  and  muTtitudes  foUow!fd"him^''^^' 

"charmed  with  what  they  had  already  heard,  followed  him  to  the  town  towards  which  he 

MATT,  .^ygjjt,  in  hopes  of  further  instruction  and  edificatit)n. 

^^^^'        And  when  he  icas  just  in  the  confines  of  a  certain  citi/,^  in  the  neighbourhood  of  that     Luke  v.  le.  And  it  came 

mountain,  ie/ioW,  a  man  full  of  leprosy,  and  dreadfully  overrun  with  tliat  sad  disease,  Sili'^ftVT'be"hoti7f  man  full 

v       seein"  Jesus,  and  having  been  informed  of  the  many  miraculous  cures  which  he  had  done,  of  leprosy;  who  seeing  Je 

'l2  came  to  him,  most  earnestly  entreating  him  to  have  pity  on  his  wretched  case,  and,  first  seeching*'iifm?'and''kn^^g 

kneeling  down  to  him,  he  then  fell  prostrate  before  him,  and  ivorshipped  him,  sai/ing.  Lord,  ^"wnto  him,]  fell  onifilkce", 

though  my  distemper  be  to  human  power  incurable,  (2  Kings  v.  7.)  yet  I  know  assuredly  sayhTJ,''Lonr^ft  t^u  w"!!;] 

XhdA^ifth'ou  ivilt,  thou  canst  cleanse  me  from  it.  rMatt'vr'<'"'vi^'"k"''4n'f'' "' 

MARK       Arid  Jesus,  pleased  with  so  strong  a  degree  of  faith,  performed  the  cure,  and  did  it  also    'Mar'k 'i!' Ii!  "And  Jesus, 

^'      in  the  most  condescending  manner;  for,  being  moved  with  compassion  at  so  melancholy  a  "g^.^Jf^, ^^'{j^  compassion,  put 

41  sight,  he  took  him  aside  from  the  multitude,c^and  stretched  out  his  hand,  and  touched  him,  h'im,  and  sahh  imto'hhn,*^! 
saying  unto  him,  I  will  that  tliy  petition  l)e  granted,  and  from  this  moment  therefore  be  ^vl!'  i,  ^-IJ^^^  f^'f^- 1^'^^^"- 

42  tfiou  clean.  And  the  almighty  power  of  his  commanding  word  immediufelj/  took  place,  '4c'An."al^soon  as  he  had 
and  as  soon  as  he  had  spoken,  the  leprosi/  departed  from  him;  and  it  apjieared  by  the  altera-  p'Jos'^%5al't"d'trom'^iim\nd 
tion  of  his  countenance,  that  he  ivas  entirely  cleansed  from  that  loathsome  and  inveterate  lie  m^s  cleHnsed.'^"['Matt.''viii. 
disease.  .  .  ^-  ^"'"'^  "•  "'^ 

43  And  Jesus  had  no  sooner  virought  this  miracle,  but,  having  strictly  charged  him  not  to     43  And  he  straitly  charged 

44  divulge  the  matter,d  he  despatched  him  presenth/  away  :  Sai/ijig  unto  him,  as  he  departed  aVvayT'^  t«'thwitii  sent  h.m 
from  him.  See  that  at  |)resent  thou  say  nothing  unto  ami  one  of  my  having  performed  this  -ii  -And  saith  unto  him, See 
cure;*'  but  make  it  thy  first  business  to  go  directly  to  Jerusalein,  and  there  sheiv  thyself  t\Tiot\^°lvly^lV^\hl^{{ 
to  the  priest,  whose  office  it  is  legally  to  pronounce  thee  clean  ;  and  offer  the  gft  of  birds  to  the  priest,  ami  offer  for  thy 
and  lambs,  \and\  all  those  things  which  Moses  has  commanded  for  thy  purification,  (Lev.  xiv.  thl''"1"t]"  which  "jdoses  co"- 
1 — 32.)  thatit  may  be  for  a  testimony  to  them  that  the  cure  is  really  perfected  ;  and  that,  nianded.  for  a  testimony  unto 
if  I  should  ever  be  heard  of  as  the  author  of  it,  they  may  see  my  regard  even  to  the  cere-  u"^'   '  '^  '  ^'"'   '    "  ^  ^'• 

45  monial  precepts  of  the  law.  But  such  was  the  impression  that  was  made  upon  the  leper  ,  -i^  But  he  went  out,  and 
1  ^'■,  r  T  ■  ii-  ji  J.  ii  iU  •  i.  I.-  began  to  publish  jr  much,  and 
by  so  great  an  instance  ot  divme  mercy  to  him,  and  he  was  so  transported  with  joy  at  his  to  blaze  abroad  the  matter.— 

miraculous  deliverance,  that  he  ivent  out  into  the  neighbouring  country,  and  began  to  pub- 
lish it  much,  and  to  proclaim  the  matter  wherever  he  came.  j^l^g  ^,  j^  [And]  sonmch 
LUKE       And  the  more  Jesus  avoided  the  ostentation  of  such  works,  so  much  the  more  there  ivent  the  more  there  went  a  fame 
V.      a  fame  of  him  abroad  through  all  the  country ;  and  great  multitudes  from  all  parts  came  mu"tlt'ud*'es  rame  tosethe^r'^[?o 

15  together  to  him,  to  hear  him  preach  the  gospel,  aiul  to  be  healed  of  their  infirmities  by  him.  him,  from  every  quarter]  to 
MARK       And  after  some  interval  of  time,  the  resort  to  him  was  .so  great,  that  lie  could  no  longer  or(h«rinfirmides.'^[M'ark'T 

I.      openly  enter  into  the  city,  without  drawing  a  multitude  of  attendants  after  him,  but  ivas  45.] 
45  obliged  for  a  while  to  be  chiefly  without  in  desert  places.    And,  to  avoid  tlie  interruptions  that**  Jesli's  ''roidd  ^no°more 
LXJKE   o^  the  crowd,  he  frequently  withdrew  into  the  ivilderncss  and  prayed;  choosing,  in  these  openly  enter  into  the  city, 
V.      circumstances,  to  spend  some  time  in  more  than  ordinary  devotion,  that  he  might  engage  placer!—  ^"''°"'  '"  '^''^"^ 

16  a  blessing  on  the  truths  he  had  so  largely  delivered,  and  obtain  that  success  which  this  ,  Luke  v.  i6.  An<l  he  with- 
eagemess  of  the  people  seemed  to  promise  to  his  gospel.  ncsslind  prayed"  '*  "  '^"■" 

IMPROVEMENT. 

LUKE       Our  souls  are  overspread  with  the  leprosy  of  sin  :  and  where  should  we  apply  for  help,  but  to  the  healing 

V.     power  and  recovering  grace  of  the  great  Redeemer !  Be  the  malady  ever  so  deep,  spreading,  or  inveterate,  we  may 

1~  surely  adopt  tlie  words  of  the  leper  before  us,  and  say,  Lord,  if  thou  wilt,  thou  canst  make  me  clean.     And  how 

much  reason  have  we  to  hope  his  compassion  will  be  moved  in  our  favour,  and  his  power  exerted  in  our  cure  ! 

MARK       If  we  have  received  that  favour,  we  are  under  the  obligation  of  no  command  to  conceal  it.     It  is,  on  the  con- 

ao'aa  ^™'"y'  ^'^''  '^"'^y  ^0^*^  gratefully  to  publish  it  abroad,  for  the  honour  of  our  Benefactor,  and  the  advantage  of  those 

^6,  44  v/ho  may  be  encouraged  to  make  the  same  application,  in  humble  hope  of  the  same  success. 

But  when  will  the  happy  time  come,  that  men  shall  be  as  solicitous  about  their  spiritual  v,?elfare  as  about  the 
health  of  this  mortal  body  !  Almighty  Physician,  exert  thine  energv  in  this  instance,  as  a  token  of  further  favours! 
Convince  men  of  their  pollution  and  danger,  and  bow  their  stubborn  knee,  that  it  may  bend  in  submissive  and 
importunate  supplication. 

r^n^Ltr^'^t  (H.""^^  ^"Z'^f^oj"  '^^  """""a'n'i    I  think  this  is  a  suflfi-  s/iarp/^  for  the  sin  for  which  he  had  been  visited  with  this  disease,  and 

rnntrJ^^  S  til  „  i''""*"'^u-°,'^  where  wc  mtroduce  it;  thouch  it  be  threatened  him  with  the   fatal  consequence  of  it  if  he  returned  to  sin 

XpithJr  M^ri.,^„nT    [  '"  ^"O'ch   many  learned   men    have   placed  it.  again:  and  in  this  case,  the  probability  of  what  we  have  supposed  is 

thp  rnnUv,-,;,,  V.r  ii     V  'V^'  "" J"!? jespect,  by  any  means  so  express  in  strengthened,  that  this  was  spoken  to  him  in  priinle,  and  was  delivered 

not  in  tM^  ,w,„.    *      ''   ^"  attentive  reader  will  observe,  that  I  have  in  the  same  manner  as  the  like  caution  was  which  C:hrist  afterwards  gave 

that  r  nU  J    ;^?w  ;      wr^^*^  '^'"^^'"  °t  *'"^"^-    '^  ''<■  erroneous  opinion  to  the  impotent  man.    (Compare  John  v.  14.  «  4fi.)     But  as  the  word  is 

diftlrpnt  frmn  Ar.!«h      }'"^.'<'^""'\<>''  ''/^  momit. and  fixed  it  to  an  order  generally  used  to  signify  the  ghijig  of  a  strict  ivjvtirtion,  or  a  solemn 

a  mistake  he?e  ^'""''''^  '•  '"  "'"'  ^^  ^'I'c''  ^o  many  have  been  led  into  charge,  fas  Phavorinus,  Suidas,  and  Hesychius,  have  explained  it.)  I 

h   hi  n  rertn'ir,  ritii  ■                          ^         tat,  rather  choose  to  understand  it  of /Ac  i/?;'c/ cAffrffS  tliat  Christ  gave  to  the 

T  :,m  ant  to  thinl  if'  ,f.L"lf„rT  '^°^«"''-]    ^f  .L"ke  expresses  it  thus,  leper  not  to  divulge  the  manner  of  his  cure,  which  is  expressly  mentioned 

i,^^„H  'hlfr.„  .  ".,.4"  2?L"°Lf  aPfraaiim,  which   Luke  had  so  often  in  the  following  verse  ;  and  in  which  sense  it  is  evident  that  the   same 

the 


d   Ufjitin  \fr!r//u  rli^rncj  /,;,„  n^ttn  ^■„..,y„,.  ti     _  .*     i    o  ^     ,  '"'racle  ;  as  Seems  to  be  implied  in  the  force  of  those  words  in  ver.  4.?, 

suUird'?I?at'7,:;t:tr.trrJ°i,'n';^  VtZ:,^'jf^'^''^°-    S?eGrot.usonMatt.vin.4.  and  L,ghtfoof= 


CHRIST  AT  CAPERNAUM  HEALS  A  PALSIED  MAN.  91 

Let  the  compassionate  air  with  which  this  cure  was  wrouglit  be  considered  by  all  spiritual  physicians  as  a  lesson   sect. 
of  condescension  and  tenderness;  and  let  the  modesty  with  which  it  was  conducted  engage  us  to  avoid  every     44. 


appearance  of  ostentation  and  vain-glory.  .      .  ,  ,  ,  ,      ,         . 

To  conclude  :  since  Christ  himself  found  it  proper  to  retire  mto  a  desert  place  to  pray,  when  crowds  of  admirers   luke 
were  flocking  in  upon  hini,  let  it  teach  those  who  are  engaged  in  the  scenes  of  public  business,  and  fill  them  up  ^g^- 
with  the  greatest  applause,  yet  resolutely  to  command  some  seasons  for  retirement ;  as  remembering,  that  the 
more  various  and  important  our  public  labours  are,  the  more  evidently  do  we  need  to  draw  down  succour  by 
ardent  prayer,  that  we  may  be  strengthened  and  prospered  in  them. 


SECTION  XLV. 

rates 
I'.  17- 

Mark  ii.  1. 


rhrist  returnina  to  Capernaum,  heals  a  man  quite  disabled  by  the  palsy  ;  vindicates  his  power  of  forgiving  sins ;  and  calls  Matthew  the  publican 
^""    '  ''  '  to  attend  him.    Mark  ii.  1—14.    Luke  v.  17—28.    Matt.  ix.  2— 9. 


Mark  ii.  1.  ,  r  ,     ,  ■       i  i  j  ■     ■ 

AND  again  he  entered  into  AND  after  Jesus  had  Spent  {some}  dai/s^  in  devout  retirement,  he  appeared  again  in   sect. 
Capernaum  after  wme  days ;  public,  and  entered  into  Capernaum  ;  and  it  was  quickly  taken  notice  of,  and  great  num-     45. 

iS  the  h^sT  ''^  bers  of  people  soon  hea7-d  that  he  was  in  the  home  where  he  formerly  dwelt ;  and  as  he ■ 

had  been  some  time  abroad,  and  greatly  increased  his  reputation  both  by  his  miracles  and  mark 
preaching,  they  flocked  around  him  with  the  greatest  eagerness.  ^^• 

Luke  v.  17.  And  it  came  to      And  it  happened  on  a  certain  day,  while  he  continued  here,  that,  as  he  was  teaching  the   luke 
pass  on  a  certain  aa>,,^  as  ^he  people,  {several]  of  the  Pharisees  and  doctors  of  the  km  were  sitting  hy,  who  were  come  out  ^^'^• 
Pharisees  "and  doctorroFthe  ()/"  every  town  of  GaJike,  and  even  of  Judea,  and  particularly  [from'j  Jerusalem  ;''  and  by 
law  *'"'"S^,j'^^'^.gJ.''"^Q^^,*''of  appointment  niet  here  to  attend  his  doctrine  and  observe  his  miracles  ;  at  which  the 
GSfiee"and.iude!?and'j"ru-  govemors  of  the  Jcwish  church  began  now  to  be  greatly  alarmed.     But  notwithstanding 
Tord^ 'w'S''  ^^'reFeVrio'^he^l  ^^^^  malicious  views  with  which  they  came,  Jesus  went  on  as  usual  in  his  work,  and  the 
them.  ^^"^  '"^^"''^     °    ^^   miraculous  poicer  of  the  Lord  ivas  {present]  to  heal  them,"^  who  then  applied  to  him  for  the 
cure  of  their  diseases. 
Mark  ii.  2.  And  straight-      And  immediately  so  mam/  of  the  neighbouring  inhabitants  were  assembled,  that  there  was  mark 
way  many  were  gathered" to-  ,j„^  room  to  receive  \them\  in  the  house,  or  even  about  the  door ;  so  desirous  were  they  to      H- 
^^Zo  room^toVec'eivl  Uem,  hear  how  Jesus  would  acquit  himself  in  the  presence  of  such  curious,  critical,  and  preju-  ^ 
no,  not  so  much  as  about  the  (jicgfj  inquirers  as  those  that  were  then  sitting  around  him.     And  he  preached  the  word  of 
'wwd  unto  themr*^*"^  ^^       '^  the  gospel  to  them,  with  his  usual  plainness,  seriousness,  and  authority,  and  confirmed  it 
by  various  miracles. 
3  And  [behold]  they  come      And  behold,  among  many  others  in  most  deplorable  circumstances,  who  were  cured  by  3 
unto  him,  bringing  [a  miin]  him,  theii  come  imto  him,  bringing  a  man  seized  ivilh  the  palsi/,  and  quite  disabled  by  it,  so 

sick  ot  the  palsy,  which  Llymg     ,       ',      •'  ,  ,.       ,     •     '        i '^     P     i  •      i     ■  ^    j    ^      Y  ^      i       i     j  '?     ;    „_ 

on  a  bed]  was  borne  of  tour:  that  he  was  obliged,  in  order  to  his  being  presented  to  Jesus,  to  be  laid  on  a  bed,  or 
means^'to  brin" 'hfm  in°'iuid  couch,  and  Carried  by  four  men.  And  they  endeavoured  to  bring  him  in  and  lay  him  down 
to  lay  Am  before  him.]  [Matt,  before  /(iw?,  hoping  that  SO  melancholy  a  sight  would  affect  his  compassionate  temper,  and 
ix.  2.  Luke  v.  18.]  engage  his  assistance. 

Lukev.it).  And  when  they      And  iv/ien  they  could  not  find  any  way  to  bring  him  in,  and  could  not  so  much  as  come   luke 
could  not  hnd  by  what  wai/  „pf„,  enough  to  spcak  to  Jesus  bccause  of'  the  crowd,  and  feared  a  delav  might  lose  so  pre-      v. 

they  might  bring  Inm  in  [and      .  '^  '  .  ,  .,,..'  ,  /      ,  ,  i  •   i     .;  i  ^     19 

could  not  come  nigh]  because  cious  an  opportunity,  they  carried  him  round  to  a  back  passage  by  which  they  went  up  to  '■-' 
of  the  multitude,  they  went  ^f^^  ^     o/7/(p  /(OHSP,"  (compare  Mark  xiii.  15.)  which  according  to  the  Jewish  custom,  was 

upon  ine  nouse-iop,  ana  lun-  ,    '„''        ,---,  '  ^  ..       ',  ,  ,      /  /•/>,!  ,  .        i  rx         t 

covered  the  roof  where  he  made  flat ;  (Deut.  xxu.  8.)  and  uncovered  the  roof  of  the  apartment  rvhcre  \  Jesus]  was, 
broken  ^>"'upy'Ti"ey]''ld;  hhn  (which  was  a  room  that  had  no  chamber  over  it,)  opening  a  way  into  the  house  by  lifting 
down  through  the  tiling,  with  up  a  kind  of  lattice  or  trap-door;  (compare  2  Kings  i.  2.)  and  when  they  had  pulled  \it] 
befoie'yMus  '"[Mark''ii'4'f'  "P'  or  had  removed  the  fi-ame  of  it  to  make  the  passage  wider.d  they  let  down  [the  paraly-  ^^^^^^ 

.    „'  '   '      tic^  with  his  couch,  through  the  tiles  with  which  the  other  part  of  the  roof  was  "paved,  into     ix. 

inftheirfeiVhrs"aid' unto 'the  the  midsf  of  the  company  assembled,  and  so  laid  him  before  Jesus.     And  Jesus,  seeing  2 

a  And  after  Jesus  had  spent  some  days.']  Matthew  has  recorded  so  they  came  from  distant  parts  to  attend  Christ  as  spies,  it  is  not  probable 
many  events  between  the  cure  of  the  leper  and  Vne. paralytic,  that  I  should  they  were  diseased  persons ;  or  that,  if  any  of  them,  being  advanced  in 
not  have  connected  them,  had  not  Mark  so  expressly  asserted  that  some  years,  might  labour  under  same  infirmities,  they  were  io  great  and  iz«- 
of  those  events,  especially  the  dispossession  of  the  leffion,  happened  long  ble,  that  a  cure  would  he  hnmediately  remarked  ;  and  least  ot  all  can 
after,  fsee  Mark  iv.  :i5.  note  a,  5  69.  and  Mark  v.  1.  ^  70.)  and  Luke  we  suppose  they  had  tlmt  faith  in  Christ  which  he  required  in  those 
strongly  intimates  the  same  concerning  the  other  story  of  the  centurion's  whom  he  intended  to  heal.  (See  Mark  vi.  5.  and  compare  John  vu.  48.) 
servajit.  (See  Luke  vii.  1,  2,  et  seq.  §  5.5.)  Now  I  think  the  honour  of  It  is  more  reasonable  therefore  to  conclude,  on  all  these  accounts,  that 
.the  New  Testament  requires, — that  when  one  nf  the  eiongelists  does  ex-  tliis  is  one  of  those  few  places  where  the  relative  them  is  referred  to  a 
pressly  assert  the  order  in  which  he  places  facts  in  question,  and  the  remoter  antecedent  than  that  which  is  immediately  before  it.  Compare, 
other  does  not  so  expressly  assert  it,  (which  is  the  case  with  Matthew  in  the  original.  Matt.  xi.  1.  xii.  9.  Luke  v.  .30.  John  viii.  44.  Acts  viii. 
here,)  the  order  of  the  latter,  though  an  apostle  and  eye-witness,  should  2(5.  and  lleb.  xii.  17.  See  Gloss.  Phi'olog.  Sacr.  p.  513 — 515. 
be  changed  out  of  regard  to  the  former.  As  likewise, — that  if  tione  of  d  IVhen  they  had  pvlled  it  vp,  or  had  removed  the  frame,  &c.]  Ef- 
r^e  r/iree  assert  their  ocrfer,  that  in  which  fl?(j' rriu  agree  to  place  a  fact  in  opvfavre^,  which  we  render  brokeyivp,  p\3.\n\y  s'\^\(\es  pulhng  out. 
question,  should  be  chosen  rather  than  that  of  the  third.  And  on  these  (Gal.  iv.  15.)  And  no  man  in  his  senses  can  suppose  the  evangelist 
two  rules  I  have  proceeded  in  many  instances.  But  that  the  order  of  meant  to  say,  that  they  tore  up  the  beams  and  rafters  of  the  house  upon 
Matthew  should  be  changed  for  that  of  Luke,  when  neither  of  them  this  occasion  ;  and  yet  this  has  been  made  the  foundation  ot  great  ob- 
assert  any  thing  concerning  that  order,  is  what  I  think  no  inference  from  jections  against  this  story.  We  have  a  right  to  suppose  this  removal  of 
Luke  i.  3.  can  justify.  (See  note  g,  on  that  text,  p.  17.)  Much  less  can  it  the  frame  was  done  with  care  ;  because  the  circumstances  plainly  require 
be  allowable  expressly  to  contradict  Matthew,  for  the  sake  of  keeping  to  such  care,  and  common  sense  would  suggest  it.  Woolstou's  perverse 
the  order  of  Luke,  which  yet  most  harmoni'^ers  seem  to  have  done,  even  attack  on  this  miracle  is  as  plausible  as  any  thing  he  has  written  aaainst 
when  he  was  relating  what  passed  in  his  own  house  and  presence.  (See  Christianity;  but  1  have  endeavoured,  in  as  tew  words  as  possible,  to 
note  a.  on  Matt.  ix.  18.  «  72.)  Could  I  have  persuaded  myself  to  take  suggest  an  answer  to  the  chief  of  his  objections  ;  and  it  may  be  consider- 
such  liberties  with  any  of  the  sacred  writers,  I  should  not  have  doubted  ed  as  a  specimen  of  the  manner  in  which  I  shall  proceed  in  other  cases 
to  follow  Matthew  and  John  in  their  order  universally,  as  Sir  Isaac  of  the  like  nature  :  for  it  would  be  very  improper  to  enter  on  the  con- 
Newton  doth,  and  to  transpose  Mark  and  Luke  wherever  they  disagree  troversy  at  large  here,  especially  after  all  the  convincing  and  unanswer- 
with  either  of  them  ;  for  1  cannot  observe  that  r/;o<e  <a.v  do  in  any  in-  able  treatises  which  have  lately  been  written  in  defence  of  the  evangelists; 
stance  disagree  with  each  other  in  any  of  the  facts  in  question. — As  to  among  which  I  apprehend  none  more  valuable  than  that  called  The 
the  storj-  oi  the  paralytic  here  before  us,  Mark  strongly  connects  it  with  Miracles  of  Christ  Vindicated,  in  four  parts;  to  which  I  with  great 
that  of  the  leper,  as  happening  some  days  after  it ;  though  Matthew  does  pleasure  refer  for  a  larger  account  of  this  story,  and  the  others  handled 
not  mention  it  till  the  next  chapter,  and  places  several  events  between    by  the  excellent  author  of  it. 

them  ;  while  Luke,  according  to  his  frequent  custom,  mentions  it  only  e  They  let  down  the  paralytic— into  the  midst.']  What  is  suggested  in 
as  happening  oi,  a  certain  day.  This  therefore  seems  to  b^  the  proper  the  paraphrase  is  the  most  probable  account  of  the  matter,  it  we  suppose 
place  to  introduce  it,  and  Matthew's  order  may  be  changed  for  the  o«r  Lorrf  to  have  been  in  any  cTOcrfrf  room  of  the  house.  But  Dr.  Shaw  s 
reasons  given  above.  hypothesis,  which  goes  on  principles  which  were  quite  unknown  to  me 

b  From  .Tcru.^alem.']  If  this  happened,  as  most  commentators  suppose,  till  I  had  the  pleasure  (since  the  first  edition  of  this  w;ork)  ot  reading 
a  little  before  Christ's  second  passover,  (John  v.  1.)  some  of  these  might  his  excellent  Travels,  seems  to  me  yet  more  natuial.  lYoni  considering 
be  sent  from  the  sanhedrim  with  a  view  of  gaininif  some  information  what  is  now  the  form  of  the  houses  in  Barbary  and  the  Levant,  he  sup- 
concerning  Jesus,  to  guide  their  resolves  concerning  him  at  the  ensuing  poses  that  to  ^itaov  signifies  (he  conrt-yard  round  about  whicii  tlie  house 
feast,  in  which  they  persecuted  him,  and  sought  to  slav  him,  John  v.  16.  was  built ;  and  that  our  Lord  was  there,  lie  thuiKS  that,  crowded  as 
It  is  very  probal>le,  that  the  scribes  at  Jerusalem,  hearing  how  expressly  this  area  was,  the  bearers  of  the  paralytic  might  get  in  at  the  gate«a>  , 
he  had  attacked  their  interpretation  of  the  law,  some  days  before,  in  his  (where  perhaps  Christ  could  neither  be  seen  nor  henrd,)  and  might  cany 
celebrated  sermon  on  the  mount,  (which,  so  far  as  we  can  learn,  was  the  him  up  the  stairs  which  commonlv  go  up  from  thence  ;  and  oeing  ^ot  to 
first  time  he  did  it,)  might  summon  their  brethren  in  the  neishbouring  the  .flat  roof,  might  take  down  inwards  a  part  of  the  balvstraai  or  para- 
country  to  meet  them  at  Capernaum,  in  order  to  attend  on  the  next  of  pa-Toall,  and  so  let  down  the  bed  with  cords  by  the  side  ot  tne  ^lazea  ana 
Christ's  public  discourses,  wherever  it  might  happen  to  be.  perhaps  painted   tiles,   which   might  beautify  '"';/*'''"^-,  "?„;"* 

c  The  power  of  the  Lord  was  present  to  heal  them.']  According  to  the  towards  this  court.  Jlany  of  his  quotations  from  the  ancients  no,  in  a 
common  method  of  construction,  this  may  seem  to  intimate,  that  the  very  agreeable  manner,  at  once  illustrate  this  accwint,  ana  recene  new 
healing  power  of  Christ  was  exerted  on  some  of  the  Pharisees:  but  as    light  from  it.    See  Dr.  Shaw's  Tratels,  {>.  3(3^JbO. 


^2  THE  CALLING  OF  MATTHEW. 

sFCT    their  faith    and  graciously  excusing  the  inconveniences  into  which  their  affection  had  sick  of  the  palsy.  Son  be  of 
45. '  transported  them,  said  to  the  man  that  had  the  palsy,  Take  courage,  son,^  for  thy  sins  are  fwen  thle'.'[R&k'iif5  Luke 

fortriven  thee ;  and  in  token  of  it,  I  assure  thee  thy  distemper  shall  be  removed.  v.  20.] 

MARK       %ut  behold,  such  was  the  perverseness  of  some  of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  who  were     Mark  ii.  6.  But  [behold  ] 

"•  -  then  sitting  there,  that  on  his  saying  to  the  man,  in  such  an  absolute  and  sovereign  way,  scrib^sfLulE^andlhe Phii: 

Thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee,  they  took  offence  at  the  expression;  and  re«so»i7?g  <«  Meir  sees]  sitting  there,  and  reason- 

hearts  upon  it,  tKey  said  within  themselves,  maliciously  reflecting  on  him.  This  man  most  'vf,hTn\'h'emLTv'e1:'j'htf  man 

7  certainly  blusphemtth  :  Who  is  this  that  pretends  to  such  an  authority  r.[a?it?j  ivhy  does  this  blasphemeth.]  [Matt.  ix.  3. 
arrogant  man  thus  allow  himself  to  speak  such  blasphemies  as  these  1  SucTi  a  speech  as  this  7  ["who^l  this  n  Why  dotli 
surety  deserves  the  name  ;  for  who  can  undertake  to  forgive  sins  but  God  alone,  the  awful  this  mnu  thus  speak  blasphe- 
Majesty  of  heaven,  who  is  affronted  and  dishonoured  by  committing  them  ?  buTGod^only?[Lukl'v?2i"f 

8  And  immediateli/,  when  Jesus,  who  perfectly  well  kneiv  the  secret  workings  of  their  g  And  immediately,  when 
thoughts,  perceived  in  his  own  mind  that  they  reasoned  thus  in  themselves,  though  they  did  ^frce^'-4"d°llr^hb'spir°t"^t'hat 
not  openly  declare  their  dissatisfaction  and  censure,  he  said  to  them,  Why  do  you  reason  they  so  reasoned  within  them- 
thus  in  your  hearts,  and  so  maliciously  reflect  upon  me?  [and]  wherefore  do  you  think  ^^^f-.^^l^^^f^  Z^°  ^^^^i 

9  \si(ch\  evil  things  of  what  I  have  now  been  saying?  I  shall  be  at  no  loss  to  vindicate  the  [Wherefore  think  ye  evil]  in 
reasonableness  of  it :  for  which  is  easier,  to  say  to  this  paralytic,  Thy  sins  are  fo? given  thee ;  J^Xev'^ss']'  '"'^^""'  ''''  '*' 
or  to  say  to  him.  Arise,  and  take  tip  thy  couch,  and  walk  away  with  it?  May  it  not  justly  9  Wh'etheris  iteasiertosay 
be  concluded,  that  if  I  have  a  power  efficaciously  to  say  the  one,  I  may  without  any  ^?„*'"i,|"fbrgiven  t^,eef 'ofjo 
usurpation  say  the  other  likewise ;  and  declare  the  sin  forgiven,  when  I  can  thus  mira-  say,  Arise,  and  take  up  thy 

10  culously  remove  the  punishment  of  it?  But  that  you  may  knoiv  the  case  I  put  is  not  a  vain  Lul'e\°!^23.'^"' '  '^*^''" 


presumptuous  boast,  but  that  the  Son  of  man  here  on  earth,  though  appearing  in  so  hum-     10  But'tiiat  ye  may  know 

ble  and  obscure  a  form,  has  yet  a  divine  authority  to  forgive  men's  sins,  (he  turns  about,  power''1,n^''e"ar°h  to^'forshe 

11  and  says  to  the  paralytic,)  O  man,  I  say  unto  thee,  Arise  immediately;  and  to  show  thou  sins,  (hesaithtothesickot' the 

art  perfectly  healed  at  once,  take  up  thy  couch  on  which  thou  best,  arid,  bearing  it  on  thy  S^'|y)[>ia:t.  ix.  6.  Luke  v. 

shoulders,  go  thy  way  to  thine  own  hoiise,  for  at  this  instant  I  will  enable  thee  to  do  it.  ii  I  say  unto  thee,  Arise, 

tUKE       And  immediately  he  was  so  strengthened  by  a  secret  power  which  went  along  with  the  fi"^  '.^.^y  "Cito  thiiie  TousI" 

^'-     word,  that  believina;  the  virtue  and  efficacy  of  it,  he  rose  up  before  them  all,  and  taking  up  [-^'«'t-  i'*-  ^  n^'"'^|  ''•,  "^-^ 

2^  the  couch  on  which  he  lay,  though  before  he  was  utterly  weak  and  helpless,  he  ivent  Jorth,  Hiately  he  rose    "n   before 

vigorous  and  cheerful,  to  his  own   house,  humbly  glorifying  and   adoring   God  for  that  them  [all,]  and  todk  up  [the 

Si  1  ■   1    1      1     J  7  J    n       ^'j     a  o  heil]  whereon  he  lay,  and  rie- 

extraordmary  cure  which  he  had  now  received.  parted  to  his  own  house,  glo- 

26     And  when  the  muUitmIe  saiv  Ut,]  they  wei-e  all  amazed,  and  with  united  acclamations  ^|>''""  '-'"'}.■   [Mark  ii.  ic. 

glorified  God,  who  had  given  such  mighty  and  beneficent  potver  to  men,  and  raised  up  so  '  ctfAnd  [M^tt.  when  the 

eminent  a  Prophet  to  his  people.     And  they  were  filled  with  such  a  reverential  kind  of  njuititude  saw  it]  they  were 

/•  111  1       .1  1  •  c  11  r      f  »!,      J  ■    ■  all  amazed;   and  they  tilori- 

fear  and  dread,  under  the  apprehension  of  so  marvellous  a  proof  ot  the  divine  presence  fip,)  cod,  [Matt,  which  had 
'amonEr  them,  that  thev  could  not  forbear  saying  one  to  another,  We  have  indeed  seen  most  ?'7"  such  power  unto  men,] 

^1-  ,  -^.i  •  ,       ;  J      rl         11  .^1  J  u  1  -iir  '''""    vere    hlled   with    tear, 

extraordinary  strange  things  to-day :  and  after  all  the  wonders  we  have  known,  11  e  never  saying.  We  have  seen  stranse 
before  saw  any  thing  like  it,  nor  bave  we  heard  of  any  such  event  as  this  in  the  days  of  j[''o,f ^t^^j^'fi^si^ion  f  fuSk^n 
our  fathers.  12.  Matt.  ix.  8.]  '    ' 

MARK      And  when  the  evening  advanced,  and  the  day  grew  cooler,  he  went  forth  again  by  the     Biark  ii.  13.   And  he  went 

^^-      sea-shore ;  and  all  the  7nultitude  who  h^d  before  attended  in,  or  about,  the  nouse,  and  andiuthrm'u^ltitude^reso«e<i 
many  more  who  could  not  get  near  enough  to  see  and  hear  what  passed  there,  7'esorted  unto  iiim,  and  he  taught  them. 
to  him,  and  he  cheerfully  went  on  with  his  work,  and  taught  them  here,  after  all  the  former 
labours  of  the  day. 
MATT.      And  after  these  things,  as  Jesus  passed  out  from  thence,  (that  is,  from  the  house  in  which     Matt.  ix.  0..  And  [Luke, 

^^-  „  the  paralvtic  had  been  cured,")  and  was  going  down  to  the  sea-side,  he  saw  a  man,  (who  after  these  thin-s,]  as  .lesus 

Q  '■     1    ■    1  ,  I-  1  ',,  11^  .1  \    -    J  71^   ,w  r       n    passed  forth    trom  thence,  he 

vvas  indeed  a  publican,^  that  collected  the  customs  there,)  whose  name  teas  Matthew,  [o;-,]  saw  a  man  [Li  kf,  a  publl- 
as  he  was  otherwise  called,  Levi,  the  son  of  Alpheus,  the  brother  of  James;  (compare  ^''"•3   "^■■'•^<'  ,.'),'.'»'!,''<^"'',  t."/ 

T,^     ,...,„    -r     1         ■     ..  ,       »  •     ..  ^  s         11         '        1  •,,■  .    ,1  .         I  1  1    levi,  j/ic  .i,m  of  Alpheus,]  sit- 

IVIark  111.  18.  Luke  vi.  lo.  Acts  1.  13.)  and  he  was  then  sitting  at  the  custorn-house :"  and  this  at  the  receipt  of  custom  : 
calling  him  to  be  one  of  his  disciples,  he  said  unto  him,  Fouow  me.  And  immediately  f,i"v ''^1'"*''^^/°  he""aros' 
consigning  his  books  and  cash  to  some  careful  hand,  he  arose,  and  I  ft  all  the  care  and  pro-  [Luke,  and  left  all,]  anJ 
fits  of  his  employment,  and  foil o^ved  him,  with  most  grateful  acknowledgments  of  his  con-  Luke^i^^'ol'"^ -^'^^*'^''  "'  '*" 
descension,  in  admitting  a  person  of  his  station  of  life  into  the  number  of  his  stated 
attendants. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

LUKE       It  is  a  pleasure  to  reflect  upon  it,  that  Christ  was  attended  by  such  vast  numbers  of  people,  and  that  they  who 

^-      were  teachers  of  others,  should  themselves  sit  down  to  hear  him.     But  it  is  melancholy  to  reflect  on  the  perverse 

purposes  with  which  many  of  them  came  ;  and  how  few  did,  on  the  whole,  receive  his  word  into  their  hearts,  so  as 

to  bring  forth  fruit  unto  peifection.     Curiosity  led  some,  and  interest  others ;  and  some  came  to  find  occasion 

MARK  of  hurtinw  him,  whose  whole  business  in  life  was  to  do  good.     Yet  these  low,  these  vile  purposes  did  not  prevent 

li-      his  preaching,  and  working  miracles  before  them,  and  being  ready  to  exert  his  power  for  their  benefit.     Thus 

et  seo'  ^^P'^^^^^'^  ^"^  resolute  let  us  be  in  the  discharge  of  our  duty ;  thus  solicitous  that  we  may  not  be  overcome  of 

9"  evil,  but  may  (which,  on  the  whole,  is  always  in  some  degree  practicable)  overcome  evil  with  good.  (Rom.  xii.  21.) 

LUKE       How  industrious  were  the  attendants  and  friends  of  this  poor  paralytic,  to  obtain  a  cure'for  him  !  What  con- 

^'*19  J""'^^"^^'  ^'^'^^'^  labour  did  they  use,  to  find  a  iiroper  opportunitv  to  bring  him  in,  and  lay  him  before  Jesus  ! 

Ought  we  not  to  be  as  tender  and  zealous,  in  all  the  offices  of  the"  truest  friendship  ;  and  to  imitate,  so  far  as  suits 

the  difference  of  circumstances,  their  importunate  application,  and  their  livelv  faith? 

MATT.       Theirs  had  its  praise,  and  its  reward.     Our  Lord  said  to  tliis  distempered  person,  Thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee. 

^^'  2  ^^'^  P"'''^"^^^  "l^  ^'«  iniquities,  while  he  healed  all  his  diseases.  (Psal.  ciii.  3.)    This  was  a  blessing  that  would 

MARK  ^^A       j^^  ^""^^  ^^^  incomparably  more  valuable;  and  this  reviving  declaration  had  the  Son  of  Cod  a  power  to 

II  6^7   ^""' ™9  ^°  pronounce.    The  scribes  and  Pharisees,  ignorant  and  prejudiced  as  they  were,  considered  such  a 

•  declaration  as  blasphemy.    Their  principle  indeed  was  right,  that  God  alone  has  power  to  forgive  sins,  and  it  is 

J  Tale  cmiraffe.son.]    Few  can  need  to  be  told,  that  son  is  a  title  of  g  A  rv/,/icnn.j    This  was  a  very  odiovs  name  amone  the  .lews,  and 

^h.f  wfr^     'r           tenderness    by  which  supeiiors  addressed  inferiors  (heir  employment  was  attended  with  so  much  corruption  and  tempta- 

lif  10       To  Vrpper\y  iheir  chdreu  ;  (compare  ,Iosh.  vii.  19.   Eccles.  tion,  that  there  were  few  amon?  them  that  were  honest  men;  but  they 

^AaJ,:-:  """1  "..."""•  "•L)asyrt</«;r  was  a  correspondent  title  of  respect,  were  generally  persons  of  so  infamous  and  vile  a  character,  that  yui- 

*L  ,,;'2  ^f  1  I,        Vu  .'Vu '■     ;■  "'!'■        '       "  "  *^^'"*  probable,  from  licans  and  iinners  are  often  joined  together  as  synonymous  terms.  ( Matt. 

Phr  .f  h^;,c  IK  ?    •  h  f    i^r    k"'  ^^ff."*'""^ ,'««».  considermg  that  ix.  11.  xi.   19.  and  elsewhere.)    See  the  paraphrase  on  Luke  iii.  12. 

(^hrist  himself  was  but  a  little  above  M!r/j/;  and  it  it  were  so,  it  made  p   4'i 

iml'i'^hr.i'i!^,'-"??  I"'''-!*!'*^-     ^ll^l^^^^ll}^  '™''^,  "'■"'■'  °"  tli^  occasion  :  h  At  the  cvstom-hovse.-]    .So  TtXwwoi-  properly  sicnihes.    Some  have 

A^L  lil    o"""  /  possibly  use  both  ;  as  the  apostle  joins  men  and  fathers,  rendered  it  tMooth  ;  and  I  should  have  followed  them,  had   I  not  ap- 

ifi   ,'i   oo   ;,.   T   ?i        -  •^'""^'T"-  or,. literally,  men,  brethren,  Acts  i.  prehended  that  the  word  might  have  suggested  some  mmlern  idea,  for 

16.  u.  29.  x\.  7.  13.  xxiii.  1.  and  xxviii.  17.  „hich  there  is  in  the  original  no  foundation. 


CHRIST  GOES  UP  TO  A  FEAST  AT  JERUSALEM.  93 

impious  for  men  to  claim  it ;  but  their  application  was  evidently  wrong.     The  miraculous  effect  plainly  showed  SECJ'. 
the  divine  authority  of  the  blessed  Jesus.     And  he  has  still  t/ie  key  of  David:  lie  opeiitih  and  no  wan  shutteth ;     45. 

and  shutteth  and  no  man  openeth.  (Rev.  iii.  7.)  Almighty  Saviour,  may  we  each  of  us  receive  from  thee  forgiveness 

of  our  sins  •  and  we  will  not  complain,  though  our  sicknesses  should  not  immediately  be  removed  !  Let  us  glorify   luke 
God,  who  has  given  this  power  to  his  Son ;  and  thankfully  acknowledge,  that  we  are  ourselves,  in  many  respects,  .^g^' 
the  monuments  both  of  his  pardoning  and  healing  mercy.  ,.    r     ^       ■  j-    ,  j 

To  conclude  ■  let  us  view,  with  immble  wonder  and  pleasure,  this  further  instance  of  the  condescension  and  matt. 
CTace  of  the  Redeemer,  in  the  call  of  Matthew:  his  condescension  in  calling  to  so  near  an  attendance,  and  so     'X- 
intimate  a  friendship,  a  man  who  was  a  publican,  infamous  as  that  employment  was ;  and  his  grace,  which  could  ^ 
immediately  inspire  him  with  so  firm  a  resolution  of  quitting  all  the  profits  of  it,  that  he  might  reduce  himself  to 
circumstances  of  life  as  precarious  as  those  of  his  Divine  Master.     Many,  no  doubt,  censured  him  as  a  rash 
enthusiast,  or  a  lunatic,  rather  tiian  a  sober  convert;  but  he  is  even  now  reaping  the  abundant  reward  ;  his  loss  is 
gain,  and  his  contempt  glory. 


SECTION  XLVL 

iver,)  i 

John  v.  I. 


Christ  "oes  up  to  a  feast  at  Jerusalem,  (generally  supposed  to  be  his  second  passover,)  and  there  cures  a  poor  impotent  man  at  the  pool  of  Eethesda. 
"  John  V.  1 — 16. 


AFTER  tilis"  there  was  a  AFTER  this,  there  was  a  great  feast  of  the  Jews,  even  the  feast  of  the  passover  ;=>  and  sect. 
feastof  the  Jews:  and  Jesus  jp^.^,^  according  to  his  custom.  Went  tip  to  Jcriisahm,  both  that  he  might  pay  a  religious     46. 
went  up  to  Jerusalem.  ^^^^'^  ^^  ^^^  Ceremonial  law,  and  that  he  might  take  an  ojiportunity  of  teaching  consider- 

able  numbers  of  people,  assembled  from  distant  parts  and  countries  where  he  did  not  JOtin 

appear  in  person. 

2  >-ow  there  is  at  Jerusa-      Now,  it  is  well  known,  that  there  is  at  Jerusalem,  near  the  sheep-\market\,^  a  pool,  or  i 
lem,  hy  the  sheep-marXt;,  a  g^gat  reservoir  of  water,<=  ivhich  is  called  in  the  Hebrew  language,  Bethesda,  or  the  House  of 
Fi?brew^''toii-u"'' Beth"esdt  Mercy  ;  and  was  indeed,  as  the  name  intimates,  a  kind  of  hospital,  having  five  porticos, 
having  five  porches.  or  cloisters,''  built  round  it,  to  accommodate  and  shelter  those  who  might  resort  to  it  for 

pleasure,  convenience,  or  cure :  for  the  water  was  highly  esteemed  on  account  of  some 
medicinal  virtues  which  attended  it,  and  the  benefit  many  had  received  by  bathing  in  it ; 
and  its  reputation  was  greatly  advanced,  since  those  miraculous  circumstances  had  been 
observed  which  we  shall  presently  mention. 

3  In  these  lay  a  great  mul-      In  these  cloisters  wcre  laid  a  great  number  of  sick  and  diseased  persons,  such  as  were  3 
titude  of  impotent  folk,  of  either  blind,  or  lame,  or  had  any  part  of  their  body  withered;  who  either  came,  or  were 
K;movini*o7thewato^  brought  thither,  in  expectation  of  a  cure,  and  lay  there  u-a^Y/ng /or  the  moving  of  the 

4  For  an  ancei  went  down  Water.     For  God,  to  add  the  greater  lustre  to  his  Son's  miracles,  as  well  as  to  show  that  4 
at  a  certain^s^easonjuto ^the  j^jg  ancient  people  were  not  entirely  forgotten  by  him,«  had  been  pleased  of  late  to  perform 
^osoTverThen  first!  afte^r  the  some  supernatural  cures  at  this  place.     For  at  a  certain  season,^  which  returned  at  some 
%°d 'in"^was  madrwhofe^of  particular  periods,  an  unusual  motion  was  discovered  in  the  water ;  and  from  the  mar- 
whatsoevr^diSase'^hrhad^.  °   vellous  effects  of  it,  it  was  rightly  concluded,  that  at  that  time  an  angel  descended  into  the 

pool,  and  stirred  the  water,?  by  which  a  healing  virtue  was  communicated  to  it ;  and  the 

a  J!  feast  of  the  Jem,  even  the  feast  of  the  passover. 1    It  is  certain  is  a  spurious  addition  of  some  ignorant  monk,  in  the  eighth  or  ninth 

from  Luke  v'i.  1.  (note  b,  4  49.)  that  a  passover  happened  soon  after  the  century  ;    because  that   part  is  wantuig  in  Beza  s  manuscript,  and  is 

facts  recorded  ir.  the  preceding  section  :  and  most  critics  fafter  the  ex-  written  by  a  later  hand   in  the  margin   of  that  in  tie   i'rencli   kings 

ample  of  Irenaeus,  /ih.  ii.  rap.  .W.l  conclude  that  this  was  it.     And  in-  library,  which  Lamy  in  his  Ilarmony  so  much  extols.     But  1  cannot 

deed,  as  the  passover  was  the  greatest  of  all  their  feasts,  it  is  sometimes  acquiesce  in  this  omission,  since  the  passage  in  question  is  found  in  all 

denoted  by  the  word  eopr.i,  even  without  the  article.  (See  Mai  k  xv.  (,.  the  other  most  celebrated  manuscripts,  as  also  in  the  Svriac  version,  and 

and  Luke  xxiii,  17.)    This  chapter  may,  at  least,  be  as  well  introduced  all  the  rest  in  the  Polyglot  Bilile:  and  besides  this,  the  seventh  verse 

here  as  any  where  else  :  and  one  has  little  temptation  to  recede  from  this  (which  none  dispute)  implies,  that  there  was  a  miraculons  nrtue  in  the 

order  in  favour  of  Mr.  Manne's  singular  hypothesis  ;  who  supposes,  that  water  after  it  :i'as  troubled,  which  extended  only  to  the  first  that  went  in, 

the  feast  here  spoken  of  was  ihf:  feast  of  'Penfeco  t,  and  that  this  whole  and  cured  his  disease,  whatever  it  were  ;  so  that  the  chiet  difficulties 

chapter  is  transposed,  and  should  come  in  at  the  end  of  the  sixth.     How  would  still  remain,  were  Mr.  Fleming  s  criticism   to  be  allowed     (See 

little  this  is  capable  of  defence,  we  shall  endeavour  to  show  in  the  notes  his  Christology,  vol.  i.  p.  1."— 1.5.)— I  cannot  here  discuss  the  matter  at 

on  John  vi.  1,  and  4.  See  §  78.  note  b  and  e.  large  ;  but  beg  leave,  in  a  tew  words,  to  hint  at  what  seems  to  me  the 

b  Near  the  sheep-market.}    I  choose  to  retain  the  common  translation  easiest  solution  of  this  greatest  of  difficiilttes  in  the  history  of  the  evange- 

o'i  sheep-market  rather  than  gate  ;   because,   if  the   report  of  the  best  lists,  in  which,  of  all  others,  the  learned  answerers  of  Mr.  Woolston  have 

travellers  is  to  be  credited,  the  place  shown  for  the  pool  of  Bethesda  is  generally  given  me  the  least  satisfaction,  and  which  few  commentators 

much  nearer  the  temple  than  the  sheep-gate  could  be.    (Compare  N'eh.  enter  into  ;  and  I  am  pleased  to  find,  long  since  I  wrote  this  note,  that 

iii.  1.  and  xii.  39.)  the  ingenious  Dr.  Pearce  agrees  with  me  in  the  most  materia!  circum- 

c  A  pool,  or  great  reservoir  of  water.]  The  etymologv  of  the  word  stances  of  this  hypothesis.  (See  his  excellent  Vindication  of  CJirtsts 
Ko\vtjiMpa  intimates,  it  was  a  plife  to  swim  in  ;  so  that  it  seems  to  me  Miracles,  p.  68,  et  seq.~)—\  imagine  this  pool  might  have  been  remarkable 
to  have  been  a  kind  of  bath,  like  those  near  Jericho,  where  Aristobulus  for  some  w!/nf;a/2!r(Ke  attending  the  water;  which  is  the  more  probable, 
was  drowned  by  Herod's  order  as  he  was  swimming.  (Joseph.  Antig.  as  Jerome  tells  us,  it  was  of  a  very  hich  colour:  this,  together  with  its 
lib.  XV.  cap.  .3.  5  3.)  I  do  not  find  any  satisfactory  proof,  (thouirh  many  being  so  very  near  the  temple,  where  a  bath  was  so  much  needed  tor  re- 
have  asserted  it,)  that  the  sheep  to  be  sacrificed  wcre  washed  here,  or  ligious  purposes,  may  account  for  the  building  such  stately  cloisters 
that  the  blood  of  the  sacrifices  ran  into  it :  yet  this  is  the  foundation  of  round  it,  three  of  which  remain  to  this  day.  (See  Maundrell  s  Iravets, 
that  strange  conjecture  of  Dr.  Hammond,  which  we  shall  presently  p.  103.)  Some  time  before  this  passover,  an  extraordinary  commotion 
mention.  "as  probably  observed  in  the  water  ;  and  Providence  so  ordered  it.  that 

d  Having  five  porticos,  or  cloisters.]    It  is  a  very  probable  thought  of  the  next  person  who  accidentally  bathed  here,  being  under  some  great 

Dr.  I ightfoot,  [in  his  Harmony,  in  loc.'\  that  the  basin  itself  might  be  in  disorder,  found  an  immediate  and  unexpecte_d  ewe :  the  like  plienome- 

fhe  form  of  a  pentagon,  and  that  these  cloisters  might  correspond  to  its  non  in  some  other  desperate  case  was  probably  observed  on  a  second 

five  sides  commotion:   and  these  commotions  and  cures  might  happen  periodi- 

e  To  add  the  greater  lustre  to  his  Son's  miracles,  \-c.]    These  reasons  cally,  perhaps  every  sabbath,  (for  that  it  was  yearly  none  can  prove  ) 

are  suggested,  and  well  illustrated,  in  Mr.  Calvin's  judicious  notes  on  for  some  weeks  or  months.    This  the  Jews  would  naturally  ascribe  to 

this  story.  some  angelic  power,  as  they  did  afterwards  the  voice  from  heaven,  (John 

f  At  a  certain  sea.wn.'j  Though  Kara  Kaipoi-  might  be  sometimes  ren-  xii.  C9.)  though  no  angel  appeared.  And  they  and  St.  John  had  reason 
dered  at  that  time,  (as  Rom.  v.  '6.)  and  some  have  therefore  thought  the  to  do  it,  as  it  was  the  Sen/  ture  scheme  that  these  benevolent  spirits  had 
passover,  or  the  feast  that  was  mentioned  just  before,  to  be  the  season  been,  and  frequently  are,  the  invisible  instruments  o.  good  to  the  chil- 
when  the  angel  came  and  stirred  the  water;  yet,  as  the  words  will  very  dren  of  men.  (See  Psal.  xxxiv.  7.  xci.  11.  Dan.  in.  28.  and  vi.  .2.)  Un 
justly  bear  the  sense  that  has  been  given  them  in  our  translation,  there  their  making  so  ungrateful  a  return  to  Christ  for  this  miracle,  and  those 
IS  no  reason  why  we  should  suppose  it  to  have  only  been  an  annual  wrousrht  at  the  former  passover,  and  in  the  intermediate  space,  this 
miracle,  which  would  but  needlessly  increase  the  difticulty.  Indeed  the  celestial  visitant  probably  from  this  time  returned  no  more  ;  and  there- 
expectation  of  the  people  intimates  it  was  at  some  particular  periods,  fore  it  may  be  observed,  that  though  the  evangelist  speaks  ot  the  pool  as 
thoueh  probably  they  were  not  fixed  in  such  away  as  that  they  certainly  still  at  Jerusalem  when  he  wrote,  yet  he  mentions  the  descent  oj  tne 
could  tell  the  slated  times  of  their  return;  at  least  we  know  not  what  angel  as  a  thing  which  had  been,  but  not  as  still  continuing,  (l^ompare 
they  were,  nor  can  it  be  determined  from  this  indefinite  expression,  ver.  2,  and  4.)  This  may  account  tor  the  snrprisini;  silence  ot  Josephus, 
And  if  it  be  thus  taken  to  refer  to  a  certain  hour  of  the  dav,  or  day  of  in  a  story  which  made  so  much  tor  the  honour  of  his  ria''°"-  "i  ".V? 
the  week,  (perhaps  the  sabbath,  which  was  the  day  that  they  were  now  himself  not  born  when  it  happened  ;  and  though  he  misht  have  neaia 
expecting  it,)  Kara  Ka'<poi/  will  signify,  at  every  such  time,  as  kot'  the  report  of  it,  he  would  perhaps  (as  is  the  modern  \vay)  oppose  specu- 
iviavTov,  every  year,  Heb.  x.  1.  and  Kaff  hu-epav,  every  day.  Acts  ii.  lation  and  hypothesis  to  fact ;  and,  ike  Dr.  Wellwood  in  »  m"<i"  P'^'^; 
46,47.  case,  (see  his  ie/rcr  relating  to  Maillard's  cure,)  have  recourse  to  some 

g  An  angel  descended  into  the  pool,  and  stirred  the  water.]    The  late  indigested  and  unmeaning  harangues  on  the  unknown  force  ot  imagina- 

English  version  renders  it  a  messenger,  agreeable  to  the  stiange  by-  tion  :  or  if  he  secretly  suspected  it  to  be  true,  his  dread  or  "!<=   ,L  well 

pothesisof  Dr.  Hammond  ;  who  thinks  that  this  water  had  contracted  a  lous,  and  fear  of  disgusting  his  Pagan  readers  w,th  it,  T"-"' 4;  ."J" 

natural  virtue  by  washing  the  carcases  and  entrails  of  the  sacrifices  in  lead  him  to  suppress  this,  as  to  disguise  the  passage  "™''?.^',|;. -"''"'"' 

this  pool ;  and  that  im  stirring  it  up,  that  virtue  exerted  itselt  the  more  ;  at.d  the  divine  voice  from  mount  Smai,  in  so.mean  ana  iniiu 

so  that  a  proper  officer  was  appointed  for  that  purpose  :  a  thought  so  ner  as  it  is  known  he  does.    And  the  'elat'on.'"  J^'^";  '  ,  ;„  touchinff 

unphilosophical,  as  well  as  ungrounded   in  history  and  antiquity,  that  the  history  of  Jesus,  would  make  him  peculiai  ly  cautions  mioucm.,^ 

one  would   wonder  how  so  learned  a  man   could  tall   upon  it.— Mr.  upon  it,  as  it  would  have  been  so  difficult  to  handle  it  ar  ome  wuu 

Fleminc.  to  avoid  the  apparent  difficulties  of  the  literal  interpretation,  decency  and  safety, 
concludes,  that  the  latter  part  of  the  third,  and  the  whole  lo\irth  verse. 


g^  THE  IMPOTENT  MAN  HEALED  AT  THE  POOL  OF  BETHESDA. 

SECT,  first  person  therefore  that  went  in,  after  the  stirring  of  the  water,  was  instantly  curerf,'' 

46.    ^whatever  the  distemper  was  that  he  before  2vas  seized  luith. 

— And  it  now  happened,  that  a  certain  man  xocui  lying  there,  who  had  been  thirtij-eight  5  And  a  certain  man  was 

JOHN    years  disabled  by  an  illness  which  had  seized  his  nerves,  and  taken  away  the  use  of  all  his  uA'hiVty'ana  dohrvelrs'™'" 

^-     'limbs.     Jesus  then  seeing  him,  as  he  lay  by  the  side  of  the  pool,  and  knmoing  that  he  had  '6  when  .lesus'saw  him'  lie, 

6  been  now  a  long  time  [in  this  melancholy  condition,]  sai/s  to  him,  with  a  view  to  stir  up  his  '^^'^^,  a"on-'lmie^i«  M«<  caZ 
attention  to  himself,  and  to  engage  him  to  reflect  on  his  own  helpless  state,  and  on  the  he  saith  unto  him,  wilt  thou 
greatness  of  the  mercy  he  designed  him.  Dost  thou  desire  to  be  cured  of  thine  infirmity  ?  ^^  "^'^'^^  "''°'^  ■ 

7  %ie  poor  disabled  man  'answered^ him,  Sir,  I  cannot  but  earnestly  desire  it,  but  am  now  7  The  impotent  man  an- 
ready  to  despair  of  being  so  happy ;  for  I  am  poor  as  well  as  lame ;  and  I  have  710  man  f^anri hen'til  watlHs'Trou" 
to  wait  on  me,  and  put  me  into  the  pool  when  the  water  is  sfm-ed ;  and  my  own  motions  bled,'  to  put  me  into  the  pool : 
are  so  slow  tliat,  ivhile  I  am  coming  towards  it,  another  descends  before  me,  and  enjoys  the  t^i^eVlt'^ppetiiXwii'Seme; 
benefit  of  the  miracle. 

'  8      Upon  this,  Jesus  says  to  him,  with  an  air  of  divine  majesty  and  authority.  Arise,  take  up    8  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Bise, 

thy  couch  on  thy  shoulders,  and  walk  away  with  it,  to  shovv  how  perfectly  thou  art  reco-  ^^^^  "f"  "'^  ^^^'  ^°^  '''^'''• 
9  vered.    And  such  virtue  attended  these  words,  that  the  man  immediately  became  ivell ;  and,     9  And  immediately  the  man 
leaping  up  in  a  transport  of  wonder  and  joy,  he  took  vp  his  couch,  and  walked  away  with  hifbTd.'^and  wLtkedl— °''  "'' 
it  to  his  own  house,  through  some  of  the  most  public  jiarts  of  the  city. 

Now  on  that  day  that  tliis  miraculous  cure  was  wrought,  it  was  the  sabbath  :  yet  Christ  —And  on  the  same  day  was 
commanded  him,  even  on  that  day,  to  carry  his  couch,  both  to  show  his  own  authority,  *^  sabbath. 

10  and  to  exercise  the  faith  and  obedience  of  his  patient.  The  Jews  therefore,  who  saw  him  10  The  Jews  therefore  said 
pass  by  in  this  manner,  said  to  him  that  was  cured.  It  is  the  sabbath-day ;  and  therefore  it  ffjhe'labba'th'day  •  1t?s''nit 
IS  not  lawful  for  thee  thus  to  carry  a  cotich,  or  to  bear  any  burthen  whatsoever.  (Compare  lawful  for  tijee  to 'carry  thi/ 
Jer.  xvii.'21,  22.  and  Neh.  xiii.  15 — 19.)     How  is  it  then,  that  thou  art  so  presumptuous  ^'^'^' 

11  as  to  profane  this  lioly  day?  But  he  answered  them,  by  giving  an  account  of  his  cure,  and  11  lie  answered  them,  PTe 
only  added,  He  ^An/' "miraculously  healed  and  made  7ne  well,  and  restored  me  with  a  word  sa?d'un'toTne?i'ake*'up''thy 
to  this  health  and  strength,  even  he^  said  to  me.  Take  np  thy  couch,  and  walk  away  with  it;  bed,  and  walk'. 

12  and  I  could  not  question  his  authority  to  dispense  with  such  a  ceremonial  precept.     And  ,.12  Then  asked  they  him, 

.,1  -^  ,,  ■■  r  .v-  1  in'  1     4.  1    ]■    1  1     i       "  bat  man  is  tliat  which  said 

upon  this,  dropping  all  mention  ot  the  cure,  and  only  hxmg  on  wliat  seemed  lialue  to  unto  thee.  Take  up  thy  bed, 
exception,^  they  asked  him  then.  Who  is  the  man  that  said  unto  thee,  on  this  sacred  day,  and  walk  f 

13  Take  up  thy  couch,  and  walk  away  with  it?  Noiv  he  that  icas  healed  did  not  at  that  time  .13  And  he  that  was  healed 
knoiv  who  it  ivas  that  iiad  cured  him  ;  for  as  there  ivas  a  crowd  (f  people  in  the  place,  Jesus  J^l^  had  Conveyed  himself 
had  modestly  slipped  away''-  among  them,  as  soon  as  he  had  spolcen  the  healing  word.  away,  a  multitude  being  in 

14  But  afterwards  Jesus  findcth  him  in  the  court  of  the  temple,  and  said  unto  him.  Behold,  ""4 'Afterwards  Jesus  find- 
by  the  singular  mercy  of  God,  thou  art  tlov/ recovered  to  health  and  vio;our ;  but  take  eth  him  in  the  fempie,  and 
heed  that  thou  sin  no  more,  lest  something  yet  %vorse  befall  thee ;  for  thou  knowest  in  thine  art'made  whole :  sin  no  more, 
own  conscience,  that  the  iniquities  of  thy  youth  brought  this  calamity  upon  thee,"'  and  {j^st  a  worse  thing  come  unto 
the  deliverance  thou  hast  now  received  will  be  a  dreadful  aggravation  of  thy  future  guilt. 

15  The  man  then  informed  himself  of  those  that  stood  by,  who  it  was  that  spoke  to  him  ;  i5  The  man  departed,  and 
and  knowing  him  to  be  the  i>erson  to  whom  he  was  obliged  for  his  cure,  he  icent  away  s?is'  which^liad'  made"  him" 
from  the  temple,  and  told  the  Jcwa  who  had  before  examined  him,  that  it  was  Jesus  of  whole. 

Nazareth  wAo  had  i-estored  him  to  health  :  expecting,  no  doubt,  by  this  discovery,  to  have 
procured  him  that  honour  and  respect  which  was  due  to  so  much  power  and  goodness. 

16  And  yet  the  Jews  were  so  far  from  paying  him  any  just  acknowledgments,  that  on  the  i^  And  therefore  did  the 
contrary,  they  persecuted  Jesus  on  this  account,  and  endeavoured  to  put  him  to  death,  as  an  sought 'to'^'sfay^hin'ifheca'use 
impious  transgressor  of  the  law,  because  he  had  done  these  thin"s  on  the  sabbath-day  :  and,  |'e  ^";l  ,'''?"^  "'^^^  *'""ss  on 
in  pursuance  of  that  unrighteous  and  barbarous  purpose,  they  brought  an  accusation  "^  ^"^    ''   "  *^" 

against  him  before  the  sanhedrim,"  which  occasioned  the  large  and  excellent  apology 
related  in  the  two  following  sections. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
Ver.  4  What  reason  have  we  humbly  to  adore  that  Almighty  Being  who  kills  and  makes  alive,  who  wounds  and  heals  ! 
(Deut.  xxxii.  39.)  If  the  .Tews  had  cause  of  thankfulness  for  this  miraculous  interposition,  surely  those  virtues 
which  God  has  in  a  natural  way  bestowed  on  medicines,  and  that  sagacity  whicli  he  has  given  to  men  for  the 
discovery  of  those  virtues,  are  niatter  of  much  greater  acknowledgment,  as  the  blessing  is  so  much  more  extensive 
and  lasting. 

But  how  much  greater  still  are  our  obligations  to  him  for  the  blessings  of  his  gospel,  and  the  ordinances  of  his 

worship,  those  waters  of  life  by  which  our  spiritual  maladies  are  healed,  and  vigour  restored  to  our  enfeebled 

souls !  Let  us  humbly  attend  them ;  yet,  during  that  attendance,  let  us  look  beyond  them  :  for  surely  the  etficacy 

of  this  pool  of  Bethesda  did  not  more  depend  upon  the  descent  of  the  angel,  than  the  efficacy  of  the  noblest 

ordinances  depends  on  that  blessed  Spirit  which  operates  in  and  by  them. 

3      Multitudes  were  continually  attending  at  this  pool :  and  why  then  is  the  house  of  God  forsaken,  where  not  one 

alone,  but  many,  at  the  same  moment,  may  receive  spiritual  sight  and  strength  :  yea,  and  life  from  the  dead  ?  Yet 

6  alas  !  under  the  diseases  of  the  soul,  how  few  desire  to  be  made  whole  !  Blessed  Jesus  !  if  thou  hast  awakened 

that  desire  in  us,  we  would  adore  thee  for  it,  as  a  token  for  good ;  and  would  lift  up  our  believing  eyes  to  thee, 

in  humble  expectation  that  thou  wilt  graciously  fulfil  it. 

14      The  man  who  was  lately  languishing  on  his  couch,  we  quickly  after  find  in  the  temple  :  and  where  should  they 

be  found,  who  have  been  raised  up  from  beds  of  weakness,  and  brought  out  from  chambers  of  confinement^  but 

in  the  sanctuary,  rendering  their  praises  to  the  God  of  their  mercies  ?  How  reasonable  is  the  caution  which  our 

p  HrnfmftMn//' wi^uf  tZ^'"J ^"%'' '^  •  J*"'^  ""^^ nf  "'''^"  considered  as  1  Modestly  s/ipped  away?^    The  word  ef everffev  fas  Casaubon  observes 

nowT,  »nH   o^^^lnV.iU    /f  '«  ^^  l^'^'^f^''^^'  *°  '""Strate  the  superior  in  his  learned  note  on  the  placel  is  an  eleeant  metaphor  borrowed  from 

t^ml   hf.t  L,:?,?^       „  ;      I  *"  f  ^"i'  ^''^"'  ",°*  ^'  ''""""'  '"'"<''  °f"  ^•'^imming;  and  we  may  thus  observe,  how  well  it  expresses  the  ensy 

mK/«V«rfe/tha*r  s  rt  d  t    1      ^'"'*'"""''''  "  ""^'^  """'  ''"'  ''«"'^''  "'^'"'^  unobserved  manner  in  which  he,  as  it  were,  olided  throii-ih  them,  while. 


MMtlif>r  nf  hie  ^,,ro  *h..f  r,.  ,.„  i;™  .1,  t            J-"-;-         I  ",'"^"' '.'  '""  '""  "<^  uuiii,  u"i  WB  are  roia,  ver.  o.  inai  ims  uibauieii  man  nan   laooureti 

noleH  wL   nn/*n  hir  of^I,     r^^^                          for  all  that  they  pro-  under   his  disorder  thiriy-eiglu  yea«,)  yet  were  perfectly    known  to 

posed  was.  not  to  hear  ot  any  good  that  had  been  done,  to  en^ane  their  him                                      j     a       i/        <'  j                              j 

\c:'^ll^\fT^\^Tl^'i\?}'t^Tll''v^^^^  n  Before  the  sanhedrim.]    See  the  reason  for  this  conjecture  in  the 

to  ?,rot,^,s  tor^f  U;  /l.li^?i  r!,^^f  censoHoiis  temper  -I  am  obliged  next  section,  ver.  1?.  note  a,  compared  with  ver.  3H. 
ro  Vrrotius  tor  this  delicate  remark,  which  well  illustrates  their  par- 


tiality  and  malignity. 


CHRIST  VINDICATES  THE  MIRACLE  WROUGHT  ON  THE  SABBATH.  95 

Lord  gave  him  there  !  Sin  no  more,  lest  a  worse  thing  come  unto  thee.     May  we  see  sin  as  the  root  of  all  our  afflic-  SECT, 
tions ;  and,  by  the  bitterness  of  them,  may  sin  be  imbittered  to  us,  and  our  hearts  fortified  against  relapsing  into     46. 

it,  especially  when  we  have  been  chastised,  and  restored  again  !  

One  would  have  expected  that,  when  this  grateful  creature  published  the  name  of  his  Benefactor,  crowds  should  Ver.  15 
have  thronged  about  Jesus,  to  have  heard  the  words  of  his  mouth,  and  to  have  received  the  blessings  of  his  gospel; 
and  that  the  whole  nation  should  have  gloried  in  the  presence  of  such  a  jierson,  as  far  more  valuable  than  the 
descent  of  a  heavenly  spirit  at  some  particular  seasons  for  the  cure  of  their  diseases,  or  even  the  abode  of  an 
incarnate  angel  among  them  would  have  been.  But  instead  of  this,  behold  the  malignity  of  our  fallen  nature,  and 
the  force  of  stubborn  prejudice  !  They  surround  him  with  an  hostile  intent ;  they  even  conspire  against  his  bene-  16 
ficial  life ;  and  for  an  imagined  transgression  in  a  point  of  ceremony,  would  have  put  out  this  light  in  Israel.  Let 
us  not  wonder  \hei\,'\i  our  good  be  evil  spoken  of  .  (Rom.  xiv.  16.)  Let  us  not  wonder  if  even  candour,  benevolence, 
and  usefulness  do  not  wholly  disarm  tlie  enmity  of  some ;  especially  of  those  wlio  have  been  taught  to  prefer 
sacrifice  to  mercy;  and  who,  disrelishing  the  genuine  contents  of  the  gospel,  naturally  seek  occasion  to  slander 
and  persecute  the  professors,  and  especially  the  defenders,  of  it. 


SECTION  XLVII. 

Christ  vindicates  the  miracle  which  he  liad  wrought  at  the  pool  on  the  sabbath-day,  and  solemnly  declares  the  dignity  of  his  person  and  office. 

John  V.  17—30. 

John  v.  17.  JoHN  V.  17. 

BUT^  Jesus  answered  them,  THE  miracle  which  he  had  just  performed,  was  a  plain  evidence  of  his  divine  authority   SECT. 
anS  1  work.^°'^'"^"'  hitherto,  ^^^  power :  but  JesiM  being  questioned  by  the  Jews,  and,  as  it  seems,  examined  before  their     47. 

most  solemn  council,*  for  the  cure  he  had  wrought  on  the  sabbath-day,  he  took  the  oppor- ■ 

tunity  of  declaring  at  large  the  dignity  of  his  person,  the  evidence  of  his  mission,  and  the   John 
absolute  necessity  of  faith  in  him  to  their  eternal  salvation ;''  while,  in  reply  to  the  mali-  ^  _^- 
cious  charge  which  they  brought  against  him,  he  ansicered  them  as  follows  :   Mi/  heavenly 
Father,  in  the  administration  of  his  providential  kingdom,  worketh  continually  from  the 
beginning  of  the  world  even  till  now  ;  and  upon  sabbath-days,  as  well  as  others,  he  exerts 
that  unremitting  and  unwearied  energy  which  is  the  life  of  the  creation :  and,  in  like 
manner,  /  also  work,  in  obedience  to  the  intimations  of  his  will,  and  in  subserviency  to 
his  glory.     And  in  this  very  action  I  have  given  you  so  visible  a  proof  that  I  am  directed 
and  assisted  by  him,  that  you  ought  humbly  to  acquiesce  in  it,  without  presuming  to  cavil 
at  what  is  so  evidently  divine,  or  to  limit  the  Majesty  of  heaven  by  those  rules  which  he 
has  prescribed  to  his  creatures. 
18  Therefore     the    Jews      But  upon  hearing  this  Suggested  by  our  Lord  in  vindication  of  himself,  they  were  so  far  18 
because'  he'"?wt  "only  '^ha'ri  ^om  yielding  to  the  argTiment,  that,  for  this  very  reason,  the  resentment  of  his  adversaries 
broken  the  sabbath,  but  said  was  increased  ;  and  being  therefore  more  incensed  against  him  than  before,  the  rulers  of 
making  himseYt^equal ''wS  '^^  -^^^.5  endeavoured  the  more  "eagerly  to  put  him  to  death,  because  (as  they  imagined)  he 
tiod.  /lad  not  on/i/  violated  the  sabbath,  but  had  now  also  gone  so  far  as  even  to  have  called  God 

his  own  Father,'^  in  so  peculiar  and  appropriating  a  sense,  as  in  effect  to  make  himself  equal 
with  God :  while  he  thus  argued  his  own  right  to  work  on  the  sabbath-day,  from  God's 
working  upon  it ;  though  this  was  evidently  no  argiiment  with  respect  to  mankind  in 
general,  nor  had  ever  been  pleaded  by  the  greatest  of  the  prophets  in  such  a  view. 
10  Then    answered    Jesus      Jcsus,  therefore,  to  explain  the  matter  more  fully  to  tliem,  and  to  leave  them  yet  more  19 
veriiy^'i  sav^unto'"'  '^"yh'  inexcusable  in  their  malicious  opposition  to  him,  answered  and  said  nnfo  them,  Verili/, 
Son  can  do  nothing  of'him-  verily,  I  sai/  unto  you,  and  do  most  faithfully  and  solemnly  declare,  That  the  Son  of  God, 
l'ather"doT' foV  whlt'^'hinis  ?^^^^  ^"^l  glorious  as  he  is,  now  acts  in  an  avowed  subjection  to  the  authority  of  the  Father, 
soever  he  doeth,  these  also  and  can  do  nothing  of  himself,'^  in  pursuance  of  any  distinct  schemes  or  separate  interest 
doeth  the  Son  likewise.  Qf  j,jg  own,  nnless  he  See  the  Father  doing  it,''  or  perceive  him  intimating  it  as  his  pleasure 

that  it  should  be  done  :  for  whatsoever  are  the  things  that  he  (that  is,  the  Father)  doth, 
even  these  likewise  doth  the  Son  in  a  most  intimate  conjunction  with  him ;  at  all  times 
cheerfully  complying  with  his  purposes,  and  esteeming  it  his  honour  always  to  be  employed 
so  For  the  Father  loyeth  the  in  his  Service.     For  the  Father  loveth  the  Son,  and  that  with  so  entire  an  affection,  that  20 
th"ings^"hat^  himself  doeth  :  ^^  sliowetk  him  all  things  that  he  himself  doth,^  letting  him  into  the  secret  of  his  councils, 
and  he  will  shew  him  greater  and  teaching  him  in  the  most  wonderful  and   divine  manner,  to  act  in  prosecution  of 
marvel.^^"    ^*'^'    "  ■^^™''^  them;  and  he  will  show,  or  point  out  to  him,  far  greater  works  than  Mese  which  he  has 
hitherto  performed  ;  which  shall  hereafter  be  accomplished  by  him,  that  you  may  all  be 

21  For  as  the  Father  raiseth  filled  with  wonder,  though  you  will  not  be  open  to  conviction.     You  have  now  seen  the  21 
^^em;  evea  so*  the  Son 'quick''-  ^"^''6  of  oue  who  had  been  long  disabled  by  a  disease,  but  I  have  not  yet  raised  anv  from 
eneth  whom  he  will.  the  dead  :  yet  you  shall  quickly  see  that  it  is  not  for  want  of  power;  for  as  the  Father, 

Avhenever  he  pleases,  raises  up  and  animates  the  dead,  so  also  you  shall  have  sufficient  evi- 

22  For  the  Father  judgeth  dence  that  the  Son  animates  whom  he  will.     Nor  is  it  to  be  wondered  at,  that  he  should  22 

no  man,   but  hath  committed  ,  ,  ,        ,    .       ,  .  r        ,i      -n   li  •      i  ■  ■     i 

all  judgment  unto  the  Son :     have  SO  great  a  power  lodged  in  him  ;  /or  the  rather  now  in  his  own  person  judges  no 
7nan,  but  has  given  the  administration  of  all  judgment  to  the  Son,  before  whom  all  men  are 

a  Before  their  most  solemn  council.]    T   here  follow  Mr.  Fleming's  felt  upon  his  mind,  leading  him  to  exert  his  miraculous  power  in  this  or 

opinion,  (in  his  Christology,  vol.  ii.  p.  206.')  which  seems  to  be  confirmed  that  instance,  1  cannot  certainly  determine  ;  but  rather  incline  to  the 

by  ver.  .3.3.  and  there  api)ears  a  great  deal  of  additional  propriety   and  latter,   which  might  also  be  comprehended   in  ver.   17. —  the  particle 

beauty  in  the  discourse,  when  it  is  considered  in  this  view.  6ai<  un,  which  is  exactly  the  same  in  signihcation  with  ei  txn,  is  liere 

b  He  took   the  opportunity  of  declaring  at  large  the  dignity  of  his  also  used  in  a  less  proper  sense.    See  the  note  on  John  xvii.   12.  §  179. 

person,  (V-c.]    Christ  had  hinted  at  several  of  these  things  in  liis  con-  and  compare  John  viii.  38.  <)  104. 

ference  with  Nicodemus,  (John  iii.  1.3 — 21.  §  26.)  who  had  probably  re-  f  Slimeeth  him  all  things  that  he  himself  doth.']    The  editors  of  the 

ported  them  to  his  brethren.     But  he  here  expatiates  more  largely  on  Prussian  Testament  say  that  the  word  Sciktoo-ii/,  which  we  have  rendered 

some  of  them  ;  and,  no  doubt,  if  Nicodemus,  as  a  member  of  the  coun-  showeth,  signifies  here  to  teach  ot  form  to  any  thinir,  as  a  master  forms 

cil,  was  now  present,  he  heard  him  with  gi'eat  pleasure  and  impiove-  his  scholar  to  do  what  he  himself  doth,  and  teaches  him   the  secrets  of 

n'fint.  his  art  or  profession  :  but  1  cannot  acquiesce  in  tliis  sense,  as  expressing 

c  Called  God  his  own  Father.']    This  is  the  plain  and  literal  sense  of  the  whole  meaning  of  the  phrase.    It  ratlier  refers  to  the  ample  and 

the  original,  TioTfpa  idtov.     1  he  whole  nation  of  the  Jews  thought  God  comprehensive  knowledge  which  the  Son  has  of  the  whole  plan  of  the 

(''*"■ -f/zMer  ;  CJolin  viii.  41.)  and  they  could  not  therefore  have  accounted  Father's   councils,    in   all   their   mutual    relations   and   dependences; 

It  Haspliemy  to  have  used  the  phrase,  had  they  not  interpreted  it  in  so  whereas  the  prophets  and  the  apostles  too,  had,  in  comparison  ot  this, 

"  ,',p,     appropriating  a  sense.  but  very  limitecl  and  contracted  views.    Compare  Isa.  xl.  10.  where  it 

I    i.'i""  '^'"'' ''"  "*''"««'  "/  himself.]    I  cannot  forbear  mentioning  a  is  said  (as  we  have  no  room  to  doubt)  of  Christ,  and  probably  in  tins 

rernarkable  note  of  the  learned  Eisner,  iOhserv.  vol.  i.  p.  307,  et  seq.)  in  sense — his70orlcis  before  him. — Dr.  Whitby  refers  curmto  thi  Hon:  and 

which  he  shows  by  a  sreat  variety  of  instances,  that  the  later  heathen  understands  it  as  if  it  had  b^en  said.  Whatever  the  Son  doth,  is  hy  the 

Avriters  seem  to  have  ascribed  to 'Minerva,  as  the  daughter  of  Jupiter,  direction  of  the  Father :  but  I  think  the  genius  of  the  Greek  language 

many  things  which  our  sacred  Scriptures  speak  of  Christ,  as  the  Son  of  would  not  in  that  sense  have  allowed  the  repetition  ot  axnoi,  but  it 

"0°V-  ,        ,  would  rather  have  been  said,  ■wav-ra  a  Ttoiei  SeiKvvcriv _ainu>  :  not  to  in- 

e   Unless  he  see  the  Father  doing  ;<.]    Whether  our  Lord  here  means  sist  upon  it,  that  the  sense  in  which  1  liave  explained  it  is  much  nobler, 

in  the  general,  -unless  he  see  it  to  he  correspondent  to  the  Father's  schemes,  and  not  so  nearly  the  same  v.'ith  what  Christ  had  said  in  the  preceding 

or  whether  he  refers  to  any  peculiar  divine  impulse  which  he  sometimes  verse. 


CHRIST  SOLEMNLY  DECLARES  HIS  OWN  MAJESTY. 

90 

SECT   at  last  to  appear,  and  by  whom  they  are  to  be  assigned  to  their  final  and  eternal  state. 

47     And  this  important  power  God  has  committed  to  me,?  that  notwithstanding  the  humble     23  That    all   »««7i    should 
'  -form  in  which  I  now  appear,  all  mai,  be  engaged  to  honour  the  Son,  even  as  they  honour  l^^ZZ'^l  ^v^hTr^Wthlt 
the  Father  himself :  yielding  an  unreserved  homage  and  obedience  to  him,  as  what  is  honour 


jOHX   the  Father  himself  •  yielding'  an  unreserved  homage  and  obedience  to  him,  as  wriat  is  iionoureth  not  the  Son,  ho- 
''■'    necessary  to  approve  their  duty  and  fidelity  to  God  :  for  he  that,  in  such  a  circumstance,  !,\TlL",??.i''"  *'""^"'  "'""'' 
^^  and  on  such  a  discovery,  ho'noiireth  not  the  Son,  as  worthy  of  the  highest  veneration, 


V. 


honoureth  not  the  Father  that  sent  him  ;  but  affronting  him  in  the  person  of  so  dear  and 
so  great  an  ambassador,  must  expect  to  be  treated  as  an  enemy  and  a  rebel. 

24  This  is  a  tnith  of  the  utmost  consequence  to  your  final  happiness,  and  therefore  I  24  Verily,  verily,  i  say 
insist  the  more  largely  upon  it :  see  then  that  none  of  you  presume  to  pass  it  slightly  woV"df  an/beUevetron^Tm 
over :  for  verihi,  verih/,  I  say  unto  you,  and  solemnly  declare  it  in  the  presence  of  you  all,  that  sent  me  hath  everlasting 
He  that  heareih  mi)  word  with  an  attentive  regard,  and  truly  helieveth  in  him  that  sent  me,  condemnation  ■"but'iriUse'd 
hath  everlasting  life  :  he  is  already  entitled  to  it,  yea,  it  is  already  beg-un  in  his  soul ;  and  from  death  unto  Ufe. 

he  shall  shortly  possess  it  in  its  full  perfection,  and  shall  not  come  into  condemnation  for 
any  former  offences ;  hut  is  passed  from  that  state  of  death  in  which  men  naturally  are,  to  a 

25  state  of  life,  security,  and  felicity.  Think  not  this  an  incredible  assertion ;  for  verili/,  25  Verilv,  verily,  i  say 
verily,  I  say  unto  you,  and  in  the  strongest  terms  renew  the  important  declaration,!*  That  ""d^novv  is!  whei 'theTa^d 
the  season  cometh,  and  is  now  just  at  hand,  when  the  dead  shall  hear  the  voice  of  the  Son  of  shall  hear  the  voice  ot^ the  Son 
God,  and  they  that  hear  [it]  shall  immediately  live ;  for  within  these  few  months  there  shai'i  Uve.''"       ^^ 

shall  be  some  dead  bodies  raised  to  life  by  the  v^^ord  of  his  nower,  (see  Mark  v.  41.  Luke 
vii.  14.  John  xi.  43.  and  compare  Matt,  xxvii.  52,  53.)  and  many  souls  that  are  dead  in 

26  sin  shall,  by  his  grace,  be  quickened  and  made  spiritually  alive.'  For  as  the  Father  has  26  For  as  the  Father  hath 
originally  and  essentially  life  in  himself,  so  he  has  also  given  to  the  Son,  that  he  should,  for  1;k%„"",o  t™'son  to  have^i'tl 
these  purposes  of  glorious'  and  divine  operation,  have  a  principle  of  life  in  himselj  to  be  m  hmiseit; 

27  communicated  unto  whom  he  will.  (See  1  Cor.  xv.  45.)  And  he  has  given  him  authority,  27  And  hath  given  him 
not  only  to  quicken  men  now,  but  also  to  execute  final  judgment,  because  he  is  the  Son  o/"  fnenra'L^o,  *because"he  d"the 
man ;  and  as  he  has  vob  ntarily  humbled  himself  to  so  lowly  a  form,  (see  Phil.  ii.  5 — 11.)  Son  of  man. 

God  will  accomplish  to  him  all  those  glorious  predictions  which  represent  him  as  pos- 
sessed of  universal  and  perpetual  dominion,  and  coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven,  in  that 
day  when  the  judgment  is  set,  and  the  books  are  opened.  (See  Dan.  vii.  9—14.  Phil.  ii. 
8,  9.  and  Heb.  xii.  2.) 

28  And  therefore,  tvonder  not  at  this  which  I  have  now  declared  concerning  the  resurrec-  28  Marvel  not  at  this :  for 
tion  of  a  few,  shortly  to  be  expected  ;  for  the  hour  is  coming,  in  which  all  that  are  dead  whicifa"  1  ti'fat TrTmfhe g"avet 
and  buried  now,  and  all  that  shall  then  be  lying  in  the  graves,  though  mouldered  away  shall  hear  his  voice, 

29  and  consumed  there,  shall  hear  his  voice.  And  shall  come  forth  out  of  the  dust,  they  that  ^^20  And^shaii  come  forth; 
have  done  good,  to  the  resurrection  of  eternal  Vfe,  ai\d  they  that  have  done  evil,  to  the  resur-  to'^fhe^'resurr^ect'ion  ^of  fife"; 
rection  of  final  damnation.  See  to  it,  therefore,  that  you  show  a  due  regard  to  him,  and  they  that  have  done  evil' 
before  whom  you  yourselves  are  to  stand  ;  and  do  not  rashly  condemn  a  Person,  from  da„i„at'ion.  "^^"'''"^'^""'"    ° 

30  whose  lips  you  are  to  receive  your  decisive  sentence.  Not  that  any  corrupt  bias  of  partial  30  i  can  of  mine  own  self 
resentment  will  be  brought  into  the  proceedings  of  that  day,  or  into  any  of  my  conduct ;  judgr;"ami'm5^judgme''ntis 
for  I  can  of  myself  do  nothing,  but  now  act  by  a  delegated  power  as  the  minister  of  a  just ;  because  1  seek  not  mine 
righteous  God  :  and  therefore  as  I  hear  I  Judge,  pronouncing  according  to  the  evidence  FaJher'wiiichVathsl^ntme!"'^ 
of  facts  before  me ;  aiid  upon  this  account  it  must  appear  that  my  judgment  is  just ;  because 

I  seek  not  any  distinct  will  or  separate  interest  of  my  own,^  but  the  wise  and  holy  will  of 
the  Father  ivho  sent  me ;  which  is,  that  every-  man  should  be  treated  according  to  his  real 
character,  and  be  the  object  of  favour  or  of  wrath,  as  his  temper  and  conduct  have  been 
upright  or  wicked. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

With  what  humble  prostration  of  soul  should  we  bow  before  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  while  we  read  such  words 

Ver.  19  as  these !  Though  he  appeared  under  the  form  of  a  servant,  and,  as  man  and  mediator,  confessed  a  holy  subjec- 

20  tion  to  his  Father  and  his  God,  yet  is  he  his  own,  his  only-begotten  Son,  the  Son  whom  he  loves,  whom  he 

23  honours,  whom  he  commands  all  men  to  honour  even  as  himself,  and  to  whom  such  power  and  authority  are 

26  committed,  that  he  is  the  principle  of  life,  and  the  administrator  of  judgment.     Let  us  adore  the  wisdom  of  such 

27  a  contrivance,  that  he  who  humbled  himself  thus  low,  should  be  so  highly  exalted.  Let  us  labour  to  secure  an 
interest  in  him ;  treating  him  with  that  submission,  duty,  and  obedience,  which  becomes  at  once  the  divinity  of 
his  nature,  and  the  dignity  of  his  office. 

25      May  we  be  enabled  by  divine  grace  so  to  hear  the  voice  of  his  gospel,  that  we  may  arise  to  a  life  of  holy 

28  obedience  ;  that  we  may  another  day  hear  him  with  joy  calling  forth  our  sleeping  dust,  and  arise  to  the  resurrec- 

29  tion  of  life  ;  while  those  that  have  despised  and  rejected  him,  shall  find  themselves  the  helpless  prisoners  of  his 
justice,  and  with  reluctance  and  terror  come  forth  to  the  resurrection  of  damnation ! 


SECTION  XLVIII. 

SECT.    Christ  liaving  declared  to  the  Jews  (and,  as  it  seems,  to  the  sanhedrim)  the  dignity  of  his  person,  office,  and  character,  poes  on  to  represent  the 
48.  proots  ot  his  mission;  and  concludes  his  discourse  with  proper  admonitions  and  cautions.    John  v.  31,  to  the  end. 

John  v.  31.  n  v  "i 

•"""^    OUR  Lord  proceeded  in  his  discourse  to  the  Jews,  and  said,  I  have  certainly  entered  a  if  i  boar  witness  of  myself, 
31  very  high  claim,  and  represented  myself  as  a  person  of  great  dignity  and  authority  ;  nor  ^y  witness  is  not  true: 

g  This  important  power  God  hasCommitted  to  me.]  Though  our  Lord  h  Kenew  tlie  important  declaration.]    These  repptitions  of  this  solemn 

here  speaks  ot  hiiiiselt  in  the  third  person,  yet  afterwards,  in  ver.  .W,  et  asseveration  are  by  no  means  vain,  considering  the  vast  importance  of 

seq.  he  speaks  m  the  fint ;  and  common  sense  would  teach  all  that  heard  the  truth  ;  and  how  incredible  it  would  appear,  that  he  who  stood  before 

him,  that  by  the  »m  he  here  meant  htmielf.    Kow  1  appeal  to  any  un-  them  in  so  liumble  a  form,  was  in  reality  the   Lord  of  life,   and  the 

jirejudiced  person  to  judge,  whether  our  lord's  making  such  a  declara-  universal  .ludge.    .'^ee  note  g,  -,n  .lohn  i.  51.  p.  52. 

tion  a5  this  before  the  .lewish  rulers,  and  probably  in  full  council,  was  i  Some  dead  bodies  raised  to  life,  and  many  souls  made  spiritually 

not  tar  more  liable  to  exception,  than  merely  his  calling  the  temple  his  alive.]    1  express  it  thus  ambiguously,  because  1  am  something  doubtful 

!•  ather  s  house  (-'ohn  u.  10.)  at  his  hrst  passover  ;  in  the  same  manner  as  whether  it  may  not  refer  to  the  converston  of  sinners  by  Christ's  ministry/, 

he  long  before  had  done,  in  calling  God  his  Father,  even  when  he  was  rather  than  the  resurrection  of  a  few  by  his  miracnlavs  power.    It  is  well 

but  tiiehe  !/ears  old.  (Luke  11.  49.)    So  little  is  there  in  Mr.  Manne's  known,  sinners  are  often  represented  in  Scripture  as  dead  :  (Matt.  viii. 

argument  from  that  text.  (See  note  c,.on  John  ii.  Ifi.  p   55.)— And  it  is  22.  Kph.  ii.  I.  v   14    I  Tim.  v.  6.  and  Jude,  ver.  12.)  and  if  the  expres- 

also  to  be  remembered  that,  according  to  Mr.  Manne's  Scheme  of  the  sion,  ol  aKoi.<rai.Ter,  is  to  be  taken  as  we  render  it,  with  the  most  literal 

^armony,  he  makes  this  to  have  happened  about  ten   months  before  exactness,  tor  M«i/ //m/ /'e«r,  or  they,  anfl  thev  alone,  that  so  attend  unto 

K.Unst  s  death,  and  long  before  many  of  those  charges  to  his  disciples  not  the  voice  of  Christ  as  to  believe  in  him— it  will  then  limit  it  to  this  sense  ; 

to  make  ntrn  known;  from  whence  this  gentleman  argues,  that  the  fore-  which  seems  also  favoured  by  ver,  24,  where  death  plainly  signifies  a 

cited   words   in  John  u.  16.  could   not  be  spoken  till   his  last  pass-  slate  of  sin  and  cmnlemnation. 

'■'*'''•  k  I  seek  not  any  distinct  uill  or  separate  interest  of  my  ckw.]    This 


THE  PROOFS  OF  CHRIST'S  MISSION.  97 

do  I  say  it  without  sufficient  proof.     Indeed,  If  I  hear  this  witness  of  mysetf  alone,  it  SECT, 
must  be  acknowledged  that  mi/  testimony  is  not  immediately  [to  he  admitted  as]  'true  :*  you     48. 
have  a  right  to  insist  on  other  evidence  ;  and  a  variety  of  it  arises  from  the  testimony  of - 


John,  from  the  power  of  my  miracles,  from  the  testimony  of  the  Father,  and  from  innu-   joun 
merable  passages  in  your  own  sacred  writmgs.  ^■ 

32  There  is  another  that      I  would  then  first  "observe,  that,  besides  what  I  have  told  you  of  myself,  there  is  another  32 
'^'"^^*that*"h?witness  whfch  '^^  Undoubted  reputation  and  veracity  that  heareth  witness  of  me ;  and  I  know  that  the 
hemtnesseth'ormeTs  true,     witncss  ivhich  he  heareth  of  me  is  true  and  credible  ;  and  well  remember,  by  the  happiest 
tokens,  the  great  fact  on  which  it  especially  turned  :>>  nor  can  you  reasonably  take  upon 
you  to  dispute  it ;  for  the  person  I  refer  to  "is  John  the  Baptist,  whom  your  whole  nation 
.33  Ye  sent  unto  .Tohn,  and  "agreed  to  reverence  as  a  prophet :  And  you  know,  that  you  yourselves  sent  messengers  on  33 
he  baie  witness  unto  thetruth.  purpose  from  your  own  court  wito  this  John,  (John  i.  19—27.  sect,  xx.)  and  he,  in  the 
most  express  terms,  bore  a  faithful  and  honourable  testimony  to  the  truth  of  what  I  have 
now  attested  and  referred  to,  assuring  you  that  he  saw  tlie  Spirit  in  a  visible  form  descend 
34  But  I  receive  not  testi-  upon  me.     I  do  not  indeed  receive\he  chief  testimony  on  which  I  rest  the  credit  of  my  34 
?h?n-s  iTay  "hit  ye^'might'^bl  mission,  from  man ;  nevertheless,  I  say  these  things  to  you  on  your  own  principles,  out  of 
saved.        '  a  tender 'and  compassionate  concern  for  your  conviction,  that  you,  who  are  now  conspirmg 

against  ray  life,  may  be  saved  from  that  destruction  which  he  foretold  as  the  portion  of 
those  who  should  "reject  me,  and  which  the  greatest  of  them  shall  not  be  able  to  escape. 
.35  He  was  a  burning  and  a  (Matt.  iii.  10, 12.  sect.  xvi.)     He  was  indeed  a  burning  and  a  shining  light,  (Ecclus.  xlviii.  35 
wUlin-  tbf  a  seSou  toVoke  ^■)  ^^''^°'  ^^  ^''^^  bright  and  distinct  knowledge  of  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven, 
^' his  light.*  "^^"^  °'^^''°"^^  joined  a  most  fervent  zeal  in  bearing  his  testimony  to  them;  and  for  a  while  you  were 
disposed  greatly  to  rejoice  in  his  light  ;<^  but  you  did  not  express  that  continued  regard  to 
his  preaching,  which  at  his  first  appearance  you  seemed  to  promise. 

36  But  I  have  greater  wit-      I  will  not  therefore  insist  further  on  this  topic,  but  proceed  to  other  evidence.     And  1  36 
thf  w'OTkl  whicifthe°' Father  '^f"'^  indeed  a  testimony  which  is  much  greater  still  than  [that]  of  John ;  for  the  loorks  of 
ha^th\"ive'li"nif  to  finish?  the  wonder  and  mercy  ivhich  the  Father  has  assigned  and  given  iri  commission  to  me,  that 
wrtnessof  me''thlt\he°Father  according  to  his  wise  and  gracious  purposes  I  misht  accomplish  them  among  you,  even 
hudi  sent  me.'  these  miraculous  loorks  which  I  daily  perform,  are  aiso  witnesses  in  my  behalf,  and  bear  a 

most  convincing  testimony  to  me,  that  the  Father  hath  sent  me  as  his  Ambassador  to  men, 
with  the  most  ample  commission  to  reveal  his  will. 

37  And  the  Father  iiiniseif,      And  indeed  I  may  say  with  the  greatest  propriety,  that  by  these  miracles,  as  well  as  by  37 
b^raewi'tnessofme.^Yehave  ^h^  PubHc  testimony  that  he  gave  me  at  my  baptism,  the  Father  who  has  sent  me  has  with 
neither  heard  his  voice  at  any  the  Strongest  evidence  Confirmed  my  mission,  and  has  himself  borne  witness  to  me  :  nor 
time,  nor  seen  his  shape.         ^^^^^  ^^^  ^^^  reason  to  dispute  the  testimony  that  he  thus  hath  given  me,  [though]  you 

have  never  either  heard  his  voice,  or  seen  his  form,  as  being  one  whom  no  man  hath  seen, 
nor  can  see ;  for  he  has  testified  the  same  concerning  me  in  his  word,  where  he  has 

38  And  ye  have  not  his  spokcn  of  me  in  the  clearest  manner.     But,  notwithstanding  the  submission  you  profess  38 
whom  ll'e'''hath 'slnt^^him  ye  to  his  authority,  you  will  not  be  persuaded  to  receive  the  testimony  he  has  given;  and 
believe  not.  '  afler  all  that  he  has  said,  it  is  still  evident  that  you  have  not  his  word  cordially  abiding  in 

j/ow,*!  nor  do  you  show  a  due  regard  even  to  those  former  revelations  which  you  acknow- 
ledge as  divine  ;  for  notwithstanding  all  the  reasons  that  are  there  given  to  induce  you  to 
it,  you  do  not  believe  him.  whom  he  hath  sent  with  a  much  fuller  and  clearer  discovery  of 
himself  than  any  of  his  former  messengers  have  brought. 

39  Searcli  the  scriptures ;       You  make  it  your  employment  and  your  study  to  peruse  and  search  the  scriptures,''  and  39 
eternariife^*  Sld'^t^e'v^Tre  ^ntcr  into  deep  "inquiries  concerning  the  contents  of  them ;  because  you  very  rightly  appre- 
they  which  tistily  of  me.       hend  that  you  have  the  doctrine  of  eternal  life  in  them,  that  they  contain  the  promises,  and 

instruct  you  in  the  way  of  obtaining  it;  md  these  now  are  [the  very  writings]  which  in 

40  And  ye  will  not  come  to  numberless  passages  6mr  a  most  important  testimony  to  me.    And  yet  the  obstinacy  of  40 
me,  that  ye  might  have  life,     y^^^  hearts  is  such,  that,  notwithstanding  you  profess  so  great  a  regard  for  them,  you  %vill 

not  come  to  me,  that  you  may  have  that  eternal  life  which  they  direct  you  to  obtain  in 
this  method,  but  rath"er  choose  to  die  under  the  force  of  your  inveterate  prejudices. 

41  I  receive  not  honour      I  Speak  of  your  coming  to  me  :  but  let  me  remind  you  that  it  is  not  out  of  an  ambition  41 
from  men.  pf  drawing  multitudes  about  me,  to  follov/  and  applaud  my  teaching ;  for  the  whole  of 

4C  But  1  know  you,  tliat  my  conduct  proves,  that  I  receive  not  glory  from  menS    But  1  say  it  out  of  a  tender  42 
ye  have  not  the  love  of  God  regard  for  your  instruction  and  reformation  ;  for  notwithstanding  your  distinguished  pro- 
fession of  piety,  and  the  eminent  station  in  which  you  are  placed,  I  know  you,  and  have 
observed  it  for  some  time  concerning  you,  that  you  have  not  the  love  of  God  in  you,  that 

43lamcomeinmyFather-s  srreat  and  only  principle  of  true  religion  and  liappiness.     For  I  am  come  to  you  in  ?«v  43 
name,  and  ye  receive  me  not :  Fathers  name,  and  with  evident  credentials  from  him  ;  yet  you  receive  me  not ;  which,  if 
Urname,'him™rwi'ii  re'  you  had  really  loved  him,  you  would  undoubtedly  have  done;  whereas  if  another  should 
<^^'''=-  come  in  his  own  name,s  without  such  credentials,  and  set  up  a  scheme  of  temporal  gran- 

limitation  the  sense  evidently  requires.    See  Ileb.  x.  9,  10.  Matt.  .\xvi.       e   You  search  the  scriptures. ']    There  is  a  known  ambiguity  in  the  word 
39.  and  note  h,  on  Matt.  xii.  7.  «  49.  epema-re,  which  may  justify  either  this  translation  or  the  common  one  : 

a  Is  tiot  [to  be  admitted  as']  true.]  That  this  is  the  sense  of  the  word  nor  is  it  very  material  which  is  preferred.  1  thouglit  the  following 
true  here,  is  very  evident ;  and  appears  in  part  from  comparing  John  words,  which  express  their  high  opinion  ot  the  Scriptures,  rather  suited 
viii.  13, 17    §103  Ihe  former  ;  and  it  is  exceeding  probable  that,  at  a  time  when  the  Phan- 

b  The  great  fact  on  wliich  it  especially  turned.]  The  propriety  and  sees  were  so  impatient  of  the  Roman  yoke,  they  would  with  mat 
spirit  of  our  Lord's  expression,  I  know  that  the  witness  -which  he  beareth  dilisence  search  the  sacred  oracles  for  predictions  relating  to  the  flles- 
ef  me  is  true,  is  much  illustrated,  by  supposing  that  here  is  an  oblique  siah  ;  though  it  is  too  plain,  they  had  an  unhappy  bias  on  their  minds, 
reference  to  that  great  event,  the  descent  of  the  Tioly  Spirit  on  Christ  at  which  prevented  the  good  effects  which  might  ha' e  been  expected  from 
his  baptism,  on  which  John  so  expressly  grounded  the  testimony  he  bore  that  inquiry,  had  it  been  impartial.— It  is  also  well  known,  that  refined 
to  Christ  the  very  next  day  after  their  messengers  came  to  him,  who  criticisms  on  their  sacred  writinss  made  the  most  fashionable  branch  ot 
probably  staiil  some  time  to  make  their  remarks  on  his  preaching  and  learning  among  the  .lews  ;  in  comparison  of  whiih,  profane  literature 
conduct.  (See  John  i.  29—34.  i  21.)  And  the  blessed  effects  of  this  was  held  in  great  contempt,  and  indeed  by  many  of  their  zealots  in  great 
effusion  on  Christ  still  continued,  and  incessantly  wrought  in  him.  abhorrence.  See  Joseph.  Anttg.  Jud.  lib.  xx.  cap.  nit.  }  vlt.  and  Mr.  cis- 

c  tor  a  while  you  were  disposed  greatly  to  rejoice  in  his  light.]    Our    coe's  Sermons  at  Boyle's  Lecture,  p.  m,  W.  .  j;c.o„r=. 

Lord  mi^ht  speak  thus  of  John  though  he  was  yet  living,  as  his  light  t  /  receive  not  glory  from  men.]  fhe  whole  series  of  this  oiscourse 
was  now  in  a  great  measure  extinguished  by  his  imprisonment ;  so  that  excellently  shows  how  tar  our  Lord  was  from  soothing  tne  vaniiy  or 
the  argument  from  this  text,  for  transposin£  this  chapter,  seems  incon-  great  and  learned  men,  in  order  to  obtain  their  favour, 
elusive.  Had  the  sanhedrim,  as  some  have^supposed,  imprisoned  John  g  If  another  should  come  in  its  ownname.]  Some  "V"!^  "^f'^^;/ 'll'p." 
before  he  was  seized  by  Herod,  (see  the  preface  to  the  Prussian  Testa-  ence  to  Barchochebas,  a  noted  impostor  in  the  tollowina  ''7,7, '"'./V,,^./ 
ment,  p.  244.1  our  Lord  would  hardly  have  failed  to  reprove  them  for  it  ing  to  whom  the  Jews  were  severely  chastised  hy  '^""''"- ',,'1  oti^r  orel 
en  so  natural  an  occasion  as  this.  .        J^ccles.  lib.  ly.cap.  6.)    But  it  is  certain  there  ^^^f  ^"f  "Jlu^'^'^'^^'l 

d   Yon  havenot  his  icord  abiding  in  you.]    Some  would  render  it,  Iom    tended  Messiahs  who  wrought  no  miracles,  unii  lV-."lr\   ,  "louht  not 
haie  not  his  LOGOS,  that  is,  me,  residina  among  you  for  any  continu-    better  reception  from  the  Pharisees  than  fhnst  did     and   1   aouoi  not 
ance  of  time,  (see  Mr.  Ixjcke's  Reasonableness  of  Christianity,  p.  65.)   but  Christ  meant  to  include,  at  least,  all  those  who  appeared  «niie  me 
and  refer  it  to  Christ's  making  so  short  an  abode  at  Jerusalem;  but  I    sanhedrim cvisted. 
prefer  the  more  obvious  sense.    Compare  John  xv.  7. 


yg  THE  PROOFS  OF  CHRIST'S  MISSION. 

SECT   deur  and  dominion,  him  you  ivouhl  readily  receive,  in  pursuit  of  those  worldly  principles 
48.     vvhicli,  though  directly  contrary  to  the  love  of  God,  yet  bear  the  rule  in  your  corrupt 

hearts!    But  liow  indeed  can  you  believe  in  me,  and  fall  in  with  such  an  humbling  and     44  How  can   ye   believe 

JOHN   self-denying  scheme  as  that  of  my  gospel,  while,  with  an  ambitious  emulation,  j/om  are  ancjtherrand  seernor^thl 
^'-      receivin'"  honour  of  each  other^  and  seek  not  that  true  honour  which  ico7nes]  Jrom  the  honour  that <r<>me//i  from  God 
^"^  approbation  of  God  alone,  and  from  the  testimony  of  your  consciences  in  his  sight  ?  '"'^^  ' 

45  Nevertheless,  remember  this,  that  you  will  another  day  appear  self-condemned  for  this  45  Do  not  think  that  I  will 
your  infidelity  :  and  do  not  think  that,  to  convict  you  in  his  presence,  I  will  accuse  you  to  therelsrAha^taccus^thyou; 
the  Father ;  it  will  not  be  necessary  that  I  should  doit;  for  even  now,  that  Moses  ire  e^ea  Moses,  in  whom  ye  trust. 
whom  you  trust  as  your  great  lawgiver  and  patron,  is  (as  it  were)  your  accuser  before  God,* 

46  and  charges  you  witli  being  regardless  of  him  as  well  as  of  me.  For  if  you  had  believed  46  For  had  ve  believed 
Moses,  and  really  had  that  regard  to  him  which  you  profess  to  have,  you  likewise  surely  J^^eved' me^-.  "tor  he  wr^te^S 
would  have  believed  me ;  for  he  wrote  concerning  me,  in  many  most  memorable  passages.^  me. 

47  Bid  I  will  now  conclude  my  discourse  ;  for  ij  you  do  7iot  believe  his  writings,  which  are     47  But  if  ye  believe  not 
daily  in  your  hands,  and  the  divine  authority  which  you  so  strenuously  assert,  ho%v  shall  I  lievrmy  lords'?         ^^ 
expect  that,  under  the  power  of  such  prejudices,  you  should  believe  my  words  1 

When  our  Lord  had  thus  spoken,  he  withdrew ;  and  they  were  so  overawed  with  the 
majesty  of  his  presence,  and  the  unanswerable  force  of  his  discourse,  that  they  did  not 
attempt  to  seize  or  detain  him. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

\"er.  How  various  is  the  evidence  of  our  Redeemer's  mission,  and  with  what  pleasure  should  we  trace  it  in  the 

32-37  testimony  which  John  bore,  the  miracles  which  himself  wrought,  the  testimony  of  the  Father  to  him,  and  the 

39  predictions  which  the  prophets  uttered  and  recorded  ?  To  confirm  our  faith  in  all,  let  us  be  daily  searching  tiie 
Scriptures  as  the  oracles  of  God,  and  the  great  fountains  of  life  and  salvation.     We  profess  a  regard  to  them : 

45  may  that  regard  never  be  our  condemnation !  or  the  blessed  penmen  witness  against  us,  as  Moses  against  those 
who  gloried  in  his  writings,  and  yet  wanted  a  true  faith  in  them ! 
In  proportion  to  the  degree  in  which  we  are  convinced  of  the  truth  of  Christ's  religion,  let  us  set  ourselves  to 

41  cultivate  the  temper  which  he  exercised.  He  sought  not  glory  from  men,  but  made  his  Father's  will  the  rule  of 
his  actions,  and  his  Father's  honour  the  end  of  them.    I.et  us  not  greedily  catch  at  human  applause,  but  aim  at 

44  an  infinitely  nobler  object,  even  the  honour  that  cometh  from  God  alone,  the  only  true  judge  of  actions  and 
characters,  because  the  only  discerner  of  hearts. 

42  May  we  have  not  only  his  word  in  our  hands,  but  his  love  remaining  in  us  :  that  thereby  our  natural  aversion 
to  the  methods  of  his  saving  grace  in  the  gospel  may  be  subdued,  that  notwithstanding  the  obstinacy  of  our 

40  degenerate  wills,  we  may  come  unto  Christ,  that  we  may  have  life  !    May  we  receive  him  with  the  greatest 

43  readiness,  as  coming  to  us  in  his  Father's  name ;  and  not  only  for  a  season  rejoice  in  his  light,  but  stedfastly 
continue  in  his  word,  as  rnade  known  to  all  nations  for  the  obedience  cf  faith ;  that  the  advantages  which  we 
enjoy  may  not  be  found  to  aggravate  our  guilt,  and  to  condemn  us  with  the  unbelieving  Jews  ! 

Christ  showed  the  tenderness  of  his  compassion  even  in  the  severity  of  his  rebukes,  and  spoke  these  awful  and 
34  awakening  words,  that  these  his  unjust  and  inveterate  enemies  might  be  saved.  May  they  be  the  power  of  God 
38  unto  our  salvation  !  as  they  will  be,  if  we  believe  in  him  whom  he  hath  sent. 


SECTION  XLIX. 

Christ  vindicates  his  disciples  from  the  censure  of  the  Pharisees,  for  rubbin?  the  ears  of  com  in  their  hands,  as  they  passed  through  tlie  fields  on 
a  sabbath-day.    Luke  vi.  1 — 5.  Matt.  xii.  1 — 8.  Mark  ii.  23,  to  the  end. 

Luke  vi.  1.  LukevLi. 

SECT.  AFTER  the  preceding  conference  with  the  Jews,  our  Lord  departed  from  Jerusalem,  and  it  came  to  pass  [at  that 

'^^-     where  he  had  met  with  such  an  ungrateful  reception,  and  returned  towards  Galilee  ;*  And  ^^^^^^  ™g  *firsrThat  Tiesiis] 

it  came  to  pass,  that  about  this  time,  on  the  first  sabbath  after  the  second  \dui/  of  unleavened  went  throush  the  torn  fields; 

LUKE  hread,^']  Jesus,  attended  as  usual  by  a  train  of  followers,  (who  had  been  with  him  at  the  hCMred.ancn  bl'j^aiTMAnK" 

■  I  feast,)  luent  through  the  corn-fields ;  and  as  his  disciples  were  hungry,  and  the  barley  was  as  they  went,]  to  pluck  the' 

now  ripe,  they  began,  as  they  went,  to  pull  of  some  of  the  ears  of  corn  ;<:  and  rubbing  them  rubbin?  S'in  "l.v'ilands" 

in  their  hands  to  break  off  the  beards  and  the  husk,  did  eat  the  grain.  [Matt.  xii.  i.  Mark  ii.  23.] 

h   you  are  receiving  /imi&ur  cf  each  other.']    This  has  much  more  spirit,    the  feast  of  tahernacles. — For  want  of  sufficient  authorities  to  support 

"f*  ™'!5''l*r  it  as  applied  to  the  members  of  the  sanhedrim,  who  had  either  of  these  interpretations.  Sir  Isaac  Newton,  (On  Proph.  p.  154.) 
such  distinguished  «/too/A«BO!;r,  than  if  we  only  take  it  as  spoken  to  a  after  Epiphanius  and  Beza,  has  advanced  another  yet  less  probable 
mixed  multitude,  who  might  happen  to  surround  Christ  in  the  temple  :  than  either  ;  which  is,  that  it  was  the  second  of  the  two  great  feasts  of  the 
the  taste  of  the  populace  seldom  lies  that  way.  passover  ;  as  we  call  Easter-day  itself  High  Easter,  and  its  octave,  Imu> 

1  Ihat  Moses  m  whom  you  trust  ts  your  accuser.]  This  is  one  of  the  Easter,  or  Low  Sunday.  But  thoueh  the  seventh  day  of  unleavened 
most  expressive  passages  that  can  be  imagined,  in  which  Moses,  their  bread  was  to  be  a  holy  convocation,  yet  the  law  expressly  allowed  the 
^h  'awK'^er,  IS  represented  as  looking  down  with  indirmation  upon  Jews  to  dress  victuals  on  it;  (Exod.  x"ii.  16.)  which  would  have  aftbrded 
tnese  eMerj  who  gloried  in  being  the  most  distmguished  of /iwrfuc«p/«.f;  so  direct  an  answer  to  the  Pharisees'  objection,  that  one  can  hardly 
ana  seemg  how  injuriously  they  treated  Jesus  the  great  Prophet,  turn-  suppose  Christ  would  have  failed  to  urge  it.— On  either  of  these  two  last 
ing  himselt  to  t,od  with  a  severe  accusation  against  them,  and  urging  suppositions,  it  must  be  rendered,  the  .second  prime  .lahhath  ;  but  as  I 
HIS  own  predictions  as  an  aggi-avationot  their  inexcusable  infidelity.  could  not  translate  it  all,  without  fixing  it  one  way  or  the  other.  I 
^■„Ui  ""i  <^1"<^<^''>"''l>  ">e  in  many  most  memorable  passages.!  Christ  chose  the  former  rendering,  for  these  noo  reasons  :  1.  Because  1  cannot 
mignt  perhaps  intend  to  reterto  what  Moses  had  viTmen,—oUhe  seed  of  find  that  there  is  any  divine  command  to  observe  the  iaMaM.t  which 
ine  noman;  ({jm  \\i  15.)— ot  the  .md  of  Abraham,  in  which  all  the  followed  the  day  of  the  three  great  feasts,  !ind  particularly  that  of  p««?e- 
shm/Tc"L!'  tot    'if^Z  ^'f'^^f^;  (f'en;  '"'Va\^-'~5^  '{'^  fhilohwho    cost,  with  any  such  peculiar  solemnity,  as  to  aflord  sufficient  reason  for 

jljjg  ji^jjj^g^j^l^jjjg  jjjig  .  though  large  sacrifices  were  to  be  ofi'ered  crerj!/ 
day  for  seven  days  after  the  passover,  and  tor  eight  during  the  feast  of 
tahernacles ;  which  are  distinctly  prescribed.  Numb,  xxviii.  16 — 25.  and 

a  Rof.,r„.^  .„■      J   "^   1 T    "i  'xir  ,,  ,  xxix.  12,  «  .ff?.    And  2.  Becaiise,  Considering  what  Philo  and  Isidorus 

beransp  hnTh  Al^^i,  1 1^  i*"^-'  1^ ^  P''!  .'"''^sonably  conclude  this,  assert,  and  Josephus  intimates,  of  corn  being  ripe  in  Judea  about  the 
Because  both  Mai  k_ ami  Luke  mention  his  being  there  quickly  after  this    time  of  the  va.f.tover.  f.see  P^tav    l^„r    Dis,   lib    ii.  can.  11.  Plin    K„f 


storv     rnm,,=;S  M     li  •■■"i^  mention  his  being  there  quickly  after  this  time  of  the  passover,  (see  Petav.  Far.  Vi.ts.  lib.  ii.  cap.  1).  Plin.  Nat. 

b  -TO^.  ?^r.„*il,Y    II'-  ^:,'""^  "^"i"/'-  ^?'  "/  '"'*'  V;  1-     ,  ^'"-  ''■*•  "•'!••  '"P-  18.  and  Joseph.  Antig.  lib.  iii.  cap.  10.  ?  5.)  and 

venfnrp  tfr»nH?r  ?         "^^      ^  "1°"''  '^"I  "f  unleavened  bread.]    So  I  the  law  of  presenting  the  loaves  made  oi  iiew  wheat  on  the  A»y  oi pente- 

much  Lsitat^nn     wTu''?^''?-'     V^^^^  "V*^  "^Lev.  xxiii.  17.)  it  seems  probable  the  harvest  was  generally  con- 

1^02  sinri  H  H-,  I'i^rnLl^ff.f,'^^"^'"  ""  ^xP'-^ssion,  that,  (as  Erasmus  eluded  before  that  day.    (See  also  Scalig.  Emend.  Temp.  >roleg.  p.  25, 

long  since  did)  1  despair  ot  seeing  Its  sense  exactly  ascertamed. — Con  H  "fi    =r,rl   /,*   „;    „    ^!^i    s^u  v     r   „ ^,„  .i,„o„  „^„=i,(oro.;.,„;    „..   .i.' 


TheoohvUrt    nr  hu'l'l"L°lf,r'„"Ji'flfr'^  "^-  ='"d  ft*,  vi.  p.  557.  .^58.)- 1  suppSse  these  considerations,  or  the 

Whitby    Droduceanv  instance  of  I°"''"'"^='  Scaliger,   L.ghttoot,  and    authority  of  such  great  names,  may  liave  determined  most  harmonizers 
,.r«^^-o'r'^™."'L^"/„.  f^lTh",/"^^^^^^^^  ♦"  'P'^oduce  this  story  immediately  after  the  fifth  chapter  of  .lohn  :  nor 


CHRIST  VINDICATES  HIS  DISCIPLES  FROM  THE  CENSURE  OF  THE  PHARISEES.         99 

c  And  certain  of  the  Piiari-      And  some  of  the  Phariscen,  who  were  employed  by  the  rulers  to  follow  him  from  place  SECT. 
unTothera"why(ioTe'dothLl  ^^  place  as  malicious  spies  on  all  his  discourses  and  actions,  when  they  saw  it,  were     49. 
which  is  not  lawful  to  do  on  offended  at  the  time  and  circumstances  of  the  actionji^  and  reprovine  his  disciples,  said  to 


the  Sabbath-days .'  [Matt.  xii.  ^^^,,,,^  j|/^y  j^,  ^^  ^j^^g  gather  and  rub  out  the  grain;  for  that  is  a  kind  of  servile  work,  matt. 
Matt.  xii.  2.   [And]  tiiey  which  it  is  not  lawful  for  any  one  to  do  on  the  sabhath-dai/s  ?     And  that  they  might  involve    -^^^• 
dhcip'l"s  do*"  that  whicUs  nlft  their  Master  also  m  the  same  charge,  though  he  did  not  himself  join  with  "them  in  it,  thei/  ^ 
lawful  to  do  upon  the  sab-  said  to  him.  Behold,  these  thi/  disciples,  in  thy  very  presence,  do  that  vjhich  it  is  not  lawful 
bath-day.  [Mark u.  24.J  ^^j.  ^^^y  ^^^  ^^  ^^  ^^  ^j^^  sabbath ;  and  wilt  thou  permit  it  to  pass  without  a  reproof? 

Luke  vi.  3.  And  .lesus  an-      And  Jesus  Said  in  unsnier  to  them.  Have  you,  that  value  yourselves  so  much  on  your  luke 
not^real solnuch'i this.^wh'l*  acquaintance  with  the  sacred  writings,  and  set  up  for  the  expositors  of  them  to  others,     vi. 
David  did,  when  [Mark,  he  never  read  that  which  David  did,  in  his  extreme  necessity,  ivhen  he  and  they  that  were  ivitli  3 
[M^A'ifKf  lie*?]  and'they'^hrch  '''""  '^^''^  hutmryl     How  Iw  Went  into  the  tabernacle,  which  is  the  house  of  God,  in  the  4 
were  w/th  h'ini.' [Matt.  xii.  3.  (/rtt/s  o/'^/)i«^rt«/',  who  was  aftCHvards  the  higli-priest ,^  and  then  officiated  for  his  father 
^'4How"h'e  went  into  the  Ahimelcch.  (See  1  Sam.  xxi.  3,  et  seq.)     Have  you  forgot  that  this  faithful  sen'ant  of 
house  of  God  [Mark,  in  the  God,  this  man  after  his  own  heart,  took  and  eat  the  shew-bread,  which  had  that  very  day 
pnest,i^and'"dUteke'and'eat  ^een  taken  from  the  holy  table,  and  gave  it  also  to  those  that  attended  him ;  ivhich  it  mis 
the  s\ie\v-hreiii\, and  gA\e  hho  neither  lauful  for  him  nor  them  to  eat,  nor  even  for  the  Levites  themselves, /)«^  /o/- ^//e 
[wMch^  was'  noT^l^vtul'"tbr  priests  alone  '.  '  Yet  in  this  case,  their  necessity  was  judged  a  sufficient  excuse  for  dis- 
himtoeat,  neither  for  them,]  pensing  with  the  obseiTancc  of  such  a  ceremonial  institution.  (See  Lev.  xxiv.  6 — 9.) 
[Matt?'xii.'4^  ftfark^il.  26°]"^ '       Or  have  ye  not  read  in  the  law,  that  by  those  sacrifices  which  are  appointed  for  the  matt. 
Ma.tt-J'i'.s.  Oi  have  ye  not  sabbath-day,  and  some  of  them  peculiar  to  it,  the  priests  themselves,  who  minister  in  the  ^Xlf. 
thesa'bbatii-daysthe^riests'in  temple,  are  obliged  to  perform  very  servile  works  on  the  sabbath-days,  in  making  up  the  '* 
t'le  •''"'P'«  Pf?^*"*^,  "^^  ^^^'  fires,  killing,  flaying,  and  dressing  the  sacrifices,  and  the  like,  by  which  others  would  be 
justly  reckoned  to  profane  the  sabbath ;  and  yet,  doing  it  with  an  immediate  reference  to 
.  6  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  the  service  of  God,  they  are  accounted  blameless,  and  really  are  so?     Now  I  say  unto  6 
tijan  the  temple.  """  ^*^  ^'  you,  that  there  is  \^somcthing\  greater  thaji  the  temple  here,^  and  of  much  more  import- 
ance than  the  service  of  it.  "My  disciples  therefore  may  surely  be  vindicated  on  such  an 
occasion  as  this,  when,  in  attendance  upon  me,  in  prosecution  of  my  service,  they  do  what 
is  so  much  less  laborious  than  the  offices  which  you  allow  there  in  the  priests. 
Mark  ii.  27.   And  he  said      And  he  Said  unto  them  further  on  this  occasion^  The  sabbath  was  made  for  the  benefit  of  mark 
niade'foi"man,^ a^nd'not  m^  '"''"?  Subservient  to  the  rest  and  relief  of  his  body,  as  well  as  to  be  spent  in  religious      H. 
for  the  sabbath.  [Lukevi.  5.]  improvement;  and  not  man  for  the  observation  of  the  sabbath,  or  of  any  other  ceremonial  27 
institution  whatsoever. 
Matt.  xii.  7.   But  if  ye  had      But  if  you  had  knoivn  the  intent  of  that  scripture,  Hos.  vi.  6.  and  had  considered  ivhat  matt. 
wirr^ave'^mercyT^and  not  this  meancth,  "  I  require  mercy  and  not  sacrifice  ;s  that  is,  I  always  prefer  acts  of  charity    XII. 
sacrifice,  ye  would  not  have  to  matters  of  positive  institution,  when  in  any  instance  they  interfere  with  each  other ;"  ^  "^ 
°"     *  ■        you  ivould  not  have  condemned  the  innocent,  as  you  have  now  done,  merely  for  rubbing  out 
a  handful  of  corn  to  refresh  them  in  my  service. 
8  For  the  Son  of  man  is      You  are  therefore,  on  the  whole,  greatly  to  blame,  to  censure  them;  and  would  be  8 
[Mark  If.' 28.  Luke  vi^s.]"*"^'  ^^i  if  they  had  only  my  dispensation  for  what  they  do,  and  were  defended  by  no  further 
arguments ;  for  the  Son  of  man  is  a  person  of  so  great  dignity  and  authority,  that  he  indeed 
is  Lord'  even  of  the  sabbath  \ itself^  ;^  and  he  may  hereafter  give  you  far  more  surprising 
instances  of  his  power  over  it. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

With  pleasure  we  observe  the  zeal  which  these  attendants  of  Christ  express  who  cliose  on  a  sacred  festival  to  Wr.  1 
expose  themselves  to  hunger  as  well  as  toil,  rather  than  they  would  lose  the  benefit  of  his  instructions,  which, 
like  the  heavenly  manna  on  the  day  preceding  the  sabbath,  were  then  poured  out  in  a  double  plenty.     But  what 
numerous  auditory  is  so  candid  as  to  contain  none  who  come,  like  these  Pharisees,  with  a  desire  to  cavil  rather  2 
than  to  learn  !  The  malignity  of  their  temper  sufficiently  appeared  in  taking  exception  at  so  small  a  circumstance  : 
hypocrites  that  could  thus  strain  at  a  gnat  and  yet  swalloiu  a  camel,  (Matt,  xxiii.  24.)  scrupling  to  rub  out  a  few 

and  that  it  was  tuv  years  before  that  in  which  our  Lord  was  crucified  ;  'HSDH  imports,  which  seems  liere  to  answer  to  that  modern  phrase  used 

and  consequently  that  Christ's  death  must  be  fixed  to  such  a  time,  that  by  princes,  Such  is  our  pleasure. 

the  passover  two  years  before  it  may  be  a  late  one.     But  I  fear  the  ar^u-        h  I  always  prefer  acts  of  charity,  &c.]    I  must  here  repeat  a  very 

mentis  not  so  conclusive  as  one  could  wish,  considering  with  what  in-  obvious   remark,   because  the  sense  of  sn  many  important   scriptures 

jrenuity  and  labour  it  is  pursued.    For  that  great  man  seems  to  have  depends  upon  it,   viz.   that,   accordinfr   to   the  genius  of  the   Hebrew 

forgot  how  expressly  Maimonides  and  the  other  rabhies  assert,  that  the  language,  one   thing  seems   to    be  forbidden,  and  another  commanded, 

.lews  did  not  always  fix  their  passover  by  the  vernal  equinox ;   but,  in  when  the  meaning  only  is,  that  the  latter  is  greatly  to  be  preferred  \o  the 

case  of  a  backward  spring,  added  an  intercalary  month  between  that  and  ffirmer.    The  text  before  us  is  a  remarkable  instance  of  this  ;  as  likewise 

Ahib.  (See  Lightfoot's  Hor.  Heb.  on  Matt.  xii.  1.)     If  this  be  credible,  Joel  ii.  13.  Matt.  vi.  19,  20.  .Tohn  vi.  27.  Luke  xii.  4,  5.  aiid  Col.  iii.  2. 

it  shows  how  little  we  can  ascertain  the  .Jewish  passovers  by  astronomi-  And  it  is  evident,  that  Gen.  xlv.  8.  Exod.  xvi.  8.  John  v,  30.  vii.  19.  and 

cal  calculations  ;  and  if  it  be  not,  why  did  Sir  Isaac  proceed  in  his  com-  many  more   passages,  are  to  be  expounded  in  the  same  comparative 

putations  on  those  rules  for  the  translation  of  feasts,  which  we  iiave  only  sense. — A   late  ingenious  writer  says,  "Our  Lord  does  not  compare 

by  late  rabbinical  tradition  !    See  Bochart.  liieruz.  lib.  ii.  cap.  50.  moral  and  positive  duties  together  here,  but  only  the  commandments  of 

d  Offended  at  the  time  and  circumstances  of  the  action.]     1  he  law  so  men  with  the  commandments  of  God."    But  it  is  plain,  tlje  series  of  our 

expressly  allowed  io  pinch  ears  of  corn  as  one  passed  through  a  field.  Lord's  arguments  here  is  intended  to  prove,  that  circumstances  of  neces- 

that,  malignant  as  they  were,  they  pretended  not  to  find  fault  with  the  sity  dispense  with  some  ceremonial  observances  which  were  in  the  general 

thing  itself;  (see  Deut.  xxiii.  25.')  but  the.v  were  perverse  enough  to  commanded  by   God,  and  manifestly  goes  upon  this  foundation,  that 

think  this  a  kind  of  reaping  and  dressing  tlie  grain,  which  was  indeed  ceremonial  institutions  being  the  means  of  religion,  if  circumstances 

forbidden  on  the  sabbath.  occurred  in  which  they  interfered  with  the  end  of  it,  they  were  suspended 

e  Abiathar,  who  was  afterwards  the  high-priest.']    If  our  present  read-  of  course;  and  when  this  is  the  case,  the  conscience  of  particular  persons 

ing  (which   Beza   suspects,  though  older  than  the  Svriac  version)  be  is  to  judge  as  in  the  sight  of  God. 

allowed  as  genuine,  here  is  a  remarkable  instance  of  a  person  being  i  For  the  Son  of  man  is  Lord,  S(C.']  The  author  of  the  new  translation 
designated  by  an  office,  which  he  did  not  bear  till  after  the  date  of  the  renders  it  in  Matthew,  The  sabbath  is  subservient  to  man;  though  he 
event  referred  to  ;  in  like  manner  as  Cyrenius  (Luke  ii.  2.)  is  called  paraphrases  it  as  it  stands  in  Mark,  The  Son  of  man  has  a  power  of  dis- 
governor  of  Syria,  because  he  was  so  after  the  enrolment.  It  seems  in-  pensing  with  the  law  of  the  sabbath  ;  which  is  undoubtedly  the  true  sense  : 
deed  that  Ahimeltch  was  high-priest  when  David  took  the  shew-bread,  for  I  cannot  find  that  the  Son  of  man  does,  in  the  New  Testament,  signify 
though  in  all  the  story  he  is  only  called  the  priest ;  and  as  it  is  merely  any  one  but  Christ;  and  were  the  words  (which  are  exactly  the  same) 
an  arbitrary  supposition,  that  the  father  was  sometimes  called  Abiathar,  to  "be  translated  in  Mark  as  he  has  rendered  them  in  Matthew,  they 
or  the  son  Ahimelech,  it  seems  impossible  to  defend  the  received  read-  would  be  a  mere  repetition  of  ver.  27-  The  sabbath  was  made  for  man, 
ing  otherwise  than  b>'  supposing,  with  Grotius,  that  as  Abiathar  was  a  &c. — It  is  worthy  of  our  notice,  that  Matthew  introduces  these  words 
much  more  celebrated  person  than  iiis  father,  our  Lord  mentions  his  witli  tap,  for,  and  Mark  with  (itrre,  therefore,  or  so  that:  and  both  con- 
name  la  preference  to  the  other.  He  was  probably  present,  and,  for  nexions  may  be  uisfified.  Yet,  as  it  is  hardlj'  to  be  imagined  icM  were 
""y  muig  we  certainly  know,  his  aged  father  might  art  by  his  advice  in  equally  intended,  1  look  upon  this  to  be  a  considerable  proof  that  the 
the  affair  referred  to,  which  if  he  did,  it  was  exceeding  proper  to  mention  sacred  writers  were  not  alwavs  critically  exact  in  the  use  of  their  pai-ti- 
him  here.  des ;  a  remark  wliich  I  apprehend  to  be  of  great  importance,  both  tor 

t  Something  greater  than  the  temple.]    So  many   manuscripts,   with  clearing  their  sense  and  vindicating  their  character.    vVhoever  considers 

Theophylact,   read   uettop,  something  greater,  instead  of  ixectuiv,  one  the  ambiguity  of  manv  of  those  Hebrew  particles  which  correspond  M 

greater,  (see  Dr.  Mill,  in  he.)  and  in  this  view  the  opposition  seems  so  the  Greek,  will  find  little  reason  to  wonder  at  it.  Compare  Luke  xi.  jO. 

natural  that  I  prefer  this  reading.    Our  Lord  might  perhaps  point  to  ^  64.  and  note  d,  there.  .   .     • 

his  own  body,  the  noblest  temple  of  the  Deity ;  (compare  John  ii.  21.  '   k  Even  of  the  sabbath  itself;  nai  rov  <ra/3/3aTou.]     Ihis  certainly  im- 

«  24.)  or  It  might  refer  to  the  work  then  going  on  ;  but  the  former  sense  plies,  that  the   sabbath  was  an  institution  of  great  and  distinguisnea 

13  much  more  natural.  importance  ;  and  may  perhaps  also  refer  to  that  signal  auttiority  wnicii 

g  7  require  mercy  and  not  sacrifice.']    So  6eKw  evidently  signifies,  Christ  by  the  ministry  of  his  apostles  should  exert  over  it,  in  changing 

when  it  expresses  the  will  of  a   superior;   and  this  the  original  word  it  from  the  seventh  to  {\\t  first  day  of  the  -ceek. 

U  2 


j^^  THE  CURE  OF  THE  MAN  WHOSE  HAND  WAS  WITHERED. 

sFCT   ffi-ains  of  corn,  while  they  sought  to  devour  widows'  houses ;  and  were,  under  this  grave  mask  of  the  strictest 
^49.     piety,  inuwdlt/  full  of  rapine  and  all  tvickedness  !  (Luke  xx.  47.  and  xi.  39.) 

Let  us  attend  to  the  apology  Christ  makes  for  his  disciples.     It  speaks  his  own  authority,  as  greater  than  the 

MATT,  temple,  and  Lord  of  the  sabbath :  and  well  might  he,  in  whom  dwelt  all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  bodily, 
xn.    without  die  least  presumption,  use  such  language  as  this.    It  likewise  declares  much  of  the  genius  of  his  religion, 
6  8  which  deals  not  in  forms  and  ceremonies,  and  dispenses  even  with  rituals  of  a  divine  appointment,  when  humanity 
'  7  and  benevolence  interfere  with  the  observance  of  them.     Since  God  will  have  mercy  rather  than  sacrifice,  let  us 
abhor  the  perverseness  and  wickedness  of  those  who  sacrifice  mercy  itself,  not  merely  to  ceremonies  of  a  divine 
original  but  to  their  own  arbitrary  inventions,  superstitious  dreams,  and  precarious  though  confident  determina- 
tions.    Let  us  practise  habitual  caution  and  candour,  lest,  before  we  are  aware,  we  condemn  the  innocent  and 
the  pious,  and  become  guilty  of  what  is  much  more  displeasing  in  the  sight  of  God  than  the  faults  which  a 
peevish  and  censorious  temper  may  fancy  it  discovers  in  our  brethren. 


SECTION  L. 

Christ   on  a  followin"  sabbath,  cures  a  man  v/hose  hand  was  withered ;  and  vindicates  that  action  from  the  cavils  of  the  Pliarisees.     Luke  vi 

6—11.  Matt.  xii.  y— 15.  Mark  iii.  1—7. 

Luke  vi.  6.  LtiKEvi.  6. 
SECT.  WE  have  just  mentioned  an  instance  of  the  Pharisees  cavilling  at  a  very  innocent  action  and  ''^^^=^"1^^  pas^s  also, 
50. "  of  the  disciples ;  we  shall  now  proceed  to  another,  in  which  they  charged  our  Lord  him-  J^'onc*,]  on  amfther  sKtit, 
self  with  the  violation  of  the  same  sacred  rest,  in  a  yet  more  malicious  and  unreasonable  thatheentcred[MARK., again] 

acii   vriiii  iiiv-   viyi.inw  ^  1      ■'   ,    J    1-  ,1  ,    /ii     i    ■„    e .„  *u„   mto      the      svnasogue      and 

LUKE  manner.     For  it  came  to  pass  also,  when  he  ivas  departed  from  thence,''  (tliat  is,  trom  the  taught;  and  "[behold,]  there 
VI.     town  in  whose  neighbouring  fields  they  had  rubbed  out  tlie  ears  of  corn,)  that  on  another  l^^^^.fXth^nrwlkl^htr- 
^  sabbath  he  entered  again,  as  lie  was  used  to  do,  into  the  synagogue,  in  some  other  city  ed.   [Jiatt.  xii.  9,  lo.  Mark 
which  lay  in   his  way  through  Galilee,  and  taught   his  heavenly  doctrine  there.     And  '"■  t-l 
beho/d,  a  remarkable  circumstance  occurred ;  for  there  was  a  man  present  whose  right  hand 
was  ivit tiered,  the  nerves  and  sinews  of  it  being  so  shrunk  up  that  it  was  entirely  useless. 

7  And  i/ie  scribes  and  Pharisees,  who  were  there  also  present  with  him,  watched  him,  to  ris^ee'^"va*cheT'h^i'i''\WiHher 
observe  whether  he  would  again  heal  on  the  sabbath-dai/ ;  that  they  might  find  some  new  "I  wouMhealon'thesTbbath- 
matter  for  an  accusation  against  him,  having  succeeded  so  ill  in  the  former  attempt,  and  accu'sltfo'na^ainTtlim  *'[M^k 
plainly  perceiving  that  his  reputation  grew  more  and  more  among  the  people.  Ii!'2!]'  '"""^'^'"^    '™' 

8  But  when  the  synagogue-worship  was  despatched,  and  our  Lord's  sermon  was  also  con-  s  But  he  knew  their 
eluded,  he,  knowing  the  malignity  and  wickedness  of  their  thoughts  and  views,  instead  of  *^^jJ,|''{fa'd''5,'J  wltl.ered'h^nd! 
being  discouraged  by  the  design  they  had  against  him,  scud  to  the  man  who  had  the  nise  up,  and  stand  forth  in 
withered  hand,''Rise  'up  from  thy  seat,  and  stand  in  the  midst  of  the  assembly  :  and  he  f^^^'t^^  "^"m^uSTs l""^ 
cheerfully  arose  and  stood  in  the  most  conspicuous  part  of  the  synagogue,  hoping  to 

receive  the  favour  of  a  cure. 
MATT.      And  as  the  Pharisees  saw  what  .Tesus  intended,  they  asked  him,  saying,  Is  it  then  to  be     :\iatt.  xii.  lo.— And  they 
■XII.    taken  for  granted  that  it  is  lauful  to  cure  on  sabbath-days  as  well  as  at  other  times?  And  f^a''fo'"ll?af''on"the'sabbath- 
^  they  put  the  question  in  that  general  form,''  on  purpose  that  they  might  have  an  opportunity  days  ?  that  they  might  accuse 

1 1  to  accuse  him,  and  not  from  any  desire  of  instruction.  And  he  saictto  them,  in  reply  to  that  '"'j^j-  ^^d  he  said  unto  them, 
insnaring  question.  What  man  is  there  of  you  in  all  this  assembly,  ivho,  if  he  ham  but  one  What  man  shall  there  be 
sheep  that  on  the  sabbath-day  should  fall  into  a  pit,''  and  be  in  danger  o'f  perishing  there,  o™eTh^eep?and  ffSt^tkll  into'a 
would  not  lay  hold  of  it  without  delay,  and  make  no  scruple  of  attempting  presently  to  pit  on  the  sabbathday,  will 

12  raise  it  up  from  then6e,  though  it  would  be  a  work  of  some  labour  and  difficulty?  Now  I  u^^^}'^^  *'°''^  °"  "'  =*"'* ''" 
leave  it  to  your  own  consciences  to  reflect,  how  much  is  a  man  better  than  a  sheep  f  So  that  12  How  much  then  'sa  man 
you  must,  on  your  own  principles,  allow  that  it  is  lawful  to  do  ivell,  and  to  perform  the  tbre'^it  isTawful^to^'do  wellcm 
lovely  acts  of  charity  and  mercy  "i  even  on  sabbath-days  :  and  you  must  own,  for  instance,  the  sabbath-days. 

tliat  if  a  man  should  fall  into  a  pit,  it  would  be  lawful  on  that  day  to  pull  him  out ;  antl 
consequently  too,  it  must  be  lawful,  if  he  labours  under  a  disease,  to  apply  any  proj^er 
remedies  for  his  cure ;  much  more  then  must  it  be  so,  to  cure  a  person  without  any 
laborious  application,  merely  by  speaking  a  word. 
LURE        Then  Jesus  said  further  to  them.  To  end  the  controversy  in  a  few  words,  I  will  ask  you     Lukevi.  (j.  Then  said  Jesus 
VI.     one  thing  more;  Is  it  lauful  to  do  good  on  sabbath-days,  or  to  do  evil?  to  save  life,  or  to  one°tMn"''  is ^t"lawful^on 
^  destroy  \and'\  even  kill  the  innocent?  thereby  secretly  referring  to  the  purpose  of  destroy-  the  sabbath-days  to  do  good" 
ing  his  life,«  which,  while  they  were  thus  scrupulous  about  the  observation  of  the  sabbatn,  pf  ^^  [kiM^i',,V]''destroy')?.^ 
MARK  they  were  even  then  forming  in  their  hearts.     But  they  were  silent ;  being  convinced  in  [Mark  iii.i.]' 
Ill-     their  own  minds  of  the  reasonableness  of  what  he  said,  and  stung  with  secret  remorse  of  the/r^pcace  '^~^"^  they  held 
*  conscience,  yet  unwilling  to  confess  what  they  saw  and  felt. 

5  And  when  he  had  looked  round  upon  them  all  with  a  just  indignation,  being  grieved  for  5  And  when  he  had  looked 
the  hardness  of  their  hearts,  and  for  that  condemnation  and  ruin  which  he  knew  it  would  fhem''aU]'"with  anKer!  bemg 
bring  upon  them,  as  well  as  for  the  mischief  it  might  occasion  to  others,  he  sai/s  to  the  man  (.'rieved  for  the  hardness  of 


that  laboured  under  the  calamity  which  was  mentioned  before.  Stretch  forth  thine  hand,  man,  s'treuh'tbrth'thine hand. 


nto  the 
J    J  J.      .      J  .^  1  '  1 —    .' '    —    iiiiiii,  oiitJiLii  iui  til  mine  hand. 

Ana  accordingly  lie  stretched  it  out,  and  was  not  only  strengthened  for  that  particular  And  he  stretched  it  out :  and 

a   W/ien  /le  mas  departed  from,  t/ience.]    There  can  be  no  doubt  as  to  the  favoured  their  base  purpose  of  founding  an  acnisalmi  on  our  Lord's 

connexion  ot  this  story  with  the  preceding,  in  which  all  the  evangelists  answer. 

agree;  and  indeed,  had  not  Luke  told  us  it  was  on  another  sabhath,  the  c  If  he  have  but  one  sheep  that  should  fall  into  n  pit.']    The  common 

Avords  ot  Matthew  would  have  led  us  to  imagine  it  had  been  the  same  version  is  more  literal :  but  that  which   1  have  given  plainly  suits  our 

•u'""  c  iS       "^^  r  "I'fh' spend  most  of  the  week  in  the  town  to  which  English  idiom  better,  and  appears  to  me  perfectly  faithful :  for  the  stress 

the   tielcls  nientioned  above   belonged.— Reza's   favourite  manuscript,  of  the  thought  cannot  lie  on  supposing  a  man  to  have  A;«  one  sheep  in 

nowatCambrulge,  as  well  asone  of  Stephens,  adds  the  following  words  all,  but  in  this,  that  ami;  only  fell  into  the  pit ;  yet  for  the  comparatively 

in  Luke,  immediately  before  this  story  :   Fhe  same  day  seeing  a  certain  small  value  of  that  one,  he  would  not  scruple  to  undertake  the  labour 

man  at  work  on  the  sabbath    he  said  to  htm,  O  man,  if  thou  knovest  what  of  helping  it  out  on  the  sabbath. 

tho^i  dost,  tho^i  art  happy  ;  bnt  tf  thtni  dost  not  know  it  thou  art  cvrsed,  and  d   To  do  well,  and  to  perform  the  lovely  acts  of  charity  and  mercy.] 

u  'ilu'^Bu""'''-'^     u      J-     ^.J^  nmoubtedly  a  .spurious  addition;  for  This  is  the  meaning  of  that  phrase,  KaXwr  voiav  ;  in  the  use  of  which 

had  the  Pharisees  heard  any  thing  like  this  from  Christ,  they   would  the  evangelist  might  intimate  an  appeal  to  some  remainders  of  a  moral 

have  tollowed  him  no  further,  and  observed  him  no  more,  to  find  matter  sense,  distinguishing  the  natural  beauty  of  such  actions,   which  these 

even  of  capital  accusation  against  him      And  indeed  it  goes  on  a  very  worst  of  men  could  not  totally  eradicate. 

false  supposition,  that  the  ceremonial  laic  was  already  abrogated.  e  Secretly  referring  to  the  purpose  of  destroying  his  life.]    I  appeal  to 

.  b   I  hey  put  the  question  in  that  general  toi  in.]     I  he  word  Depairivav  every  reader  of  taste,  whether  there  be  not  another  kind  of  spirit  in  these 

IS  very  extensive,  and  properly  includes  all  the  care,  labour,  and  attend-  words,  on  this  supposition  of  such  a  reference,  than  we  could  find  in 

ance  which  the  case  of  any  distempered  or  wounded  person  can  require  ;  them  by  any  forced  attempt  to  prove,  that  not  to  have  cured  a  tcithered 

a-s  1  apprehend  our  English  word  cure  also  does  :  though,  through  the  hand  in  these  circumstances  would  have  been,  in  a  sense,  destroying  life. 

poverty  of  our  language,  we  are  forced  to  apply  it  to  those  miraculous  Such  cold   and   unnatural  criticisms   have  been  a  great  dishonour  to 

effpc-ts  which  were  so  instantaneously  produced  by  the  healing  word  of  Scripture,  and  I  persuade  myself,  the  authors  of  them  have  not  seen 

on.  blessed  Redeemer.     What  Synar  word  they  might  use  I  know  not ;  whither  they  tended 
but  It  is  plaui  the  question  is  put  m  very  general  terms,  which  best 


GREAT  MULTITUDES  CURED  UPON  THE  SEA-SIIORE.  101 

his  hand  was  restored  whole  motion  of  wliich  he  was  before  incapable,  but  his  hand  ivas  perfectly  restored,  and  was  icell.   SECT. 

as  the  other.  [Matt.  xii.  13.—  ^nd  Strong  a.s  the  Other.  50. 

^e'^And  the  Pharisees  went      And  the  Pharisees  were  so  incensed  at  the  affront  which  they  imagined  they  had  re- 

forth,  and  straightway  took  cgiygd   jn  gur  Lord's  neglecting  their  censure,  and  intimating  his  knowledge  of  the  evil  mark 

S?ainst  hhn'!'hot%"ermight  purposes  of  their  hearts,  that  they  were  no  longer  able  to  bear  the  place  ;  but  ivcnt  out  of  ^H- 

destroy  him.  [Matt.  xii.  14.]  ^^le  syoasogue,  and  immediately  took  counsel  together  with  the  Herodians,^  who,  different  as 
their  civU  and  religious  notions  were  from  those  of  the  Pharisees,  joined  with  them  in  their 
enmity  to  Christ,  and  zealously  united  in  a  conspiracy  against  him,  how  they  might  dcstroi/ 
Luke  vi.  11.  And  they  were  him,  either  by  a  public  prosecution  or  a  private  assassination.     And  thei/  were  filled  with   lukc 

filled  with  madness,  and  com-  „,adness  and  rawe  against  him,  and  discoursed  over  the  point  at  large  with  each  other,  to      vi. 

Ihey  migM  do  to  jesusl" '       determine  what'thet/  might  do  to  prevent  the  growing  reputation  of  Jesus  among  the  people,  ^  1 
and  to  put  a  period  at  once  to  his  labours  and  his  life. 

.lesuf  kneit-  e','he''withdr'A"      But  Jesus  knowing  [it,]  that  nothing  might  hinder  him  from  fulfilling  his  m.mstiy  wUh-  m Axr. 

himself  trom  thence,  [with  his  rf,-fw  himself  from  thence,  and  went  loith  his  disciples  to  the  sea  ot  (jalilee,  on  tlie  snore  ot    au. 

disciples  to  the  sea.]  [Mark  ^^j^j^^^  j^^  frequently  preached  to  the  people.  ^^ 

IMPROVEMENT. 

What  actions  are  so  fair  and  lovely,  that  malice  cannot  turn  them  into  reproach  ?  ^Vhat  characters  are  so  un-  hikk 
blemished,  what  so  exemplary,  that  uncharitableness  cannot  revile  and  condemn  them?  While  the  eyes  of  dis-  vi. 
tressed  multitudes  were  turned  to  Christ  as  their  only  Physician  and  most  valuable  Friend,  the  eyes  of  the  Pharisees 
are  continually  upon  him  for  evil :  and  they  behold  his  wondrous  miracles,  not  for  their  own  conviction,  but  that 
they  may,  if  possilile,  turn  them  into  the  means  of  his  destruction.  So  ineffectual  are  the  most  obvious  and 
demonstrative  arguments,  till  divine  giace  conquer  men's  natural  aversion  to  a  Redeemer's  kingdom,  and  captivate 
their  hearts  to  the  obedience  of  faith  !  ■   •  i    j 

To  have  reviled  and  dishonoured  Christ,  and  to  have  endeavoured  to  prevent  the  success  of  his  ministry,  had   mark 
been  a  daring  crime  :  but  these  desperate  wretches  conspire  against  his  life  ;  and,  different  as  their  principles  and     iH- 
interests  were,  form  a  transient  friendship,  to  be  cemented  by  his  blood.     Blessed  Jesus !  well  mightest  thou  say, 
Mami  good  -works  ham  I  shown  you,  and  for  which  of  them  would  you  murder  w;e  ?  (John  x.  32.) 

Wliat  reasoning  could  be  more  plain  and  forcible  than  this  which  our  Lord  used  ?  and  yet,  like  deaf  adders,  matt. 
they  stop  their  ears,  and  harden  their  hearts  against  it.     Inhuman  creatures,  that  were  more  concerned  for  the    xii. 
safety  of  a  sheep,  than  the  happiness  of  a  man  !  Yet  would  to  God  that  unworthy  temper  had  died  with  them  ;  11,  12 
for  surely  there  are  those,  even  among  professing  Christians,  who  rerard  their  cattle  more  than  even  tne  souls 
committed  by  providence  to  their  care,  and  therefore,  no  doubt,  more  than  their  own  too ! 

The  indignation  which  Christ  felt  on  this  occasion  was  a  just  and  amiable  passion.     Happy  they  whose  anger,  mark 
like  his,  is  only  awakened  by  sin,  and  burns  only  to  destroy  that  accursed  thing !  in.  5. 

The  malice  of  the  Pharisees  did  not  restrain  the  benevolence  of  our  compassionate  Saviour,  nor  deprive  the  poor  matt. 
patient  of  his  cure.     Such  let  our  conduct  be !  Let  us  not  be  overcome  of  evil ;  let  not  the  most  unjust  censures,  ^Yjkf^' 
or  the  most  malicious  oi)position,  break  our  spirits,  so  as  to  prevent  us  from  doing  our  duty.     If  others  are  mad      ^^^ 
with  persecuting  rage,  let  us  ]iity  them  ;  and  let  all  their  fury  against  the  cause  of  God  be  improved  as  a  motive  ^  i 
to  excite  our  most  zealous  and  courageous  endeavours  for  its  service. 


SECTION  LI. 

Christ,  retirins  to  the  sea-side,  cures  great  multitudes  with  such  modesty  and  gentleness,  as  was  agreeahle  to  Isaiah's  prophetic  description  of  his 

conduct.    Mark  iii.  7—12.    ftlatt.  xii.  15 — 21. 

Mark  iii.  7.                                                                                            ^^^^  >"•  ^• 
AND  a  great  multitude  from  IT  was  before  observcd,  that  Jesus  retired  from  the  synagogue,  where  he  had  cured  the  sect. 
from?ud*^iIlTMatt.'xii'.'i5.°*^  "1^^  that  had  a  withered  hand,  and  went  with  his  disciples  to  the  sea-shore :  we  now     51. 
pursue  the  story,*  and  add,  that  he  was  there  attended  by  a  great  multitude  of  people,  who ■ 

8  And  from  Jerusalem,  and  folloived  him  from  Galilee,  and  even  from  Judea ;  And  particularly  from  Jerusalem,  where  mark 
y^iS  Jordan ^and*\h{ya'hout^^'^^^  extraordinary  cure  lately  wi-ought  at  the  pool  of  Bethesda,  and  that  excellent  defence     'i'- 
Tyre  and  sid'on,  a  great  mul-  with  wliich  it  was  followed,  had  greatly  increased  his  popularity  :  nay,  there  were  some  ^ 
wh'at'^'great"  th^irigs  he** did!  ^^^  cdsaQ  yet  further  from  the  south,  and  weve  from  Idumca  ;  the  natives  of  which  country 

came  unto  him.  '  being  long  since  obliged  to  become  Jews,''  had  many  of  them  seen  Jesus  at  the  feasts  : 

and  others  too  attended  him  /"ro?/;  the  eastern  regions,  which  lay  hej/ond  Jordan :  and  also  a 
great  multitude  from  the  western  parts,  even  as  far  as  from  the  neighbourhood  of  Tyre  and 
Sidon,  having  heard  what  great  and  glorious  things  he  did,  came  to  him. 

9  And   he   spake  to    his      And  he  spoke  to  his  disciplcs,  that  a  little  vessel  should  be  in  readiness  near  him,  because  of  9 
shouKi'^wait  OT*iin'i"becau'se  ^^*c  multitude  that  was  now  flocking  around  him  ;  that  they  might  not  throng  in  upon  him 
of  the  multitude,  lest  they  in  a  manner  which  would  have  been  very  inconvenient  to  him,  and  would  have  prevented 
^''lo'po'r^'he'had' healed  many,  g^cat  numbers  of  tliem  fi'om  Seeing  and  hearing  what  passed.     For  he  had  healed  many,  10 
[and  he  healed  them  all,]  inl  and  \indeed]  all  that  applied  to  him;    .so  that  they  eae:erly  rushed  in  upon  him,'^  even  «.v 
h^fo^to  toudfh'im!nfmZ  »'««y  «-5  were  Wider  any  remarkable  scourge  of  God's  afflicting  hand,  that  they  might  touch 

as  had  plagues.  [Matt.  xii.  him,  and  SO  partake  of  that  healing  virtue  which  went  out  from  him.     And  they  who  were  1 1 
'*ii  And    unclean  spirits,  possessed  with  impure  spirits,  as  soo7i  as  ever  they  saw  him,  though  they  before  were  perfect 
when  they  saw  him,  fell  down  strangers  to  him,  immediately /t'//  down  before  him  in  a  posture  of  submission  and  homage  ; 
ayid  such  a  terror  seized  the  demons  that  possessed  them,  that  they  oied  out,  with  all  the 

f  With  the  Herodians.]    The  Herodians  were  a  sect  of  men  who,  so  proof  of  the   keenness  of  that  malice  which  could  thus  cause  them  to 

far  as  we  can  judf;e  by  their  name,  seem  to  have  distinguished  them-  forget  so  deep  a  quarrel  with  each  other. 

selves  by  their  zeal  for  the  family  of  Herod,  whom  they  might  perhaps       a  We  now  pursue  the  story.]     The  connexion  of  this  section  with  the 

compliment  with  the  title  of  the  Messiah,  though  it  is  plain  that  neither  preceding,   both  in  Matthew  and  Mark,   is  express:  and  I  desire  the 

Herod  himself,  nor  the  generality  of  the  people,  fell  in  with  this  extra-  reader  would  once  foi  all  observe,  that  when  1  give  no  reason  tor  plac- 

vagant  opinion.   (See  Matt.  ii.  1 — 4.)    However,  from  their  high  regard  ing  the  sections  in  the  order  in  which  they  stand,  it  is  because  I  am  not 

to  Herod,  these  men  would  naturally  be  zealous  for  the  authority  of  the  aware  there   is  any  difhculty  or  controversy  about  them.    And   their 

Romans,  by  whose  means  Herod  was  made  and  continued  king  ;  and  it  following  each  other  in   the  evangelists,  though  without  any  express 

is  probable,  as  Dr.  Prideaux  conjectures,  (.Connect,  vol.  ii.  part  2.  book  note  of  exact  connexion,  I  always  reckon  a  good  reason  tor  continuing 

5.  arf7f».)  that  they  might  incline  to  conform  to  them  in  some  particulars  that   order,   unless  there    be  some  weighty  argument  inducing  us  to 

which  the  law  would  hot  allow  of;  and  particularly  in  the  admission  of  change  it.  r„»r,thi« 

images,  though  not  in  the  religious  or  rather  idolatrous  use  of  them.        b  Obliged  to  become  Jews.]   That  Hyrcanus  h?d  obliged  tnem  to '"'». 

Herod's  attempt  to  set  up  a  golden  eagle  over  the  east  gate  of  the  temple  about  an  hundred  and  fifty  years  before  llie  birth  o)  '''"■"'•  ^y'',*''f_''w", 

is  well  known ;  (see  Joseph.  Antiq.  lib.  xvii.  cap.  0.  [al.  8.]  ^  1—3.)  by  the  account  Joseplms  gives  us,  Antiq.  lib.  xiu.  cap.  9.  lal.  i^j  91. 
these  complaisant  courtiers  would,  no  doubt,  defend  it :  and  the  same       c  Rushed  in  upon  him.']    This  the  phrase  ent-n itrreivavrw  .yry  "J"^." 

temper  might  discover  itself  in  many  other  instances.    On  all  these  stronyly  expresses;  which  signifies,  that  they  were  reany  to  (irive  eacn 

accounts  they  were  most  diametrically  opposite  to  the  Pharisees;  so  that  other  upon   him,  so  that  those  nearer  lum  could  hardly  stana,  neing 

the  conjunction  of  their  counsels  against  Christ  is  a  very  memorable  pressed  forward  by  those  behind. 


^^^  GREAT  MULTITUDES  CURED  UPON  THE  SEA-SHORE. 

..,.r    nnnpirances  of  horror  and  confusion,  saultis,  We  know  that  thou  art  the  Messiah,  the  Son  beforehim  and  cried  say  mg, 
Sl-.cr.    af»(rertictiiv^co  vy"  ■«"    vy  ^     cj'  Ihou  art  the  Sonor  Cjtod. 

J^  "-^But  our  Lo?d  pre^served  the  usual  modestv  of  his  temper  on  these  occasions,  as  well  as  th^^^"hlt'''they'"s'h''oSid'"fo'l 
MAEK  others ;  and,  being  desirous  to  occasion  as  little  disturbance  and  ottence  as  possible,  he  make  him  known.  [Matt.  xii. 
ii^-     charged  them  ivith  strictness,  and  some  appearance  of  seventy,"  that  they  should  not  make  16.] 
^'^  him%iown:  for,  intendins:  to  visit  several  of  tliose  parts  himself,  he  was  unwilling  to  give 
an  unnecessary  alarm  to" his  enemies;  and  he  always  chose  to  avoid  every  degree  of 

ostentation.  7-  ,    ,     7  •  ,  1      1     r    ■  1 

M\TT.       So  that  in  him  it  mi^ht  be  evidently  seen  to  be  accomplished  which  was  spoken  by  Isaiah     Matt.  xii.  17    Thatit might 

XII. '  fife  prophet,^  (Isa.  xlii.  1—4.)  sai/ing,  "  Behold  the  great  Messiah,  ?«j/  servant,  whom  I  have  hy  Esaial  the  prol.1fe?f °say" 

1^  chosen  for  the  great  work  of  redeemmg  and  savmg  my  peonle ;  he  is  my  Beloved  in  whom  "i^-g^hold  my  servant  whom 

mu  very  soul  does  entirely  acquiesce,  as  every  way  qualihed  to  perform  it :  tor  1  will  put  i  have  chosen ;  my  beloved, 

nil,  Spirit  upon  hirn ;  and  he  shall  proclaim  judgment   that  is    the  great  law  of  relipon   j,-], -.h^"?!  wfu  ^"u^U^s^^i?-!! 

19  rio-hteousness,  and  truth,  even  to  the  most  distant  01  the  heathen  nations.  He  shall  not  upon  him,  and  he  shall  shew 
contend  with  martial  violence,  nor  cry  out  in  a  clamorous  and  turbulent  manner ;  nor  shall  judgn^entto^the  Gentiles.  ^^^ 

20  am/  one  hear  his  voice  in  the  streets,  as  giving  a  loud  and  disquieting  alarm :  But  he  shall  cry;  neither  shall  any' man 
manage  his  administration  with  so  much  gentleness  and  sweetness,  with  so  much  caution  ''^  "X^'i^ifsei'VeS'shalfhe 
and  tenderness,  that  (as  it  is  proverbially  expressed)  he  shall  not  break  even  a  bruised  reed  not  break,  and  smoking  flax 
or  cane,  which  snaps  asunder  immediately  when  pressed  with  any  considerable  weight ;  |^;jJ,^J;rVjudgS''un{o'vic^ 
nor  shall  he  extinguish  even  the  smoking  flax,?  or  the  wick  of  a  lamp,  which,  when  it  is  tory. 

first  beginning  to  kindle,  is  put  out  by  every  little  motion :  with  such  kind  and  con- 
descending regards  to  the  weakest  of  his  people,  and  to  the  first  openings  and  symptoms 
of  a  hopeful  character,  shall  he  proceed,  till  he  send  forth  judgment  to  victory,^'  or  till  he 

21  make  his  righteous  cause  gloriously  triumphant  over  all  opposition.  And  this  gentle  and  21  And  in  his  name  shall 
gracious  administration  shall  charm  mankind  in  so  sensible  and  irresistible  a  manner,  that  *"^    ^""  *^  '"° " 

the  Gentiles  shall  confide  in  his  illustrious  name  ;*  and  distant,  yea  barbarous,  nations,  shall 
seek  tlieir  refuge  and  salvation  in  his  grace ;  though  Israel  may  ungratefully  reject  him, 
and  therefore  be  justly  abandoned  by  God." 

IMPROVEMENT. 

\'er.  17  Surely  face  does  not  more  exactly  answer  to  face  in  water,  than  the  character  of  Christ  drawn  by  the  prophet 
to  his  temper  and  conduct  as  described  by  the  evangelists.  IIow  should  Zion  rejoice,  and  the  daughter  of 
Jerusalem  shout,  that  such  a  King  cometh  unto  her,  meek  and  having  salvation  f  (Zech.  ix.  9.)  Let  us  with 
pleasure  trace  his  gentle  administration,  and  with  a  cheerful  confidence  commit  our  souls  to  so  kind  and  so 
20  faithful  a  hand  :  far  from  breaking,  he  will  strengthen  the  bruised  reed ;  far  from  quenching  the  smoking  flax,  he 
will  rather  blow  it  up  into  a  flame. 

How  well  does  it  become  the  disciples  of  Christ,  and  especially,  how  well  does  it  become  his  ministers,  to 

19  imitate  what  was  so  amiable  in  their  Lord,  and  not  to  despise  the  dm/  of  small  things .'  Let  us  not  strive  nor  cry, 
but,  laying  aside  all  unnecessary  contentions  and  angry  debates,  let  us  receive  one  another  as  Christ  hath  received 
us,  (Rom.  XV.  7.)  and,  avoiding  all  vain  ostentation,  let  us  silently  and  meekly  attend,  each  of  us,  to  the  discharge 
of  his  proper  office.     So  may  we  hope  that  the  cause  of  religion  will  go  on  successfully  around  us,  and  that 

20  righteousness  will  in  due  time  be  brought  forth  to  complete  victory  over  all  opposition,  and,  by  its  own  genuine 
influences,  be  happily  established  in  the  earth. 

21  The  Gentiles  trust  in  a  Redeemer's  name,  and  the  British  isles  are  numbered  among  those  that  wait  for  his  law. 
May  our  souls  with  humble  submission  bow  themselves  to  receive  it,  and  observe  it  with  such  faithful  care  and 
obedient  regards,  that  our  example,  wherever  it  is  seen,  may  promote  the  reception  of  it  among  those  that  as  yet 
are  strangers  to  it ! 


SECTION  LII. 

f)ur  Lord  having  spent  the  night  in  praj'er  on  a  mountain,  in  the  morning  chooses  the  twelve  apostles ;  and  then  comes  down  to  the  multitude 
assembled  in  the  plain,  and  performs  a  great  number  of  miracles  among  them.    Luke  vi.  12 — 19.  Mark  iii.  13 — 19. 

Luke  vi.  12.  Lukk  vi.  12. 

SECT.  AND  it  came  to  pass  in  those  dai/s'^  of  his  teaching  near  the  sea  of  Galilee,  that  Jesus,  AND  it  came  to  pass  in  those 
52.     seeing  the  sreneral  notice  which  was  taken  of  his  appearance,  and  the  inclination  which  mountain'  to  pr1iy,°and"con* 
multitudes  had  to  be  further  informed  concerning  him,  determined  to  choose  a  number  of  tlnued  all  night  in 'prayer  to 
LUKE    persons,  who  should  assist  and  succeed  him  in  his  ministerial  work.     And  as  the  office  to  ^°''-    ^^^'^^  "'■  ^^'^ 
J2  which  he  intended  to  assign  them  was  of  so  great  importance,  even  to  the  remotest  ages, 
"  previous  to  the  choice  of  them  he  went  forth  to  a  neighbouring  mountain  to  pray ;  and  his 
heart  was  so  much  enlarged  on  this  momentous  occasion,  that,  notwithstanding  all  the 
labours  of  the  preceding  day,  he  continued  all  night  at  his  devotions,  in  an  oratory  \de- 

d  TAmi  art  tlie  Messiah,  the  Son  of  the  most  high  God.']  The  Leicester  pressions,  to  signify  a  person  of  a  most  gentle  character,  fas  I  illustrate 

manuscript  reads  it,  2u  619  Geo?,  uio9.t»  ee«  :   JViou  art  God,  the  Son  of  them  above,)  and  something  to  resemble  the  proverb  among  the  Spanish 

C70<f    which  I  mention,  not  that  I  think  the  authority  of  that  sufficient  Jews  to  the  same  purpose,  If  such  a  one  were  to  walk  on  a  pavement  of 

to  justify  a  change  in  the  received  reading,  but  only  as  one  remarkable  eggx  he  would  not  break  them.   (See  Pol.  Svnops.  in  loc.)    To  suppose, 

wi/lf  whi^JTilTt  n"*"^      ■"? '''''"'''  n  ^'i'l^^'y  ?,"'',^.°^  "^'^  negligence  with  Dr.  Lightfoot,  it  signifies  he  shall  not  make  so  much  noise  as  break- 

^nrVhk  rl^finS   ,^'^f^^lPKr'''  ^?'>*<^'*  ''y.?lJ^'''r'??'"''f'P°"5^"';  ms  a  bruised  reed  does,  or  pouring  water  on  smoking  ^ax,  sinks  the  idea 

since  this  reading,  memorable  as  it  is,  is  omitted  by  the  Doctor.     But  I  too  low. 

nnf  nnW  nf  th'lt  mlrti??  ^h  f''7"'""<J  «;'th  «  far  more  exact  account,  h   Till  he  send  forth  judgment  to  victorit.-i    Isaiah  says,  to  truth  /and 

thL^hlt   Li^^,^.    f    Ji  •  1  k'  °A  '■"l^-u    o'he'-s  much  more  valuable  we  may  take  the  words  to  signify ,  till  he  make  the  cause  of  r,ghieo{,sness 

collatPd  '  TM.  wp   »r2  In!.";'  ^'   h';  '^^'"'  «"^  others  very  imperfectly  and  truth  completely  victorious ;  or.  till  at  ten-th  he  take  a  righteous 

collated.     1  11s  \ve  are  encouraged  to  expect  from  the  reverend    ■  ._■'.-.-. 


f   T1„  ^hnr-r,^^  ih^,„  ,.,\ii.  ..,;../,„., !„„„  r  •      ,    ' "u: i  ui I uy  J lu c It  juogmeni  unco   trutii  :    ite  snaii  not  jaii,  iwr  oe  ats- 

Tlds  wVmnTtal/f  n  i^it,;.h  hIh  fnVh^  f^^^^^  °^  Seventy.]    couraged,  till  he  have  set  or  established  judgment  in  the  earth:  which 

J  Ins  we  may  take  to  be  included  in  the  force  ot  that  expression,  ^oWa   phrases  explain  each  other,  and  the  sense  of  each  is  abridged  here. 


ThVimmense/pains-Zegefus-and-someoiheV-co-mm^^^^^  Lukrjus^rthis"coiZxir-ln'rMa«hew"'rs°n^^ 

VewsTr  Centres'*  mi"hfbe'rt'i™red^^n'"'f/;'  ^l}"""  'J'""*'"d;s,  or  the    till  become"  to"spearofTh4  milion  of  the  t«S  "e°'w™h  cl!  is  p  aii  ly'a 


THE  CALLING  OF  THE  TWELVE  APOSTLES.  103 

voted  to  the  servkc'\  of  God,^  where  he  had  some  opportunity  of  being  sheltered  by  the  SECT, 

trees  which  were  planted  round  it.  52. 
13  And  when  it  was  day,      And  when  it  u'us  day,  early  in  the  morning,  he  called  his  disciples  to  him,  [even]  those 


he  called  unto  hj^^^^his  rf^sj  who)u  he  pkcised,  (compare  John  xv.  16.)  and  they  cheerfully  came  to  him  upon  his  sum-   luke 
they  came  un'to*hhii"]  and  of  mons  :  and  Old  of  them  he  chose  \and\  constituted  twelve,"  whom  he  also  named  his  apostles,    ^^^ 
them  he  chose  [and  ordauKidj  ^^  envoys  ;  a  name  which  well  expressed  the  office  for  which  they  were  designed  :  these 


apostle's ;  tthat  they  should  he  now  fixed  upon,  that  for  some  time  they  should  continually  be  with  him,  not  only  to 
'''^vht''send'"them''  forth   to  attend  upon  his  public  ministry,  but  to  enjoy  the  benefit  of  his  private  conversation  ;  that 
preach ;]  [Mark  iii.  13, 14.]     he  might  furnish  them  the  better  for  the  great  work  in  which  they  were  to  be  employed ; 
and  that,  at  length,  after  suitable  preparation,  he  migtd  with  more  advantage  send  them 
abroad  to  preach  his  gospel,  and  thereby  make  way  for  his  own  visits  to  some  more  dis- 
Mark  iii.  15.  And  to  have  tant  parts,  where  he  had  not  yet  been.    And,  to  enable  them  the  more  effectually  to  do  it,  mark 
to^cast  out  deviis'^"^^^^^'  "^^^  '^^  determined  that  they  should  then  have  potver  to  heal  distempers,  and  to  cast  out  demons     ill- 
from  those  unhappy  people  who  were  possessed  by  them;  well  knowing  such  endow- ^^ 
ments  would  command  a  regard,  notwithstanding  the  meanness  of  their  appearance. 

16  And  Simon  he  surnamed      And  the  twelve  persons  who  were  so  signally  honoured  by  him,  and  whose  names  16 
Peter ;  [Luke  vi.  14.]  (excepting  that  of  Judas  Iscariot)  will  be  ever  venerable  in  the  Christian  church,  as  being, 

next  to  Christ,  the  great  foundations  of  it,  (Eph.  ii.  20.  Rev.  xxi.  14.)  were  these :  Simon, 
whom  (it  has  been  observed  before,  John  i.  42.  p.  51.)  he  surnamed  Peter,^  that  is,  a  rock, 
on  account  of  his  remarkable  steadiness  and  intrepidity  of  temper,  (see  Isa.  1.  7.)  as  well 

17  And  James  tie  son  of  as  the  peculiar  use  to  be  made  of  him  :    And  James  [the  son]  of  Zebedee,  the  fisherman;  17 
tier^orjam^s;"'"and*he  su?-  ""f'  J'^^^^  ^hc  bcloved  disciplc,  who  was  the  brother  of  James:   and  he  surnamed  them 
named     them'     Boanerges,  Boancrges,  which  signifies,  Sons  of  Thunder ;  <"  thereby  intimating,  with  v/hat  victorious  and 
der-''[Luke''vi.^i4.*]''^  ^^""'  resistless  power  they  should  bear  down  all  opposition,  and  with  divine  eloquence  and 

isAndAndrew,  and  Philip,  mighty  miraclcs  confound  the  enemies  of  his  gospel :  And  Andrew,  and  Philip,  of  whose  18 
fhe'lv^andThomal'and^i^^^^^^^  ^^^^  acquaintance  with  Christ  we  were  before  Informed  ;  (John  i.  40,  43.)  and  Bartholo- 
//;« fo'n of  Aipheus! and Thad-  meiv,  and  Mattheiv,  or  Levi,  who  had  lately  been  called  from  the  infamous  employment 
f^mks^' lnd%mln'iiect  ^f  a  publican ;  (Matt.  ix.  9.  p.  92.)  and  Thomas,  who  was  also  called  Didymus,  as  having 
naanite,  [called  Zeiotes,]  a  twin  brother ;  and  James  \the  soil]  of  Alpheus,  called  James  the  Less  ;  (Mark  xv.  40.) 
[Luke  VI.  14, 15, 16.]  ^^^^^j  Lebbeus,  whose  surname  was  Thdddeus,  and  who  was  [a/so  called]  Judas,  or  Jude,  [the 

brother]  of  James ;  f  and  Simon  the  Cananite,  called  also  Zeiotes,?  or  the  Zealot,  as  having 
19  And    Judas    Iscariot,  before  professed  a  distinguishing  zeal  for  the  law :  And,  worthy  of  being  mentioned  in  the  19 
which'  also"  be^aj^ed^hlm!—  last  place,  or  rather  unworthy  oif  being  mentioned  at  all,  otherwise  than  witii  the  UTeatest 
[Luke  vi.  16.]  '     abhorrence,  was  Judas  Iscariot,  or  a  man  of  Carioth,  (Josh.  xv.  25.)  that  infamous, 

abandoned  wretch,  who  also  teas  the  traitor  that  afterwards  was  so  ungrateful  to  his  Lord, 
that  he  even  betrayed  him^^  into  the  hands  of  his  bloody  enemies  :  he  had  professed  him- 
self, with  secular  and  worldly  views,  a  disciple  of  Christ ;  and  though  our  Lord  well 
knew  him,  yet,  as  his  character  was  free  from  any  visible  ground  of  suspicion,  in  order  to 
accomplish  what  was  delivered  in  the  sacred  oracles,  he  was  pleased  to  invest  him  with 
this  holy  office,  and  to  place  him  among  his  apostles.    (Compare  John  xiii.  18.) 
Luke  vi.  17.   And  he  came      And  after  he  had  acquainted  these  twelve  persons  with  his  design,  and  had  given  them  luke 
fn  the  pTanVanTt'he^company  ^uch  private  instructions  as  he  judged  convenient,  to  render  their  attendance  upon  him     vi. 
of  his  disciples,  and  a  great  subservient  to  the  execution  of  their  important  office,  he  came  down  from  the  mountain  ^' 
Juilea" and  Jerusliem," and  '^"''^  them,  and  stood  in  the  neighbouring  plain,  and  as  the  morning  was  now  pretty  far 
from  the  sea-coast  of'xyre  advanced,  the  crowd  of  his  disciples  [gathered  round  him;]  and  besides  those  that  had 
hear  hirn^and^to'be  heal'e'd  of  followed  him  for  som'e  time,  and  were  now  persuaded  of  his  divine  mission,  there  was 
their  diseases ;  also  Still  waiting  upon  him  (as  we  obsei'ved  above,  Mark  iii.  7,  8.  p.  101.)  a  great  multi- 

tude of  people  from  all  parts  oi  Judea,  and  particularly  from  Jerusalem,  and  even  from  the 
shore  of  Tyre  and  Sidon,  which  lay  on  the  Mediterranean  sea;  who  came  to  hear  him,  and 

18  And   they   that  were  to  be  healed  of  their  diseases :   And  they  also  \vho  were  infested  with  unclean  and  wicked  18 
and*they 'were healed. ^'"'^'*^'  ^^pirits,^  made"  their  application  to  him  •,\ind  they  ivere  cured  of  the  terrible  disorders  which 

19  And  the  whole  multitude  those  malignant  bcings  occasioned.    And  the  whole  multitude  of  these  unhappy  people  19 
wentvi>tu°e"oit'of'h*im,*aud  endeavoured  at  least  to  touch  him;  for  so  extraordinary  were  the  miracles  of  this  day,  that 
healed //iem  all.  in  some  instances,  where  our  Lord  did  not  so  much  as  take  any  apparent  notice  of  the 

case,  yet  there  ivent  a  divine,  though  secret,  virtue  out  if  him,  and  wrought  so  powerfully 
on  those  that  touched  him,  that  it  healed  them  all,  how  desperate  soever  their  distempers  were. 

b  In  an  oratory  [devoted  to  the  service}  of  God ;  ev  th  Ttpoaevxn  T*f  f  Lebbeus,  whose  surname  was  Thaddeus,  and  who  was   also  called 

©£8.]    Ihis  is  so  singular  an  expression,  that  I   cannot  agree  with  our  Judas,  or  Jude,  the  brother  of  JamesJ    That  this  person  had  all  these 

translation  ;    but  rather   conclude   witii    Drusius,   Prideaux,    Whitby,  names,  appears  from  comparing  the  catalogues  given  us  in  the  places 

Hammond,  and  many  other  good  critics,  that  we  are  to  understand  it  before  us,  and  in  JJatt.  x.  2 — 4.  and  Acts  i.  13.    Lebbeus  being  derived 

of  an  oratory,  or  proseuc/ia,  or  prayer-hovse,  as  I)r.  Watts  chooses  to  from  yj,  which  signifies  the  heart,  and  Thaddeus  probably  from  IP,  a. 

render  it,  (in  his  late  ingenious  Discourse  on  the  Holiness  of  Places,  p.  Syro-Chaldaic  word,  which,  as  some  critics  tell  us,  signifies  the  breast, 

111.)  and  as  the  word  seems  also  to  be  used.  Acts  xvi.  13.    (See  Ham-  seem  equivalent  names,  and   may  signify  the  hearty  Jtidns,  perhaps  to 

niond,   in  locj    Descriptions  of  these  places  may  be  found   in  most  distinguish  him  from  that  other  Judas  whose  faithless  breast  and  foul 

writers  of  Jewish  Antiquities,  and  in  none  that  1  know  of  better  than  in  /leart  had  brought  a  kind  of  infamy  on  the  name  ;  so  that  neither  Mat- 

Calmet,  (at  the  word  Proseuche,^  and  in  Prideaux's  Connection,  vol.  i.  thew  nor  Mark  use  it  when  speaking  of  this  apostle  ;  and  Jolm  takes 

p.  387 — 389.     It  is  well  known,  they  were  open  at  the  top,  and  planted  particular  care  to  prevent  the  confusion  which  might  arise  from  the 

round  with  trees  ;  as  well  as  often  situate  by  the  side  of  seas  or  rivers,  ambiguity  of  it.    John  xiv.  22. 

as  was  probably  the  case  here.    I  did  not  choose,  with  Dr.  Whitby,  to  ff  Simon  the  Cananite,  called  also  Zeiotes.']    It  is  matter  of  some  doubt 

render  it  in  God's  house  of  prayer,  that  phrase  having  been  so  peculiarly  with  me,  whether  he  was  called  the    Ca>ia?iite,  as  being  a  native  of  Cana 

appropriated  to  the  temple.  See  Matt.  xxi.  13.  in  Galilee,  as  some  have  thought ;  or  whether  it  be  derived,  as  Dr.  Hara- 

c  Constituted  twelve.]    So   I   choose  to  render  eTroiijtre,  rather  than  mond  thinks,  from  the  Hebrew  Hjp,  Kanah,  and  signifies  the  same  with 

ordained  J  ordijiation  to  the  ministry  carrying  along  with  it  an  idea  by  Zeiotes.    But  though  we  have  many  instances  of  extraordinary  zeal  in 

no  means  suiting  what  passed   now,  which   was  so  long  before  their  Phinehas,  Elijah,  the  Maccabees,  &c.  and  read  in  ancient  Jewish  writers 

entering  on  the  office.    Tne  word  is  used  elsewhere,  for  appointing  to  an  of  the  jndgmeiLt  of  zeal  by  which  Stephen  was  murdered,  Paul  assaulted. 

office ;  1  Sam.  xii.  6.  Gr.  and   Heb.  iii.  2. — It  is  probable  our   Lord  &c.  yet  I  cannot  find  any  sect  of  men  distinguished  by  that  name,  till 

chose  twelve  apostles  in  reference  to  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel,  (see  mentioned  by  Josephus,  {Bell.  Jud.  lib.  iv.  cap.  3.  [al.  5.]  <)  9-^  *  little 

Matt.  xix.  28.  Luke  xxii.   30.  Rev.  xxi.  12,   14.  and  compare   Exod.  before  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem.    If  Simon  had  the  additional  name 

xxiv.  4.  Deut.  i.  23.  and  Josh.  iv.  2,  3.)  and  therefore  care  was  taken,  of  Zeiotes  given  him  on  account  of  his  personal  zeal  for  the  law,  (which 

on  the  death  of  Judas,  to  choose  another  to  make  up  the  number.  (Acts  is  possible,)  he  might  probably  be  a  Pharisee  :  but  Mr.  Fleming  s  con- 

1.  21,  22,  26.)    Which  seems  to  have  been  a  piece  of  respect  paid  to  the  jecture,  that  he  was  the  father  of  Judas  Iscariot.  who  is  called  the  son  of 

.lews,  previous  to  the  grand  offer  of  the  gospel  to  them  :  whereas  when  Simon,  (John  xii.  4.)  seems  very  precarious,  considering  how  common 

they  had  generally  rejected   it,  two   more,  Paul  and   Barnabas,   were  the  name  of  Simon  was.    See  I'leming's  Christology,  vol.  ii.  P.-  lb7. 

added,  without  any  regard  to  the  particular  number  of  twelve.  h   That  even  betrayed  him.]    It  is  plain  that  koi  has  great  force  here 

A  He  s^irnamed  Peter.]     Tu  Jtiraame,  here  plainly  signifies  to  give  an  if  it  be  rendered  e»£«  ;  or  else  it  seems  a  mere  expletive.                 . 

additional  name ;  cneiiriiie  tco  SiwoiKi  ovoua  HeTpoi'.  i   Unclean  spirits.]    It  seems  to  me  an  excessive  refinement  in  the 

e  Boanerges,  which  signifies.  Sons  of  Thunder. ]    As  it  stands  in  this  learned  editors  of  the  Prussian  Testament,  to  distinguish  (as  tliey  oo  lu 

form.  It  is  plainly  a  corruption  of  ffiJI  ''ZX  Beni  regesh.    Considering  the  their  note  on  Matt.  x.  1.)  unclean  spirits  from  other  evil  spitus  yiMcw 

remarkable  gentleness  of  John's  temper  and  manner  of  writing,  it  is  more  might  possess  men  ;  supposing  the  word  only  to  signitv  such  kind  ot 

reasonable  to  interpret  this  title  as  in  the  para[)hrase,  than  to  refer  it  to  spirits  as  drove  men  to  dwell  among  the  tombs,  by  which  they  Decamc 

any  thing  peculiarly  awful  or  awakening  in  their  manner  of  address,  be-  ceremonially  unclean.    I  low  little  it  can  be  supported  trom  LuKe  iv.  .w. 

yond  what  was  to  be  found  in  the  other  apostles.  see  the  note  there,  p.  73.    It  is  evident  unclean  ana  evil  spints  are 


PART  OF  THE  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT  REPEATED. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

SECT       When  we  consider  how  much  the  church  in  all  ages  has  been  indebted  to  the  labours  of  the  apostles,  and  how 
52.     much  we  ourselves  owe  to  them,  we  shall  see  great  reason  of  thankfulness  to  our  wise  and  gracious  Master,  who 

■ was  pleased  to  assign  this  work  to  his  servants,  and  so  eminently  to  qualify  them  for  it.     It  is  observable,  that 

before  he  sent  them  forth,  he  chose  them  to  be  with  him  in  a  more  constant  attendance  on  his  person  and  ministry. 
MARK  May  all  who  succeed  them  as  preachers  of  the  gospel,  be  such  as  have  intimately  known  Christ  themselves,  and 
^^^-     have  been  accustomed  to  spiritual  converse  with'him;  that  they  may,  v/ith  the  greater  ability,  zeal,  and  efficacy, 
recommend  him  to  others  ! 

We  may  assure  ourselves,  that  these,  his  future  ministers,  had  no  inconsiderable  share  in  those  petitions  in 

which  with  unabating  fervour  and  intenseness  of  devotion,  our  Redeemer  spent  this  memorable  night.     And  if 

LUKE   we  have  any  regard  for  tlie  support  of  religion  in  the  rising  age,  let  us  likewise  be  earnestly  praying,  both  for 

^'-     them  that  are  aheady  in  the  ministry,  and  for  such  as  are  preparing  for  it.     This  surely  ought  to  be  the  frequent 

^^  care,  not  only  of  those  who  have  the  tremendous  charge  of  educating  such  as  are,  ere  long,  to  be  intrusted  with 

the  honour  of  the  gospel,  and  the  care  of  souls,  but  of  those  who  are  now  straggling  with  the  glorious  labours  and 

trials  of  that  important  office,  and  even  of  all  those  private  Christians  who  cordially  love  the  interest  of  their 

Master,  and  wish  the  salvation  of  their  fellow-creatures. 

Let  us  unite  our  cries  to  him,  wlio  has  engaged  to  be  always  vrith  his  church,  even  to  the  end  of  the  world,  and 
say,  "  Light  up,  O  Lord,  a  brighter  and  a  stronger  flame  in  the  lamps  of  thy  sanctuary  !  Polish  diese  arrows  of 
thy  q'liver,  that  they  may  pierce  "deep  into  the  consciences  of  men  !  Let  thy  priests  be  clothed  with  salvation,  that 
thv  saints  may  shout  aloud  for  joy !  And  pour  forth  upon  them  so  plenteous  an  unction  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that 
the  odours  of  thy  grace  may  by  their  means  be  diffiised  around,  throughout  all  thy  tabernacles  ;  like  that  of  the 
fragrant  oil,  which  was  poured  on  the  head  of  Aaron,  in  such  rich  abundance,  that  it  not  only  ran  down  on  his 
beard,  but  reached  even  to  the  skirts  of  his  garments !  Amen,  and  Amen." 


SECTION  LIII. 

Christ,  in  the  audience  of  his  new-chosen  disciples,  and  of  the  multitude,  repeats  in  the  plain  many  remarkable  passages  of  his  sermon  before 

delivered  on  the  mount.     Luke  vi.  20—30. 

Luke  vi.  20.  Luke  vi.  20. 

SECT.  AND  [Jesui]  lifting  up  his  ei/es  on  his  disciplca,  who  surrounded  him,  and  more  especially  AND  he  lifted  up  hii  eyes 
53.     directing  them  to  hi's  apostles  whom  he  had  lately  chosen,  said  unto  them,*  Happy  are  you  i^jp^^gj  t'^ye'poor  •''for yours 
■  who  are  enriched  with  divine  knowledge  and  grace,  though  your  circumstances  in  this  is  the  kingdom  of  God. 

LUKE  world  are  poor  and  mean  ;  for  the  kingdom  of  God,  in  all  its  transcendent  and  eternal 
^^- .  glories,  is  yours,  and  you  are"  hastening  on  to  the  full  possession  of  it.     Happy  are  you  icho     21  Blessed  are  j^e  that  hun- 
are  now  hungry,  and  "destitute  of  all  the  comfortable  accommodations  of  life,  if  you  feel  «?i'ed"°^B'iessed  ^are^^pe\h^t 
that  nobler  appetite  by  which  the  religious  soul  longs  after  improvements  in  holiness,'' /or  weep  now:  for  ye  shall  laugh. 
you  shall  ere  long  be  filled  with  the  most  substantial  and  valuable  blessings.     Happy  are 
you  who  now  mourn  under  a  sense  of  sin,  or  under  that  wholesome  discipline  of  affliction 
by  which  God  reduces  his  wandering  children,  and  trains  them  up  to  superior  virtue ;  for 
all  your  sorrow  shall  pass  away  like  a  dream,  and  you  shall  ere  long  laugh  and  rejoice  in 

22  a  complete  deliverance  from  it.  (See  Matt.  v.  4.)  Happy  are  you  when  men  shall  hate  you,  S2  Blessed  are  ye  when 
and  persecute  you;  when  they  shall  separate  you  \from  their  assemhlies,'^'\  as  unworthy  of  thev4haii'seMrate'vou /n^^^^ 
communion  with  them;  and  shall  reproach  you  in  their  private  conversation,  and  cast  out  their  company,  and  shall  re- 
your  names  as  infamously  evil  in  their  public  acts  of  civil  or  ecclesiastical  judgment,  on  name''aTevtr*'for^the"son  of 
account  of  your  professed  adherence  to  the  Son  of  man,  (see  John  ix.  22,  34.)  for  that  man's  sake. 

23  glorious  and  sacred  person  is  able  abundantly  to  repay  all  you  can  suffer  for  him:  And  23  Kejoice  ye  in  that  day, 
therefore,  far  from  being  dismayed  and  overwhelmed  with  trouble  and  distress  at  such  your' reward^?/ gre'at'i'n^hea- 
abuses  and  assaults,  he  glad  in  that  day,  and  with  holy  alacrity  even  leap  for  joy ;  for  ven:  for  in  the  like  manner 
behold,  your  reiva?-d  in  heaven  is  great  in  proportion  to  your  sufferings  on  earth  :  for  thus  t'^ets^^'^  fathers  unto  the  pro- 
fhfir  fathers  did  to  the  prophets  of  old,  who  now  are  in  seats  of  distinguished  glory.  (See 

Matt.  V.  11,  12.)  B  6     J    V 

24  But  there  is,  generally  speaking,"!  cause  to  denounce  a  woe  to  you  who  are  rich  ;  for  so  24  But  woe  unto  you  that 
insnaring  are  the  circumstances  in  which  you  are  placed,  that  it 'is  much  to  be  feared  you  ^™ur'coniolation'""^'^^'^*'''*'^ 
have  already  received  all  your  consolation,' {comna.ve  Luke  xvi.  25.)  and  will  be  so  taken  ^"""^  conso  a  ion. 

up  with  the  transient  pleasures  of  time,  as  to  forget  and  forfeit  everlasting  blessedness. 

25  Tliere  is  generally  reason  to  say.  Woe  unto  you  who  are  now  filled  to  the  full,  and  pam-  25  Woe  unto  you  that  arc 
pered  with  all  the  most  luxurious  dainties  !  for  you  shall  ere  long  suffer  hunger,  and  fall  ^(J.'^J  u"^to*1ou'"that'"lair-h 
into  a  state  of  indigence,  and  misery,  aggravated  by  all  the  plenty  which  you  have  enjoyed  now !  tor  ye  shall  mourn''and 
and  abused,     ll'^oe  unto  you  who  spend  your  lives"  in  mirth  and  gaiety,  and  are  so  vain  as  '''^^p- 

now  to  laugh  off  every  solemn  and  awful  thought !  for  you  have  reason  to  expect  a  portion 
in  those  doleful  regions  where,  without  intermission  and  without  end,  you  shall  mourn  and 

26  lament.  And  again,  I  may  generally  sav,  in  so  corrupt  an  age  as  this,  Ti  oe  unto  you  when  26  Woe  unto  you  when  all 
all  men  speak  well  of  you  !  for  such  universal  applause  is  seldom  to  be  gained  without  "orso'irKUheh'' fathers  to°he 
sinful  compliances  ;  and  thus  did  their  fathers  to  the  false  prophets  of  old,  who  soothed  false  prophets. 

them  in  their  idolatries  and  other  crimes,  with  smooth  addresses,  and  vain  assurances  of 
security  and  happiness. 

nnrU^'^nrl'^T^'llf  Pearly  Synonymous  tenns,  referring  to  the  moral  im-  xx.  17—19.)    And  indeed,  sinre  it  is  certain  from  Matt.  vii.  28,  20.  that 

v^"/  ^nH  ^^''»"'ty  °^  'he'r  natures.    Compare  Matt.  xu.  43.   Luke  what  that  evanselist  has  recorded  as  the  sermcn  on  the  mount  was  all  de- 

Q   *lv!/ T,,ft^  ;i,!!,y.''T    u     ji              ..1-       X,       -,  ^  livered  «/ owfe ;  they  who  suppose  </!«.f  the  icrj^  , tame,  must  grant,  that 

rnmmnn   H^rml.vJ^  =,^,?f-=^  "^^  *'""  t'i"'  IJ"'"''  observed  in  the  great  part  of  it  was  repeated  a   different  times,  and  on  different  occa- 

mlk-T??!.  ,  f..™?.=rL  h   Pf[  '^'  '"^  """■^'  '*'■';"  "'*''  ""  ""»"y  of  them  sions.    (See  note  e,  on  Matt.  vii.  28.  p.  89.)    Dr.  Whitby  and  Mr.  Blair 

hi  M^ftipwln  hflfifth  eivfh        -T  ""'""'i'^  "f  "'1  '»'"'«„'-ecorded  at  large  agree  with  me  in  this  account  of  the  matter,  chiefly  on  the  reasons  I  have 

by  Matthew  ra  his  hfth,  sixth,  and  seventh  chapters.     i'/w<  was  delivered  here  as3i"ned 

7„^i'^;,iflli  ■"  f  "\'"^>",'"'' ';  C^l^.tt-  '■'■  -i:)thu,  (as  it  seems  from  b   Wlware  \ww  hnngry-i?  vou  feel  that  nohler  appetite,  etc.]    Com- 

mJ"  fhJ/ic  /  if  >"  V'^'"'  -a"'*'  ^'''"'h  weighs  yet  much  more  with  pare  note  g,  on  Matt.  v.  6.  p.  "76.     And  let  it  be  observed  in  general, 

^^'prrnmo  f?.  h.  Lt€'"'Z''V".\''  expression,  when  the  parallel  pas-  that  the  sense  of  the  more  dubious  expressions  in  this  discourse,  may  be 

nrS  r.r,T,i  ,-f  .       H     ^H-^th'  *  ""  "  seems  evident    the  evangelists  have  much  illustrated  by  com|)aring  parallel  passages  in  the  sermon  on  tlie 

haL    thpi  .nnf»lY'„nf   f  if '' iT?,"^  •  *  ' '  u''  "'  *''^  """"■     '^''V^"  «'*'"^''  "'O""*  ^  «o  ^h><-h  1  have  accord  ngly  referred,  not  judging  it  necessary 

mi"ht  hpfp  r.,f»P/f  »L.f.f   1,  rf  *  ^'^TP  '"  supposmg  that  Christ  to  repeat,  in  the  notes  here,  what  f  had  said  there. 

^n,?th».  if.Hif^f^  ^H^    K  hf*    *  ^^"^  delivered  some  months  before  to  c  Separate  you  from  their  assemblies.^    Grotius's  excellent  note  on  tlii.s 

s^ml  n»iahhnMr^A.  f    probably  at  some  greater  distance  than  just  in  the  clause  well  deserves  a  most  attentive  reading ;  containing  a  most  learned 

S  nfghbourhood.    (See  note  b,  on  Luke  v.  12,  p.  90.  ami  note  b,  on  dissertation  on  the  various  kinds  of  excommunication  among  the  .lews, 

nmhin^nmrf  «,!.„  wl,,f  hl^rt  ^  i""!            ""'"r  ""»'^"S?s,  that  this  is  <1  (Jenerally  speaking.]  Compare  Matt.  xix.  23.  24.    It  is  most  evi<lent, 

rv"^"°.?'  'filh  ^  what.he  often  ha<l  occasion  to  do.    (Compare  .Matt,  that  such  expressions  as  these  in  Scripture  are  to  be  taken  with  somn 

IX.  J-.     J,,  vim  Matt.  xii.  „-.-!.  and  xvi.  21.  with  xvii.  22,  23.  and  limitations,  otherwise  they  would  be  contrary  to  fact  in  some  instances. 


PART  OF  THE  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT  REPEATED.  10.5 

57   But  I  sRy  unto  you      You,  my  disciples,  if  you  would  approve  your  fidelity  to  God  and  to  me,  must  act  in  a  sect. 
which  hear,  Love  your  ene-  ypj.y  different  manner,  by  which  you  will  certainly  expose  yourselves  to  hatred  and  perse-     53. 

toe 'you  f""  '°*''^'"  '         cution  :  But  I  sat/  unto  you,  and  to  all  that  hear  me  this  day,  Far  from  entertaining  senti- 

ments  of  malice  and  purposes  of  revenge,  lore  even  j/(u<;-  enemies,  and  do  good  to  them  that   lxjkk 

28  Bless  them  that  curse  hate  7/ou :   Bless  them  that  in  the  malignity  of  their  hearts  revile  and  curse  you  ;  and  cor-  ^^■ 
ym,   and  .  pray   for   them  ^[^\\y  ^^d  fervently  vrau  for  them  that  most  spitcfullu  harass  and  abuse  you.    (See  Malt, 
which  despitetully  use  you.  .'  j  r     ^'  .' 

V.  44.) 

29  And  unto  him  that  smit-      Ami,  as  ever  you  would  attain  to  such  exalted  degrees  of  fortitude  and  goodness,  29 
etii  thee  on  the  oHf  cheek  otter  ^ccustom  yourselves  patiently  to  bear  the  common  injuries  of  life,  which  a  false  sense  of 
fafeth  away 'thy  cioak'forbrd  honour  and  interest  renders  so  much  more  intolerable  tlian  they  really  are.    //',  for  instance, 
pot  to  take  thy  coat  also.         ^  „,^,,j  smite  thee  on  the  [onf]  cheek,  rather  than  return  the  blow,  ofier  also  the  other  to  him ; 

and  if  he  take  away  thy  mantle,  do  not  by  violence  attempt  to  hinder  him  [from  taking] 
also  'thy  vest.     (See  the  notes  on  Matt.  v.  39.  p.  81.) 

30  Give  to  every  man  that      I  would  also  charge  it  upon  you  to  labour  after  a  diffusive  liberality,  as  well  as  exem-  30 
asketii  of  thee ;  an<i  ot  him  ^i^^y  meekncss :  be  ready  then  to  give  to  every  one  that  asketh  thee  for  an  alms,  where 
^k^feJ*not"agam."^  ^°"  '  thou  hast  reasou  to  believe  it  is  charity  to  do  it ;  and  from  him  that  taketh  away  thy  pos- 
sessions in  an  injurious  manner,  do  not  immediately  demand  them  back  in  the  forms  of  law, 

31  And  as  ye  would  that  but  rather  endeavour  by  gentler  methods  to  reduce  the  offender  to  reason.     And  do  not  31 
men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye  ^^         means  imagine,  that  the  injuries  you  receive  from  others  wdl  cancel  the  bonds  of 

a  so  o    em  i  ewise.  common  humanity  to  them  :  but  as  you  would  reasonably  desire  that  men  should  do  to  you, 

do  you  also  in  like  manner  to  them,  and,  by  putting  yourselves,  as  it  were,  in  their  places, 
endeavour  to  form  your  minds  to  an  impartial  judgment.  (See  note  on  Matt.  vii.  12. 
p.  87.) 

32  For  if  yc  love  them      And  indeed,  if  you  only  love  them  that  love  you,  what  great  thanks  are  due  to  you  upon  32 
ha''vfye'?for^sim;eTs''also'love  that  account?  For  there  are  some  sentiments  of  gratitude  common  even  to  the  worst  of 
those  that  love  thorn.  men,  which  incline  the  most  scandalous  sinners  to  love  those  that  love  them,  and  to  profess 

an  affectionate  regard  for  those  by  whom  they  have  been  treated  with  respect  and  kindness. 

33  And  if  ye  do  eood  to  And  if  7/ou  do  good  officcs  Only  to  them  that  are  your  benefactors,  what  mighty  thanks  are  33 
'^lT^l^^:.:-7^>VZ:diietoyouiov  that?     For  even  the  most  infamous  sinners,  either  from  mstinct  or  from 
ners  also  do  even  thesame.     mere  self-love,  may  often  be  observed  to  do  the  same.     (Compare  IVlatt.  v.  40,  47.  p.  ol.) 

34  And  if  ve  lent!  to  them  And  if  you  lend  Only  to  them  from  whom  you  hope  to  receive,  and  that,  perhaps,  with  con-  34 
whluhrnrhave'y'e°>  for'sin:  siderable  advantage  to  yourselves,  what  favour  Ao  you  show  in  that,  or  what  extraordinary 
ners  also  lend  to  sinners,  to  thanks  are  due  to'you  on  that  account?  For  even  the  greatest  sinners  lend  to  other  sinners 
receive  as  much  again.  jjj.^  themsclves,  that,  when  there  is  occasion,  they  may  receive  the  like  assistance  in  re- 
turn from  them. 

35  But  love  ye  your  ene-      But  I  exhort  you  to  love  your  enemies,  and  to  do  good,  and  lend  in  cases  of  great  neces-  35 
fe^^for^rhhil'lJak,';  sity,  even  when  you  can  hope  for  nothing  again -.^  and jo  your  rexuard  in  heaven  xoill  be 
and  your   reward  shall  be  great,  and  you  will  appear  to  be  the  sons  of  tite  Most  High  Ood  ;  for  in  the  course  ot  his 
Sen"*}-  t^he  ufhcst-  for  daily  provideiice  he  is  kind  to  the  ungrateful  and  evil,  causing  the  undeserved  benefits  of 

he  is  kind  unto  the^unthank-  the  sun  and  rain  to  descend  upon  them,  and  filling  their  insensible  hearts  with  food  and 
^"L^'Be've^'ttferetbre  merci-  gladness.     (Compare  Matt.  V.  44,  45.  and  Acts  xiv.  17.)     Be  ye  therefore  merciful,  as  he  36 
fill,  as  your  Fatiier  also  is  ako  whom  you  Call  your  heavenly  Father  is  merciful :  and  unto  whom  indeed  you  cannot 
'"*''"''"'•  stand  related  as  his  children,  if  you  have  no  concern  to  imitate  and  to  obey  him.    (Com- 

pare Matt.  V.  48.  p.  81.) 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  necessary  is  it  that  our  foraetful  hearts  should  have  line  upon  line,  and  precept  upon  precept .'  If  Christ  did  \'er.  20 
not  think  it  improper  to  repeat  this  discourse,  surely  it  will  not  be  needless  for  us  to  renew  our  attention  to  it. 
Oh  that  everv  word  of  it  were  engraven  on  our  hearts  as  with  the  point  of  a  diamond,  that  we  might  learn,  in 
spite  of  all  the  foolish  wisdom  of  this  world,  to  form  ourselves  on  these  maxims,  as  the  surest  guide  to  present 
and  to  eternal  felicity  ! 

Our  Lord  again  pronounces  the  poor  and  the  hungry,  the  mournful  and  the  persecuted,  happy;  and  represents  21-26 
those  as  miserable,  who  are  rich  and  full,  joyous  and  applauded  :  not  that  this  is  universally  the  case,  but  because 
prosperous  circumstances  are  so  frequently  a  sweet  poison,  and  affliction  a  healing,  though  bitter  medicine.  Let 
the  thought  reconcile  us  to  adversity,  and  awaken  our  caution  when  the  world  smiles  upon  us ;  when  a  plentiful 
table  is  spread  before  us,  and  our  cup  runneth  over ;  when  our  spirits  are  gay  and  sprightly ;  or  when  we  hear, 
what  to  corrupted  nature  is  too  harmonious  music,  that  of  our  own  praise  from  men.  Oh  that  we  may  secure 
what  is  of  infinitely  greater  importance,  the  praise  of  our  heavenly  Master,  by  a  constant  obediential  regard  to  these 
his  precepts ! 

May  we  be  happy  proficients  in  the  art  of  bearing  and  forgiving  injuries  !  May  we  be  ready  to  every  good  word  27-34 
and  work  !  maintaining  an  eye  quick  to  observe,  a""  heart  tender  to  feel,  a  hand  open  to  relieve  the  calamities  and 
necessities  of  friends,  of  strangers,  and  of  enemies :  giving  to  some ;  and  where,  perhaps,  there  may  be  little 
prospect  of  a  return,  lending  to  others ;  which,  if  it  engage  them  to  greater  industry,  is  as  real  a  benefit  as  if  the 
loan  were  a  gift. 

On  the  whole,  let  us  not  presume  to  call  God  our  Father,  if  we  do  not  labour  to  resemble  him ;  nor  dare  to  35,  36 
challenge  the  peculiar  honour  and  privileges  of  Christ's  disciples,  if  we  do  not  distinguish  ourselves  from  others 
by  the  charity  of  our  tempers  and  the  usefulness  of  our  lives,  as  well  as  by  the  articles  of  our  faith  and  the  forms 
of  our  worship. 


SECTION  LIV. 

Tiour 

Luke  vi.  37.  sfxt. 


Our  Lord  goes  on  to  repeat  many  remarkable  passages  of  his  sermon  on  the  mount,  with  some  proper  additions  relating  to  the  same  subjects 

Luke  vi.  37,  to  the  end. 


Luke  vi.  37.  ;    77       a  t  1 

.TUDGE  not,  and  ye  shall  JUDGE  not  Others  with  rigour  and  severity,  and  you  may  hope  that  you  shall  not  your-     54 

^d''vi"'ifaii'  nn"t'*h?"rnn'  sclvcs  bc  judgcd  with  that  scvcrity  which  you  must  otherwise  expect  from  God,  and  wtucli 

^  "    °""  the  most  innocent  and  virtuous  characters  would  not  be  able  to  bear:  condemn  not^othevs   luke 

with  a  rash  censoriousness,  and  you  shall  not  be  condemned:  forgive  others  their  ottences,      vi. 

e   IVhen  you  can  hope  for  nothing  mjain.l    I  cannot  think  fas  De  Dieu    since  neither  the  phrase  itself,  nor  the  opposition  in  y;Jl"=!j„f*.  ?*^,"'^^J" 
and  some  others  liave  done,  agreeable  to  the  Syriac  and  Arabic  versions.)    ver.  34.   will  admit  such  an  mterpretation.     see    ur.    «miij' =. 
that  )x>\f>iv  aTtiXirt'CovTi^  should  be  rendered,  causing  7ume  to  despair  f)    here. 


PART  OF  THE  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT  REPEATED. 
lOo 

cFCT   ««rf  if  vou  do  it  from  a  tmly  reli^ous  principle,^  yoM  sA«// also  6e /brgiwsra  by  God  those  demned :   forgive,    and   ye 
54. '  offences  against  him,  which  are  mfinitely  greater  than  any  you  can  possibly  receive  from  ^'^^^  ^^  f'"-8"'«n  • 
— your  fellow-creatures.    (See  Matt.  vii.  1.  p.  86.) 

LUKE       Give  liberally  to  those  that  t)eed  your  assistance,  and  it  shall  be  given  back  to  you  in  a    38  Give,  and  itshall  be  given 
VI-     rich  abundance:  for  it  will  gain  you  so  much  love  and  respect,  that  God  will  so  influence  ;;?e'ssei'°dowif°°and™Sen 

38  men's  hearts  in  your  favour,  that  f»en  shall,  as  it  were,  pour  into  your  lap^  good  measure,  together,  and  'running  over, 
hXessm^s  pressed  doiim,  and  shaken  together,  and  even  running  over;  for  it  may  be  taken  as  bosom."' for^wfth '"he  same 
a  general  rule  that  bu  the  same  measure  that  you  measure  with  to  others,  it  will  in  return  measure  that  ye  mete  withal, 
be  measured  back  to  you.    (See  Matt.  vii.  2.  p.  86.)  ,   ,       ,  ,  ,  _        agatn."  "'  "'''"'''"'  *"  ''"" 

39  He  spake  also,  at  the  same  time,  a  parable  to  them,  (which  he  afterwards  repeated,  Matt.     39  And  he  spake  a  parable 
XV.  14.)  to  caution  them  against  submitting  with  an  implicit  faith  to  the  conduct  of  igno-  5"^"^'^°  thl'"blind"  shall  ''they 
rant  or  vicious  men,  who  might  set  up  for  religious  teachers;  and  said,  Can  the  6/iHC?  not  both  fall  into  the  ditch .' 
undertake  to  guide  the  blind  ?   Will  they  not  both,  in  such  a  case,  be  likely  to  fall  into  a 

pit  or  ditch,  which  may  happen  to  lie  in  their  way  ?  And,  in  like  mariner,  you  have  nothing 

40  to  expect  from  following  such  men  but  to  perish  with  them.  There  is  little  reason  to  hope  40  The  disciple  is  not  above 
that,  under  their  instruction,  you  should  be  wiser  and  better  than  they  :  for  it  is,  you  ^|^l^  "perfect  shllf 'be ^as  to 
know,  a  common  proverb,  that  the  scholar  is  not  above  his  teacher;  but  all  that  can  rea-  master. 

sonably  be  expected  is,  that  evei^y  one  who  is  a  fnished  [scholar]  .should  come  up  to  him 
that  teaches  him ;  and  it  is  this  that  he  ivill  principally  aim  at,  to  be  as  his  master :  it  is  of 
great  importance  therefore  that  you  should  well  consider  whom  you  take  to  be  your 
teachers ;  for  it  is  necessary  that  your  righteousness  exceed  that  of  the  scribes  and  Phari- 
sees, if  you  expect  a  share  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.     (See  Matt.  v.  20.  and  x.  24,  25.) 

41  Yet,  on  the  other  hand,  I  would  not  have  you  to  be  forward  in  blaming  them,  or  any  41  And  why  beholdest  thou 
other,  while  you  neglect  a  due  regulation  of  your  own  temper  and  conduct :  for  jvhy  dost  |h|r-^ey*e,'hut  'perceive^st''not 
thou  look  at  the  little  mote  which  is  in  thy  brothers  eye,  and  observest  not  the  much  greater  the  beam  that  is  in  thine  own 

42  disorder  which  is  like  a  beam  in  thine  own  eye  ?  Or  how  canst  thou,  with  any  decency,  ^^Eitiier  how  canst  thou 
or  to  any  purpose,  say  to  thy  brother.  Brother,  hold  still  [and]  I  will  take  out  the  mote  say'tci  thv  brother.  Brother, 
which  is  in  thine  eye;  whikWvow.  art  at  the  same  time  so  blind  and  partial,  that  thou  secst  i|^n^Ei'ne''e"ye!''^^h'e4!^hou 
not  the  beam-  which  is  in  thine  own  eyel  Thou  hypocrite,  who  falsely  pretendest  that  zeal  thyself  beholdest'not  the  beam 
for  the  honour  of  religion  which,  while  thou  art  thus  careless  of  thyself,  thou  canst  not  Thou'hypocrit'e"!^casToutX'st 
really  have,  first  cast  out  the  beam  from  thine  own  eye,  and  then  thou  wilt  discern  [how]  to  the  beam  out  of  thine  own 
takeout  the' mote  that  is  in  thy  brothers  eye;  which  is  an  office  that  requires  greater  wisdom  clearf"  to'pu"ll^oSt\h'e°"mote 
and  conduct  than  in  thy  present  circumstances  thou  canst  be  supposed  to  have.  (See  the  that  is  in  thy  brother's  eye. 
notes  on  Matt.  vii.  3,  4.  p.  87.) 

43  Till  thou  shalt  thus  reform  thyself,  there  is  not  much  to  be  expected  from  thine  endeavours  43  For  a  good  tree  bring- 
to  reform  others  :  for  as  there  is  no  good  tree  which  produces  bed  fruit,  so  neither  is  there  ne'ith""*  dotll' a'^Torrupt'^  tree 

44  any  bad  tree  which  produces  good  fruit :    For  all  the  world  is  agreed  that  every  tree  is  to  bring  forth  good  fruit. 

be  known  by  its  proper  fruit :  men,  for  instance,^  do  not  gather  figs  of  thorns,  nor  do  they  byhif own  fruit  I'^for'of'thoms 
gather  a  cluster  of  grapes  from  a  bramble.    (Compare  Matt.  vii.  16.  p.  88.)  men  do  not  gather  liss,  nor  of 

45  And  indeed,  where  men  converse  with  any  degree  of  intimacy,  they  may  be  known  and  gra^'pTs"'''''^  ''"*''  ^'*"'^'"  ^"-^ 
judged  of  by  their  words  as  well  as  by  their  actions,  ji  good  man,  maintaining  an  habitual  45  A  good  man  out  of  the 
sense  of  the  Divine  Presence,  and  feeling  in  his  own  soul  a  spring  of  habitual  and  diffu-  brrn'teth*'''t<"r'th  t'hat*'which'"is 
sive  benevolence  to  his  fellow-creatures,  naturally  produces  that  which  is  good,  out  of  the  good ;  and  an  evil  man  outof 
good  treasure  of  grace  and  love  which  is  laid  up  in  his  heart :  and  on  the  other  hand,  a  bHnt>etii"tbrt"'^?hat  whit'h''is 
bad  man  out  of  the  bad  treasure  of  evil  principles  and  corrupt  affections  which  is  laid  up  in  f;"  ■  fo""  "t  the  abundance  of 
his  heart,  produces  that  which  is' bad,  which  often  breaks  out  before  he  is  aware,  and  dis-  '"''  ^"  '""""'  ^P^''''*"'- 
covers  his  character,  even  contrary  to  his  intention  ;  for  his  inouth  naturally  speaks  from 

the  overfowing  of  the  heart,  and  no  man  has  so  much  artifice  as  to  command  it  entirely, 
so  that  it  shall  never  discover  itself  in  some  unguarded  moment.  (Compare  Matt.  xii.  34, 
35.  sect.  Ixii.) 

46  Yet  remember,  it  is  not  merely  bv  men's  words  that  their  character  will  finally  be  4fi  And  why  call  ye  me. 
judged,  and  their  estate  fixed  ;  especially,  that  it  will  not  be  determined  by  a  few  pious  l^^^„'^  l^'^\^  ("^  ''°  °°*  *''« 
and  devotional  forms  of  speech,  which  in  themselves  are  of  very  little  worth  :  for  why  do     '"^^  '*  "^      ^^^ ' 

you  call  me,  Lord,  Lord,  or  what  imaginable  purpose  does  that  profession  serve,  if  in  your 
practice  you  are  regardless  of  my  will,  and  do  not  the  things  which  I  say  and  command  to 
all  that  call  themselves  my  disciples?  (Compare  Matt.  vii.  21.) 

47  This  is  a  vanity  of  whicli  I  have  formerly  warned  you:  and  to  repeat  the  warning,  Jwi//  47  Whosoever  cometh  to 
shew  you,  on  the  one  hand,  to  ivhom  that  man  is  like  that  comes  to  me,  and  hears  my  words,  JJJffj  Soeth^the'in'  T  wflYihew 
and  practises  agreeably  to  them  :  and,  on  the  other  hand,  to  whom  it  is  that  he  may  be  you  to  whom  he  is  like : 

48  resembled,  who  hears  my  words  and  doth  them  not.  As  to  the  former,  he  is  like  a  pru-  48  lie  is  like  a  man  which 
dent  man  that  built  an  house  on  the  river-side ;  and,  considering  the  importance  of  the  J}""*  and'iai"(l't'he'"t'l'undatmn 
undertaking,  and  the  difficulty  of  the  situation,  dug  deep  through  the  sand,  and  marl,  and  on''^'  rockf'and^  "Xn"  the 
gravel,  till  he  came  to  the  solid  stone,  and  placed  the  foundation  of  his  house  upon  a  rock:  vehemenX^.r'on^that"hou!l' 
and  afterwards  he  was  abundantlv  repaid  for  all  his  labour  and  expense  ;  for  when  the  and  could  not  shake  it:  fo'rit 
inundation  came,  the  current  of  the  "river  with  an  impetuous  torrent  violently  broke  upon  that  ^'"^  'oun^^^'  "pou  a  rock. 
house,  and  yet  urns  not  able  to  shake  it,  because  it  ivas  founded  upon  a  rock  :  thus  securely 

will  the  practical  hearer  stand  the  shock  of  temptations,  and  the  trial  of  death  and  of  the 

49  judgment  day.     But,  on  the  other  hand,  he  that  hears  my  words,  and  does  not  practise     49  But  he  thatheareth,  and' 

fn^cZt\l\^?}'''^r'')  f'*  ^"'^^    -'"^T  ^"  9'  ^^'^  '"'^^''   °^  H  r^""^'  ""'^""^  wltl^ou"t"a''f^,li:^^ti^n"]r^'ii;t* 

an V  care  to  secure  a  foundation ;  against  ivhich  the  impetuous  stream  did  violently  break  ^'o^^enpon  the  e^rtU:  against 
with  the  same  fury,  and,  being  unable  to  withstand  the  shock,  it  presently  fell  down  ;  and  h^^eX  andil^mediaTely  it 
tlie  7'uin  of  that  house  was  irreparably  great,  and  its  inhabitants  were  all  crushed  under  it  fell ;  and  the  ruin  of  that 
(Compare  Matt.  vii.  24 — 27.  sect,  xliii.)  *>°"s^  ^^  P'^^t- 


THE  CURE  OF  THE  CENTURION'S  SERVANT.  107 

IMPROVEMENT.  ^54^' 


Let  a  frequent  reflection  on  our  own  faults  teach  us  candour ;  and  let  a  sense  of  our  continued  dependence  on 


the  divine  liberality  make  us  liberal  towards  those  that  need  our  assistance ;  lest  we  lose  the  comfort  so  justly  luke 
forfeited,  and  abused  mercies  be  another  day  repaid  with  measures  of  wrath,  pressed  down,  shaken  together,  and  yZ'sR 
running  over.  ■,      r 

We  are  another  day  to  give  an  account  of  ourselves  before  God  :  let  us,  then,  judge  for  ourselves  in  matters  of 
rehgion ;  and  be  very  careful  that  we  do  not  stupidly  follow  blind  gviides,  till  we  fall  with  them  into  destruction.  39 
"  Lead  ua,  O  Lord,  in  the  way  everlasting  !  Form  us  to  a  more  perfect  resemblance  of  our  great  Master !  Make  40 
us  severe  to  ourselves,  and,  so  far  as  it  is  real  charity,  indulgent  to  others !  Sanctify  our  hearts  by  thy  grace,  that 
they  may  be  as  trees  bringing  forth  good  fruit,  or  as  fountains  pouring  out  wholesome  streams  !  There  may  a  good  41-4-4 
treasure  be  laid  up,  from  whence  good  things  may  be  abundantly  produced  !  There  may  those  holy  and  benevo-  45 
lent  affections  continually  spring  up,  which  may  flow  forth  with" unaffected  freedom  to  refresh  the  souls  and  ani- 
mate the  graces  of  all  that  are  around  us  ! " 

May  these  beautiful,  striking,  repeated  admonitions,  which  our  Saviour  gives  us  of  the  vanity  of  every  profession  46-49 
which  does  not  influence  the  practice,  be  attended  to  with  reverence  and  fear!  We  are  building  for  eternitt/ ;  may 
we  never  grudge  the  time  and  labour  of  a  most  serious  inquiry  into  the  great  fundamental  principles  of  religion  ! 
May  we  discover  the  sure  foundation,  and  raise  upon  it  a  noble  superstructure,  which  shall  stand  fair  and  glorious 
when  hypocrites  are  swept  away  into  everlasting  ruin,  in  that  awful  day  in  which  heaven  and  earth  shall  flee  awaij 
from  the  face  of  him  that  sits  upon  the  throne!  (Rev.  xx.  11.) 


SECTION  LV. 

ures,  ( 
latt.  V 

Luke  vii.  1. 


Christ,  after  preaching  in  the  plain,  goes  to  Capernaum,  and  miraculously  cures,  even  at  a  distance,  the  centurion's  servant  that  was  sick  of  a 

palsy.    Luke  vii.  1—10.    Matt.  viii.  5 — 13. 


55. 


Luke  vii.  1. 
NOW  when  he  had  ended  all  IN  the  two  former  sections  we  have  heard  the  excellent  discourse  that  Jesus  made;  and  sect. 
Ihrpeipfe '"he*"  entered'Tnto  '"^  '«^'f"  ^«^  had  finished  all  these  his  sayings,  which,  though  immediately  addressed  to  his 
Capernaum'.  disciples,  he  had  delivered  in  the  hearing  of  the  people  who  stood  round  him  in  the  plain, 

having  dismissed  the  assembly,  he  quickly' after  entered  into  Capernaum  again.  \Vn^ 

2  And  a  certain  centurion's      And  at  that  time  the  servant  of  a  certain  Roman  officer  in  that  city,  (called  a  centurion,  ^ 
Hm^wisIiS  ^anVreadylo  ^^'O'^  ^is  having  the  command  of  a  company  of  soldiers  consisting  of  a  hundred  men,)  who 
die.'  '  was  dear  to  his  master,  and  greatly  esteemed  hy  him,  wa$  exceeding  ill,  and  in  great  danger 

s  And  when  he  heard  of  of  death.  And  hearing  of  Jesus,  when  he  entered  into  Capemauyn,  where  the  nobleman's  3 
tev^t  into''''capw"naunf]  To  SOU  was  miraculously  cuVcd  by  him  at  a  distance,  (John  iv.  46.  sect,  xxxi.)  such  was  the 
[came  unto  him ;  having  first]  faith  of  the  ccuturion  in  his  power  to  help  him,  that  he  came  to  him^  with  a  very  humble 
the  Jews'^bes'eechi'n- him'that  ^"^^  res]iectful  application  ;  which  indeed  he  did  not  directly  presume  to  make  in  his  own 
he  would  come  an/i  heal  his  person,  \but  first^  Sent  unto  him  the  elders  of  the  Jews,  or  some  of  the  most  considerable  of 
servant:  [Matt.  viii. 5.]  ^^^^^^  ^j^^^^  dwelt  in  this  city,  in  whom  his  generosity  had  procured  a  considerable  interest; 

humbly  entreating  him  by  them,  that  he  would  condescend  to  coiue  and  set  him  free  from 
Matt.  viii.  6.  And  saying,  the  distress  that  he  was  in,  not  doubting  his  ability  to  heal  his  servant :  And  saying.  Lord,  matt. 
h'omtsick^of't'he  palsy '"griev-  my  faithful  and  beloved  servant  lies  at  home  in  {my}  house  in  a  very  deplorable  condition,    VIII. 
ously  tormented.        '  ^         being  seized  with  the  palsy ;  which,  though  it  has  quite  disabled  him  from  motion,  yet  has  " 

left  him  sensible  of  pain,  with  which  lie  is  so  dreadfully  tormented  that  he  can  take 

no  rest. 
Luke  vii.  4.  And  when  they      And  such  was  the  regard  the  elders  of  the  Jews  had  for  him,  that,  being  come  to  Jesus,  luke 
htn^ilTstiX;  sajinsf'rhat  they  entreated  hbn  with  great  importunity,  saying.  He  in  whose  name  we  now  address  thee,     Vll, 
he  was  worthy  for  whom  he  [g  one  who  is  worthy  ofthisfavour.^     For  though  he  be  a  Gentile,  and  a  stranger  among  "* 
^  s'foi  he*loveth  our  nation,  US,  yet  he  is  a  worshipper  of  the  true  God,  and  greatly  loves  our  nation  ;  so  that  he  takes  5 
and  he  hath  built  us  a  syna-  many  Opportunities  of  doing  good  in  the  neighbourhood,  (compare  Acts  x.  2.)  a7id  has 
^°°"^'  carried  his  generosity  so  far,  that  he  hath  built  us  a  synagogue  for  public  worship,  at  his 

own  expense. 
Matt.  viii.  r.   And  Jesus      And  Jcsus,  willing  to  pay  some  distinguishing  respect  to  a  person  of  so  worthy  a  charac-  matt. 
'Aeal  him!"'  """'  ter,  scdth  unto  him,  or  sent  him  word  by  those  who  had  petitioned  for  him,  I  will  imme-    viu. 

diately  come  down  to  the  centurion's  house,  to  see  the  servant  he  is  so  concerned  about,  ' 

and  heal  him. 
Luke  vii.  6.  Then  Jesus      And  accordingly,  Jesus  went  with  them  ;  and  now  as  he  was  'going  thither,  when  he  was  luke 
iTe^waT  now'^nStVa^from 'the  not  a  great  way  from  the  house,  the  centurion  sent  some  other  friejids  to  him,  and  at  last     VII. 
house,    the    centurion  sent  came  himself  in  iiersou,  and  answered  the  kind  message  which  Jesus  had  sent  him,  saying  o 
edTsaVi"ng''\mtoThi.rTJ.'d;  unto  him,  Lord,  trouble  not  thyself  to  come  any  further ;  for  I  am  not  xvorthy  that  thou, 
trouble  not  thyself,  for  I  ani  who  art  SO  holy  and  honourable  a  person,  shouldst  enter  under  my  roof;  Wherefore,  indeed,  7 
enterjnd^r'l^y  roof  I-'°[Man!  neither  did  I  think  myself,  who  am  an  alien  from  this  holy  nation,  worthy  to  come  imme- 
^i' 'wm"'  •  h     I      h   fliately  to  thee ;  but  first  chose  to  make  use  of  the  elders  of  the  place,  and  of  these  my 

I  myse1FwOT%y*to  come^'unto  Other  "friends  :  and  all  that  I  would  now  presume  to  ask  is,  That  thou  wouldst  but  please 
thee;  but  say  in  a  word  o„/,^  (-q  speuk  the  word,  and  I  know  that  M»/  servant  shall  immediately  be  healed.  For  even  8 
my^'servant^shail  °be  ^heafed.  I,  [whoj  am  onlv  a  centurion,  «  )nan  ranged  under  the  authority  of  my  commanding  oflicer,": 
"■^s^For  'I'kho  am  a  man  set  ^^^  ^^  ^  ^"^^  soldiers  under  myself,  order  and  govern  them  by  the  intimations  of  my  will, 
under^authority^havhil^un-  whether  present  or  absent ;  and  I  say  to  one,  Go  to  such  a  place,  and  he  goeth ;  and  to 
unro"Jne*Go'TnJi''h"e'*  oeti*/  (another,  Come  hither,  and  he  cometh ;"  and  to  my  slave,^  Do  this,  and  he  immediately  doth 
and  to  another.'come'!  and  he  it :  now  I  firmly  believe  thou  hast  yet  a  more  absolute  power  over  the  strongest  and  most 
D"\hi^  ^and^he  ^doe'tr"''  desperate  diseases,  and  canst  at  pleasure  command  them  off"  from  the  afflicted,  when  thou 
[Matt,  viii.'^g.]    ^     °^      '  '  ai-t  either  near,  or  at  a  distance  ;  and  I  shall  thankfully  accept  this  cure  in  the  manner  that 

may  be  least  inconvenient  to  thyself 

a  He  came  to  him.']    It  is  very  plain,  fiom   Luke's  larger  and   more  connexion  seems  to  intimate  that  the  original  reading  was  Trapefc/r, 

circumstantial  representation  of  the  case,  that  the  centurion  did  not  come  Thou  shouldst  do  this.    I  have  chosen  to  render  it  in  such  a  manner  as 

at  first  in  his  own  person,  (see  Luke  vii.  6, 7.)  but  he  might  properly  be  will  suit  either.                                                                              i    i.  •         ii 

said  to  do  that  which  he  directed  the  elders  to  do  in  his  name:    and  no-  c  Ranged  under  the  antharitg  of  my  commanding  oHicer.j    it  '?  '*'<^'' 

thing  IS  more  frequent,  even  to  this  day,  in  our  courts  of  law,  than  to  known,  that  the  Roman  centurions  were  subject  to  the  commami  or  tiieir 

say  that  a  person  comes  into  the  court  and  asks  a  thing,  which  he  asks  respective  tribunes  :  as  our  captains  are  to  that  ot  their  colonel;., 

perhaps  only  at  third  hand,  by  the  counsel  whom  his  solicitor  has  em-  d  Slave.]    As  the  word  d«Xo?-  generally  signifies  a  .t^are  ratiier  man  a 

j.loyed  m  his  cause.  hired  servant,  I  chose  to  render  it  thus  here,  as  thinking  it  most  expres- 

b  Worthy  of  this  favmir.]    By  far  the  greater  number  of  copies  read  it  sive  of  the  authority  to  which  the  speech  refers. 
as  it  stands  in  our  version,  Worthy  for  uhom  he  should  do  this :  yet  the 


these 
him, 
and 


THE  CURE  OF  THE  CENTURION'S  SERVANT. 

cprr       A'ld  Jesus  hmrins  these  things,  admired  him  on  account  of  his  great  humility,  and  the     9  When  Jesus  heard 
55.     stren-th  of  his  faiti?;  and,  turning  about,  he  said  to  the  multitude  that  followed  him,  Verily,  '^^f'^^lT\:^"tboX  ™. 

J  (jfclare  unto  you.  That  through  all  my  journeys  and  converse,  I  have  not  found,  even  in  said  unto  the  people  that  fol 

MATT,  all  Israel,  i«c/r an 'illustrious  degree  oi  foith  as"  now  appears  in  this  stranger,  who  only  J,X''you!"i  have"not  founc 

^^^'-    sojourns  amon?  you.     ^ut  I  sat/  unto  you  with  great  solemnity,  That  mani/  shall  at  last  so  great  faith,  no,  not  in 

^^  come,  not  onlv'from  the  neighbouring  provinces  of  the  Roman  empire,  but  even  foom  the  ^^mI'iI  wu."ii'.'"And^  sav 

remotest  Gentile  nations,  which  lie  to  the  ea,st  and  wesf^  of  its  utmost  boundaries,  and  unto  you.  that  many  shall 

shall  sit  doum  ivith  your  pious  ancestors,  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  to  share  with  andtimlUi?downVi?h  Ahra- 

12  them  in  the  delischtful  entertainments  and  final  blessedness  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  J   But  ham  and  Isaac,  and  .lacob, 

many  of  the  children  of  the  kingdom,  who  were  born  within  the  sacred'  enclosure,  and  '°i2  BuTthe°  d,Udren''o"  the 

appeared  to  stand  fairest  for  all  the  mercies  of  the  covenant,  and  indeed  the  bulk  of  the  kingdom  shall  be  cast  out  into 

Jewish  nation,  shall  be  rejected  with  abhorrence  for  their  unbelief,  and  be  cast  out  into  that  be'weeptng°Sd  gnl^hing^'of 

gloomy  darkness  which  is  without :?  there  shall  be  perpetual  weeping  for  sorrow,  and  gnash-  teeth. 

mg  of  the  teeth  with  envy  at  such  an  enragmg  sight. 

I  •?       4'nrl  hnvino-  uttered  these  words  for  the  admonition  of  the  Jews,  and  for  the  encourage-     13  And  Jesus  said  unto  the 
1.J       ^i/iK,  iici.ii.^  «n^.i>^v*  V  ii-PiT  -jj-t;  *•  u  iji:       centurion.  Go  thy  way;  and 

ment  of  this  pious  stranger  and  his  friends,  Jesus  said  to  the  centurion,  who  now  stood  by,  ^  ,hou  hast  believed;  so  be 
Go  thy  way  homeh  in  peace;  and  be  it  unto  thee,  and  to  thy  servant,  according  to  thy  *'grv2itw"i!l'hell'ldm'fhe'iilf^ 
faith.    And  in  that  very  hour  that  he  spake  these  words,  just  at  "that  instant,  was  his  servant  sam^ou^f 
healed. 
Li'KE       And  they  who  had  been  sent  from  the  centurion  as  his  messengers  to  Christ,  returning     Luke  vii.io.  And  they  that 

VII.  with  him  to  the  house,  were  eye-witnesses  of  the  cure,  andfoutid  the  servant  that  had  been  To'u'le.found'the'sTr^lntwholl 
^^  sick,  restored  to  perfect  health  and  vigour*    This  might  occasion  the 'conversion  of  the  that  had  been  sick. 

family ;  and  was  a  iniracle  that  greatly  raised  the  fame  of  Jesus,  and  made  the  multitude 
more  eager  in  their  pressing  after  him. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

\''er.  2      It  is  pleasant  to  think  of  this  good  centurion,  who,  amidst  all  tlie  temptations  of  a  military  life,  retained  the 

3  principles,  not  only  of  liberality  and  humanity,  but  of  piety  too  ;  and  probably  amidst  the  raillery  of  his  irreligious 

5  and  idolatrous  brethren,  had  the  courage  to  frequent,  and  even  to  build,  a  synagogue.    Surely  his  devotion  did  not 

enervate,  but  rather  invigorate  and  establish,  his  valour ;  nor  did  he  find  himself  less  dutifully  regarded  by  the 

MATT,  soldiers  under  his  command  for  this  parental  tenderness  to  his  afflicted  servant,  which  brought  him  thus  humbly 

VIII.  to  petition  Christ  in  his  favour.     Such  may  our  officers  be '.  and  we  may  hope  that  the  hosts  of  heaven  will  with 
6,  9  pleasure  cover  their  heads  in  the  day  of  battle,  and  obedient  troops  be  formed,  by  their  example  and  their  care,  to 

the  discipline  of  virtue  as  well  as  of  war. 
LUKE       We  see  the  force  of  real  goodness  to  conquer  the  most  inveterate  prejudices  :  the  elders  of  the  Jews  at  Caper- 

VII.  naum  turn  petitioners  for  a  Gentile,  for  a  Roman  centurion.    So  may  we  disarm  the  virulence  of  a  party  spirit,  and 
4,  5  conciliate  the  friendship  of  those  who  otherwise  might  have  their  eyes  upon  us  for  evil ! 

MATT.       I"  plentiful  circumstances  and  an  honourable  station,  how  great  is  the  humility  of  this  worthy  man  !  How  low 

VIII.  are  the  tlioughts  that  he  has  of  himself!  And  with  what  veneration  and  respect  does  he  address  himself  to  Christ '. 
8  And,  liad  this  centurion  been  even  a  tribune  or  a  general,  this  humble  address  would  well  have  become  him  when 

he  was  thus  applying  unto  Christ.     And  how  well  does  it  become  us,  when  entreating  the  blessed  Jesus  to  exert 
LUKE  his  healing  power  on  our  hearts,  to  bow  with  deep  humility  before  him,  and  to  say,  "  Lord,  I  am  not  worthy  that 

VII.  thou  shouldst  come  under  my  roof,  or  worthy  the  nonour  of  appearing  in  tliy  presence!"     He  that  thus  humbleth 
6,  7  himself  shall  be  exalted,  (Luke  xviii.  14.)  nor  do  we  ever  stand  fairer  for  the  praise  of  Christ  than  when  we  see 

ourselves  undeserving  even  of  his  notice. 
MATT.       Behold  an  instance  of  faith  in  a  stranger  to  the  commomccalth  of  Israel,  by  which  their  unbelief  was  con- 

VIII.  demned  !     O  that  the  virtues  of  heathens  may  not  another  day  rise  up  to  our  condemnation,  notwithstanding  an 
10  higher  profession  and  much  nobler  advantages  !   We  cannot  but  rejoice  to  hear  that  many  shall  come  from  the  east 

II  and  the  ivest,  to  sit  down  with  the  pious  patriarchs  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven  :  but  how  deplorable  is  the  case  of 
12  those  children  of  the  kingdom  who,  with  all  their  towering  expectations,  shall  be  cast  out,  and  doomed  to  hope- 
less sorrow  and  to  everlasting  darkness  ! 

May  almighty  grace  awaken  those  who  are  now  ignorant  of  the  value  and  importance  of  the  blessings  of  the 
gospel ;  and  excite  those  holy  desires  after  them  which  may  prevent  that  impatience  and  envy,  that  rage  and 
despair,  with  which  they  must  otherwise  view  them  at  an  unapproachable  distance ;  yea,  view  them  possessed  by 
multitudes  whom  they  are  now  most  ready  to  despise  ! 


SECTION  LVI. 

lim,  and 
dow  fron 

Mark  iii.  19. 


After  having  quitted  the  multitude  who  crowded  in  upon  him,  and  reposed  himself  that  night  at  Capernaum,  Jesus  goes  the  next  day  to  Nairn, 
and  raises  the  son  of  a  poor  widow  from  the  dead.    I\lark  iii.  19 — 21.    Luke  vii.  11 — 1*. 


-.  Mark  iii.  19. 

SECT.  NOW  after  Jesus  had  performed  this  miracle,  and  was  prevented  thus  from  going  to  the  AND  they   went  into   an 

^^-     centurion's,  before  he  left  Capernaum  with  his  twelve  new-chosen  apostles,  they  went  into  ''°"**- 
.,,„,.  r  '^T^  '  T^T  ^^-  '=0!n™o"!y  resided  while  he  was  in  that  city.     And  the  mi'dtitude  that    oq  And  the  multitude  cometi, 
MARK  had  been  standing  in  the  plain  assembled  asam  about  the  doors  and  windows  of  the  house-  together  again,  so  that  they 

20  '\"'^'  ^"™ated  by  the  illustrious  miracle  he  had  just  performed  on  the  centurion's  servant!  b?ead  ""'  '°  "'"'''  ^'  *"* 
they  pressed  so  eageriy  upon  him,  that  they  of  the  family  could  not  so  much  as  eat  bread, 

21  though  It  was  the  proper  hour  for  it.    And,  when  his  friends  had  heard  [of  it,']  that  he  was  so     21  And  when  his  friends 

nlfrJrto  ltl'ifv',.nnfir,"'^fr:,L^K'"''''P'f''!i-  *"¥''^.°"^V  Pro^'erbial    be  thrown  into  a  dark  dungeon.    Compare  Matt.  xxii.  11.   xxv.  .30. 
phrase  to  signify  coming  troni  the  most  distant  parts.     But   I   cannot    and  Jurie,  ver   13 

Zd'Zsf^n,7fJ'f\lu\ftt\^^^^^^                "'r-';  '"?u^  ^l  *''•'  ""'  ^  ^'\"'y  '""^  ^°'^^-'i    T^'s  most  evidently  proves  that  the  centurion 

rather  to  h/^nn^^n   ==  I  „«„  Ti         ^  ■■"""'    '^  'n'    ""'"^'^  i'  ^''^'"^  '^'^^  »t  length  come  owt  of  his hou.se.  probably  on  hearing  that  Jesus  was 

paring Tt  witli'Luke  x'iii.\l'an?Isl':'xl?^'??6.''  "'"  "'^^'^^  ""  ""'"-  IJ^^^yLnds'  "'"'  "'  '""^'■^'^'="'1'='*  ^^^  ''«  ^"'»  *"«  ^•^^""'^  '""^^^S*  "^ 

hprP^hp''p^nU?npH"^iLl'/''„,'^'f'^h'''''''/  '>r"'-^    ^°  'J"'  P'"'??"  '""^*  '  Restored  to  perfect  health  and   vigour.]    This  the  word  t7,a,ro..Ta 

the  hnfv  n»  H»r.h;  llJ.  ^^T  ir%'""^'  ^'Ik  ''"^  P™P"ety   either  that  seems  to  import  ■    lior  did  it  suit  the  honour  and  goodness  of  thrift  tS 

tfie  holy  patriarchs  share  with  christians  in  the  present  privieges  of  the  \eA\t  the  cure  incomBletp      Cnmnarp  Matt   viii    Ti 

f;Xjj*from''them    ''''  ■^""'  '"''"  """"  ''"'''  ™  ^'='^''"°'  °^  t'^'*'"  ^^^^  «  "^^  C/^/r^r  W.^Pwe  ml!s^                    from  the  manner  in 

"filnnmw^rl,vi'<r  ,„h;.l,  i,  „,i,i,„,„                              f             n    x.  ^  '^'^''^'i  M»''k  Connects  this  with  the  names  of  the  apostles,  that  it  hap- 

•    '^y\nomy  darkness  which  ts  WHhovt  ;  to  ctkoto?  to  eltOTepoi-.]     It  has  pened   very  quickly  after  their  beina  chosen      The  other  evamrelists  in. 

oft    f  usfd\°ft^er7hf-t?,L'^rj//,r'^' h"'°h''  "^^' ''"'''  ^^^h'-  K^'''^''  *^  '"'""  "^  ot^so^nie  p7evTou;  events  whkh  happened  in  the  mea  ilimeNu 

contains  a  bea^mt^fl  alnfZ  L  th?  In.^rp  n^tw°"^if' '''*  '»  3  ''^"^"e.t,  they  might  be  despatched  in  a  few  hours.    l*li  is  therefore  is  undoubtedly 

which  such  Ss  were   'enera^l^^^  Ls  0000.0^  r/h''f'j'°'?' ""  ^^l  P™?'"'"  I'J^"  ^°'  '^^''^^  ^'e'"'*^^;   «"d  *'  >^  ^"-""^^^  that  Le  Clerc  anH 

which   s^frm.SH  fl^nJ  wh^  i^v  nf»h?^^^^  others  should  have  placed  them  before  the  sermon  in  the  plain.    (.See 

ometimer°Z''tp.  f,?tLrl\„^„^  .^i'^l.r,?.!",™."'.  °"!l.t"L"  ^'!«  ^"'■-  V-  ,lT-20.  p.  103,  104.)    I  suppose  this  >vas  after  the  cure  of  the 


THE  RAISING  OF  THE  WIDOW  OF  NAIM'S  SON.  109 

heard  of  it,  they  went  out  to  intent  upon  his  work  as  to  go  out  of  doors  again  to  preacli  to  the  people,  they  went  out  SECT, 
lay  hold  on  fiim :  tor  they  j^fjgp  \]\m,  to  lay  hold  OH  him,  and  importune  him  to  come  in ;  for  they  said,  He  is  trans-     56. 

said,  He  is  bes.de  himseit.     ^^^.^^^  too /(ir,^'' noi  to  allow  himself  time  for  his  meals,  after  all  the  Watchings  of  the  last • 

night,  and'  the  fatigue  of  this  day.'  i-J^ke 

Luke  vii.  11.  And  it  came  And,  Jesus  having  so  far  yielded  to  their  importunity  as  to  repose  himself  that  evening  .^'■^• 
to  pass  the  day  after,  that  he  there,  it  Came  to  pass  Oil  the  next  day,  that  he  went  from  Capernaum  tn  a  city  called  Nairn  -A 
and"inaSv  ""oVhts  \iiscipTes  and  Muny  of  his  (Usciples  ivcnt  thiihev  with  him,  and  a  great  multitude  of  others.  And,  when  12 
went  with  him,  and  much  ^^  approac'licd  the  gate  of  the  city,  a  circumstance  happened,  which  proved  the  occasion  of 
'T^"  Now  when  he  came  ni-h  one  of  the  most  memorable  miracles  of  his  life.  For  behold,  the  corpse  of  a  dead  person 
th*''^vas\''deadmaAclrde!i  «'*''  c«''/'"'f^  «'<^  in  funeral  proccssion,  (according  to  their  manner  of  burying  without  the 
ouuhe  only  sTn  of  his  mother,  walls  of  their  cities,)  and  the  deceased  war  the  only  son  of  his  mother,  and  she  was  a  ividow, 
mih'nJnif  nfTi;e°cTtv  w^  which  made  the  case  so  much  the  more  deplorable;  a7id  this  sad  circumstance,  together 
wiih  hen  ^  with  others  which  attended  it,  so  influenced  the  minds  of  many  of  her  neighbours,  that 

there  ivas  a  great  multitude  of  the  city  with  her. 

13  And  when  the  Lord  saw      And  the  ''Lord,  sccing  her' in  this  afflicted  condition,  luas  moved  tvith  tender  compassion  13 
her'  and  sjid  umo"htr '  Weep  for  her ;  SO  that  he  prevented  any  opportunity  of  solicitation  on  their  part,  and  said^  unto 
not:  '  7(f7-,  Weep  not  any  lonc^er  upon  this  occasion;  for  I  am  come  to  bring  thee  consolation 

14  And  he  came  and  touched  and  relief.     And  presently  apptvaching  them,  he  touched  the  bier,  on  which,  according  to  14 
/]ym''Jto'oksUU*  Andhesald'  the  manner  of  that  place  and  time,  the  corpse  was  laid,  covered  over  with  a  kind  of  niantle, 
Young  man,  I  say  unto  thee',  or  winding-sheet ;  and  the  bearers,  who  were  carrying  it  upon  their  shoulders,  stood  stdl: 
^"^^-  and  with  an  unaflected  freedom  and  simplicity  he  said,  in  such  a  manner  as  discovered  his 

15  And  he  that  was  dead  divine  authority,  Young  inan,  I  say  unto  thee.  Arise  !  And,  as  soon  as  he  had  spoken  these  15 
And^he''dclivered"him  to'^h'is  astonishing  woVds,  the  youth  who  had  been  dead,  awakened  by  that  almighty  energy  which 
mother.  went  along  with  them,  sat  up,  and  began  to  speak  ;  and  Jesus,  when  he  thus  had  shown  his 

power  in  restoring  him  to  life,  discovered  too  the  sympathizing  kindness  of  a  friend  ;  and, 
taking  him  by  the  hand,  delivered  him  to  his  mother,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  express  the 
pleasure  he  found  in  changjing  her  sorrow  into  a  transport  of  proportionable  joy. 

16  And  there  came  a  fear      And  a  religious  dread  fell  upon  all  those  who  were  present ;  and  they  glorified  God,  say-  16 
^Gof^Lytnl  That  I'^grlll  "'g,  Tnily  a  great  prophet  is  risen  up  among  us ;  and  God  has  again  graciously  regarded  his 
prophet  is  risen  up  amon?  ancient  people,  who  were  in  former  ages  so  often  distinguished  by  his  favours.     And  this  17 
ed'hfs"p4oi]lf^°'* '"'''"''"''  report  of  him,  and  of  this  glorious  miracle  which  he  had  wrought,  went  forth,  not  only 

17  And  this  rumour  of  him  throuo-h'  the  neighbouring  parts  of  Galilee,  but  was  soon  spread  through  all  Judea,  and  the 
A!^^^^\Z&nlM{hl  whole  region  that  was  round  about;  and  greatly  heightened  and  increased  the  mighty 
region  round  about.  expectations  from  him  which  they  had  long  since  begun  to  entertain. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

It  surely  becomes  us  likewise  to  glorify  God  on  account  of  this  great  Prophet  whom  he  has  raised  up,  not  only  Ver.l6 
to  his  ancient  people  Israel,  but  to  be  for  salvation  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.  (Acts  xiii.  47.)    Welcome  thou  Mes-  17 
senger  of  the  Father's  love  \  How  illustrious  thy  miracles !  how  important  thy  doctrine !  how  beneficent  and 
amiable  the  whole  of  thy  behaviour  ! 

He  went  from  Capernaum  to  Naim,  still  on  the  same  blessed  errand,  to  do  good  to  the  bodies  and  the  souls  ol  11 
men.     Oh  that  our  lives,  in  their  humble  sphere,  might  be  such  a  circle  of  virtues  and  graces  !  that  we  might  thus 
go  about  doing  good ;  and  might  learn,  by  the  happiest  of  all  arts,  to  make  the  close  of  one  useful  and  pious 
action  the  beginning  of  another ! 

Of  him  may  we  also  learn  the  most  engaging  manner  of  conferring  benefits :  that  lovely  mixture  of  freedom  and  13 
tenderness,  which  heightens  the  sweetness,  and  doubles  the  value,  of  every  favour !  May  our  hearts  imbibe  the 
same  temper,  and  it  will  diffuse  on  our  actions  some  proportionable  gracefulness  !  May  our  bowels,  like  his,  yearn 
over  the  afflicted,  and  our  hand  be  ever  ready  thus  gently  to  wipe  away  their  tears  !  But,  O  gracious  Redeemer, 
how  impotent  is  our  pity  when  compared  with  thine"',  with  thine,  which  could  call  back  lamented  children  from  14,  15 
the  grave,  and  turn  the  sorrows  of  a  weeping  parent  into  a  torrent  of  joy  !  We  are  sometimes  ready  fondly  to  say, 
"  Oh  that  thou  hadst  been  near  when  the  darlings  of  our  hearts  were  snatched  away  from  us,  and  we  left  them  in 
the  dust !"  But  thou  indeed  wast  near;  for  thou  hast  the  keys  of  death  and  the  unseen  world!  And  this  we  know, 
that,  if  our  beloved  children  are  sleeping  in  thee,  thy  voice  shall  at  length  awaken  them  ;  and  thou  wilt  deliver 
them  to  us,  to  die  no  more ;  and  wilt  thyself  graciously  take  part  in  that  mutual  and  lasting  joy  which  thou  shalt 
give  to  us  and  to  them. 


SECTION  LVII. 

'as  the  '. 
-23.    M 

Luke  vii.  18. 


John  the  Baptist  sends  two  of  his  disciples  to  Jesus,  to  inquire  whether  he  was  the  Messiah :  and  Jesus  answers  them  in  a  convincing  though 
,  oblique  manner.    Luke  vii.  18 — 23.    Matt.  xi.  2 — 6. 


Luke  vii.  18. 

AND  the  disciples  of  John  WE  have  before  mentioned  the  imprisonment  of  John  the  Baptist,  and  given  some  account  sect. 

shewed  him  of  all  these  things,  ^f  ^j^g  occasion  of  it.    (Scct.  xxviii.  p.  62.)     Now  the  disciples  of  John  had  the  courage     57. 
to  resort  to  him  where  he  was  confined,  and  informed  him  of  what  passed  :  and  they  par- 
ticularly gave  him  an  account  of  all  these  things  which  had 'now  lately  been  performed  by   ^.^j*^^ 
Jesus  ;^  how  he  had  cured  the  centurion's  servant  at  a  distance,  and  raised  the  young  man-  jg 
at  Naim  to  life  when  they  were  carrying  him  out  to  his  funeral. 

timate  that  Christ  was  then  entering  Capernaum;   and  the  multitude  Compare  Luke  vi.  12,  et  seq.  %  52.  whence  it  appears  our  Lord  had  sat 

was  not  vet  dismissed  when  that  cure  was  wrought.  (Matt.  viii.  10.)  up  the  preceding  night,  and  eaten  nothing  this  day  ;  but  spent  the  morn- 

b  They  said.  He  is  transported  too  far :   oti  cfeo-Ttj.]    Our  manner  of  ing  in  giving  a  charge  to  his  new-chosen  apostles,  and  the  advance  ol 

rendering  these  words,  He  is  beside  himself,  or.  He  is  mad,  is  very  of-  the  day  in  preaching  to  a  vast  auditory,  and  working  many  niiracles. 

tensive.    One  can  hardly  think  Christ's  friends  would  speak  so  con-  d  To  a  city  called  Nairn.']    If  Naim  was  acity  ot  the  tribe  ot  issac-nar, 

temptibly  and  impiously  of  him  ;  and  if  that  sense  must  necessarily  be  and  lay  at  the  toot  of  Mount  Tabor,  (where  most;  geograpiiers   nrf\e 

retained,  it  would  be  much  more  decent  to  render  the  clause.  It  (that  is,  placed  it,  our  Lord  made  a  pretty  long  journey  this  day,  especially  con- 

the  multitude  mentioned  in  the  verse  before)  is  mad,  thus  unseasonably  sidering  what  was  mentioned  in  the   last  note  ;    tor  he  must  inus  Il<^^e 

to  break  in  upon  him.    But  2  Cor.  v.  13.  is  the  only  passage  in  the  New  travelled  about  twelve  miles.     Lighttoot  supposes  it  to  be  '"f/f  !■",  ,/;' 

Testament  where  the  word  has  this  signification.    It  generally  signifies  En-gannim,  which  is  mentioned  in  Josh.  xix.  21.  and  ';'''•-,;•' j|",'''p 

to  be  greatly  transported,  or,  as  we  express  it  in  a  word  derived  from  lay  also  in  the  tribe  of  Issachar,  and  must  have  been  ^'.."°  "^",?  4-^^ 

this,  to  be   thronn  into  an  ecstasy.  (Mark  ii.  12.    v.  42.    vi.  51.    Luke  from  Capernaum.    (See  Lightfoofs  Chorog.cd  -^"^- X',;, iVthPevenine 

viii.  56.  and  Acts  ii.  7.  12.    xii.  16.)    And,  though  the  Seventy  some-  circumstance  here  recorded  might  probably  happen  towarosmeevemug, 

times  use  it  for  tainting  away,  (Gen.  xlv.  26.  Josh.  ii.  11.   and  Isa.  vii.  at  which  season  funerals  are  commonly  '^.'-'''^E;''       A.,.f^rmpH  hv   lesns  1 

2.)  1  do  not  find  it  ever  signifies  that  faintness  which  arises  from  excess  a  .till  these  things  which  had  now  l'^*<''y /''^"^P?'   |™f,°  pf.  auicklv 

of  labour  or  want  of  food  ;    but  our  Lord's  attendants  seemed  to  have  This  is  a  plain  argument,  that  this  "lessase  from  John  happeneuquicKiy 

feared  lest  his  zeal  and  the  present  fervency  of  his  spirit  should  have  after  the  miracles  which  Luke  had  recorded  '" '"^^ '''^''."'I'i'^  P^^ 

bf en  iniurioiis  to  his  health.  chapter.    And  therefore,,  though  Matthew  has  mentioned  many  o^^^^ 

c  Afterall  the  watchingsof  the  last  night,and  the  fatigueofthisday.]  facts   and  discourses    before  he  relates  this  message,  yet,   because  ne 


^10  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST  SENDS  TWO  OF  HIS  DISCIPLES  TO  CHRIST. 

sPCT       And  when  John  had  thus  heard  in  his  priaon  the  works  of  Christ,  as  the  very  persons  that     19  And  John,  [when  he  had 
57.  '  brought  him  the  news  of  them  seemed  to  have  entertained  some  doubt  concerning  Jesus,  oPS,J?st!]\ai'iing  untohim 

whether  he  was  the  promised  Messiah  or  no  :  for  their  satisfaction,  therefore,  rather  than  two  ot  his  <iisciples,  sent  them 

LUKE  his  own,''  he  called  two  of  his  disciples  to  him,  and  sent  them  in  his  own  name  to  Jesus,  say-  ^AntCo^hiZ^lhoMco^k] 
Vi'-    ino  unto  him,  What  dost  thou  say  to  this  plain  question.  Art  thou  the  great  expected  or  look  we  for  another  ?  [Matt. 
■^^  Messiah,  whom  we  have  so  long  been  used  to  speak  of  by  the  emphatical  title  of  He  that  ^'-  *•  ^'^ 
cometh,"  or  arc  we  to  expect  another  under  that  character?  Answer  the  question  as  expressly 
as  I  formerly  bore  my  testimony  to  thee. 

20  Arid  when  the  men  who  were  emploved  by  John  to  be  his  messengers  to  Jesus  upon  this  co  When  the  men  were  come 
important  errand  xoere  come  to  him,  they  delivered  their  message  with  great  exactness ;  and  Bapfis'i"";ath*senf 'us  u°nS 
said  John  the  celebrated  Baptist,  whose  courage  and  faithfulness  in  his  ministerial  office  thee,  saying.  An  thou  he  that 
have  been  the  occasion  of  his  imprisonment,  has  sent  us  to  thee,  saying.  Art  thou  he  that  I'^ou.er?"'^ '  °'  ^°°^  """  ^"^ 
comet h,  and  dost  thou  own  thyself  to  be  indeed  the  great  Messiah,  or  are  we  to  expect 

«wo</(er  under  that  character? 

21  Now  Jesus  was  determined  to  return  an  answer  to  their  question,  by  actions  rather  than  ci  And  in  the  same  hour 
by  words ;  and  therefore  in  that  ve>y  hour,  while  they  were  present  with  him,  and  were  firnXef  and''pi'ag''aes!and'of 
eye-wit^esses  of  what  he  did,  (as  the  message  was  on  purpose  delivered  before  a  large  evil  spirits  -,  and  unto  many 
assembly  of  ])eople,  in  which,  as  usual,  there  were  many  who  came  to  be  healed  of  various  ''""  "'*'"*  ^'""^  ^^  "^^'^  ^'s^*- 
incurabte  distempers,)  he  exercised  the  power  that  he  had  of  working  miracles,  and  cured 

many  that  were  then  before  him  of  their  diseases  and  plagues,'^  and  delivered  them  from  the 
possession  of  evil  spirits,  and  graciously  bestowed  sight  on  many  that  ivere  blind.^ 

22  And  then  Jesus,  answering  their  demand,  said  tmto  them.  Go,  and  relate  to  John  the  things  ce  Then  Jesus  answering 
which  you  yourselves  have  seen  and  heard  this  day,  as  well  as  those  that  you  ha\'e  been  in-  ^j  t"e'll''joim'what^thh!i^''yc 
formed  of  by  others,  who  have  been  eye  and  ear  witnesses  of  my  miracles  and  discourses  :  have  seen  and  heard  ;°how 
say,  in  particular.  That  the  blind  receive  their  sight,  the  lame  walk,  the  lepers  are  cleansed,  the  wa[k!'the''lepers^ar'e  dlailsed! 
deaf  hear,  the  very  dead  are  raised :  and  observe  also,  that  I  do  not  court  the  rich  and  the  the  d'eat  hear,  the  dead  are 
great,  as  impostors  are  most  apt  to  do  ;  nor  do  I  bear  a  commission  chiefly  directed  to  go'^pei^s''preached?[ffatt.*x^ 
them,  as  some  of  the  prophets  did  ;  but,  as  you  see  by  the  auditory  now  around  me,  the  3, 5.] 

poor,  and  even  the  meanest  of  the  people,  have  the  gospel  preached  to  them ;  they  have  the 
good  news  of  eternal  salvation  most  freely  published  among  them,  and  the  blessings  of  it 

23  offered  to  their  acceptance.  And  be  sure  you  add  further,  that  I  appear  in  such  circum-  C3  And  blessed  is  he,  who- 
stances,  that  there  is  reason  to  say,  Happy  is  he  that  is  not  scandalized  or  stumbled  at  fn",™""  [MaVxi  g^-j ""*"''*'* 
me :  f  for  he  must  be  singularly  wise  ana  religious,  who  is  not  shocked  by  the  strong 

popular  prejudices  which  lie  against  me.  Let  John  consider  these  things  in  themselves, 
and  let  him  compare  them  with  those  prophecies  s  which  foretell  that  the  Messiah  should 
work  such  miracles,  (Isa.  xxv.  5,  6.)  that  he  should  preach  the  gospel  to  the  poor,  Clsa. 
Ixi.  1.)  and  that  many  should  despise  and  reject  him.  (Isa.  viii.  14.  liii.  1 — 3.)  And  he, 
and,  by  a  parity  of  reason,  you,  and  the  rest  of  his  disciples,  may  easily  collect  a  convinc- 
ing answer  to  ihe  question  you  are  come  to  ask,  without  any  more  express  declaration 
from  me.'' 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  18     We  have  here  in  John  the  Baptist  a  very  edifying  instance  of  a  most  candid  and  pious  temper.    How  solicitous 
was  he  to  remove  those  scruples  from  the  minds  of  his  disciples  which,  perhaps,  their  excessive  fondness  for  him 
19  might  have  occasioned  !     He  wisely  sends  them  to  converse  with  Jesus  themselves  :  and  surely  they  who  most 
accurately  inquire  into  the  credentials  he  brings,  will  be  most  effectually  convinced  and  impressed  by  them. 

22  Let  us,  when  tempted  to  doubt  of  the  truth  of  Christianity,  recollect  the  various  and  unanswerable  proofs  of  it 
which  are  summed  up  in  these  comprehensive  words ;  arising  from  the  miracles  and  character  of  our  Redeemer, 
and  the  prophetic  testimony  that  was  borne  to  him.  Let  us  particularly  rejoice  that  the  jioor  have  the  gospel 
jireached ;  and  that  the  blessings  of  it  are  offered  to  enrich  the  souls  of  those  whose  bodily  necessities  we  often 
pity,  without  having  it  in  our  power  to  relieve  them. 

23  And,  since  our  Lord  pronounces  a  blessing  upon  those  that  shall  not  be  offended  in  him,  let  us  consider  what 
those  things  are,  in  the  doctrine  or  circumstances  of  Christ,  which  have  proved  the  most  dangerous  stumbling- 
asserts  nothing  at  all  as  to  the  order  and  connexion  of  it.  (See  Matt.  xi.  d  Of  their  diseases  and plapues.']  Ma^iTec,  plagues,  or  scourges,  may 
e.)    1  have,  with  most  other  harmonizers,  thought  myself  obliged  to  fol-    probably  signify  some  of  the  most  grievous  distempers,  such  as  leprosies, 

"S  r       u'  °"      ■  P^nf^'P'es  laid  down  above.  See  note  a,  p.  91.  palsies,  inveterate  Huxes,  &c.  (compare  Mark  iii.  10.  and  v.  29,  S4.)and 

b  tor  their  satisfaction,  therefore,  rather  than  his  own.]  Mr.  L'Entant,  may  allude  to  their  being  supposed  to  be  such  corrections  as  intimated 
with  some  others,  thinks  (as  Justin  Martyr  and  Tertullian  did)  that  the  «?r<;a/ rfw/j/ea.twre  </ Gorf  against  the  persons  on  whom  they  were  sent. 
Jpnn  was  so  discouraged  by  his  own  long  imprisonment,  that  he  began    Compare  John  v.  14.  and  ix   2 

himselt  to  doubt  whether  Jesus  was  the  Messiah  :  and,  agreeably  to  this,  e  jUd  graciously  bestowed  sitiht,  <Sr.]  The  original  phrase,  evapio-aTO 
ne  supposes  that  when  our  Lord  afterwards  says,  Happy  is  he  that  is  to  /SXenciv.  seems  to  express,  both  in  how  generous  and  in  how  4(ind 
not  ojrenaed  m  me,  he  meant  it  as  a  caution  to  John,  that  he  should  be  and  affectionate  a  manner  our  blessed  Redeemer  performed  these 
upon  his  guard  against  so  dangerous  a  temptation.     But,  considering 


cures 


what  clear  evidence  John   had   before  received  by  a  miraculous  sign  f  Happy  is  he  that  is  not  scandalized  or  stumbled  at  me.l    This  was 

irom  heaven,   and  what  express  and  repeated  testimonies  he  himself  intended   as  an  awful   admonition  to  the  disciples  of  John,  that  they 

I'f»  1:,  aThi'fA.  ^"^'      "^j"?"'  ;",'3^'.u*'.","^  '°  '''*';"■  been  possible  ;  espe-  should  themselves  guard  against  those   prejudices  which  might  prevent 

altn/   ri^h,;  rf^'^^n'  ^"^^'"'■''i'^'^u ■"''!.'■ ''^  'i''"^'  himselt  quickly  be  laid  their  receiving  Christ ;  and  contains  a  strong  intimation  that  their  final 

,,fF»,?;ioH  .  I  fi '      ■       P'  ™-— l^"'  his  disciples  might  very   probably  be  happiness  would  be  determined  by  the  regards  they  should  pay  to  him, 

ver«Hnn  In  nlffi^'^lirt-    "''tA''*  "■!" -^^  ""^  ".i*  f<=edom  of  Christ's  con-  as  well  as  that  these  prejudices  should  generally  prevail  to  men's  ruin, 

versation,  so  different  from  the  austerity  used  among  them  ;  and  there-  See  note  c,  on  Matt.  v.  ct).  p   80 

«f Ufiiftfotl'?  J'J  »1?     "  ♦'i'^i^^u'*''^'  '"  !!"'r"^,''';*  ,'"  *^^  way  of  further  ,  g  Compare  them  with  those  prophecies.]    Archbishop  Tillotson  has 

htmsnm»thin^,L2f^'.^w*'  "^  ^^a""'''.  ofA'"^"s '^n^'cr  might  render  argely  shown  the  correspondence  iietween   the  i)rophecies  and  events, 

he  mix Im^fil^f  ^  "'  *w  '■f'T^  ^^'"^  ,*^J"''?'  maintained  ;  and  that  here  referred  to.    See  Tillotson's  Works,  Vol.  1 1   p.  451.  el  seq.—Dr. 

hfs^V,?^r,mn/r    ti'.f^l.              '  '  "  "'"^^^''^  desrgn  of  his  own  ofhce,  as  Thomas  Jackson  has  laboured  the  point  yet  more  largely  in  the  second 

reasons    1  rhons.m  ^pnrfS  cL"'°™  express  declaration.-For  these  part  of  his  curious  discourse  on  this  text.    See  his   Works,  Vol.  IJ.  p. 

reasons,  1  choose  to  render  and  paraphrase  it  thus,  rather  than   with  470,  et.  seq. 

lf^hTt'7hi7jflL„."^A^\?^-,  "l"?  "•  ^.V-^t"  *''ijnslate  it,  7'/wi  art  ^  h  Without  any  more  express  declaration  from  me.]    Nothing  could 

oert  «nv  Mplil  hn,  /hi     Z'.Zf'Y  "T'"-/  *'''"  "'  Y^,  ''°  '?°t  «^-  ""^  "^"''e  apposite,  natural,  and  convincing,  than  such  an  answer  as  this, 

which  fohnhor^hvnvnvt   wh^l'  if' '""m"^  ", ''''  '^  ""^IJ^^  "'. ««»  mony  which  took  'its  rise  from  what  Christ  was  then  doing,  and  rested  on  the 

nersnn      All  ?h»  ..^  ,?f  nFf'-h^i.f"       "^  "''^  ""  ITF\  ''"  '.   '"  "^'^  °^^'"  ""^t  apparent  testimony  of  God   himself  in  astonishing  miracles,  to 

ESstanlthe  mes  aiefntlnTsPnse    "'"  '''°"'''  ''"  '°'''  '^  "^  "^'^  "^  '^'•"'^^  '^-y  l<new  their  master  made  no  pretences;   (see' John  x.  41.) 

understand  the  message  m  this  sense.  miracles  of  so  beneficent  a  nature,  that  no  austerities  of  a  retired  life 


U\\    lT  and  7erh    ix    oS    Rishnn  pisirJnn  .'n.^,  ik'^'  ■^''^"/"«';   'sf-     amiliar  with  his  Writings.— These,  and  many  other  particulars,  are  set 


CHRIST'S  DISCOURSE  TO  THE  MULTITUDE  CONCERNING  JOHN.  Ill 

blocks,  and  endeavour  to  fortify  our  souls  against  tliose  temptations  which  may  arise  from  them.     So  the  trial  of  SECT, 
that  faith  which  is  a  much  more  valuable  treasure  than  odd  which  perishes,  though  tried  in  the  fire,  may  be  found     -^7. 

wito  jmiise,  and  honaur,  and  glon/,  (1  Pet.  i.  7.)  and  we,  on  the  whole,  may  be  advanced  in  our  way  by  incidents ■ 

which  at  first  threatened  to  turn 'us  entirely  out  of  it ;  as  the  faith  of  these  disciples  of  John  must  surely  be  con- 
firmed by  those  doubts  which  they  had  for  a  while  entertained. 


SECTION  LVIII. 

of  tlie  r 

Luke  vii.  24. 


Jesus  discourses  witli  the  niultituile  concerning  .Tolin,  and  justly  complains  of  tlie  perverseness  of  tl)at  generation.    Lulie  vii.  2-t— M.    Matt. 

xi.  7— ly. 


Luke  vii.  24.  <•  i     ■  r    i 

AKD  when  the  messengers  NOW  when  the  wesse77ger!i  of  John  were  gone  away  to  inform  their  master  of  the  things   sect. 
of  John  were  departed,  [Je-  yfj\y{(.\y  thev  had  Seen  and  heard,  Jems  begun  to  spcak'unto  the  mii/tUiide  that  still  surrounded     58. 

sus]  hesan  to  speak  unto  the  J      .  x   .        i       n        •   ,  i    .      •         *       •    i.     ^i  r  .u    ■     i        ■         "  i 

people  concerning  lohn;  What  him,  concerning  John  the  Baptist,  and  to  inquire  into  the  reason  ot  their  having  lorinerly ■ 

went  ye  out  into  the  wilder-  flocked  after  him  as  they  had  done.    I  know  (said  he)  that  many  of  you  were  of  the  number   luke 

nessfor  tosee?  A  reed  shaken      ^,  ■     .  ,  'i.-iii-  tij  -ii  ii'  VI T 

with  the  wind  ?  [Matt.  xi.  ;.]  of  liis  hearers,  and  were  baptized  by  him  :  now  1  would  seriously  ask.  you,  and  advise  you  g  , 
attentively  to  ask  yourselves.  What  went  you  out  into  the  wilderness  in  which  he  preached, 
to  behold  (  You  did  not  surely  go  on  any'trifimg  occasion,  or  for  a  mere  amusement :  none 
of  you  would  be  so  senseless  as  to  undertake  a  journey  to  see  a  reed  or  a  bulrush  shaken 
by  the  wind ;  nor  can  you  say  you  found  him  wavering  in  his  conduct,  or  inconsistent  in 
tlie  testimony  that  he  bore  to  me. 
25  But  what  went  ye  out      But  what  then  went  you  out  to  see  ?    You  could  not  go  with  any  expectation  to  find  a  25 

for  to  see?  A  man  clothed  in  ,„f,„  j^i  such  a  place,  drcsscd  in  soft  garments  of  the  finest  silk,  and  living  in  an  elegant 

soft  ramient  r    Behold,   thev         ,  .  r  n       i    i    i  i    ±i        ±i    ^  i       i-  i  j  i  r      "i  ■        i 

which  are  gorgeously  ap-  and  sumjituous  way  :  lor  behold,  they  that  wear  a  splendid  dress,  and  live  luxuriously,  are 
parelled,  and  live  delicately,  ^q  be  sought  in  roiHil  nahices,  rather  than  in  a  rough  and  barren  wilderness ;  and  you  well 
are  m  kmgs    courts.   [Matt.  ,  •     -  t   i     >    •        '^  p  i-    ■  i    •  ^i  i  i  'i   j  ii  i, 

xi.  8.]  knew  that  John  s  manner  of  living  was  plain  and  austere,  such  as  suited  the  message  he 

brought,  and  illustrated  his  integrity  in  delivering  it. 
25  But  what  went  ye  out      But  once  more  I  would  ask  you,  What  did  you  then  go  out  to  see  ?    Are  you  not  ready  26 
for  to  see'  A  prophet?  Yea   ^q  allow  that  you  went  out  to  See  a  prophet  1     Yea,  I  say  unto  you,  and  much  more  titan  a 


A  prophet?  Yea   ^q  allow  that  YOU  went  out  to  see  a  prophet  1     Yea,  I  say  unto 

)  you,   and  much  y,        -^       ,,■■    ji  r     r  ,•      i  -^   •  •, 

a  prophet.  [Matt,  common  prophet.    I'or  this  is  the  very  person  of  whom  it  is  writ 


more^th"aIn°a  prophet'."  [Matt!  common  prophet.    For  this  IS  the  very  person  of  whom  it  is  vjritten,  (Mai.  iii.  1.)  "  Behold,  27 
'''i7''[For]  this  is  he  of  whom  ^  "''>'  S°"'  ^  ^''"^  "'.V  appointed  messcuger  bejore  thy  face,  who  shall  prepare  thy  way  before 
itTs  written,  Behold,  1  send  thee,  and  in  a  proper  manner  introduce  thee  into  the  world." 

whidi^shaiP^^'^^are  t'l'/ wa*''      Wherefore  I  assuredly  say  unto  you,  That  among  all  those  that  have  been  born  of  women,  matt. 
before  thee.  [Matt.  xi.  10.]       or  the  whole  race  of  mankind  in  all  former  ages,  there  hath  not  arisen  a  prophet  greater     XI. 
imto*ybu''Amon^»''them\lfa^t  ^''"'*  ^'^^"^  ^'"^  Baptist ;  for  as  lie  is,  with  regard  to  his  moral  and  religious  character,  one  H 
are  born'  of  women,   there  of  the  best  of  men,  SO  he  has  some  peculiar  honours  superior  to  any  prophet  of  former 
phS iThVif  ^ohn  thrlfap't'i'st""  generations : »  nevertheless,  there  is  a  sense  in  which  he  that  is  least  in  the  kingdom  of 
notwithstanding,  he  that  is  heaven,  not  Only  in  its  final  glories,  but  even  here  on  earth,  is  greater  than  he ;  for  my 
len^,^^grelter'than  he^flluTe  ministers,  and  people  in  general,  shall  receive  superior  supplies  of  the  Spirit,  and  know 
vii.  28.!  many  important  truths  relating  to  my  gospel  which  have  not  been  revealed  to  John 

himself. 
Luke  vii.  20.   And  all  the      He  is  now  laid  aside  from  his  ministry,  yet  I  would  have  you  to  reflect  upon  the  con-   luke 
people  that  heard  ^/m,  and  sequences  of  his  preaching,  and  to  consider  the  success  of  it :  and  you  must  needs  remem-  „^il- 

the  publicans,  justined  God,  ,i,  ,         ,1^  >^\  .,,1  •  c  1  iii-i  i-j  24 

being  baptized  with  the  bap-  ber  that  when  he  came  and  preached  the  baptism  of  repentance,  and  publicly  ])roclaimed  ''^ 
tism  of  John.  ^]^^^  ^^^^Q  Messiah  was  at  hand,  all  the  people  in  general  hearing  \hini\  preach,''  and  even  the 

publicam  themselves,  justified  God,  and  testified  their  approbation  of  the  divine  scheme <= 
in  sending  such  an  arhbassador,  by  professing  to  fall  in  with  the  design  of  his  appearance, 
and  being  accordingly  baptized  with  the  baptism  of  John,  humbly  confessing  their  sins,  and 
30  But  the  Pharisees  and  declaring  their  repentance.     But  the  proud  Pharisees,  and  doctors  of  the  law,  to  their  own  30 
lawgere  r^<^er^ed  the^ounsel  unspeakable  detriment,  rejected  the  gracious  counsel  of  God  addressed  to  them,  not  being 
being  not  baptized  of  him.    '  baptized  by  him,  when  they  saw  how  plainly  he  dealt  with  them  and  their  brethren."! 

Matt.  xi.  12.  And  from  the      But  though  these  great  and  learned  men  despised  him,  yet  the  good  effects  of  his   matt. 
days  of  John  the  Baptist  until  ministry  on  Others  are  still  apparent:  for  from  the  days  of  John  the  Baptist,  or  from  the  ^^^l- 

now  the  kingdom  ot  heaven     .         •    ■'    i  ■    .    i       ,  ,  ■  ,',■  ■  •  .  i."-         i\,t        ■    i  4      ti  x  12 

suffereth   violence,  and  the  time  m  which  he  bore  his  public  testimony  to  an  approachmg  Messiah,  even  to  the  present 
violent  take  it  by  force.  time,^  the  Spirits  of  men  are  so  raised  and   animated  by  a  desire  after  the  kingdom  of 

heaven,  that  it  is  (as  it  were)  attacked  luitli  violence,  like  a  besieged  city ;  men  of  all  sorts 
are  pressing  to  get  into  it,  and  the  violent  seize  it  with  eagerness  :^  multitudes  are  flocking 
around  me,  to  be  instructed  in  the  nature  of  my  kingdom  ;  and  some  of  the  most  licentious 
characters,  who  have  been  looked  upon  as  little  better  than  ruffians  and  bravoes,  seem 
resolutely  set  on  securing  it ;  while  others  of  graver  and  fairer  characters  are  found  to 
neglect  it.     (Compare  Luke  xvi.  16.) 

This  is  a  new  and  very  wonderful  event.     For  till  [the  time  of]  John  the  Baptist,  all  13 
13  For  all  the  piopliets  the  prophets  prophesied;  and  the  law  of  Moses,  as  explained  by  them,  was  the  only  reve- 

a  Superior  to  any  prophet  of  former  generations.]    The  obvious  sense  Compare  ver.  .35.  (at  the  end  of  this  section,)  Rom.  iii.  4.  and  1  Tim. 

of   what  is  here  expressed,  together  with  the   following  words,  does  iii.  16.                                                                      .                         ^^    ,  ■ 

plainly  limit  it  to  t/iem  alone.    And  it  might  properly  be'said  that  John  d  How  jilainly  he  dealt  with  them  and  their  brethren.]    Ot  this  see 

was  j7rea<«r  than  any  of  the  ancient  prophets,  on  account  of  his  wonder-  the  paraphrase  on  Luke  iii.  10.  p.  4.1.                                                  i    c- 

ful  conception  and  birth  ;  his  excellent  knowledge  of  gospel-mysteries ;  e  Irom  the  days  of  John  the  hn/itist,  even  to  the  present  time.}    bir 

(see  especially  John  iii.  27.  et  seq.  §  27.)  his  express  testimony  to  the  Isaac  IsJewton  (Ore  Prophecy,  p.  1511.)  urges  this  as  an  argunient  to  prove 

Messiah,  and  his  remarkable  success  in  making  way  for  him  :  John  was  that  some  considerable  time  must  have  elap.sed  since  John  s  imprison- 

also  himself  the  subject  of  ancient  prophecies,  and  long  expected  by  the  ment.     But,  on  the  common  hypothesis,  it  might  be  near  a  year  ;  and 

church.  our  Lord  might  probably  include  some  time  of  his  ministry  preceding 

b  All  the  people  in  general  hearing  him  preach.]    The  reader  will  ob-  his  imprisonment:  so  that  we  cannot  be  much  assisted  in  our  calcula- 

serve  that  (with  Grotius)  I  take  these  to  be  the  words  of  Christ,  continu-  tioiis  by  this  text.                                                .                       ,      •  /          ■ 

ing  his  discourse  ;  whereas  our  translation  seems  rather  to  intimate  they  f  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  attat  ked  XDtth  iiolence — and  the  violent  seize 

are  the  retlection  of  Luke  on  the  sentiments  of  those  who  were  now /if?n/-  it    with    eagerness: — ^la^erai,    Kat   ^laarai    apTrafan-n/  awjui/.l     ine 

ing  Christ.    I  long  considered  them  in  this  view  ;  but  it  now  seems  to  words  of  the  original  are  very  strong  and  forcible,  and  the  translation 

me  so  evident,  from  the  most  ancient  manuscripts  and  versions,  that  the  I  have  given  is  very  literal. — It  seems  necessary  to  interpret  the  latter 

words.  And  the  Lord  said,  at  the  beginnins  of  ver.  31.  were  not  in  the  clause  as  in  the  paraphrase,  to  prevent  the  a|)pearance  ot  a  tautology  . 

original,  that  I  could  not  but  connect  and  render  them  thus.    Wever-  Yet  I  did  not  venture  to  render  ^lamai  nifhans,  vt  bravoes  ;  Because  i 

theless  I  shall  show  so  much  regard  to  the  common  reading  as  to  add  think  the  version  should  be  left  in  as  great  a  laiitude  as  trie  original  , 

(in  note  h.  below)  the  version  and  paraphrase  in  that  sense  and  con-  and  I  was  afraid  so  great  a  variation  from  what  is  t-pmmoniy  "'*'^"  '" 

nexion  ;  submitting  it,  on  the  whole,  to  the  learned  reader  to  judge  as  be  the  meaning  of  this  passage,  might  have  shocked  some  at  ™  ";?' 

he  shall  think  proper ;  but  must  first  desire  him  to  consult  Grotius,  Dr.  hearing.— To  suppose,   as  a  late  ingenious  writer  has  aone,  tnai  uiis 

Mill,  and  the  Polyglott.  refers  to  the  first  attempts  made  to  destroy  the  gospel  in  its  inUiicv,  ana 

c  Justified  God,  and  testified  their  approbation,  &c.]    From  the  op-  tliat  aTrpa<;a<riv  signifies  tear  it  to  pieces,  does  not  "PP.^'' "'};"[•*', '"^Uaf 

position   between   those  that  .jvsiijied  God  and  those  that  rejected  his  connexion;  though  the  word  must  be  allowed  sometimes  to  na\c  inai 

counsel,  it  is  plain,  that  to  justify  here  signifies  to  approve  and  vindicate,  import. 


1J2  CHRIST'S  DISCOURSE  TO  THE  MULTITUDE  CONCERNING  JOHN. 

SECT,  lation  of  God's  will  to  the  people  of  Israel ;  which,  so  far  as  it  related  to  me,  was  but  an  and  (he  law  prophesied  until 
58.     obscure  intimation  of  what  men  were  to  expect  from  my  appearance  :  but  John  opened  a  ■''*''"■ 

• much  more  perfect  dispensation.     And  indeed  (to  speak  more  plainly  than  I  have  com-  .  14  And  if  ye  will  receive 

MATT,  monly  done)  ifi/ou  ivill  hearken  to  my  testimony,  and  receive  [it,]  this  John  is  the  Elijah  Jo  come!  ^'"'^  ^''^'"^  ''"^  *°'^ 
^^-     iv/io  was  to  come,s  or  the  person  whom  Malachi  describes  under  that  name,  as  to  be  sent 

15  before  the  coming  of  the  day  of  the  Lord.  (Mai.  iv.  5,  6.)    This  is  so  important  an  inti-     15  He  that  hath  ears  to  hear, 
mation,  that  I  must  urge  your  most  attentive  regard  to  it :  and  therefore,  He  that  hath  cars      *""'  '^**'"- 
able  to  hear,  let  him  hear  [it,'\  and  let  every  one  that  has  a  mind  capable  of  reflection, 
reflect  seriously  upon  it ;  for  to  understand  and  regard  the  character  and  mission  of  John 
aright,  will  have  a  most  happy  tendency  to  promote  your  receiving  Him  whom  John  was 
sent  to  introduce.** 
LUKE       [And  the  Lord  Jesus  further  said,]  To  ivhat  then  shall  I  now  compare  the  men  of  this     J-uke  vii.  31.  And  the  Lord 
VII.    generation  ?  and  to  what  indeed  are  theii  like  ?  Reflect  upon  yourselves,  and  you  will  surely  f  likeiTthf  me"n°of*tte  gini- 
31  coo  flio    inctir^o  nf  tlip  rnmnarlsinn  «'hich  T  am  croinf  to  make.      Thei/  nrp  i'iUp  a  pnmnanu  ration'  and  to  what  are  they 


32  of  little  children^  whom  you  may  sometimes  have  oDserved,  as  tliey  were  sitting  in  the  "32  iiiey  are' like  unto  chii- 
7nurket-place,  to  be  so  froward  and  perverse  in  their  behaviour  to  each  other,  that  no  con-  ''[en  sitting  in  the  market- 
trivance  could  be  found  to  please  them ;  and  some  of  them  you  may  have  heard  calling  ano'ther!'[unto*'their  felfowsj 
out  to  their  companions,  and  sui/ing,  What  shall  we  do  to  please  you,  and  to  bring  you  to  ^"''  saying.  We  have  piped 
join  with  us  in  our  diversions?  Vv  e  have  tried  all  the  ways  we  can  think  of:  sometimes  danceclTwe^have  mourned°to 
we  have  piped  to  you  a  pleasant  tune,  and  you  have  not  danced  to  the  music ;  and  at  other  >'""•  «"<i  y^  have  ""t  yept. 
times  we  have  changed  the  ditty,  and  mourned  to  you,  or  played  and  sung  such  dirges  as  17.]  ^"^^"'*^  ■'  ^  ""•  ^'-  ^^' 
are  used  at  funerals,  and  you  have  not  taken  your  part,  and  lamented  with  us ;  but  are 

always  finding  fault  with  every  thing  we  do,  and  will  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  join  with 

33  us.  Such  is  that  childish  obstinacy  and  perverseness  that  appears  in  you,  who  think  your-  33  For  John  tiie  Baptist 
selves  the  oracles  of  wisdom  in  the  present  age ;  and  you  discover  the  same  froward  tem-  nOT^drin'k'i'nrwiueT'and^'^ye 
per  in  far  more  important  instances :  for  John  the  Baptist,  of  whom  I  have  now  been  say,  lie  hath  a  dev'ii.  [Matt, 
speaking,  came  with  an  uncommon  austerity  of  behaviour,  neither  eating  bread,  as  others  '"■  ^^ 

do,  7ior  drinking  wine,  but  living  on  locusts  and  honey,  and  water  in  the  wilderness ;  and 
you  say,  He  has  a  devil,  and  acts  like  a  wild  distracted  demoniac,  whom  an  evil  spirit 

34  drives  from  the  society  of  men.  On  the  other  hand,  the  Son  of  man  is  come  without  any  of  34  The  Son  of  man  is  come 
this  severity,  eating  and  drinking,  as  others  do,  conversing  familiarly  among  you,  and  with  say"^B^eholi'"'a''"oiuttonous 
a  temperate  freedom  sharing  in  your  festivals  as  well  as  your  common  meals;  and  you  say,  man,  and  a  wine^bibber,  a 
Behold  a  gluttonous  man,  and  a  ivine-bibber,  a  fit  fiend  and  companion  of  publicans  and  ner"!^rMat^"xi''^i9^i'"'^  ^'"' 
sinners :  thus  ungratefully  do  you  injure  his  character  for  that  humanity  and  condescension 

35  which  you  should  rather  applaud.  Bm^,  nevertheless,  true  Wisdom  /ws  still  been  justified  35  But  wisdom  is  justified 
and  vindicated  by  all  those  who  are  indeed  her  children. :  and  they  who  are  truly  wise  and  °f,  ?"  her  children.  [Matt.xi. 
religious  must  needs  approve  this  beautiful  variety  in  the  conduct  of  Providence ;  and  see 

that  the  difference  in  our  manner  of  livins  suits  the  purposes  of  our  respective  appearances, 
and  is  adapted  to  promote  the  general  design  of  God's  glory  and  man's  salvation. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.32      How  happy  would  it  be,  if  we  could  learn  to  correct  the  natural  inconsistencies  of  our  temper  and  conduct  by 

24— 26  wise  reflections  and  considerations !  How  much  more  improving  would  our  attendance  on  the  ministrations  of 

God's  servants  be,  were  we  seriously  to  ask  ourselves,  to  what  purpose  we  attended ! 

It  ought  surely  to  be  followed  with  such  considerations,  since  it  is  intended  to  lead  us  to  the  kingdom  of  heaven : 

MATT,  a  glorious  prize  1  too  glorious  to  be  obtained  by  faint  wishes  and  inactive  desires.     There  is  a  sense  in  which  it 

XI.     still  suffers  violence  :  and  how  sad  is  the  degeneracy  of  our  natures,  that  we  should  exert  so  little  vvamtth  in  such 

1-^  a  pursuit,  and  so  much  for  every  trifle  !  Instead  of  that  holy  ardour  with  which  men  should  press  into  it,  they  fold 

their  hands  in  their  bosoms,  and  lose  themselves  in  soft  luxurious  dreams,  till  the  precious  opjiortunity  is  for  ever 

gone.     May  divine  grace  display  the  crowns  and  palms  of  victory  before  our  eyes,  in  so  awakening  a  manner, 

that  we  may  joyfully  seize  them,  whatever  obstacles  may  lie  in  our  way,  whatever  must  be  done,  or  whatever 

must  be  borne,  to  secure  them  ! 

XUKE       Let  us  not,  as  we  love  our  own  souls,  through  a  proud  self-sufficiency,  reject  the  gracious  counsels  of  God  which 

VII.     are  addressed  to  us,  lest  we  should  be  another  day  condemned  by  publicans  and  sinners.    Divine  providence  and 

30  grace  are  using  a  variety  of  methods  with  us  :  let  not  our  perverseness  and  folly,  like  that  of  the  Jews,  frustrate 

35  them  all :  but  rather  let  us  show  ourselves  the  children  of  wisdom,  by  falling  in  with  its  measures,  and  improving 

as  well  as  applauding  them. 


Our  Lord  laments  over  the  impenitent  cities  of  Galilee,  acknowledges  the  divine  sovereignty  in  the  dispensations  of  the  gospel,  and  invites 

sinners  to  come  to  him.    Matt.  xi.  20,  to  the  eiid. 

Matt.  xi.  20.  ^^^^^  ^. 

SECT.   THEN,  after  Jesus  had  in  general  reproved  the  Jews  for  the  perverseness  of  their  carriage  then  begYn  he  to  upbraid 

. under  the  great  advantages  that  they  enjoyed,  he  began  particularly  to  upbraid  the  cities  in  ^^-  V}'^^  wherein  most  of  his 

MATT    \  '"fP-  '"'1  ""''■"''"  ^"''  ^'"''  '"'-"x^fX,  became  they  did  not  repent,  and  believe  in  cTuse^hry'repented  not :'  "" 

XI.  ■  ,  "^u'"  ^""^  '"  ^'^  most  affectionate  and  solemn  manner'he  declared,  how  terrible  would    21  Woe  unto  thee,  Chorazin! 
21  oe  the  consequence  of  their  impenitence  and  unbelief;  and  said.  Woe  unto  thee,  0  Chorazin   '**"'  ""*°  "'^'='  ^ethsaida!  for 
and  woe  unto  thee,  O  Betksaula,  where  I  so  often  have  conversed  and  taught !  for  surely 

clwV^X  ihZii'J^LTlfih''"'^""'  tocome.]    Uov,  little  there  is  m  l\Ir.  and  his  forerunner,  said,  with  a  particular  reference  to  these  Pharisees 

TohnthP  R^nt   ?^r^^nl^^M-  h?<fi'''''"^^'^''*'i''^''''  I'^Phecy  of  Elijah  to  and  doctors,  JV/.ern„H„,/,en  s/,a//  I  Men  the  men  of  this  generation  r 

lohn  the  Baptist,  many  ot  his  learned  antagonists  have  shown  ;  and   I  &f."     Compare  note  b   in  this  section 

V4lvX„'"p,'l.rn'srf°''  ^«™"8'='- '"ght  than  Mr.   Bullock.    See  his  S  T/,.^  ar^ /^^/^^^/^^/"vrf.i^T Tis  plain  .»«r  i«rrfV  exact  meaning 


Vindication    Pief   D   "iO  ^u..^^<-^.    occ  no        i    mey  are  uKe  iinie  cnnaren.\     it  is  plain  o!ir  j^ora  c  exact  meaninff 

h  Whom  'lohn   w'iV  .;nt  ic.  i„tr„^„.o^     A ,;_.  ..  ., ..._  .    'S.  that /A(?  mra  0/ M«/ ^e«p/a/i,m,  or  the  cavillers  of  whom  he  Was  now 


A  «    were     i.nle«,eri  to  he.r,^^^^^^^  fL'I" " "'^  "'*■■"  ''"P<''^d  I,;,    had  delivered,  as  well  as  how  many  surprisini  miracles  he  had  wrought 

3;^.^"7M''l!:/;;;"kiwinrhow  rea'3y  ttieyTer'toTavTr^botirat  him     '"  ''"'  ""'^ '  "  "^'^  ^'  ^^*"  *"  ''"'"''  '""^"'""^  "'''"'"'■ 


CHRIST'S  LAMENTATION  OVER  THE  CITIES  OF  GALILEE.  113 

if  tlie  niiyhty  works  which  if  the  miracles  which  have  been  lorouf^ht  in  you,  had  been  done  in  Ti/re  and  Sidon  of  old,   SECT^-' 
were  doiie"!!!  yuh^^  ^eeii  {hough  they  were  places  so  remarkaGle  for  "their  luxury,  pride,  and  contempt  of  religion,''     59.     ''■ 

wXld°iiilve7ep"nteaion'ga|o  they  wouldloug  ago  have  repented  with  tokens  of  the  deepest  humility,  covering  themselves 

iu  sackcloth  and  asjjes.^^  ^^  j,j  'gdckcloth,  and  lying  in  ashes.<=     Wherefore  I  say  unto  you,  That  as  they  never  had  such  matt. 
shaU  be' more^  toierabTe"Vor  means  of  conviction  as  you  have  been  "indulged"  with,  and  have  ungratefully  abused,  </;e  ^2'^^- 
Tyr^e  and  sidon  at^the  day  of  (-ondilion  even  of  Tyre  and  Sidon,  in  the  day  of  the  final  and  universal  ;«(/gmeft<,'i  shall  be  ~ 
judginen  ,    an  or  jou.         ^^^^^^  tolerable  than  yours,  who  will  deservedly  be  exposed  to  a  much  heavier  weight  of 
vengeance.     (Compare  Luke  x.  13,  14.  sect,  xcvii.) 
C.I  And  thou,  Caperaaum,      And  tliou  especially,  O  gt^nlty  Capernaum,  who  hast  been  (as  it  were)  exalted  even  to  23 
^'^''''^shaU  be'^^rou-hrd'ow'Jno  ^cavcn,  not  only  in  wealth  and  magnificence,  (compare  Dari.  iv.  22.)  but,  what  is  infinitely 
heu'i^tbr  if  Oie^rni|iity°wo'rks  morc  valuable,  in  the  means  of  grace,  by  my  long  abode  in  thee,  and  continued  labours 
ifad'^bem  donc"in"!Sodom''^it  among  thine  inhabitants  :  such  dreadful  deLolation  is  appointed  for  thee,  that  thou  shall 
'w^ould'^'have' reniaiiied  until  (as  it  were)  bc  brought  down  to  hell,  being  swallowed  uj)  in  utter  irrecoverable  destruction  : 
ti'is  day.  (compare  Isa.  xiv.  13,  15.)    And  thy  punishment  will  be  apparently  just  :for  surely  if  the 

miracles  which  have  been  wrought  in  thee,  had  been  performed  even  in  Sodom  itself,  licentious 
and  abandoned  as  that  infamous  city  was,"  it  would  have  been  convinced  and  reformed  ;  so 
that,  instead  of  being  consumed  by  that  shower  of  flaming  vengeance,  it  might  lume  conti- 

24  But  I  say  unto  you,  nucd  in  all  its  glory  and  beauty  even  to  this  day.     Wherefore  I  say  witoyou.  That  the  concli-  24 
for^tVe' land  of  Sodom 'futile  ^""*  ^'^^''^  °^  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  of  Sodom  in  the  day  of  the  ^iraX  judgynent,  shall  be 
day  of  "Tudgmeut.^'than  tor  more  tolerable  than  yours ;  for  your  condemnation  shall  rise  in  proportion  to  your  more 
iiiee.  aggravated  guilt,  and  to  those  more  valuable  mercies  and  privileges  which  you  have  abused. 

25  At  that  time  .lesus  an-      At  that  time  also,  (as  well  as  at  another  that  will  be  elsewhere  mentioned,  Luke  x.  21.  2.5 
thel^'o  Fa"ther'''Lord^of''hel''  ^ect.  cvi.)  Jesus  took  occasion,  from  the  circumstances  which  he  then  observed,  to  say, f  I 
ven  and  earth,'  because  thou  ascribc  glory  to  tlice,  O  Father,s  thou  supreme  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  while  thou, 
«Mtl''ind''prldent°\nrhast  /'"-'^^  i"  the  course  of  thy  wisc  though  mysterious  providence,  hid  these  great  things  of  thy 
revealed  them  unto  babes.       gospel  from  those  who  have  the  character  of  ivise  and  understanding  persons}^  or  from  the 

learned  scribes  and  refined  politicians  of  the  age,  whom  thou  hast  suffered,  through  their 
own  pride  and  folly,  to  reject  them  with  disdain,— thou  hast  brought  the  humble  to  the 
knowledge  of  them,  arvi  hast  graciously  revealed  them  to  many  of  the  lowest  and  plainest 
C6  Even  so.  Father :  for  so  of  mankind,  who,  in  comparison  of  the  former,  are  but  as  infants.  Mortifying  as  such  a  26 
It  seemed  good  in  thy  sight,  circumstance  might  seem,  I  cordially  acquiesce  in  it,  and  "say.  Be  it  so,'0  my  Father, 
since  such  is  thy  sovereign  will  and  pleasure,  thus  to  exalt  thine  own  glorious  nanie,  and  to 
lay  the  creature  in  low  abasement  before  thee. 

27  All  tilings  are  delivered      And  then,  turning  himself  to  those  that  stood  near  him,  he  said.  Do  not  be  led,  by  the  27 
nomaTknowefhthe'son'but  example  of  your  great  and  learned  men,  to  slight  and  despise  me;  for,  humble  as  my 
the  Father ;  neither  knoweth  circumstances  now  appear,  all  things  are  delivered  unto  mc  by  my  almighty  Father,  who 
Son.'Td*/,'  to'whomso'eve?  has  fully  instructed  and  empowered  me  for  whatever  relates  to" the" salvation  of  men  ;'    and 
the  Sou  will  reveal  him.         such  are  the  mysteries  and  glories  of  my  person  and  kingdom,  that  no  one  fully  knows  the 

Son  but  the  Father;^  neither  does  any  truly  know  the  Father  but  the  Son,  and  he  to  whom 
the  Son  is  pleased  to  reveal  him  :  for" I  have  that  knowledge  of  him  to  which  no  creature 
can  pretend ;  and  it  is  my  great  errand  to  the  world,  to  discover  his  nature  and  will,  and 

28  Come  unto  me  all  ije  lead  his  Wandering  creatures  into  a  saving  acquaintance  with  him.     A  work  which  I  28 
iaden'''i'nd"i"w1ll''-'iveTou  Undertake  with  the  greatest  cheerfulness  and  delight:  and  therefore,  come  unto  me  by 
rest.  '  °  faith,  all  ye  that  labour  and  are  heavy  burdened,  whether  with  the  distresses  of  life,  or  with 

the  sense"  of  guilt,  (see  Psal.  xxxii."4.  xxxviii.  4.)  or  with  the  load  of  ceremonial  observ- 
ances which  your  unmerciful  teachers  are  so  ready  to  impose,  (Matt,  xxiii.  4.)  and  I  will 
ease  j/ou  of  the  grievous  burdens  you  are  sinking  under. 

29  Take   my  yoke  upon      Be  persuaded  then  to  take  my  yoke  upon  you,  and  to  learn  of  me,  as  my  obedient  29 
you,  and  learn  of  me ;  for  I  disciplcs ;  for  I  am  meek,  condescending,  and  lowly  in  heart,^  and  will  impose  no  unne- 

am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart:  '      i      -'i   ,  ■  ,      .  i"  i-      i-        ^  i    n  £     i  ti t       j'  „„u 

and  ye  shall  find  rest  unto  ccssary  hardships  upon  you  :  but  on  such  an  application  to  me,  you  shaltpnd  that  refresfi- 

your  souls.  JJ|g^^(.  ;„  j^^^^  g^^j^  which  you  in  vain  would  seek  elsewhere  ;  that  composure,  satisfaction, 

and  joy,  which  nothing  but  humility  and  meekness,  with  an  entire  subjection  to  me,  can 

30  For  my  yoke  is  easy,  give.     For  such  is  the  genius  of  my  gospel,  that  though  it  will  indeed  bring  you  under  30 
and  m3-  burden  is  light.         gome  restraints,  they  are  not  only  tolerable,  but,  on  the  whole,  desirable  ;  and  I  may 

truly  say,  that  my  yoke  is  easy  and  gentle ;  or,  if  there  be  a  mixture  of  difficulty  attending 
it,  such  assistances  and  encouragements  are  provided,  that  with  them  my  burden  is  light  and 
pleasant™  to  those  who  by  divine  grace  are  engaged  to  submit  to  it.    (Compare  1  John  v.  3.) 

b  Places  so  remarkable  for  their  luxury,  pride,  and  contempt  of  re-  quently  that  Luke  x.  21,  22.  is  a  repetition  of  it  on  another  proper 

ligion.]    This  is  frequently  the  case  with  rich  trading  cities  :  and  that  it  occasion.  ~,  ■    .  ■         r 

was  so  with  t/iexe  in  particular,  may  be  learned  from  many  passages  in       si  ascribe  glory  to  thee,  O  Father!]    This  is  one  proper  meaning  ot 

the  Old  Testament,  as  well  as  from  profane  writers.    See  .rude,  xviii.  7.  efo(ioXo7ouMai,  as  appears  from  comparuigHeb.  xiii.  15.  and  Rom.  xv.  9. 
Isa.  xxiii.  9.  Ezek.  xxviii.  2,  5,  17,  22.  and  Amos  i.  9,  10.— Slay  God       h   Thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  wise  and  understanding  persons.] 

preserve  London  in  particular  from  resembling  them  in  character,  whom  God  is  often  said ,  in  Scripture,  to  do  those  things  which  he  determines  to 

in  commerce  and  grandeur  it  so  much  exceeds  !  permit,  and  which,  he  foresees,  will  be  in  fact  the  consequence  ot  those 

c  Covering  themselves  in  sackcloth,  and  lying  in  ashes.]    As  covering  circumstances  in  which  his  creatures  are  placed  though  their  wills  are 

themselves  with  sackcloth,  (or  hair-cloth,  for  such  it  was,)  and  lying  in  laid  under  no  constraint.    (Compare  E.xod.  vii.  3,  4.  2  Sam.  xii.  11,  12. 

ashes,  were  usual  expressions  of  mourning  ;  so  they  particularly  were  xxiv.  1.  and  1  Kings  xxii.  22,  23.)    In  this  sense  alone  could  he  be  said 

made  use  of  on  days  of  public  fasting  and  deep  humiliation  for  sin  ;  and  to  hide  those  things  from  the  learned  men  of  this  age,  which  he  reveals 

therefore  are  justly  introduced  here,  as  expressions  of  sincere  repentance  so  plainly,  that  honest  and  well-disposed  persons,  though  children  in 

and  self-abhorrence.    Compare  Esth.   iv.  1,  3.  Job  xlii.  6.  Isa.  Iviii.  5.  understanding,  might  come  to  the  knowledge  o.Hhem.   (Compare  Matt. 

Dan.  ix.  3.  and  Jonah  iii.  6,  8.  x.  .34, 35.)  ,  „     -,    t  i.       -^u  ht 

d  In  the  day  of  judgment.]    Dr.  Hammond  understands  this  passage       i  Has  fully  instructed  and  empowered  me,  &c.]    I  cannot,  with  Mr. 

as  referring  to  the  temporal  calamities  to  come  on  these  places  by  the  L'Enfant,  confine  the  sense  of  tioi/to  aoi  napeiofin  merely  to  the  m- 

Romans.  who  did  indeed  shortly  after  overrun  the  whole  country,  and  structions  Christ  had  received  from  the  Father :  his  exaltation  to  supreme 

made  dreadful  ravages  in  some  of  these  cities.    See  Joseph.  </«  £e//.  poaier  nnrf  j70r(!r?ime««  was  so  near,  and  so  sure,  that  our  Lord  might  witti 

Jud.  lib.  ill.  cap.  6,  7.  [al.  5,  6.]  et  lib.  vi.  cap.  9.  [al.  vii.  17.]   But  there  great  propriety  intend  the  phrase  in  that  more  extensive  sense  1  have 

is  no  evidence  that  the  destruction  of  these  Jewish  cities  was  more  dread-  given  it.    Compare  John  v.  22.  and  Matt.  xviu.  18.  ,,     j     1 

ful  than  that  of  Tyre  and  Sidon,  and  it  was  certainly  less  so  than  that       k  Noonek?ioios  the  Son  but  the  Father.]  These  words  evidently  declare 

of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  :  besides,  our  Lord  plainly  speaks  of  a  judg-  that  there  is  something  inexplicably  mysterious  in  the  nature  ana  person 

ment  that  was  yet  to  come  on  all  liiese  places  that  he  mentions.  of  Christ ;  which  indeed  appears  in  the  most  convincing  mannei  from 

e   Licentious  and  abandoned  as  that  infamous  city  was.]    It  is  well  the  account  elsewhere  given  of  his  Deity  in  Scripture, 
known,  that  those  abominable  cities  of  Sodom  and  (Jomorrah  had  long       1  For  I  am  meek,  condescending,  and  lowly  in  heart.]    *'°'"^  "^V  ?f ' 

since  grown  into  a  proverb  for  wickedness  and  misery.    See  Gen.  xiii.  prehended  that  our  Lord  here  intends  peculiarly  to  ''^'=°"?'';f"'L,VH 

13.  xviii.  <jo.  Deut.  xxix.  23.  xxxii.  32.  Isa.  i.  9,  10.  iii.  9.  xiii.  19.  Jer.  imitation  of  his  humility  and  meekness,  as  what  would  especially  leiiu 

xxiii.  14.  xlix.  18.  Lam.  iv.  6.  Amos  iv.  11.  Zeph.  ii.  9.  Matt.  x.  15.  in  the  natural  consequence  of  things,  to  promote  ^'^^-''/P"'^.''""''^'' 

and  Rev.  xi.  8.  guillily  of  their  minds ;  and  Dr.  Watts,  in  a  very  beautitul  manner,  nas 

f  Jesus  took  occa.tion  to  say.]    It  is  in  the  original,  airoKp'.Beit,  6  I>i<roiit  paraphrased  the  words  thus  in  his  Hymns.  (Boo.-;  1.  "l^ 'y°,|  "' 'pngr;.! 
ciTrev ;  which  our  translation  has  literally  rendered,  Jesus  answered  and   I  apprehend  our   Lord  chieHy  means  to  remniQ  '"^"'..';'   ''||  „„C!'i)Kt 

said:  but  when  the  words  so  introduced  are  not  a  reply  to  any  prcced-  lenity  of  his  temper,  which  would  engage  lum  to  '''=V''"^  "     *;         j^^ 

iiig   speech,  I  apprehend  the  version  here   given  expresses  the  sense  impositions  ■AnAv.wcvftc&s'A-AXy  burdens,  ^nCi  '^"''^."•(o   „„  0 'jl 

of  them  with  yet  greater  exactness.— The  words  iat  that  time)  seem  the  way  to  pardon  and  lite.    Compare  Matt.  '^"- 'v-'.-IriJ ^Viiifips  holh 
plainly  to  prove  that  what  follows  is  to  be  introduced  here,  and  conse-       m  My  burden  is  light  and  pleasant.]    EXafpov  proi.eny  s.,umc= 


114 


CHRIST'S  FEET  ANOINTED  IN  THE  HOUSE  OF  THE  PHARISEE. 


IMPROVEMENT. 

SECT       What  can  we  imagine  more  dreadful  than  the  guilt  and  condemnation  of  those  who  hear  the  gospel  only  to 

59.  despise  it !    How  can  we  read  the  doom  of  Chorazin,  Bethsaida,  and  Capernaum,  without  trembling  for  ourselves, 

lest  we  should  incur  the  like  sentence !    Such  have  been  our  religious  advantages  and  opportunities,  that,  like 

MATT,  them  we  have  indeed  been  lifted  up  to  heaven :  the  Lord  grant  that  we  may  not,  by  our  misimprovement  and 

^^-     disobedience,  be  cast  down  to  the  lowest  hell!  that  Tyre  and  Sidon,  and  even  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  may  not  at 
^^~'^^  last  rise  up  in  judgment  against  us,  and  call  down  on  our  heads  a  punishment  more  intolerable  than  that  which 
has  fallen  upon  them,  or  which  they  must  even  then  feel ! 

Our  vain  curiosity  may  perhaps  be  ready  to  ask.  Why  were  tliese  advantages  given  to  them  that  abused  them, 
rather  than  to  those  who  would  have  improved  them  better  ?    But  let  us  impose  upon  our  minds  a  reverential 

26  silence;  since  the  great  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth  giveth  not  an  account  of  any  of  his  matters:  (Job  xxxiii.  13.)  It 
is  so,  Father ;  for  it  seemeth  good  in  thy  sisht ! 

25  Still  we  see  the  gospel  hid  from  many  wlio  are  esteemed  the  wisest  and  most  prudent  of  mankind  ;  and,  blessed 
be  God  we  still  see  it  revealed  to  some  who,  in  comparison  of  them,  are  but  babes.  Let  not  this  offend  us ;  but 
rather,  taking  our  notions  from  the  word  of  God,  let  us  learn  to  honour  these  babes  as  possessed  of  the  truest 
wisdom,  and  adore  the  riches  of  divine  grace,  if  we  are  in  their  number,  while  many  of  superior  capacities  are 
left  to  stumble  at  this  stone  till  they  fall  into  final  ruin. 

27  Whatever  objections  are  brought  against  Christ  and  his  ways,  may  we  ever  adhere  to  them,  since  all  things  are 
delivered  to  him  by  the  Father  !  From  him  therefore  may  we  seek  the  true  knowledge  of  God,  as  ever  w-e  desire 
everlasting  life  ! 

28  We  have  all  our  burdens  of  sin  and  of  sorrow.    While  we  labour  under  them,  let  us  with  pleasure  hear  the 

29  gentle  and  melodious  voice  of  a  Redeemer  thus  kindly  inviting  us  to  come  unto  him,  that  we  may  find  rest  to  onr 
souls.  Let  us  with  pleasure  subject  ourselves  to  him,  and  2:0  on  in  our  holy  course  with  that  imjirovement  and 
cheerfulness  which  become  those  who  learn  by  their  own  daily  experience  that  his  commandments  are  not  grievous, 

30  and  feel  that  his  yoke  is  easy  and  his  harden  is  light. 

SECTION  LX. 

Jesus  accepts  an  invitation  to  iline  at  a  Pharisee's  house,  and  vindicates  the  woman  who  anointed  his  feet  there.    Luke  vii.  36,  to  the  end. 

Luke  vii.  36.  Luke  vii.  36. 

SECT.  AND  one  of  the  Pharisees  who  was  present  at  this  discourse,*  and  might  feel  himself  and  one  of  the  Pharisees 

60.  touched  by  "some  insinuations  which  it  contained,  vinder  a  specious  pretence  of  respect  to  \lfiti[MnI'''"And'he  went'^imo 
our  Lord,  though,  as  it  seemed,  with  an  insnaring  design,  invited  him  to  eat  with  him  that  the  Pharisee's  house,  and  sat 

LUKE  day,  taking  care  to  have  others  of  his  own  sect  present  to  observe  what  passed.    And  <iow" '<""«»•• 
^"-    Jesus,  being  willing  to  express  his  condescension  and  candour,  accepted  his  invitation; 
and  entering  into  the  home  of  the  Pharisee,  he  sat  down  to  table,  without  taking  any  notice 
of  the  omission  of  some  usual  ceremonies  of  respect  which  so  gi-eat  a  guest  might  well 
have  expected. 

37  And  behold  there  was  a  woman  in  that  city  who  had  once  been  a  great  and  scandalous  n  And,  behold,  a  woman 
sinner,  and  was  still  accounted  infamous  on  account  of  the  lewdness  and  debaucheries  of  ner''wiie'"Kshe'kne\7that'jS'/j 
her  former  life :  and,  when  she  knew  that  he  sat  at  meat  in  the  Pharisee's  house,  she  took  sat  'at  meat  in  the  Pharisee's 
encouragement  from  his  late  gracious  invitation,  and  determined  to  give  a  remarkable  box^ot  ointmeiit '*''  "'^'^'^'*'' 
token  of  her  reverence  and  love  to  so  glorious  and  compassionate  a  Saviour :  and  for  this 

38  purpose  she  brought  an  alabaster  vessel  full  of  richly  perfumed  ointment,^  And  standing  by  .."8  And  stood  at  his  feet  be- 
the  couch  on  whiTch  our  Lord,  according  to"  the  custom  of  those  tim^,  lay  down  to  eat,  lo"wa"irh|s?eet^with  tea?s" 
waiting  behind  him  in  the  posture  of  a  servant  at  his  feet,  her  very  heart  was  melted  with  and  did  wipe  t/icm  with  the 
such  pious  remorse,  that  in  the  presence  of  the  whole  company  she  was  unable  to  refrain  hfs'^*fe"e\, ''and "^anointed ''Mt^w 
from  weeping  in  such  great  abundance,  that  she  began  even  to  water  his  feet  with  a  shower  with  the  ointment. 

of  tears  ;^  and,  observing  how  wet  they  were,  she  wiped  them  ivith  the  fine  long  tresses  of 
her  huir,'^  which  she  wore  flowing  loose  about  her  shoulders ;  and  then,  to  show  the 
warmth  of  her  affection,  kissed  his  feet,  and  anointed  them  with  the  perfumed  balsam  she 
brought  with  her,  as  not  thinking  herself  worthy  to  pour  it  upon  his  head. 

39  Now  the  Pharisee  who  had  invited  him,  observing  [this,]  which,  according  to  the  tradi-  ."Jg  Now  when  the  Pharisee 
tions  they  maintained,  appeared  to  him  a  verj'  indecent  sight,  was  so  offended,  that  he  *e'ip''ake  wUhhihim^fft^ayl 
said  within  himself,  This  man,  f  he  were  really  a  prophet,  as  he  pretends  to  be,  would  ine,  This  man.  if  lie  were  a 
certainly  have  himvn  who  and  what  kind  of  woman  this  vile  creature  is  that  thus  familiarly  ^^^'y^'i  what  manner  orwcJ? 
touchcth  him,  and  would  immediately  have  driven  her  away  with  a  just  disdain  ;  for  she  is  man  t/>i.t  ijthattouchethhim ; 
such  a  scandalous  and  filthy  sinner,  that  her  very  touch  is  enough  to  pollute  hini.  ^°'^  *'"'  '*  ^  sinner. 

40  And  Jesus,  in  reply  io  these  uncharitable  sentiments  which  "he  discerned  at  their  first  40  And  Jesus  answering 
rising  in  his  heart,  said  to  him,  Simon,  I  have  something  to  say  to  thee  on  this  occasion,  soinewi!at'tl"'sayTnt'o^  th'ee'' 
which  deserves  thy  regard.     And,  with  an  hypocrhical  profession  of  respect,  he  says,  ()  And  he  saith,  Master,  say  on! 


thou  great  Teacher,^  I  am  ready  to  attend ;  and  whatsoever  thou  wouldst  offer,  say  \it  r.editor""' which' 


certani 


A\Jreely.\    Then  Jesus  immediately  delivered  this  parable  as  a  just,  yet  mild,  reproof  to  his  debtors:  the  one  owed  five 
host :    A  certain  creditor  had  two  debtors,  one  of  whom  owed  \\im' five  hundred  denarii  or  ^^y'^^  P^"''*'  *"**  ""^  °"'" 
42  Roman  pence,^  and  the  other  owed  him  but  fifty  :    Now  as  they  had  not  any  thing  to  pay,     42  And  when  they  had  no- 


if/l!?/^^  f  ml  c^J^u  ^f"<^'^°^'  ^''■■'^'  ^^y  ^^  "'s"  rendered  ffentle  and  so  melted  with  his  discourse,  that  she  .«//crf  such  a.  flood  of  tears  as  wetted 

X  rhtprV,,lnlfwri.h!.r?fh^    ^n"*^     may  txpress  that  true  pleasure  his  feet,  which  lay  bare  on  the  couch,  his  sandals  bein?  put  off,  and  ob- 

^hris  •fomlrn'.Ly.t'^iJhirv,  u  r,f  r.,^^^                 "*■  '^  s'"™re  subjection  to  serving  this,  she  wiped  them  with  her  hair,  which  she  now  wore  y?<pa./«j, 

fAmnLf  TlJTvvJi^  It   11^1  k'^  the  meanmg  ot  tak,n„  his  yoke,  /ow  about  her  shoulders,  as  mourners  commonly  did  ;  and  then,  not 

nhJl?v.MpThltH^p3;uL'i5r=J,^,'"      ^"•''-  'i'i^  ''^-  ''^  ?^;).-''  '^  thinking  herself  worthy  to  ««<-!»/  his  head,  poure.i  out  the  liquid /.er- 

?innr  AH,  vvS'n'^'nT^^^^^^^^^^  /"»'«  «"  A"/''^'.     In  this  view  all  appears  natural  and  unaffected, 

lame' sense    MaJt   xxifi   d     Pnin^^i  a'i  ''.f'™''^  fn""^^".,"  ".'^''  "i  *'"=  "   "'"'  ""^  "•«""  «/  ^er  hair.]    So  the  word  fyp,f,  properly  signifies  ; 

same  sense,  Matt.  xxni.  4.    Compare  Matt.  xvi.  19.  and  note  h,  there,  and  the  !•  nglish  ^vord  tresses  might  be  derived  from  it.     It  is  wellknown 

l^'2!::^^fi^^'tI^'l^rS!P'^^f'T''''^^P'^'^}'^V  pafe\°'^o?.ti.^\f.)l!rdTvltf<f^'pKre''S^id{oV^^^^ 

aZi^ii':^'^j^;sFrh!y^\:si^%ii'!:i^^^^ 

(,  145.)    And  mdeed  the  difterence  is  so  great  and  so  plain,  that  it  is  d  O  Teac/,er.-\    So  Si!iacKa\€  oronerlv  si<mifies   and  I  think  expresses 

ruUd'fo'nTanv?emar\s  on'th^\?ro%'milS^^^     '"  '""^"""^  "^™^'  '^''  ?""'f  (","?  "'""•«  th-l'tt'K^^filllTo^-y,^^'^^^  especially  Tn  th'c'^ 

I,  T^  ,,^,Tr^/,J?^Sf,   l-,T     .T„-^^^^                            •    ,.                    •     ..  in  which  It  IS  now  commonly  used.    Whether  this  was  mere  hvpocrisv, 

jLi  ^ffL    il%    J              ftLif  f  (;iUf^'"'  ll*'i«  proper  signifi-  or  whether  it  wa.s  intended  ^s  a  sort  of  sneer  on  our  Lord,  who,  though 

cation  ot   the    word    flpexei^-    Compare  Matt.  v.  4.).— We  are  not  to  he  professed  himself  so  great  a  teacher,  would  allow  this  woman  to  use 

imagine  she  came  with  a  purpose  thus  to  wash  and -vipe  the  feel  of  Christ ;  sucli  freedoms  with  him"  I  pretend    ot  certainly  to  sav  . 

but,  probably,  liearing  that  tlie  Pharisee  who  liaii  invited  .  esus  to  dinner  e   Five  hundred dm-Avh',  nr  lim,,!.,,  I IV..  i    it Yq  i,,  f\Z  ^r;.,lr,-.l  s 

'^^^::m^X:^^s^{^if^^^"^J!^'^^^  -hic'hisw:ir[l'^\'rL"veb°eriTom^^^ 

she  was  willing  to  supply  the  defect ;  and  as  she  stood  near  Jesus,  she  was  pence  halfpenny  of  our  money  ;  so  that  live  hundred  of  them  were  nearly 


CHRIST  VINDICATES  THE  WOMAN  WHO  HAD  ANOINTED  HIS  FEET.  115 

thing  to  pay,  he  frankly  for-  SO  that  neitlier  of  them  could  discharge  any  part  of  his  debt,  he  freely  forgave  titem  both  SECi'. 

ffave  them  both.    Tell  me.  ^jjg  ^vhole  of  what  they  respectively  owed  :  and  upon  this  it  may  be  reasonably  expected  60. 

love  h^mm'^sr?  "     *""  '"    that  both  would  have  some  sense  of  his  goodness ;  say,  therefore,  which  of  them  do  you 

43  Simon  answered  and  said,  think  would  love  him  most'i  And  Simon  very  readily  replied,  and  said,  I  suppose,  so  far  as  I  luke 
for"ave°' mosf ' AnThe°™a'id  can  judge  from  the  circumstances  thou  hast  mentioned,  that  he  to  whom  he  forgcive  most  .^^^■ 
unt°o  him.  Thou  hast  rigiitiy  could  not  but  have  the  greatest  affection  for  him.     And  [Jesus']  said  to  him.  Thou  hast 
j^^sed.                             judged  very  rightly,  and  "the  reflection  is  evidently  suited  to  the  case  that  we  have  here 

before  us. 

44  And  he  turned  to  the      And  turning  himself  to  the  ivoman,  he  said  to  Simon  the  Pharisee,  Thou  seest  this  poor  44 
woman,  and  said  unto  Simon,  afflicted  woman,  and  canst  not  but  take  notice  of  the  extraordinary  tenderness  and  affec- 

Seest  thou   this  woman  :^     I.  ,'  ,1^11  j  jt  ■    j.     ji.'       h 

entered  into  thine  house,  thou  tionatc  regard  to  me  that  slie  has  now  discovered.  I  came  into  thine  house  as  a  guest,  on 
fe^et*^^  but  she  hathvvash^d  m^  ^^'"^  ^"^^  express  invitation,  [and}  thou  didst  not  give  ?«e  any  water  to  [wash'j  my  feet,' 
feet  'wi"th^  tears,  aiKi  ^wipeS  though  that  be  SO  customary  and  necessary  a  refreshment  on  these  occasions ;  but  she  has 
them  with  the  haus  ot  lier  plentifully  watered  my  feet  with  her  tears,  and  iviped  them  even  with  the  tresses  of  her  hair. 

45  Thou  gavcstmeno  kiss ;  Thou  didst  not  give  me  the  usual  respect  of  a  kiss,  when  1  first  came  under  thy  'roof  ;s  but  45 
l"caml  i^Thato  notceased"to  *^^'  f^*^''  ^"''"^  ^^^  "'""^  *"'"'  ^"'^  '"'^  ccased  with  the  greatest  humility  and  affection,  even  to 
kiss  my  feet.  kiss  my  fcet .     Thou  didst  not  so  much  as  anoint  my  head  with  common  oil,  though  few  46 
didftJfot"lno1nt;l)utthis*wo"  entertainments  fail  of  being  attended  with  that  circumstance;*  but  she,  as  thou  seest,  has 
man  hath  anointed  my  feet  anointed  even  my  feet  with  this  precious  and  fragrant  ointment.     Wherefore  I  say  unto  thee,  47 
^"47  whe?etbre,  I  say  unto  ^nd  Openly  declare  it  both  for  her  vindication  and  for  thy  admonition,  her  many  sins, 
thee,   her  sins,'  which    are  which  I  well  know  have  been  exceeding  heinous,  are  graciously  forgiven ;  and  therefore, 
]^ved'mud!°'^*burto  ^whom  as  I  have  been  the  means  of  bringing  her  to  repentance  and  peace',  .sAe  has  thus  testifie'd  the 
little  is  forgiven,  iiie  same  high  regard  that  she  has  to  me,  and  has  loved  me  much,^  as  being  persuaded  that  she  never 
loveth  little.  ^^^  Sufficiently  express  her  sense  of  the  obligation  :  whereas  thou,  who  art  over-confident  in 

thine  own  righteousness,  lookest  but  slightly  upon  me  ;  as  he  to  ivhom  but  little  is  for- 
given, or  who  thinks  his  debt  was  but  small,  is  not  so  much  affected  with  the  kindness  of 
the  creditor  that  forgives  him,  and  loveth  him  but  little. 
48  And  he  said  unto  her.      And,  to  renew  the  kind  assurance  of  the  pardon  that  before  was  gi'anted  to  the  woman,  48 
Thy  sms  are  forgiven.  ^g  g^y^  ^^  ^^^.^  ^^  ^jjg  presence  of  them  all,  I  know  the  sincerity  of  thy  repentance ;  and 

therefore  now,  for  thy  encouragement  under  this  severe  treatment,  I  solemnly  declare  that 
49Andtheythatsatatmeat  thi/  sins  arc  forgiven.    And  they  who  tvere  at  table  with  him  began  to  say  ivithin  themselves,  49 
with  him  began  to  say  within  ^f|^^  ^g  ^/(/.s 'arrogant  and  presumptuous  man,  that  not  only  transgresses  our  rules  by  per- 

themseives.  Who  is  this  that       .     .  ,       ,       '^  ,    , '•        t       '  ^  .i    "1  i       ,•        •      ,;     ■  i  •   i   •^-  ■  i 

forgiveth  sins  also?  mitting  a  harlot  to  touch  him,  but  even  presumes  to  say  that  he  jorgiveth  sms,  which  is  the 

50  And  he  said  to  the  wo-  peculiar  prerogative  of  God  himself?     nut,  far  from  recalling  what  he  had  said,  he  openly  50 
thee '•  ^o^iii  ^'eace'^^"^  ^'*^^''  Confirmed  the  consolation  that  he  before  had  given,  and  said  to  the  woman.  Thy  faith  hath 
'  '^'  saved  thee ;  and  as  the  tenderness  and  love  that  thou  hast  shown  have,  in  a  convincing 

though  silent  manner,  testified  thy  believing  regards  to  me,  under  the  extraordinary  cha- 
racter I  bear,  go  thy  way  in  serenity  and  pcace,^  and  enjoy  the  comfort  of  divine  forgive- 
ness, without  afflicting  thyself  for  the  severity  with  which  uncharitable  men  would  treat 
thee. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  joyful  an  assurance  must  this  be  to  a  soul  thus  bowed  down  and  humbled  in  the  very  dust,  under  a  sense  Ver.50 
of  sin !  How  light  did  the  reproaches  of  men  sit  upon  her  when  she  heard  these  reviving  words  from  the  mouth 
of  the  great  Saviour,  who  alone  had  authority  to  pronounce  them ! 

Our  hearts  surely  upbraid  us  with  many  and  aggravated  sins ;  but  we  hear  the  tidings  of  pardon  :  let  us  gladly 
embrace  it;  and  acknowledging  that  not  five  hundred  pence,  nor  even  ten  thousand  talents,  are  sufficient  to  ex-  41 
press  the  greatness  of  our  debt,  let  us  retain  the  remembrance  of  it,  even  when  we  hope  that  God  has  forgiven  it ;  42,  43 
and  let  us  labour,  that  the  tenderness  of  our  love,  the  warmth  of  our  zeal,  and  the  steadiness  of  our  obedience, 
may  in  some  measure  be  proportionable  to  it :  and,  blessed  Jesus,  how  distinguished  must  they  then  be  ! 

Let  us  with  humble  pleasure  approach  this  compassionate  Friend  of  sinners  ;  who,  though  in  one  sense  separate 
from  them,  yet  thus  freely  and  graciously  encouraged  the  chief  of  them  to  apply  to  him,  though  he  well  knew  that  39 
condescension  would  expose  him  to  the  censure  of  the  self-conceited  Pharisees.     May  God  preserve  us  from  that 
arrogant  confidence  in  our  own  righteousness,  which,  while  it  leads  us  to  despise  some,  perhaps  much  dearer  to  47 
him  than  ourselves,  would  proportionably  sink  our  value  for  the  Saviour,  and  our  love  to  him ! 

As  for  what  remains,  let  the  candour  with  which  Christ  accepted  this  invitation,  and  the  gentleness  and  prudence  36 
with  which  he  behaved  at  this  insnaring  entertainment,  teach  us  to  mingle  the  wisdom  of  the  serpent  with  the 
innocence  and  sweetness  of  the  dove ;  and  neither  absolutely  to  refuse  all  favours,  nor  severely  to  resent  all 
neglects,  from  those  whose  friendship  might  at  best  be  very  du"bious,  and  their  intimacy  by  no  means  safe. 

lb  conclude ;  let  us  avoid  that  very  ill  temper  which  this  Pharisee  showed  in  upbraiding  this  poor  humble  peni-  39 
tent  with  tlie  scandals  of  her  former  life.    Where  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  sin  has  been  lamented  and 
forsaken,  and  consequently  that  God  has  forgiven  it,  let  us  cheerfully  receive  those  whom  our  holy  Master  has  not 
rejected ;  and  if  the  remembrance  of  former  irregularities  cannot  be  entirely  lost,  let  it  only  engage  us  to  magnify 
the  riches  of  divine  grace  towards  such  persons,  and  to  rejoice  with  them  in  the  display  of  it. 

equivalent  to  fifteen  of  our  guineas,  and  fifty  to  one  guinea  and  a  half. —  it  eia-yjXdev,  flie  came  in,  rather  than  those  which  have  airnKBov,  in  the    , 

There  is  no  reason  to  believe  that  there  was  any  mystery  intended  in  lirst  person,  which  our  translation  loUows. 

Christ's  fixing  on  these  sums  rather  than  any  others  that  had  as  great  a  i  Anoint  my  head  with  oil^  though  few  entertainments  fail,  &c.]    How 

difference  between  tliem.  common  this  circumstance  was,  may  be  judged  by  comparing  Deut. 

f  Water  to  wash  my  feet.']    Drusius  supposes  this  may  be  understood  xxviii.  40.  Mic.  vi.  15.  Psal.  xxiii.  5.  civ.  15.  and  cxli.  5.                     . 

as  if  our  Lord  had  said,  "  I'hou  didst  not  give  me  so  much  as  water  to  k  Therefore  she   has  loved  me  much.]    As   passionately   as    Clarius 

uash  my  feet ;  whereas  some  guests  have  their  feet  washed  with  wine  opposes  this  rendering,  and  after  all  the  immense  pains  Grotius  has 

mingled  with  spices.^'    Athenasus  does  indeed  mention  such  an  extrava-  taken  to  find  a  sense  in  that  wliich  our  translation  follows,  I  cannot  but 

gance ;  but  to  be  sure  our  Lord  did  not  intend  the  least  insinuation  in  think  the  connexion  evidently  requires  that  we  should  render  on  '"^J^" 

tavour  of  it.  fore,  rather  than  for  or  because,  how  singular  soever  such  a  sense  or  tlie 

g  'the  usual  respect  of  a  Zeiss,  4r.]    How  customary  it  was  for  the  "particle  may  be.    And  so  it  is,  the  Hebrew  particle  that  answers  it  is 

master  of  the  house  to  receive  his  guests  with  such  a  salutation,  to  pro-  used  in  Hos.  ix.  15.  All  their  iniquity  is  in  Gilgal ;  for  there  1  hated 

vide  them  with  water  to  wash  their  feet,  and  to  anoint  their  heads  with  them  ;  or,  therefore  there  I  hated  them.    For  it  cannot  be  supposed  tliat 

oil,  or  some  liquid  perfume,  the  reader  may  see  in  many  other  commen-  Israel  is  said  to  sin  in  Gilgal,  hecamc  he  hated  them  there ;  but  on  account 

fators,  and  particularly  in  Calmet's  Account  of  the  Jewish  Feasts.— It  of  the  iniquity  which  they  committed  there,  therefore  it  was,  that^/jere 

is  possible  Simon  might  omit  some  of  these  civilities,  lest  his  brethren  he  hated  them.    Our  Lord,  by  this  answer,  plainly  showed  his  knowiea^e 

who  sat  at  table  with  him  should  think  he  paid  Jesus  too  much  re-  both  of  their  thoughts  and  of  her  character.                              .            . 

spect ;   and,  if  there  was  any  such  slight  intended,  it  might  be  an  ad-  1  Go  thy  way  in  peace.^    ']  his  was  a  usual  form  ot  °i*'"!^?'"'„f  ,\f: 

ditional   reason  for  our   Lord's  taking  such   particular  notice   of  the  riors,  and  was  an  expression  of  the  friendship  and  sooa  v/isneim  uie 

neglect.  person  speaking.  (Gen.  xliv.  IT.  Exod.  iv.  18.  1  bam.  i.  17.  -  -T.^™- ''^• 

h  Ever  since  she  came  z«.]    The  evangelist  so  expressly  tells  us,  that  27.  Mark  v.  34.  Luke  viii.48.  and.lam.  ii.  16.)  Compare  ^Pf«  ."• -y-.P; 

she  heard  of  Christ's  being  at  dinner  with  the  Pharisee  before  she  came  34.  Tht  re  is  an  apparent  propriety  in  the  Phrase"tr«,  considering  wiiat 

in,  ever.  37-)  that  I  make  no  doubt  of  following  those  copies  which  read  had  happened  to  discompose  the  tender  spirit  ot  this  numoic  penuent. 

T  2 


Jig  CHRIST  CASTS  OUT  A  DEMON, 

SECTION  LXI. 

Our  Lord  attended  by  some  pious  women,  takes  another  progress,  in  which  he  casts  out  a  demon  ;  and,  having  vindicated  himself  from  the 
hlaspliemous  charge  of  a  combination  with  Satan,  warns  the  Pharisees  of  the  danger  they  were  in  of  committing  the  unpardonable  sin.  Luke 
viii.  1—3.  xi.  14,  15,  17—23.    Matt.  xii.  22—32.    Mark  iii.  22 — 30. 

Luke  viii.   1.  Luke  viii.  l. 

SECT    NO  W  in  pursuance  of  the  great  design  which  Jesus  had  been  prosecuting  in  his  ministry  and  it  came  to  pass  after- 
61.  ■   wherever  he  had  been,i^  came  to  pern  afterwards  (or  after  the  events  related  above)  that  he  ^^uYl^vfry'  cilv'anVvXfe; 

travelled  through  every  city  and  village  in  those  parts  ;  preaching  in  every  place,  and  pub-  preaching  and  shewing  fhe 

LUKE   lishing  the  glad  tidings  of  the  kingdom  of  God,  which  he  was  now  about  to  erect  among  §}■  oodtaSd  the'tweu'e^^e™ 
"^'"'•^  the  children  of  men  ;  and  the  twelve  apostles,  whom  he  had  lately  chosen,  were  with  him;  with  him, 
'  as  he  thought  it  proper  they  should  be  for  some  time,  that  they  might  be  further  instructed 
for  their  work,  and  that  their  having  been  thus  publicly  seen  in  his  train  might  promote 
2  their  reception  when  they  afterwards  came  to  any  of  these  places  by  themselves.    And    2  And  certain  women  which 
there  were  also  some  women  with  him,  ivho  had  been  cured  of  grievous  disorders  brought  and  tnTrm^ils''.  Mary  cauid 
upon  them  by  ei;j/  spirits,  and  of  other  illnesses;  \  particularly  \   Mary,  who  ivas  «///?</ Magdalene,  out'of  whom  went 
Magdalene,  from  Magdala,  the  place  of  her  residence;"  a  remarkable  person,  out  ofivhom  seven  devils, 
had  been  cast  no  less  than  seven  demons,^  who,  probably  for  the  sins  of  her  former  life,  were 
suffered  by  God  to  agitate  and  torment  her  in  such  a  manner  as  to  render  her  a  spectacle 
,3  of  great  horror.    And  there  attended  him  besides,  Joanna,  the  wife  of  Chuza,  a  steward  in     3  And  Joanna  the  wife  of 
the  court  of  king  Herod  :  who  yet  did  not  think  such  an  attendance  beneath  the  dignity  .susTmk^'and'many'othefs 
of  her  family  :  and  one  Susannah,  and  many  other  [ivomen ;]  %vho,  being  persons  of  some  which  ministered  unto  him  of 
considerable  rank  and  circumstances  in  life,  assisted  him  xvith  their  possessions,  which  they  *''^""  ^"''sf^nce. 
cheerfully  employed  to  supply  him  and  his  disciples  v;ith  necessaries,  as  occasion  re- 
quired. 
MATT.      While  he  was  making  then  this  tour  about  Galilee  and  the  neighbouring  parts,  there  was     Matt.  xii.  52.    Then  was 
XU.    brought  to  him  one  possessed  by  a  demon, <^  who  had  been  rendered  by  this  means  both  blind  ed""^th  "a 'deviT.  Tiln'dTand 

22  and  dumb :  and  he  immediately  expelled  the  evil  spirit,  and  cured  him  that  had  been  so  dumb :  and  he  'healed  'him ; 
miserably  afflicted  by  it ;  so  that  it  came  to  pass,  that  ivhen  the  demon  was  gone  out  at  the  p'S,"  when  the  devil  waTgone 
command  of  Jesus,  the  person  that  but  just  before  was  blind  and  dumb,  both  spake  and  saw.^  out  ]  the  blind  and  dumb  both 

23  And  all  the  multitude  of  people  round  him,  perceiving  he  had  healed  the  poor  distressed  ^''23^A'ndalTthe  peopie'we1-e 
creature  m  an  instant,  we7-e  astonished  at  the  sight,  and  said,  Is  not  this  the  Messiah,  the  amazed,  and  said,  is  not  this 

1  »    1    c  J-  7-»        J  the  .Son  of  David .'  [Luke  xi. 

lons:-expected  iora  of  David.  i4.] 

24  But  the  Pharisees  who  were  with  him,  and  particularly  the  scribes  who  came  dmvn  from  Jeni-  24  But  when  the  Pharisees, 
salem,  and  still  attended  his  progress  to  make  their  remarks  on  what  passed,  hearing  [tins']  dmvn'from^eruyiem,']  heard 
natural  reflection  of  the  people,  and  fearing  lest  their  own  credit  should  sink  among  them,  ''•  theysaid,This/?«ow[hath 
as  that  of  Jesus  advanced,  gave  the  most  malicious  and  unreasonable  turn  to  the  matter  oiud^eVi'i's.'but  by  Bee"zcbTb! 
which  can  be  imagined  ;  for  they  said.  This  is  so  bad  a  [?»«»,]  and  so  notoriously  trans-  t^?  t?'^f"h''  h'^'"'i''^'m'"^i,'^-^ 
gresses  the  traditions  of  the  elders,  and  the  law  of  God,e  that  he  is  certainly  himself  pos-  22!  Luke  xi.  is!]  '"' 
sessed  by  Beel':bub,  and  does  not  cast  out  demons  hut  only  by  a  secret  combination  with 

Beelzebub ;  who  being  the  prince,  \or'\  chief  of  the  demons,^  with  a  view  to  confirm  his  own 
interest,  expels  other  inferior  spirits  under  his  command,  at  the  word  of  this  Jesus,  who 
therefore  deserves  to  be  put  to  death  as  a  magician,  (Exod.  xxii.  18.)  rather  than  to  be  thus 
extolled  as  the  Messiah. 

25  Ami  Jesus,  knoiving  their  thoughts,  though  he  was  not  within  hearing  of  these  reflections,  25  And  Jesus  knew  their 
called  them  to  come  near  him,  and  said  to  them  in  the  following  parabolical  expressions,  JIX him. jand  sald^ilnto  ihem 
before  all  the  people,  Hoiv  can  you  possibly  imagine  that,  in  such  circumstances  as  these,  [in  parables,  liow  can  Satan 
Satan  should  cast  out  SatanM  "It  may  surely  belaid  down  as  a  maxim.  That  every  king-  dom°d'iWdcd' 'Igfi'n/t''  ^tsef'f 
dom,  divided  against  itself,  cannot  long  subsist  in  flourishing  circumstances,  \_but~]  quickly  [cannot  stand,  hit]  is  brought 
sinks  into  contenipt,  and  is  bought  to  utter  desolation ;  Mid  every  smaller  society,  if  it  be  0°  h,?u°sl^Vi''v'id'ed"a'*gS^its'cVf 
but  a  city,  or  a  single  family,  divided  against  itself,  shall  not  long  starul,  [but]  falleth  into  shall  not  stand,  [Luke,  />7it 

26  inevitable  ruin,  ^we?  therefore,  if  Satan  rise  up  against  himself,  as  he  certainly'does,  if  he  Luke'^il  17'^''  "''  *^~-^- 
join  with  me  to  confirm  a  doctrine  so  evidently  opposite  to  his  nature,  and  subversive  of  -6  And  if  Satan  [rise  up 
his  kingdom  ;  and  if  he  assist  in  such  a  cause  to  cast  out  Satan,^  it  will  be  evident  from  ''S""'*  '""''"'f'  ^"''^  '"^^  °"' 

a  Called  Magdalene,  from  A'agdala,  the  place  of  her  residence.]    As  this  was  spoken  by  the  Jews,  not  merely  in  a  general  way  of  a  prince  of 

In<r«!'  Nafapiji'oc   is  .lesus  of  Kazareth,   or  Jesus    the    Kazarene,  so  ///e  rfe?nonr,  or  of  one  of  their  chiefs,  but  in  particular  of  him  whom  they 

Mapia    Ria7fe\iii'ii.  wliich  we  are  used  to  render  Mary  Magdalene,  considered  as  the  prince  of  the  powers  of  darkness  ;  for  in  Mark  it  is  tw 

nmht  as  well  be  rendered  Mary  the  Magdalene,  or  Mary  of  Magdala,  apxoi/ri,  though  Matthew  and  Luke  express  it  without  the  article  ;  and 

'^un  '^^'^.^  iovin  in  Galilee  beyond  Jordan.    See  Matt.  >:v.  39.  the  following  words  show,  he  was  supposed  to  be  the  same  with  Satan  ; 

b  (hit  oj  Tclwm  had  heeii  cast  .'even  demons.']     I  his  is  supposed   by  the  grand  adversary.    One  of  the  titles  given  him  was    Beehekuh,  or 

oicgory  to  have  been  only  a  proverbial  expression,  to  signify  that  she  Baal-zebuh  ;  and  aVhilistine  idol  who  hafl  his  temple  at  Ekron,  (and  is 

T  ''r  ^.I'^J'S'^  °'  *  ^^D'  bad  character,  whom  Jesus  reclaimed  :  and  Mr.  supposed  by  some  to  answer  to  the  (irerian  Pluto  ;  Jurieu,  Hist,  des 

J.  Jj.ntant  advances  the  same  interpretation,  as  agreeable  to  the  Jewish  JJoames,  p.  631.)  was  plainly  called  by  this  name,  (see  2  Kings  i.  2,  3.) 

stv  le  .  nut,  as  so  much  is  spoken  of  dispossessions  in  the  proper  sense  of  which  is  well  known  to  signify  The  lord  of  flies  ;  this  idol  being  wor- 

W  ^''—<         h       '}l  '*  V'"^'  natural  to  suppose  this  to  be  refcned  to  shipped,  as  some  tell  us,  under  the  figure  of  a  fly  or  beetle,  as  defending 

hnt  fV,  ^°™^  nave  thOML'lit  she  was  the  smner  mentioned  Luke  vii.  .37.  people  from  these  inseits :  though  others  think  it  may  allude  to  the  vast 

nl!L  i;.!^  f    k"  .'u*'''^'"  P™."t  ot  It.    And  the  conjecture  of  those  who  sup-  multitude  of  flies  with  which  the  slaughter  of  their  sacrifices  was  infested 

i\J»!l,    I      ■       IS*"  ^'*      "■  Lazarus,  whose  husband  might  have  lived  at  in  the  heathen  temples,  while  (as  the  Jews  report)  no  fly  was  ever  seen  to 

HmrM  7,  „f  i  .u  "lore  improbable :  smce  when  Luke  and  John  men-  come  upon  the  flesh  of  any  sacrifice  in  the  temple  at  Jerusalem.   (See 

ene    ^Z  f 'llS,  f^""?;-  *''''^'  "''''^'"  "'''™ate  that  it  was  Mary  Blagda-  Selden.  De  Diis  Si/ris.  Svn'ag.  ii.  cap.  6.)    But  why  the  Jews  should 

r  T/,^,!  ,h^!    ,  A  ^"■"""o;:*-                      , ,                       ,  speak  of  him  under  this  title  as  the  chief  of  the  devils,  it  is  dimcult  to  say : 

.^^J''"\y'^ll^?^_^2'Z^  f'"'"f'''''^l""^^^^^^^^  unless  (as  Ileinsius  conjectures,  rather  than  proves)  the  Hebrew  word 

rh?kf  Llivplf)  ih!  „'^'''"m'™'^'J-  ?u  ^^^  morning  ot  that  day  on  which  221,  Z«Ak*,  signified  «  rfearf/y  Xi«rf»/«n.<ecr,  whose  sting  was  mortal,  and 

ctllf  S  rt^\  ^^  H^?,  paiables  ot  the  so\yer,  &c.  (compare  IMatt.  xiii.  1.  which  was  therefore  looked  upon  as  a  tit  emblem  of  the  mischievous  hosts 

irmZ'J  anVl  wir,*  P„.^  .if  *"'"'*  "^  ■«  hjch  he  cro.wrf  the  sea.  stilled  the  commanded  by  this  prince  of  the  power  of  the  air.  -The  title  in  the  Greek 

S  A^^ltv^-r  (See  MarkT^'^  "i    i'^  ?«^^'^'^^-  ^>T  *'"  ''"^'"\-  "'  ""^f^/^'-X.   BeelzeM,  which  signifies.    The  lord  of  a  dunghill,  and 

nfrodurfn^^t  h;rp    »t  m^^t  Z;^^'  V  '*'•  a  ^^'^  ^  ^^^  '*  *''^  '"'"^"^  "*  ?<'^'"s  «o  ^"^  a  contemptuous  change  of  the  former  name,  by  which  it  was 

serted   can' c\-I\mi  ^\I^-^L7Z    %'^°^l  ""f  "°  f^'^l  ^*°'>'  ?",*  ^."^  '""  '"t'^ated,  that  the  noblest  of  thelieathen  deities  were  fitter  to  dwell  on  a 

thL  r  d'ifft?ent  onlP^-   ari  tr»nln.^.  'a  ^  therefore  Matthew  an<l  Luke,  in  dunghill,  than  to  be  worshipped  in  a  magniticent  temple. 

foundation  la  ddow'n  in  nS?  iP^'^  m'"  t^'ee  with  Mark,  on  that  grand  .  g  Satan  should  cast  ont  Satan.]    This  answer  of  our  Lord  demonsfia- 

roundation.laid  down  in  note  k,  on  Mark  i.  18.  p.  71.  tively  proves  that  Beelzebub  anrf  Satan  are  names  for  the  same  person  ; 


AND  REPELS  THE  BLASPHEMOUS  CHARGE  OF  THE  PHARISEES.  117 

Satan  he  is  divided  against  hence  that  he  IS  divided  against  himself:  and  how  then  shall  his  kingdom  subsist  ?  It  jilainly  sect 
kiiTgdom  st'and'''fhe"canno?  Allows  that,  in  such  a  case,  he  cannot  stand,  but  has  contributed  Tiimself  to  put  a  speedy     61.  ' 

stand,   but  hath   an  end ;]  period  to  his  owTi  kingdom.     But,  as  you  never  can  suppose  that  such  a  crafty  and  sasti- 

c4't''out  d'evi'ifthrough  B       ^lous  Spirit  would,  in  so  weak  a  manner,  hasten  his  own  confusion  and  defeat,  voti,  there-  matt. 
zebub.]  [Mark  iii.  26.  Luiie  foi'B,  upon  this  account,  must  give  up  that  uncharitable,  inconsistent  charge  you  have  been    -^l'- 
^^'  ^^■•'  ready  to  insinuate  and  urge  against  me,  and  must  appear  to  have  been  guilty  of  tlie  most  ^^ 

extravagant  absurdity,  because  you  scruple  not  to  say,  that  I  cast  out  demons  by  the  help  of 

Beelzebub. 

27  And  if  I  by  Beelzebub      And  if  indeed  you  Will  be  still  so  obstinate  as  to  assert  that  /  cast  out  demons  by  die  27 
ym!rXldren'casf</^«'ou1'?  assistance  of  Beelzebub,  you  may  as  well  say  that  all  miracles  of  this  kind  are  thus'  per-  ~ 
therefore  they  shall  bu  your  formed ;  and  I  may  particularly  refer  you  to  determine  by  luhom  do  your  own  children 
judges.  [  uke  xi.  19.]  expel  them,  who  practise  exorcisms,'  and  are  approved  and  extolled  by  you  on  that  account, 

though  some  of  them  do  it  in  my  name?   Therefore  they  shall  in  this  respect  be  your  judi;es, 

28  But  if  T  cast  out  devils  and  condemn  you  of  a  most  partial  and  unequal  conduct.     But  if  you  must  allow  that  1 28 

of  God,*^thfn'"'[no  doublnhe  ^««^  «'"'  *'"""-^'  %  ^!>c  fiw.  ['"'l  ^^^  P^^^^'  ^"^  '^^"''''^  ^f  ^"^'^  ^''"f"  ^^  ^mdoubtedly  follows 
kingdom  of  God  is  come  unto  that  thc  kingdom  of  God  is  indeed  come  unto  you,  as  I  assert ;  and  all  the  doctrines  that  I 
you.  [Luke  xi.  20.]  preach  are  proved  by  this  to  be  divine,  and  consequently  worthy  of  your  most  serious  and 

obedient  regard,  since  it  plainly  shows  my  superiority  over  all  the  infernal  powers. 

29  Or  else,  how  can  one      Othenvise,  it  is  evident  I  could  not  do  this :  for  hoiv  can  any  one  break  and  enter  into  29 
hoifs^e,  'and  tpolTTis  goods!  ^^^  house  of  a  Strong  man  and  plunder  his  goods,  while  he  is  actually  present  to  guard  them,'' 
excep^t  he  first  bind  the  strong  unless  he  first  overpower  and  bind  the  strong  man,  who  will  be  sure  to  do  all  he  can  to 
KshouTe!*[Ma?k'^iii?27.]^''°''  defend  them?  and  then  indeed  he  may  plunder  his  house  of  whatever  he  pleases;  but  with- 
out this,  it  will  be  utterly  impossible  to  do  it.     And  therefore  it  is  plain,  from  all  these 
instances  of  dispossessions,  that  I  have  power  over  Satan  to  control  and  bind  him,  and 
consequently  that  I  act  by  a  divine  commission. 

Luke  xi.  21.  When  a  strong      But  Still  it  is  Hot  to  be  thought  the  Contest  will  be  carried  on  without  an  opposition   luke 
l^e",  hS^goods^ar^e^in  pelcef  ^^"^  ^^^  enemy,  nor  can  it  fail  of  giving  some  alarm  :  for  while  a  strong  man,  completely     XI. 
armed}  guards  his  castle  or  palace  from  invasion  and  attack,  his  goods  air.  in  a  profound  21 
peace,'°  and  his  prisoners,  hard  as  their  situation  may  be,  are  afraid  to  make  any  attempt 
to  regain  their  liberty ;  and  such  is  the  quiet  which  there  seems  to  be,  while  Satan  reigns 
22  But  when   a  stronger  without  any  control.     But  when  one  stronger  than  he,  or  of  more  power  than  the  warrior  I  22 
and'ovCTVome'''i'irr^,Ye'"taketh  ^ave  mentioned,  invades  his  garrison,  and  conquers  him,  he  takes  away  all  his  complete 
from   him  all    his    annour  armoury,  in  lohich  hs  placed  his  confidence,  and  distributes  his  spoils  among  his  followers. 
%ideth"his  spot's!  ^  '  ^"      '"  So  shall  you  see  the  infernal  powers  yet  more  completely  baffled  and  spoiled  by  me/  and 
my  faithful  servants  adorned  by  the  trophies  won  from  them. 
Matt.  xii.  30.   He  that  is      While  therefore  you  are  animated  by  such  views,  you  ought  not  to  allow  yourselves  even  matt. 
andhetLT|kth\re^thnotwTti;  i". a  State  of  neutrality  and  indifference:  for  I  must  tell  you.  That  he  that' is  not  cordially    Xll.' 
me,  scattereth  abroad.  [Luke  with  me  as  a  friend,  is  indeed  against  me,"  and  will  accordingly  be  treated  as  one  that  is  •^O 
''''  ^^■■'  -  an  enemy  to  me ;  and  he  that  does  not  set  himself  according  to  his  ability  to  gather  sub- 

jects into  my  kingdom  ivith  me,  is  but  vainly  and  foolishly  scattering  abroad,  and,  however 
otherwise  employed,  wastes  his  time  and  labour  in  what  \vill  at  last  turn  to  no  solid 
account.o  Much  more  criminal  and  fatal,  then,  must  the  character  and  conduct  of  those 
be,  who,  with  deliberate  implacable  malice,  oppose  my  cause,  and  are  resolved  at  all 
adventures  to  do  their  utmost  to  bear  it  down,  as  you  are  attempting  'to  do  by  these  vile 
insinuations  which  you  have  now  suggested. 

31  Wherefore  [verily]  I  say      I  therefore  give  you  the  most  solemn  and  compassionate  warning  of  your  danger ;  for  3 1 
forgiven"unto  the^sonsonnen";  J^'^  are  on  the  brink  of  a  most  dreadful  precipice.     Th.at  malignity  of  heart  which  leads 
and  blasphemies,  wherewitti  you  to  ascribe  these  worlcs  of  mine  to  a  confederacy  with  Satan,  may  incline  you  to  pass 
buTthe  bf^phemy  a^«mjTthe  ^^^  Same  impious  Sentence  on  the  gi-eatest  and  fullest  confirmation  which  is  to  be  given  to 
Moll/  Ghost  shall  not  be  for-  my  gospel,  by  the  effusion  of  the  Spirit  on  my  followers  ;  and  therefore,  to  prevent,  if  pos- 

given   unto  men.    [Mark  111.   ^;i;i„    „      u  1*        j        ■  -it  s  tu   <.      7/     i.u         ■    '     1    n  v     i-       •  x  *^j; 

£8.]  siDle,  such  guilt  and  ruin,  verdy  1  say  unto  you,  Ihat  all  other  sins  shall  bejorgiven  to  the 

children  of  men,  and  even  [o//]  the  other  blmphemies  with  which  they  shall  blaspheme ;  but 
the  blasphemy  against  the  Spirit  of  God,  in  this  most  glorious  dispensation  of  it,P  shall  not 
be  forgiven  to  those  impious  and  incorrigible  men,  who  shall  dare  to  impute  to  diabolical 

32  And  whosoever  speak-  Operation  those  glorious  works  of  divine  power  and  goodness.  And,  I  add,  that  whoso-  32 
n^an*^i^'shau'"be*^b^°h■e'n  ^^'^'^  7'"'^'''  «  Contemptuous  and  impious  w-ord  even  against  the  Son  of  man  himself,  while 
him  •  but  whosoever  speaketh  here  on  earth  in  his  obscure  form,  he  may  possibly  be  brought  to  repentance  for  it,  and  so 
sifai'r^not"^be^'tbr^i\^n°*him!  '^  ''''^"'^  ^^  forgiven  him;  and  consequently  even  your  case,  bad  as  it  is,  is  not  entirely 
neither  in  this  world,  neitiier  hopelcss  :  hut  whosoever  shall  maliciously  speak  any  thing  of  this  nature  against  the  Holy 
iJevVr^  forgite'neS^^but  is^^in  Spirit,  when  the  grand  dispensation  of  it  shall  open,  in  those  miraculous  gifts  and  opera- 
fianger  of  eternal  damnation.]  tions  that  will  be  attended  with  the  most  evident  demonstrations  of  his  mighty  power,  it 

"'■     '^  shall  never  be  forgiven  him  at  all,  either  in  this  world,  or  in  that  which  is  to  come  ;'i  but  he 

really  be  his  omi  enemy,  and  rise  up  for  the  subversion  of  his  owncanse,  not  to  demoniacs,  who  were  far  from  being  in  peace  or  quiet,  but  to  the 
before  he  could  become  an  associate  with  Jesus.  See  Archbishop  Tillot-  case  of  sinners,  who  by  the  arts  of  Satan  are  lulled  into  a  state  of  secu- 
sons  /(orfo,  vol.  iii.  p.  545.  rity  and  confidence,  while  in  the  hands  of  their  greatest  enemy,  and  in 


i  By  whom  do  your  own  children  eipel  them,  who  practise  exorcisms, 
&c.]    For  the  proof  of  this  fact,  see  Acts  xix.  13.  Mark  ix.  38.  Luke  ix. 


the  way  to  final  destruction. 

-                  .                   — ^.^.  ^,. „ ....  n  He  that  is  not  tiith  me  is  agai7ist  me.']    How  this  is  to  be  reconciled 

49.  J"seph.  Antiq.  Jud.  lib.  viii.  cap.  ii.  §  5.   p.  420.  Haiercamp.  and  with  Luke  ix.  50.  see  the  note  there,  i>  96. 

JJr.  Whitby  s  note  ;  but  above  all,  that  of  Grotius  on  this  passage.    I  do  o  Wastes  his  time  and  labour  in  what  will  at  last  turn  to  no  solid 

not  see  that  there  is  any  need  of  refeiring  this  to  the  apostles,  who  had  account.]    This  is  a  more  natural  sense  than  to  take  it  as  if  our  Lord  had 

not  yet  been  sent  out ;  and  if  they  had,  they  to  be  sure  would  be  involved  said.  He  that  does  not  gather  subjects  into  my  kingdom,  disperses  them. 

m  ih^  same  censure  with  Christ.    It  is  more  natural  to  suppose  that  the  According  to  the  interpretation  1  have  given,  it  is  a  most  noble  maxim 

disciples  ot  the  Pharisees  are  here  probably  meant  by  their  children.  of  divine  wisdom  ;  and  happy  is  the  minister,  happy  the  man,  who 

k  While  he  is  actually  present  to  guard  them.]    This  the  course  of  the  attends  to  it. 

^Ji"o  ™^°'  P'^'^'y  supposes  ;  and  the  case  in  question  proved  thepresence  p  The  blasphemy  against  the  Spirit  of  God  in  this  most  glorious  dis- 

"/  'Sa'an.  pensation  of  it.]    After  all  that  Archbishop  Tillotson  has  said  (vol.  i. 

1   l\  hile  a  strong  man,  <Sr,]    The  reader  will  observe,  that  (contrary  to  Serm.  17.)  to  prove  that  the  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost  was  that  which 

"lost  others)  1  have  introduced  in  this  section  Luke  xi.l4 — 23.  as  parallel  these  Pharisees  committed,  in  ascribing  the  miracles  of  Christ  to  Satan, 

to  Matt.  xii.  22 — 30.  and  Mark  iii.  22—27.    The  reason  is,  because,  as  I  have  rather  chosen  to  take  the  words'in  Dr.  Whitby's  sense,  and  mu.st 

there  appeare'l  to  me  no  certain  evidence  that  the  miracle  and  discourse  beg  leave  to  refer  to  his  paraphrase  on  thc  places  above,  and  to  his  excel- 

recoided  by  Matthew  were  afterwards  repeated  at  another  time,  (see  lent  dissertation  on  the  subject,  in  his  Fourth  Appendix  to  Matthew,  tor 

note  a,  on  Luke  xi.  37.  §  110.)  so  I  was  not  willing  to  insert  so  long  a  the  reasons  which  induced  me  to  such  a  judgment.                ,j        ■      i 

discourse  twice  :  yetit  is  hot  impossible  it  might  occur  again  ;  and  if  any,  q  It  shall  ?iever  be  fnrgiven  him  at  all,  either  i-i  this  aorld,  or  in  thai 

on  the  whole,  judge  it  most  probable  it  did,  they  may  turn  hack  from  which  is  to  come.']    It'  is  observed  both  by  Lightfoot  and  Grotius,  that 

theme,  and  read  these  verses  again. — I  likewise  thought  the  discourse,  through  a  fond  imagination  of  the  final  happiness  of  all  the  seed  ot 

with  the  additions  from  Luke,  appeared  most  complete  and  beautiful.  Abraham,  the  Jews  supposed  there  were  some  sins  that  had  not  Deen 

m   His  goods  are  in  a  profound  peace.]    Our  Lord  here  (as  also  Luke  forgiven  here,  lhat  would  he  expiated  by  death,  and  be  forgiven  ajter  it  : 

X.  17—20.  §  106.)  evidently  takes  occasion,  from  having  spoken  of  dis-  and  that  our  Lord  designed  by  this  expression  to  assure  them,  ttiat  mere 

possessions,  to  turn  his  discourse  to  that  grand  and  complete  victory  over  was  no  forgiveness  to  he  had  for  those  that  should  be  guilty  ot  this  sm, 

Satan,  of  which  these  miracles  were  a  specimen  ;  and  these  words  refer,  either  before  or  after  death  ;  and  tliat  their  e.ipectations  ot  forgiveness 


^j8  THE  DANGER  OF  SINFUL  WORDS. 

SECT,  is  obnoxious  to  eternal  damnation,  and  must  irrecoverably  sink  into  it ;  nor  will  all  the 
61.    grace  of  the  gospel,  in  its  fullest  display,  afford  a  remedy  for  so  aggravated  a  crime,  or 

furnish  him  w-ith  means  for  his  conviction  and  recovery. 

MARK      This  admonition  he  gave  them  with  such  repeated  s,o\emn\iy,  because  they\md  mali-     Mark  iii.  30.  Because  they 
^"3„ciously  said,  He  hath  an  unclean  spirit,  and  performs  these  miraculous  works  by  the  Spirit. "^  '"*"*  ""  ""c'ean 
assistance  of  Beelzebub. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
LUKE       How  condescending  was  the  conduct  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  while  he  dwelt  among  us  !  Tliough  he  was  Lord  of 
vm-   all,  he  not  only  waved  the  pompous  manner  of  subsisting  by  continued  miracles,  but  likewise  declined  to  dwell 
1 — 3  ^j(.]^  ^]^g  yjgij  g^jjjj  ^-^Q  great,  with  whom  he  could  easily  have  secured  to  himself  a  constant  abode."^    He  chose  a 
laborious  itinerant  course,  and  subsisted  chiefly  on  the  bounty  of  a  few  pious  women,  whose  company  and  friend- 
ship he  did  not  despise.    That  subsistence  was  most  pleasmg  to  him  which  was  the  greatest  testimony  of  the 
respect  and  affection  of  his  hearers,  and  at  tlie  same  time  gave  the  greatest  opportunity  to  testify  his  own  humility 
and  self-denial,  and  to  pursue  his  schemes  for  public  usefulness.    So  may  his  followers,  and  especially  his  minis- 
ters, always  judge !    And  may  all  the  great  things  tliey  seek  for  themselves,  be  such  as  lie  on  the  other  side  of 
the  grave,  and  are  to  be  enjoyed  in  the  presence  of  our  glorified  Master ! 
MATT.      We  have  seen  another  triumph  of  Christ  over  the  evil  spirit,  another  of  those  glorious  and  delightful  instances 
XII.    in  wh'ch  the  great  Captain  of  our  salvation,  with  superior  strength,  bound  the  strong  man,  and  spoiled  his  goods. 
22,  29  jyjg^y  j.].,g  victory  still  be  carried  on  to  perfection  !     May  his  merciful  alarms  break  that  dangerous  and  fatal  peace 
LUKE  in  which  the  slaves  of  Satan  are  for  a  while  detained,  that  he  may  with  greater  advantage,  and  greater  terror, 
^\-     plunae  them  into  final  and  eternal  ruin  !     And,  in  such  a  contest,  may  we  abhor  neutrality  !     With  pleasure  and 
21,  22  ^gj^i  jgj^  ^,g  jjgj  ourselves  under  the  Redeemer's  banners,  that  we  may  share  his  trophies !    And,  while  others  are 

23  throwing  away  their  time,  their  labour,  and  their  souls,  may  we,  by  gathering  with  him,  secure  to  ourselves  ever- 
lasting riches. 

MATT.      We  must  surely  be  astonished  to  hear  of  that  perverse  and  malignant  interpretation  which  these  wretches  put  on 
^l^-    such  convincing  miracles :  and  it  must  move  our  indignation  to  see  the  Son  of  God  maliciously  charged  as  an 

24  associate  with  Satan.     If  they  have  thus  called  the  Master  of  the  house  Beelzebub,  how  much  more  those  of  his 

25  household?  (Matt.  x.  25.)  Let  us  learn  to  imitate  that  meekness  of  wisdom  with  which  tlie  blessed  Jesus  pursues 
his  vindication.    0!i  that  his  followers  had  ever  traced  it !     Yea,  I  had  almost  said,  Oh  thai  they  had  learned, 

26  even  from  the  union  of  confederate  enemies,  the  danger  of  that  house  or  kingdom  which  is  unnaturally  divided 
against  itself ! 

It  is  matter  of  great  thankfulness,  thus  expressly  to  hear  that  every  other  sin  and  blasphemy  shall  be  forgiven ; 
31,  32  but  awful  to  think,  that  the  blasphemy  against  the  Holy  Ghost  is  excepted.  Let  those  who,  while  they  cannot 
deny  the  facts  of  Christianity,  despise  and  oppose  its  doctrines,  tremble  to  think  how  near  they  approach  to  the 
boundaries  of  this  sin,  which  is  perhaps  more  obscurely  described,  that  we  may  more  cautiously  avoid  all  such 
approaches.  But  let  not  the  humljle  soul  that  trembles  at  God's  word,  meditate  terror  to  it.self  from  such  a  pas- 
sage ;  which,  when  viewed  in  its  due  connexion,  cannot,  with  any  shadow  of  reason,  be  thought  to  belong  to  any 
who  do  not  obstinately  reject  the  gospel,  and  maliciously  oppose  it,  when  made  known  to  them  with  its  fullest 
evidence. 

SECTION  LXTI. 

Our  Lord  goes  on  to  caution  the  Pharisees  of  the  danger  of  such  sinful  words  ;  and  answers  to  the  exclamation  of  the  woman  who  e.xtoUed  tlic 
happiness  of  his  mother.    Matt.  xii.  33 — 37.     Luke  xi.  27,  28. 

Matt.  xii.  33.  '  M^.^^    ^ii  33 

.SECT.  WHEN  our  Lord  had  thus  faithfully  warned  the  Pharisees  of  the  danger  they  were  in  of  either    make   the   tree 
62.     incurring  unpardonable  guilt,  by  blasphemy  against  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  proceeded  to  file'^^nTkl'^the'Tree^tOTriip't! 
enforce  the  admonition  in  the  following  manner :  Attentively  consider  what  I  have  offered  and  his  fruit  corrupt :  for  the 
^xu^'  *^*'  •^•^"'  ^"*^  either  lay  aside  your  vain  and  hypocritical  pretences  to  religion,  or  quit  that  *'^^^  **  imown  by  Ats  fruit. 
22  malignity  and  wickedness  which  render  these  pretences  insolent  and  odious  :  cither  make 
the  tree  good,  and  show  it  to  be  so  by  making  its  fruit  also  good  ;^  or  else  make,  and  allow, 
the  tree  to  be  corrupt,  and  its  fruit  also  corrupt,  if  it  in  fact  appear  to  be  so  :  for  the  tree  is 
to  be  known  bi/  the  fruit  it  produces,  which  is  an  infallible  proof  of  what  quality  it  is. 

34  (Compare  Matt.  vii.  17,  18.  sect,  xlii.)  O  ye  abominable  brood  of  vipers,  ye  perverse,  m  o  generation  of  vipers! 
venomous,  deceitful  creatures,  Imv  can  r/on,  who  are  so  ivicked  yourselves,  speak  o-oo^/ how  can  ye,  heins;  evil,  speak 
th;i,n,ol   t;  ;„  „       1         r  i  1  J      ■..  J     "^         -11  1  '      .     ^    .      'J"°'>  thinRS '  tor  out  ot  the 

inmgs;  it  is  surely  a  force  upon  nature  whenever  you  do  it ;  and  you  will  easily  return  to  abundance  of  the  heart  the 
such  uncharitable  and  impious  languaa^e  as  we  have  now  been  hearing  from  you ;  for  the  '"'*""'  speaketh. 

35  mouth  naturally  speaks  out  of  the  overflowing  abundance  of  the  heart.  And  tlius,  on  tlie  one  3.5  A  good  man,  out  of  the 
hand,  a  good  man,  out  of  the  good  treasure  of  the  heart,  freely  and  ?t}onx\di^ni\\/  produces  good  5";!^  eth'^^'for'th  "^ood'*  h'*^'" 
things,  and  scatters  the  seeds  of  wisdom  aiid  piety  in  tlie  minds  of  all  with  whom  he  con-  and  an  evi7man!"out*ot"?he 
verses  :  and,  on  the  other  hand,  a  wicked  man,  being  full  of  corrupt  affections,  and  a  secret  ^^'j  ♦'"e«^*'""e.  bringetli  forth 
malignity  against  religion,  out  of  the  evil  treasure  ofh\%  heart,  as  naturally /;W??^r.s-  forth  evil  '" 

thin^ ;  and,  even  when  he  labours  most  artfully  to  disguise  himself  and  his  character, 
breaks  out,  like  you,  in  some  unguarded  moment,  into  such  language  as  betrays  the  shame 
he  would  conceal.    (Compare  Luke  vi.  43—45.  sect,  liv.) 

36  ^"^take  heed  how  you  suffer  your  tongoies  to  run  on  in  this  profane  and  licentious  man-  36  But  I  say  unto  you, 
ner;  for  I  solemnly  declare  unto  you.  That  in  the  awful  day  of  the  final  and  universal  ^^ea\hlii^spea'  Jhev'' shall 
judgment,  men  shall  give  a  strict  and  impartial  account  for  every  unprofitable,  and  much  sive  account  thereof  "in  the 
more  for  every  pernicious,  word^  which  they  shall  speak  :  and  woe  be  to  them  who  have  ^^^^  of  Judgment. 

Hvir'  H^Ar'^^nTrw^^,  ,^"'"  /*^"B  ^?p?'*f,"'  ^•"^''J"-    (See  Lightfoot's  dations  of  life  :  but  Christ  came  to  bring  the  gospel  to  the  poor  ;  and  the 

that  thffwaf^,lH  il  ^nrov/:?^^  1^"'  "  '^''^^--'y  fown.by  Dr.  Whitby,  purposes  of  his  mission  required  frequent  removes. 

I  //»■;„  .Il«  A   as  aproveibial  expression  ;  and  that  it  only  signified,  a  Maie  the  tree  good,  Sc.\    The  sense  I   have  cho.sen   is  that  which 

JoruVfh..,lfr,       '  ^Ti  '*  ^^"'  ^''"*'  ^*  ''"!'■'  ?""  *«•  ^'"'"  "'  "'"  sfiems  to  agree  best  with  what  follows.    I  could  not  acquiesce  in  that  of 

Messiah- AiSnn,    ShtirrJJ<?rff' '''''  1?  '.?T  """''  *''=''  •'  '?t^''^  t'^  *•>«  Mr.  L'Enfant,  who  supposes  it  is  as  if  he  should  have  said,  Eii/<er  alhu< 

hintirt  »t  fhcf^l?,?'     \fl  ^  -^  often  called  the  age  to  come,  I  have  also  me  to  be  good,  or  prove  the  ca.<:ting  out  devils  to  be  evil;  for  that  woul.l 

si^m  tn  Lp^nlfi''.^',^.'^''  1"  '"deed  included  m  tlie  other,  but  does  not  suppose  every  one  who  casts  met  devils  to  he  a  good  man.    Zegerus  and 

i?^ht   th^sin  cnnM^^t  Kf  i^.SS'?  r'^  fi^.A  ^?''  '^  °"'  interpretation  be  Grotius  understand  it  as  if  our  Lord  had  said,  "  Since  you  cannot  but 

?  Thp  ri^h  .?H  fir i-  ,/°^fT'"r'  "','  "''''  tS*"  <=™;^'"enced.  allow  that  my  life,  and  the  tendency  of  mit  doctrine,  ^regood,  be  not  so 

himself  JVnn^lnt,h£L  1  '  1 7  ^     K,  ?i  h^*:""'^  !?S''y  liave  Secured  to  inconsistent  with  yourselves  as  to  suppose  1  am  a  confederate  with  Beel- 

t,  r  nn  rwhThin      ^^ode.]    Undoubtedly,  to  mention  no  more,  the  cen-  zebub.-'    And  it  is  indeed  very  possible  that  this  may  be  the  sense. 

I,"s  own  charge    T  nki  vi?  ^  ^n"in7'\'T„r?\'^h''  *°  T"'^'  ^  sy"^?oaue  at  b  For  even,  nnprofitahle,  anS  much  more  for  ever/  pernicious.  70ord.) 

have  rprJ  v»§  ;„r„  h?c  LV,'.,f ■  '     ^^ '?       "  '^  ^""^^  ^^^I"  ^^'7  "^'"'"^  to  Though  the  terms  iiiconvenient  and  unprofitable  are  sometimes  aiiplied 

rartor To  wli?t     ^J,„^-,«^  f  "  "5^  "  P^"°"  f  M  extraordinary  a  cha-  to  things  capable  of  much  worse  epitht-ts ;  (compare   Kom.  i.  28.   Eph. 

ractcr.  so  perfectly  temperate,  and  so  easy  as  to  the  common  accommo-  v.  4,  11.  Tit.  iii.  '}.  and  Heb.  \iii.  17.)  yet  I  cannot  think  that  our  Lord 


THE  PERVERSENESS  OF  THE  PHARISEES  UPBRAIDED.  119 

37  For  by  thy  words  thou  used  that  noble  faculty  of  speech  only  to  vain  or  to  wicked  purposes.  Fur  let  every  par-  SECT 
wo'ds''^h"oi'''shau"1)i'VdL^-  t'cular  hearer  apply  it  to  himself:  it  is  not  by  thine  actions  alone,  but  in  some  degree  l»/  62. 
demaed.  t/ii/  luorck,  t/iou  shalt  at  last  be  justified,  or  by  thi/  ivords  thou  sluilt  be  then  condemned ;^  as 

by  the  tenor  of  these  the  disposition  of  thy  heart  is  shown,  and  thy  true  character  discovered,  matt. 
Luke  xi.  27.  And  it  came      And  while  he  wos  Speaking  these  things,^  a  certain  pious  ivoman  was  so  transported  with  ^^^-  ^• 
thingl^acertiinwomanonhe  ^  mixture  of  pleasure  at  hearing  his  words,  and  indignation  at  the  unworthy  treatment  he   luke 
company  lifted  up  iier  voice,  met  with  from  his  adversaries,  that  she  could  not  forbear  lifting  up  her  voice,  and,  crying  out     ^l- 
M 'thf  wom"b°tiiHrbare^the^e'!  /"'»«  amidst  the  croivd,^  she  said  unto  him,  O  thou  divine  Teacher,  Happt/  is  the  womb  of  ^T' 
and  the  paps  which  thou  hast  her  that  bare  thce,  and  thrice  happy  the  breasts  which  thou  didst  suck!  with  what  unspeakable 
^"'^'^^''"  delight  must  thy  blessed  mother  look  on  so  illustrious  a  Son ! 

28  But  he  said  Yea,  rather      But  he  modestly  and  seriously  replied,  Nay,  rather  happy  are  they  who  hear  the  word  of  28 
wordVGod.'^and  keeplf.  '^  God  which  I  preach,  and  keep  it  in  their  hearts  as  a  vital  principle  of  holy  obedience  ;  for 

they  will  be  entitled  to  eternal  blessings,  infinitely  more  valuable  than  any  natural  relation 

to  me  could  give,  or  any  opportunities  of  the  most  intimate  converse  with  me,  separate 

from  such  a  practical  regard  to  my  instructions. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Whose  heart  does  not  echo  back  the  exclamation  of  this  pious  woman  ?  Yet  who  does  not  too  frequently  forget  Ver.  27 
that  weighty  and  important  answer  which  succeeded  it  ?    Let  us  not  only  hear,  but  keep  the  word  of  Christ ;  and 
we  shall  thus  be  happy  in  a  nearer  union  with  him  than  ever  could  arise  from  any  natural  relation  to  him,  and  28 
shall  ere  long  have  opportunities  of  more  noble  and  more  delightful  converse  with  him,  than  those  with  which  the 
Virgin  Mary  herself  was  honoured,  during  the  time  of  his  abode  on  earth. 

Let  us  especially  attend  to  those  instructions  we  have  here  received,  and  judge  of  ourselves  by  our  fruits ;  never  matt. 
flattering  ourselves  that  our  hearts  are  good,  if  our  lives  are  abominable  and  disobedient,  and  to  every  good  work    -^^l- 
■reprobate.    (Tit.  i.  16.)     And  in  particular  let  us  remember,  that  not  our  actions  only,  but  the  fruits  of  our  lips,  ^^>  ^" 
are  to  be  brought  into  the  solemn  account  which  we  must  give  to  the  great  Judge  of  all  tlie  earth  ;  and  that  the 
day  is  coming,  when  all  our  idle  and  unprofitable  talk,  which  has  proceeded  J'roni  the  evil  treasure  of  a  depraved  37 
heart,  will  undergo  a  strict  examination,  and  we  must  answer  not  for  our  actions  only,  but  shall  be  justified  or 
condemned  by  our  words.     And,  if  foolish  and  wicked  speeches  are  to  be  accounted  for  in  the  day  of  judgment, 
let  us  set  a  watch  on  the  door  of  our  lips  to  prevent  them  ;  and  labour  daily  to  use  our  tongue  so,  that  it  may 
indeed  be,  as  it  is  in  Scripture  "called,  our  glory.    (Psal.  xvi.  9.  xxx.  12.) 

For  that  purpose,  let  it  be  our  great  care  to  lay  up  a  good  treasure  of  Christian  knowledge  and  experience  in  35 
our  hearts ;  that  while  too  many  are  poisoning  those  that  are  round  about  them  with  erroneous  principles  and 
vicious  discourses,  the  opening  of  our  lips  may  be  of  righteous  things  ;  and  we  may  still  be  ready,  upon  all  proper 
occasions,  with  freedom,  variety,  and  spirit,  to  bring  forth  good  and  profitable  things  from  the  good  treasure  of  our 
hearts ;  which  may  be  edifying  unto  those  that  hear  us,  and  may  go  from  one  heart  to  another.  So  will  the  Lord 
himself  hearken  with  pleasure  unto  what  we  speak,  and  exactly  record  it  in  the  book  of  remembrance  that  is 
written  before  him ;  and,  producing  it  at  last  to  our  public  honour,  will  own  us  for  his,  in  the  day  when  he  makes 
up  his  jewels.    (Mai.  iii.  16,  17.) 


SECTION  LXIII. 

Our  Lord  upbraids  the  Pharisees  with  their  perverseness  in  asking  a  further  sign;  and  delivers  the  parable  of  tlie  relapsing  demoniac.  Matt.  xii. 

38—45.    Luke  xi.  16,  24—26,  29—32. 

Matt.  xii.  38.  Matf.   xii.   38. 

thf:n  certain  9f  the  scribes  THEN  some  of  the  scribcs  and  Pharisees  who  were  present,  hearing  how  plainly  Christ  SECT, 
ed,  [][empting)«>i*;  a«Jsoutiit  admonished,  and  how  severely  he  rebuked  them,  answered  him,  by  diverting  the  discourse     63. 
of  hi""  ^^i^"  '^^^"'^  heaven,]  to  another  topic  ;  [anrf]  with  a  view  to  try  him,  demanded  of  him  a  sign  from  heaven,  saying,  ——— 
see 'a'liga^from'  ti^el  [Luke  Master,  thou  professest  thyself  a  teacher  of  extraordinary  authority,  and  we  may  justly  m^tt. 
^'-  16.]  expect  some  proportionable  proof  of  it :  now  these  supposed  dispossessions  which  we  op 

have  lately  seen  or  heard  of,  are  so  liable  to  fraud  and  collusion,  that  we  cannot  fully 
acquiesce  in  them ;  but  would  gladly  see  a  more  remarkable  and  convincing  sign  from  thee, 
and  particularly  some  such  celestial  appearance*  as  several  of  our  ancient  prophets  gave. 
39  But  [when  the  people      IRut  when  the  midtitude  xnas  gathered  in  a  crowd  about  him,  eager  to  hear  what  Jesus  39 
i7e*answered!lnd'said'kfthlm^  would  reply  to  this  demand,  and  ready  to  conclude  that  he  would  now  perform  some 
[ Tiiis  is]  ari  evil  and  adui-  wondrous  and  peculiar  kind  of  miracle,  he  answered  and  said  to  them.  This  is  an  evil  and 
seeketh  al'ter^a'sign'  ancfthere  odulterous  generation,^  a  very  perverse  and  degenerate  people,  \that,'\  amidst  such  con- 
shall  no  sign  be^g'ivento  it,  vincing  miracles  as  I  am  daily  performing  in  the  most  public  manner,  still  seeks  after  a 
Jonas'!^  [Luke  xl  g^g*;^^'''"^'''^'  further  sign :  but  no  such  sign  as  their  bold  curiosity  prescribes  shall  be  given  them,  unless 
\it  bel  that  one  yet  greater  miracle,  which  I  may  not  improperly  call  the  sign  of  the  prophet 
luke  xi  30    For  as  Jona   •^"'"^"^''^  bccause  it  bears  SO  great  a  resemblance  to  that  miraculous  occurrence  tliat  will  be     xi. 
wasasign'unt'otheNinevites,  Seen  hereafter  with  respect  to  me.     For  as  Jonah  was  a  sign  to  the  Ninevites,'^  and  vfa.s  30 

here  uses  ap^yow,  idle,  merely  to  signify  mischievous.    We  are  certainly  posed,  the  reader  will  excuse  it,  as  it  serves  for  a  fit  appendix  to  this 

accountable  for  useless  as  well  as  wicked  discourses,  and   they  will  be  short  section,  and  likewise  prevents  tlie  more   unequal  length  of  the 

taken  mto  that  last  survey  which  is  to  determine  our  character  and  state  ;  following. 

which  they,  whose  lite   is  one  continued  scene  of  whim  or  sneering  e  From  amidst  the  crowd.']    So  ex  tow  ox'^ou  plainly  signifies;  and  it 

raillery,  would  do  well  seriously  to  consider.    And  it  was  to  our  Lord's  may  thus,  I  think,  be  very  properly  connected  with  the  words  which 

purpose  to  observe  it  here,  as  it  inferred,  by  the  strongest  consequence,  follow  it  in  the  original. 

the  danger  of  such  vile  and  criminal  discourses  as  those  of  the  Pharisees  a  Some  such  celestial  appearance.]    The  words  of  Luke  expressly  fix 

in  this  case.    But  discourse  tending,  by  innocent  mirth,  to  exhilarate  the  it  to  this  sense,  and  Matthew,  in  another  story  of  this  kind,  (Matt.  xvi. 

spirits,  IS  not  idle  discourse  ;  as  the  time  spent  in  necessary  recreation  1.  4  87.)  expressly  tells  us.  they  demanded  a  sign  from  heaven.  (Compare 

's  'lot  idle  tune ;  nor  does  a  wise  and  gracious  God  expect  from  men  the  also  Mark  viii.  11.)    It  is  not  therefore  to  be  understood  of  a  sign  only- 

Im  of  angels.    The  Jews  about  Kimchi's  time,  had  a  proverb  among  of  deliverance  from  the  Roman  yoke,  or  of  the  erection  of  the  Messiah  s 

them,    that  a  scholar  may  he  improved  even  by  the   idle  words  of  his  temporal  kingdom,  as  some  have  supposed,  but  rather  of  some  miracle 

master  ;  but  I  think  Heinsius  had  no  reason  to  value  himself  so  inuch  performed  in  the  visible  heavens,  where,  they  seem  to  have  thought, 

as  he  seems  to  do,  on  his  attempt  to  explain  these  words  of  Christ  as  an  impostors  had  less  power  than  on  earth.   (Compare  John  vi.  30.) — And 

alhistmi  to  that. — If  any,  on  the  whole,  are  dissatisfied  with  the  account  they  might  probably  conclude,  they  had  the  better  excuse  for  making 

°',*]""gs  here  given,  I  would  beg  leave  to  ask  them,  whether  ?OTpny5rVffA/e  such  a  proposal,  as  Moses,  (Exod.  ix.  22 — 24.)  Joshua,  (Josh.  x.  12.) 

talk  be  not  a  sinful  wasting  of  time?  and  whether  that  must  not  render  .Samuel,  (1  Sam.  vii.  9,  10.)  and  Elijah,  (1  Kings  xviii.  36 — .38.  and 

a  man  m  some  degree  criminal  before  God  >  2  Kings  i.  10.)  had  given  such  signs.  (Compare  Isa.  vii.  11.  and  xxxviu. 

c  Ur  by  thy  words  thou  shalt  be  condemtied.]    Since  both  the  clauses  in  8.)    See  Vitring.  Observ.  Sacr.  lib.  2   cap.  16. 

(1   ^li*^^  cannot  belong  to  the  same  persmi,  it  is  plain  that  Kai  here,  as  b  Adulterous  generation.]    This  plainly  signifies  a  spurious  race.de- 

the  Hebrew  particle   Ve  in  many  places,  is  put  for  the  alternative  Or:  generated  from  the  piety  ot  their  ancestors.  Compare  Isa.  Ivii.  3,  4.  Psal. 

and  agreeably  to  this  we  find,  that  instead  of  Kat,  the  particle  n  is  here  cxliv.  7, 8.  and  John  viii.  39,  et  seq. 

'"?i^  7?r7  ■';"  ?^*°y  ancient  copies.  c   Unless  it  be  the  sian  of  the  prophet  Jonah.]    As  the  resurrection  of 

d   w me  he  Was  speaking  these  things.]    Luke  brings  in  this  story  at  Christ  was  attended  with  the  appearance  of  a  descending  angel,  it  was, 

tne  end  ot  the  parable  ot  the  relapsing  demoniac,  which  was  delivered  with  greater  exactness  than  is  generally  observed,  the  very  thing  that 

just  at  the  conclusion  ot  the  discourse  before  related.    And  though  it  is  these  Pharisees  demanded,  a  sign  from  Heaven. 

uncertain  at  what  exact  time  this  exclamation  was  made,  yet  what  was  d  For  as  Jonah  was  a  sign,  &c.]    Ihe  attentive  reader  may  easily 

now  said  might  be  a  proper  occasion  for  it ;  or  if  it  be  a  little  trans-  observe  that  some  passages  of  the  eleventh  chapter  ot  St.  Luke  are 


J 20  THE  PERVERSENESS  OF  THE  PHARISEES  UPBRAIDED. 

SECT   miraculously  sent  among  them  by  means  of  an  unparalleled  deliverance  from  the  most  so  shall  also  tiie  Son  of  man 
63.  '  imminent  danger;  so  also  shall  the  Son  of  man,  by  a  yet  more  surprising  divine  interposi-  '"' '°  ""^  generation. 

. tion  in  his  favour,  be  made  a  very  illustrious  si^n  to  this  generation.     For  as  Jonah  was     Matt.  xii.  40.  For  as  Jonas 

MATT,  three  days  and  three  nights  in  the  belli/  of  the  great  fsh  that  swallowed  him/  and  yet  after-  ^Y^hts^'in^he  wf,ale"s'*  beUyl 
XII.    -^vards  came  out  alive  and  unliurt ;  so  shall  the  Son  of  man,  after  he  has  been  slain  by  the  so'shall  the  Son  of  man  be 
^°  infidelity  and  cruelty  of  those  to  whom  he  comes,  be  past  of  three  days  and  three  nights  f  in  {hettot^Ae'elrth"'^""^  '"* 
the  heart  of  the  earth,  and  on  the  third  day  shall,  with  the  ministiy  of  an  angel  in  a  visible 
form  descending  from  heaven,  burst  the  bands  of  death,  and  come  forth  from  the  tomb 

41  living  and  triumphant.  And,  by  a  natural  consequence,  the  men  of  Nineveh  shall  ?-ise  np  41  The  men  of  Nineveh 
in  the  final  jndgment  with  this  generation,?  and,  by  the  circumstances  of  their  case  when  fhi^'geulratioiranTshaUcoJ!^ 
viewed  together,  shall  plead  agamst  it,  and  cundenin  it,  as  far  more  mexcusable  than  they ;  demn  it ;  because  they  re- 
for  they  repe7ited  in  tiie  very  dust  at  the  preaching  of  Jonah,  though  he  made  them  but  a  f^'^%^.  a*d*£e"hoW?a  gre1.ter 
transient  visit,  and  wrought  no  miracle  in  their  presence  to  confirm  his  mission  ;  and,  be-  than  Jonas  is  here. '[Luke  xi. 
hold,  one  much  greater  than  Jonah  is  here,  and  yon  reject  him,  though  he  has  been  so  ^-■' 

long  among  you,  and  has  performed  a  great  variety  of  most  surprising  miracles  before  you. 

42  And  much  more  may  it  be  concluded,  tliat  the  queen  of  Sheba,  in  the  south  country,  42  The  queen  of  the  south 
shall  rise  up  in  judgment  with  this  generation,  and,  by  the  signal  instance  that  she  gave  "of  ^J'?{[|j]|:|fj<'„"^Pg^"^/>^J;^^|'iif^'|| 
her  gi-eat  desire  to  uTiprove  in  knowledge,  shall  plead  against  the  obstinacy  and  perverse-  condemn' it:  tor  she  came 
ness  of  this  wicked  age,  and  condemn  it :  since,  great  as  her  rank  and  her  affairs  in  life  {h""^ J['h  to'hear °hl  '\Wsdom 
were,  she  came  from  the  extreme  boundaries  of  the  earth,  even  from  the  remotest  parts  of  of  Solomon :  and,  behold,  a 
the  Arabian  coast,  to  hear  the  wisdom  of  Solomon,  that  she  might  improve  by  his  learned  fLukeVi'.' ai.^"'*""""  "  *'*'^*' 
conversation,  (see  1  Kings  x.  \,  et  seg.)  and  behold,  however  contemptible  he  may  appear. 

in  your  eyes,  one  much  greater  than  Solomon,  both  in  dignity  and  wisdom,  is  here  befor6 
you,  and  is  daily  conversant  among  you."* 

43  Take  heed  therefore  how  you  behave  to  me,  lest  all  your  inquiries  after  the  kingdom  of  43  When  the  unclean  spirit 
heaven,  and  all  your  converse  with  me,  serve  only  to  aggravate  your  guilt  and  ruin.  For,  e'ih"hroT4°do'"pia'ces  *eek- 
if  speedy  repentance  does  not  prevent  it,  I  foresee  that  (to  borrow  a  simile  from  the  late  im;  rest,"  and  fmdeth'none. 
subject  of  our  discourse)  your  case  will  be  like  that  of  a  demoniac,  who,  after  a  little  [Lukexi.  24.] 

respite,  falls  into  a  more  violent  relapse :  for,  as  it  sometimes  happens  that  an  unclean 
spirit,  when  he  has  gone  out  of  a  man,  goes  about,  in  a  roaming  discontented  manner, 
through  dry  deserts  and  wild  uncultivated  placc'^,'  seeking  some  rest  to  his  own  malignant 

44  nature ;  aiid^  througli  the  invisible  restraint  of  divine  providence,  he  Jiwleth  none :  Then  he  44  Then  he  saith,  I  will  re- 
saith,  I  will  return  to  my  dwelting,from  whence  I  came  out ;  and  resolves  to  make  anotiier  'vi')"nce'°l"'came"'out'-  'and 
attack  on  the  person  he  lately  quitted  :  and  it  may  be,  when  he  comes  to  him,  hejimh,  as  it  when  he  is  come,  he  findeth 
were,  an  habitation  empty  of  any  better  guest,  and  even  swept  and  adorned  to  receive  him  :''  I,'ishe"i'''^i'Luklfxi'  24"25l" 
that  is,  he  finds  tlie  miserable  sinner  unaffected  with  his  late  affliction  and  deliverance, 

45  and  still  a  slave  to  those  vices  which  render  him  an  agreeable  dwelling  for  Satan.  And  4.5  Then  goeth  he,  and 
then,  by  the  just  judgment  of  God  on  such  an  incorrigible  wretch,  he  goes  and  associates  ^oti>l^^  spirits  "more'*  wicked 
with  himself  seven  other  spirits  wiiich  are  yet  more  wicked  and  mischievous  than  himself',  than  himself,  and  they  enter 
and,  entering  in,  they  dwell  together  there  ■  so  tliut  the  last  condition  of  that  man  is  much  i!Js""fa/e  of  tharma'n  is"woree 
worse  than  the  former.  Thus  also  will  it  be  to  this  wicked  gcneratio7i  ;^  instead  of  growing  than  the  first.  F-ven  so  shall 
better,  they  will  grow  seven  times  worse  than  before,  as  both  the  natural  and  the  judicial  !;enera't'ion.TLuke''xi.  eej^*** 
consequence  of  their  rejecting  the  methods  of  divine  grace  for  their  recovery ;  till,  as  if  " 

they  were  possessed  of  a  multitude  of  devils,  they  are  madly  burned  on  to  their  irrecover- 
able ruin  in  this  world  and  the  next. 

transposed  in  this  section.    But  I  will  not  insist  on  the  necessity  of  doing  i  Tlirmigli  dry  deserts  and  wild  uncultivated  p/arcx.'l    Here  is  a  plain 

It,  since  it  is  very  possible  the  same  words  mii:ht  he  repeated  again  ;  reference  to  the  common  notion  that  evil  demons  had  their  haunts  in 

but  there  is  so  very  small  a  variation,  and  the  discourse  is  so  long,  tliat  1  deserts  and  desolate  places.   (Compare  Isa.  xiii.  21.  and  Kev.  xviii.  2.) 

choose  to  unite  all  the  three  evangelists,  as  far  as  mi^'ht  be,  into  one  Some  may  think   that  a  desire  of  doing  mischief  mi^-ht  rather  have 

■  compound  text.    The  reader  who  chooses  to  follow  Luke's  order  exactly,  |)rompted  the  evil  spirit,  of  whom  our  lyird  speaks,  to  have  continued 

will  find  a  memorandum  (beneath,  ^  110.  note  a)  of  the  place  where  tliis  lu  some  ( ity,  or  other  place  of  public  resort :  but  as  he  may  be  supposed 

paragraph  comes  in  according  to  that ;  and  I  must,  on  the  whole,  leave  in  this  parable  to  apprehend  that,  after  beint'  driven  out,  he  should  for 

It  iimong  some  other  passages  in  the  evangelists,  where  it  is  neither  pos-  a  while  be  under  some  extraordinary  restraint,  it  seems  to  me  a  very 

sible,  nor  important,  to  determine  the  exact  series.  natural   and   beautiful   circumstance  thus  to  represent  this   malignant 

e  In  the  helly  of  the  great  fish.]    It  is  no  where  said  in  the  Old  Testa-  bcins  as  impatient  o(  tlie  siyht  of  mankind,  and  rather  choosing  to  seek 

ment  that.Iohn  wa3  swallowed  by  a  whale  ;  and  it  is  the  less  prol'able,  as  his  rest  in  the  |>iospi(t  of  a  sarulv  desert,  than  in  the  view  of  any  more 

w/iato  are  seldom  found  in  the  Meditenanean,  and  as  the  gullet  of  a  agreeable  .s<ene.  which  mi(;lit  renew  his  anguish,  b^-  presenting  to  him 

whale  IS  said  to  be  so  small,  as  not  to  be  capalile  of  receiving  even  the  the  memorials  of  divine  goodness  to  the  human  race. — Another  explica- 

liead  ot  a  man.    It  is  therefore  much  more  |)robable  it  was  a  shark,  or  tion  has  been  given  to  this  passage,  and  Dr.  Whitby  anil  some  others 

some  other  great  fish,  which,  it  is  said,  the  Lord  had  prepared  to  S!callu;c  interpret  it  of  the  devils  being  cast  out  of  Judea,  yet  hiidini!  no  rest  in 

2f?,,„"'° ';,  V""''''  '•  IT.)    And  the  word  kiitoc  in  Greek,  (as  well  as  the  deserts  of  heathenism,  because  there  also  the  apostles  cast  them  out, 

tJ  :n  in  Hebrew,)  may  signify  any  large  fish,  as  some  of  the  Greek  lexi-  which  drove  them  to  return  ai;ain  to  the  lews,  and  to  make  them  worse 

cographers  have  observed.  than  before  :  but  tl)oui;h  it  is  imssible  that  our  Lord's  (omprehensive 

r  fart  ot  three  days  and  tliree  nights.']    It  is  of  great  importance  to  mind  misrht  have  some  view  to  this,  his  hearers  could  not  understand  it 

ODserve,  (as  many  good  writers  have  done,)  that  tlie  easterns  reckoned  thus  ;  and  perhaps,  after  all,  the  circumstances  might  be  merely  para- 

juiy  part  of  a  day  of  twenty-four  hours  for  a  whole  day  ;  and  say  a  bolical  and  ornamental. 

ining  was  done  alter  three  or  seven  days,  &c.  if  it  was  done  on  the  tliird  k  Empty,  .m-ept,  and  adorned  to  receive  him.]    Mr.  Jurieu  draws  a 

or  seventh  day  from  that  last  mentioned.    (Compare  1  hings  xx.  2l».  strange  argument  from  hence  in  favour  of  purity,  (one  would  think  he 

pvVrH""' "■ ''■  ■'^'         1                 "''^    And  as  the  flebiews  had  no  woni  meant  of  cleanliness,)  that   finding    his  former   habitation  swept  and 

exactly  answering  to  the  Greek  i/uxSiiuepoi/,  to  sianily  a  natural  day  of  adorned,  the  demon  could  not  enter  in  without  a  confederacy  of  seven 

ttSti'''"^''    75*'    1  ^y  "^"^  '"^'"  "'"'  ''"^'  ""■  ''°*  "'"'  niyht.  for  it.    So  yet  more  potent  than  be.     Kut  this  is  quite  wide  from  the  meaning  of 

MniJ*l^^^'  ^      ■??  ''"PPene"  "fter  three  days  and  three  nights,  was  the  our  Lord,  who  hereby  stronglv  suggests,  that  indulging  sinful  habits  is 

?,1,r!r  p  tl   ^^^'I'i  ">'PP^"«''  «/'«'■  ''":««  ''"i'-'.  01"  on  the  third  day.    (Com-  like  sweeping  and  furnishing  "the  liouse,  to  invite  the  abode  of  Satan 

pare  c.sm.  iv.  10.  with  v.  1   Gen   vii.  4,  12.  Exod.  xxiv.  18.  and  xxxiv.  there  ;  in  the  same  manner  as  purity,  <levotion,  and  love  are  elsewhere 

,;  p.-            ■  '^^'".""f^  "J  Jesits  Vindicated,  p.  6—8.  represented  as  consecrating  the  soul  for  a  temple  to  the  llcly  Ghost. 

vJ^^Zi^^  l!'-'^^^""^'"-  '""/'  it"  !l<^neration\    Some  think  there  is  a  (See  1  Cor.  iii.  16,  1?.  vi.  iy,  20.  Ei>h.  il.  21,  22.  and  1  Pet.  ii.  1—5.) 

thci.-  fiS; '?„„      expression  to  the  custom  ot  witnesses  rising  ui)  to  give  I   know  some  judicious  writers  have  glossed   more  minutely  on  these 

v^f«  H,»t  Tr/  \-          ^^^  not  properly  on  the  testimony  of  the  N  ine-  words,  as  if  the  meaning  were,  "  empty  of  true  grace,  swept  from  gross 

Jhltfl,Ir„,V^!^h^    """''^.^^T-     '"^  condemned.     Ihe  plain  meaning  is,  sin,  and  garnished  or  acTorned  with  seeming  virtues  and  self-rinhteous- 

thfJ,  iU  T,h^.   "S  ?     ■  "]'^'r^|'5?  would  be  considered  as  illustrating  ness."     Hut  with  all  due  submission,  especially  to  one  very  great  name 

Henmnrt^r=  .vhof       ■  h-''^''*^^  Christ;  so  that  here  those  are  said  to  con-  by  which  this  interpretation  is  patronized,  I  think  that  in  this  connexion 

hofln.1  yh"  {'""'I''  out  matter  tor  their  condemnation.  it  enervates  rather  than  illustrates  the  sense  and  spirit  of  this  fine  pas- 

snch  ,nhNmfl»n„!°,         -/r/K  "/"'■''vl    Onr  Lord  speaks  of  himself  in  sage.    ISor  should  I  be  forward  to  say  that  a  reformation  of  life,  with- 

InddBPm-  m     "rh„f  ^hi    f■^"''^■*^'■''^^                        perfect  modesty  out  a  thorough  change  of  heart,  though  utterly  unavailing  .as  to  his 

r«prvt  ?n  H^Ai  J;„?rh w    f  f^    M°^  ^t  ^PPf'arance,  and  his  necessary  future  state,  brings  a  man  more  under  the  power  of  Satan  than  he  was 

more  P«PeHfpnf.h»t  h^lf.nh  ,lr                   SO  many  words,  made  it  yet  before,  or  makes  him  worthy  the  punishment  of  being  given  over  to  seven 

more  expedient  that  by  such  phrases  as  these  he  should  sometimes  inti-  demons  instead  of  one. 

Xftrinn?  nl-  '^M  ^''h»  .'„',.'?'^"*V  "7''^  ^''^fH^/  "■'?"  So'o'non,  that  most  I  Thns  also  ,Ml  it  he  to  this  kicked  generation.]    They  who  have  read 

mat1nn°^,  rnnW  wbM  h^l.^'f'''^  h^"*^-  °^  ^.f'"'' '!?'  ^  P'^'"  ^"  '"''"  "'«  ^ad  account  Josephus  gives  of  the  temper  and  con.fuct  of  the  Jews 

wh  rh  r'^Ue  hl=  ^vL\t  .1,  f^VT^^™  'J  ''""V*^'*''  ""doubted  instance  in  after  the  ascension  of  Christ,  and  just  before  their  final   destruction 

^nnexi^n  Ln^n?h„  =^^  LT^'h':^  w*"''^  ^y  the  Romans,  must  acknowledge  that  no  emblem  could  have  been 

SJfinhim      Thprf./„f?5f'l''^i'  °"^l*'''!l'P''''"     ^^^  verses,  as  they  more  proper  to  describe  them.    Their  characters  were  the  vilest  that  can 

of  the.Sme^inH   =nrl!»B    r^^^^           u       ?^»!f"''  '"^-J-V"""?  ''istances  be  conceived,  and  they  pressed  on  to  their  own  ruin  as  if  they  ha.l  been 

son  »  if».T.n,^^A    H  *l  .  tT  ^'"'^'^  how  little  ground  there  is  tor  what  possessed  by  legions  bf  devils,  and  wrought  up  to  tlie  last  degrees  of 

some  have  supposed,  that  Lukes  account  IS  so  exact,  that  all  the  gospels  madness                                <=>■»,  au          uug         v    w     <;  looi  uckicco 
should  be  regulated  by  his  order.    See  note  g,  on  Luke  i.  3.  p   17 


CHRIST'S  EXHORTATION  TO  HIS  DISCIPLES.  121 

IMPROVEMENT. 

T  rx  us  to  whom  the  revelation  of  the  gospel  is  so  clearly  made,  fear  lest  these  dreadful  things  should  come  sect. 
,n,on  us  and  the  abuse  of  our  advantages  should  render  us  an  easy  prey  to  Satan,  and  a  fit  habitation  for  the     63. 
upon  us,  diiu  I.  nirtiriihrlv  fear  it    who,  havina;  been  brought  to  some  serious  impressions  and 

L^'x^rnTreToTmatbt^^^^ 

/Z %/S   Sh««-    (2  Pet.  11.  20.)   God  has  permitted  some  such  awful  instances  to  occur ;  and  unhappy    |_^i- 
v  e  c£  l4C     ome  of  them  the  children  of  religious  parents  too,  who  were  once  not  far  from  the  kmgdom  of  43   45 
GottveCabandoned  every  principle  of  religion,  and  every  sentiment  of  wisdom  and  virtue,  that  it  seems  as  if 
spvpA  devils  had  possessed  them,  and  were  driving  them  headlong  to  destruction.  n, .      • 

May  we  instead  of  demanding  farther  evidences  of  Christianity  than  the  wisdom  of  God  has  seen  fit  to  give  us,  38 
make  ?t  our  care  to  hear  and  obey,  and  diligently  improve  the  light  we  have  received  !    May  we  be  brou-ht  to  a 
"ntr  'and  Sng  r^-ntance  b/'the  preaching  o'f  Christ  and  his  apostles    est  *4^--;  f  .^^  ;^P  ^  il^^^^^  41 
ap-ninst  us  and  condemn  us  !  May  we  own  the  superior  wisdom  of  this  divine  leacher,  this  better  ftoiomon  ,  ana  42 
:fy,  aJtSe  qJee^^Sheba  to  the  /ewish  prmce  ( Amgs  x.  8.)  Happy  ^^J^-^'i^'^Ztlrr^fT^^tZ^s 
bSre  ^/..,^«./  /.«.  .A,/  .,isdo>nf    or  thou  ^a.^  as^e^  r^f^'cSiou    toknoi  whariftt  concernsXm 

h^DortaS  point^f  wSdom  are  neglected  as  beneath  their  regard  ;  as  if  every  tiung  were  more  necessary  than  being 
^s^to  saCon'  We  need  not  travel  to  distant  climes  to  learn  this  heavenly  philosophy;  no,  it  is  nigh  us 
Tven  in  ommouth ;  and  we  are,  on  that  account,  so  much  the  more  inexcusable,  if  it  be  not  also  m  our  heart. 
(Rom.  X.  8.) 

SECTION  LXIV. 

the  eud. 

LtTKE  xi.  33. 

NO  maJ:  wi,en"'e'hati,  light-  OUR  blcssed  Lord,  in  the  conclusion  of  this  excellent  discourse,^  which  was  occasioned   sect. 
ed  a  candle,  putteth  it  in  a  ^    ^j^g  perverscncss  of  the  Pharisees,  wlio  had  been  impiously  reflecting  on  his  miracles,     o^. 
Sii.'^buTorfcILdiestick^  and  asking  for  a  farther  sign,  assured  them  that  he  was  not  thus  to  be  diverted  from  his  — — - 
that  they  which  come  in  may  ^^^^   ^^^^  notwithstanding  all  their  opposition  to  it,  yet  would  he  still  go  on  to  bear  ms   LUKt 
see  t,ie  light.  testimony'to  the  truth  ;  and  to  engage  them  to  a  free  admission  and  improvement  of  the  ^^  ■ 

lio-ht  which  was  then  shining  round  them,  he  addressed  the  following  exhortation  to  them  : 
You  have  indeed  endeavoured  to  oppose  me  with  the  greatest  obstinacy  and  perverseness, 
nevertheless  you  shall  not  silence  me  ;  for  no  man  having  lighted  a  lamp,  puts  it  in  a  bi/e 
place,  or  under  a  bushel,  to  conceal  its  rays,  but  rather  sets  it  on  a  stand,  that  they  who  come 
in  to  the  house  may  see  the  lustre  that  it  gives  :  and  thus,  according  to  the  charge  that  1 
gave  formerly  to  my  disciples,  (Matt.  v.  16.  sect,  xxxvii.)  I  too  will  take  all  opportunities 
of  publishing  the  important  message  that  I  bring,  and  making  my  light  to  shine  before 
men ;  and  do  you  see  that  what  I  offer  to  you  be  received  as  it  ought,  and  guard  against 

34  The  lishtof  the  body  is  those  prejudices  which  would  lead  you  to  exclude  it :  For  the  eye  is,  as  it  were,  the  tump  34 
•  the  eye;  therefore  when  thine    f .,       j  ^jg  ;,^^,,  .b  if  thine  ciie  therefore  he  clear,<^  and  free  from  any  vicious  humour  that 

Xfsluifof /l^'htT'bt  ^e^;  Wild  obstruct  the  sight,  thy  whole  body  cdso  will  be  enlightened;  but  if  [thine  eye]  be  chs- 
Ikf  ./ftfii'of'dlrknef,  '""'^  tempered,  thy  whole  body  also  will  he  proportionably  darkened,  and  no  other  part  can 
also  ,s  full  of  darkness.  F      ^^^   J^^^^^  _  ^^^  ^^  .^  .^  ^.^j^  ^^^^^^^  ^^  ^,^g  judgment,  which  IS  to  the  mind  what 

35  Take  heed  therefore,  that  the  eye  is  to  the  bodv.     See  to  it,  therefore,  lest  that  rchick  is  as  the  light  m  thee,  be  itselt  35 
the  light  which  is  in  thee  be  f/^,,/,,,^,, .  which  it  will  be,  if  those  pen'erse  maxims  be  adhered  to  on  which  you  now  go, 
not  darkness.  .^  rejecting  my  miracles,  and  the  doctrine  confirmed  by  tliem.    (Compare  Matt.  vi.  22, 

23   sect,  xli.) 

36  If  thv  whole  body  there-      It  may  indeed  cost  you  some  pains  to  reform  your  judgment,  but  the  pleasure  and  36 
fore  ie  full  otMight   having  ^dvantase  will  be  an  abundant  equivalent  for  all  the  labour  that  you  take  in  doing  it.  ^or- 
h^^li^fiight  alwhen  the  though  the  casc  that  I  but  just  now  mentioned  is  so  sad,  yet,  on  tlie  other  hand,  if  thy 
blight  shining  of  a  candle  doth  ^^^/^^^f^  body  ^  in  consequence  of  a  clear  eye,  and  thy  whole  mind,  by  means  ot  a  rectified 
give  thee  light.  iudgmenf,  be  enlightened,  having  no  par^  remaining  dark  through  distemper  or  prejudice, 

(being  Ithusl  all  enlightened, ''J  the  benefit  of  it  will  be  such,  tliat  it  will  he  as  when  a  lamp 
r«'htsthee  by  its  sprightly  lustre,^  and  thou  goest  on  with  security  and  pleasure  m  those 
veMalked  to  th;pS%'l' paths  which"  would  othervvise  be  full  of  uncertainty  and  danger  ,         ,      •  ,„^ 

lioid  [?he?e  came"^  then]  And  US  he  ivus  yet  Speaking  these  lively  and  important  things  to  the  people,^  who  in  vast  mait, 
L^SU'  ^X'^y^J"s^l^Z  multitudes  were  gathered  about  him,  behold,  there  came  unto  ^jM^^t  <Je«,  ^l^^^^'^JJ^^  ^t'' 
ing  without,  thei,  sent  unto  his  brethren,  or  near  kinsmen :  ivho,  standing  without,  and  apprehending  the  danger  to 
si^fnV"  to'"foetk"  wSf  \im"  which  he  exposed  himself  by  such  free  remonstrances  and  admonitions  as  these,  sent  to  him  ^^^ 
[Markiii.3i  Lukeviii.  19.]  to  Call  Mm  away  from  so  dangerous  a  situation  ;  [cind]  for  this  end,  desired  earnestly  to  m. 
titud'e\at- abou1°him,Tand  Speak  with  him,  2ii  about  some  affairs  of  importance.    And,  as  the  multitude  sat  round  32 

a  Tn  the  conclusion  of  this  excellent  discourse.]    Luke  has  inserted    9,  et  seq.  Gr.  and  many  other  places.)    Compare  note  i,on  Matt.  xii.  8. 
here  the  following  passages,  which  are  delivered  m  words  parallel  to    P.  99.   .  ;/  ,„;,-„7„^„„j  i    r„   ^iln,vina  thpsp  wnrris    A,,Tf,i/oi/ 

iVTatf   V   Ti   aiiH  vi   oo   o-\  Vspp  thp  naranhrasp  and  notes  there.  P.  77,       e  Bemfj  thus  all  enhglitened.\    Hy   allowing  tnese  woras,  <paj<uvov 

eyes  the  light,  of  the  body,  as  our  Lord  here  has  done.— 1  render  At-xiof  words  make  a  part  ot  what  our  Lord  asserts  of  the  enlightened  body 

lamp,  because  it  had  been  so  translated  in  the  verse  before,  and  it  did  not  shall  he  all  as  full  of  light  as  wheMalamp  Ac.                                          ^ 

seem  necessary  to  change  it.                                                      .                ,  f  Bp  its  sprightly  to^re.]    This  seems  to ,»«  *he  torce  o^  is  indeed 

c  Jf  thine  eye  therefore  he  clear.-]    See  note  b,  on  Matt.  vi.  C2.  p.  85.  aaTpa,r,„  which  signifies  a  very  s  rong  and  vi  id  "a"2«'  ^j^^JI^'in  the 

d  For  if  thy  whole  body  :  e,  ouv  to  ^a,ua  <rou  oXo..]   This  is  an  unusual  most  commonly  applied  to  that  of  lightning,  being  heieon^yusea  i 

rendering  of  the  particle  ovv.  but  it  appeared  to  me  necessary  ;  for  this  New  Testament  tor  any  other  flame.  (See  Matt,  xx  v     T^x^iu.              _ 

verse  is  not  introduced  as  an  immediate  consequence  from  the  foregoing,  x.  18.  xvii.  24   and  Key.  iv   5    viii    5.  xi.  ly.  x\i.  jo.r^             ^^^.^.^ 

but  boa.  of  them  are  collateral  inferences  from  ver.  34.  as  the  intelligent  haps,  be  an  oblique  hint  of  the  c^'eshal  original  and  vi„ 

reader  will  easily  observe.    And  if  it  be  admitted  that  yap,  for,  as  well  influence  of  that  lustre  which  Christ  diffused  to  illuminate  aiiu  g 

as  ot;v,  therefore,  is  sometimes  useii   with  such  a  latitude,  as  that  the  mind.                                      ,■        c    i    ATotthew  was  so  express  in  con- 

former  may  be  understood  to  introduce  a  reason  for,  ^^dtt^iMer  to  ?,.£«<^,«  ''f  ?«'Jt ,  ii'f'Zjd  discCses,  (not  to  insrst  on  Mark's 


MARK 


^.,^  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  SOWER. 

SECT  about  him,  there  was  no  room  for  his  relations  to  get  near  him ;  and,  notwithstanding  all  they  could  not  come  at  him 
64.  ■  that  they  could  urge  of  a  peculiar  interest  in  him,  the  people  were  so  eager  in  attending  to  *'°Matt.^xii!-'47'r"''Then'  one 

. j^ijji  that  none  of  them  were  willing  to  give  place,  and  they  could  not  come  at  him  on  said  unto  him,  Behold,  thy 

MATT,  acco'imt  of  the  crowd.     Therefore  one  of  the  people  said  imto  lim.  Behold,  thy  mother  and  ["^^^^^^^  ^^^  t^ thle'l'nd] 

^^'-    thii  brethren  stand  loithout  at  some  distance,  inquirina  for  thee,  \and]  earnestly  desiring  to  stand  desirins  [Luke,  to  see, 

47  see  [and]  speak  with  thee.     What  therefore  must  be  done?  Wilt  thou  go  out  to  them,  or  ^Mark'ni.  3'^!l„ke'viii.'2ai 

48  give  orders  to  the  people  to  make  way  for  them  to  come  hither  to  thee  ?  But  he,  to  48  But  lie  answered  and 
encourage  those  that  were  truly  serious  in  their  attendance  on  his  preaching,  answered  and  who"i's°mrm<>the*i°.'''  And 
said  to  him  that  told  him,  Who  do  you  think  is  mi/  mother?  And  who  are  those  whom  you  >y.ho  are  my  brethren  ?  [Mark 

49  imagine  I  consider  as  mij  brethren?^  And  looking  round  on  them  that  were  sitting  about  "49  And  he  [looked  round 
him  to  hear  his  word,  and  stretching  out  his  hand  v/ith  an  affectionate  regard,  especially  hi'm"'flT/i''Itre7chS' forlS'"^^ 
towards  those  that  were  his  constant  followers  and  professed  disciples,  he  said,  ^^'hat  hand  "toward?  hil  disciples! 
kindred  or  relations  have  I  that  are  nearer  to  me,  or  more  esteemed  than  these  ?  Behold  a^j}  ^a^d  Behold  my  rnother 
i7iy  mother  and  my  brethren  here.    For  these  that  hear  the  word  of  God,  and  practise  it,  are  m.  34.] 

considered  and  acknowledged  by  me  as  my  mother  and  my  brethren  :  nor  do  I  thus  regard  ^^  For  [^Lvke,^  my  mother 
these  only  that  are  now  before  me,  but  I  declare  the  same  too  of  all  others  of  their  charac-  whicii  "hear  the  word  of  God, 
ter;  [for]  whosoever  shall  do  the  will  of  God,  my  heavenly  Father,  even  this  very  person,  ^htil  d°o  th4  wllfoflGodTmy 
of  whatever  place  and  family  and  station  he  be,  is  regarded  by  me  as  my  brother,  or  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven, 
sister,  or  mother:^  for  this  ))ious  disposition  will  render  such  dearer  to 'me,  than  any  of  [m/f'^sls,'|r'"-\JJd°"n[<;t,^eV'^ 
the  bands  of  natural  relation,  if  separate  from  real  holiness,  could  possibly  do.  [Mark  iii.  35.   Luke  viii.  21.] 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.46     So  may  it  be  our  care  to  do  the  will  of  God,  that  we  may  be  thus  dear  to  our  Redeemer,  who  ought  by  so 
47_50  many  tender  bonds  to  be  dear  to  us  ;  and  who,  by  such  gracious  and  indulgent  declarations  as  these  which  we 

have  now  been  reading,  is  drawing  us  as  with  the  cords  of  a  man,  and  with  the  bands  of  love  ! 
LUKE       Still  does  the  light  of  his  divine  instructions  shine  with  the  brightest  lustre,  and  diffuse  itself  around  us!  Let 
XI.     us  open  the  eyes  of  our  mind  with  singleness  and  simplicity  to  receive  it;  and  make  it  our  care  to  act  according 
33,  36  to  it.    Then  shall  we  know,  if  we  follow  on  to  know  the  Lo?'d,  (Hos.  vi.  3.)  and  thus  with  cheerfulness  shall  we  reap 
the  fruit  of  a  well  informed'mind  and  a  well  regulated  life ! 
35      May  we  be  delivered  from  all  those  false  maxims  which  would  darken  our  hearts  amidst  all  this  meridian 
lustre,  and  turn  our  boasted  light  into  darkness !    Would  to  God  there  were  not  renewed  instances  of  this  kind 
continually  occurring  among  us ;  and  that  we  did  not  daily  meet  with  persons  whose  pretended  wisdom  teaches 
them  to  forget  or  despise  the  gospel,  and  so  serves  only  to  amuse  their  eyes,  while  it  leads  their  feet  to  the  cham- 
bers of  death ! 


SECTION  LXV. 

sower,  and  assigns  the  r 
Mark  iv.  1—12.    Luke 

Matt.  xiii.  1.  MATT.xiii.i. 


Christ,  teaching  by  the  sea-side,  delivers  the  parable  of  the  sower,  and  assigns  the  reason  of  his  speaking  to  the  multitude  in  parables 

xiii.  1 — 17.    Mark  iv.  1 — 12.    Luke  viii.  4^10.  , 


SECT.  ON  that  day^  Jesus,  going  out  of  the  house  into  which,  at  the  importunity  of  his  friends,  THE^  ^h™  hou"/  ^Ind*  '\T^ 
65.     he  had  retired  for  a  vvhile,  sat  down  by  the  side  of  the  sea  of  Galilee,  and  began  again  to  °h"e  s^ea-siHe.Tandbl^san  again 

teach  there.     And  such  great  multitudes  of  jieople  ^vere  again  gathered  together  about  him,  'o^'^^'^'i  ]  [Mark  'v-^i-l 

MATT,  ayid  came  in  crowds  frojn  almost  every  city  round  about  to  iiear  him,  that  they  began  to  [Liikk,*^  much'' people]  were 
■^^^^-    press  upon  him,  as  they  had  done  before  in  the  former  part  of  the  day,  (see  Luke  viii.  19.  gatjitred    together,    [Lukk, 

2  '      ^  „ .  !  ,)     ,  ,      ••'        ■    ,  /  •     r        ,1  •  r  1     •         1  "A        1         J  J    1  ^""  were  come  to  him  out  of 

p.  121.)  SO  that,  entering  into  a  ship  for  tae  convenience  01  being  better  heard,  and  less  every  city,)  so  that  he  went 
incommoded  by  them,  he  sat  down  on  the  vessel  in  the  sea,  at  a  little  distance  from  the  5"^ t  ^^ j '|/,'^  whoie^mufeude 
shore ;  and  the  whole  multitude  stood  by  the  sea  upon  the  shore,  showing  the  utmost  eager-  stood  [by  the  sea]  on  the  shore, 
ness  to  hear  whatever  he  should  say.  ^^^'^^  '^- 1-  ^"^^  ^■'"-  ■*-5 

MARK      And,  to  make  his  instructions  the  more  agreeable  to  them,  and  the  more  deeply  to     Markiv.2.  Andhe[LuKE, 
IV.     impress  them  on  the  minds  of  honest  and  attentive  hearers,  he  snake  to  them  by  a  parable^  f"'^!:.  Jy   »  P'*'"a''le,   ami] 

1  ■  1  •   1      1     11  1  1    .     1      r        JT   ,         ;  ,   ./  1  .1.1-  tauuht  them  many  thmgs  by 

*  concerning  a  sower,  which  shall  be  now  related  ;  |  and\  taught  them  also  many  other  things  parables,  and  said  unto  them 
in  parables ;  and  beginning  with  that  of  the  sower,  in  the  course  of  his  teaching  this  day,  '£^'^'|  yjii"*  4*1*'  [^ *''*"•  '''"•  •'• 
he  said  unto  them  : 

3  Hearken  with  peculiar  attention  to  what  I  am  now  going  to  say,  that  you  may  thus  be  3  Hearken;  Behold,  there 
taught  to  hear  my  other  discourses  with  improvement,  and  may  not,  through  negligence,  [LiiKR"i'isseed°-]'fMatt  xi^T 
inconstancy,  or  carnality  of  mind,  lose  the  benefit  of  my  repeated  instructions.*^     Behold,  3.  Luke  viii.  5.] 

at  the  spring  of  the  year,"!  a  sower  went  forth  to  soiu  the  ground  with  his  seed. 

4  And,  as  the  ground  lay  near  a  beaten  path,  it  happened  that,  ivliile  he  was  sowing,  some  of    4  And  it  came  to  pass,  as 

h  W/io  is  my  mother?  4'('-]    To  suppose  that  our  Lord  here  intends  to  already  shown,  in  several  instances,  that  it  is  no  unusual  thing  with 

put  any  slight  on  his  mother  would  be  very  absurd  ;  he  only  took  the  Luke  to  neglect  the  order  of  time,  and  sometimes  only  to  relate  a  fact 

opportunity  of  expressing  his  affection  to  his  obedient  disciples  in  a  as  happening  on  a  certain  day.  (See  Luke  v.  I7.  and  note  a,  p.  91.  and 

peculiarly  endearing  manner;  which  could  not  but  be  a  great  comfort  compare   Luke  viii.  22.   vi.  fi,  12.  xi.  14.  and  xx.  1.)    Matthew  might 

to  them,  and  would  be  to  Susannah,  .loaniia,  Mary  Magdalene,  and  the  know  the  fact  we  have  now  before  us  more  circumstantially  than  Luke, 

other  pious  women  who  sat  near  him,  f  Luke  viii.  2,  3.  p.  116.)  a  rich  though  the  lattei's  account  be  exactly  true  so  far  as  it  goes ;  a  reflection 

equivalent  for  all  the  fatigue  and  expense  which  their  zeal  for  their  which  we  have  frequent  occasion  to  make  with  respect  to  all  the  evange- 

heavenly  Master  occasioned.    And  as  tliis  seems  to  have  been  towards  lists. 

the  beginning  of  their  progress,  it  is  observable,  that  our  Lord  appears  b  A  parable.'\   The  word,  according  to  its  Greek  etymology,  properly 

to  have  been  peculiarly  concerned  for  their  encouragement.    See  Luke  signifies  a  comparison  or  simtte :  in  which  sense  it  is  used  here  and  in 

"':  "/,;  .""•  p.  119-  most  other  places  ;  though  sometimes  it  appears  to  be  particularly  used 

>   i'lts  very  person  is  my  brother,  or  my  sister,  or  mother.']    This  possi-  for  an  instructive  apologue  or  fable.   (Compare  Ezek.  xvii.  "   et  serf.) 

bly  might  be  intended  as  an  awful  intimation  to  some  of  his  near  rela-  And,  as  these  often  were  expressed  in  poetical  language,  (see  Judg.  ix. 

tives  to  take  heed  how  they  indulged  that  unbelief  which  so  long  after  7—15.)  the  word  parable  sometimes  signifies  a  sublime  discourse,  elevated 

prevailed  in  their  minds.   (Compare  .lohn  viii.  .3—5.  ^  98.)    For  in  this  beyond  the  common  forms  of  speech,  though  no  simile  be  used.  (Numb, 

case  tlie  nearness  ot  their  relation  unto  Christ  according  to  the  flesh  xxiii.  7.  xxiv.  1.5.  Job  xxvii.  1.  xxix.  1.  and  Psal.  Ixxviii.  2.)    And,  as 

would  be  no  manner  ot  advantage  to  them;  but  those  that  should  be  short  parables  after  grew  into  proverbs,  or  were  alluded  to  in  them,  hence 

found  f9  do  his  will  would  be  preterred  in  his  esteem  before  them,  and  the  word  parable  is  sometimes  used  for  a.  proverb.   Mic.  ii.  4.  and  Ilab. 

be  considered  as  united  to  him  in  a  relation  that  should  never  be  dis-  ii.  6. 

solved.    This  is  one  of  those  many  places  in  which  Kai  (and)  is  put  for  c  The  benefit  of  my  repeated  instructions.]    As  our  Lord  afterwards 

jl.forj;  tor  to  be  sure  our  Lord  could  not  speak  of  the  same  person  as  explains  all  the  parts  of  this  parable,  I  thought  it  sufficient  to  give  this 

Ins  brother,  and  sister,  and  mother.  See  note  c,  on  Matt.  xii.  .37.  p.  119.  general  account  of  its  design  in  as  few  words  as  possible.    Dr.  Clarke, 

a  On  that  day.]    Matthew  is  the  only  evangelist  who  expressly  fixes  by  taking  the  contrary  method  in  his  paraphrase,  (though  in  this  he  be 

these  parables  to  the  day  on  which  the  preceding  occurrences  happened  ;  followedliy  others,)  both  renders  the  apostles'  question  as  to  the  meaning 

1  say,  fixes  them  to  it;  tor  though  the  phrases,  cv  lua  tmi-  rmepwi-,  on  a  of  this  parable  very  unnecessary,  and  occasions  a  needless  and  disagrec- 

certain  day  ;  and  tv  iKtivcui  rmepai?,  tn  those  days,  be  very  ambiguous  able  repetition. 

in  their  signification,  (.see  Matt.   in.  1.  and  note  e,  p.  41.)  I  cannot  d  At  the  spring  of  the  year.]    Many  circumstances  below  make  this 

apprehend  any  thing  more  deterrnmate  than  this  of  ev  t.i  nuepa  eKen-ti,  probable,  and  indeed  I  do  not  find  that  in  .Judea  they  sowed  even  wheat 

on  that  day.    Ihe  way  m  which  Luke  introduces  this  discourse,  as  if  it  sooner  :  but  to  conclude  from  hence,  as  Sir  Isaac  Newton  does,  (in  his 

was  delivered  at  the  beginning  ot  the  prosress  Jesus  made,  before  the  Disco7irsc  on  Prophecy,  p.  153.)  that  this  parable  was  delivered  in  the 

passages  that  we  have  mentioned  in  the  preceding  sections,  (!)  61,  c{  *«?.)  spring,  is  very  precarious.    One  might  as  well  argue  from  that  of  the 

is  not  enough  to  fix  the  time  when  tins  discourse  was  made  :  and  we  have  tares,  delivered  the  same  day,  that  it  was  harvest. 


THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  SOWER.  123 

he  sowed,  some  fell  by  the  the  Seed  was  Scattered,  and  fell  bi/  the  way-side ;  and,  lying  there  uncovered,  it  was  either  SECT, 

trodden  dJ'wn^ifa^Qd'the'fowU  trodde}i  Wider  foot  by  passengers,  or  piciied  up  by  the  birds  of  the  air,  who  presently  came  65. 

of  the  air  came,  and  devoured  and  devoured  it. 


viii  "5 1  '■'^'''""  "'"'  *'  ^'"'^^      ^"^  ^°'"^  ^^  it  fell  on  stony  soil,  upon  a  rock  that  lay  but  just  beneath  the  surface  of  the  mark 

SAnd  some  fell  on  stony  ground,  where  it  had  not  much  earth  to  cover  it.  and  immediatelu  it  sprang  up,  and  appeared     ^'^• 
iTere'^it^ha'l"ot"much  earui^  green,  because  if  had  no  depth  of  earth  to  make  its  way  through  :  But  its  verdure  was  very  6 
and  immediately  it  sprang  up!  sliort-lived  ;  for  whcu  the  sun  shonc  hot  upon  it,  it  was  presently  scorched  by  the  warmth 
eartl"?^  [Matt^xfii'.  It'^Luke  of  i^s  beams,  and  withered  away  almost  as  soon  as  it  was  sprung  up,  because  it  had  no 
viii.  6.]  room  for  taking  root  in  such  a  shallow  bed  of  earth,  [ant?]  wanted  sufficient  moisture  to 

6  But  when  the  sun  was  up,  _,_,,   -.v,   -.^ 

it  was  scorched,  and  [Luke,   UOuribll  11.  i  ,     •         ,  t     i      i  /- 77  1      1     ■ 

as  soon  as  it  was  sprung  up,]      jlnd  some  mote  of  the  seed  bemg  thrown  n  "lar  the  hedge,  je//  among  the  briers  and  thorns  7 
««rf'TaJled^"?ndsture,^rit  there,  and  when  it  began  to  shoot  out  of  the  ground,"^^e  thorns  sprang  up  with  it,  and 
withered  away.  [Matt.  xiii.  6.  grew  SO  much  faster,  as  not  to  leave  it  either  room  to  grow,  or  nourishment  to  support  it ; 

7  And'' some  fell   among  and  SO  they  choked  it,  and  it  yielded  no  fruit. 

thorns,     and    the     thorns      j„^  ^/;e  yest  of  the  Seed  fell  on  good  ground,  and  yielded  fruit,  which,  being  well  rooted  8 
and  choM^^^mTit^yieid'ed  and  nourished,  grew  up  and  increased  to  its  full  proportion  ;  and  the  ears  filled,  and  pro- 
no  fruit.  [.Matt.  xiii.  7.  Luke  duced  a  rich  pnd  plentiful  increase,  some  of  them  thirty,  and  some  sixty,  and  even  .so«?e  an 
^'s  And  other  fell  on  ?ood  hundredfold,  for  one  grain  that  had  been  sown.*" 

ground,  and  ^^^^^^^^^.^^^^^^^j*  And  when  he  had  said  these  things,  he  cried  out  wdth  a  louder  voice  than  before,  and  said  luke 
and broughtfoVth some tidrty',  uuto  them.  He  that  hath  curs  to  hear  these  important  truths,  let  him  hear  and  regard  them  q^^- 
and  some  sixty  and  some  an  ^j^yj  ^^  moii  diligent  attention,  and  seriously  reflect  upon  that  instructive  moral  ^  which  ° 

hundred  [told.]  [ilatt.  xiii.  8.   .  •       i  •       i     "  11      t  i  1  j   i-        • 

Luke  viii.  8.]  IS  Contained  in  the  parable  1  have  now  been  delivering. 

had"''?d\hesethki"s  he'crlecf      "^"^^  when  the  assembly  was  broke  up,  (after  Christ  had  delivered  many  other  similitudes  mark 

[Mark,  and  said  unto  them,]  of  this  kind  to  them,  which  will  be  mentioned  afterwards,)  when  he  had  parted  with  the      iv. 

him*''hear*"VMatt'°  xiiT'  9'  multitude,  and  ?c«.s  aloue  in  a  retired  place,  the  rest  of  his  disciples,?  with  the  twelve  who  ^^ 

Mark  iv.  9.]         •  ■    •     •  j^^^  been  with  him  while  he  spake  these  things,  came  and  a.^ked  him  \^concerning^  the  para- 

he'^was^alone^'tiieyi't'iie  dhlf-  ^^^  of  the  sower,  Saying,  We  desire  thou  wouldst  more  particularly  explain  to  us  what  may 

pies]  that  were  about  him,  the  meaning  of  the  several  circumstances  oi  this  parable  be?  \and^  give  us  leave  to  ask 

^ked'''of*liim'^th'e ''para^bie?  thee,  why  clost  thou  preach  in  such  a  manner  to  the  multitude,  and  speak  to  them  in  para- 

[LuKE,  saving.  What  might  bles,  which  probably  so  few  of  them  can  understand  ? 

spe^k^ett'' thou''^unto"them  m      ^"^  /'<?'  replying.  Said  unto  them,  I  thus  express  myself  in  parables,  because,  though  it  is  matt. 

parables/]   [Matt.  xiii.  10.  gr«nto/,  through  the  divine  goodness,  <o?/o«,  whose  hearts  are  open  to  receive  the  truth  in  ^^^^^• 

Matt.'x'ii?.'\i.  He  answer-  the  love  of  it,  to  know  and  understand  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  which  have 
ed,  and  said  unto  them,  Be-  been  long  conccaled  ;  yet  it  is  not  granted  to  others,  who  are  prejudiced  against  them,  but 
know  'the  "mysteries"  ot""the  they  are  justly  Suffered  to  continue  unacquainted  with  them  :  and  therefore  to  them  that 
kingdom  of  heaven,  but  to  (t/'g  ivithout,  and  who  are  Strangers,  through  their  own  neglect  and  folly,  to  what  they  might 
buTto  others,^'[to°t'hem^ that  before  have  learned,  all  \these\  things  are  now  involved  in  parables  and  figures  ;**  which, 
are  without,  aW  these  things  though  they  affect  the  mmd  of  the  attentive  hearer,  and  promote  his  edification,  are  dis- 
fv.*^!!"  Luke'^-lii'^io.*]'  "  regarded  by  the  rest,  and  only  looked  upon  as  an  empty  amusement.  For  to  every  one  who  12 
h'^~  fh°'ll''b°^°v'^'^  ''*"l'  h°  ^"^^  ^"^y  talent  committed  to  him,  and  shows  that  he  hath  it  by  his  diligent  improvement 
shall  have  nnore  abundance :  of  it,  yet  more  shall  be  given,  and  he  shall  have  a  still  greater  abundance  of  means  for  his 
himsh'Tl"b^Tk^*'' ""'' '^^^\°'"  farther  improvement ;  but  even  that  ivhich  he  already  hath  shall  be  taken  away  from  the 
that  he  hath.  ^  ^°  ''^^"^  ^^*'"  slothful  Creature,  and  be  withdrawn  fi-om  him  who  acts  like  one  who  hath  not  any  thing  to 
improve.    (Compare  Luke  viii.  18.)    Thus  wise  men  deal  with  their  servants;  and  thus 

13  Therefore  speak  I   to  God  will  generally  act  in  dispensing  opportunities  of  a  religious  nature.    And  therefore,  13 
they   seeing,'^^ser  iiotr'and  On  this  very  principle  do  I  now  speak  to  them  in  parables,  whereas  I  have  formerly 'used 
hearing,  they  hearnot,  neither  the  plainest  manner  of  discourse  :  because  seeing,  they  see  not ;  and  hearing,  they  hear  not,^ 

o   ley  un  erstan  .  neither  do  they  understand;  inasmuch  as  they  do  not  honestly  use  the  faculties  that  God 

has  given  them,  but  are  like  persons  that  have  their  eyes  and  ears,  and  yet  will  neither  see 

Mark  iv.  ic.   That  seeing  nor  hear.     So  that  it  is  in  just  displeasure  that  I  preach  to  them  in  this  obscure  language,  mark 
ceiveTand^he'artng  they  may  that  what  has  been  their  Crime  may  be  their  punishment;''  that  seeing  my  miracles,  they     i^- 
hear, 'and  not  understand  :  may  See  the  outward  act,  but  not  perccive  the  evidence  arising  from  them  :  and  hearing  my  '■^ 
be  converted',''and''<Ie!r*s'ins  discourscs,  they  may  indeed  hear  the  sound  of  them,  but  not  understand  their  true  intent 
should    be    forgiven   them,  and  meaning  ;  lest  at  any  time  they  should  be  converted,  and  {their^  sins  should  be  forgiven 

Matt^  x'iii.ii.  And  in  them  them,  which  to  many  of  these  people  th^y  never  shall. 
K  tuimied  the  prophecy  of      jind  thus  in  them  is  the  prophecy  of  Isaiah  most  exactly  fulfilled,  (Isa.  vi.  9,  10.")  which  matt. 
in^'yl'  shall' hear, 'an^  shall  indeed  was  originally  intended  to  include  them,  and  saith,  "  By  hearing  you  shall  hear,  .^^^^• 
not  understand;  and  seeing  (or  vou  mav  Still  go  on  to  hear  with  eagemess,)  but  you  shall  not  understand ;  and  seeing,  ^^ 

ye   shall   see,   and  shall  not  ^       •' j     ii      ■'  *^  ..n  ^  l    I  i    n        j.  ■      \       i?        I'l  ^^ 

perceive :  you  sluill  sec,  ov  you  may  still  go  on  to  see,  but  you  shall  not  perceive.^     ror,  like  a  wretch 

e  An  Imndred  fold,  &c.']    Such   an   increase,  even   in  those  fruitful  makes  Matt.  xiii.  12.  both  foreign  and  opposite  to  the  purpose  for  which 

countries,  was  not  very  "common,  but  however  sometimes  happened.  See  it  was  spoken.     We  must  therefore  submit  to  the  difficulties  which  attend 

Gen.  xxvi.  12.  this  natural  interpretation  ;  which  are  much  lessened  by  considering  that 

f  Reflect  upon  that  instructive  moral.]  This  solemn  proclamation  this  happened  after  Christ  had  upbraided  and  threatened  the  neighbour- 
was  sutlicient  to  declare  that  they  also  were  to  regard  the  following  ing  places,  (from  whence  doubtless  the  greatest  part  of  the  multitude 
similes  as  intended  to  convey  some  useful  instruction,  and  not  as  mere  came,)  which  was  some  time  before  this  sermon.  See  Matt.  xi.  20 — 24. 
matter  of  amusement.  ^59.)    Audit  is  not  improbable,  that  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  who 

g  His  disciples.]    This  is  a  very  just  translation  of  the  phrase  ol  Trepi  had  so  vilely  hlasjihemed  him  this  very  morning,  (Matt.  xii.  24.  p.  116.) 

ftriTor,  which  frequently  is  used  in  the  best  authors  for  the  disciples,  or  might  with  an  ill  purpose  have  gathered  a  company  of  their  associates 

followers,  of  the  person  it  refers  to ;  and  as  it  thus  agrees  with  Matthew,  and  creatures  about  Christ  to  insuare  him  ;  which  if  it  were  the  case, 

so  we  may  fitly  understand  it  of  those  who  attended  Christ,  in  his  pro-  will  fully  account  for  such  a  reserve. — It  signifies  little  to  plead  on  the 

gress  with  the  twelve  apostles.    And  in  this  way  the  style  ap[)ears  nioie  other  side,  that  these  parables  are  plain.   Their  being  so  to  us,  is  no  proof 

natural  and  easy,  than  if  we  read  it  as  it  stands  in  our  translation,  where  they  were  so  to  these  hearers :  and  since  the  apostles  themselves  did  not 

it  sounds  somewhat  harsh,  to  speak  of  those  that  were  about  him  ahen  he  vnderstand  even  that  of  the  sower,  it  is  no  wonder  if  the  rest  were  uniri- 

zcas  alone.  telligible  to  the  careless  and  captious  hearer. — Consistent  with  all  this  is 

h  All  these  things  are  now  involved  in  parables  and  figures.]    Here  what  was  said  of  the  advantages  attending  this  method,  to  those  who 

yiveTai  is  plainly  put  for  e^i :  I  therefore  render  it  all  things  are  in  were  honest  and  attentive ;  in  the  paraphrase  on  IMark  iv.  2.  p.  122. 

parables.  See  Matt.  vi.  16.  x.  16.  Mark  i.  4.  Luke  ii.  13.  xxiv.  19.  John  1  Seeing  i/ou  shall  see,  but  yon  shall  not  perceive.]    This  is  a  just  trans- 

i.  6.  and  elsewhere.  lation  of  the  original,  both  here  and  in  Isaiah  ;  and  is  another  consider- 

i  Seeing,  they  see  not,  and  hearing,  they  hear  not.]    This  is  justly  and  able  argument  for  the  interpretation  here  given  of  the  whole  context. — 

elegantly  paraphrased  in  the  version  of  1727,  in  a  few  words  ;  tliey  over-  A  pious  and  learned  friend,  by  whose  kind  animadversions  I  have  been 

tnoi  7iihat  they  see,  and  are  inattentive  to  what  they  hear.    Yet  I  cannot  led  to  insert  some  additional  notes  in  this  work,  has  urged  several  argu- 

think  the  Hebraism  without  some  peculiar  emphasis.    Our  translators  nients  to  prove  that  this  clause  should  be  rendered,  seeing,  ifcyou 

have  well  expressed  the  force  of  it.  Gen.  ii.  17.  Jer.  iv.  10.  and  Zech.  WILL  not  perceive.    But  on  the  maturest  review  of  this  passage  Doth 

VI.  15.  in  Isaiah  and  the  several  places  where  it  occurs  in  the  New  1  estament, 

k  It  is  in  just  displeasure,  &c.]  A  late  learned  writer  has  endeavoured  I  cannot  apprehend  that  it  was  spoken  merely  by  way  of  complaint,  but 

to  prove  that  Christ's  use  of  parables  was  not  in  displeasure,  but  in  tender  think  it  plain  that  it  was  intended  also  as  a  prediction.  (Compare  ™arK 

condescension  to  their  aversion  to  truths  delivered  in  a  less  pleasing  iv.  12.  Luke  viii.  10.  John  xii.  40.  Acts  xxviii.  20,  -7.  Koni-  *':  »-^ 

manner:  but  this  is  in  efJect  supposing  both  Mark  (chap.  iv.  12.)  and  Now  in  predictions,  we  aenerally  render  the  future  toim,      sucri  or 

Luke  (chap.  viii.  10.)  to  have  reported  what  our  Lord  says  in  a  sense  such  a  thing  sh.ill  happen,"  thougii  we  only  mean  to  express  tne  cer- 

directly  contrary  to  what  he  intended  ;  for  they  say  in  so  "many  words,  tainty  of  the  event,  without  denying  the  freedom  ot  the  moral  agenis 

it  was  thai  the  multitude  might  not  perccive  nor  undentand  ;  and  it  also  concerned  in  it,  or  detracting  from  it  in  any  degree. 


^.,.  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  SOWER  EXPLAINED. 

vrr   who  has  besotted  and  stupified  himself  with  riot,  the  heart  or  intellectual  faculty  of  thU     15  For  this  people's. heart 
63.     veople  is,  as  it  were,  groxmi  stiff  wiili  fatness,^  and  the_y  hear  with  heavy  ears,  and  draw  up  Z7'fun  !it!iZV^nA  th^v 

, their  eyes  as  if  they  were  more  than  half  asleep  ;  so  that  one  would  imagme  they  were  eyes  they  have  closed ;  lest  at 

MATT,  afraid  lest  at  any  time  they  should  happen  to  be  roused,  so  as  to  see  with  their  eyes  and  hear  ^^^/^^"e's!  and te"a"r' with  Mel> 

XIII.    ,^j^/j  ifieir  ears  and  understand  with  their  heart,  and  should  he  conver-ted,  and  1  should  heal  ears,  and  should  understand 

^5  and  save  them.    I  therefore  justly  leave  them  to  their  own  obstinacy,  and  direct  thee,  O  S'e'cou'l^'rted?and''i'  should 

Isaiah,  to  methods  which  I  know  will  mcrease  it."  heal  them. 

13  But  happy  indeed  are  your  eyes,  because  they  see ;  and  your  ears,  because  they  hear:  you  16  But  blessed  are  your 
have  not  only  greater  opportunities  of  instruction  than  ^others,  but  greater  integrity  and  ears',"  for  t*hey  S.  '''°''^°'"" 
17  seriousness  in  attending  to  them:  and  I  congratulate  you  on  so  happy  an  occasion.  For  17  For  verily  i  say  unto 
verily  I  say  unto  you.  That  many  of  the  most  \\o\y  prophets,  and  most  singularly  righteous  ^r^^^IonsTJ^J hl°tdL\^A 
men  under  the  Jewish  dispensation,  have  earnestly  desired  to  see  the  things  which  you  see,  to  see  those  things  which  ye 
anddid  7iot  see  them,  and  to  hear  the  things  ivhich  you  hear,  and  did  not  hear  them :  but  only  f„'"j  ,o°hea?/L"°'lf«T/whkh' 
had  imperfect  intimations  of  those  mysteries  which  are  now  revealed  with  much  greater  ye  hear,  and  have  not  heard 
clearness  to  you,  and  will,  through  the  divine  blessing,  render  you  singularly  useful  in  this  ''"""■ 
world,  and  proportionably  happy  in  the  next.    (Compare  Luke  x.  23,  24.  §  cvi.) 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver  12     I'ET  us  hear,  with  fear  and  trembling",  these  awful  declarations  from  the  lips  of  the  compassionate  Jesus  him- 
self.   Here  were  crowds  about  Christ,  who  indulged  such  prejudices,  and  attended  with  such  perverse  dispositions, 

13  that  in  righteous  judgment  he  took  an  obscurer  method  of  preaching  to  them,  and  finally  left  many  of  them,  under 
darkness  and  impenitency,  to  die  in  their  sins. 

15  T,et  us  take  heed,  lest  the  bounties  of  divine  Providence  should  be  thus  abused  by  us,  as  a  means  of  casting  us 
into  a  stupid  insensibility  of  the  hand  and  voice  of  the  blessed  God :  or  we  may  otlierwise  have  gi'ound  to  fear, 
lest  he  should  leave  us  to  our  own  delusions,  and  give  us  up  to  the  lusts  of  our  own  hearts.    And  then  the 

14  privilege  of  ordinances,  and  of  the  most  awakening  providential  dispensations,  will  be  vain;  seeing  we  shall  see, 
and  not  perceive;  and  hearing  we  shall  hear,  and  not  understand. 

IG  17  It  is  our  peculiar  happiness  under  the  gospel,  that  we  see  and  hear  what  prophets  and  princes,  and  saints  of  old, 
desired  to  see  and  hear,  but  were  not  favoured  with  it.  Let  us  be  thankful  for  our  privilege,  and  improve  it  well ; 
lest  a  neglected  gospel  by  the  righteous  judgment  of  God  be  taken  away,  and  our  abused  seasons  of  grace,  by  one 
method  of  divine  displeasure  or  other,  be  brought  to  a  speedy  period.  But  if  by  grace  it  is  given  to  us  to  know 
11  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  let  us  learn  a  thankfulness  in  some  measure  proportionable  to  the  corrupt 
prejudices  which  have  been  overborne,  and  the  important  blessings  which  are  secured  to  us. 


SECTION  LXVI. 

Our  Lord  explains  the  parable  of  the  sower,  and  exhorts  his  disciples  to  a  dilisent  improvement  of  their  knowledse  and  gilits.    JIark  iv.  13 — C5. 

Watt.  xiii.  18—23.    Luke  viii.  11—18. 

Mark  iv.    13.  Mark  iv.  13. 

SECT    AND  when  the  twelve  apostles,  in  a  retired  place,  (as  we  observed  above,  Mark  iv.  10.  p.  and  he  said  unto  them, 
66.     123.)  asked  Jesus  the  meaning  of  the  parable  of  the  sower,  which  he  had  delivered  to  the  J^^a'how  ti?en  will  yTknow 

multitude  as  he  sat  in  the  ship  ;  he  said  unto  them.  Know  ye  not  the  meaning  of  this  easy  all  parables  ? 

MARK  and  familiar  parable,  so  nearly  referring  to  the  prophetic  language?  (See  Jer.  iv.  3.  and 
^v.     Hos.  X.  12.)  Hoiv  then  will  you  understand  all  the  other  ^arai/es  that  I  have  spoken,  some 
^^  of  which  are  much  harder  than  this? 
MATT.      I  shall  however  vield  to  your  request,  and  show  myself  on  all  occasions  ready  to  instruct     Matt.  xiii.  18.   Hear  ve 
XIII-    you  :  hear  ye  therefore,  according  to  your  desire,  the  explication  of  the  parable  of  the  sower,  sower""^^  "'^  parable  of  the 
^"  Noxu  the  meaning  of  the  parable  is  this.     It  is  intended  to  represent  the  different  success     Luke  viii.  11.    Now  the 
LUKE  of  the  gospel  in  the  world ;  for  the  seed  [which']  the  sower  I  spoke  of  soweth,  is  the  word  off^j/ij^l^ihi  so«xr  sowlthjl' 
VIII.    God,  which  I  am  employed  to  preacii,  and  which  will  ere  long  also  be  committed  to  j'ou  :  tiie  word  of  God.  [Mark  iv. 
11  but  too  much  of  our  labour  will  be  lost  on  three  bad  kinds  of  hearers,  whom  I  described  ^^■■' 
in  the  parable  by  different  kinds  of  unfruitful  ground. 
MARK       And,  in  the  first  place,  these  are  they  whom  I  described  as  receiving  the  seed  by  the  th^y^by  the^wa>^s?de'!' There 
IV.     war/side,  where  the  word  is  no  sooner  sown,  but  the  effect  of  it  is  presently  lost,  and  their  the  word  is  sown,  but  [when 

15  true  character  may  thus  be  represented  to  you  :  when  any  one  hears  the  word  of  the  I'hYk'inKdo'n'mid  underst'and- 
heavenly  kingdom,  or  of  the  Ejospel  of  the  grace  of  God,  and  through  a  careless  inattention  «-ih  «  "ot,  then]  Satan  [the 
understands  \it]  not;  then  Sattm,  that  ivicked  one,  who  is  tlie  great  enemy  of  God  and  ,Til[,tt;!,  ""ndTk'et'h  'away 
souls,  flying  as  eagerly  as  a  bird  to  ills  prey,  co?nes  immediately,  and  catches  away  the  word  "'f  word  [winch  was  sown  in 
that  was  .mvn  in  his  heart,  lest  they  who  have  heard  it  should' believe  and  be  saved;  and  as  'i,ouid'i.''eiilJ;'.'a''ndbi''savedTj 
nothing  IS  like  to  be  long  remembered  which  is  not  well  understood,  all  trace  of  it  is  *'''*  '* ''«  which  received  seed 
quickly  lost  out  of  such  a  mind,  as  grain  scattered  on  the  road  :  this,  I  sav,  is  he  that  re-  ?^'.  LukTvilfii/"^"-  "'"• 
ceived  the  seed  by  the  way-side  in  the  parable.  "  ifi  And  these  are  they  like- 

16  And  in  like  manner,- in  the  next  place,  these  are  they  who  were  described  as  havin?  "nlton^gr^oumlrrLuKE^'on' 
received  the  seed  m  stony  soil,  or  on  a  rock  under  a  very  shallow  bed  of  earth  •  such  I  '^"^  ^"^^ :)  "'ho,  when  they 
mean  who,  having  heard  the  message  of  pardon,  life,  and  glory,  which  Me  ^t,^;^  of  the  In^tely^^'ce,'';' ir  w' h'Xt 
gospel  brings,  immediately  receive  it  with  a  transport  of  joy,  and  feel  their  natural  passions  "^S^ '  t"^"-  "'"•  20.  Luke 

17  elevated  and  enlarged  at  the  report  of  such  agreeable  news;  But  as  they  have  no  root  of  "I7  An^d  have  no  root  -in 
deep  conviction  and  real  love  to  holiness  in  themselves,  they  have  no  true  impression  of  L'^Tn^"'^''''''.,""'* ,'°  [['^"V^- 
the  power  of  it  on  their  hearts,  and  so  believe  it  only  in  a  notional,  not  a  vital,  manner,  a'^t'i'fr,^^;  A^::^^R,^^VZ 
\and\  endure  in  the  profession  of  it  but  for  a  little  tvhile  ;  \and^  tftenvards  in  a  time  of^iS^^."[  'Z'^^'lZlc^lZ 
iharp  trial  especially  when  any  domestic  oppression  or  public  persecution  arises  on  account  aHset'iTlbr  ?he  Jonvl'iT, 

sfon  Xh '„   i^^^^^  ''P"'f'''  ^T  '^'""l  ^^^™  ""^  ^^S^--  P™*"^^-  "- '•  ^^  °--5 

sion  wnicn  in  unies  ot  less  ditticulty  they  were  so  forward  to  make.  [Matt.  xiii.  ci.  Luke  viii.  13.] 

'''  '%Ji  wiLS£^•etn^«;LKlr1^  ^  :?'^"'^*^  ^•\*^"'""  >'«"'  ^'""  ^'^^^  w/,fch\^re^;i^ei^^i^d!^Lt^ 

receivea  seen  among  thorns  ,  even  such  as  hear  the  word,  perhaps  with  great  constancy,  and  thorns;  such  as  hear  the  word. 

tte  SmbW  Li  ™erSEslH  tTT  'T  "'  ""''  ''''f'"'"'^  ^'5'^  ^'"  ''"^  "^  \^^^ot^^Z^ 
iiie  assemDiy,  ana,  immerging  themselves  in  secular  affairs,  permit  the  cares  of  this  world,  of  this  world,  and  the  deceit- 

and  the  artful  delusion  of  riches,-  or  perhaps  the  pleasures  of  [this-]  animal  life,  or  the  desires  ptSeson^l'iit^^anaThe 

an'Satef/a^'ol^n'traUl^.S'US:  ^^'if^t^A^^^A  .^J^^eS^^-lt't ^ U''"^    ^'"'^  ^^"^•  "''''-  ^2"  ''^--1;'  't 

about  the   heart   stupified  both  the  intellectual  and  sensXe  powers  Sle  If  the   n '.Un  w*'''-'',  ^^P^sses  the   varums  artifices  by  ^vhxch 

Compare  Deut.  xxxi.  20.  xxxii.  15.  Psal.  cxix.  70.  and  Isa.  vi   lo  mminV^ff  t/P""'"' °*  ncAe;  excuse    hemselves  trom  day  to  day    in 

IV      lu  isd.  VI.  lu.  puttmg  off  rettgwjis  cares,  and  the  conloundmg  disappomtment  which 


THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  SOWER  EXPLAINED.  125 

lusts  of  other  thin's  entering  o/"some  Other  things  which  equally  tend  to  alienate  the  soul  from  God,  to  enter  [into  their   sect. 
in,  choke  the  worj,  and  it  be-  fninds,']  and  take  up  all  their  thoughts  and  time  to  such  a  degree,  as  to  choke  the  ^vord,  and     66. 

y^^they  "are'"ch<;kid    "d  SO  it  bccomcs  mifruitful :  [ijea,]  they  themselves  are  choked,  as  it  were,  with  these  fatal 

bring  no  fruit  to  perfection.!  encumbrances,''*anfi  whatever  purposes  or  faint  efforts  they  may  make  towards  a  partial  makk 
[Matt.  xui.  £2.  Luke  viu.  14.J  j.gfQ^j^atJQ„^  they  bring  no  fruit  to  perfection,  but  remain  destitute  of  every  degree  of  jg^'^- 
genuine  and  prevailing  piety. 

20  And  these  are  they  which      And  once  more,  these  are  they  who  were  said  to  have  received  the  seed  into  mod  ground :  20 
[received    seed    into]    good  gygjj  jj^^^/j  f,g  ^q  ^Qt  Only  hear  the  word  with  attention  and  simplicity  of  mind,  but  zinder- 
wor"d"1;and  utdei^ltand!]  and  Stand  what  is  spoken,  and  receive  it  without  prejudice  and  opposition ;  arid  when  they 
receive,  [Luke,  a,id  keep  it  depart,  are  solicitous  to  retain  [it~\  in  an  honest  and  good  heart,  bringing  firth  the  good 
LV°brin?forth  fruirELi'^'KE,  fruit  of  Substantial  holiness,  in  various  degrees,  ivith  patience  and  perseverance,  some  thirty, 
with  patience,]  some  ^^'^^^y-' some  sixti),  and  some  an  hundredfold,  both  to  their  present  joy,  and  to  tiieir  future  glory, 
an  h'undr"ed.''[Mitt'!'xiii.  23.      And  /(c  Said  further  to  them,  I  appeal  to  yourselves,  and  urge  it  as  a  proper  considera-  21 
^"i^And'he^said  unto  them   tiou  to  engage  you  to  communicate  the  light  you  have  to  others.  Is  a  lump  broui^ht  into  a 
Is'a  candle  brought  to  be  put  rooiB,  to  be  put  under  u  busliel,  or  under  a  bed?  [and]  not  to  be  set  on  a  stand  ?  \  ou  know 
bed ?''««</ ''notio  be  s"et''on  I  it  is  not.     For  no  man  of  common  sense  will  even  waste  a  few  drops  of  oil  so  :  nor  is    luke 
candlestick?  there  any  one  that,  having  lighted  a  lamp,  covers  it  with  a  vessel,  or  puts  it  under  a  couch;''  -iV^^'' 

wi!;n''he'hath'iight?d*'a^an"  but  sets  it  vpon  a  stand  in  a  conspicuous  place,  that  all  they  xvho  enter  in  to  the  house,  may  ^^ 
die,  covereth  it  with  a  vessel,  sfg  the  light  of  it,  and  guide  their  motions  by  it.  (Compare  Matt.  v.  15.  p.  77.  and  Luke 
butffl'it"n"a  candies'ticl;  xi.  33.  p.  121.)  And  Can  you  think  it  is  fit  that  you  should  waste  the  precious  oil  of  my  17 
that  they  which  enter  in  may  instructions,  which  I  am  pouring  into  your  minds,  to  render  you  the  lamps  ot  my  sanc- 
^'n^For^ nothing  is  secret,  tuary  ?  Be  not  then  backward,  as  occasion  offers,  to  communicate  to  others  what  you 
that  shall  not  be  "made  mani-  receive  from  me ;  for  nothing  is  now  said  in  secret  among  us,  ivhich  shall  not  be  revealed ; 
that'shali'not  betnown,  alfd  Hor  any  thing  hid'which  Shalt  not  be  made  known  and  published;^  as  we  are  carrying  on  no 
come  abroad.  [Mark  iv'.  22.]  works  or  counsels  of  darkness  among  us,  but  concerting  measures  for  the  public  instruc- 
tion and  reformation  of  mankind. 

Mark  iv.  2:3.   If  any  man      If  any  man  therefore  hath  ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear ;  and  if  you  have  intelligent  powers,   mark 
have  ears  to  hear,  let  him  jgj  \^  y,q  y^^j.  peculiar  care  to  exert  them  to  this  important  purpose.  ^^-  •^• 

UAnd  he  said  unto  them.  And  he  Said  also  to  them.  Do  you  above  all  take  heed  therefore,  and  carefully  attend  to  24 
take  heed  [therefore]  what  ,„^^;^  you  hear  from  me,  [and]  hoio  you  hear  it :  for  in  this  sense  I  may  say,  as  formerly  on 
what  misure"  ye'^meteT  it  another  occasion,  (Matt.  vii.  2.  p.  86.  and  Luke  vi.  38.  p.  106.)  the  measure  with  which  you 
shall  be  measured  to  you  :  „,g^g  jq  Others,  shull  he  uscd  to  you ;  and  to  you  that  attentively  hear,  more  shall  be  given,^ 
more"  be  ^g°iven  [Luk^  viii.  and  those  who  are  most  diligent  in  teaching  others  shall  be  taught  most  themselves.  For,  25 
^^"-  F  rhethathati.  to  him  ^^  I  Said  before  in  this  discourse,  (Matt.  xiii.  12.  p.  123.)  to  hm  that  improves  what  he 
shiu  be^iten^:  and''he  that  hath,  more  shall  bc  given ;  but  from  him  that  acts  as  one  who  hath  not,  from  him  shall  be 
uken"even°That" which'  he  ^"/^f*  «"'«'/  ''''"f'*  ^^"^  "'^""/t  fof  the  present  he  hath,  {[or]  seemeth  to  have;'  but  which  he 
hath?  ["Teeme'th  to  have.]  shall  soon  find  was  not,  accurately  speaking,  his  own,  and  must  be  strictly  accounted  for 
[Luke  viii.  18.]  tQ  jj^g  Yedl  proprietor.)  • 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  us  apply  to  ourselves  this  charge  of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  and  take  heed  how  we  hear.  Especially,  let  us  luke 
be  very  careful  that  we  despise  not  him  that  now  speaks  to  us  from  heaven  ;  and  remember  the  authority  which  ^viii. 
his  exaltation  there  gives  to  the  words  which  he  spake  in  the  days  of  his  flesh.  .  . 

Let  us  attentively  hear  the  parable  of  the  sower,  and  its  interpretation.     Still  is  Christ,  by  his  word  and  minis-  matt. 
ters,  sowing  among  us  the  good  seed.     Still  is  the  great  enemy  of  souls  labouring  to  snatch  it  away.     Let  us  f^Yen^^ 
endeavour  to  understand,  that  we  may  retain  it;  and  to  retain,  that  we  may  practise  it.     Still  do  the  cares  of  this      ^' 
world  press  us  ;  still  do  its  pleasures  solicit  us ;  still  do  our  lusts  war  in  our  members  ;  and  all  unite  their  efforts  ^^^  ^^^ 
to  prevent  our  fruitfulness  in  good  works ;  but  let  us  remember,  that,  with  haying  our  fruit  unto  hohness,  ever-  -jg" 
lasting  life  is  connected  as  the  end  ;  and  that  in  due  season  we  shall  reap,  if  we  faint  not.    (Rom.  vi.  22.  and  Gal. 

^"i-  9.)  .  ,  _ 

Let  us  therefore  be  concerned  that  the  seed  may  take  deep  root  m  our  minds,  that  we  may  not  rest  in  any  su-  17 
perficial  impression  on  the  passions  ;  but,  feeling  the  energy  of  that  living  principle,  may  flourish  under  the 
circumstances  which  wither  others,  and  may  in  due  time  be  gathered  as  God's  wheat  into  his  garner.     Nor  let  us 
repine  if  we  now  go  forth  weeping,  bearing  this  precious  seed,  while  we  have  such  a  hope  of  coming  again  rejoic- 
ing, bringing  our  sheaves  with  us.    (Psal.  cxxvi.  6.) 


SECTION  LXVII. 

Our  Lord  delivei-s  the  parable  of  the  tares  in  the  field  ;  and  afterwards  explains  it  at  large  to  his  disciples.    Matt.  xiii.  24—30,  36—43. 

...  Matt.  xiii.  24.  SECT. 

another' parable  put  lie  NOW,  to  retum  to  the  story  of  our  Lord's  teaching  the  multitude  from  the  ship  :  he  like-     ^'^- 
forth  unto  them,  saying.  The  ^.^jgg  ^^  ^]^q  gj^j^g  tj^-,g  proposed  another  parable  to  them,  to  intimate  that  persons  of  various 

characters  should  come  into  the  gospel  profession  ;  but  that  there  should  be  a  final  sepa-  matt. 
ration  between  them  in  the  other  world,  however  they  might  be  blended  together  in  this. 

often  mingles  itself  with  their  labours,  and  even  with  their  success,  method  was  practised  in  our  senrions,  though  the  delicacy  of  a  few 

Compare  Prov.  xi.  28.  Luke  xviii.  24.    1  Tim.  vi.  9,  10,  17.  2  Tim.  ii.  might  be  less  amused,  the  souls  of  the  people  mnrht  be  more  edihed  ; 

4    and  iv   10  and  consequently  the  end  ot  christian  ordmances  (which  is  by  no  means 

b  T/ifi/'theinselves  are  choked,  iScc]    So  Luke  expresses  it,  perhaps  to  the  applause  of  those  who  administer  them)  might  be  more  effectually 

intimate  the  uneasy  situation  of  the  mind,  while  clogged  and  straitened  answered.                  ,,,.,,„          ,           j    ,                j       i;-,7.„ji 

with  such  encumbrances  as  these,  and  rendered,  as  it  were,  unfit  to  d  Nor  any  thing  hid.  w/nch  shall  not  be  made  known  and  ^«*'"''£5-J 

breathe  its  own  native  air,  and  to  delight  itself  with  celestial  and  eternal  Though  a  prospect  of  the  final  discovery  of  the  great  da.v  would  contain 

objects.— Choking  arises  from  any  thing  which  straitens  the  gullet,  or  a  strong  argument,  both  in  compassion  to  others,  and  from  a  V^J^aem 

wind-pipe,  and  so  obstructs  the  passage  of  food  or  air.    And  thus  young  regard  to  their  own  happiness,  to  engage  Ins  disciples  to  make  a  raiinruj 

plants,  or  corn,  may  properly  be  said  to  be  choked  by  thorns,  which  do  report  ot  the  gospel  committed  to  their  trust;,  yet  I  think  t"^  wo^^fj;'!' 

not  leave  them  room  to  grow  ;  and  the  word,  which  would  exert  its  vital  contain  an  important  sense,  without  supposing  them  to  T'^'^J,  ?",  M'^'- 

power  and  principle,  is  represented  as  choked,  when  thus  pressed  with  Compare  Matt.  x.  26,  27-  %  75.  and  Luke  xu.  2,  .S.  5  ll^j.^J.^"':  "    <!p 

secular  cares  prevailing  in  the  mind.  places  the  same  words  seem,  as  often  elsewhere  to  have  afitterent  sense. 

c  Covers  it  with  a  vessel,  or  puts  it  nnder  a  couch.l    JTark  expresses  it  e   To  you  that  hear,  more  shall  he  given.]    \  know  '"e/^,  "^X<^p  of  this 

as  a  question,  and  Luke  as  a  direct  negation.    I  have  given   it  in  both  room  to  doubt,  whether  these  three  verses  m  Mark,  at  tne  c  ose  oi  u  » 

the  forms,  as  what  seemed  most  effectually  to  secure  the  credit  of  both  section,  were  spoken  to  the  disciples  apart,  or  to  tne  muiiuuut;, 

the  evangelists  :  and  I  humbly  submit  it  to  better  judgments,  whether,  think  these  words  make  the  former  much  more  proDame. 

in  some  of  these  instances,  Christ  might  not  immediately  '  ""-       "  ^ '■  '-  '—-  ■■    ^  '•""■"  "' ■■  ""•"""''  '"  '""" 


thought  a  second  time  in  nearly  the  same  words,  in  order  to 

very  memorable  passage  on  the  minds  of  his  hearers,  who  to  .  „   ,      .  .   .  ,,„  ,     „,,,„rv.-,     ^,  ^  ...,...^.... 

needed  line  upon  line,  and  precept  upon  precept.     In  this  view  he  will  also  1  Cor.  in.  18.  Gal.  vi.  3.  and  .lam.  i.  -oj    "uivc  ^  , 

appear,  if  less  like  a  polite  orator,  yet  more  like  a  father  instructing  his  it  may  possibly  be  a  pleonasm,  it  an.v  choose  ff  "Ke  i' f""=j  ""^" 

children;  and  perhaps  if  more  of  this  familiar   and   condescending  clause,  which  is  included  in  a  parentliesis,  must  uu  lenuu  . 


126  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  TARES  IN  THE  FIELD. 

SECT.  And  he  taught  them,  saying,  The  kingdom  of  heaven,'^  or  the  success  of  the  gospel-dispen-  kingdom  ofheaven  is  likened 
67.     sation,  mm/  be  compared  to\hat  which  happened  to  a  man^  rvho  had  sown  good  seed  in  his  ™edinhSfieM^^°^'"^°°'^'^ 

-ground:   But  one  night,  white  the  7ncn  who  were  set  to  watch  it  slept,  an  ill-natured     25  But  while  men  slept,  his 

MATT,  neighbour,  who  was  his  enemy,  with  a  malicious  view  to  spoil  the  crop,  came  and  smoed  a  anfoTi?  *th"  wh^at^^and  went 
Alii.   quantity  of  tares  among  the  ivheat  which  had  just  been  thrown  into  the  ground,  and  went  his  way.         "^   ' 

26  awai/  without  being  discovered.  But  afterwards,  when  the  blade  was  sprung  up,  and  pro-  26  Eut  when  the  blade  was 
duced  fruit,  then  the  tares  also  appeared  among  the  ears  of  wheat,  in  a  manner  easily  to  be  frJu"tiien'a*"''eared"the  tares 

27  distinguished.    And  the  servants  of  the  proprietor  of  the  estate'^  came  in  a  surprise,  and  also.'   *'^"  ^p*^^^""*^ 

said  to  him.  Sir,  didst  thou  not  sow  good  seed  of  pure  wheat  in  thy  field?  whence  then  hath  houleholder  clmrancl^aid 

28  it  these  tares  which  now  appear  mingled  with  the  crop  ?    And  he  said  unto  them,  Some  ill-  unto  him,  Sir,  didst  not  thou 
natured  and  malicious  person  in  the  neighbourliood  has  undoubtedly  done  this,  taking  the  t?om^  whence**  then*'' ha^h'^'it 
advantage  of  your  absence  or  negligence.    And  the  servants,  willing  to  make  the  best  tares  ? 
amends'they  could,  said  to  him.  Wilt  thou  then  have  us  go  directly  to  root  them  out,  and  en*em?1iith'*donl°tiIis™'The 

29  gather  them  up,  before  they  get  any  further  head  ?  But  he  said,  No,  I  do  not  think  that  servants  said  unto  him",  Wiit 
proper;  lest  ivhile  you  endeavour  to  gather  up  the  tares,  you  should,  before  you  are  aware,  gSher  them*up'? ^^  ^^  ^"'^ 

30  root  up  some  of  the  wheat  also  with  them  :  It  will  be  better  to  permit  both  to  groxv  together  -9  But  he  said.  Nay ;  lest 
till  the  harvest  come;  and  in  the  time  of  the  harvest  I  will  say  to  the  reapers.  Gather  ye  yi' rooiup^aho  the  wheat  wftll 
together  first  the  tares,  and  hind  them  in  bundles,  that  they  may  aftenvards  be  burnt  for  t^em. 

fuel  ;<i  but  gather  ye  the  wheat  into  my  bam,  that  it  may  there  be  ready  for  my  use.  uin?u''he  iwves?:°and'?n*the 

36  Then  Jesus,  after  he  had  spoke  some  otiier  parables,'"  having  dismissed  the  multitude,  went  {'"^f  "f  harvest  i  will  say 
from  the  vessel  where  he  had  been  preaching  into  an  house,  to  refresh  himself  a  little  before  gether  tksttht'tarU'^luJbind 
he  crossed  the  lake;^  and  his  disciples,  who  constantly  attended  him,  came  to  him,  saying,  t'leni  in  bundles  to  burn  them: 
We  desire  thou  wouldst  explain  to  us  the  parable  of  the  tares  in  the  field,  for  we  do  not  bam^''   ^'     ^  ^^  ^^  '"'^  ^^ 

37  perfectly  understand  it.  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  them,  He  in  the  parable  that  sowed  ^.^^6  Then  Jesus  sent  the  mul- 
the  good  seed,  is  intended  to  represent  the  Son  ofi  man,  the  great  preacher  of  the  gospel,  th " houteTr'and^iiis^^di^cipies 
which  is  ordained  as  the  most  illustrious  instrument  for  the  reformation  and  happiness  of  ^f"!?*^  ""'"^  '''"^v^''^!"?!,^''^ 

38  mankind.  The  field  is  indeed  the  whole  world,  in  which  the  gospel  is  to  be  preached,  and  the'taresottifetie'id'!""^''  ^  ° 
not  to  be  confined  to  the  Jewish  nation  alone  :  the  good  seed  are  the  children  of  the  king-  ^^^^^  Vh'^  n^"¥r'^fh  t''"'*  ^"th 
dom,  or  tliose  truly  pious  men  who,  being  formed  on  the  model  of  the  gospel,  and  as^it  the  good  seed  is  tlie.  Son'^of 
were  assimilated  to  it,  are  the  heirs  of  future  glory,  as  well  as  entitled  to  the  present  privi-  "^^^'  'j^^  f^^^^^  ^^  ^l^^  ^  . , . 
leges  of  my  church  :  But,  on  the  other  hand,  the  tares  arc  wicked  men,  who  are  indeed  the  cood  seed  are  the  ciiildreri 
the  children  of  the  ivicked  one,  though  many  of  them  may  profess  themselves  my  disciples,  are'the'^chfurenof  th''^'^'*k^^d 

39  and,  for  their  own  unworthy  ends,  pretend  a  great  zeal  for  my  cause  and  church.     The  one: 

enemy  that  sowed  them  is  the  devil,  who  studies  by  all  means  to  corrupt  men's  principles,  themTs\'he''dlviT-Th^eSwve''s1 
and  debauch  their  lives,  and  puts  those  on  a  hypocritical  profession  of  religion,  who  are  is  the  end  of  the  world;  and 
utter  strangers  to  its  power.     The  harvest  I  mentioned  is  the  end  of  the  world,  the  great  ^^'^  ''''»pe'"s  are  the  angels, 
day  of  judgment  and  retribution  ;  and  the  reapers  ai'e  the  angels,  who  are  to  be  employed 

40  in  the  services  of  that  day.  As  therefore  the  tares  in  tlie  parable  ai-e  ordered  by  the  owner  40  As  therefore  the  tares 
of  the  field  to  he  gathered  together,  and  burnt  in  the  fire ;  so  likewise  shall  it  be  at  the  end  ^^^  gathered  and  burned  in 

41  of  this  world.  The  Son  of  man  shall  then  send  forth  his  attendant  angels,s  and  they,  in  end  ofVhil  world  '"  "'* 
obedience  to  his  command,  shall  gather  out  of  his  kingdom  all  things  which  have  been  an  ^^^,  V'^i^"!"-  °*  ""'i"  ^''*'i 
offence  to  others,  even  all  those  that  practise  iniquity,  and  thereby  bring  a  reproach  on  their  they  shall'  gather°out^  of^'his 

42  profession,  and  lay  stumbling-blocks  in  the  way  of  others  :  And  these  blessed  spirits,  as  fe,"j''°"n(f''tifm^wii''^'  d*^" 
the  executioners  of  the  divine  vengeance,  shall  cast  them  i)ito  hell,  the  furnace  of  unquench-  iniquity  ]       '^"^ 
able^re;  and  dreadful  indeed  will  their  condition  be;  for  there  shall  be  lamentation,  and  a  funface  oHire ^''theiTshaU 
gnashing  of  teeth  for  ever,*"  in  the  height  of  anguish,  rage,  and  despair;  a  despair  aggra-  be  waning  and  gnashing  "of 
vated  by  all  the  privileges  they  once  enjoyed,  and  the  vain  hope  which,  as  my  professed  *^^"'- 

43  disciples,  they  once  entertained.  But  then  shall  the  j-ighteou.';  be  publicly  owned  and  43  Then  shall  the  rJKhteous 
honoured,  and  with  a  joyful  welcome  be  received  into  the  heavenly  world,  where  they  u\l"1imn^' of  *t'hei'r"'Fat'h"r^ 
shall  shine  forth  with  divine  radiance  and  glory,  like  the  sun  itself,  and  be  fixed  for  ever  who'h'ath  ears 'to*^ hear,  let 
in  the  kingdom  of  their  Father,  to  enjoy  the  transforming  visions  of  his  face.  '"''"  '"■^'"• 

This  misery,  or  this  felicity,  is  the  end  of  all  the  living ;  nor  can  I  ever  declare  a  truth 
of  gTeater  importance  to  you.  See  to  it  therefore,  that  you  regard  it  with  becoming  atten- 
tion ;  and  every  one  who  hath  ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear  it,  and' govern  his  life  by  its  exten- 
sive influence. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.38  Oh  that  these  important  instructions  might,  as  it  were,  be  ever  sounding  in  our  ears!  It  is  matter  of  great 
^^]^n^fulness  that  this  earth,  which  might  have  been  abandoned  by  God  as  a  barren  wilderness,  is  cultivated  as 

27,  29  his  field,  and  that  any  good  seed  is  to  be  found  in  it ;  but  grievous  to  think  how  many  tares  are  intermingled,  so 
as  almost  to  overrun  "the  ground,  and  hide  the  wheat  from  being  seen.  Let  not  a  forward  zeal  prompt  us,  like 
these  over-officious  servants,  to  think  of  rooting  them  out  by  violence ;  but  let  us  wait  our  Master's  time,  and  be 
patient  till  the  day  of  the  Lord  ! 

41  The  separation  will  at  length  be  made  ;  nor  shall  one  precious  grain  perish.  Awful,  important  time !  when  the 
angels  shall  perform  their  great  office  with  a  sagacity  too  sharp  to  be  eluded,  and  a  power  too  strong  to  be  resisted ! 

42  bather  not  our  souls,  O  Lord,  with  sinners  !  but  may  they  be  bound  up  in  the  bundle  of  life !  that,  when  the  day 
cometh  which  shall  burn  as  an  oven,  and  when  the  wicked,  like  chaff,  shall  be  thrown  in  to  be  consumed,  we  may 
survey  the  execution  of  the  divine  judgment  with  awful  triumph ;  being  owned  by  God  as  his,  while  he  is  tnaking 

thp  ^!fJut{f!!.TjL^^^^T-^  1 1'''^' *is  is  frequently  to  be  understood  of  may  seem  some  objection  to  this  ;  but  the  reader  may  see  in  my  para- 

the  gospel  dispensation,  has  been  observed  before  m  note  h,  on  Matt.  iii.  phrase  there,   §  69.   that  I   apprehend  it  may  be   reconciled  With  this 

~'h  W/,i,  It  ,.„«».,„,.«j  ,„  ♦!,„»  ,„i,-  I.  u              ,  ^  interpretation  and  order  of  the  story ;  yet  I  acknowledge  it  possible, 

illustrated  bvXfollow^n'^mil\^*P''^2^''  '°  «  .""^"-l    Ov  may  be  that  the  house  here  spoken  of  might  lie  on  the  other  side  of  the  fake,  anj 

illus^trated  by  the  toUowing  similitude.    See  note  i,  on  Luke  vii.  32.  that  they  might  go  into  it  the  next  day. 

c  Tiipnrmiripinrnffhpp^tnt^-y   <!^         s                           ^     •■£■•,  •  ,  .S.fi'K'll  seiid  forth  his  tMemiaxit  a7igels.'\    The  reader  will  observe  how 

connexion      Hfk{,,nnnf»?ltn  >°"<°^^<^7<'-ri/ s^ems  to  signify  in  this  high  an  idea  our  Lord  here  gives  them  of  himself,  when  he  speaks  of 

foriT  o?  farm  hof,>fp  "^S  wt,  i  fh      ''^  "">''"  of  the  field,  and  of  some  the  angels  as  his  attendants,  who  were  at  the  last  (3ay  to  wait  on  him, 

d'ifZ  ItW-arH  '^Zr!,,  f-./f"  'i  7^'rh-  '^"'f '*•  ,■•                               '  '^Dd  »'  /«>  "'<'''■  to  assemble  the  whole  world  before  him. 

word  if          which  wp  r^nnir  */r"^'-i    ^'"'  f '^'"'r,  P''°''^='  *=>*  '''«  ^  (iuaslmig  of  teeth.]    Since  what  is  here  spoken  of  is  supposed  to  pass 

Ceta^i  amoi7J  ifw^irh  k  fw  f/ri  nV'l^fu  T  ^""^"aI  u"^'"^'^  *°  '^«t  "'  a  furnace  of  fire,  it  is  strange  that  any  should  have  iinagined  th'at  A 

for  fuel                                                         P               ^°°^  '°  ''^  "^^^  """"^^y  fpoV'-o^  ^^  ohovtwv  signifies  the  knocking,  or,  as  we  commonly  exi-ress 

e  After  ho  liarl  =r.r>l/o  =r>rr.o  r.th^,-  r,or„Ki„„  T    c  ~       /:  ^,                 .  '*'  t"^  chattering,  of  the  teeth,  through  excess  of  cold.     Yet  some  have 

tafn«l   nthlintermediatnerts    r^Ppp   s^^                                   '"/I°^-  t'"'"   '"^"^  """"S^  to  argue  from  Kence,  that  (according  to  the  Ma- 

■  A^lilt^nn  .f  fhpT.!.ih  i  lf'^TA'l'Z■3~^^?±^}l  ^W^-ehended  the  homefan  notion)  the  alternate  extremities  of  heat  and  cold  should  con- 


I'vnliratmn  n(  fho  >ii„-ohi.>  „„^.,i^  ».,„    Z      ii       —     ..km' -"<-""<="  mc    nuMicirtii  uuiiuiij  me  alternate  extremit  es  or  /icai  anu  coia 
thus  Smedrately  K^t  ^^  peculiar  advantage    stitute  the  torment  of  the  damned.    See  Archbishop  Dawes^ 

f  A  little  before  he  crossed  the  lake.]   1  am  sensible  that  Mark  iv.  36.  ''  ^^'""'  '"'  ^'  "" 


s  Hermans  on 


ILLUSTRATIONS  OF  THE  SPEEDY  PROGRESS  OF  THE  GOSPEL.  127 

vp  his  jewels,  and  spared  bt/  him  as  his  obedient  children.     (Mai.  iii.  17.  and  iv.  1.)    Then  shall  we  not  only  be   sect. 
sparedj  but  honoured  and"  adorned,  and  shine  forth  like  the  sun  in  our  Father's  kingdom ;  for  these  vile  bodies     67. 

sliall  be  fashioned  like  to  the  glorious  body  of  our  Redeemer,  (Phil.  iii.  21.)  and  our  purified  and  perfected  spirits 

shall  be  clothed  with  proportionable  lustre,  and  reflect  the  complete  image  of  his  holiness.     Amen. 


SECTION  LXVIII. 

and  the  i 
,  44—53. 

Mark  iv.  26. 


Our  Lord  adds  other  parables  relating  to  the  speedy  progress  of  the  gospel,  and  the  importance  of  the  blessings  it  proposes.    Mark 

Matt.  xiii.  31—35,  44 — 53. 


Mark  iv.  26.  ,  ,        ,  ^  vi    i.-     t 

AND  he  said.  So  is  the  kin?-  AND  after  Jesus  had  delivered  the  foregoing  parables,  he  went  on  with  his  discourse  to  sect. 
<iom  of  God,  as  if  a  man  ^\     multitude,  and  further  said.  So  is  the  tdvaaom  of  God,  and  such  the  nature  of  the  dis-     68. 

should    cast    seed    into    the  _    ".  ,    .       .      •'  ,     --  ■ .   •     i*',       .1  .}.    .r  i_i_i__    _.   _i    


Iround;*"^    '"      i   o  t  e  ^^^^^^^^^1^  ^f  ^^^  ^^^^^^  ^^  j^^  progress,  thaf  It  is  like  the  growth  of  vegetables,  and  may 

fitly  be  illustrated  by  the  case  of  a  husbandman  :  for  it  is  as  if  a  man  should  throw  his  seed  mark 
27  And  should  sleep,  and  vpon  thc  earth ;  And,  after  it  is  sown,  should  take  no  further  thought  about  it,  but  sleep  bi/     i^. 
rise  night  and  day,  and  the  „j  /^^  „„^  ^.^-^^  j,^  f/„,^^  ^nd  apply  himself  to  Other  business :  and  in  the  mean  time,  without 
up  he  knowe?h'not'how^'°'^  his  thought  and  caVe,  the  seed  should  spri)l^  up  and  increase,  he  knoius  not  how.     For  the  28 
fort"  ft"uitot- he?se\f  •''firsfthe  ^"''^^^  ^y  a  certain  curious  kind  of  mechanism,  which  the  greatest  philosophers  cannot  fully 
blLde.'then  the  ear,  After  that  comprehend,=i  does,  as  it  were,  spontaneously,  without  any  assistance  from  man,  carry  it 
the  full  corn  in  the  ear.  through  the  whole  progress  of  vegetation ;  and  produces  first  the  blade,  then  thc  ear,  and 

29  But  when  the  fruit  is  afterward  the  full  ^rain  in  the  ear.     But  at  the  proper  season  for  it,  as  soon  as  the  fruit  is  29 
brought  forth    immediately  '.j  g^  f^g  immediatelirputs  in  the  sickle,  because  the  harvest  is  come ;  and  all  that  remains  is  to 
cause  the  harvest''iscom''e.       receive  the  bountiful  provision  which  the  great  Lord  of  all  has  produced  by  his  own  power. 

By  such  insensible  degrees  shall  the  gospel  gain  ground  in  the  world,  and  ripen  to  a  har- 
vest of  glory :  and  therefore  let  not  my  faithful  servants  be  discouraged,  if  the  effect  of 
their  labours  be  not  immediately  so  conspicuous  as  they  could  desire;''  a  future  crop  may 
spring  up,  and  the  Son  of  man  will  in  due  time  appear  to  gather  it  in. 

30  Andhesaid,Whereunto      -And  he  made  a  pause  in  his  discourse,  and  then  said,  I  am  thinking  whereunto  shall  we  30 
shall  we  liken  the  kingdom  of  compare  the  kinsdom  of  God?  or  with  what  parable  shcdl  we  place  it  in  such  a  point  of  light 

God  ?  or  with  what  compari-         /    .1         .      -ii     j.     j.      -ii 

son  shall  we  compare  it?  2&  \\XX\.\\^X  io  Mmtratc  it  (  _         _,,,., 

Matt    xiii    31      Another      AheT  which  reflection,  he  proposed  another  parable  fo  them,saying,  ihe  kingdom  of  hcaveu,  MATT. 
parable  put'  he  "forth  unto  of  which  I  am  Speaking,  or  the  interest  of  the  gospel  in  the  vvorld,  is  like  a  grain  of  mus-  ^lll. 
on^k^^l,  iyilke'toa''g"lmo"  tard-secd,  which  a  man  took  and  sowed  in  his  field  to  raise  and  propagate  the  plant:  It  is,  I  31 
mustard-seed,  which  "a  man  say,  like  this  grain,  tuhich  indeed  when  at  first  it  is  soiini  in  the  earth,  is  very  small  and  in-  mark 
[Mark'iv.  sT]"^  '"  ""  '^'''' '  Considerable,  and  [one  of\  the  least  of  all  the  seeds  that  are  cast  in  the  ground  <  But  when     ^v 

Markiv.31.  which[indeed]  if  (g  sown  some  time  in"the  earth,  it  grows  vp  to  a  surprising  degree,  and  becomes  greater  ^'^y  ^^ 
b'[;he1east°Jf"aii"seedsf [hat  than  all  Other  hcrbs  ;  yea,  I  may  even  say,  it  becomes  a  tree,  and  shoots  out  great  branches, 
be  in  the  earth.  [Matt.  xiii.  32.]  go  large  and  thick,  tluit  the  birds  of  the  air  nun/  build  their  nests  in  it,  and  come  and  lodge 
groteth'  .TpranV\e?o"Uth  hi  its  branches,^  \and'\  harbour  imder  its  shadow.  In  such  a  remarkable  manner  did  our 
greater  than  all  herbs;  [and  Lo^d  intimate,  that  his  gospel  should  prevail  amidst  all  opposition;  and,  inconsiderable 
out°g?eat  branciies?so  thTt  the  as  its  beginnings  were,  should  spread  itself  abroad  through  the  whole  world,  so  as  to  afibrd 
and'Vd<'e''in''the"'branches^  weary  and  fearful  souls  a  grateful  and  secure  retreat. 

«w]  u°n(fe1-  the  shadow"of  ?t'.      He  also  Spake  another  parable  to  them,  to  the  same  purpose  with  the  former,  which,  like  matt. 
'■^Matt'''xiiP"3>     Another  ^^  ''^^'^'  "^^^  taken  from  a  very  familiar  circumstance  daily  occurring  in  life:  The  kingdom  „-?^^^- 
parable"  spake  he'"unto  "hem^  of  heavcn,  Said  he,  Or  the  cause  of  the  gospel,  is  like  a  little  leaven  which  a  looman  took  and  ^"^ 
unto^l°awn"\vhkTrwm^^^^  covei'cd  up  in  three  measures  of  meal ;  and  though  it  seemed  lost  for  a  while  in  the  mass  of 
took,  and  hid  in  three  mea-  dough,  it  Secretly  wrought  through  it  by  a  speedy,  though  insensible,  fermentation,  till  at 
wi^le°iv^ied.'  ''"  ^^^  '^"""'^  length  the  whole  was  leavened.    Thus  shall  the  gospel  spread  in  the  world,  and  influence 

and  assimilate  the  temper  and  conduct  of  men. 
34  All  these  things  spake  ^^^  these  tilings  Jcsus  spakc  to  the  multitude  in  parables ;  and  with  mamj  other  such  para-  34 
Jesus  unto  the  multitude  in  bles  spuke  he  the  word  unto  them,  as  thei/  were  able  to  hear  and  receive  [it;~\  well  knowing 
S''paVabies''sprke\ie''*the  t^at  SO  many  enemies  were  then  hovering  round  him,  that  had  he  declared  the  mysteries 
word  unto  them,  as  they  were  of  his  kiugclom  in  plainer  terms,  he  would  have  been  in  continual  danger,  and  must, 
I'^parab'iTs'^pake  he'*not''unto  vviihout  a  series  of  repeated  miracles,  have  been  cut  off  by  their  malice  ;  and  upon  this 
them :  [Mark  iv.  33,  34.]        account,  tvit/tout  a  parable  he  spake  not  any  thing,  in  all  that  he  delivered  to  them  on  that 

.■55  That  it  might  be  fui- day."  r/?r/i  SO  j^  ^/^'^--/f^ /)p  Seen  that  passage  was  remarkably /'«//?fe/ in  him,^  wAJc/(  WAS  .spo/few  35 
filled  which  was%poken  by  J,y  fhc  prophet,  (Psal.  Ixxviii.  2)  and  that  he  might  with 'the  utmost  propriety  adopt  those 
opra'niTmoutfi'm  pa'rabiel,' 1  words  that  Asaph  had  delivered,  saying,  "  I  will  open  mi/  mouth  in  parables,  I  will  give 
will  utter  things  which  have  ^f^jf  fQ  dark  sayings  of  old,  even  to  things  which  have  been  hid  from  thejbundation  of  the 
foundation  ofthe  worw!"     '^  world."     For  thus  did  Jesus  teach  important  truths  that  were  before  unknown,  in  a  manner 

something  obscure,  though  to  the  attentive  mind  peculiarly  impressing. 
Mark  iv.  34.    And  when      -^"d,  after  he  had  sent  away  the  multitude,  and  was  retired  from  them,  he  freely  expounded  mark 
tliey  were  alone,  he  expound-  all  thesc  things  to  his  disciples  when  they  were  alone  with  him.  iv.  34 

*'^Mitt.'x?n!44.''Again'fThe      And  when  he  had  given  them  the  forementioned  explication  of  the  parable  of  the  tares,  matt. 

he  og«m  added  some  other  parables  to  the  same  purpose,  to  promote  the  diligence,  zeal,  XIII.  44 

a  By  a  curious  kind  of  mechanism,  etc.]    The  word  avrotxa-rn^  which  how  the  seed  springs  up :  on  the  other  hand,  every  faithful  minister  may 

is  generally,  in  good  authors,  applied  to  artificial  machines,  so  naturally  be  said  to  put  in  his  sickle,  as  having  his  part  in  the  final  harvest.   (See 

suggested  this  thouaht,  that  I  could  not  forbear  hinting  at  it.    I'he  reader  John  iv.  36.  p.  66. 

niay  see  a  very  elegant  illustration  of  it  in  Dr.  Watts's  Philosophical       c  The  least  of  all  the  seeds,  Sfc]    Or  one  of  the  /eart;  and  so  small. 

Essays,  No.  ix.  5.  2.  that  it  was  proverbially  used  to  signify  a  very  little  thing.   (Compare 

b  Let  not  my  faithful  servants  be  discouraged,  frc]  It  cannot  be  the  Matt.  xvii.  20.  §  91.  See  Lightfoot's  llor.  llehr.  on  Matt.  xiii.  32.) 
design  of  this  parable  to  encourage  private  christians  to  imagine  that  d  Come  and  lodge  in  its  branches.']  The  Talmud  mentions  a  mustard- 
religion  will  flourish  in  their  own  souls  without  proper  cultivation ;  or  tree  so  large  that  a  man  might  with  ease  sit  in  it ;  and  another,  one  ot 
to  lead  ministers  to  expect  that  it  will  flourish  in  their  people,  while  whose  branches  covered  a  tent.  CSee  Tremell.  Not.  in  loc.  and  Light- 
they  neglect  due  application  in  private  as  well  as  public.  I  hope  there-  foot's  Hor.  Hehr.^  And  it  is  certain  we  shall  be  much  mistaken,  it  we 
tore  the  reader  will  acquiesce  with  me  in  the  paraphrase  given  above  ;  judge  of  vegetables  or  animals  in  the  eastern  and  southern  countries, 
supposing  that  our  Lord  meant  to  intimate  that  his  apostles  and  other  merely  by  what  those  of  the  same  species  are  among  us.  See  Raphel. 
ministers  were  not  to  estimatetheir  usefulness  merely  by  their  immediate  Annnt.  ex  Ilerodoto,  y>. 'i(>'^.  tj  k 
and  visible  success,  but  might  hope  that,  by  their  preaching,  a  seed  e  That  it  might  he  fulfilled.']  So  many  scriptures  are  thus  quoted,  oy 
would  be  left  in  the  hearts  of  many,  which  might  afterwards  produce  way  of  allusion,  that  I  cannot  think  it  necessary  to  suppose,  as  some  late 
happy  fruit.  On  these  principles,  I  doubt  not  but  our  Lord's  preaching  ingenious  writers  have  done,  that  these  words  did  not  originally  Be  ong 
greatly  promoted  the  signal  success  of  the  apostles,  (to  which  he  might  to  the  seventv-eighth  Psalm,  but  are  a  fragment  ot  some  other,  (lescriimig 
111  part  reter,  John  iv.  38.  p.  66.)  and  I  hope  the  remark  may  sometimes  the  manner  in  which  the  Messiah  was  to  preach,  (aee  .lettery  «  '•"''™. 
beapphcahletoourlabours,  especially  with  respect  to  those  who,  having  p.  117.)  Thev  have  a  plain  connexion  with  the  tol lowing  verses,  ana 
enjoyed  a  religious  education,  and  being  restrained  from  grosser  irregu-  might  perhaps  be  a  kind  of  preface  to  all  Asaph  s  Psalms,  in  wnicn  tnere 
lanties,  have  not  been  so  far  as  others  from  the  kingdom  of  God.  There  are  some  dark  sayings,  though  the  greatest  part  ot  the  seveniy-eioHin  is 
can  be  no  re.ison  to  interpret  this  (as  Grotius  and  Dr.  Clarke  have  done)  very  clear, 
ot  Christ  only  ;  he  does  not  go  away  and  sleep  ;  and  he  perfectly  knuvs 


J28  ILLUSTRATIONS  OF  THE  SPEEDY  PROGRESS  OF  THE  GOSPEL. 

SECT   and  resolution  of  his  disciples,  in  searching  into  and  teaching  these  great  and  important  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  un- 
68.  ■  truths,  in  which  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  souls  were  so  much  concerned.  ^°fI[^,fXnlmanha«'fo'un,f 

Particularly,  he  said  to  them.  The  happiness  to  which  the  kingdoin  of  heaven,  or  the  gospel-  he  hideth,and  for  joy  thereof" 

MATT,  dispensation,  is  designed  to  conduct  men,   is  like  an  immense  treasure  hid  in  f^./?tVrf,  f°^;^^^"^''^,^^^^!^«^}J\^^Ji^^^f^  he 
^^^-    ivhich  when  a  man  has  found,  he  hides  and  covers  up  again  with  all  possible  care;  and,  in  the 
^^  transport  he  is  \n  for  joy  of  it,  goes  and  sells  all  timtlie  has,  and  buys  that  field  at  any  rate, 
as  being  sure  that  it  will  abundantly  answer  the  price. 

45  Or  acuin,  to  represent  the  matter  in  a  like  instance,  that  I  may  fix  it  yet  more  deeply  on  45  Again :  The  kingdom  of 
your  minds,f  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  in  this  respect  like,  or  may  be  illustrated  by  the  ch^t-man  ''slekiSg  loSdly 
similitude  of,  a  merchant  who  goes  about  from  one  country  to  another,  seeking  the  largest  and  pearls : 

46  most  beautiful  pearls,?  and  other  fine  jewels  ;  Who  finding  one  pearl  of  an  exceeding  great  46  who,  when  he  had  found 
value  offered  to  him  on  very  advantageous  terms,  would  by  no  means  slip  the  opportunity,  ^^i'sow'al?thlthe''h'ad  'and' 
but  presently  went  away,  and  sold  all  that  he  had,  and  bought  it ;  as  well  knowing  he  should  bought  it. 

be  a  considerable  gainer,  though  he  should  part  with  all  he  was  possessed  of  for  it.  Thus, 
though  a  resolute  profession  of  my  gospel  may  indeed  cost  you  dear,  yet  it  will,  on  the 
whole,  be  infinitely  for  your  advantage,  and  richly  repay  all  your  losses." 

47  But  see  to  it,  that  you  are  in  good  earnest  in  your  religion,  and  do  not  impose  upon  47  Again :  The  kingdom  of 
yourselves  by  an  empty  profession :  for,  to  add  one  parable  more,  which  I  shall  «g«m  waTc°ait  \'nto7he ''sea'' 'iSl 
borrow  from  an  object  with  which  some  of  you  have  been  very  conversant,  Tlie  success  of  gathered  of  every  kind : 

the  kingdom  of  heaven  in  the  world  is  like  that  of  a  net  thrown  into  the  sea,  which  gathered 

48  in  [  fishes]  of  all  sorts ;  Which,  when  the  fishermen  perceived  that  it  ivasfull,  they  dragged  48  Which,  when  it  was  full, 
to  the  shore,  and  sitting  drnvn  there,  to  survey  the  draught  that  they  had  made,  gatliered  ^^'^^.^'^'^^^  gathered' the  "^-ood 
the  good  info  proper  vessels,  but  threw  away  the  bad,^  as  not  worth  their  regard.  So  mixed  into  vessels,  but  cast  the'bad 
and  undistinguished  here  are  the  characters  of  those  who  profess  the  gospel,  which,  as  it  is  ^"'^^'• 

preached  promiscuously  to  all,  gathers  in  persons  of  all  sorts,  and  hypocrites  as  well  as 

49  true  believers  are  brought  into  the  visible  church.  But  an  exact  survey  will  finally  be  taken  4o  So  shall  it  be  at  the  end 
of  the  whole;  and  so  it  will  be  shown  at  last,  how  great  a  difference  there  is  between  them,  conllf  forth,'  and*slve/'ti,e 
by  the  assignment  of  their  state  :  for  at  the  end  if  the  world,  the  angels  shall  come  forth,  in  wicked  froui  among  the  just, 
the  general  resurrection,  and  separate  the  ivickedfroni  among  the  just,  with  whom  they  often 

have  been  joined  before,  even  in  the  same  religious  society,  and  in  the  paiticipation  of  the 

50  same  external  privileges  ;  And  they  shall  cast  them  into  a  furnace  of  fire,  the  seat  of  the  so  And  shall  castthem  into 
damned  ;  where  their  torments  shall  never  end,  but  there  shall  be  incessant  wailing,  and  be^waTiLag^and^gnasliuig^^cf 
gnashing  of  teeth,  for  rage  and  despair.  teeth. 

51  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Hate  ye,  with  the  key  to  them  which  I  before  gave  you,  un-    5i  .lesus  saith  unto  them, 

52  derstood  all  these  things?  They  say  unto  him.  Yes,  Lord,  we  clearly  understand  them.  And  Jhrnss'^^Vh'ey^?ay°unto  'him^ 
he  said  to  them.  See  therefore,  that  as  you  understand  them,  you  make  a  good  use  of  them.  Yea!  rlord. 

for  your  own  advantage,  and  that  of  others :  for  every  scribe  who  is  disciplined  in  the  Therefor"  every  siT^be  '»/«>/! 
mysteries,  and  has  attained  to  the  knowledge,  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  or  every  faithful  "instructed  unto  the  kingdom 
minister  who  is  fit  for  his  work,  is  like  a  housekeeper,  who  lays  in  a  variety  of  goods  for  use,  "i  j]*^if^an'ho\ise'holder*,  whidi 
and  keeps  them  in  such  order,  that  he  readily  brings  forth  out  of  his  store  things  neiv  and  bringeth  forth  out  of  histrea- 
oU,  as  the  several  occasions  of  life  require,  dispensing  them  in  such  a  manner  as  may  best  ^""^^ '  ""**  '"^^*'  ^"'^  "'''■ 
suit  the  case  of  those  who  are  under  his  care. 

53  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  ivhen  Jesus  had  finished  these  parables,  which  he  added  to  those  .^3  •*"'^  }*  '^'""^  *°  P^'^ 
he  had  spoken  in  public,  he  depai-ted  thence  that  evening,  to  shun  the  further  importunity  these  parables,  he  depS-ted 
of  the  people,  and  crossed  the  sea  with  some  remarkable  circumstances,  which  will  be  thence. 

mentioned  below. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

'Ver.52      Let  us  be  concerned  to  gather  up  these  fragments,  that  nothing  may  be  lost;  and  to  lay  them  up  in  our 

memories  and  our  hearts,  that,  according  to  our  respective  stations  in  life,  we  may  have  them  ready  for  use. 
MARK       Let  us  remember,  that  sometimes  the  growth  of  piety  in  the  heart  is  like  that  of  vegetables  in  the  earth.    The 
IV.     seed  of  the  word  may  for  a  while  seem  lost :  or  when  the  fruit  appears,  it  may  advance  and  ripen  but  slowly.    Let 
26—29  not  ministers  therefore  too  confidently  conclude  they  have  laboured  in  vain,  and  spent  their  strength  for  nought, 

because  the  fields  are  not  immediately  white  to  the  harvest ;  but  with  believing  hope,  and  humble  patience,  let 

them  recommend  the  seed  that  they  have  sown  to  Him  who,  by  the  secret  energy  of  his  continued  iniluences,  can 

give  at  lengtli  a  sure  and  plentiful  increase. 
MATT.      When  Jesus  took  to  himself  his  great  power,  and  reigned,  the  gospel,  which  had  gained  so  little  ground  under 
-'^ill-    his  personal  ministration,  ran,  and  was  greatly  glorified,  in  the  hands  of  the  apostles,     llie  grain  of  mustard-seed 
31,  32  shot  up  and  branched  forth  into  a  spreading  tree,  and  birds  of  every  wing  took  shelter  there :  (Oh  that  there  had 

been  none  of  the  ravenous  and  t!ie  obscene  kind !)    Thus  when  the  Lord  shall  please  to  hasten  it  in  his  lime,  a 

little  one  shall  become  a  thousand,  and  a  small  one  a  strong  nation.     (Isa.  Ix.  22.) 
33      Let  us  pray  that  the  triumphant  progress  of  his  kingdom  may  come.    In  the  mean  time,  let  it  be  our  desire 

that  the  principles  of  the  gospel  may,  like  a  sacred  kind  of  leaven,  diff'use  themselves  through  our  whole  souls ; 

that  all  our  powers  and  faculties,  that  all  our  thoughts  and  passions,  may  be,  as  it  were,  impregnated  and  elevated 
44—46  by  them.     Let  us  remember  the  value  of  the  blessings  it  proposes ;  and  regarding  Christ  as  the  pearl  of  srreat 

price,  and  heaven  as  that  immense  treasure,  in  which  alone  we  can  be  for  ever  rich  and  happy,  let  us  be  willing 

to  part  with  all  to  secure  it,  if  we  are  called  to  such  a  trial. 
47—50      It  is  not  enough  that  we  are  nominal  Christians,  or  pos.sessed  of  the  common  privileges  of  the  church  :  the  day 

of  final  separation  will  come,  and  the  angels  emploved  in  the  work  will  not  overlook  us,  but  conduct  us  to  the 

abodes  of  the  righteous  or  the  wicked.    Oh  that  we  may  not  then  be  cast  with  abhorrence  into  the  furnace  of  fire  ! 

but  now  seriously  realizing  to  ourselves  this  awful  dav,"of  which  our  Lord  has  given  such  repeated  prospects,  may 

we  so  judge  ourselves,  that  we  may  not  then  be  condemned  of  him  ! 

f  Fix  it  3'et  more  deeply  on  your  minds.]    Considering  the  many  trials  h  But  threio  avay  the  had.']    The  word  o^oTrpa,  which  we  render  hnd, 

they  were  shortly  to  expect,  it  was  proper  the  thought  should  thus  be  generally  signifies  rormrt  or  putrid,  and  seems  an  allusion  to  the  <lraw- 

inculcatedufxm  them  by  a  variety  of  hgures.  ing  up  some  dead  fish   in  a  net  with  the  hvine.    Mr.  liorberrv  justiv 

g  heantiful  pearls.^    The  sacred  writers  elsewher."  compare  and  pre-  observes,  that  this  in  the  strongest  terms  represents  the  hopeless"state  of 

fer  aisdom  to  jeuels.    See  Job  xxviii.  15—19.  Prov.  ui.  15.  and  viii.  n.  sinners  at  last.    Sec  his  Dhcmirse  of  ivt.  }'m,iik.  p.  29. 


SEVERAL  PROFESS  THEIR  WILLINGNESS  TO  FOLLOW  CHRIST.  129 


SECTION  LXIX. 

■i  to  folio 
the  end. 

Mark  iv.  35. 


Our  T/irH  havin»  ffiven  some  remarkable  answer  to  some  who  seemed  disposed  to  follow  him,  passes  over  the  lake,  and  stills  a  mighty  tempest  as 
uur  iMru  na  u  „  s     ^^  ^^  crossing  it.    Watt.  viii.  18—27.    Mark  iv.  35,  to  the  end.     Luke  viii.  22—25.  ix.  57,  to  the  end. 


AND  the  same  day,  when  NOW,  in  the  evening  of  the  same  day^  on  which  tlie  parables  that  we  have  been  relating  SECT, 
the  «^'^°^'^^g3*f'^''^lt^j;^'^e"  were  delivered,  when  Jesus  saw  great  multitudes  still  waiting  about  him,^  purposing  for  a     69. 
abmft  h?m,f[LuKE!"he  went  little  while  to  retire  from  them,  he  came  out  of  the  house,  and  ivent  into  a  ship,  which 
into  a sh|p, with his^msaples^;  g^^^^  -^^  ^j-^g  neighbouring  shore,  icith  those  of  his  disciples  with  whom  he  had  just  been  mark 
us  go  over'unt'o"  the  other  side  discoursing;  a7id  Said  unto  them,  Let  us  go  over  trnto  the  other  side  of  the  lake.     And  when  o}^- 
Luklf  viif^oi  Z"^^^"-  ""'•  ^^'  thei/  had  dismissed  the  multitude,  and  had  at  length  persuaded  them  to  withdraw,  they  took 

36  And  when  they  had  sent  fiifn  just  US  he  was  in  the  ship,"  without  any  further  provision  for  their  passage. 
him^iveT^'"h"'' wS'm  °the      But  before  we  relate  the  particulars  of  their  voyage,  we  shall  here  take  occasion  to  add 
ship.  two  or  three  little  occurrences,  one  of  which  happened  at  this  time. 

Matt.  viii.  19.  And  [it  came      And  first  it  came  to  puss,  that  as  they  went  in  the  way^  from  the  house  out  of  which  he  matt. 
to  pass,  that  as  they  went  in  ^^.^^  ^^  ^.j-^g  g)^Qj.g  ^here  he  proposed  to  embark,  a  certain  scribe,  pleased  with  his  enter-  .^'^'• 
J^meT^^d  "said  u'n"to  IJim";  taining  parables,  and  concluding  from  the  tenor  of  some  of  them,^  as  well  as  from  the  zeal  ^^ 
[Lord   and]  Master,  I  will  ^j^j^  which  the  people  flocked  about  him,  that  he  would  soon  become  a  mighty  prince,  on 
goesTKix.Irr'''"   °"  declaring  himself  the  Messiah,  came  with  all  the  appearance  of  profound  respect,  and  said 
unto  him,  O  thou  great  Lord  [rtwf/]  Master,  who  hast  another  kind  of  authority  than  we 
scribes  can  pretend  to,  (Matt.  vii.  29.  p.  89.)    I  beseech  thee  to  give  me  leave  to  attend 
thee  in  thy  passage ;  for  I  am  determined  that  I  will  follow  thee  whithersoever  thou  goest, 

20  And  Jesus  saith  unto  and   devote  myself  entirely  to  the   service  of  thy  kingdom.     And  Jesus,  knowing  the  20 
''' d'th^''brd°''of  thTair''^«i*'  motives  which  engaged  him  to  this  resolution,  saith  unto  him,  Do  not  flatter  yourself  with 
nests  ;*bu't  fhe  Son  "of  n"an  the  expectation  of  any  temporal  advantages  from  such  an  attendance  ;  for  I  plainly  tell 
hath  not  where  to  lay  Ms  ^^^^  whcreas  (not  to  spcak  of  domestic  animals,  which  are  under  the  care  of  man) 
head.  iLuKe  ix.  oB.j             j^^^  ^^^  ^^^^^  -^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^^^^^  ^^^  ^.^^j^  ^j  ^j^^  ^-^  ^^^^,^  ^^^^^^^  f^^  themselves  and  their 

young ;  yet  the  Son  of  man,  successful  as  his  kingdom  must  at  length  be,  does  now  appear 
in  such  "low  circumstances,  that  he  has  not  so  much  as  a  place  where  he  may  lay  his  head; 
he  knows  not  one  day  where  he  shall  find  food  and  lodging  the  next ;  and  his  followers 
must  expect  no  better  a  condition.  A  declaration  sufficient  to  deter  a  person  who  sought 
nothing  but  his  present  interest  and  advantage. 

21  And  [he  said  unto]  an-      And  to  another  of  his  disciples,  who  had  for  some  time  attended  his  discourses,  he  said,  21 
me  •'■bu?hef  saiS'^unto  h'r  Folhw  me  Statedly,  as  these  my  servants  do,  that  thou  mayest  be  trained  up  to  take  thy 
Lord,  suffer  me  first  to  go  part  with  them  in  the  ministry  of  the  gospel.     But  he  said  unto  him.  Lord,  I  will  most 
tx^'sg  l"^  '"^  *'**^'^'^'   '■^"     gladly  do  it :  yet  I  beg  thou  wouldst  first  permit  me  to  go  home  and  bury  my  aged 

22  Rut  Jesus  said  unto  him.  father,^  to  whosc  remains  I  am  going  to  pay  my  last  duty.     But  Jesus  who  thought  it  22 
Follow  me,  and  let  the  dead' p^Qpgr  on  this  occasion  to  make  an  extraordinary  trial  of  his  faith  and  obedience,  said 
and'prelch'^'he  ilnglom  o"  again  unto  him,  Follow  thou  me  immediately,  and  leave  the  dead  to  bury  their  dead:  let 
God.]  [Luke ix. 60.]  t^ose  who  are  themselves  spiritually  dead,  perform  the  rites  of  funeral;  yea,  let  the  dead 

remain  unburied,  rather  than  disobey  my  word  when  I  give  thee  so  great  a  commission ; 

or  than  neglect  it  but  one  day  when  t  say,  as  I  now  do.  Go  thou  and  preach  this  gospel  of 

the  kingdom  of  God,?  which  thou  hast  heard,  and  shalt  further  hear  from  me. 
Luke  ix.  61.   And  another      And  at  a  certain  time,!'  another  also  said,  Lord,  I  will  presently /o//om!  thee  ;  but  permit   luke 
fhle'^butKJfiVst  go  bid  nie  first  to  go  and  settle  the  affairs  of  my  family,  and  take  my  leave  of  them  ivhich  are  at     XL 
them'  farewell,  which  are  at  ,»»  house '^  as  Elisha  was  permitted  to  do  when  called  in  so  extraordinary  a  manner  to  the  "' 
'"6S'And"'''jesuf 'said   unto  prophetic  office.  (1   Kings  xix.  20.)  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Take  heed  that  no  fond  62 
him,  ]s'o  man  having  put  his  affection  for  any  who  may  stand  related  to  thee,  nor  any  solicitous  concern  about  thy  tem- 
&l"k,'is^rt'forte\mgdom  poral  affairs,  prevent  thee  from  executing  the  important  purpose  thou  hast  formed  of 
ot  God.  devoting  thyself  to  my  service ;  for  no  man  having  once  laid  his  hand  on  the  plough,  and 

afterwards  looking  back,  is  fit  for  the  service  of  the  kingdom  of  God  ;^  as  indeed,  if  the 

a  hi  the  evening  of  the  same  day.']  Or,  that  very  day,  when  it  was  even-  stated  lodging  of  his  own,  and  was  now  going  over  to  a  place  where  we 

ing  ;  for  these  are  the  express  words  of  the  evangelist ;  ev  eneivn  th  rf"  not  find  he  had  any  acquamtance.     But  it  any  think  St.  Luke  s  ex- 

flMepa,  o^ia^  yevoixevw  ■    and  iudeed  they  are  so  express  that  1  am  pression  too  strong  to  bear  this  interpretation,  they  must,  it  they  would 

amazed  any  critics,  who  do  not  suppose  he  was  mistaken,  can  pretend  not  imiieach  St.  Matthew's  account  of  it,  conclude  that  this  little  occur- 

it  was  not  the  same  day  ;  which  yet  Dr.   Clarke  does,  as  if  the  phrase  rence  happened  twice,  as  it  is  very  possible  it  might. 

meant  nothing  more  than  one  day  towards  evening.    I  dare  not  take  so  e  Concluding  from  the  tenor  ot  some  ot  them.]     1  he  parables  ot  the 

great  a  freedom  with  the  sacred  author,  and  have  therefore  been  obliged  mustard-seed  and  the  leaven,  were  both  spoken  before  the  multitude, 

to  transpose,  though  not  to  contradict,  Matthew.— This  indeed  appearsone  (Matt.  xiii.  31,  34.  p.  127.)  and  they  were  both  so  plain,  that  the  disciples 

of  the  busiest  days  of  Christ's  life,  as  all  the  events  and  discourses  re-  did  not  ask  Christ  to  expound  them  ;  as  indeed  one  can  hardly  imagine 

corded  from  his  miraculous  cure  of  the  demoniac,  who  was  blind   and  how    any  explication  could  have  made  theni  more  intelligible,     the 

dumb,  (^  61.  p.  116.)  happened  in  it  ;  nevertheless,  1  see  no  absurdity  scribe's  forsaking  Christ,  on  the  declaration  he  made  ot  his  destitute 

in  supposing  that  all  these  things  might  pass  in  less  than  twelve  hours,  circumstances,  makes  it  evident  he  was  actuated  bv, these  views. 

Compare  note  c,  on  Matt.  xii.  22.  p.  116.  f  To  go  home  and  bury  my  aged  father.]    Some  think  that  this  expres- 

b  Great  multitudes  still  waiting  ahout  him.]    They  sometimes  staid  sion  only  intimates,  his  father  was  so  old  that  he  could  not  live  long. 

with  or  near  him  several  days  together.    (Compare  Matt.  xv.  32.  ■&  86.)  But  Christ's  answer  seems  to  take  it  for  granted  he  was  already  dead 

And  it  seems,  that  now  they  staid  awhile  after  Christ  had  dismissed  g  Go  thou  and  preach  the  kingdorn  of  God.]    As  our  Lord  called  him 

them,  perhaps  with  a  prayer  or  benediction  ;  (Matt.  xiii.  36.  p.  126.)  for  now  to  follow  him,   we  must  conclude  that  this  commission   whicli  he 

on  his  coming  down  again  to  the  shore,  the  disciples  joined  with  him  in  gives  him  to  preach  was  not  directly  to  be  put  in  execution.    1  he  circum- 

pcrsuading  them  to  disperse  ;  which,  when  they  saw  him  determined  to  stance  was  plainly  extraordinary,  and  might  turn  on  reasons  unknown 

cross  the  sea,  they  would  the  more  readily  do;  for  so  we  may  conclude  to  us.    Christ  might,   for  instance,  foresee  some  particular  obstruction 

from  what  Mark  says  above,  ver.  36.  that,  just  as  he  took  shipping,  they  that  would  have  arisen  from  the  interview  with  his  friends  at  his  father  s 

(that  is,  Jesus  and  his  disciples)  sent  them  away.     And  this  appears  to  funeral,  which  would  have  prevented  his  devoting^himselt  to  the  mmis- 

me  to  be  the  easiest  way  to  reconcile  this  difference,  which  is  none  of  try  ;  to  which  he  might  refer  in  saying.  Let  JtlJ^  Ut.AU  iniry  tneir 

the  least  fled.     I  see  no  reason  to  suppose  any  reeard  to  the  priests  being  tor- 

c  They  took  him  as  he  was  in  the  ship.]    This  mav  seem  an  objection  bidden  some  usual  ceremonies  of  mourning,  which  some  have  thought  to 

against  the  solution  proposed  in  the  last  note;  but  t  think  the  turn  given    be  intended  here.  .•„,„.  f„,. ,-. 

in  the  paraphrase  may  remove  it.     If  any  are  not  satisfied   with  that  h  At  a  certain  time.]    This  probably  happened  at  another  tiiiie.ror  it 

answer,  they  must  suppose  that  Christ's  going  into  an  house,  mentioned  would  have  been  very  improper  to  have  asked  permission  to  go  ano  oiu 

by  Matthew,  was  some  time  after;  which  seems  not  so  natural  a  sense  of  his  domestics  farewell,  when  Christ  had  just  made  such  an  answer  to 

Matthew's  words.   (See  Matt.  xiii.  .36.  with  note  f,  p.  126.)    But  had  the  former  :  but  the  story  is  so  short,  and  so  much  resembles  the  loimer 

that  appeared  to  me  the  meaning  of  them,  it  would  only  hav6  occasioned  that  I  choose  (as  St.  Luke  also  does)  to  join  them  together     ^^. "'  ""  '   , 

the  alteration  of  a  clause  or  two  in  the  paraphrase  :  for  it  would  have  think  it  any  reflection  on  the  evangelists,  that  they  did  not  jonow  uic 

been  improper  to  have  divided  the  explication  of  the  parable  of  the  tares  order  of  time,  provided  they  do  not  assert  a  regard  to  it  wneic  u.cjr 

from  the  parable  itself.  vary  from  it.                                     ^  ■        ,         i-      •,      „,.^  ,„li>  mv  leave 

d  .-is  they  went  in  the  way:]    As  this  and  the  next  storv  are  inserted  by  i   Permit  me  first  to  settle  the  affairs  of  my  family,  and  take  "•V'^"^"' 

Matthew  between  his  account  of  Christ's  giving  commandment  to  cross  <Sr.]    In  this  latitude  1  doubt  not  but  the   phrase  aTrorp^aaaaiTMs  k^ 

the  lake,  and  his  entering  into  the  ship  to  do  it,  (see  Matt.  viii.  18—2.3.)  tov  o,kov  ixov  is  to  be  taken  here,  though  it  has  ™!^f''  'T:°' ogsession" 

I  cannot  but  conclude   they  both  happened  at  this  time  ;  and  conse-  siguihcation,  Luke  xiv.  33.  ^i  121.     Inti^nding  to  s'y«  ■(  '      >'  „         .  j' 

quently,  that  when  Luke  introduces  it  by  saying,  it  was  as  they  ivenl  in  he  probably  designed  to  order  horo  they  should  he  <'^J''^l''^'^  "'""  ^ 

the  way,  his  meaning  must  be  at  large,  one  day  as  Christ  and  his  disci-  friends:  as  Heinsius  has  very  well  explained  the  Pa»;JK<^:      ,     ,     •    ^ 

pies  were  walking,  and  not  (as  Sir  Isaac  Newton  supposes)  as  they  went  k  No  man  having  laid  his  hand  on  the  plough,  fy^f  (""'^'"^""f  '  „o^j 

on  in  that  journey  in  which  the  Samaritans  had  refused  him  a  lodging,  for  the  kingdom  of  God.]    Hesiod  has  given  it  as  |he  character  or  a  gi 

'(  he  following  words  would  indeed  have  been  proper  on  that  occasion  ;  ploughman,  that  he  keeps  his  mind  intent  on  his  ^^''™'Xt„t  o-   his  com- 

but  they  had  also  an  universal  propriety,  as  Christ  had  no  house  or  a  straight  furrow,  and  does  not  allow  himself  to.gaze  auyui  o,i  ii.=  ..« 


^2Q  JESUS  STILLS  A  MIGHTY  TEMPEST. 

SECT,  work  of  ploughing  the  ground  require  that  a  man  should  look  before  lum  and  resolutely  ^  M^att.  viij.  c^  .^-^^-^ 
69      mind  what  he  is  about,  you  may  easily  nnagme  that  the  duties  ot  a  gospel-mimster  will  his  disciples  followed  him : 

require  a  much  rtore  steady  attention   and  more  firm  resolution.  [Lukk,  and  ^,hey  ^launc^hed 

MATT.      A7id  now,  as  it  was  said  before,  that  Jesus  was  about  to  cross  the  lake,  when  he  was  with  him  other  little  ships.] 
VI"-    entered  into  the  ship,  his  disciples  followed  him;  and  they  directly  launched  forth,  even  as  f-^i^'Vn'd  hehdd^lLi'Kl'i 
many  as  could  conveniently  get  a  passage  in  that  vessel,  or  any  others  that  were  there-  they  sailed,  he  ieii  asleep; 
abouts;  for  they  were  all  desirous  to  attend  him;  and  seYQr^S  other  little  ships  were  also  ^o^m  o?'Stn"?he^fa^e'■ 
24  with  him     And  as  they  ivere  sailing  over  the  lake,  Jesus  laid  himselt  down  in  the  ship ;  and]  theie  arose  a  great  tem- 
and  being  wearied  with  the  various  labours  of  the  day,  he  fell  asleep :  and,  behold,  there  fhtUip  waI'^m?erTd\vith'?he 
came  down  a  violent  storm  of  wind  on  the  lake :  and  on  a  sudden  it  was  so  tempestuous,  waves ;  [and  the  waves  beat 
that  there  arose  a  great  and' unusual  agitation  in  the  sea,^  insomuch  that  the  vessel  ivas  even  ^-Jj"  foti^'fiuKEl' and' they 
covered  with  the  swelling  waves,  which  beat  into  the  ship,  so  that  it  ivas  now  full  of  water,  were  in  jeopardy.] '[Mark  iv. 
MARK  and  they  were  in  extreme  danger  of  being  cast  away.     And  [Jesml  in  the  niean  time,  for  ^^Ma^k^h^'as'^And  he  was 
IV.     the  refreshment  of  his  weary  body,  as  well  as  for  the  trial  of  their  faith,  icas  asleep  on  a  in  the  hinderpart  of  theship, 
^^  pillow  in  the  stern  of  the  ship,  being  greatly  fatigued  with  the  labours  of  the  day  -    And  Sl^^cip'iesM^e'Z  hi^'^'a^l 
when  to  all  human  appearance  they  were  just  sinking,  his  disciples  came  to  him,  and  awoke  him,  saying,]  Master, 
awakened  him,  saying,  with  great  surprise  and  importunity.  Master,  Master,  is  it  no  man-  [,oJ''''tl.ord!'\'ave'"'nf  I'^'we 
ner  of  concern  to  thee  that  we  are  all  of  us  in  the  utmost  danger,  and  hast  thou  no  regard  perish.]  [.Matt.  viii.  25.  Luke 

■  ■    "     ~        ■  "  vm.  24.] 

!saith 
[so] 


"would  consult  my  own  safety  in  the  neglect  of  yours  ?  Where  is  your  faith  ?  and  hoiv  is  it  [How  is  it  that  ye  have  no 
that  you  have  no  faith  in  exercise  on  such  an  occasion,  when"  you  have  had  so  many  buked  the  wimfsffLuk^  alid 
signal  evidences  both  of  my  power  and  my  tender  care?  And  then  rising  up,  with  an  air  the  ragin?  ofthe  water:]  [and 
of  divine  majesty  and  authority,  he  rebuked  the  winds,  and  the  raging  of  the  water,  and  said  sfiTl  ;"an'd  the  wmd  ceSed.l 
to  the  sea,  as  a  master  might  do  to  a  company  of  turbulent  servants,  Peace,  be  still :  and  f^^^^'^\l  ^3Q^4o°Luke'^  w"]]' 
27  he  had  no  sooner  spoken,  but  the  wind  rested,  and  there  was  presently  a  great  calm.  And  24. 25.]"'  "'  "  "  ^  ^"'" 
the  men  that  were  with  him  luere  greatly  amazed,  and  struck  with  such  a  reverential  awe,  27  But  the^men^man'elled, 
that  they /farce?  exceedingly,  saying  to  each  other,  What  a  wonderful  person  is  this,  ivho  has  and  said  oiie  to'^anot'ifcr^i 
not  only  power  over  diseases,  but  commandeth  even  the  most  tumultuous  elements,  the  '^^^^^^  n^li'^l^  "commandethi 
winds  and  the  sea;  and  amidst  all  their  rage  and  confusion,  they  humbly  obey  him,  and  are  even  the^ winds'^'amTthe  sea. 
immediately  composed  at  his  command  !  [Ma?k''i'v."«.  'Se  vm!^!]' ' 

IMPROVEMENT. 
Ver.27  How  great  and  glorious  does  our  blessed  Redeemer  appear,  as  having  all  the  elements  at  his  command,  and 
exercising  his  dominion  over  the  winds  and  seas  !  He  stills  the  very  tempests  when  they  roar,  and  makes  the 
storm  a  calm.  (Psal.  cvii.  29.)  He  silences  at  once  the  noise  and  fury  of  the  tumultuous  waves:  and,  in  the 
midst  of  its  confusion,  says  to  the  raging  sea,  Hitherto  shalt  thou  come,  but  no  further ;  and  here  shall  thy  proud 
waves  be  stayed.  (Job  xxxviii.  11.)  VVlio  would  not  reverence  and  fear  him?  Who  would  not  cheerfully  commit 
themselves  to  him?  Under  such  a  protection,  how  courageously  may  his  church  ride  through  every  storm,  and 

24  weather  every  danger !  Christ  is  still  with  her,  and  she  is  safe  even  while  he  may  seem  to  be  sleeping.  Blessed 
Jesus  !  that  power  of  thine  which  here  commanded  the  tempest  into  a  calm,  can  easily  silence  all  our  tumultuous 
passions,  and  reduce  our  souls  to  that  blessed  tranquillity,  in  which  alone  we  can  be  capable  of  enjoying  tiiee  and 
ourselves. 

May  we  still  be  applying  to  Christ  with  such  importunate  addresses ;  and,  sensible  how  much  we  need  his 

25  help,  may  we  cry  out,  "Lord,  save  us,  or  loe  perish  !  And  may  it  be  the  language,  not  of  suspicion  and  terror,  but 
of  faith ;  of  a  faith  determined  at  all  adventures  to  adhere  to  him,  whatever  dangers  are  to  be  encountered,  or 
whatever  advantages  are  to  be  resigned. 

20  Did  his  compassion  for  us,  and  his  desire  of  our  salvation,  engage  him  to  submit  to  such  destitute  and  calamitous 
circumstances,  that  when  the  foxes  have  holes,  and  the  birds  of  the  air  have  nests,  the  Son  of  man  himself  had  not  a 
place  where  he  might  lay  that  sacred  head,  which  with  infinite  mutual  complacency  and  delight  he  had  so  often 
reposed  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father !  May  our  zeal  and  love  animate  us  cheerfully  to  take  our  part  in  his  indigence 

21  and  distress,  if  he  calls  us  to  it !  May  no  considerations  of  ease  or  interest,  or  even  of  human  friendship,  lead  us 
LUKE  to  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  the  calls  of  duty  ;  or  suffer  us,  when  we  once  have  engaged  in  his  service,  to  think  of  desert- 

i^'-     ing  it,  lest  on  the  whole  we  should  be  judged  unfit  for  the  kingdom  of  God  !  May  thy  grace,  O  Lord,  animate  our 
"-^  souls,  that  nothing  may  prevent  our  faithfulness  unto  death,  and  so  deprive  us  of  that  crotim  of  life  which  thy  grace 
has  promised  to  such  a  character!  (Rev.  ii.  10.) 


SECTION  LXX. 

issessf 
the  V 

Mark  v.  1. 


Christ  being  arrived  at  the  country  of  the  Gadarenes.  dispossesses  two  demoniacs ;  and  permitting  the  evil  spirits  to  enter  into  a  herd  of  swine,  is 
desired  by  the  inhabitants  to  withdraw  ;  and  so  returns  to  the  western  side  of  the  sea.  Matt.  viii.  28,  to  the  end,  ix.  1.  Mark  v.  1—21.  Luke 
viii.  26 — 40. 


A  ATT^     r        I.  Mark  v.  1. 

SECT.  AJyJJ  after  they  were  thus  delivered  from  the  danger  of  the  storm,  they  came  over  to  the  and  they  came  over  unto 

'^-     other  side  rf  the  sea  of  Tiberias,  and  arrived  at  the  country  of  the  Gadhrenes  ;  a  territory  [ u. k K',"and"'arr'ived 'It  't*he 

belonging,  [o?-]  at  least  adjacent,  to  that  of  the  ancient  Gergesenes,  or  Girgashites,  (see  country  of  the  Ga<iarenes,  [or 

MARK  Gen.  X  16  xv.  21    Deut^vii.  1   and  Josh.  iii.  10.)  which  is  situated  over  against  Galilee;  ^^'}!liii:^%^':^ 

■  .  being  that  tract  of  land  which  fell  to  the  lot  of  the  half-tribe  of  Manasseh  beyond  Jordan,  28-  Luke  viii.  26.] 

and  was  afterwards  called  Trachonitis.  oj^t  of"'{hr''s^h'ip'!'K''uK^"Jo 

2      And  when  he  ivas  landed  out  of  the  ship,  he  was  no  sooner  got  ashore,  but  there  immedi-  land,]  immediately  there'met 

ately  met  him  two  men^  possessed,  with  demons,  coining  out  of  the  sepulchres,^  which  were  in  deviis^"cominrour'of%he 

panions.    (Hesiod  Ep7.  lib.  ii.  ver.  61—63.)    Our  Lord,  on  the  like  ob-  a  There  met  him  two  men.']    Mark  and  Luke  mention  only  one,  who 

vious  principles,  may  use  the  iphrase  of  o«e  that  looks  behind  him  while  probably  was  the  Ferrer  of  the  two  ;  but  this  is  no  way  inconsistent  with 

MS  hand  ts  on  the  plough,  zs,  a  kind  of  proverbial  expression  for  a  care-  the  account  that  Matthew  gives.— I  cannot  but  observe  here,  that  Mark 

less,  irresolute  person,  who  must  be   peculiarly  unfit  for  the  christian  tells  this  story  in  all  other  respects  so  much  more  circumstantially  than 

ministry.     How  happy  had  it  been  for  his  church,  had   this  lively  ad-  Matthew,  that  it  abundantly  proves  that  his  gospel  was  not  fas  Mr 

monition  been  regarded,  without  which  it  is  impossible  op6»0TOMcii/  tov  Whiston  maintains  in  his  Harmony)  an  abridgment  of  .Matthew     '1  he 

Aoroi-  Tfir  aXrigeiar,  to  ajvide,  or  rather  direct,  the  xord  of  truth  aright,  same  remark  may  arise,  from  comparing  Mark  v.  22—43.  with  Matt  ix 

2  Urn.  11.  15.    See. Bos,  Ohserv.  cap.vi.  p.  28—32.  18-26.  and  Mark  ix.  17—27.  witli  Alatt.  xvii.  14-18.  and  some  other 

1  yj  great  agitation  in  the  sea.\    SeicrMoc  /Lieya?  properly  signifies  a  parallel  passages;  not  to  mention  histories  recorded  bv  Mark,  and  not 

mighty  agitation  :vx^'a?Ai\y  it  w^  something  ot  a  hurricane.  to  be  found  in  Matthew.  See  Mr.  Jones's  Vindication  'of  St.  Matthew's 

m  I'atigued  with  the  labours  of  the  day.]     J'his  we  may  reasonably  Gospel,  chap.  vii.  and  ix. 

conclude  from  a  review  ri  the  precedmg  sections.    See  also  the  latter  b  Coming  out  of  the  sepulchres.]    Grotius  supinisrs.  that  the  demons 

part  of  note  a,  in  the  beginning  of  this  section.  chose  to  drive  the  men  that  they  possessed  amona  tlie  tombs,  to  confirm 


CHRIST  DISPOSSESSES  TWO  DEMONIACS.  131 

tombs   exceeding  fierce,  so  a  burying-pkce  near  the  city,  whither  they  had  fled  as  to  a  place  affording  them  some  SECT. 
that  no  man  might  pass  by  shelter,  ana  Suiting  their  gloomy  imaginations ;  and  they  were  both  of  them  exceeding     <  0- 

man  out  <;?  tKy,fwfth''an  fierce  and  mischievous,  so  that  no  one  could  sakly  pass  hi/  that  ivay:  and  \one  of  these  was\ 

unclean  spirit,  [Luke,  which '^  certain  man  of  the  city  with  an  unclean  spirit,  that  had  been  known  to  be  possessed  with  mark 
viif  %'''Luke"liii"s^.]'"^'''"'  demons  for  a  long  time ;   Who  was  so  terribly  outrageous  that  he  wore  no  clothes,  nor  would  „  ^• 

3 'who  [ware  no  clothes,  ^jj^/g  j,j  ^„y  housc,  but  had  his  dwelling  sometimes  m  the  burying-ground  among  the  tombs, 
but&/^?dwellinl'  anS  and  somctlmcs  in  a  desert,  or  a  common,  that  lay  near  \t;\and  was  under  so  strong  an 
the  tombs ;  anri  no  man  could  operation  of  the  diabolical  power,  that  no  one  could  confine  him  even  with  chains :   For  he  4 
[llle  Wii"e7"f '''''''''''''"^'  had  often  been  bound  ivith  fetters  and  chains;  yet  in  the 'most  surprising  manner  the  chains 
4  Because  that  he  had  been  lugj-g  })roken  asunder  by  him,  and  the  fetters  were  beaten  to  pieces ;  and,  after  all  tlie  methods 
chains^'Zd  Thf  chains'  hlJd  that  had  been  taken  with  him,  no  one  xvas  able  to  tame  him,  either  by  force  or  entreaties,  or 
been    plucked  asunder    by         j^j^^j  of  cxorcism  that  had  been  tried  upon  him.  And  he  wm  always  nis.ht  and  day  upon  the  5 
in'pieceT;  neither  "ould^any  mountains,  and  among  the  tombs,  crying  out  in  a  terrible  manner ;  and,  when  there  was  nobody 
'"-"A'nH^'iwavs  nioht  and  else  to  spend  his  rage  upon,  cutting  himself  with  sharp  pieces  of  the  stones  he  found  there, 
day  he  was  in  the  mountains.      But  when  he  saw  Jesus  (far  of,  tlie  demon  that  possessed  him  was  so  overawed,  that  he  6 
cSwn^'himseT't'wiufSet"'^  immediately  ran  and  fell  doivii  upon  his  face  before  him,  with  all  the  appearance  of  the 

6  But  when  he  saw  Jesus  greatest  reverence,  and  worshipped  him ;  And  crying  out  with  a  loud  voice,  he  said.  What  7 
downteforl  him']  ^and\v^r-  have  I  to  do  with  thee,  Jcsus,  thou  Son  of  the  most  high  God  ?  I  am  not  come  here  to  enter 
shipped  him  ;  [Luke  viii.  28.]  into  any  contest  with  thee,  and  I  beseech  [and]  adjure  thee  by  that  Lrod  whose  son  thou 
wL1r'loud''^oice^"and'sai'd"  art,  that  thou  cIo  not  cxcrt  the  power  whicli  thou  hast  to  torment  me :  I  know  there  will 
What  have  I  to  do  with  thee,  be  a  scason  when  thou  wilt  have  an  ample  triumph  over  me ;  but  art  thou  come  hither  to 
i^XlT'dvK^lltl^ech  torment  us  before  the  time  allotted  for  our  final  punishment ? -i     And  this  he  spoke  as  he 
thie.]  I  adjure  thee  by  God,  ^as  acted  by" the  demon  that  possessed  him  ;  who  was  afraid  ot  being  driven  away :  ±or  luke 
[^f  tilTcome^hlthe^toTor:  Jesus  was  SO  moved  with  pity  and  compassion  at  the  sight  of  such  a  miserable  spectacle,    via 
ment  us  before  the  timer]  ^hat  he  already  had  commanded  the  unclean  spirit,  [andj  said  with  an  air  ot  authority  to  him,  ^^ 
^*Luke\'iii."29.^aor  he  had  Come  out  of  the  man,  thou  unclean  spirit.     For  (as  it  was  observed  before)  it  had  often 
commanded     the     unclean  5gj~g^  /jl/,i  Jn  a  most  violent  manner ;  and  notwithstanding  he  was  bound  with  chains,  and 
c^ime  oSfoflhl  man,  tCj  'kept  under  the  closest  confinement  in  fetters,  yet  none  of  them  were  strong  enough  to  hold 
unclean  spirit.]    For  often-  j^jj^   ^ut  he  would  Still  break  loose  ;  and  having  broke  and  torn  off  all  the  bonds  that  they 
ile"'w'as*'''kepr^b'oLmd 'wrth  could  fix  upon  him,  he  ivas  driven  by  the  impetuous  impulse  of  the  raging  demon  into  the 
chains,  and  in  fetters ;  and  he  d^ggji;  places  where  the  burying-grovind  lay. 

dHven  o'l%KCil'into'lhl      And  Jesus  usked  the  evil  spirit  that  was  in  him,  saying.   What  is  thy  name?  And  he  30 
''*.}nX*,fi£l^''.^k;H-\im   answered,  saying.  My  name  is  Legion:  for  we  are  many.''   And  this  rep  y  was  not  without 
saying   What  is  thy  name }  some  reason,  becousi  the  evil  spirit  that  possessed  the  man  had  many  others  with  him,  and 
M^ nameisTe'ioli';  for'"4'  «  multitude  of  dcuions  had  entered  into  him,  and  had  been  suffered  to  unite  their  malice 
are  many  :]  because  many  and  power  ill  harassing  and  tormenting  the  wretched  creature. 

["Ma'^rrg  j™'*''^'' '"'°  ''''"■      ^nd  as  they  found  that  Jesus  was  determined  to  dislodge  them,  they  earnestly  entreated  31 

'31  And  they  besought  him  him.  that  he  would  not  send  them  quite  away  out  of  the  country  ;f  hoping,  that  if  they  had 

[fend'ti.em''away  out"of  ?he'  permission  to  hover  Still  about  it,  they  might  do  something  to  obstruct  the  progress  of  the 

country,  ayid]  command  them  gospel  against  which  their  chief  efforts  were  centred  :  \and  \  they  particularly  were  impor- 

to  go  out  into  the  deep.  [Mark  tunJite'tha;^  he  would  not  command  them  to  go  out  into' the  bottomless  abyss,  the  prison  in 

■which  many  of  the  fallen  spirits  are  detained,  and  to  which  some  who  may,  like  these, 

have  been  permitted  for  a  while  to  range  at  large,  are  sometimes  by  divine  justice  and 

power  remanded.    (Compare  Rev.  xx.  1—3.  2  Pet.  ii.  4.  Jude,  ver.  6.  and  see  Grotius, 

m  loC.)  r  ,  41 

Mark  V.  iL    Kow  there      JVoit;  there  was  there  within  their  view,  at  a  considerable  distance  from  them,  on  the  mark 
tTemrni"hTnto''?rmor.  mountains  near  the  sea-shore,  a  great  herd  of  many  sicine  feeding  on  the  mountain;  for      V. 
tains,'  a  great  herd  of  [many]  unclean  as  those  animals  were,  the  Jews  in  that  country  bred  up  great  numbers  ot  them 
m'^untiTnYtMati'' viii"  30'  out  of  regard  to  the  gain  of  such  merchandise,  which  they  sold  to  the  Roman  soldiers, 
Luke  viii.  32.]  and  other"  Gentiles  who  were  very  numerous  in  these  parts.?     And  all  the  demons  which  12 

so'u-.ht"h1tn  "say 'n-.  [U  timu  had  possessed  this  miserable  creature  (set  upon  doing  all  the  mischief  that  they  could, 
cast' us  out,]  send  us  [or  suf-  though  they  were  under  such  a  sensible  restraint,  and  desirous  to  bring  an  odium  upon 
[herd'on  swineTrtat  we°may  Jesus  as  the  author  of  mischief )  entreated  him  again,  saying  to  him.  If  thou  art  determined, 
enter  into  them.  [Matt.  viii.  after  all  we  have  said,  that  thou  wilt  cast  us  out  of  this  man,  send  us,  \or\  give  us  leave  to 
3L  Luke  vni.  32.]  ^^  away,to  the  herd  of  swine  which  is  feeding  yonder,  that  ive  may  enter  into  them  ;  for  we 

13  And  forthwith  Jesus  have  no  po  wer  of  hurting  even  them  without  thy  leave.  And  immediately  Jesus  permitted  them  1 3 
unio  tS  'go']'  A"nd'?he  to  do  it;  partly  to  punish  those  who  dealt  in  so  infamous  a  commodity,  and  chiefly  to 
unclean  spirits'  went  out  prove  the  reality  of  a  diabolical  agency  in  these  cases,''  and  to  display  the  malice  ot  those 
L'^red^n'tolh'e'le"?d"o'^]'swine";  cvil  Spirits  :  he  therefore  said  unto  them,  You  may  go,  since  you  desire  it,  and  operate  on 
and  [behold,]  the  [whole]  herd  those  creatures  as  you  plcasc.  And  upon  this  the  unclean  spirits  went  directly  out  of  ttie 
ran  violently  down  a  steep  ^^^  ^^^^  ^^^^  ,^^^  possessed,  and  entered  into  the  herd  of  sivine :  and  such  was  the 
strange  eff'ect  of  their  power,  that,  behold,  the  whole  herd  immediately  grew  mad,  and  ran 

some  superstitious  notions  of  the  Jews  relating  to  the  power  of  evil  their  observations  on  the  characters  and  circunistances  of  the  inhabitants, 

spirits  over  the  dead.    The  heathens  had  undoubtedly  such  notions  ;  but  they  might  be  capable  ot  doing  more  mischief  Acre  than  elsewhere,  and 

1    rather  think,   with   Eisner,  the  demoniacs  chose  the  caves  of  this  on  that  account  might  desire  leave  to  continue  on  the  spot, 

burying-ground  as  a  kind  of  shelter  ;  and  he  has  shown,  that  wretches  in  g  XVhich  they  sold  to  the  Roman  soldier,    and  other  CTentiles,  &^c.J 

extremity  sometimes  did  the  like.    See  Eisner.  Ohserv.  vol.  i.  p.  66-68.  The  laws  ot  Hyrcanus  had  indeed   prohibited  the  Je«s  J™"   keeping 

c  A  desert,  or  a  common  that  lay  near  it.]   So  it  is  said  by  Luke,  ver.  swine,  (which  shows  it  had  been  much  practised  among  them,'  but  these 

29.  that  he  w'as  driveyi  into  the  wilderness.  Gadarenes,  who  had  so  many  Gentiles   in    he  neighbourhood    haMn? 


gav 
unto 


questioned,  whether  either  the  person  speaking,  or  any  of  the  hearers        h   to  prove  the  reality  ot  a  aianoiicai  agencj   m  ^''^^     (hirrmd's 
but  Christ  himself,  understood  tlie  sense  and  propriety  of  it.  ,    ,     cavils  against  this  n)iracle  are  equally  malicious  and  ''^f';-^'/' 'J^^™/ 


Out  L  hnst  himselt,  understood  the  sense  and  propriety  or  it.  cavus  ag^nisi  una  uMiniic  <i.c  c^iuo-.j.  .......^.y«.,«..-  ■■--•;;,.„„„,.,„  ,.„j_ 

e  My  name  is  Legion  Jm  we  are  many.]  There  is  no  need  of  conclud-  permitting  the  evil  spirits  to  enter  into  the  *"'»'?f';^^  "°':Ph,SV  the 

ing  from  hence,  that  the  number  of  these  evil   spirits  was  exactly  the  mg  them  into  those  beasts ;, or  it  he  had  done  it,  fhe  T"  "-''^^f,^^^^^  J"    his 

same  with  that  of  a  Roman  legion,  which  was  now  upwards  of  six  owners  would  have  been  just;  or  had   ''  ^een  less  appaiemiy  b  , 

thousand.    (See  Pitisc.  Lex  de  Legione.)    It  was  a  phrase  that  was  often  extraordinary  character  as  a  prophet,  and  the  P™"/^  "''jS-'^^  actmn   the 

made  use  of  to  express  !,  great  number.  (Sec   Liahtf.  Ilor.  Heir,  on  co-pperation,  would  have  set  him  above  our  censu  e  in  an  acu  )iu 

Mark  v.  9.)— It  is  observable,  that  Luke  here  adds,  that  many  demons  full  reasons  of  which  we  might  not  perfectly  hav^  known,      n             „^_ 

vere  entered  into  him:  so  that  it  is  evident  he  thought  it  not  a  mere  this  solution  is  to  me  very  satislactory,  it  '^  "?*, f.^j^g  '{,,1  gracious; 

lmiary:hnt  a  Tea}  possession.    Probably  a  band  of  evil  spirits  united  m  course  to  it;  /^  ♦hisacUon^evidently  appejirs  com  "''^^^ij^J'of  gj^,a„ 

«n,^..<:  rj  e^  "{Jo  miracles  are  more  sus- 

'  ffiiatTe'wouidnotsenTih'em  'ovt"ofthe'"cmtnt?yA  "ft  seem's  from  Dan.  nicious  than  pretended  rf">"'f  **^.";"' '"f, ^I'^'^f 'Jn^ot'^w'ine™^ 

13,  20.  that  </;#ere««  evil  genii  preside  ovtr  distinct  regions,  hv  the  lusion  in  them  ;  but  it  WM  selt-evident  that  a  ne^^^ 


mnary,  nut  a  real  possession.    I'roDaDiy  a  nand  or  evii  spiiits  uuiieu  lu  twuisc  lu  11, ,  lui  u.io  n,.i.u..^..,.^....j  -i  r--—-  ., 

the  vexation  of  this  wretched  creature  ;  but  in  what  manner  and  order,  inasmuch  as  it  unanswerably  demonstrated  "JjO'^if. ''   , 

it  is  impossible  for  us  to  sav,  who  know  so  little  oi  invisible  beings.  and  the  extent  ot  Christ's  power  over  "'".    ^o  mirduc 

f  That  he  would  not  send  them  ovt  of  the  country.]    It  seems  from  Dan.  nicious  than  pretended  ^"^"'f  **'"'"■ '"f.^tJLrH  of  swir 

X.  13,  20.  that  different  evil  genii  preside  over  distinct  regions,  by  the  lusion  in  them  ;  but  it  was  se'^evident  that  a  nera  or  b      , 

direction  of  Satan  their  prince.     These,  who  perhaps  were  spirits  ot  dis-  contederates  in  any  fraud  :  their  death,  tlererore.ui  ^  ^  ,^ 

tinguished  abilities,  might  be  appointed  to  reside  hereabouts,  to  oppose  convincing  circumstance,  was  ten  '."°i!^,?5„  J    ',  .^^'^iniPrided 

»s  much  as  possible  the  beneficial  desisnis  of  Christ :  ami  havinir  made  mankind,  than  it  they  bad  been  slam  toi  food,  a,  was  imencieu. 


£32 

■SECT, 


CHRIST  DISPOSSESSES  TWO  DEMONIACS. 


■mifiitlu  down  a  nrecipice  into  the  sea,'  and  were  ail  suffocated  m  the  sea,  and  perished  in  the  place  in«o  the  sea,  and  were 

,it<i!./iny  i/t/.v...     ^        f  ,/,,  ,,„j  choked  in  the  sea,  Ktidpensli- 

70.     waters  ;  ^  being  in  number  about  two  tliousund.  ed  in  j|,g  „.^(j.rs ;]  and  tliey 

jl-jd  iiig  swine-htrds,  seeing  what  was  done,  fled  in  great  amazement,  some  one  way  and  were    about  two   thousand. 

MARK  some  another,  and  told  all  the  story,  both  in  the  city  and  country;  «nrf  circumstantially  ^ifAnd'Vhey' that  M  The 

^-      related  what  had  happened  to  the  two  demoniacs,  and  how  the  demons  had  been  ejected  swine,  [Likk,  when  they  saw 

^"^  from  them.    And  wW  the  people  heard  it,  they  were  so  mucii  impressed  with  the  report,  ^ev"i;;g"1^^t''c^ty'?  Sid 

that  they  went  out  in  crowds  to  see  what  ivas  done,  and  to  satisfy  themselves,  on  the  testi-  m  thecounriy,  [and  what  was. 

15  mony  df  their  own  senses,  as  to  the  truth  of  so  unparalleled  a  fact.  And  when  they  came  th'I^'Jl,";,*^  'And^^theywent 
to  Jesus  and  saiv  the  demoniac  (even  him  that  had  been  tormented  by  the  legion,  and  out  out  to  see  what  it  was  that  was 
of  whom  the  demons  were  departed)  calmly  sitting  at  the  feet  (f  Jesus,  to  receive  his  v™f,-34,35.]"' ''"'' ^■''  ^^"'"' 
instructions,  a7id  now  decently  clothed  and  periectly  composed,  as  being  restored  to  his  i5  And  they  come  to  Jesus, 
right  mind, 'they  were  struck  with  such  a  mixture  of  astonishment  and  reverence,  that  they  posse'sld  wfthX^devtf,  Tnd 
were  afraid  of  conversing  with  so  great  a  prophet,  and  dreaded  the  further  effects  of  his  had  the^  legion.  Lout  ot  whoni 

16  power.  (Compare  Luke  v.  8.  sect,  xxxiv.')  And  they  also  who  were  }>resent,  and  had  seen  si'tHntf^[at%he  teet  of' Jesus',] 
all  that  passed  from  tlie  beginning,  gave  them  a  particular  account  of  [it,]  and  told  them  f,"in(,  .°^'j,j'',hp"'*^,,'JJg*''|t'!,!d' 
more  largely  than  the  swine-herds'had  done,  by  what  means  the  demoniac  had  been  recovered;  [luke  WiV  -ibj  ^^"^  »  '  ■"  - 
and  ft/so  told  them  concerning  the  swine,  how 'they  had  been  so  strangely  destroyed  by  the  .  16  And  they  [also]  thatsaw 
apparent  agency  of  those  evil  spirits  by  which  the  men  had  before  been  possessed.  |,';  '^^.'^Vwhs'  possessed  ot'?i.e 

MATT        And  behold,  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  whole  city  of  Gadara,'  as  the  rumour  increased,  devils  was  healed,]  and  a^o 
vin.    came  out  to  meet  Jesus;  [and]  indeed  the  ivhole  multitude  of  the  country  of  the  Gadarenes  vnrse.]""    "  ''""'■ 

^"^  round  about  flocked  to  see  so  wonderful  a  person  :  and  when  they  saw  'him,  they  presently  jj^^latt.  viii.  34.  And  bjhold. 
began,  with  all  submission,  to  entreat  him  that  he  would  please  to  depart  from  'them  out  o/ m'let^Jesus.^'LL^K^aHrf  the 
their  coasts  ;  pretending  that  they,  who  had  so  great  a  number  of  Gentiles  round  them,  whole  multitude  ot  the  coun- 

v-i/u.ito  ,    j^  V,  V,  ^  ,      ■'    1  1     1  ^-       ji  1  1      1      1     J  1  •    '  try   ot  the   Gadarenes  round 

were  not  fit  to  receive  so  great  and  holy  a  person :  for  they  unreasonably  looked  on  him  about:]  and  when  they  saw 

as  the  autlior  of  the  calamity  which  befell  the  swine,  and  were  seized  with  great  fear,  lest  {i;"{'i5l;'"j;,^y|,f J '?art7£uK"' 

he  should  send  some  further  judgments  upon  them,  which  they  were  sensible  the  great  trom  "^them,]   out  of   their 

irregularities  of  their  behaviour  well  deserved:™  and  he,  by  no  means  willing  to  obtrude  ™kei*fi[th''L^e'at*fea'i^"am^^^^^^ 

his  presence  on  those  who  were  so  insensible  as  not  to  desire  it,  went  into  the  ship  again,  went  up  into  tiie  ship,' and  re- 

and  returned  back  to  the  western  shore  of  the  sea.  _  iT^Luke  vlit'-jyV  ^^^"^'^ '' 

Mark      And  when  he  ivas  come  into  the  ship,  the  demoniac,  out  of  whom  the  demons  were  now     Mark  v.  is."  And  when  he 

V.      departed,  fearing  lest  after  this  (as  it  had  been  supposed  of  ^some.  Matt.  xii.  43-45   sect.  That  hTU'^possyself 'wi'h 

'^^  Ixiii.)  he  might  be  in  danger  of  a  relapse,  and  dreading  the  terrors  ot  his  former  condition,  the  devil,  [out  of  whom  the 

entreated  him  that  he  might  be  allowed  to  continue  with  him,  to  enjoy  the  further  benefit  of  hfn'''"  "aTlie^  mi^Jiu'lrwim 

19  his  instructions.     Yet  Jesus  did  not  permit  him  to  do  it,  but  sent  him  away,  saying,  Retuim  him.  [Luke  viii.  ;«i.] 

to  thine  own  house,  [and]  go  to  thy  friends  and  relations  at  home,  and  fa'il  not  particularly  him"\Iot°'buV[sint*hhB"i'^Ly! 
to  tell  them  how  great  things  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  whose  messenger  I  am,  has  by  his  saying,  Return  to  thine  owii 
almighty  power  performed  for  thee,  and  how  graciously  he  has  had  compassion  on  thee  in  fr"ieud'sr'a1ili^t'en*'theni°how 
those  deplorable  circumstances  which  rendered  thee  a  spectacle  of  horror  to  them,  and  all  great  tiiinjts  the  Lord  [God] 

20  that  saw  thee.  And  upon  this,  he  went  away  and  began  to  publish  through  the  xchole  city  of  hajj'  ''c"n,pa"ssion'''o''n''  thel 
Gadara,  in  which  he  awelt,  [and^  in  all  the  neighbouring  region  of  Decupolis,  what  great  [Luke  viii.  m,  w-] 

and  wonderful  things  Jesus  had  clone  for  him  :  and  all  men  were  amazed  at  so  stupendous  beaLi^to''pui)iibh*^ltii'rouHhmit 

a  miracle.  'he   whole  city,  cjjrf]  in   De- 

MATT.       And  Jesus,  having  entered  into  the  ship,  departed  thence  as  soon  as  the  demoniac  was  sushad(ioiieto'r''hfin|'and'an 

IX.     dismissed :  and,  leaving  those  ungi-ateful  people  who  had  no  greater  value  for  his  presence,  nien  did  marvel.   [Luke  viii. 

he  passed  over  the  sea  of  Galilee,  and  shortly  after  came  to  hvi  own  city  of  Capernaum,     Aiatt.  ix.  i.  And  he  entered 

where  he  had  dwelt  after  his  leaving  Nazareth.  (See  Matt.  iv.  13.  p.  70.)  "n ?  caM''m?o liis^own  dT-' 

MARK       And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  Jesus  had  passed  over  again  in  the  ship  to  the  other  side  of  ''"Ma'i1t"v.  ei.    And  [it  came 

V-  .,  the  lake,  he  was  no  sooner  landed  but  a  great  multitude  gathered  to  him,  [and]  the  people  to  p:iss,  that]  when  .lesus  was 

21  __      i       ;    j;  .7    1-  r       ,1  .11-  J  ^  J  ;/ "^  /■       ii      passed  over  auain  bv  ship  un- 

most  gladly  received  him  ;"  fur  they  expected  his  speedy  return,  and  were  all  impatiently  to  the  other  side, much  iieopie 
waiting  for  him:  and  he  continued  some  time  on  the  sea-coast,  teaching  and  working  gathered  unto  him ;  [n«rf  the 

P  -^  7  c  o   people  uladtu  received   him ; 

miracles.  tor  they  weie  all  waiting  for 

him  :]  and  he  was  nigh  unto  the  sea.  [Luke  viii.  40.] 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  3       From  the  remarkable  story  which  is  here  before  us,  we  must  surely  see  the  most  apparent  reason  to  adore  the 

13  good  providence  of  God,  which  restrains  the  malignant  spirits  of  hell  from  spreading  those  desolations  among 

beasts  and  men,  which  would  otherwise  quickly  turn  the  earth  into  a  wilderness,  or  rather  into  a  chaos.     But 

12  what  matter  of  joy  is  it  to  reflect,  that  all  their  fury  and  rage  is  under  a  divine  control,  and  that  they  cannot  hurt 

even  the  meanest  animal  without  permission  from  above  ! 

Tlie  unhappy  creature  whose  state  is  here  described  in  such  lively  colours,  is  an  affecting  emblem  of  those  who 

4,  5  are  in  a  spiritual  sense  under  the  power  of  Satan.    Tlius  do  they  break  asunder  the  bonds  of  reason  and  gratitude, 

and  sometimes  of  authority,  and  even  of  shame ;  and,  thus  driven  on  by  the  frenzy  of  their  lusts  and  passions, 

they  are  so  outrageous  as  to  injure  others,  and  to  wound  themselves.     Human  attempts  to  moderate  and  reform 

15  them  may  be  vain  ;  but  let  us  remember  that  the  Almighty  Saviour  has  a  voice  which  can  put  this  worst  kind  of 

demons  to  flight,  and  restore  those  that  have  been  agitated  by  them  to  their  right  mind,  so  as  to  place  them  at  his 

feet  in  holy  composure,  and  in  calm  rational  attention. 

7      We  see  here  a  legion  of  devils  trembling  before  the  Son  of  God,  confessing  his  superior  power,  howling  as  it 

were  in  their  chains,  and  entreating  the  delay  of  their  torments.     And  can  human  pride  stand  before  him,  and 

rebellious  mortals  triumph  over  him  ?  Happy  souls  that  are  listed  under  his  banners  !  They  shall  share  tlie  vic- 

i  r/«  u'hole  herd  ranvinlently  doan  a  precipice  into  the  sea.']    This  the  malignity  of  these  demons,  in  this  instance,  served  to  illustrate  the 

story  is  an  unanswerable  demonstration  ot  the  error  of  the  hypothesis  value  of  every  miracle  of  this  kind,  and  to  display  the  grace,  as  well  as 

aavanced  by  the  author  ot  the  late  Inqmry  into  the  Case  of  the  Demoniacs,  power,  of  Christ  in  every  dispossession  ;  in  which  view  this  circumstance 

*£•,  (Mentioned  betore  m  note  c,  on  Luke  IV,  .-53.  p.  7.3.)  That  ingenious  appears  to  have   been  determined  with   great  wisdom   and  goodness, 

^ITL  1?  ^j        suppose    these  smne  frighted  by  the  turn  mad  men,  though  folly  and  perverseness  have  so  strangely  disguised  it. 

and  so  dnven  douin  the  precipice:  but,  not  to  mention  the  absurdity  I   The  uhole  city  of  Gadara.]    .Tosephus  describes  it  as  a  very  con- 

ot    supposing  their  lunacy  thus  to  rage  after  Christ  had  spoken    the  siderable  place.     It  was.  bv  the  riirhteous  judgment  of  God,  the  first 

healing  woixl,  one  might  venture  to  appeal  to  any  body  that  has  ob-  Jeuish  city  Wr^i  MX  into  the"hands  of  the  Romans,  in  the  fatal  war  under 

?,!rc.-M*"^^?*'i'*^''''*^™?*^-''*^'^'"'^''''!'°j '!"'''=•  "''"^ther  it  \^^^  Vespasian,  and  sutfered  great  extremities.    Joseph.   Bell.  Jvd.  lib.  iv. 

possible,  without  ii  miracle,  tor  two  men  to  drive  tu<enly,  and  much  less  cap.  7.  [al.  v.  ,■!.]  ?  :!,  4.    .See  Wits,  de  Decern.  Trih.  cap.  8.  0  2. 

xvritlr^'fT^h°M"f'"i       ?♦'"'■    ."  A    "  J!l?'^''l!  ''""S  to  see  a  m  Lest  he   should  send   some   further  judgments    upon  them,  &:c.] 

,r  hf  i.,         "  'Character  reduced  to  so  hard  a  shitt.    He  seems  indeed  Some  have   imagined  that  they  thought  Christ  a  magician,  and  feared 

Z}tf\         common  notion  of  possessions  absurd. and  dangerous,  and  the  effects  of  his  art ;  but  the  cause  assigned  in  the  paraphrase  seems  to 

f 'hrkf  ^  opposes  It  with  a  very  good  design  :  but  it  is  hard  to  say  how  me  mu.  Ii  more  decent,  and,  all  things  considered,  more  likely.    They 

-tirist  could  have  encouraged  that  notion  more  than  by  his  conduct  on  were  probably  a  licentious  sort  of  people,  and  might  naturally,  from 

.^LVrJ?»*1""l  •  ?)"°.     ''""'''  ^u"'  ''"t.this  extraordinary  occurrence  was  what  they  saw,  fear  some  further  chastisement  from  so  holy  a  prophet. 

KT  ;  1    chieliy  to  prove   the  reality  of  these  possessions,  and   will  n  Ciladhj  recciicd  him.]    This  Grotius  has  observed  to  be  the  meaning 

alwaysbeeflecual  for  the  conviction  of  every  impartial  inquirer.  of  the  word  („,rfd£faTo,)  and  in  tliis  sense  it  may   likewise  be  under- 

K  .Ind  iverc  all  jujfonited,  and  perished  in  the  u'aters.]    The  display  of  stood,  Acts  xv    4   and  xviii    "7 


CHRIST  IS  ENTERTAINED  AT  MATTHEW'S  HOUSE.  133 

tories  of  the  great  Captain  of  their  salvation,  and  the.  God  of  peace  shall  hndse  Satan  under  ihcir  feet  shortly.  SECT. 

(Rom.  xvi.  20.)  70. 
But  oh,  how  stupid  and  how  wretched  were  these  Gadarenes,  who  preferred  their  swine  to  their  souls,  and  he- 


sought  liim  to  depart  out  of  their  coasts  whose  presence  was  their  defence  and  their  glory  !  May  divine  grace  mark 
preserve  us  from  a  temper  like  theirs  !  And  may  those  of  us  who  have  ourselves  experienced  the  restoring  power  ^o^on 
of  Christ  and  his  gospel,  be  engaged  to  adhere  to  our  great  Benefactor,  and  gratefully  to  devote  those  powers  to      ' 
his  service  which  lie  has  rescued  from  dishonour,  mischief,  and  ruin  ! 


SECTION  LXXI. 

licans  i 

ix.  10- 

LUKE   V.    29. 


Christ  being  entertained  at  Matthew's  house,  justifies  his  conversing  with  publicans  and  sinners,  and  vindicates  his  disciples  for  not  keeping  so 
many  fasts  as  the  Pharisees  and  the  disciples  of  John  did.    Matt.  ix.  10—17.    Mark  ii.  15 — 22.    Luke  v.  29,  to  the  end. 


Ll'KE  v.  29. 

AND  Levi  made  him  a  great  NOW,  after  Jesus  had  Continued  for  a  while  on  the  sea-shore,  (as  was  observed,  Mark  v.  sect. 
feast    in    his    own  j^iou|^y  21.)  he  entered  into  Capernaum  :  ayid  Matthew,  or  Levi,  who  dwelt  there,  and  who  had     71. 


that  as' Jesus  sat  at  meat  J  some  time  since  been  called  from  his  former  office  of  a  publican,  into  the  number  of  his 
p''ubi'iianl%^iKi'*sinnrrrcame!  ^^'^^^^  attendants,  (see  sect.  xlv.  p.  92.)  desirous  at  once  to  show  his  respects  to  Christ,  and   luke 
and]  [Mark,  sat  also  together  to  give  his  former  Companions  and  acquaintance  an  opportunity  of  enjoying  his  instructive  gq^" 
Tod  othe"s*;tMARK'!  for  there  Conversation,  made  a  great  entertainment  for  him  in  his  own  home  ;^  and  it  came  to  pass, 
were  many,  and  the'y  follow-  that  as  Jesus  scit  at  table  there,  behold,  a  great  number  of  publicans,  and  such  as  had  the 
i^  15^'''  '■'^^''"' '"'  ^'^'  ^^^^^  general  character  of  sinners,  being  invited  by  Matthew,  ccme,  and  sat  also  at  the  table  with 
Jesus  and  his  disciples ;  and  several  others  at  that  time  were  present;  for  there  were  many 
of  the  character  above  described  in  Christ's  train,  (compare  Matt.  xi.  12.  and  Euke  xv.  1.) 
and  they  followed  him  with  great  eagerness,  being  charmed  with  the  condescension  with 
which  he  treated  them,  while  many  others  shunned  them  with  abhorrence. 
••30  But  [when]  their  scribes      Hut  when  the  more  reserved  and  stricter  sort  of  people  in  that  place,  and  in  particular  30 
.ind  Pharisees  [Mark,  saw  fjigi,'  scribes  and  Pharisees,  who  pretended  to  be  most  exact  and  scrupulous  in  their  con- 

hnn  eat  with   publicans  and   j       ,  i  ■      n  i  '  j        _,       •,;         i;-  .     •  \i  fv      i     i 

sinners,  they]  muriiuired  cluct,  saw  him  tlius  Openly  converse  and  eat  with  publicans  and  sinners,  they  were  offended ; 
why^do  ye''eat''and'd'rink'  ^""^  murmured  at  his  disciples  on  that  account,  saying.  Why  do  you,  who  should  be  exam- 
[Mark,  and  how  is  it  that  plcs  to  Others,  eat  and  drink  in  such  scandalous  company  as  this?  [and]  especially,  hoiv  is 
dSeth]\^tf/"'publ'ira''ns  and  ^^  ^^"J'  '^''^'^^  Master,  who  sets  up  for  such  an  extraordinary  Prophet,  will  allow  himself  to 
sinners .'  [Matt.  ix.  11.  Mark  do  it  ?  for,  while  our  traditions  teach  even  the  students,  and  much  more  the  teachers,  of  the 
"•  ^^'^  law,  to  avoid  all  commerce  with  such  polluted  and  infamous  persons,  you  see  that  he 

publicly  eats  and  drinks  with  a  considerable  number  of  piihlicans  and  sinners,  as  if  there 
were  no  scandal  in  being  accounted  their  friend  and  companion. 
Mark  ii.  17.  When  Jesus      ^nd  Jesus,  having  heard  that  they  were  so  offended  at  [?')?,]  ansicered  them,  saying.  They  mark 
in"ilaith''unto^Them''"The'^  '''"^  "'^  '"  perfect  health  have  no  need  of  the  converse  and  advice  of  the  physician,  but  those  ^   ''• 
that  are  whole  have  no  need  that  are  sick  ;  and  therefore,  out  of  compassion  to  their  need  of  him,  he  visits  and  converses 
are's^ck'':^Tcame^'iiot'^% calf  ^'*^^  them,  though  it  cannot  Otherwise  be  agreeable  to  him  to  do  it:  and  I  act  on  the 
the  righteous,  but  sinners  to  Same  principles ;  for  I  am  not  come  to  call  the  righteous,  as  you  arrogantly  imagine  your- 
Luke*v\"3i',  .-is^]^"' '"'  ^"'  ^^'  ^elves  to  be,  hut  such  poor  sinners  as  these,  to  repentance  and  salvation.     But,  if  you  are  matt. 

Matt,  ix.'  13.   But  go  ye,  offended  at  it,  you  mav  go  your  imy,  and  would  do  well  to  set  yourselves  to  learn  the  .  ^^• 
i"tiirhave''me'Jcy\Tnd"nSt  '»eani>,g  of  that  instructive  (scripture,]  fllos.  vi.  6.)  which  I  cited  on  a  former  occasion,  ^^ 
sacrifice.  '  (see  Matt.  xii.  7.  p.  99.)  and  which  you  Pharisees  are  so  ready  to  forget,  "  I  require  mercy 

and  not  sacrifice."    For  had  you  understood  this  saying,  you  would  have  seen  that  a  cere- 
monial institution  of  divine  authority,  and  much  more  a  mere  human  tradition,  is  to  give 
way  to  the  great  duties  of  humanity  and  charity,  even  where  men's  bodies,  and  much  more 
where  their  souls,  are  concerned. 
Mark  ii.  18.  And  the  disci-      Another  Occurrence  which  happened  at  the  same  time,  and  bore  some  resemblance  to  mark 
nse'es,  used  to7astf  a*nd  ^[t'he"  ^^le  former,  was  this.     The  disciples  of  John  the  Baptist,  who  had  himself  lived  so  austere    ^^■ 
disciples  ofjoim]  come  and  a  life,  and  was  now  in  a  calamitous  state  of  confinement,  as  well  as  the  disciples  of  the 
the  d?sdpieT'of  j^ohn",  ^anl  -P/'0''«ce.'!,2<.?e<:?  (fo/rts^  often,«rac?  the  latter  particularly  twice  a-weck :  (compare  Luke  xvi'ii.  12. 
[^L'-'KE.  likewise  </;erfw2>/e.v]  scct.  cxxix.)    Now,  seeing  Jesus  at  a  publican's  table  on  a  festival  occasion,  surrounded 
often!  anifnfakl  prayers*]  but  ^'^^^  ^^  many  of  his  Stated  followers,  some  of  the  disciples  of  John  come  and  say  nnto  him^ 
thy  disciples  fast  not,  [Luke,  Whence  is  it  that  wc,  the  disciples  of  John,  and  also  thoffe  of  the  Pharisees,  have  frequently 

but  eat  and  drink?]  [Matt.  ix.  j  c      ^  j         i-  ■  L-   i  /-    .  i         i    "^  i         •     i.^      •     --^ 

14.  Luke  v.  33.]  OUT  days  ot  Solemn  devotion,  m  which  we  fast,  and  make  many  pi^ayers  and  supplications 

to  God  for  ourselves  and  the  people  ?  ivhe'reas  thy  disciples  fast  not  at  all  that  we  can  per-, 
ceive ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  eat  and  drink  freely,  though  thou  professest  a  righteousness 
superior  to  that  of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees.    (Matt.  v.  20.  sect,  xxxviii.) 

19  And   Jesus    said  unto      And  Jesus  .laid  wito  them.  Can  the  children  of  the  bride-chamber,  who  are  invited  to  attend  1& 
hJ-X'chamber'^  '[nio^ufn  °i«rfl  ^^^  nuptial  ccremony,  with  any  decency  mourn  [and']  fast  while  the  bridegroom  is  yet  con- 
fast,  while  the  bridegroom  is  tinuing  with  them  :  As  long  as  they  have  the  pleasure  of  the  presence  and  company  of  the 
have  "th^ '  bikfegroom^^  wi^th  ^'''■degroom  among  them,  they  cannot  reasonably  be  expected  to  fast,  and  every  one  would 
them.they  cannot  fast.  [Matt,  then  account  it  to  be  out  of  scasou.     Now  my  presence  and  converse  renders  this  a  kind 

IX.  15.    u  e  V.  34.]  ^f  festival  to  my  disciples  :  for,  as  John  taught  you  but  a  little  before  his  confinement,  I 

am  the  great  Bridegroom  of  my  church  :''  you  cannot  therefore  in  reason  expect  I  should 

20  But  the  days  will  come.  Command  them  to  fast  now,  or  that  they  should  do  it  without  such  a  command.     But,  I  20 
taken  'away"from"ti)em!'ind  ^^^sure  vou,  the  days  will  quickly  come,  lohen,  as  your  master  is  separated  from  you,  so  even 
then  shall  they  fast  in  those  I,  the  Bridegi'oom,  shall  he  taken  away  from  them  ;  and  then  they  must  expect  to  undergo  a 
^|>'s.   [Matt.  IX.  15.  Luke  v.  g^ggj  jg^^j  ^f  hardship,  and  particularly  shall  be  obliged  frequently  to  fast  in  those  days ; 

as  those  whom  I  have  mentioned  might  do  if  their  festival  was  interrupted  by  tlie  removal 

i*  ^j  ^J"^"'  entertainment  for  liim  in  Uis  man  /lovse.']    Nothing  has  per-  per ;  (see  i  45.)  and  so  many  things  happened  after  the  feast,  (see  5  72.) 

plexed  the  generality  of  Harmonies  more,  and  nothing  has  thrown  the  that  we  cannot  suppose  them  to  have  been  crowded  into  the  little  re- 

JjU'.hors  ot  them  into  greater  inconsistency  with  the  sacred  writers,  than  mainder  of  (he  evening  after  supper  ;  on  which  account  it  is  certain  the 

their  taking  it  tor  granted  that   Matthew  made  this  entertainment  on  feast  was  after  the  day  of  his  calling,  perhaps  (as  it  seems  by  the  inter- 

the  very  day  that  Christ  called  him  to  attend  upon  him.    The  early  mediate  stories)  some' months  after,  when  he  had  made  up  his  accounts, 

llarmonies  ot  latian  and  Ammoniiis  very  justly  separated  them.    (See  and  regularly  passed  his  business  into  other  hands,  which,  to  be  sure, 

Cnemnit.   Harm.  cap.   43.)    And  to  the  many   convincing  arguments  from  a   principle  of  justice  as   well  as  prudence,  he  would  take  care 

which  ftlr.  Jones  has  brouaht  to  prove  that  they  ought  to  be  separate<l,  to  do. 

(which  see  in  his  Vindication  of  Matthew,  p.  129— 1.37.)  I   will  add,        b  J  am  the  great  Bridegroom  of  my  church.]    Some  have  supposed 

that  It  seems  to  me  very  evident  they  were  not  both  on  the  same  day,  there  is  in  this  similitude  which  Christ  has  used,  a  reference  to  the  book 

from  this  consideration,  (so  obvious,  that  I  wonder  none  should  have  of  Canticles:  and  it  is  possible  there  may.    (See  Carpzov.    Defence  of 

mentioned  it,)  so  many  things  happened  before  the  calling  of  Matthew,  the  liehrero  Bible,  p.  220.  221.)    There  is  no  doubt  a  reference  to  what 

that  the  day  must  be  tar  advanced,  and  there  could  not  have  been  time  .lohn  had  lately  said  to  his  disciples  so  expressly  on  that  head.  John  in. 

to  prepare  a  great  feast,  and  invite  a  number  of  guests,  at  least  till  sup-  29.  p.  60. 


jg^  CHRIST  IS  ENTERTAINED  AT  MATTHEW'S  HOUSE. 

SECT,  of  their  beloved  friend  whose  joys  they  were  sharing.^    (Compare  1  Cor.  iv.  11.  2  Cor. 
71.     xi.  27.) 
_  'jyQj.  do  I  now  think  fit  to  lay  such  rigorous  commands  upon  them,  because  prudence     Luke  v.  36.   And  he  spake 

LUKE  will  require  me  at  present  to  accommodate  their  trials  to  their  strength.  And,  further  to  ^irp^af  a"p.e"ce'[o7'new 
"^-  illustrate  this  he  spake  also  a  parable,  or  proposed  another  smiilitude  to  them,  saymg,  J\o  cloth  unto  an  old  garment ;] 
3^  man,  when  he  is  mending  clothes,  will  of  choice  sew  apiece  of  new  cloth  on  an  old  garment,^  l^.f'Zl'Sxl  f rTntl'and  t'he 
but  rather  chooses  what  is  a  little  worn  :  for  otherwise  it  will  be  found  that  both  the  netv,  piece  that  was  taken  out  or 
being  stronger  than  the  other,  makes  a  rent  in  the  edges  of  it  when  it  comes  to  be  stretched ;  'up,]Tree"h' noTwlEh  the'^iid! 
and  the  piece  that  was  \taken\out  of  the  new,  [and}  put  in  to  mend  the  former  rent  and  fill  [Mark,  *!(/taketh  away  trom 
it  up,  asrees  not  in  colour  and  form  ivith  the  old;  and,  being  improperly  out  together,  is  of  l^,",l'^^  \umAx!'\6^  Mark 
no  ser\ace  to  the  garment,  [buf]  takes  away  move  from  the  old  than  it  adds  to  it;  and  thus  ii-  £i.] 
the  rent  is  increased  and  made  worse  than  it  was  before. 

37  And  atrain  on  the  same  principles,  no  wise  itian  puts  neiv  wine  into  old  bottles,  where  the  37  And  nomanputtethnew 
leather  is" weakened  and  almost  worn  out;  (compare  Josh.  ix.  4,  13.  and  Psal.  cxix.  83.)  ^^Twilfellii'^bufst'theVot! 
for  else,  if  he  should,  the  fermentation  of  the  new  wine  will  soon  burst  the  bottles,  and  so  ties,  and  [Mark,  the  wine] 

38  the  wine  will  be  spilt,  as  well  as  the  bottles  destroyed  :  But  neiv  wine  must  be  put  into  new  shaif  peHsi',  :^"[.-viatt^  ix°"i7! 
bottles,  and  by  this  means  both  arc  preserved.  Now  as,  in  the  ordinary  affairs  of  hfe,  Mark  iL  es.^]^^  ^.^^  ^^^^  ^^ 
common  sense  dictates  a  regard  to  the  mutual  agreement  and  disagreement  ot  things,  it  is  put  into  new  bottles:  and  both 
necessary  that  I  should  attend  to  them  in  my  conduct  towards  my  disciples ;  and,  as  they  '■^IJI^^'7^'^-  t"^^'*"-  '''■  ^"• 
have  not  been  inured  to  such  severities  as  you  and  the  Pharisees  have  long  practised,^  I  do     *"    "'  *  ■' 

not  therefore  choose  immediately  to  impose  them,  lest  otherwise,  to  the  great  detriment  of 
the  world,  they  should  be  discouraged  from  attending  upon  me. 

39  And  you  cannot  surely  blame  me  for  tins,  when  you  consider  how  difficult  it  is  to  alter     39  No   man   also  having 
the  ways  of  living  to  whicli  people  have  been  accustomed  even  in  less  things  than  these^^^^y'^J^'fVoThls^^^^^^ 
now  in  question.   "As,  for  instance,  though  some  may  be  fond  of  new  wine,  while  it  is  yet  The  old  is  better, 
fermenting  in  the  vessel,  yet  those  that  have  been  used  to  drink  another  sort  will  have  no 

liking  to  it ;  and  no  man  who  has  generally  drunk  good  old  \winc'\  that  is  well  ripened  and 
refined,  will  immediateh/  choose  to  drink  new ;  for  he  sai/s.  The  old  is  better,  as  being  both 
more  pleasant  and  more  wholesome.  Judge  then  how  fit  it  is  that  I  should  not  oblige  my 
disciples  to  a  new  course  of  severities  at  once,  but  gradually  form  their  characters  to  what 
the  honour  of  their  future  profession  and  the  usefulness  of  tlieir  lives  may  require. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.29     There  is  no  reason  to  wonder  that  Matthew  should  gladly  embrace  so  proper  an  opportunity  of  introducing 
other  publicans  and  sinners  into  the  presence  of  that  condescending  Saviour,  from  whom,  though  he  once  was 
numbered  among  them,  he  had  received  grace  and  the  apostlesliip.     Let  us  with  pleasure  observe  how  ready  our 
30  blessed  Lord  was  to  receive  them.     Surelv,  whatever  offence  the  proud  Pharisees  might  take  on  such  an  occasion, 
31,  32  Jesus  will  appear  peculiarly  amiable  in  such  a  circle  as  this.     Compassionate  Redeemer  !  thou  didst,  as  the  great 
Physician  of  souls,  willinglv  converse  with  objects  that  must  have  been  most  hateful  to  thy  pure  and  holy  nature! 
May  we  each  of  us  have  "a  "due  sense  of  the  malignity  of  sin,  that  fatal  disease  of  the  soul,  that  we  may  with  a 
MATT,  becoming  temper  apply  to  Christ  for  a  cure  !  May" we  also,  like  him,  be  willing  to  condescend  to  the  meanest  and 
IX.     vilest,  if  it  may  be  the  means  of  winning  them  over  to  tnie  religion  and  happiness  \  ever  preferring  mercy  to  sacri- 
13  fice,  and  choosing  rather  to  govern  ourselves  by  the  dictates  of  a  benevolent  heart,  than  by  the  maxims  of  proud 
and  censorious  men. 
LUKE       Christ  would  not  discourage  his  disciples  by  over-rigorous  institutions ;  and  it  is  unfit  that  his  religion  should 
V.      be  burthened  with  them.     He  suits  the  duties  of  his  people  to  their  circumstances,  and  kindly  proportions  their 
36-39  work  to  their  strength,  with  a  tender  regard  to  their  weakness,  till  by  degrees  they  may  be  fitted  tor  the  more  diffi- 
cult and  humbling  services.  From  his  example,  and  the  whole  genius  of  his  gospel,  let  us  learn  to  make  all  proper 
allowances  to  those  about  us,  that  we  may  teach  them,  and  train  them  up  as  they  are  able  to  bear  it ;  not  crushing 
them  under  any  unnecessary  load,  nor  denying  them  any  indulgence  which  true  friendship  will  permit  us  to  grant 
them ;  lest  the  good  ways  of  God  should  be  misrepresented,  disgraced,  and  abandoned  through  our  imprudent 
though  well-meaning  severity  :  a  caution  to  be  peculiarly  obser^'ed  in  our  conduct  towards  young  persons  ;  and 
not  to  be  forgotten  with  respect  to  those  who,  like  the  disciples  here  in  question,  are  training  up  for  tne  ministerial 
office. 

SECTION  LXXII. 

Christ  having  in  the  way  cured  a  woman  by  the  touch  of  his  garment,  raises  the  daughter  of  .lairus  from  tlie  dead,  and  afterwards  performs  some 
other  miracles.    Matt.  ix.  18 — 34.    Mark  v.  22,  to  the  end  ;  Luke  viii.  41,  to  the  end, 

„_,„  Matt.  ix.   18.  Matt.  ix.  18. 

72      ^^^^--^  he  was  speaking  these  things  to  them  in  Matthew's  house,*  behold,  a  very  remark-  while   he    spake    these 

able  circumstance  happened,  which  opened  the  way  to  one  of  the  most  signal  miracles  '[i^rfcamJa  ce^am  rufe'Tiof 

MATT    ^'^'^^  Christ  ever  performed:  for,  though  it  was  an  uncommon  thing  for  persons  in  an  the    synaeogue.    Jairus   by 

IX      elevated  rank  of  life  to  pay  any  regard  to  him,  (see  John  vii.  48.)  there  came  a  certain  ruler  j^^'^Jj/  ^r'his'fe" t']*amT  wJTrl 

\Qof  the  synagome  in  that  city  of  Capernaum,  whose  name  was  Jairus ;  and  when  Ae  was  shipped  him;  [Llke,  and 

entered  into  the  room  where  Jesus  was,  and  saw  him,  he  fell  down  at  his  feet  with  the  pro-  come  fmVhi's'house '-f  [Mark 

foundest  humility,  and  worshipped  him  in  the  presence  of  all  the  company,  and  entreated  v.  22.  Luke  viii.  4i.j 

u  ^^  .'c^'i'  f^^'iy^l  ■^^s  interrupted,  &c.]   Our  Lord  seems  here,  with  and  circumstances  of  Tohn  laid  them  under  some  engagements  not  com- 

a  beautiful  propriety  seldoni  observed,  to  suppose  some  hostile  invasion  mon  to  Christ's  disciples,  as  he  intimates  ;  and,  considering  where  and 

to  happen  during  the  time  of  a  nuptial  feast,  m  which  the  bridegroom  liow  the  Baptist  appeared,  it  is  very  probable  many  of  his  stated  disciples 

should  either  be  slain  or  taken  prisoner,  which  would  damp  all  the  joy  were  Kssenes,  who  (as  it  is  well  known)  were  a  kind  of  hermit  Jews, 

of  his  friends,  and  change  the  scene   into  lamentation,  fasting,   and  educated  in  irreat  abstinence,  and  more  frequent  fastings,  than  any  of 

'"O"'-"'"?',    ,               , ,                 ■,    m,  the  rest  of  them.    (See  Piideaux's  Connection,  part  ii.  p.  ,^58.)    And  if 

d  JSew  cloth  on  an  old  garment.^     The  proper  meaning  of  the  words  so,  nothing  couM  have  been  more  convincing  than  this  reasoning. 

paKov^  cx')va<pov,  by  winch  new  cloth  is  here  expressed  m  the  original,  is  a   While  he  ua\  speaking  these  things  to  them  in  Matthew's  house.] 

cloth  that  has  not  passed  through  tlie  fuller  s  hands,  and  which  is  conse-  These  words  fix  the  order  of  this  section  so  plainly,  that  it  is  surprising 

quently  much  harsher  than  what  has  been  often  washed  and  worn  ;  and  Mr.  Le  Clerc  should  suppose  that  many  events  happened  between  the 

theretore,  yielding  less  than  that,  will  tear  away  the  edges  to  whicli  it  discourses  recorded  just  above,  and  this  application  of  Jairus  to  C:hrist, 

IS  se\yed.     J  his  sense  Albert  has  vindicated  from  exceptions  not  worth  which  St.  Matthew  so  strongly  connects.    T  hat  critic  is  driven  to  the 

mentioning  here.    See  Albert.  OAfera.  p.  71—76  hard  expedient  of  paraphrasing  this  clause  thus :  "  While  he  <liscoursed 

e  As  you  and  the  Pharisees  have  long  practised.]    That  the  Pharisees  with  them  on  the  same  subject  which  he  had  been  upon  the  beginning  of 

used  to  fast  twice  a  week,  is  plain  from  Luke  xviii.  12.  and,  no  doubt,  the  year  :"  which  is  extremely  unnatural,  and,  so  far  as  1  can  recollect, 

their  young  people  were  trained  up  to  it.    But  it  may  be  objected,  that  quite  unexampled  in  any  author,  ancient  or  modern.   (See  Le  Clerc's 

.John  s  disciples  were  not  so  trained  up,  and  consequently  might  have  Harmon)/,  p.  197-)    Had  he  thought  of  what  is  sugsested  above,  «  71. 

answered,  that  the  disciples  ot  Christ  misht  as  well,  and  as  soon  as  thev,  note  a,  p.  133.  to  prove  Matthew's  feast  did  not  imme<liately  follow  his 

have  been  brought  under  such  seventies  and  restraints.    But  the  truth  callins-,  he  would   have  seen   this  criticism  as  unnecessary  as  it  is 

IS,  It  was  not  divinely  required  or  the  one  or  the  other.    The  character  forced. 


23 


A  DISEASED  WOMAN  MIRACULOUSLY  HEALED.  135 

Luke  viii.  4'2.  For  he  had  him  to  come  immediately  to  his  house:  For  he  had  one  only  daughter,  about  twelve  yean  old,   sect. 
one   only   !*''"s'^"^\„j'^°he  "'"A  liaving  in  that  bloom  of  life  been  seized  with  a  very  dangerous  distemper,  she  then  lay,     72. 

lay  a  dyhfgf  °'  ''^'^'  *"    "  ^  to  all  human  appearance,  at  the  very  point  of  death.    And  he  applied  himself  to  Jesus  with 

o'^!rh'^''him"^'eatl"'^  sa*in^"  ^'^^  utmost  importunity,  and  earnestly  entreated  him,  saying,  My  dear  little  daughter  is  in  mark 
My^iittie'dlufhter  tietifattife  the  last  extremiti/,  [or]  is  perhaps,  as  she  was  just  expiring  when  I  left  her,  even  now  dead;^      '^ 
])ointot  death,  [or  is  even  now  rj  i^^ggch  thceX  therefore  that  thou  ivoiildst  be  pleased  to  come  and  lay  thine  hands  on  her, 

dead  ;1  1  pray  thee  come  and   L  J  i  t    i       i  ^        ^  i     i         .  j.\.  ■       ■  c  A  -i     •  •  ' 

lay  thine  hands  on  her,  that  that  she  may  recover ;  and  I  doubt  not  but,  extreme  as  the  case  is,  it  thou  wilt  interpose  in 
shaiiTxx''%^ilu'1x  ^"8^'''*  her  behalf,  s^e  s/m// /^^^^^ 

Matt.  ix.  '19.    And  Jesus      And  Jcsus  cirosc  and  followed  him,  and  \so  did]  his  disciples.     Now,  as  he  was  going  to  the  matt. 
?o™7rf  h?s*discipTes^  ''[Luk'e*  ruler's  house,  much  people  followed  him  to  see  the  event ;  and  they  pressed  upon  him  in  such     IX. 
But' as  he  went]  [much  pec-  a  manner  that  he  could  not  walk  without  seme  difficulty.  19 

ed'^hi?!i'°*[Mark  v!  24!'''Luife"      ^"^  behold, among  those  that  were  crowding  about  him,  there  was  a  certain  poor  unhappy  mark 
viii.  42".]    '  '  '  '  woman  ivho  had  been  long  afflicted  with  a  grievous  disorder,  having  laboured  under  a  jinx    V.  25. 

a ceAalnVoman "[wK°was  o/"  blood  for  no  less  than  twelve  years:  And  she  had  suffered  a  great  deal  from  the  26 
diseased  with]   an  issue  ot  mam/  physicians  she  had  consulted,  by  disagreeable  medicines  and  uneasy  restraints,  as 
2atu7e'|.Ll''4Tf'^*'''"''''"  well  as  by  the  great  expense  she  had  been  at  in  applying  to  them  :  for  indeed  she  had 
26  And  had  suffered  many  wasted  all  her  substancc,  and  spent  all  that  she  had  upoii  them  :<^  but  her  distemper  was  so 
andfad^spentYu  Lher'iiWng]  inveterate,  that  she  could  not  be  healed  by  any ;  and,  on  the  whole,  she  was  not  at  all 
that  she    had  ["po"    '''«'«..  the  better  for  their  prescriptions,  but  rather  grew  worse,  and  weaker  than  before ;  And,  27 
any ;]  and* was  nothing  bette?--  having  heard  qf  Jesus,  and  the  extraordinary  cures  he  had  wrought,  being  ashamed  pub- 
ed,  but  rather  grew  worse;  udy  {q  mention  her  case,  she  came  in  the  crowd  behind  him,  and  touched  the  fringe  which, 
'  2"?  When"*si;e  had  heard  of  according  to  the  divine  commandment,  (Numb.xv.  38.  and  Deut.  xxii.  12.)  he  wore  upon 
.Tesus,  came  in  the  press  be-  ^^^  border  of  his  garment.     For,  as  she  knew  that  many  had  before  been  healed  by  touch-  28 
borderon\°i?ga'rment:'[Mat^^  ing  liim,  (see  Lixke  vi.  19.  p.  103.)  shc  had  such  a  firm  persuasion  of  the  virtue  that  was 
'"""SFoVshes^a'iti [within  her   ^"  '"•"'  ^"^  ^^  ^^^  power  to  cure  her,  that  she  said  within  herself.  If  I  may  hut  touch  any 
sett,]  If' I 'mty  toucVbut  his  part  of  his  clothss,  I  shall  be  recovered.^     And  immediately  on  her  having  done  it,  the  29 
[Matf 'ix'"f'r"  ^^   ^''^^'^^^-  fountain  of  her  blood  that  issued  from  her  was  at  once  stanched  and  dried  up,  and  she  felt 
'29  A^mi '  straightway    the' Such  an  unusual  vigour  and  flow  of  spirits,  that  she  plainly  perceived  in  her  b&dy  thai  she 
dr^ed'^up^and  siie^'feiMnler  '*'"''  ''"''f^^  qf  that  Wasting  and  dangerous  distemper  with  which  she  had  been  chastised  for 

body,  that  she  was  healed  of  SO  long  a  time."" 

*''3o'Al«i"!)e5us'"immedtate-      ^""^  "PO"  ^^^^  ^he  would  have  retired  unobser\'ed ;  but  Jesus,  who  had  secretly  performed  30 
ly  knowing  in' 'himself  that  the  cure  by  the  concurring  efficacy  of  his  will,  immediately  knowing  in  himself  that  healing 
tun"ed  hTm  aboTt  in"  heVre's";  virtue  was  gone  out  qf  him,  thought  fit  on  this  occasion  to'show  that  it  had  not  escaped  his 
and  said,  Who  touched  my  noticc,''  as  well  as  to  illustrate  and  commend  the  faith  of  the  patient;  and  therefore  he 
clothes  >  [Luke  viu.  45.]         immediately  turned  himself  about  in  the  crowd,  and,  looking  round  him,  said.  Who  is  it  that 

Luke  viii.  43.   When  all  has  just  now  touched  my  clothes?  And  all  the  rest  tliat  were  near  him,  denying  it,s  Peter,    LcrE 
pfesTt^'mf were  w"it'h  Mni^ said  "nd  liis  disciples  that  wcrc  with  him,  said  unto  him,  Sir,^  thou  secst  that  the  multitude  are  .Y^^^- 
[unto  him,]    Master,    [thou  crowding  around  thee,  and  press  thee  on  every  side,  and  dost  thou  say,  Who  has  touched  me  ? 
thel!''and''pr'^s3  Vi"«'',lnd  say?  One  might  rather  ask.  Who  that  has  walked  near  thee  has  not  done  it  ?  or  which  way  is 
est  thou,  Who  touched  me.'  it  possible,  in  such  a  crowd  as  this,  to  avoid  it?  A7id  Jesus  said,  I  am  well  aware  that  46 

4fi'^And^.Vesus  said.  Some-  somcbody  here  has  touched  me,  not  merely  by  accident,  but  on  some  important  design  :  /or 
body  hath  touched  me ;  for  I  J  perceive  that  a  healing  virtue  and  efficacy  is  gone  out  of  me,  and  am  not  ignorant  of' the 

XJerceive  that  vntue    13  gone       '^.^■i<-^i  ^i  ij  ^  '  u 

out  of  me.  particulars  ol  the  cure  it  has  produced. 

roulK['about''to^sJe''h'r°t'ir't      ^"^  upon  this  he  lookcd  round  about  again,  to  see  her  who  had  done  this;  and  directed  mark 

had  done  this  thing.    "     "  his  eye  towards  her  with  some  particular  regard.     And  when  the  woman  saw  that  she  was  V.  32. 

.hJ'l'A'iJi";  fy".v,d".1  ^^'^^"  not  concealed  from  his  all-penetrating  view,  knowing  (as  we  before  observed)  rvhut  a  mar-  ^'J^?? 

the  woman  saw  that  she  was        ,,  ,  .      •'    i  ,       ''         /•       ■  i  ,  i  ;•         i      ..  u       i,       u  i       j-      i  j       vlll. 

not  hid,  she  [knowing  what  vq\\o\x?,-woxk.  was  wrought  in  her,  she  Came  foariug  and  trembung,\Qst  he  ?.no\na  be  displeasea  47 
i^^^lTdTtrem^bim-'Tand'^ftrii'-  '''^^^^  ^^'^  Surreptitious' method  she  had  'taken  ;  and  falling  down  before  him,  she  candidly 
ing  down  before"  him,  she  told  him  all  the  truth  ;  [and]  declared  to  him  before  all  the  people,  without  any  reserve, /or 
dedareirun'to*him''^before"aii  '^"^"^  reason  she  had  thus  touclicd  him,  and  how  she  had  been  immediately  healed  by  fhat 
the  people,  for  what  cause  she  touch,  of  the  grievous  distemper  she  had  been  so  many  years  afflicted  with,  which  no 
shtwThelled'hnm'lte?;:  force  of  medicines  couW 

[Mark  v.  3:5.]  But  Jesus,  having  thus  turned  about  and  seen  her,  instead  of  reproving  her  with  the  seve-  matt. 

turned'hi'm  al"out,^nd  when  ''•ty  she  expected,  said  to  hcr,  in  a  most  gentle  and  condescending  manner.  Daughter,  take  IX. 
he  saw  her,  he  'said  [unto  courage,  and  be  comforted,  for  I  am  not  offended  with  thee  :  I  know  the  sincerity  of  thy 
comfor?rt^y faith L°h made. /«'''^/in  the  regard  which  thou  hast  shown  to  me,  though  mingled  with  some  infirmity; 
thee  whole;  [go  in  peace,  and 'and  it  has  made  ttice  well,  and  fitted  thee  for  a  cure  thou  couldst  not  otherwise  have  re- 
be  whole  ot  thy  plague.]  (^gjygjj  .  ^^^^  therefore  g(>  home  in  peace  and  cheerfulness ;  for  I  dismiss  thee  with  my 
blessing,  (see  note  1,  on  Luke  vii.  50.  p.  115.)  ajid  assure  thee  thou  shalt  continue  to  be 

b  Or  is  perhaps— even  now  dead.]  Tt  is  certain  from  Mark's  expression,  d  I  shall  he  recovered.']    It  is  in  the  original  aaOna-ouiai,  I  shall  he 

eo-xaTtor  exei.  which  is  literally  rendered,  j>m  Me /ff.f<Cjfre»«W,  as  well  saved:  and  there  are  many  other  places  in  -which  the  word  is  used  in 

as  from  the  message  relating  to  her  death,  which  both  he   and   Luke  the  same  sense  ;  as  to  be  sure  it  may  with  great  propriety  be  applied  to 

afterwards  mention,  that  the  young  ladv  ri'as  not  dead  when  her  father  a  rescue  from  any  imminent  danger  or  pressins  calamity,  especially  in 

came  out;  and  consequently  that  Matthew's  pljfase,  apri  eTcXewTijo-ei',  Cif  an  extraordinary  way.  Compare  Mark  v.  23.  vi.50.  Luke  viii.  36.  xvii. 

not  Luke's,  auni  aTreflutio-Kev,)  is  to  be  taken  m  this  extent.    She   had  19.  xviii.  42.  .lohnxi.  12.  and  Actsiv.  9. 

been  ffiven  over  when  her  father  left  her,  and  actually  was  dead  before  e  Of  that  distemper  with  which  she  had  been  chastised,  &c.]  This  bemg 

he  could  return  ;  and  he  might  therefore  when  he  applied  to  Christ  for  the  plain  meaning  of  ixa'^iio^  here,  I  did  not  think  it  necessary  to  render 

his  miraculous  assistance,  be  ready  to  fear  she  was  hy  this  time  dead,  and  it  plague  or  scourge,  as  I  have  done  in  some  other  plares. 

might  accordinirly  exfiress  himself  in  such  a  manner  as  to  intimate  his  f  To  show  that  it  had  not  escaped  his  notice.]     And  perhaps  also  to 

apprehension  of  it.     Nor  is  it  necessary  after  all,  that  we  should  under-  prevent  a  superstitious  regard  to  any  thing  which  might  look  like  a  relic 

stand  tlie  phrase  in  Matthew  as  implying  she  was  now  actually  dead ;  for  of  his.  and  from  which  weak  people  might,  without  any  warrant,  have 

opTi  does  not  only  sisnity  what  is  naro  come  to  pass,  but  what  isjiist  ot  expected  benefit. 

A««rf,  (as  may  be  seeu'in  Phavorinus,)  and  so  it  may  imply  no  more  than  g  All  denying  it.]  The  phrase  not  necessarily  implying  that  the  woman 

that  she  was  considered  as  just  dead,  and  that  there  was  no  hope  of  her  herself  denied  tt,  it  would  be  unjust  to  suppose  she  was  base  or  foolish 

recovery  but  by  a  miracle.  enough  immediately  to  deny  what  she  had  done  ;  especially  as  the  next 

c  Spent  all  that  she  had  upon  them-.]  The  ingenious  Dr.  Freind  imagines  moment  we  find  her  owning  it  at  large  with  all  possible  candour, 

that  he  discovers  something  remarkable  in  the  difference  of  those  seem-  h  Peter  and  his  disciples — said  unto  liim,  6ir.]    Our  English  word 

ingly  synonymous  terms  which  Mark  and  Luke  make  use  of  upon  this  Master,  winch  we  indifferently  apply  to  almost  an.v  man  to  whom  we 

occasion,  and  pleads  that  ^aTraviio-ana.  in  the  former,  signifies  to  sijuan-  speak,  whether  learned  or  unlearned,  and  which  modern  usage  '»  c°™- 

rf«ra»ax/;  whereas  Trpno-anaXajo-ao-a,  in  the  latter,  signifies  a  more  f^rarf'tff/  mon  converse    generally  appropriates  to  inferiors,  does  by  no  means 

conx7/»7p»'ore  of  her  stock,  by  taking  a  little  at  a  time  from  it.   (See  Dr.  answer  either  to   the   Greek  6,da<TKaXe,  which  signifies  J«ac/(«r,  ana 

Freind's  History  of  Physic,  p.  .37.)    But,  with  submission  to  so  great  a  would  be  most  literally  rendered  doctor,  (a  word  just  ot  tiie  same  im- 

name,  I  am  not  satisfied  of  the  justice  of  the  remark,  since,  on  the  one  port  in  its  original  language,)  or  to  ewicnaTa,  the  word  here  "*^!'' ""'^" 

hand,  6airavoi,a  is  used  in  a  better  sense.  2  Cor.  xii.  15.  (and  danaviu  in  denotes  at  least  a  presiding  authority.     I  have  theretore  nere  cnosen  lo 

Luke  xiv.  28.  is  the  necessaiy  expense  of  building,  as  a  prudent  man  render  it  *>;  and  should  think  ^ihaaKoKc  might  as  *^^  ' ,™  ,f^^"°l7° 

would  compute  it;)  and,  on  the  other  hand,  amXio-Kw  plainly  signifies  Rahhi,  as  by  any  other  word  I  can  reco Meet.     It  l^  no  wmiaer  tnai  mies 

to  destroy  or  consume,  however  that  destruction  or  consumption  be  ac-  of  honour  and  respect  cannot  be  perfectly  translatearromoueiaii^ua^e 

complished.   (See  Luke  ix.  54.  and  2  Thess.  ii.  8.)    Nor  does  it  seem  into  another,  considering  the  diversity  of  ranks  ana  or  ceremonies  m 

altogether  certain,  that  a  tenderness  ia  speaking  of  others  of  the  faculty ,  different  nations. 
is  an.v  sure  diagnostic  of  a  physician's  v.ritings. 


jgg  THE  RAISING  OF  JAIRUS'  DAUGHTER. 

vnr    free  from  any  return  of  thy  distemper.    And  accordingly  the  woman  was  perfectly  well  from  And  the  woman  was  made 
72.     that  hour,  and  the  malady  never  returned  upon  her  as  long  as  she  lived.  "  ^^oie  from  that  hour.  [Mark 

. In  the  mean  time,  lohi/e  he  ivas  yet  speaking  to  the  woman,  [some]  messengers  came     Mark  v.  35.    while  he  yet 

MARK  from  [the  house  of]  Jairus,  the  ruler  of  the  synagogue,  whom  we  mentioned  above  :  and  they  ^Cfer'oflhfsynaTogul'sT,,,']'^'; 

V-      said  Unto  him,  Thy  daughter,  in  whose  behalf  thou  art  applying  to  Jesus,  is  now  actually  certain  which  said  [to  hiin,] 

^^  decwl,  and  consequently  beyond  the  reach  of  prayer  and  of  help  :  ivhy  therefore  rfos^  thou  troublesuhou  the  M^ster'^Sy 

trouble  the  great  Master  in  our  Israel  to  come  any  further?  Do  not  trouble  him'  to  come  further ?   [trouble  him  not.] 

into  the  house  of  mourning,  where  he  can  only  reriew  their  sorrows  by  the  lateness  of  his  '■'""'"^  ^"''  *'^-^ 

36  arrival  there.     But  as  soon  as  Jesus  heard  the  ivord  lohich  was  spoken  by  these  messengers,     3G  As  soon  as  Jesus  heard 

in  which  they  related  this  melancholy  news,  he  says  to  the  afflicted  ruler  of  the  synagogue,  f^tthZttt''th7fu\eT^of'tbt 

Be  not  discouraged  by  these  mournful  tidings ;  and,  notwithstanding  they  have  brought  synagogue,   Be  not  afraid. 

thee  such  a  sad  account,  be  not  afraid,  as  if  there  were  no  liope  ;  only  believe  in  the  divme  be  mad'i'wholerftLukelTii. 

power  and  goodness  operating  by  me,  and  I  will  answer  for  it,  that,  desperate  as  thy  5o.] 

daughter's  case  may  now  appear  to  a  human  eye,  she  shall  still  be  recovered. 

LUKE       Aiid  when  he  came  to  enter  into  the  rulers  house,  he  permitted  none  of  the  company  to     Luke  viii.  5X.    And  when 

VIII.    folloiv  him  in,  except  his  three  most  intimate  friends,  Peter,  and  James,  and  John,  the  jJouseThe  's"Iffered  no"'man 

^^' brother  of  James,  whom  he  was  pleased  to  distinguish  on  this,  as  he  did  afterwards  on  ^Iar'k,  to  follow  him,  save 

other  occasions  ;  and  these,  with  the  father  and  the  another  of  the  deceased  w'«^*'^  vvere  ^,|'''£;:ot,"e'}.  •[^■'"";,fp^^^ 

the  only  persons  whom  he  permitted  to  be  eye-witnesses  of  the  miracle  he  was  about  to  the  father  and  the  mother  of 

52  perform.    And,  as  she  was  an  only  daughter,  all  their  relations  and  friends  who  were  pre-  juark^ t-'.^'sT,' .-igj"*^""'  "*'  *"'' 

sent  wept  bitterly,  and  lamented  her :  and,  as  soon  as  Jesus  was  entered,  he  saiv  the  tumult,     52  And  all  wept  and  be- 

and  the  crowd  of  people  who  wept  and  cried  out  aloud -^  and  there  were  also  '^e  ^"^e  ^elif'*,l\'|'"iuf,fuiV''[;^,^d'^thg 

players,  as  usual  on  such  occasions,'    making  a  mournful  7ioise  with  their  musical  instru-  t'^op'*^]  f'^t  wept 'and  wailed 

MARK  ments,  to  soothe  the  grief  of  the  afflicted  family.     And  when  he  was  come  in  to  the  house,  miking  a  noise!]^  [M'att'.'Tx! 

V.      he  says  to  them,  Retire,  and  make  way  that  I  may  see  her ;  [atid]  do  not  weep  in  this  "^; /^'.j'' ''.  \^  ■'"•]. 

•^^  abandoned  and  inconsolable  manner:  for  ivhy  do  you  lament,  and  make  a  noise?  and  was^come  in,  he"saiTh^unto 

where  is  the  need  of  all  this  hurry  and  disturbance!     The  damsel,  whose  departure  you  so  *(!|'";'^^Vyf  f'vu'^!^'''.'i!'^'^,''",i!?' 

bitterly  bewail  as  if  her  loss  was  irretrievable,  is  not  finally  dead,  but  is  fallen  asleep  :  and  ado.'Vn d  weep  f^the''damsel  is 

if  you  have  a  little  patience  you  shall  see  her  awakened  ;  (by  which  he  intimated  tliat  this  P°*^f^'l'^|"'^M^P?,V\-  tM^"- 

40  death  should  be  but  like  a  transient  sleep  :  see  John  xi.  11,  13.  §  cxxxix.)  And  they,  not  ''40  Ancrthey"lauHiied  him 
understanding  his  true  meaning,  were  so  rude  that  they  derided  him,  as  if  the  assertion  had  sf,^™."'''i';'^,'jN'^'{5"?^^'u'''''u'' 
been  altogether  wild  and  ridiculous,  well  knoicing  that  she  ivas  really  and  certainly  dead,  had  put  ""tiie'm  all  out^,  he 
But  he,  too  wise  to  enter  into  a  clamorous  debate  with  them,  desired  them  to  withdraw ;  l^^^l^^^.  '^Jj?  th*'ri*amse"i'^  "'d 
and  tvhen  he  had  put  them,  all  out  of  the  way,  he  takes  the  father  and  mother  if  the  deceased  them  that  were  with  him,  and 
maiden,  and  those  three  disciples  that  were  with  him,  and  enters  in  to  the  chamber  xvhere  ly^"{fi'„'J^  T^fatt ^\x  ^o^^nf 

41  the  damsel  lay  dead.     And,  approaching  the  bed  on  which  the  corpse  was  laid  out,  he  took  Luke  viir.'53,'54.]' 

hold  of  her  hand :  a«rf,  to  express  his  power  over  death  itself,  culled,  with  a  loud  voice,  hand^"a1id*  called''*^'^sayinel 
saying  to  her,  (as  if  she  had  indeed  been  only  asleep,)  Talitha  cumi ;  which  Syriac  ex))res-  unto  her,  Talithacu'mi,whidi 

42  sion,  being  translated  into  our  language,  signifies.  Maiden,  (I  say  unto  thee,)  rise  up.  And  (i's''ay"mito'thee?)aris?'[Luke 
he  had  no  sooner  spoken  these  words,  hut  presently  her  spirit  came  back  again  to  animate  viii.  54.] 

the  body  which  it  had  deserted,  and  she  was  so  perfectly  recovered  that  she  arose  o"'^  her"si)'i'Ht''^ame*^aKai'^i^^'an^J 

43  ivalked ;  which  she  was  well  able  to  do,  for  she  was  tivelve  years  old.  And,  as  the  life  to  she]  aiose,  and  walked  ;  for 
which  she  was  restored  was  not  to  be  supported  by  a  continued  miracle,  but  must  have  j.elrs.^[Matt!  Iv!  25.*  Luke 
food  to  nourish  it  in  a  natural  way,  he  ordered  that  .something  should  be  given  her  to  eat ;  viii.  55.] 

which,  on  account  of  her  late  illness,  she  had  not  been  able  to  do  for  some  time.  that  ^omet'^hTng  '^"imlTld^'^be 

LUKE       And  her  parents,  and  they  [«//]  who  were  present,  were  exceedingly  astonished,  as  well  as  s'^en  her  to  eat.   [Luke  viii. 

VIII.    filled  with  joy  and  gratitude  :  but  [Jesus]  behaved  with  his  usual  modesty,™  and  strictly     Luke  viii.  56.     And   her 

^"  charged  them,  that  they  should  tell  no  man  the  particulars  of  what  was  done,  nor  make  it  parents  [and  they  all  were 

MATT,  their  business  to  blaze  "abroad  an  event  which  would  of  itself  become  more  public  than  he  toSn'Int  ij  butlie'chllg^i 

^^2fi  ^^"^'^  '^^"^^  desired.     And  indeed  it  soon  did  so;  for  such  numbers  knew  that  slie  was  'l"*"^,,  [s'rax'y]   that    they 

really  dead,  and  saw  her  alive  again,  that  the  fame  of  it,  as  of  a  most  illustrious  and  extra-  done.   [Mark  v!'42,\x]  ^** 

ordinary  miracle,  werit  abroad  into  all  that  country ;  and,  being  made  the  common  subject  ,  '^'a'*-  '''■"^.•(.'^"'i '•'^^^'""m 

of  discourse,  greatly  increased  the  reputation  he  had  before  acquired  by  so  long  a  series  of  timriand!"'  ^  ^°^    '"     ^ 

wonders  that  he  had  wrought  among  them.  „.  .  „  ,  ,..,„„  ,  „,„  j^„„t 

oT         /I     7  T  7  /•  ,;  n    ^  i     >     i  ii-     .  11.      27  And  wheD  .lesus  depart- 

■ii      Jina  as  Jesus  passed  on  from  thence  out  oi  the  rulers  house,  tivo  blind  men,  who  had  ed  thence,  two  blind  men 

heard  of  his  being  there,  and  waited  for  his  coming  out,  followed  him,  as  he  went  through  say^nT  mJrson''of"!3avid! 

the  street,  crying  out,  with  great  importunity,  and  saying,  O  thou  Son  of  David,  have  com-  have  niercy  on  us. 

passion  upo?i'us  m  the  miserable  darkness  that  distresses  us,  and  restore^  to  us  tliat  precious  info  th "house?the  bUnd'^men 

28  sight  which  we  have  lost.  And  he  took  no  notice  of  them  as  he  walked  on  ;  but  vjhen  he  came  to  him  :  and  .lesussaith 
was  come  into  the  house  to  which  he  was  going,  the  two  blind  men,  by  his  permission,  came  am ableiorio th'fs'?'''fhey's''aid 
unto  him  :  and  Jesus  sai/s  to  them,  Do  you  indeed  seriously  believe  that  I  am  able  to  do  unto  him.  Yea,  Lord. 

29  thisl  They  say  unto  him,  Yes,  Lord,  we  have  not  the  least  doubt  of  it.  Then  he  touched  ey"el'^2;y'in^'!"Acrord'in!J''to 
their  eyes,  and  said,  Since  you  have  that  persuasion,  be  it  unto  you  accoi-ding  to  the  sincerity  >'<"i'''  faith  be' it  unto  you". 

30  of,yowr/«;M.^nfZ  immediately  they  both  found  that  their  eyes  ivere  opeiml,  and  they  saw  opTnedf  and'i'esur'lfrritry 
strongly  and  distinctly.     And  Jesus  gave  them  a  st)'ict  charire  that  they  should  not  report  it  charged  them,  saying.  See 

31  publicly  abroad,  and  should  tell  no  }nan"  of  the  cure  they  h\d  received.     But  they  were  so  ""ti  BuTIhe"?' w'hen  they 

a!  If^Sf<''i'Jrt.V'"^^'"  '''"  -"^"^f.^/  any  further?   Bo  not  trouble  him.-]  musical  instruments  were  used  by  the  Jews  as  well  as  the  heathens  in 

MLuifL  if.  ,.?J    ^u'  one  ™i?ht  say.  Why  dost  thou  trouble  him?  as  their  lamentations  for  the  dead,  to  soothe  the  melancholy  of  surviving 

;!»  m„n^?«,;  '^f  K  .K  .       »'L*'  ■          '  ^''  ""'  '™"*(«  him.    I  am  sensible  friends  by  soft  and  solemn  notes.    There  were  persons  who  made  it  their 

irmTh*  hJ^^.h          together  IS  no  ornament  to  the  story  :  and  perhaps  busmess  to  perform  this  ortice,  and  to  sing  to  their  music.    (See  Jer.  ix. 

iv^r£„H  h,f  c     "       agreeable  to  our  taste  and  manner,  had  both  been  17.  xlviii.  .36.  2  Chron.  xxxv.  25.  and  the  notes  of  Urusius  and  Wolfius 

«^F^f  A^,,.  J-  ?^  ?^'  ^f^^f-a^lf  '■«""'.  ^'/'o  «'<;«W  have  persuaded  Inm  on  this  place.)    Many  have  observed,  that  flutes  were  used  especially 

wm-i    tn  ^ifl  fhir      f        *        '^  "^  coming.    But  I  endeavour,  in  this  on  the  death  of  children,  and  larger  and  louder  instruments  on  the  death 

woik,  to  give  the  render  as  exact  a  view  as   possible  of  the  (very  con-  of  an  adult 

!nH  ?f  Ji'rlr.'c   'f^  '^'i    ^^    "^J'  <''S'^'''^"t  evangelists  record  the  same  facts ;  m  VV  ith  his  usual  modesty.]    It  is  well  worth  the  reader's  observation. 

^^iLc^f-S,!      ™  considerable  enough    to  excuse  some  little  inele-  with  what  perfect  decorum  our  Lord  conducted  himself  on  this  occasion 

fpnTn-  il/^f  '^^'«='?'J^  execution  of  such  a  design  must  occasion.  This  and  how  entirely  he  appears  master  of  himself,  and  superior  to  any 

k  ^,w  Z^    /  ^5  i     1    i'"f  "^'  P''?'^<^'''"g  and  following  passages.  views  of  human  applause.     Dr.  Lardner  has  illustrated  this  with  a  just 

whJ.T,    f1„H      1         -^    ^Jftx  ''^''^"""  'i""'',?'?  "XaXafovTar,  howling;  and  lively  spirit  of  criticism.  See  his  .J«.m'«/- <»  Woohton ,  v  ■  ^ . 

f^  h» U  M     !^  f"^     /2^  that  the  original  wi  1  bear   yet  it  is  not  always  n  Jesus  gate  them  a  strict  charge,  that  they  slwuld  tell  Iw  man.]    Our 

X^.J°  f^anslated.   (See  1  Cor.  xiii.  1.  Gr.)    And  as  the  word  howling  version  is  more  literal,  but  the  sense  is  perfectly  the  .same.    I  intended 


CHRIST  RENEWS  HIS  VISIT  TO  NAZARETH.  137 

were  departed,  spread  abroad  transported  at  what  he  had  done  for  them,  that  when  thei/  were  gone  out,  theij  were  not  able  SECT, 

his  fame  in  all  that  country,  to  refrain  from  pubUshing  the  miracle,  but  immediately  began  to  spi-ead  /lis  fame  over  all  ^'i. 

that  countrif.  ■ 

32  As  they  went  out,  be-      And  when  he  had  thus  cured  the  two  blind  men  just  as  thei/  went  out  of  the  house  matt. 
lioul,  they  brought  to  him  a  -where  Jesus  was,  hehold,  thei/  brought  to  him  a  dumb  person,  who  had  been  for  some  time  ^-'^• 
dumb  man  possessed  with  a  ^gpj.jygj  ^f  j^-g  gpegch  by  being  possessed  with  a  demon.    And  when  by  the  victorious  word  33 

33  And  when  the  devil  was  gf  Jesus  the  demon  was  expelled,  the  man  who  had  so  long  been  dumb  spake  readily  and 

cast  out,  tlie  dumb  spake :  and    ,.     .        ,  ,     ,  i,-   '   i  ±      •  i     i  ■  Tu  •     "V         7 

the    multitudes    marvelled,  distmctly ;  and  the  multitudes  were  astonished,  sai/ing,  it  was  never  seen  so,  even  in  Israel 

sny\ns.  It  was  never  so  seen  i^ggif^o  though  it  be  a  people  among  whom  Cod'  has  wrought  such  unparalleled  wonders. 

'"3411111  the  Pharisees  said.  But  the  Pharisees  continued  their  senseless  and  blasphemous  charge  against  him  as  a  34 

Se  *^rfnc*of'the*devils'™"°'''  magician  ;  and,  not  being  able  to  deny  facts  that  were  so  notorious,  in  order  to  prevent  the 

e  prmce  o     e   evi  s.  gffect  which  they  might  have  upon  the  people,  they  said.  He  certainly  casts  out  these  inferior 

demons  by  a  wicked  confederacy  with  Beelzebub  himself,  the  prince  of  the  demons,^  whose 

interest  gains  far  more  than  it  loses  by  dispossessions  wrought  by  such  a  hand. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

We  have  here  a  scene  of  complicated  wonders  worthy  to  be  had  in  everlasting  remembrance.  Any  single  story 
of  this  kind  might  justly  move  our  admiration ;  but  when  we  are  reading  the  life  of  Christ,  such  a  constellation  of 
miracles  rises,  that  the  number  renders  us  less  sensible  of  the  lustre  and  glory  of  each. 

We  may  observe  in  the  story  of  the  distempered  woman  a  mixture  of  weakness  and  of  faith.     She  could  not  mark 
reasonably  think  to  steal  a  cure,  without  the  knowledge  of  him  by  whom  it  was  wrought;  or  imagine  a  charm  in    v.  e5, 
the  garment  that  Christ  wore,  which  could  produce  so  glorious  an  effect,  independent  on  his  agency  and  will.     Yet  ^'  ^''?- 
she  acted  as  if  she  had  thouglit  thus ;  and  a  compassionate  Redeemer  commended  her  faith,  and  excused  her  28 
infirmity.     Such  candour  should  we  exercise  towards  those  in  whom   we   find  any  thing  truly  valuable ;  not  34 
despising  the  day  of  small  things,  but  ready  to  encourage  and  support  the  weak,  and  to  commend  whatever  good 
we  may  discover  in  them. 

We  have  already  beheld  Christ  frequently  giving  sight  to  the  blind,  and  casting  out  evil  spirits :  but  we  have  luke 
here  a  second  instance  of  his  power  over  death,  and  behold  one  under  its  dominion  hearing  the  voice  of  the  Son  viii.51 
of  God  !    In  how  majestic,  and  yet  in  how  gentle,  a  manner,  does  he  address  himself  to  this  admirable  work !  ^^  ^^1- 
Damsel,  I  sai/  unto  thee.  Arise.    And  immediately  she  heard  and  obeyed.     I'hus  shall  he,  with  equal  ease,  call  54 
forth  myriads"  of  his  saints,  wlio  now  seem  perished  in  the  dust :  and  it  may  be  said  with  regard  to  them  also,  in  52 
reference  to  that  day.  They  are  not  dead,  but  sleep.     The  maiden,  of  whom  we  here  read,  arose  only  to  a  dying  55 
life  ;  a  life  which  needed  the  support  of  food,  and  was  in  no  respect  more  noble,  or  more  secure,  than  that  of  other 
mortals  :  but  we  look  for  a  better  resurrection,  in  which  all  the  infirmities  of  the  body  shall  be  left  behind  in  the 
grave :  and  there  shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sorrow  nor  cryings.  (Rev.  xxi.  4.) 

In  expectation  of  this,  let  us  restrain  immoderate  sorrow  when  our  pious  friends  are  taken  away :  let  us  not  make  mark 
too  much  ado  on  the  occasion,  nor  allow  ourselves  to  be  thrown  into  a  tumult  of  passion,  even  when  our  children      V. 
are  stretched  on  the  bed  of  death ;  but  believing  in  Christ,  and  governing  ourselves  by  his  precepts  and  maxims,  39 
let  us  in  humble  resignation,  and  submissive  though  mournful  silence,  wait  the  issues  of  his  jirovidence  and  grace  ;  36 
since  he  knows  how~  as  in  this  instance,  to  overrule  the  calamities  of  our  families  to  the  good  of  our  souls,  and 
even  to  strengthen  our  faith  by  those  exercises  which  might  seem  most  likely  to  overthrow  it. 


SECTION  LXXIII. 


Christ  renews  his  visit  to  Nazareth,  where  he  is  again  rejected  by  the  mhabitants  ;  and  thence  takes  a  circuit  through  the  neighbouring  country. 
Matt.  xiii.  54,  to  the  end;  i.\.  35,  to  the  end;  Mark  vi.  1 — 6. 

MAKKvi.  1.  Mark  vi.  1. 

AND  he    went   out  from  AND  Jesus,  when  he  went  out  from  thence,^  and  was  departed  from  Capernaum,  where  SECT. 
counTry!"lS"1.is"%i'scipre"s  ^6  had  raised  the  daughter  of  Jairus,  and  performed  the  other  miracles  which  have  just     73. 

follow  him.   [Matt.  xiii.  54.]  been  mentioned,  came  again  into  his  own  country  and  town  of  Nazareth,  and  tliere  renewed ■ 

the  gracious  proclamations  which  they  had  several  months  before  so  ungratefully  rejected ;  mark 

2  And   when  the    sabbath-  ««fV''i'^'f'^^^■i''^^?f"''^•'^''^""'^^  -        ,  ,       ,      ,.  ^^' 

day  was  come,  he  began  to  And  when  the  Sabbath  was  come,  he  began  to  teach  in  the  synagogue,  as  he  had  formerly  2 
many  "hearins^^Sr  w'ere  ^^one,  though  they  had  tlien  attempted  in  a  tumultuous  manner  to  destroy  him  on  the  same 
astonished,  saying,  From  occasion.  (Sect,  xxxii.  p.  69.)  And  many  of  his  townsmen,  hearing  him,  were  struck  with 
wisd'om,''and  ''tifese''*mighty  (i>>'a~ement,  and  Said,  as  several  had  done"  before,''  From  whence  hath  this  man,  whose  birth 
W9rksr]  and  what  wisdom  is  and  education  we  know,  this  wisdom  which  he  manifests  in  these  excellent  discourses,  and 
tha^'Tven  sucif'm/ghtv'woi^s  ^'^^  power  of  performing  these  mighty  works?  And  what  supernatural  ivisdom  is  this  which 
are  wrouijht  by  his  "hands?  is  given  to  him,  that  even  such  amazing  miracles  as  these  are  done  by  his  hands?   Is  not  this  3 

3^ls  not  this  the  carpenter?  -^Gsus  the  man  who  but  a  while  ago  wrought  among  us  as  a  carpenter,^  and  was  the  son  of 
[the  carpenter's  son  -  is  not  Joseph  the  carpenter?    And  is  not  his  mother,  who  is  called  Mary,  still  living?    And  fare 
his  brethjenTjames  ancf .loses,  ''<'']  our  neighbours,  James  and  Joses,  and  Simon  and  Judas,  whom  we  all  know  and  daily 
and    .Simon    and    Judas?]  converse  With,  his  brethren,  or  near  kinsmen?''    And  are  not  all  his  sisters,  or  kinswomen,  matt. 
'Matt.''  xiii.  56.   And    his  ^'^''^  ^t  Nazareth  ivith  ns?   From  whence  then  hath  this  man  all  these  extraordinary  things^  Jc^^^' 
wfti\%srw^h^  "°\h" ^^ri]  ^'^'^'^  furnish  him  for  this  illustrious  character  which  he  assumes,  superior  to  that  of  the 
this  man  all  these  things?  greatest  teachers  and  princes  of  our  nation  ?  And  they  ivere  offended  in  him,  and  stumbled  57 
'■'srAnd  they  were  offended  ^^  ^'^^  poverty  of  his  education  and  family ;  so  that  they  paid  very  little  regard  to  what  he 

in  him.  '[Mark  vi^^.]  ^"  *     preached. 

0  Jt  was  never  seen  to,  even  in  Israel  itself]    This  reflection  was  per-  fore,  they  are  different  visits ;  nor  is  there  any  difficulty  in  supposing, 

tectiy  just;  for  no  one  of  the  prophets,  that  we  read  of  in  the  Old  Testa-  that  some  now  present,  who  perhaps  had  not  heard  him  before,  might 

ment,  appears  to  have  wrought  so  many  beneficial  miracles  in  his  whole  repeat  so  natural  a  reflection  as  this.    Compare  Luke  iv.  22.  p.  69- 

iite,  as  our  Lord  did  in  this  one  afternoon.  c  Wrought  among  us  as  a  carpenter.']    The  .lews  tell  us,  lie  made  rales 

p  He  casts  out  demons  hy  the  prince  of  the  demons.']    Our  Lord  had  in  and  yokes.    Their  canons  required,  that  all   parents  should  teach  their 

an  unanswerable  manner  confuted  this  base  calumny  before.    (See  %  61.  children  some  trade  ;  and  probably  the  poverty  of  the  family  engaged 

p.  \\(\,  et  seq.')    Yet  they  had  the  assurance  to  advance  it  aaain,  without  Christ,  while  he  was  at  home   with  his  parents,  to  work  at  his.    See 

any  regard  to  that  confutation.    Such  were  the  infidels  of  those  days,  as  Grotius  on  Matt.  xiii.  55. 

well  as  ot  these.  d  //,-,,  brethren  or  near  kinsmen.]    V/hether  they  were  the  chddren  of 

A  And  he  went  oau  from  thence.']  These  words  of  Mark  do  plainly  show  .Joseph  by  a  former  marriage,  or  the  children  of  some  brother  or  sister 

that  this  visit  to  Nazareth  is  to  be  placed  here:  I  say,  to  Nazareth,  that  of  .loseph  or  Mary,  is  not  material.     Every  one  knows,  that  it  was  com- 

being  called  hts  mtn  country,  by  way  of  distinction  from  the  rest  of  mon  with  the  jews  to  use  the  name  of  brethren  in  a  larger  sense,  and 

tralilee.  and  particularly  from  Capernaum,  whence  he  now  went  out.  to  apply  it  to  cousins  and  near  kinsmen,  as  well  as  to  those  tliat  were 

''ee  Luke  IV.  .;{.  p.  69.  brethren  in  the  proper  sense  of  the  word. 

■     ^'l^J""''  aj  several  had  done  before.]    Luke  plainly  asserts  that  e   Whence  hath  this  man  all  these  extraordinary  things?]    I  his,   like 

visit  to  Nazareth,  which  he  mentions,  to  have  been  before  many  occur-  many  other  things  which  have  since  been  objected  against  the  gospel  ot 

rences  which  Mark  tells  us  happened  before  this.   It  is  evident  there-  Christ,  is  as  much  the  language  of  stupidity  as  ot  infidelity  ;  tor  the 


^33  CHRIST  RENEWS  HIS  VISIT  TO  NAZARETH. 

Y-T       But  Jesus  said  unto  them,  This  is  indeed  a  most  unreasonable  treatment  that  I  meet  with     Mark  vi.  4.  But  Jesus  said 
'73.  ■  from  vou:  but  it  is  obvious,  even  to  a  proverb,  That  a  prophet  is  nowhere  less  esteemed  ^fJou'tTo.ourtf  in  hi* 

. ffjfifi  [11  his  oivn  country,  umons,  his  nearest  7'elations,  even  m  his  oivn  Jami/j/ ;'  who  form  own  counUy,  aud  among  his 

MARK  their  judgment  of  him'by  the  mean  appearance  which  they  remember  he  made  formerly  in  house.'''°Ma"t^xiU.  57!]  ""^ 
^^-     private  life,  and  are  regardless  therefore  of  the  excellence  of  his  doctrine,  and  of  the 
^  plainest  evidences  of  his"  divine  authority  and  mission. 

And  this  was  verified  in  their  conduct  to  him  :  for  notwithstanding  all  that  he  had  done  5  And  he  could  there  do  no 
in  other  places,  they  were  so  strongly  prejudiced  against  him  by  the  meanness  of  his  out-  i^ll"^  hinds  upora  few  sick 
ward  circumstances,  that  they  were  openly  regardless  of  the  favour  of  his  presence,  and  folk,  and  healed  i/tem ,-  [hit 
would  not  come  to  him  for  help  ;  for  which  reason  he  could  not  there  have  any  opportunity  becaSse'  "f%iei'r''^^uubelie'f J 
to  exercise  his  power,  or  to  du  any  miracle  of  note,s  excepting  only  that  he  laid  his  hands  [Matt.  xiii.  58.] 
vpon  a  few  sick  people,  and  cured  them  ;  Ibut]  he  did  not  perform  many  mighty  works  among 
fiihpm   iin  arrount  of  their  unbelief.    And  he  wonde?-ed  at  the  continuance  of  their  infidelity,     6  And  he  marvelled  be- 

\f  Liiv^iiL^  wt/  iM-ui.".*'"''  ^f  '      t  1-    •  1         -1  I  11  1      /•  1  ■       1  •    •  '       ransf*  ot  their  imnclipj 

especially  considering  the  many  additional  evidences  they  had  received  of  his  divine  power 

in  his  late  signal  operations. 

MATT.       And  upon" this  Jesus  left  them,''  and  departing  from  Nazareth,  went  round  about  to  all     Matt.  ix.  *?5.   And  .Tesus 

IX.     the  neighbourins  cities  and  villages,  teaching  in  their  synagogues,  and  preaching  the  good  dfi^sand""illlges?teachingin 

"^^  neivs  of  the  kingdom  which  God  was  about  to  erect ;  a7id  wherever  he  came,  he  gave  abun-  theirsynaffOKKes.and  preach- 

dant  testimonials  of  the  truth  of  iiis  doctrine,  by  heeding  every  disease,  and  every  malady  'Z\  hel?fng  every  sicLeS; 

36  among  the  people.  And  beholding  the  multitudes  which  flocked  around  him,  he  was  moved  a^d  le^^Marifvi  Ti°"^  *''^ 
with  tender  compassion  for  them,  because  they  ivere  faint  with  the  fatigue  of  frequent  jour-  '"s^e' But  when  "he  saw  the 
neving-s   and  exposed  to  continual  danger,'  as  sheep  that  had  no  shepherd  to  feed  them  with  muititLuies.  he   was  moved 

ucyiugs,  """    C.1/JI/31U        ,    „        ,  r  1      T12    \.  f  »u    •  1         '^TL  1       •    »      J    J   '*^'ith    compassion    on    them, 

37  spiritual  food,  or  to  watch  for  the  safety  and  edification  of  their  souls.  1  hen,  as  fie  intended  because  they  fainted,  and 
immediately  after  this  to  send  out  his  twelve  apostles,  he  says  to  them  and  his  other  J^^re  ,s^c^^tered  ^aUroad^  as 
disciples,  to  quicken  their  devotion  and  zeal.   The  harvest  of  souls  to  be  gathered  in   is     37  Then  saith  he  unto 'his 

38  indeed  great,  but  the  faithful  labourers  who  assist  in  it  arefeic:  And  therefore  \et  me  urge  ^irn'fe'o',^;;'t^tl,7ll,oJr^e;s 
you  to  mcd<e  your  importunate  supplications  to  the  great  JAtrd  and  JNlaster  of  the  harvest,  are  tew. 

that  he  would,  by  the  secret  but  powerful  energy  of  his  Spirit  on  men's  hearts,  conquer  Lo?d^?ti,e^'harvls7,'^ti"ilt*hl 
their  natural  disinclination  to  this  excellent  work,  and  so  thrust  forth  a  sufficient  number  will  send  forth  labourers  into 
of  active  and  indefatigable  labourers  into  his  harvest,^  by  whom  it  may  successfully  be  l"^  harvest, 
carried  on,  to  his  own  greater  glory,  and  the  edification  and  salvation  of  souls. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

MARK      Since  the  blessed  Jesus  vouchsafed  to  renew  his  visit  to  Nazareth,  where  they  had  attempted  to  murder  him  on 
■VI-     his  first  preaching  among  them,  let  us  not  be  weary  of  well-doing,  nor  refuse  to  renew  our  attempts  on  the  most 
obstinate  sinners,  v/here  the  interests  of  their  immortal  souls  are  concerned. 

2  But  though  they  were  astonished  at  his  wisdom,  and  could  not  but  allow  the  mighty  works  that  he  had  wrought, 
yet  these  ungrateful  creatures  went  on  to  reject  him,  and  in  so  doing  were  condemned  out  of  their  own  mouth  :  nor 
can  we  be  at  any  loss  for  instances  of  tliose  who  in  later  ages  have  fallen  under  the  like  condemnation. 

3  He  is  spoken  of  as  the  carpenter ;  which  intimates  that  he  once  wrought  at  that  mean  employment.  What 
amazing  condescension  vms  this  in  the  Son  of  God,  and  the  Heir  of  all  things,  byivhom  also  theivorlds  were  made! 
(Heb.  '\.  2.)  Yet  surely  while  the  hands  of  Christ  were  employed  'in  these  daily  labours,  his  soul  was  rising  in 
holy  contemplations  aiid  devout  affections.  So  may  we  intermingle  pious  meditations  with  our  secular  cares,  and 
have  our  conversation  in  heaven,  while  our  dwelling  is  on  earth. 

5      How  much  did  these  Nazarenes  lose  by  their  obstinate  prejudices  against  Jesus !     How  many  diseased  bodies 
might  have  been  cured,  how  many  lost  souls  might  have  been  recovered  and  saved,  had  they  given  him  a  better  re- 
ception !    May  divine  grace  deliver  us  from  that  unbelief  which  does  as  it  were  disarm  Christ  himself,  and  render 
him  a  savour  of  death,  rather  than  of  life,  to  our  souls  ! 
MATT.      Still  he  continued  his  gracious  labours,  and,  when  rejected  in  one  city,  went  and  preached  in  another ;  still 
IX,  35.  surrounded  with  a  crowd  of  admirers  whom  he  viewed  with  tender  regard.     Let  his  ministers  learn  of  him  ten- 
36,  37  derly  to  pity  those  who  are  faint  and  exposed  to  danger,  and  are  as  sheep  having  no  shepherd.    The  extreme  ne- 
cessities of  his  churches  in  many  places  are  but  too  apparent :  let  us  earnestly  pray,  that  God  would  behold  them 
with  compassion ;  that  he  would  graciously  provide  for  their  instruction,  and  would  thrust  forth  such  labourers 
38  among  them  as  may  be  diligent  and  faithful  in  their  work,  and  prove  the  happy  instruments  of  gathering  in  fruit 
to  everlasting  life.  (John  iv.  36.) 

SECTION  LXXIV, 

Our  Lord  sends  forth  his  apostles  with  a  commission,  and  gives  them   instructions  to  preach  the  gospel.    Matt.   x.  1 — 15.    Mark  vi.  7 — 11. 

Luke  ix.  1—5. 

74.  Matt.  X.  1.  Matt.  x.i. 

AND  ^e?,\x%  having  called  his  twelve  disciples  together,^ -whom  iithasheanohservedihefore,  AND  when  he  had  called 

MATT.  Luke  vi.  13.  p.  103.)  he  had  chosen  some  time  since  to  be  his  constant  followers  and  Ll's^uvlive^dlscipilsl'he'' gav" 
X.      attendants,  and  who  were  named  apostles  from  their  mission  ;  he  endowed  them  with  the 

meanness  of  Christ's  education  was  a  demonstration  that  his  teaching  in  with  honour  and  decency,  have  lavished  away  his  favours  on  so  un- 

so  excellent  a  manner  must  be  the  effect  of  some  extraordinary  divine  worthy  a  people. 

influence  on  his  mind.  h  .Tesvs  left  them.]   So  far  as  we  can  le.-.rn  from  the  gospel-history,  be 

f  A  prophet  is  no  where  less  esteemed,  Ssc.']    This  is  plainly  the  sense  of  never  after  this  returned  any  more  to  Nazareth. 

the  words,  (though  our  translation  is  more  literal,)  for  a  prophet  may  i  Faint  and  espnsed.']    'I'hough  the  learned   Eisner  has  taken  a  great 

be.  and  otten  is,  affronted  at  a  distance  from  home  ;  as  Christ  himself  deal  of  pains  to  prove,  in  his  note  on  this  text,  (Uiserv.  vol.  i.  p.  49,  50.) 

found  by  frequent  experience.    (Compare  .lohn  iv.  44.  p.  fi?.  and  Luke  that  eaXeXvuevoi  signifies  scattered,  or  wanderina,  yet  I  still  choose  to 

IV.  24.  p.  69.) — .1  have  rendered  the  last  words  xai  cv  rn  otKia  avTh:,  even  render  it,  thep  were  faint  ;  which  sense  of  the  word  is  sufficiently  vindi- 

JM  Aw  oa7iyawz/3';  as  Kai  often  has  such  a  signification,  and  here  seems  cated   by   Wolfius.  (in  /oc.)  and   Albert,  (.Observ.   p.   76,  77.)  and  is 

most  forcible  it  it  be  so  interpreted.  established    by  the  use  of  it  in  other  places  of  the  New  Testament. 

g   He  could  not  there  do  any  mtrack.']    We  are  not  to  understand  these  Compare  Matt.  xv.  3'.'.  Mark  viii.  3.  Gal.  vi.  9.  and  Heb.  xii.   3,  5.— 

words  so  strictly,  as  it  the  power  of  Christ  was  here  disarmed,  but  only.  But   I   think  Eisner  has  advanced  enough  to  justify  the  rendering  of 

as  they  brought  few  sick  people  to  him  tor  a  cure,  he  did  not  judge  it  fopiMuerai,  exposed  to  every  invading  danger,  as  sheep  are,  when  thrown 

convenient  to  obtrude  his  miracles  upon  them,  and  so  could  not  honour-  up  or  abandoned  by  their  shepherd. 

ably  and  properly  perform  them.  On  the  same  principle  it  is,  that  faith  k  Thrust  forth  labourers  into  his  harvest .1  The  word  6K/3aXnso  plainly 
in  some  cases,  though  not  in  all,  is  made  the  condition  of  receiving  a  imports  this,  thnt  I  am  soriy  I  retained  our  less  emphatlcal  translation 
cure;  (compare  Mark  ix.  23.  Matt.  ix.  28.  and  Acts  xiv.  9.)  and  Christ  in  the  first  edition.  Whoever  considers  the  immense  difficulties  and 
saw  it  proper  to  make  it  so  here  ;  as  he  well  might,  considering  what  oppositions  with  which  everj-  minister  of  Christ's  kingdom  was  sure  to 
they  must  undoubtedly  have  heard  of  him  from  other  places,  and  what  encounter  in  those  early  days  of  it,  will  see  the  necessity  of  some  un- 
they  had  confessed  themselves  but  just  before,  of  mighty  works  being  usual  energy  and  impulse  on  the  mind  to  lead  anv  to  undertake  it. 
wrought  by  his  hands:  which  shows  indeed  that  their  unbelief  did  not  a  Having  called  his  twelve  disciples  logcther.']  There  can  be  no  room 
so  much  consist  in  a  doubt  of  his  miraculous  power,  as  of  his  divine  to  doubt  that  this  is  the  proper  place  of  the  mission  of  the  apostles,  con- 
mission,  which,  to  any  unprejudiced  person's  mind,  that  power  so  abun-  sidering  its  connexion  with  the  preceding  stories  iii  all  the  evangelists 
dantly  proved,    in  this  view  therefore,  it  is  hard  to  say  how  he  could,  that  mention  it. 


TIIE  MISSION  OF  THE  TWELVE  APOSTLES.  139 

them    power   [Luke,    and  gift  of  working  miracles,  and  gave  them  poiver  and  authoriti/  over  all  kinds  of  demons  [or]  SECT, 
authority  over  all  dev'iis,  oi^  unclean  Spirits,  to  cast  them  out  of  those  unhappy  persons  whoin  they  had  possessed,  ana     74. 

ou^'!iI!d't''o"heai*aif  mannl^  to  Cure  even/  distemper,  and  every  malady,  how  mahgnant  and  dangerous  soever.  

of  sickness,  and  all  manner  of      ]<[ow  the  names  oj  the  twelve  apostles  are  these  :   The  Jirst  of  them,  who  was  one  of  the  matt. 
disease.  [Mark  v,.  7-  Luke  ^^^^  ^^^^^  followers  of  Christ,  and  the  first  that  was  called  to  a  stated  attendance  upon  „  ■^• 

is  Now  the  names  of  the  [^[^^  (^  7I  ■)  ^jjfj  whose  remarkable  zeal  and  piety  rendered  him  a  kind  of  leader  among 
The  hist?  sTmoM,  who  il  call-  them,  was  Simon,  who  is  also  called  Peter,^  as  Christ  had  honoured  him  with  that  sur- 
ed  Peter,  and  Andrew  his  j^^^jj^g .  /ggg  John  i.  42.  p.  51.)  a7id  Andrew  his  brother,  who  was  called  the  same  day 
zebedei.  and"1ohn  hrbro-  with  him:  James,  [the  son]  of  Zebedee  the  fisherman,  and  John  his  brother,  that  beloved 
ther;  disciple ;  who  were  also  called  at  the  same  time  with  the  two  former,  as  they  were  fishmg 

3 Philip, and  Bartholomew;  at  the  sca  of  Galilee,  (p.  71.)    Philip  of  Bethsaida,  and  Bartholonmv :   Thomas  called  3 
Thomas,  and  Matthew  the  Didymus  ;  and  Matthew,  who  had  been  the  publican  :  James  [the  son]  of  Alpheus ;  and 
S.ipheus.'and^Llbbeu's,  whose  Lebbeus,  whose  Surname  was   Thaddeus,  and  who  was  also  called  Judas  or  Jude,  the  bro- 
surname  was  Thaddeus ;        ^^^j.  ^f  james  :  Simon  the  Caiutanite,  a  native  of  Cana  ;«  and  Judas  Iscuriot,  or  a  man  of  4 
.iud^'"iscariot;who''"allo  be-  Carioth,  that  wicked  and  miserable  creature,  who  after\vards  even  betrayed  him,  and  then 
trayed  him.  jg^j^j  violent  hands  on  himself. 

5  These  twelve  Jesus  sent       These  twelve  disciples  Jesus  sent  forth  by  two  and  two  m  pairs,*  that  they  miglU  be  5 
*^°mmin^ed"them'lLuKE'"to  agreeable  companions  and  assistants  to  each  other  in  their  work  ;  and  he  commanded  them 
pTa'chX  kin^gliomofGod!  togo  into  those  placcs  which  he  himself  purposed  shortly  to  visit ;«  and  to  preach  there 
Go'*not''in'to'\'i,l't'aVo^'?h'e  the  ^ospcl  of  the  kingdom  of  God,  or  to  proclaim  the  joyful  tidings  of  the  approaclnng 
Gentiles,  and  into  ani/  city  of  kingdom  of  the  Mcssiah  ;  and  in  confirmation  of  it,  to  heal  the  sick,  and  exert  the  other 
TMarkT?'' LukeYx^'"  r''  miraculous  powers  which  he  had  given  them.    And  upon  this  occasion  he  made  an  ex- 
cellent discourse  to  them,  saying.  In  this  circuit  which  I  now  send  you,  do  not  go  into 
the  way  of  the  Gentiles ;  for  the  glad  tidings  of  the  gospel  are  not  yet  sent  to  them ;  nor 
enter  into  [any]  city  of  the  Samaritans,  if  you  should  be  obliged  to  pass  through  their 
country ;  though  I  once  did  it,  and  preached  among  them  with  considerable  success. 

6  But  go  rather  to  the  lost  (See  John  iv.  40,  41.  sect,  xxx.)     But  my  message  is  chiefly  to  be  delivered  to  the  Jevvs;  6 
sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel,    (compare  Matt.  XV.  24.  and  Rom.  XV.  8.)  and  therefore  go  ye  rather  to  them,  the  poor  lost 

sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel,  who  are  generally  wandering'in  the  paths  of  error  and  sin  ; 
yet  they  shall  receive  this  further  token  of  my  regard,  that  the  first  notices  of  my  kingdom 

7  And  as  ye  go,  preach,  shall  be  Sent  to  them.     And  as  ye  go  from  one  place  to  another,  wherever  you  come,  pro-  7 
ven'is'kt'^iiand'""'''""  °* '"'"  claim  this  good  news,  saying,  with  that  ardour  and  zeal  which  becomes  my  heralds,f    The 

long-expected  kingdom  of  heaven  is  approaching ;  prepare  yourselves  therefore  to  receive 

8  Heal  the  sick,  cleanse  the  the  blessings  of  it.     And  that  a  declaration  of  so  great  importance  may  not  want  suitable  8 
te'-'lrleiy  t'e^'^'havf  °re!  testimonials,  and  the  meanness  of  your  personal  appearance  may  not  render  the  truth  of  it 
ceived,'  freely  give.  suspected,  (as  any  proper  occasion  offers,)  heal  the  sick,  cleanse  the  lepers,  yea,  raise  the 

dead,?  and  cast  out  demons :  for  such  a  power  I  have  given  to  you,  and  see  that  you  exert 
it  in  a  manner  most  honourable  to  yourselves  and  me  ;  [and  as]  you  have  received  it  freely, 
freely  give  unto  others  the  assistance  which  it  enables  you  to  impart,  and  scorn  the  thought 
'of  nialcing  any  gain  of  those  for  whom  these  works  of  mercy  and  power  are  performed. 
Mark  vi.  8.  And  he  com-      And  he  commanded  them  that  they  should  take  nothing  for  [their]  journey,  except  only  a  mark 
mandedthem  thattheyshouid  ,^^^-  ^hich  they  had  in  their  hands:''  and,  to  prevent  any  solicitude  as  to  the  means  of     vi. 
srvla^staft  ont^:  [LuKE^and  their  Support,  he  said  unto  them,  Disburthen  yourselves  of  all  anxious  cares  on  this  occasion,  ° 
no  bre1id"no  nTne/^nTither  ^nd  provide  neither  bread,  or  any  other  kind  of  food,  for  your  subsistence,  7ior  mojiey  to 
gold,  nor  silver,  nor  brass  in  purchase  provisions  :  neither  gold,  nor  silver,  nor  brass  coin,  in  your  purses}    Nor  even  take   matt. 
iX  fx^T!  '^  ^'^''""  ''■  '*■  so  much  as  a  scrip  to  carry  any  manner  of  provisions  /b/-  [your]journey  ;  nor  think  it  need-      ■^■ 

Matt.  X.  10.  Nor  scrip  for  ful  you  should  have  two  couts  ci-picce,  or  any  change  of  raiment ;  nor  what  might  seem 
boat's  [i°t"'KTA-prece''fneith™  more  neccssary  still,  even  another  pair  of  shoes,  or  any  stronger  than  ordinary,  but  be  shod 
shoes,  [i)ut  be  shod  with  san-  just  as  you  are  with  sandals  ;^  nor  yet  take  any  staves,  but  only  those  that  you  are  used  to 
worklnan  ^if  wortly'  oT  hfs  walk  with.  For  the  labourer  is  surely  worthy  of  his  food :  and  as  you  may  freely  accept 
meat.  [Mark  vi.  9.  Luke  ix.  the  necessary  Supplies  of  life  when  offered  lay  those  to  whom  you  preach,  so  you  may 
^•'  cheerfully  trust  the  providence  of  God  to  take  care  of  you  while  engaged  in  so  good  a 

cause ;  and  he  would  rather  support  you  by  a  miracle,  than  suffer  you  to  want  what  shall 
11  And  [he said  untothem  1  ^^  necessary  for  your  sustenance.^ 
Into  whatsoever  city  or  town      And  he  further"  said  unto  them,  Go  forth  therefore  with  a  holy  alacrity ;  and  into  whatever  1 1 

b  Tie  first,  Simon  who  is  called  Peter.']    The  reasons  assigned  in  the  whilst  Christ  lived  ;  yet  since  the  oldest  versions  have  it,  and  it  is  cer- 

paraphrase  are   so  apparently  sufficient  to  account  for  Peter's  being  tainly  much  easier  to  drop  than  to  insert  a  clause  by  accident,  1  choose, 

named  first,  that  it  is  strange  any  should  have  attempted  to  prove  from  with  Dr.  Whitby,  to  retain  it,  though  there  are  great  authorities  on  the 

this  text  the  avthorily  of  Peter  over  his  brethren,  when  we  never  find  it  other  side.    It  is  to  me  very  evident,  that  some  passages  ni  this  discourse 

declared  by  Christ,  or  claimed  by  Peter,  or  owned  by  any  of  the  rest  of  refer  to  events  which  did  not  immediately  take  place,    bee  Matt.  x.  18, 

the  apostles,  but  rather  find  so  many  scriptures  which  appear  to  look  a  21,  23.  in  the  next  section.                    ,,.,,-,       j    ,    r,.,. 

contrary  way.    See  Matt,  xxiii.  8—12.  Acts  xv.  13,  et  seq.  2  Cor.  xii.  h  Eice<pt  only  a  staff,  which  they  had  m  their  hands.]    There  is  no 

n    and  Gal.  ii.  11.  difhculty  thus  to  reconcile  this  clause  with  what  is  said  in   Matthew, 

c  Simon  the  Can'aatiitc,  a  native  of  Cana.]    The  reader  may  see  an  (ver.  10.)  that  they  should  twt  provide  a  staff,  Cas  it  is  there  expressed  in 

illustration  of  this  title,  and  that  of   Lebbeus,  ^  52.  p.  103.  notes   f,  the  original,  ^n^e  pa/3.5oi',)  for  many  co;j!m  read  it  m  the  ptoa/wHrnAer, 

and  g  M>i5e  palibov;.  not  yet  staves  ;  which  reading  is  conhrmed   by  Luke, 

d  By  two  and  two.']    It  is  obvious  this  would  conduce  to  the  confirm-  (ver.  3.)  where  it  is  so  expressed.    Nor  is  there  any  need    we  should 

ing  of  their  testimony,  as  in  the  mouth  of  two  witnesses  every  word  is  suppose,  with  Ileinsius,  that  ti  is  put  tor  jTrei  here  m  Mark,  as  it  they 

esiahlished,  (Matt,  xviii.  16.)  as  well  as  make  their  mission  much  more  were  commanded  to  lake  nothing  with  them,  not  even  so  muc/i  as  a  staff. 

comfortable  than  if  each  had  been  sent  alone.    Mr.  Fleming  has  taken  For  all  that  Christ  intended  was,  that  they  should  so  entirely  depend 

pains  to  show,  that  there  was  great  wisdom  in  joining  them  together  in  upon  the  providence  of  God,  that  they  should  set  out  with  nothing  but 

such  pairs  as  are  here  intimated,  on  account  of  the  resemblance  or  con-  the  staff  in  their  hands  ;  and  that,  however  common  it  might  be  tor  those 

trast  of  their  characters.    'Jhe   discourse  is  very   ingenious;    but   the  who  were  to  travel  along  way  to  be  provided  with  two  staves  as  well  as 

memoirs  of  some  of  the  apostles  are  so  short,  that  much  of  it  is  uncertain  with  two  coats,  they  need  not  be  solicitous  to  have  another  ready  in  case 

conjecture,  rather  than  convincing  argument.    See  Fleming's  C7;rif/o/.  one  should  tail.            r^,          .  ■     ,          ,    ..                               .u          *„„ 

vol.  ii.  p.  167,6/  sei.  i  I"  your  purses.]    The  original  word,  {Mvai?,  expresses  the  custom 

e  Which  he  himself  purposed  shortly  to  visit.]    Our  Lord  was  now  they  had   of  carrying  money  in  a  kind  of  fob-pocket  or  purse,  which 

entering  at  least  on  the  third  year  of  his  ministry,  and  therefore  pur-  was  made  in  the  duplicature  of  their  girdles.    See  Dr.  Shaw  s  liaveis, 

posed  to  take  a  larger  tour  than  he  had  formerly  done ;  concluding,  that  p.  292.                                                       ,   -    ,            ,1.1             1  •      i 

the  tame  of  so  many  miracles  would  make  way  for  his  being  heard  with  k  Nor  shoes,  hut  he  shod  with  sandals.]    I  apprehend  the  wora  fjooj) 


leater  regard  than  before.     _ 
time  they  had  spent  with  him 


Compare  §  31.  p.  67.  and  §  ,36.  p.  75.    The    uara,  shoes,  must  here  signify  a  kind  of  short  hoots,  which  they  "sea  la 
n  in  an  immediate  attendance  on  his  minis-    long  journeys,  that  covered  the  whole  foot  and  small  ot  the  leg .  ;^"<=^"» 


ijyj  aiiice  iiieir  iirsi  can  TO  ine  worK,  wouia  no  aouoi  contiuce  mucii  lu  men  Aunuim  wcjc  j/icv.cs  ui   anvjn^  ic»tt»t,/ ,  v,i  u^...^,.,  ....--  ---    .            ,. 

t\\eiv  fitness  for  it;  and  the  notice  taken  of  them  by  multitudes  who  had  of  the  foot  by  strings,  and   something  resembling  ""'<!«''",f ',»'':    i^j 

often  seen  them  near  .lesus  would  promote  their  flfce;)«a?2fe  in  it.    See  Calmet's  Dictionary,   vol.   ii.    p.   615.    on   the  word   sanuals, 

Mark  iii.  13,  14.  p.  103.  Lightfoot's  Hor.  Heh.  on  Matt.  x.  10.             ,     „     ,  ^      r^rrl  intpndpH 

f  Proclaim— vi'iVn  that  ardour  and  zeal  which  becomes  my  heralds.]  1  He  would  rather  support  you  by  a  miracle,  &c.]  VINL  wnrk    and  if 

This  is  the  proper  import  of  the  word  Knuvaaerc,  which  is  derived  from  this  mission  in  part,  as  an  initiation  into  their  apofo' ^  vpmai'nrler  of 

(itipuf,  a  herald.    Probably  they  were  to  make  this  proclamation  with  a  was,  no  doubt,  an  encouragement  to  theni  during  all  me  iei.i<uii. 

loud  voice  as  they  passed  through  the  streets  of  the  towns  they  went  to ;  life,  to  recollect  the  singular  care  which  Providence  "»"'  took  or  inem. 

as  Jonah  delivered  his  message  to  Nineveh.    See  Jonah  iii.  4.  though  they  had  abandoned  their  fan?.'l'«^/'T.'"'^,,'"^f"  „  p„!^^^^^ 

g  Raise  the  dead.]    Though  many  ancient  copies  have  not  this  clause,  subsistence,  and  went  out  wholly  unturnished  tor  sucn  an  expeniiion. 

and  though  we  do  not  find  that  the  apostles  exerted  any  such  potaer  In  this  view  Christ  leads  them  to  recollect  it,  Luke  xxii.oj.  v  ^lo- 


^^Q  THE  MISSION  OF  THE  TWELVE  APOSTLES. 

SECT   city  or  village  you  enter,  make  it  your  first  business  to  inquire  who  in  it  is  of  a  worthy  ye  shall  enter,  inquire  whom 

74.  ■  character  for  hospitality  and  piety  ;  for  I  would  not  have  you  endanger  your  own  repuia-  '^h!,'soever''^hi.,se"\e^ente; 

tion,  by  taking  up  your  lodging  in  any  disreputable  family  :  and  ichutever  house  you  thus  into,]  there  abide,  [tin  ye  de- 

MATT.  enter  into,  continue  there  till  you  leave  the  place ;  that  you  may  not  seem  to  have  too  great  ?f  ij' Luketx'^ii'r'''    *^*'^ 

■^•.     a  regard  to  the  little  circumstances  of  domestic  accommodation,  which  it  is  beneath  your 
character  as  ray  ministers  to  be  very  solicitous  about. 

12  And,  as  an  early  intimation  of  the  friendly  intention  of  your  visit,  ivhen  you  first  enter  ic  And  nhcn  ye  come  into 
into  aru/  funiili/,  salute  it  in  a  courteous  and  religious  manner,  saying,  according  to  the  ^"  ^ouse,  salute  it ; 

usual  custom  of  friends  when  they  enter  the  dwellings  of  each  other,  "  Peace  be  upon  this 

13  house."™     And  if  the  family  be  worthy  the  divine  regard,  your  good  wishes  for  its  peace     13  And  if  the  house  be  wor- 
and  prosperity  shall  come  upm  it,""  and"  I  will  make  the  blessing  that  you  pronounce  effec-  ll'^-Ju1;n'Ve'n''o'«Zh3"Tt 
tual :  but  if  it  be  7iot  worthy,  even  then  your  kind  wishes  for  its  peace  and  happiness  shall  your  peace  return  to  you.' 
not  be  lost,  but  shall  return  unto  you  in  blessings  on  your  own  heads,  as  being  the  genuine 

workings  of  that  pious  and  benevolent  temper  which  (lod  always  approves  and  rewards. 

14  And  whosoever  shall  not  receive  you,  nor  in  an  obedient  manner  hearken  to  your  xvords ;  u  And  whosoever  shall 
as  for  such  unhappy  persons,  when  you  come  out  of  that  house  or  city  in  which  they  dwell,  "vOTd^rwhen"ye°de^part^'out 
shake  off  the  very  dust  of  your  feet  as  a  testimony  against  them,"  or  as  a  token  that  you  look  ofthat'houseorcit>'.  shake  off 
upon  them  as  devoted  'by  God  to  destruction,  anci  therefore  desire  to  separate  yourselves  'feet'i^forl' teYtmiony  aUTn"st 
entirely  from  them,  that  you  may  not  be  partakers  of  their  plagues.  (Compare  Rev.  xviii.  them.]  [Mark  vi.  ii.  Luke 
4.  and  Acts  xviii.  6.) 

15  And  indeed  you  have  reason  to  do  it ;  for  verily  I  say  unto  you,  Tliat  whatever  profes-  .  i5  Veriiy  i  say  unto  you, 
sion  they  may  make  of  their  regard  to  the  true  God,  and  however  they  may  continue  to  fhf  fand''ot"sodo?n''al|d''Go- 
boast  of  their  national  privileges,  it  shall  be  more  tolerable,  not  only  for  the  generality  of  morrha,  in  tiie  day  of  judg- 
Gentile  sinners  in  the  day  of  f[na.\  JMlgmenf,  but  even /(»r  the  natives  of  the  land  of  Sodom  ^j^fH],  v\'.'ii.]*°''  "'^'  "'^" 
and  Gomorrah,  those  monsters  of  unnatural  wickedness  who  were  consumed  with  fire  and 

brimstone  from  heaven,  than  for  the  inhabitants  of  that  wretched  city ;  for  the  people  of 
Sodom  and  Gomorrah  never  sinned  against  such  extraordinary  light,  and  such  singular 
favours,  as  they. 

IIMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  1      What  abundant  reason  is  tliere  for  humble  thankfulness,  that  the  ambassadors  of  Christ  were  thus  sent  forth  to 
preach  the  gospel,  and  that  at  length  their  number  was  increased,  and  their  commission  enlarged  :  so  that  instead 
5,  6  of  their  being  thus  confined  to  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel,  their  instructive  line  is  go}ie  out  throu"h  all  the 
earth,  and  their  ivords  have  resounded  even  to  the  end  of  the  world.  (Psal.  xix.  4.)  May  tlie  purport  of  their  mes- 
sage be  seriously  attended  to !  since  it  will  so  certainly  be  a  savour  of  life  or  of  death,  of  eternal  salvation  or 
aggravated  condemnation  and  ruin. 
15      Let  us  tremble  to  think  that  it  will  be  more  tolerable  for  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  in  the  day  of  judgment,  than 
for  those  by  whom  the  gospel  is  rejected  :  and  let  us  earnestly  pray  that  divine  grace  may  enable  us  to  receive  it 
in  the  love  of  it,  and  to  obey  the  truth  that  jcc  may  be  saved.  (2  Thess.  ii.  10.) 
They  who  have  the  honour  in  this  respect  to  succeed  the  apostles  as  ministers  of  this  gospel,  may  learn  most 
12, 13  useful  instnictions  from  this  discourse  of  our  divine  Master.     I,et  them  speak  and  act  as  the  messengers  of  peace, 
10  and  the  friends  of  mankind,  who  cordially  wish  well  to  all  around  them  ;  and  gratefully  acknowledge  the  kind- 
ness which,  as  faithful  labourers,  they  have  justly  deserved.     Let  them  show  a  true  greatness  of  mind,  in  an  appa- 
rent superiority  to  temporal  interests  and  present  gratifications  ;  easy  in  whatever  accommodations  they  find  where 
Providence  leads  them ;  and  forgetting  themselves  to  remember  their  Master,  and  the  souls  he  has  committed  to 
their  care. 

Let  them  faithfully  warn  all  around  them  of  the  importance  of  their  eternal  concerns,  and  of  the  unutterable 
9,  &c.  danger  of  receiving  the  grace  of  God  in  vain,  that,  whether  men  will  hear  or  forbear,  they  may  be  clean  from  their 
blood.  And,  while  we  preserve  such  a  temper  and  conduct,  we  may  cheerfully  hope,  that  God  will  be  with  us  in 
the  way  that  we  go,  and,  how  precarious  soever  our  circumstances  may  seem,  will  give  us  food  to  eat  and  raiment 
to  put  on.  May  we  all  have  this  token  for  good,  that  God  will  take  care  of  our  interests ;  even  the  consciousness 
of  our  being  faithfully  engaged  to  promote  his  glory,  and  our  joyful  readiness  to  spend  and  be  spent  for  the  service 
of  souls!  (2  Cor.  xii".  15.) 

SECTION  LXXV. 

Our  Lord  faithfully  warns  his  apostles  of  the  danger  and  opposition  they  might  expect  to  encounter  in  his  service.    M»tt.  x.  16 — C8. 

Matt.  x.  16.  ^j^„  ,  ,6 

SECT.  WHEN  our  Lord  had  thus  instructed  his  apostles  as  to  their  behaviour  and  office  in  behold,  1  send  you  forth 

75.  general,  he  went  on  faithfully  to  lay  before  them  the  difficulties  and  trials  they  were  to  ^olves'"*"beye  'therelhVrt'visI 
expect  in  the  execution  of  it ;  and  added.  Behold,  I  send  you  out  as  so  many  innocent  and  as  serpents,  and  harmless  as 

MATT,  defenceless  sheep,  in  the  midst  of  a  whole  multitude  of  fierce  and  ravenous  wolves,^  who  '^°^'^^' 
^16  ^^^'  ^^^  ^^'^  ^^  w'atch  every  opportunity  to  attack  and  even  devour  you  :  be  ye  therefore 
continually  on  your  guard  against  them,  and  labour  to  approve  yourselves  prudent  as  ser- 
pents, in  avoiding   unnecessary  dangers;''    but,  far  from  imitating   the  malignity  and 
revengeful  nature  of  that  animal,  maintain  at  all  times  a  holy  simplicity  of  soul,  and  be 
harmless  and  inoffensive  as  doves,  those  gentle  creatures,  wlio  are  innocent  and  loving  to  a 
17  proverb.     But  be  upon  your  guard  against  the  men  of  the  Vv'orld  with  whom  you  converse,      17  Tut  beware  of  men:  for 
that  you  do  not  by  any"  inadvertency  give  them  advantage  against  you  ;  for  'they  will  seek  {h|VJincib"and^'hU"wiU 
occasions  of  mischief,  and  betray  you  to  the  councils,  and  deliver  you  up'to  the  sanhedrim, 

m  Peace  be  upon  this  house.]    This  custom  of  salutinff  friends  after  broncht  to  them  from  their  neichbours,  lest  they  should  bring  any  of  the 

this  manner  is  still  retained  among  the  Turks  and  other  eastern  nations  ;  dust  bf  their  land  upon  them.    So  that  the  action  enioined  to  the  apostles 

and  1  thought  it  not  improper  to  express  it  for  the  illustration  of  what  here  was  a  lively  intimation  that  when  the  .Tews  had  rejected  the  gospel, 

follows.                                            .   .,    ^,^.    .  thev  were  no  longer  to  be  regarded  as  the  people  of  God,  but  were  on  a 

.   "^   your  peace  shall  come  upomt.^     I  his  is  one  of  those  many  passages  level  with  heathens  and  idolaters.    See  Mr.  Fleming's  Chrislol.\o\.  n. 

in  which  (as  the  grammarians  speak)  the  imperative  is  put  for  the  future  ;  p.  160. 

that  is.  Let  It  come,  for  It  shall  rome.CSn  1  Cor.  .\vi.  22.)   And  perhaps  a  As  sheep  in  the  midst  of  wolves.'i    So  frankly  did  our  Lord  warn  his 

many  seeming  imprecations  in  the  Old  Testament  may  most  easily  be  apostles  of  the  hardships  and  dangers  with  which  they  should  be  sur- 

accounted  tor,  by  such  an  explication  as  proplietic  predictions  of  what  rounded.    Nothing  could  be  more  fair,  nothing  more  gtuerous 

should  happen  to  the  enemies  ot  God  and  his  people.  b  Pivdent  as  serpents.l    Pliny  has  given   us  some  very  remarkable 

o  fihnke  off  the  very  dust  cfyonrfeet,  ^c]   1  he  .lews  thought  there  was  stories  of  the  s;igacity  of  serpents,  some  of  which,  I  confess,  have  the  air 

something  of  so  peculiar  an  holiness  in  the  land  of  Israel,  that  when  of  fables.  (See  Plin.  Kat.  Hist.  lib.  vii.  cap.  2."?,  27.)    But  it  is  certain 

they  came  home  from  any  heathen  country,  they  stopped  at  its  borders,  there  is  a  peculiar  vivacity  in  their  eves  ;  so  that  to  be  as  sharp-sighted 

and  wiped  the  dust  of  it  from  their  shoes,  that  the  sacred  inheritance  as  a  serpent,  was  a  proverb  both  among  the  Greeks  and  Romans     See 

might  not  be  polluted   with  it ;  nor  would  they  permit  herbs  to   be  Erasm.  Adag.  p.  580. 


THE  MISSION  OF  THE  TWELVE  APOSTLES.  141 

scourge  you  in  their  syna-  and  Other  inferior  courts  of  judicature,  and  will  also  scourge  you  in  their  <;i/nogogues.<^  And  SECT. 
go2ue°s;         h  n  b  b  o  i"ht  ^^  ^ome  cases  the  prosecution  shall  be  carried  yet  further;  for  you  shall  be  brought  before     75. 

bet\Si-^"m'^ernors  and™mff3  govenwrs  uncl  Iwigs  OH  mi/  (iccount,^  for  a  witness  to  them  and  to  the  heathen,  as  this"will 

for  niy  sake,  for  a  testimony  gjyg  y^y  ^^^  opportunity  of  testifying  my  2,ospel  more  solemnly  both  to  Jews  and  Gentiles,  matt. 
'""iTbui  when  they  (iei'ivtr      But  when  thei/  shall  accuse  you  with  the  utmost  virulence,  and  deliver  you  up  to  appear  .,  q'^- 
you  up,  take  no  thought  how  \,q^q^q  such  liigjh  personagcs,  be  not  anxiously  solicitous  about  your  defence  there,  how  you 
H  sha'if  b^e'^givtu  you''in' that  shall  answer  for  yourselves,  or  tohat  you  shall  speak  :  but  cheerfully  throw  yourselves  upon 
sanie  hour   what  ye  shall  ^.j^g  divine  assistance,  which  shall  be  abundantly  suthcient  for  you  ;  for  it  shall  be  given 
^'"^'"'  you  in  that  vert/  hour  ivhat  you  shall  speak  ;  proper  thoughts  and  words  shall  be  suggested 

"to  you,  and  vour  minds  shall  be  maintained  in  that  composure  and  dignity  which  is  neces- 
For  it  is  not  ye  that  sary  for  the  "honour  of  the  cause  you  assert.'      For  indeed,  when  you  appear  on  these  20 


speak,  but  the  Spirit 
t  ather  which  speak"'^ 


"'of  y^r  occasions,  and  are  called  to  answer  for  yourselves,  it  is  not  \so  niuch'l  you  that  speak,  as  the 
e    m>ou.  ^^.^.^  of  your  Father  that  speaketh  in  you,  in  defence  of  that  gospel  which  it  is  his  pecu- 
liar office  to  promote  in  the  world, 
ci  And  the  brother  shall      Nevertheless,  all  the  wisdom  and  justice  of  your  apologies,  though  divinely  inspired,  21 
deliver   up  the   brother   to  .^^jij  j^^^  disarm  the  malice  of  your  unreasonable  enemies,  which  shall  prevail  to  such  a 

death,  and  the  father  the  child :    ,  ,  ■'        ,        ^     a-     ^-  ;ii  ^^^^^•l.\^c 

and  the  children  shall  rise  up  degree,  as  even  to  triumph  over  natural  aftection,  and  break  asunder  the  strictest  bonds  ot 

cI2se\Lm1obe''putto'deat"h'  social  life:  for  one  brother  shall  betray  another,  not  only  to  some  sliohter  punishment,  but 

'  even  to  a  violent  and  tormenting  death  ;  and  the  father  shall  thus  become  the  murderer 

instead  of  the  guardian  and  protector  of  the  son  ;  and  children,  on  the  other  hand,  forgetting 

all  the  obligations  of  filial  duty  and  affection,  shall  rise  up  as  witnesses  against  their  own 

22  And  ye  shall  be  hated  of  parents,  and  causc  them  to  be  put  to  death.     And  you,  my  apostles,  notv/ithstanding  all  the  22 
M  men  tor  niy  name's  sake ;  humauitv  of  vour  character,  and  the  benevolent  design  of  your  office,  shall  be  the  objects 

but   he  tiiat  endureth  to  the      „         ,     *^  *  ,  •  i  >_•  ^i     ^  i     ii   •  \       i    x    i     j^ 

end  shall  be  saved.  of  such  general  aversion,  censure,  and  persecution,  that  you  shall  m  a  manner  be  hated  of 

all  men  for  the  sake  of  my  name  ;^  when  your  calling  yourselves  by  it  shall  appear  to  your 
enemies  themselves  t"he  only  crime  chargeable  upon  you  :  but  be  not  discouraged  at  these 
trials ;  for  he  that  courageously  endures  to  the  end,  shall  on  the  whole  be  saved ;  and  what- 
ever extremities  he  may  suffer  in  this  world,  God  will  not  only  deliver  him  from  the 
destruction  that  shall  come  upon  the  wicked,  but  will  amply  repay  his  fidelity  in  the  next. 
(Compare  Matt.  xxiv.  13.  and  Rev.  ii.  10.) 

23  But  when  thev  persecute      But  I  say  not  this  to  encourage  you  to  rush  upon  martyrdom  before  you  have  a  plain  23 
you  in  this  city,  Hee  ye  into  ^nd  lawful  "call  to  it :  for,  on  the  Other  hand,  it  will  rather  be  your  duty  to  prolong  such 

another;  for  verily  I  say  un-  «  ,  ,■  ,  i-      ■.  i        r  ii  j       ;        a;  j.  ■  u 

to  you.  Ye  shall  not  have  uscful  lives  to  the  utmost  limits  you  lawfully  may,  and  ivhen  they  persecute  you  m  one  city, 
pone  over  the  cities  of  Israel  jq  ^gg  ^g  another :  and  though  this  may  contract  the  time  of  your  abode  m  each,  be  not 
till  the  bon  ot  man  be  come.      ,.  •J  ,  ,  ..."  ,,      *^  i     i      i  ■  •*  !•  -it  ± 

discouraged  at  that,  which  may,  on  the  whole,  be  no  inconvenience  ;/(ia'  verily  1  say  unto 

you.  You  shall  not  have  had  time  to  finish  \ your  pivgress  through']  all  the  cities  of  Israel, 
"and  to  preacli  the  gospel  in  every  place,  until  the  Son  of  man  shall  comes  in  a  yet  more 
awful  appearance,  to  fulfil  your  prediction  concerning  the  manifestation  of  his  kingdom, 
and  to  take  vengeance  on  your  cruel  persecutors. 

24  The  disciple  is  not  above      And  as  for  the  unkind  usage  I  have  warned  you  to  expect,  you  have  no  reason  to  be  24 
abrn'^MHorir'^  ""*  ^'^'"''^"'  Surprised  at  it;  for,  as  I  have  formerly  observed,  (Luke  vi.  40.  sect,  liv.)   The  disciple  is 

*  25  u'is  enough  for  the  dis-  not  cibove  his  teacher,  nor  the  servant  above  his  lord.    It  is  abundantly  sufficient  if  the  dis-  25 
ail'uhe^sVrva'nt^^s'^hiTTord*  ^'/'''^  ^'^  "'^  '''*•'  fc"cher,  and  the  servant  as  his  lord;  and  in  such  a  circumstance  the  disciple 
]f'they*'im'^e'c"aiied  the  masl  and  the  servant  have  cause  for  thankfulness  rather  than  complaint.     J/' then,  as  you  have 
howmucLwe?Ai/nfew/  ^^If^ady  heard  and  found,  they  have  called  me,  who  am  the  master  (f  the  family,  Beelzebub, 
them  of  his  household .'     "    and  reviled  me  as  a  magician",  whom  they  should  have  received  as  the  Messiah,  (see  p.  1 16.) 

hoiv  much  more  will  they  be  likely  thus  to  abuse  his  domestics,  whose  character  and  station 

are  so  much  inferior  to  his  ! 

26  Fear  them  not  therefore :      Since  therefore  you  have  my  example  before  you,  and  suffer  in  my  cause,  fear  them  not,  20 
for  there  is  nothing  covered  but  courasieously  Sustain  the  utmost  efforts  of  "their  rage  ;  and  assure  yourselves  that  I 

that  shall   not   be   revealed  ;       .,,  o  .*      n  i  r-     ■   ,      i  •  °  r      ^i  ■         ^i  ■  i'j      ;  ■   i 

and  hid,  that  shall  not  be  Will  support  you  till  you  have  finished  your  testimony :  /or  there  is  nothing  now  hid  which 
''"°**"-  57(tf// ?u)^  6e  rei'ea/ec?:"  720/- has  any  thing  passed  in  secret  between  us  which  shall  not  be 

27  What  I  tell  you  in  dark-  universally  made  known.     See  to  it  then,  that  you  remember  to  what  purpose  I  have  ad-  27 
ness,  <w  speak  ye  in  light :  mitted  you  to  SO  great  an  intimacy  with  me,  and  discoursed  so  largelv  concerning  my 

and  what  ye  hear  in  the  ear,  ,  .        ,     •'  i       r        t-  -^       t      ?  i     \  ■  ,-\     ■       ^i       r    i  P     c  A  i 

</;«n)i'each  ye  upon  the  house- kingdom  ;  tLud  wliut  1  suy  to  you  m  darkness.  Speak  [t<J.m  the  liglit  oi  open  day;  ana 

'^'i"-  ivhat  you  hear,  as  it  were,  whispered  in  the  ear,  proclaim  publicly  with  a  loud  voice  as 
from  the  house-tops. 

28  And  fear  not  them  which      And  though  the  bolduess  of  your  testimony  may  indeed  at  length  cost  you  your  lives,  28 
ti'kiir  the^sonf:''bnrrather  yet  he  not  afraid  of  them  who  can  only  kill  the  mortal  body,  and  cannot  kill  or  hurt  the 
fear  him  which  is  able  to  de-  immaterial  soul,  wltch  will  Still  survive  in  all  its  vigour,  while  its  tabernacle  lies  in  ruins  ;'> 
stmy  both  soul  and  body  in  ^^^^  j^^^l^  ^,^^fj^^^.  ^•,^^,,^  j^^^^  y^^  ^^^j^^  unfaithful  in'so  important  a  trust,  you  should  incur 

the  displeasure  of  him  who  is  able  to  destroy  both  soul  and  body  in  hell,  and  has  power  to 
fill  the  separate  spirit  with  anguish,  or  at  "the  final  judgment  to  re-unite  it  to  the  body, 
and  condemn  both  to  everlasting  misery  in  that  infernal  prison. 

c  Scourge  ymi,  in  their  synagogues.']    Compare  Matt,  xxiii.  34.  and  21.  and  Rom.  v.  18.— As  there  seems  in  this  text  a  peculiar  emphasis  in 

Acts  xxii.  19.  This  is  a  sort  of  discipline  which  has  long  since  been  used  the  phrase  for  the  sake  of  my  name,  I  choose  in  this  edition  to  render  ;t 

ill   their   synagosiues,    where  they   keep  their  courts;    and   which   the  more  literally  than  in  the  Hrst ;  though  (as  I  had  there  observed)  it  is 

wretched   Acosta  tells  us  he  himself  underwent.    See  Acost.  De  Vit.  apparent  that  the  name  ot  a  person  is  sometimes  put  tor  the  person  him- 

1  htm.  ad  Jin.   Limborch.  C'ij«.  p.  .349.  Wits.  K^y.  Paw/i,  §  1.  ?  19— 21.  self.    See  note  I,  on  .lohii  ii.  C."?.  p.  56.                       ^    ,    ,       „             ,. 

and  Vitring.  De  Synagog.  Vet.  lib.  iii.  part  1.  cap.  11.  g   Until  the  Son  of  man  shall  come.]    I  do  not  find  that  the  apostles 

d  Before  gmernors  and  kings,  4c.]     Accordingly  the  apostles  were,  met  with  any  persecution  in  this  first  progress,  from  which  they  soon 

several  of  them,  obliaed  to  appear  before  princes,  and  were  severely  returned  to  Christ,  and  told  him  all  that  they  had  done  ;  (see  Mark  vi. 

prosecuted  by  their  malicious  enemies  before  Herod,  Agrippa,  Felix,  .30.  and  Luke  ix.  10.  %  78.)  and   therefore,  as  well  as  tor  many, other 

I'estus,  Nero,  Domitiau,  &c.  as  we  learn  from  sacred  or  profane  history,  reasons,  I  cannot  understand  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man  to  sisiury 

e  For  the  honour  ot  the  cause  you  assert.]    Persons  of  so  low  an  his  overtaking  them  in  this  journey  betore  they  came  to  the  end  o",  "  ■ 

education  as  the  apostles  generally  were,  might  have  been  much  terri-  nor  does  it  appear  natural,  with  Dr.  Sykes,  (m  his  hssay  on  '."^  if"'" 

bed  at  the  thout-ht  of  appearing  before  such  great  personages  ;  and  miaht  of  Christianity,  p.  85,  et  seq.)  to  refer  it  to  Christ  s  coming  to  .^«W'»«'". 

have  feared  lest,  in  the  hurry  of  their  spirits,  they  should  have  been  be-  It  is  rather,  as  Mr.  VVhiston  observes,  (in  his  Vuconrse  oj  i  ™'.''"*' 

frayed  into  any  impropriety  of  language  or  behaviour,  by  which  the  p.  63.)  to  be  explained  of  their  being  driven  out  ot  J"a|"-.f''^„&.p  (Up 

cause  of  the  gospel  might  have  suffered  ;  so  that  nothing  could  have  been  tions,  so  that  they  had  not  time  to  visit  all  the  parts  or  ""'='"'.'   f 

more  suitable  than  the  promise  which  our  Lord  here  makes  them,  which  destruction  of  .lerusalem  by  Titus,  which  is  otten  caiiea  '''^..\""'  «  ^ 

was  sufficient  to  prevent  a  thousand  anxious  apprehensions.  the  Son  of  man.    See  Matt.  xxiv.  27,  37,  39,  44.  and  V"''^^''^  V'- "•  „„  ,„ 

f  Yoit  shall  he  hated  of  all  men  for  the  sake  of  my  name.]    They  who  h  Cannot  kill  the  sonl,  ^c]    1   have  P^'aphifase^  'he  worcis  so  as  lo 

believed  the  testimony  of  the  apostles,  as  multitudes  did,  could  not  but  illustrate  the  certain  argument  they  contain  to  prove  i;'«  e^'a'". 

ardently  love  them  as  their  fathers  in  Christ.    (See  Gal.  iv.  15.)    This  the  soul   in  a  separate  state,  and  its  perception  ot  7,*'^  ^''''u.V:    '    „„. 

therefore  is  plainly  one  of  those  many  scriptures  in  which  the  universal  the  soul  would  be  as  properly  killed  as  the  boay.    uiuiiu=  wo.o 

term  a^/ is  to  be  taken  with  great  restrictions     See  John  xii.  32.  Phil.  ii.  cellent  note  here. 


J42  THE  MISSION  OF  THE  TWELVE  APOSTLES. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

SECT.      How  apparently  fit  is  it  that  this  eternal  and  almighty  God  should  be  the  object  of  our  humble  fear,  and  that 
75.     in  comparison  with  him  we  should  fear  nothing  else !     All  the  terrors  of  the  world  are  disarmed  by  this  ;  and  by 
■  this  are  its  flatteries  also  disarmed.  In  whatever  stations  of  life  we  are  fixed,  let  this  engage  us  to  be  faithful  to  God 


MATT,  in  them  :  so  shall  we  be  most  truly  faithful  to  ourselves. 

^■90      The  apostles  were  exposed  to  peculiar  dangers  and  trials  ;  but  all  that  will  live,  godly  in  Christ  Jesus  must  ex- 

pect  some  degree  of  persecution  ;  (2  Tim.  iii.  12.)  let  us  therefore  arm  ourselves  with  the  same  mind,  that  we  may 

16  bear  it  with  a  truly  Christian  fortitude.  May  divine  grace  teach  us  to  mingle  the  wisdom  of  the  serpent  with  the 
innocence  of  the  dove,  and  to  shelter  ourselves  from  the  ill  usage  of  a  perverse  and  sinful  generation,  so  far  only 
as  we  can  do  it  without  offering  any  violation  to  our  consciences  ! 

21  It  is  indeed  matter  of  great  lamentation,  that  the  sentiments  of  benevolence  and  goodness,  which  seem  so  natural 
to  the  human  mind,  and  are  always  so  ornamental  and  delightful,  should  prevail  no  more :  and  it  is  shameful, 
that  the  name  of  religion,  so  well  calculated  to  cultivate  these  sentiments,  should  be  made  use  of  as  an  engine  to 
destroy  them  ;  and  instead  of  cementing  kingdoms  and  families  in  closer  and  more  affectionate  bonds,  should  in- 
spire them  even  with  mortal  animosity.  Let  us  bless  God  for  our  public  liberties  ;  and  earnestly  pray,  that  where 
persecution  reigns  in  its  utmost  terror,  the  wrath  of  jrian  may  praise  him,  and  the  remainder  o/'that  ivrath  be  re- 
strained !  (Psal.  Ixxvi.  10.) 
24,  25  The  ill  usage  which  the  blessed  Jesus  endured  from  an  ungrateful  world  may  surely  prevent  our  being  surprised 
or  offended  if  we  meet  with  some  share  of  it  too.  May  we  be  willing  to  suffer  with  him,  that  we  may  at  length 
reign  with  him!  (2  Tim.  ii.  12.)  And  if,  by  vmexpected  revolutions  in  providence,  we  should  be  called  out  to 
the  severest  trials,  may  the  Spirit  of  glory  and  of  God  rest  upon  us  !  and  may  we  not  account  even  our  lives 
dear  unto  us,  that,  approving  our  fidelity  to  him,  we  may  finish  our  course  with  joy  !  (1  Pet.  iv.  14.  and 
Acts  XX.  24.) 

SECTION  LXXVI. 

Our  Lord  conclnHes  his  charge  to  his  apostles  with  an  assurance  of  God's  providential  care  for  their  encouragement,  and  with  a  promise  of  abun- 
dant future  rewards  to  all  who  should  faithfully  serve  him,  or  assist  others  in  his  work ;  and  after  this  they  separate  from  one  another,  and  go  to 
different  parts  to  preach  the  gospel.    Matt.  x.  29,  to  the  end  ;  xi.  1.    Mark  vi.  V2,  13.    Luke  ix.  6. 

Matt.  x.  29.  ^^^^^  ^  29 

SECT.  AFTER  these  faithful  warnings  of  the  dangers  to  which  the  apostles  would  be  exposed  are  not  two  spanows  sold 
76.     in  his  serv'ice,  our  Lord  went  on  to  lay  before  them  such  encouragements  as  might  animate  [jj^nf  shai^'not  fa"u  on* the 
■  their  courage  and  pious  zeal ;  and  began  with  reminding  them  of  the  universal  extent  of  ground  without  your  Father. 

MATT,  the  divine  providence.    Are  not  tivo  young  sparrows,  said  he,  sold  for  a  single  fai-thing? 
^•^yet  there  is  not  one  of  them  that  by  any  accident  shall  fall  to  the  ground  and  die,  without 

the  observation  and  permission  of  ?/""'' ^'eavenly  Father ^    And  not  only  are  the  more     so  But  the  very  hairs  of 

30  noble  and  vital  parts  of  your  aninial  frame  regarded  by  God,  but  even  the  very  hairs  of '^'^^'^  ^^'^'^  ^''^  ^"  numbered. 

31  your  head  are  all  numbered  by  him.     Fear  not,  therefore,  that  you  should  be  overlooked  ;     31  Fear  ye  not  therefore ; 
for,  even  as  men,  and  especially  as  my  servants  and  ambassadors,  you  are  more  valuable  m^an^v*  parrows*  ^*'"*  '^*" 
than  many  sparrmvs,  or  than  the  whole  species  of  them  ;  and  therefore  may  assure  your- 
selves that  Providence  will  watch  over  you. 

32  And  let  it  be  a  further  encourasement  to  you  to  remember,  that  whatever  you  may  now  32  whosoever  therefore 
suffer  for  your  fidelity  to  me,  it  will  on  the  whole  be  most  amply  rewarded  ;  for  the  regard  v*'^!LTM"!''^fJ?f=i^.^'i"\T.?' 

-  -^  •'  '  -  1111  11*1  ijji  ijj    "''11  Mill  V  tonrtiss  <ns<-'  utiort; 

that  every  one  expresses  to  me  here,  shall  be  publicly  remembered  and  acknowledged  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven, 
hereafter :  whosoever,  therefore,  shall  courageously  confess  me  before  men,  he  he  ever  so 
mean  in  the  eyes  of  the  world,  J  also  ivill  not  fail  to  confess  him  in  all  the  glories  of  my 
final  appearance,  not  only  before  the  assembled  world,  but  even  in  the  immediate  presence 
of  my  Father  in  heaven,  to  whose  everlasting  favour  all  my  faitltful  servants  shall  be  in- 

33  troduced  :  But  whosoever  shall  renounce  me  before  men,  as  ashamed  or  afraid  to  acknow-  33ButwhosoevershaIIdeny 
ledge  his  relation  to  me,  I  also  will  renounce  him  before  my  Father  in  heaven,  as  a  mean  ^S9'*deny  before '^ni^  Father 
and  unworthy  creature,  who  has  forfeited  all  claim  to  my  patronage  and  favour  in  that  which  is  m  heaven. 

awful  day. 

34  But,  to  prevent  the  mistaken  expectations  which  the  apostles  might  form  of  the  imme-  34  Think  not  that  T  am 
diate  temporal  prosperity  of  his  kingdom,  our  Lord  further  addedi  Do  not  suppose  that  I  Tc'JJmeVoUo  slnd^pTace^but 
am  come  to  send  and  establish  peace  on  the  land  in  which  we  dwell  :*>  for,  though  the  ge-  a  sword. 

neral  purport  of  my  gospel  has  so  powerful  a  tendency  to  promote  it,  yet  the  prejudices 
and  lusts  of  men  will  so  oppose  and  pervert  it,  that  it  will  rather  seem,  from  the  event  of 

35  it,  that  I  came  not  to  send  peace,  but  a  swoj-d.  For  a  few  will  indeed  embrace  it ;  but  they  ,"5  For  i  am  come  to  set  a 
will  be  so  cruelly  persecuted  even  by  their  nearest  relations,  that  I  may  say,  I  am  come  to  1^^"^^!'  and*"the*'^d'a"j"hter 
set  a  man  at  variance  against  his  own  father,  and  the  daughter  against  her  own  mother,  and  against  her  mother,  and  the 
the  daughter-in-law  against  her  mother-in-law,'^  when  the  circumstances  of  the  family  were  m"o"her'^in'law"  against  her 

36  such,  that  they  mioht  otherwise  have  agreed.  So  that  the  ties  of  blood  shall  be  forgotten,  36  And  a  m'an's  foes  siall 
and  the  bonds  of  friendship  violated  ;  and  a  mans  enemies,  yea  oftentimes  the  most  severe  ^'''hey  of  his  own  household, 
and  inveterate  of  them,  [^shall  be!  those  of  his  own  family,  and  it  may  be,  the  nearest  of  his 

relations,  from  whom  he  might  justly  have  expected  the  greatest  friendship. 

a  "Not  one  of  them  shall  fall  to  the  ground,  S;c.'\    Some  have  supposed  the  -nhole  earth,  is  undeniably  plain;  (compare   Matt,   xxiii.  .35.  and 

there  is  a  reference  here  to  the  two  birds,  which  made  a  part  of  the  leper's  Luke  iv.  25.)  and  I  have  given'itthat  turn  here,  because  there  was  no  part 

offerin?.   (Lev.  xiv.  4 — '^.^    As  if  the  sense  of  what  our  Lord  expresses  of  the  world  where  Christianity  occasioned  so  much  dissension,  and  none 

were,   that  Providence  determines    which    of  those    two   insignificant  where  peace  was  so  much  expected  from  the  kingdom  of  the   Messiah, 

animals  shall  live,  and  which  be  killed.     But  as  the  words  are  capable  Yet  how   very  unjust   it  is,  that  any  of  those  contentions  which  the 

of  arnore  extensive  sense,  and  our  Lord  elsewhere  mentions  five  spar-  gospel    has  accidentally  occasioned  should   be  urged  as  an  argument 

rows  just  to  the  same  purpose.  (Luke  xii.  6.  ^  111.)  I  see  no  rea.son  for  against  its  divine  authority,  the  reader  may  see  in  the  excellent  Sermojis 

paraphrasing  them  with  any  particular  view  to  that  rite.    They  are  a  full  of  the  present  Bishop  of  Winchester  on  this  subject,  in  his  Mi.'rrilaneoits 

proof  of  the  universality  ot  the  divine  providence  ;  but  the  singular  inter-  Tracts.     In  one  word,  the  matter  will  issue  in  this  ;  that  if  Christianity 

positions  of  it  in  favour  of  good  men,  may  in  a  much  more  convincing  has  occasioned  more  discord  than  any  other  religion,  the  only  reason  is, 

manner   be  argued,  from  the   prayers  and  praises  offered  in  scripture  because  it  animates  its  professors  to  greater  zeal  for  the  truth, and  better 

with  regarfl  to  particular  events,  and  the  promises  of  temporal  blessings  proves  it  to  be  worth  their  while  to  suffer  for  conscience  sn/te. 

made  to  those  that  fear  and  snrve  (Joii.    ISor  can  1  think  we  are  much  c  vJjirf  the  daiighter-m-law  against'  her  niothei-in-law.']    The  thought 

concerned  to  determine  how  far  any  of  these  are  miraculous,  and  how  seems  to  sink  here,  as  it  is  much  more  usual  for  mothers  and  danghters- 

far  the  result  of  general  laws  settled  in  an  exact  congruity  to  the  temper  in-la:c,  in  whatever  relation,  to  quarrel,  than  natural  parents  and  chit- 

and  conduct  of  every  individual  affected  by  them,  which  an  omniscient  dre7i  ;  but  if  we  consider,  that  our  Lord  speaks  of  this  as  the  first  occasion 

God  foresaw,  and  which  his  perfect  schemes  miaht  easily  provide  for,  of  a  quarrel   between  them,  it  may  intimate  a  supposition,  that  they 

by  methods  to  us  unsearchable.    It  is  plain,  Homer  thought  divine  Pro-  were  persons  of  a  friendly  temper,  who,  even  in  such  a  relation,  might 

vidence  interested  itself  in  the  lives  of  brute  animals.  See  Iliad,  lib.  xv.  otherwise  have  lived  together  on  easy  terms :  a  thought  which  seeuis  to 

ver.  274.    .See  also  Grotius,  in  loc.  me  to  enliven  the  discourse,  and  which  may  lead  us  to  reflect  how  often 

b  To  send  peace  on  the  land  in  which  we  dwell.]    That  the  word  7,,  bigotry  entirely  transforms  a  natural  disposition,  that  in  itself  wa.s  mild 

often  signifies  some  particular  land,  and  especially  Ju.ten,  rather  than  and  amiable.    Compare  Luke  xii.  53.  note  d.  ij  115. 


THE  MISSION  OF  THE  TWELVE  APOSTLES.  143 

37  He  that  loveth  father  or      Prepare  yourselves  then  for  such  severe  trials  as  these,  by  remembering,  that  he  who  SECT, 
mother  more  than  me  is  not  lo^es  his  father  Or  mothcr  more  than  me,  and  is  induced  by  his  regard  to  them  to  disobey     76. 

TmeVhson  or^daSghter^more  my  precepts,  or  to  renounce  my  doctrine,  is  not  worthi/  of  me,  nor  shall  have  any  interest 

than  me  is  not  worthy  of  me.  j^  my  saving  benefits:  and  he  that  loves  even  his  son  or  daughter  more  than  me,  is  not   matt. 

worthi/  of  an  interest  in  tne  and  my  friendshi|),  though  it  should  be  an  only  child  that  he      ■'^• 

38  And  he  that  taketh  not  prefers  to  me,  and  for  the  sake  of  whom  he  abandons  my  gospel.     And,  in  a  word,  ffe  38 
his  cross,^and^toilo\ve^h  after  ^f^^^f  jg  gp  concerned  for  his  own  ease  and  safety  that  he  will  not  suffer  for  my  sake,  and 
nie,  IS  no  wor  y  o  me.        ^^^^  ^^^  resolutely  take  up  his  cross  when  providentially  laid  in  his  way,  and  follow  after 

me,'^  even  to  die  upon  it,  when  the  honour  of  my  name  and  cause  requires  it,  and  I,  as  the 
Captain  of  his  salvation,  lead  him  on  to  it,  cannot  be  owned  as  my  faithful  disciple,  and 
is  not  worthy  of  an  interest  in  7ne.    (Compare  Mark  viii.  34.  sect.  Ixxxix.) 

39  He  that  finHeth  his  life      Be  assured,  however,  that  you  shall  find  it  to  be  well  worth  your  while  to  endure  all  39 
JosKh'hls  life  fOT  my  s'ake  ^^^^  extremities  for  my  sake;  for  he  that  finds  and  saves  Ins  life,  by  deserting  my  cause, 
shall  find  it.  shall  lose  it  on  the  whole,  as  he  will  thus  incur  a  sentence  of  final  condemnation  and 

destruction  ;«  but  he  that  out  of  faithfulness  to  me  loses  his  life,  and  lays  it  down  /or  my 

sake,  shall  find  it  in  a  far  more  noble  state  of  being,  which  mfinitely  better  deserves  the 

name  of  life. 

40.  He  that  receiveth  you,      And  as  for  you,  my  Servants,  let  none  be  afraid  of  showing  kindness  to  you,  lest  they  40 

ce?veth"'me'^ '  receivlth  ^him  should  share  with  you  in  youT  sufferings  for  my  sake  ;  for  he  that  entertains  you,  does  in 

that  sent  me.  effect  entertain  me,  whose  ministers  you  are  ;  and  he  that  entertains  me,  does  also  entertain 

him  that  sent  me,  and  my  heavenly  Father  will  regard  it  as  done  to  himself;  as,  on  the 

other  hand,  all  the  slights  and  injuries  which  are  offered  to  you  will  be  considered  as 

41  He  that  receiveth  a  pro-  reflecting  not  only  On  me,  but  on  him.  And  did  men  truly  understand  their  own  interest,  41 
phet'  'shi'lf  receive'  a  ''ro"  ^-^^^Y  would  rejoicc  to  assist  you  in  that  noble  work  in  which  you  are  engaging ;  for  he  that 
phet's  reward ;  and  he  that  hospitably  entertains  a  prophet,^  in  the  name  of  a  prophet,  or  with  a  pious  regard  to  the 
thfuame  of"^ri*oht"eo™s^man"  office  he  bears,  sliall  receive  the  reward  of  a  prophet  himself,  or  a  reward  proportionable  to 
shall  receive  a  rig'hteous  man's  the  worth  of  the  person  he  shelters  and  accommodates  in  a  time  of  danger  and  difficulty  ; 
''^"*'''''  and  he  that  entertains  [««.y]  righteous  man  in  the  mime  of  a  righteous  man,  or  with  a  cordial 

regard  to  the  virtues  of  his  cliaracter,  shall  himself  receive  the  reward  of  a  righteous  man. 

42  And    whosoever    shall  Nor  shall  even  the  smallest  and  cheapest  favour  to  the  least  of  my  servants  be  forgotten  ;  42 
fhese  frttle'ones  a"c'upof  cofd  ^^^  whosoever,  being  able  to  do  no  more,  shall  give  to  drink  unto  one  of  these  little  ones,  or 
water  only  in  the  name  of  a  to  One  of  these  my  followers  wlio  makes  the  meanest  appearance,  even  so  much  as  a  cup  of 
ypu,' h'e'shail'in  no  wL"lose  '""^'^  water  only,  to  refresh  him  in  the  fatigue  to  which  he  is  exposed  in  my  service,  if  he 
his  reward.  shall  give  it  to  him  in  the  name  of  a  disciple,  or  with  a  real  affection  to  him  on  account  of 

his  relation  to  me,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  he  shall  by  no  means  lose  his  proportionable  reward, 
but  shall  find  himself  abundantly  repaid  both  with  present  and  future  blessings. 
Matt.  xi.  1.    And  it  came      And  it  came  to  pass,  after  this  solemn  and  instructive  charge  had  been  delivered,  that  matt. 
an'^end  ot^'^commandin"'1?i^  when  Jesus  had  made  an  end  of  giving  instructions  to  his  tivelve  disciples,  and  had  prepared  ^  -^'• 
twelve  disciples,  hi;  departed  them  for  the  scrvicc  they  were  now  to  undertake,  he  did  not  lay  aside  the  work  himself, 
inThd'r  cit'ies'^'' ^"'"°  ^"^^^"^"^  ^^^  ^'-'^^  pursued  it  with  an  unwearied  diligence  and  zeal,  and  departed  thence  to  teach  the 
Jews,  in  other  parts,  the  doctrines  of  his  gospel,  and  to  preach  in  their  cities. 
Mark  vi.  12.  And  they  [de-      The  twelve  apostlcs  also,  in  pursuance  of  the  commission  they  had  now  received,  set  out  mark 
Efe''townsfu'nd°preached'[i^e  ^^  ^^^  ^amc  time ;  and  they  departed  from  the  presence  of  their  Master,  and  went  through  .J'^- 
gospel,!  that  men  should  re-  the  towns  of  Galilee,  and  the  neighbouring  places,  and  preached  the  gospel  wherever  they 
pent.   [Lu  e  ix.  6.]  Came ;  insisting  with  great  earnestness  upon  it,  that  7nen  should  repent  of  their  sins,  and 

prepare  for  that  glorious  manifestation  of  his  presence  which  God  was  about  to  favour  them 
13  And  they  cast  out  many  with.     And,  in  conscquence  of  that  miraculous  power  with  which  Jesus  had  invested  them,  1 3 

devils,  and  anomted  with  oil    ,i  i;    ,  i^  j  •    ,    ;  •   /  -jt      •;  •         1      c  i.      i- 

many  that  were  sick,  and  they  expelled  many  demons,  and  anomted  many  sick  persons  with  oil,  as  a  signal  oi  healing 
['iuk'' • '''fi"]  '■'^^'"^  where.]  which  he  had  been  pleased  to  direct,  (compare  Jam.  v.  14.)  and  perfectly  cured  them, 

whatsoever  their  malady  was ;  and  this  they  did  every  where  as  they  went  on  in  their 

progress. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Justly  may  the  blessed  Jesus  set  so  high  a  value  on  himself,  and  on  the  blessings  of  his  grace  :  justly  may  he  matt. 
insist  upon  our  readiness  to  abandon  all  for  him,  who  is  so  just  an  equivalent  for  all.     May  hh  grace  teach  us  to      ■^■ 
love  him  more  than  the  dearest  of  our  relations,  and  even  to  be  ready  for  his  sake  to  sacrifice  our  lives  !    May  it  37,  38 
make  us  willing  to  take  up  and  bear  any  cross  for  him,  who  bore  his  cross  and  expired  upon  it  for  us ! 

The  gospel  has  indeed  been  the  occasion  of  much  contention  and  persecution,  not  only  in  Judea,  but  elsewhere  :  34,  35 
yet  let  us  not  charge  it  upon  any  malignity,  or  any  deficiency  in  that,  but  on  the  lusts  and  corruptions  of  men,  36 
who  have  either  directly  opposed  or  grossly  perverted  it.     Let  us  endeavour  to  arm  ourselves  with  courage  to 
encounter,  and  resolution  to  endure,  whatever  persecutions  or  injuries  our  adherence  to  it  may  cost  us  ;  ever  con- 
fiding in  that  gracious  Providence  which  extends  itself  even  to  the  meanest  creatures  ;  reposing  ourselves  on  the  29,  30 
support  of  divine  consolations,  and  esteeming  ourselves  happy,  even  in  losing  our  lives  in  this  world,  if  we  may  39 
find  them  in  that  which  is  everlasting. 

In  the  mean  time,  may  this  excellent  discourse  of  our  blessed  Piedeemer  animate  us  to  every  work  of  faith,  and 
every  labour  of  love!  Let  not  the  poorest  be  discouraged  from  some  charitable  attempt  for  the  good  of  others; 
since  the  munificence  of  our  heavenly  Master  will  remember  even  a  cup  of  cold  water,  given  to  the  least  of  his  42 
seiTants  under  that  character.  Yet  since  there  will  be  such  a  variety  of  rewards,  proportionable  to  different  degrees 
of  liberality  and  zeal,  let  us  indulge  a  generous  ambition  of  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  that  we  may  shine 
with  distinguished  glory  in  the  day  of  retribution,  and  have  an  abundant  entrance  into  his  kingdom. 

d  He  that  does  not  taie  up  his  cross  and  follow  after  Tne.']    This  alludes  crowding  into  it.    The  beauty  and  energy  of  Christ's  discourse  in  a 

to  the  custom  of  persons  carri/itig  the  cross  to  which  they  were  to  be  parallel   place,  (Matt.   xvi.  24 — 26.  ^  89.)  would  be  quite  lost  by  this 

fastened  •,  and  was  a  strong  intimation,  that  he  should  himself  be  cruci-  interpretation  ;   and  indeed  many  christians  had  actually  lost  their  lives 

yied  ;  and  that  none  could  be  a  sincere  christian  without  a  willingness  to  for  the  gospel,  many  years  before  that  siege  commenced. 

bear  even  that  shameful  and  cruel  death  for  his  sake,  if  he  was  called  f  Hospitably  entertains  a  prophet.]    The  word  Sfxot'ei'or  here  plainly 

to  it.    See  Grotius,  in  loc.  signifies  to  entertain  in  an  hospitable  way,  as  it  does  likewise  Heb.xi. 

e  lie  that  finds  his  life,  shall  lose  it,  &c.']    The  sense  that  I  have  given  31.  Jam.  ii.  25.  and  elsewhere  :  nor  can  the  gradation  in  the  following 

in  the   paraphrase,  as  it  is  much  more  general  and  more  important,  words  be  understood  without  such  an  interpretation.    The  apostles  were, 

appears  to  me  much  preferable  to  that  of  Ur.  Hammond,  who  interprets  no  doubt,  regarded  as  a  kind  of  divinely-inspired  prophets  ;  though  that 

the  text,  of  the  christians  saving  their  lives  by  leaving  Jerusalem  in  the  title,  by  way  of  distinction,  was  afterwards  appropriated  to  persons  ot  an 

last  siege  of  that  place  by  the  Romans,  and  the  Jews  losing  theirs  by  inferior  rank.  1  Cor.  xii.  28.  and  Eph.  iv.  11. 


^^^  HEROD'S  SUSPICIONS  CONCERNING  CHRIST. 

SECTION  LXXVII. 

Herod  hears  of  Jesus  and  suspects  him  to  be  .Tohn  the  Baptist,  whom  he  had  lately  murdered  in  a  manner  which  is  here  recounted.    Matt.  xiv. 
'  1,  2,  6—12.    Mark  vi.  14 — 29.    Luke  ix.  7 — 9. 

Matt.  xiv.  1.  Matt.  xiv.  i. 

SECT.   NOW  ctl  that  timc,^  while  the  apostles  were  making  their  circuit  about  the  country,  pro-  AT  that  time  [king]  Herod 
77"-     claiming  every  where  the  glories  of  their  great  Master,  and  working  miracles  in  his'name,  of^jesu''s,''^[LrKl°Urf^ot all 
khicr  Herod  fas  the  tetrarch  we  mentioned  above  •>  was  generally  called)  heard  of  the  fame  that  was  done  by  him;]  [for 


MATT,  of  Jesus,  [and]  was  informed  by  many  of  all  the  marvellous  things  that  were  done  bi/  him  [MXi1.'i4!  Luke  ix  7°] 
■^^^"i  and  his  apostles  ;  fo)-,  by  the  account  they  gave  concerning  him  m  their  mission,  concur- 
ring  with  his  own'  miracles  and  preaching,  his  name  was  every  where  sp)-ead  abroad,  and 
had  reached  many  places  far  more  distant  than  the  court  of  IIerod.<= 
2      And  immediately  his  own  guilty  conscience  suggested  a  fear  which  he  could  not  forbear     2  And  fhe]  said  unto  his 
disclosing  to  those"  that  were  about  him  ;  and  such  was  his  surprise  and  terror,  that  he  said  f^^J^f;  ,/e''i's%isenfrora  thi 
even  to  hi^  own  sei^ants,  This  is  John  the  Baptist,  whom  I  put  to  death  ;  he  is  undoubtedly  dead,  and  theref9re  mighty 
risen  from  the  dead,  and  for  this  reasonhe  appears  with  greater  honour  than  ever,  and  these  ^h^^l  ,„  him.'''[aia'rk  vi!*!^] 


ports  he  heard ;  for  the  notion  was  not  merely ,  .       .        •■ 

that  John  was  risen  from  the  dead,  and  would  undoubtedly  use  his  miraculous  power  to 
8  punish  those  who  had  murdered  him.     And,  it  was  also  conjectured  bi/  some  that  Elijah     s  And  of  some,  that  Elias 
had  appeared,  according  to  the  general  expectation,  as  the  forerunner  of  the  Messiah;  'ittlTl?LZ\i%"oXls 
(compare  Mai  iv.  5.  Matt.  xi.  14.  and  xvii.  10 — 12.)  and  by  others,  that  one  of  the  an-  was  risen  again:  [and  others 
cient  prophets  was  risen  again  from  the  dead  :  and  others  also  said.  It  is  certainly  a  prophet  S  one  of  the  propheta.}  [Ma?k 
of  the  former  generations,  or  [a  person]  at  least  like  one  of  the  prophets  ;f  for  such  mira-  vi.  15.] 
MARK  culous  works  do  as  evidently  speak  a  divine  mission  as  any  of  theirs  ever  did.     Bat  in     Mark  vi.  16.    But  when 
^^^1  -  the  midst  of  this  variety  of  opinions,  when  Herod  heard  what  was  discoursed  [of  Jesus,]  llX^^^^^^lVt^ed-'iti 
he  was  exceedingly  distressed,  and  said  with  great  anxiety,  John  I  have  certainly  beheaded,  who  is  this,  of  whom  l'  hear 
and  received  the%trongest  proofs  that  the  execution  was  performed;  but  who  is  M\of  f^^J^i^l^\^^l\ten"'fZZ 
whom  I  hear  such  things?  I  would  not  willingly  believe  it,  yet  I  cannot  but  suspect  that  tliedead.   [And  he  desired  to 
whatsoever  be  the  name  he  now  assumes,  it  is  'John,  that  venerable  holy  man  whom  I  be-  ^^  h.m.]  [Luke  ix.  9.] 
headed,  and  greatly  fear  he  is  risen  from  the  dead.     And  he  was  so  uneasy  under  the 
consciousness  of  the  enormous  crime  he   had  committed   in  putting   him  to   death, 
that,  licentious  as  his  principles  and  character  were,?  he  was  alarmed  and  terrified  with 
the  apprehension  of  his  being  actually  returned  to  life;  and  not  knowing  what  to  think 
of  the  reports  he  heard  of  Jesus,  he  earnestly  desired  to  see  him,  that  his  doubts  might  be 
removed. 

17  Thus  was  his  guilty  mind  perplexed  and  tormented,  and  not  without  reason  ;  for  as  we  17  For  Herod  hnd—— raid 
have  before  observed^  Herod  had  formerly  seized  John,  and  bound  him  with  chams  in  j^r  i';;P°;'isi!n,  "or  Hero°d'i^' 

18  prison,  on  account  of  the  reproof  he  cave  him  for  his  marrymg  Herodias;  Because,  as  sake:; — 

Ilerod  had  seduced  her  from  his  brother  Philip,  who  was  still  living,  and  had  a  daughter  j,  ,fot  lawfuUo.  thefto  have 
by  her,  John  had  said  to  him,  with  a  freedom  that  he  could  not  bear.  It  is  not  hmfid  pr  thy  brother's  wife. 

19  thee  thus  to  have  thy  brothers  wife.  And  we  had  likewise  added,  that  for  this  reason  19  Therefore  Herodias— 
Herodias  also  was  incensed  against  him,  and  would  hare  put  him  to  death  ;  but  for  a  long  sX"conld'not!"""*  '"'"'  ^"* 

20  time  she  could  not  compass  her  design  :  For  Herod  had  so  great  a  reverence  for  John,  that  20  for  Herod  feared  John.— 
he  would  not  yield  to  her  solicitations.     But  we  must  now  inform  the  reader,  that  before 

this  time  she  had  found  a  way  of  accomplishinor  her  cruel  purpose. 

21  For  as  her  heart  was  filled  with  malice,  and  she  was  ever  watching  for  an  opportunity  ^^21  ^3"'^^„'^J'J'",|j'J'jy^r^„"j*^^ 
to  be  revenged  on  John,  at  length  a  convenient  dai/  happened  oi  preferring  her  petition  with  hifbh-th-daTmade  a  Yupp*er 
unexpected  circumstances  of  advantage:  A  public  festival  was  kept  ivhen  Herod,  on  his  *3'J,^*'j?hiJ.7'^^{at''is"of  Galfl'eT- 
birth-daii}  made  a  splendid  supper  for  \\\e  entertainment  of  his  lords,  and  of  all  the  c^if/"  ["Matt,  xiv! e!]^* 

officers  of  his   army,''  and  other  persons  of  distinguished  rank  in  Galilee,  over  which  he 

22  presided  :  A7id,  to  grace  tlie  solemnity,  Salome,  the  daughter  of  the  above-mentioned  He-  o,-,|,p;*s"f,,'|'}'*"odi'as'!ami'in'' 
rodias  by  Philip  her  former  husband,  "a  young  lady  of  celebrated  beauty,  coming  in  pub-  anddairced[befoietiiem,]anci 
licly  among  them,  and  dancing  in  the  midst  of  the  assembly;  this  instance  of  condescension,  ^^['^^[{/Ifi^^'^^h'e'^ki'^g'^ard 
so  unusual  in  those  days  and  countries,  especially  in  persons  of  such  high  dignity,'  was  unto  the  dam'sel,  Ask  of  me 
so  exceedingly  agreeable  and  pleasing  unto  Herod  and  his  guests,  diat  the  king  said  before  ;;:'i',f  t'?^^^^  {{j"^"  rMatt''."x1v^ 
them  all  to  the  maiden  in  a  kind  of  transport,  Ask  of  me  whatever  thou  wilt,  and  I  will  give  6.]   '^ 

a  At  that  time.']    Both  Mark  and  Luke  so  expressly  connect  this  with  6.  with  Mark  viii.  IS.)  not  to  mention  a  kind  of  hereditary  quarrel  which 

the  preceding  section,  that  there  can  be  no  room  to  doubt  that  this  is  its  there  seems  to  have  been  between  the  Herodian  family  and  the  Fhari- 

true  place.  sees.  (See  note  f,  on  Mark  in.  6.  5  50.)    But  it  is  no  easy  matter  to  arrive 

b  T/ie  tetrarch  we  mentioned  above.]    Though  he  was  called  tetrarch  at  a  steady  belief  of  so  great  an  absurdity  as  the  mortality  of  the  soul, 

for  a  particular  reason,  as  heir  to  oiilv  a  fourth  part  of  his  father's  do-  The  existence  ot  the  soul  atter  death,  and  a  state  ot  future  retribution, 

minions,  yet  in  this  district,  (which  was  that  of  rralilep,)  he  was  properly  and  other  evident  principles  ot  natural   religion  connected  with  both, 

a  Hng.  See  note  n,  on  Matt.  ii.  22.  ^  1:5.  and  Luke  iii.  1 .  »  15.  will  even  force  themselves  upon  the  unbelieving  heart,  and  wring  it  with 

c  More  distant  than  the  court  of  Heroil.]     The  letters  pretended  to  ansuish,  which  it  cannot  always,  though  it  may  frequently,  conceal, 

have  passed  between  Christ,  and   Abgarus,  king  of  Edessa,  and  pre-  This  is  admirably  illustrated  by  Bishop  Atterbury,  in  his  sermon  on 

served  by  Eusehius,  CHist.    Ercles.  Iih.  \.  cap.  13.)  are  probably  spu-  this  text  and  subject. 

rious ;  though    Dr.  Cave,  tlie  learned    Dr.  Grahe,  iSpicilen.  vol.  i.   p.        h  As  we  have  before  observed.]    I  have  ventured  to  repeat  here  a  few 

1 — 6.)  and  the  celebrated  Mr.  A<idison,  (in  his  i>wnMr.i?<>M  CV(/-;'«>aw;>i',  clauses  of  Mark,  because  they  seemed  to  me  absolutely  necessary  to 

sect.  1.)  seem  inclined  to  receive  them.    They  might  however  have  their  introduce  the  following  account  of  Herod's  beheading  John  the  Baptist. 

foundation  in  some  messH2e  from  thai  prince"  to  Jesus.     But  the  remark  These  verses  are  before  inserted  at  large,  in  ^  28.  p.  C2.  ■     ,     , 

in  the  paraphrase  is  much  more  certainly  confirmed  by  Matt.  iv.  24, 25.        i    When  Herod  on  his  Urth-day.]    .Some  great  critics,  and  particularly 

5  .36.  p.  75.  Grotius,  Heinsius,  and    P.eland,  choose  to  interpret  this,  ot  the  day  of 

d  Herod  had  imbibed  the  principles  of  the  Sadducces.]    See  note  g,  Herod's  accession,  rather  than  his  birth,  which  they  think  would  have 

below.  been  more  properly  expressed  by  ^ei'eOXiwv  than  ^ei'so-iMi/.    (•'^ee  Elsn. 

e  He  was  exceedinply  antiovs.l  AiiiTropei  strongly  expresses  a  mixture  Oliserv.  vol.  i.  p.  1(K) — IdC.)    But  it  is  evident  the  Seventy  used  iiiuepa 

oi'  douht  and/««r,  which  must  necessarily  throw  the  mind  into  a  very  76i'e(TfMr  for  a  birth-day.  (Jen.  xl.  20. 
uneasy  situation.  k  Chief  officers  of  his  army.]    Though  the  word  x'X'opX'"^  properly 

f  A  prophet,  or  a  person  at  least  fi^e  one  of  the  prophets."]    This  plainly  signifies  one  who  had  the  cnmrnand  of  a  tho-iisand  men,  and  held  a  rank  in 

proves,  that  by  the  word  prophet  they  generally  meant  one  of  the  holy  their  army  nearly  answering  to  that  of  colonels  in  ours,  there  can  be  no 

men  whom  God  had  raised  up  to  his  people  in  former  ages;  and  if  the  reason  to  imasine  that  the  entertainment  was  confined  just  to  that  rank 

particle  ti  be  omitted,  as  it  is  in  some  manuscripts,  the  argument  is  of  officers  :   I  have  therefore  rendered  it  in  a  more  general  way. 
equally  conclusive.  See  note  c,  %  20.  I  This  instance  of  condescension  so  unusual  in  those  days,  «c.]     Dr. 

g  Licentious  as  his  principles  and  character  were.]   Josephus  tells  us,  Lardner  very  justly  observes,  that  it  was  very  unusual  tor  ladies  of  a 

that   the   Sadducean    principles   prevailed   much   among  the  rich  and  high  rank  to  appear  before  the  men,  (Esth.  i.  10 — 12.)  and  much  less  to 

treat.  iAntiq.  Iih.  xviii.  cap.  1.  [al.  2.]  5  4.)    And  it  is  very  probable  dance  at  such  banquets  as  these.    See  his  Credibiliti/  of  the  Gospel  Hh- 

lerod  was  of  this  sect,  as  what  is  called  in  one  text  the  leaven  of  the  tory,  vol.  i.  parti,  p.  23. 
Sadducees,  is  in  another  called  the  leaien  rf  Herod ;  (compare  Matt.  xvi. 


THE  DEATH  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST.  145 

23  And  he  [promised  her  it  thec    And  when  she  seemed  surprised  at  such  a  declaration,  to  encourage  her  to  de-  SECT, 
■wtth  an  oath,  anrf ]3ware  unto  pend  on  what  he  Said,  he  promised  her  with  the  solemnity  of  an  oath,  [and']  profanely  and     77. 

^k'of  me^l^vln  gi^e^v  thee!  foolishly  siuure  ujito  her  more  than  once,"'  I  will  ^ive  thee  whatsoever  thou  wilt  ask  of  me, " 

unto  the  half  of  niy  kingdom.  gyg,j  though  it  should  be  to  the  [value  of]  half  of  my  kingdom.  '  mark 

^"^24* And' she^ went  forth,  and      And,  young  as  she  was,  she  perceive'd  this'  was  now  grown  a  circumstance  of  high  im-  „  7^' 
said  unto  her  mother,  wiiat  portance,  and  might  be  managed  to  considerable  advantage  ;  she  therefore  weiit  out,  and 
Thi  hiad  of 'johnOie  Baptist:  Said  to  her  mother,  who  was  not  in  the  assembly.  What  shall  I  ask  ?    And  she,  struck  with 
this  unexpected  opportunity  of  executing  her  revenge,  eagerly  replied,  Ask  the  head  of 
John  the  Baptist,  who  would  have  expelled  and  ruined  us  both  :  for  nothing  in  the  power 
of  the  king  to  grant  could  give  me  equal  satisfaction. 

"5  And  she  [being  before  And,  though  at  first  she  hesitated  at  so  shocking  a  proposal,  yet  being  thus  before  25 
instructed  of  her  mother,]  urged  to  it  bi/  her  mother,  and  at  length  confirmed  m  the  resolution,"  she  immediately,  after 
S'stl  u"nto'*'"thf' kh^,  Tnd  a  very  short  absence,  came  in  to  the  king  with  speed  in  her  motion  and  eagerness  in  her 
asked,  saying,  I  will  tiiat  countenance,  and  made  her  demand,  saying,  I  desire  that,  in  accomplishment  of  thy  pro- 
by°'inTcha;4er''lhe  heOT  mise,  thou  woiddst  give  me,  presentli/,  'the  head  of  John  the  Baptist ;  and  that  I  may  be  sure 
John  the  Baptist.  [Matt.  xiv.  ^i^g  execution  is  done,  let  the  head  be  brought  and  delivered  to  me  here  in  a  charger,  or 
large  dish." 

26  And  the  king  was  ex-      And  the  king  wos  exceedingly  sorry,  as  well  as  greatly  surprised,  that  she  should  prefer  2G 
ceedingsorrv  ;  [nevertheless]  gQ  strange  a  petition  ;  nevertheless,  as  she  persisted  in  it,  for  the  sake  of  his  repeated  oaths, 
their  sak"twhich%atwTth  him  and  out'of  regard  to  his  guests,  in  whose  presence  they  Were  made,  he  would  not  deny  her, 
fat  meat,]  he  would  not  reject  p^^^j  granted  what  she  asked,  and  ordered  that  it  should  be  given  her. 
gfven  /«^r"Matt  xiv.  9/1      '  And  immcdiatelt/  the  king  sent  one  of  his  guards,^  as  an  executioner,  that  very  night,  and  27 

27^  And  '"J^«;J"?^^^'^y.  ^t^e  commanded  his  head  to  be  brought  into  the  assembly  :  and,  as  soon  as  the  soldier  had  re- 
cmnmlndeA  "hif  head'^to^be  ceived  liis  orders,  he  presently  went,  and  without  any  further  warning,  beheaded  John  in 
brought:  and  he  went .  and  ^/g  prison.  And  brought  his  head  in  a  charger,  and  gave  it  to  the  maiden  :  and  the  maiden,  28 

beheaded  [John]  m  the  prison,   „       ^i  cj.y.c,    ^..,t^  i         j^  -,      ,  t,  .       j  u 

[Matt.  xiv.  10.]  forgettmg  the  tenderness  of  her  sex,q  and  the  dignity  of  her  rank,  with  a  steady  cruelty, 

a  ^a^  er ''a^d 'gav''e*it"to'^the  agreeable  to  her  relation  to  so  ill  a  woman,  brought  [and']  delivered  it  to  her  mother  with 
damsefr*  and    the   damsel  her  own  hands.     And  thus,  till  the  righteous  jud'gment  of  God  overtook  them  all,'  they 
fier°  mother!  TMitt"''xfv.'i/.']  gratified  themselves  in  the  indulgence  of  their  lusts,  and  triumphed  in  the  murder  of  this 
holy  prophet. 
29  And  when  his  disciples      And  the  next  day,  his  disciples  hearing  [of  i?,]  came  to  the  prison,  and,  having  permis-  29 
t'oo'k''up''^hi3'  cOT*pseraTid  fald  sion  to  do  it,  took  tip  his  corpse,  and  laid  it  with  great  reverence  and  due  lamentation  in  a 
it  in  a  tomb ;  [and'went  and  sepulchre  belonging  to   some  of  them  who  were  willing  to  pay  this  last  act  of  duty  to 
told  Jesus.]  [Matt.  xiv.  12.]  ^^^^  master's  memory  :  and  then  they  went  and  told  Jesus  what  had  happened,  and,  re- 
membering the  repeated   testimony   which  John   had  borne  to  him,  continued  their 
attendance  upon  him. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  dreadful  a  thing  is  it  to  have  a  guilty  and  accusing  conscience  !  and  how  remarkable  was  the  force  of  it,  mark 
in  the  instance  before  us !  Herod  was  a  king,  yet  it  addressed  him  in  language  of  terror,  and  made  itself  heard  and     VI. 
felt,  amidst  all  the  hurries  and  flatteries  of  a  court.     Vain  was  the  power  of  a  prince;  vain  the  caresses  of  a  14, 16 
favourite  mistress  basely  gratified  with  the  blood  of  a  prophet ;  and  vain  the  yet  more  besotting  tenets  of  a  Sad- 
ducee.     In  one  instance  at  least,  a  resurrection  shall  be  believed  ;  and  if  a  prophet  arise  in  Israel,  Herod  shall  be 
among  the  first  to  say.  It  is  John  the  Baptist,  risen  from  the  dead;  and  shall  be  ready  to  forebode  the  sad  effects 
of  his  recovered  life,  and  to  prognosticate  evil  to  himself  from  the  mighty  works  he  performed.     Let  us  make  it 
our  care  to  preserve  a  conscience  void  of  offence,  that,  instead  of  a  continual  torment,  it  may  be  to  us  a  continual 
feast ! 

And  if  we  really  desire  to  preserve  it,  let  us  take  heed  that  we  be  not  excessively  transported  with  the  entertain-  22,  23 
ments  of  life,  or  rashly  enter  ourselves  into  engagements  which  perhaps  may  plunge  us  into  some  degree  of  guilt, 
whether  they  be  performed  or  violated. 

We  see,  in  this  dreadful  instance  of  Herodias,  what  an  implacable  degree  of  malice  may  arise  in  the  hearts  of  24 
sinners,  on  being  reproved  for  the  most  scandalous  and  mischievous  vices.     Instead  of  owning  the  obligation  to  one 
that  would  have  plucked  her  as  a  brand  out  of  the  burning,  she  thirsts  insatiably  for  his  blood  ;  and  chooses  rather 
to  indulge  her  cruelty  and  revenge  in  taking  away  his  life,  than  to  gratify  her  avarice  and  ambition  in  demanding 
a  gift  that  might  have  been  equal  to  the  half  of  a  kingdom. 

But  how  mysterious  was  that  providence  which  left  the  life  of  so  holy  a  man  in  such  infamous  hands,  and  per-  25,  27 
mitted  it  to  be  sacrificed  to  the  malice  of  an  abandoned  harlot,  to  the  petulancy  of  a  vain  girl,  and  to  the  rashness 
of  a  foolish  and  perhaps  an  intoxicated  prince,  who  made  the  prophet's  head  the  reward  of  a  dance  !   The  ways  of 
God  are  unsearchable  !  but  we  are  sure  he  can  never  be  at  a  loss  to  repay  his  servants  in  another  world  for  tlie 
greatest  sufferings  they  endure  in  this,  and  even  for  life  itself  when  given  up  in  his  cause. 

We  may  reasonably  conclude  that  death  could  never  be  an  unseasonable  surprise  to  this  excellent  saint.  When  27 
the  executioner  came  into  the  prison  by  night,  perhaps  breaking  in  upon  his  slumbers,  and  executed  his  bloody 
commission  almost  as  soon  as  he  declared  it,  a  soul  like  his  might  welcome  the  stroke  as  the  means  of  liberty  and 
glory  ;  assured  that  the  transient  agony  of  a  moment  would  transmit  it  to  a  kingdom  where  the  least  of  its  inhabit- 
ants would  be,  in  holiness,  honour,  "and  felicity,  superior  to  John  in  his  most  prosperous  and  successful  state 
on  earth. 

His  enemies  might  a  while  insult  over  him,  while  his  disciples  were  mingling  their  tears  with  his  dust,  and  2 

m  Saare  7/7KO  ^cr,  more  than  once.]  This  may  be  verj- well  concluded,  Trivaf  signifies  a  large  dish,  which  the  antiquated  word  charger  well 

because  both  the  evangelists  use  the  plural   opKour,   Matt.  xiv.  9.  and  expresses ;  for  which  reason  I  chose  to  retain  it. 

Mark  vi.  26.  P  One  of  his  guards. '\   So  o-eTrKouXaTwpa  properly  signifies,  or  on«  a/io 

n  Being  hefore  urged  to  it  by  her  mother,  and  at  length  confirmed  in  was  then  standing  sentry.    Ihere  were  no  executioners  in  those  times, 

the  resolution.]   So  the  word  Trpofli/Sao-yeura  seems  to  intimate,  as  Beza,  whose  peculiar  business  it  was  to  put  persons  to  death.                       .     . 

with  his  usual  accuracy,  has  observed  ;  and  there  is  indeed  much  more  q  Forgetting  the  tenderness  of  her  sex.]     This  may  perhaps  be  inti- 

reason  to  wonder  that  she  was  induced  to  make  such  a  request  at  all,  mated    in   the  repetition  of  the  word   maiden.    Jerome  tells  us,  that 

than  that  she  made  some  difficulty  for  a  while  of  presenting  it,  con-  Herodias  treated  the  Baptist's  head  in  a  very  disdainful  manner,  pull- 

sidering  how  savage  it  seemed,  and  how  many  pleasing  views  must  be  ing  out  the  tongue  which  she  imagined  had  injured  her,  and  piercing  it 

sacrificed  to  it.     But  at  last  her  mother's  remonstrances  seem  to  have  with  a  needle.                                                                         ,,  ,  t^     m/i  -m 

wrought  her  up  to  great  emotion,  which  the  evangelist  well  expresses  r  Till  the  righteous  judgment  of  God  overtook  them  all.]  I'r.  Wliitoy, 

by  saying,  fihe  came  in  ei/()eMt  wera  atrovhrK  immediately,  and  with  after  many  others,  observes,  that  Providence  interested  itselt  very  re- 

eagerness.    The  whole  narration  of  Mark,  which  is  by  far  the  most  cir-  markably  in  the  revenge  of  this  murder  on  all   concerned.     Herod  s 

cumstantial,  is  very  much  animated;  as  Mr.  Blackwall  has  justly  ob-  army  was  defeated   in  a  war  occasioned   by  his  manying   llerortias, 

served  in  his  Sacred  Classics,  vol.  i.  p.  38.3.  which  many  Jews  thought  a  judginent  upon  him  for  the  death  ot  lotin. 

o  The  head  of  John  the  Baptist  in  a  charger.]    It  is  well  known,  that  (Joseph.  Aitlig.  lid.  xviii.  cap.  5.  [al.  7.]  0  1.  "-^    ^o}^^  he  and  Herodias, 

it  was  and  is  customary  with  princes  in  those  eastern  parts,  to  require  whose  ambition  occasioned  his  ruin,  were  afterwards  driven  from  their 

the  head  of  those  they  order  to  be  executed  to  be  brought  to  them,  that  kingdom  with  great  regret,  and  died  in  banishment  at  Lyons  in  Oaul. 

they  may  be  assured  of  their  death.     The  Grand  Signior  does  it  to  this  (Joseph.  Uid.  cap.  7-  [al.  9.]  ^  2.)    And  it  any  credit  may  be  given  to 

day.     See  Dr.  Lardner,  in  the  place  cited  in  note  I,  p.  24,  25.    The  word  Nicephorus,  (Hist.  Hi.  1.  cap.  20.)    .Salome,  the  young  lady  who  made 


^46  JESUS  AND  THE  APOSTLES  CROSS  THE  SEA  OF  TIBERIAS. 

SECT,  lamenting  the  residue  of  his  days  cut  off  in  the  midst.     His  death  was  precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  and 

77-     the  triumphing  of  the  wicked  was  short.     So  will  he  ere  long  plead  the  cause  of  all  his  injured  people,  and  give  a 

cup  of  trembling  and  astonishment  to  those  that  have  made  themselves  drunk  with  their  blood.     Let  cruelty  and 

MARK  tyranny  do  their  worst,  verily  there  is  a  reiuard  for  the  righteous  ;  verily  there  is  a  God  that  judgeth  in  the  earth. 
^'^-     (Psal.  Iviii.  11.) 

SECTION  LXXVIII. 

When  the  apostles  were  returned  from  executing  their  commission,  our  Lord  passes  over  the  sea  of  Tiberias;  and  finding  vast  multitudes  had 
followed  him  to  the  place  of  his  intended  retirement,  he  instructs  and  heals  them  ;  and,  having  miraculously  fed  above  five  thousand,  retires 
afterwards  to  pray.    Matt.  xiv.  13 — 23.     Mark  vi.  30 — 46.     Luke  ix.  10 — 17.    John  vi.  1 — 15. 

Mark  vi.  30.  MARicvi.,30. 

SECT.  AND  quickly  after  this  awful  event  of  the  Baptist's  death,*  which  has  been  just  related,  and  the  apostles  [when  they 
T^S.     the  twelve  apostles,  luhen  they  iverc  returned  from  their  circuit,  gathered  together  unto  Jesus,  thimselves'togeliier  Into'^Je^ 

and  told  him  all  the  occurrences  of  their  late  journey ;  recounting  to  him  both  what  miracles  sus,  and  tolri  him  all  things. 

MARK  ff,g^  fiad  done  by  his  divine  assistance,  and  what  doctrine  they  had  taught  according  to  his  what'they  ha(i  t'Tu^ht^cLuke 
^''      direction.  >x- 10.] 

31      And  ivhen  Jesus  heard  lofit,^  and  was  informed  (as  we  have  just  now  seen)  of  the  death     31  And  [when  Jesus  hcaid 
of  John,  as  well  as  of  the  event  of  the  journey  which  his  apostles  had  been  making,  he  ^o,J,'^^  J^/  yourse"lves  apart 
said  to  them,  Come  ye  yourselves  privately  with  me  into  a  solitary  place  in  the  neighbouring  int9  a  desert  place,  and  rest  a 
desert,  and  repose  yourselves  a  ivhile  after  the  fatigue  of  your  journey,  that  we  may  there  coming 'and ''go^ng!''and"they 
indulge  such  meditations  as  are  suitable  to  this  awful  dispensation.    And  it  was  necessary  had  no  leisure  solimch  as  to 
to  give  them  this  advice,  for  there  were  many  continually  coming  and  going  to  and  from  ^'^^'   t^^*'"-  ^'^- 1^.] 
the  public  place  in  which  they  then  were,  so  that  they  had  no  opportunity  even  to  eat  with- 
out interruption,  and  much  less  had  they  leisure  for  religious  retirement  and  recollection. 
LUKE       And  accordingly,  after  these  things,^  he  took  them  with  him,  and  retired  from  the  multi-     Luke  ix.  10.   And  [John, 
^•^-     tude  :  and  they  departed  from  thence,  (even  from  the  place  where  they  had  been  so  much  fhemand  went'as!de,[MAR'K^ 
crowded  and  hurried,)  and  setting  out  in  a  ship  privately,  they  withdrew  z«^o  «  lonely  and  they  departed  [tiience]  by 
(ksert  belonging  to  the  city  called  Bethsaida,  which  we  have  several  times  mentioned  before.  pii?l, ''belong mV^'to*  the^ctty 
[And"]  as  this  desert  was  divided  from  the  place  they  set  out  from  by  a  creek  or  bay  of  <jailed Bethsaida; [John, anrf 
the  sea,  Jesus,  in  passing  to  it,  tuent  over  a  part  of  the  sea  of  Galilee,  which  is  also  some-  'GalileeTwhic"i  %  Ue  je*  of 
times  called  \the  sea~\  of  Tiberias,"^  because  that  is  the  most  considerable  place  on  its  shore.  I,'.'^k'^?1„  [Matt,   xiv    13. 
MARK       AjuI  when  the  people  who  had  been  attending  on  his  ministry  saiv  them  departing,  and,     Mark'Vi."33°'And  [when] 
^'- „  though  he  was  at  some  distance,  7nany  of  them  kneiv  hbn,^  and  others  thereabout  heard  o/'t^e  people  saw  them  denart- 
[iY,]  rt  great  multitude  followed  him  ;  because  they  had  seen  his  miracles,  rvhich  he  had  just  ["nd  h"lTdT/!ereon"Tott'™H 
before  performed  on  tliem  that  were  diseased,  and,  struck  with  the  energy  of  them,  were  great  multitude  followed  him, 
impatiently  desirous  still  to  hear  so  divine  a  Teacher.    And,  therefore,  observmg  how  lie  v'^iifdf\e^'^tiicf^mi'^them''^that 
steered  his'  course,  and  guessing  right  as  to  the  place  at  which  he  intended  to  land,  thei/  Jln'^'^a  foor^h'tii^  r^"''t  of^*^l! 
ran  thither  on  foot,  and  increased  their  numbers  oid  of  all  the  cities  by  which  they  passed  :  [the]  cities,  and  outwent  them, 
and  they  pursued  their  journey  with  such  eagerness,  that  they  outwent  them  who  had  taken  ni?,t'}^"x?v'''i3'''Luk"\x'''ii' 
ship,  and,  getting  round  to  the  shore  where  he  was  to  land,  they  came  together  to  him,  and  joim  vi!' c.] 
stood  ready  to  salute  him  in  a  large  body. 
34      Aful  Jesus,  when  he  came  out  of  tlie  ship,  and  saw  such  a  great  midtitude  of  people,  who     31  And  Jesus,  when  he  came 
had  taken  so  mucli  pains  to  meet  liim  there,  was  moved  with  tender  compassion,  for  them  ;  ^"j"  nfoveT  with'S'inpasslon 
because  he  perceived  they  xvere  sadly  neglected  by  those  who  ought  to  have  been  their  spi-  towards  them,  because  they 
ritual  guides,  and  were  forced  to  wander  from  place  to  place,  as  sheep  having  no  shepherd  ^hepher<iVl']AikT,   a'nd"^he 
to  feed  and  take  care  of  them  ;  and  with  this  he  was  struck  to  such  a  degree,  that  though  recei\ed  them,]  and  began  to 
he  had  come  thither  for  retirement,  he  did  not  either  dismiss  or  forsake  them  ;  but,  on  the  [i*uKF.,'and  spake  unto 'thlni 
contrary,  received  them  in  a  most  condescending  and  indulgent  manner,  and  began  with  of  the  kingdom  of  God,  and 
renewed  zeal  and  fervency  to  teach  them  many  important  things ;  ami,  in  particular,  spake  jheni  that  Yia/ need^<ff"heal- 
to  them  concerning  the  kingdom  of  God  which  he  v/as  now  erecting,  and  healed  many  of  '"s-1  [Matt.  xiv.  14.  Lukeix. 
their  sick  people,  [cwh  a//]  those  that  were  brought  to  him,  and  had  need  of  healing. 
JOHN       And,  in  prosecution  of  this  design,  that  he  might  be  heard  and  seen  with  the  greater     John  vi.s.  And  Jesus  went 
VL  3.  advantage,  Jesus  ivent  up  into  a  mountain,  and  there  sat  down  with  his  disciples,  and  the  ij^sat  with  hys^discipres.'*''^''' 
4  multitudes  about  him.     And  indeed  it  was  a  season  of  the  year  which  admitted  it;  for     4  And  the  passover,  a  feast 
the  spring  was  now  so  far  advanced  that  the  passover,  a  graxia  feast  of  the  Jews,  ivas  near.''  °'  "'^  •'^"'^'  ^^"*  "'s''- 

this  cruel  request,  fell  into. the  ice  as  she  was  walking  over  it,  which,  e  The  passover,  a  feast  of  (he  Jeifi,  was  near.']    Almost  all  who  have, 

closing  suddenly,  cut  off  her  head.  compiled  Harmonies  of  the  gospels,  have  concluded  that  this  was  at  least 

a  After  this  awful  event  of  the  Baptist's  death.]    Matthew,  Mark,  the  third  passoter  of  oar  lord's  public  ministry  ;  and  .Sir  Isaac  Newton 

and  Luke  are  all  so  express  in  the  connexion  of  this  story  with  the  fore-  reckons   it  the  fourth.    (.See  note   a,  on  .lohn  ii.  13.  p.  55.)    But  Mr. 

goin^,  that  there  can  be  no  doubt  as  to  the  propriety  and  necessity  of  Manne  advances  a  most  singular  hypothesis,  which  is,  that  it  was  no 

placing  it  here.  passover  at  all,  hut  was  the  feast  of  pentecost.   (.Dissert,  p.  Id^.)    But 

b  After  these  things.]    \  have  before  observed,  (in  note  a,  on  John  v.  he  has  no  authority  for  makingsuch  an  alteration,  all  the  old  manuscripts 

1.  p.  93.)  that  Mr.  Mansie  supposes  this  si.\th  chapter  of  John  ought  to  and  versions  agreeing  with  the  received  reading,  which  therefore  should 

be  connected  with  the  end  of  the  fourth  :  (see  his  Dissertations,  p.  157 —  uot  be  chang:ed  without  urgent  necessity  ;  whereas  there  is  no  necessity 

163.)  and  the  rather  because  he  fancies  one  may  find  a  connexion  be-  at  all  for  it  in  this  place:  nor  is  it  possible  that  this  should  be,  as  he 

tween  John  iv.  54.  and  vi.  1.  the  first  of  which  texts  tells  us  that  Jesus  supposes,  the  feast  of  pentecost,  following  the  first  passover  of  Christ's 

Was  in  Galilee  ;  und  the  \iitxeT,  that  he  went  oier  the  sea  nf  Galilee,  mhich  ministry;  because  such   thinas  are  expressly   said   to  have    happened 

as  the  sea  of  Tiberias.    But  1  cannot  see  the  least  force  in  the  argument,  between  that  passover  and  this  feast,  as  could  not  be  crowded  into  the 

considering  how  often  Christ  changed  his  place,  and  came  bacli  again  to  naiTOw  compass  assigned  them  on  this  scheme.     For,  according  to  Mr. 

that  which  he  had  formerly  visited  :  nor  can  he  urge  it  with  any  consist-  Manne's  scheme,  the  passover  happened  on  April  the  2il,  the  feast  of 

ence,  because,  according  to  his  own  scheme  of  the  Harmonv,  Christ  had  pentecost  on  May  the  IM,  and  this  miracle  of  feeding  the  five  thousand 

crossed  the  sea  to  Gergasa,  and  dispossessed  the  legion,  afterthe  cure  of  at  the  latter  end  of  April.    Now  he  himself  allows  that,  after  the  first 

the  nobleman's   son,   and  long  before  the    passing  over  the  sea  that  passover,  [at  which  he  stai<l  long  enough  to  work  many  miracles,  and  to 

IS  here  referred  to  :  (which  was  plaiuly  not  to  Gergasa,  but  to  the  desert  nave  a  conference  with   N  icodemus,]  Jesus  [having,  as  .iohn  tellS  us, 

of  Bethsaida  :)  so  that  there  is  no  shadow  of  a  reas'  n  for  such  an  un-  chap.  iii.  22.  tarried  some  time  with  his  disciples  in  Judea,  and  made 

exampled   transposition,  which  has  no  copy  or  version  to  support  it.  so  many  disciples  there,  that  he  alarmed  the  Pharisees;  see  John  iv.  1.] 

Besides  that  this  requires  another  change  in  ver.  4.  which  is  equallj'  went  through  Samaria  ;  and   after  having  spent  two  days  at  Sicliar, 

arbitrary,  and  (as  we  shall  show  in  note  e,  of  this  section)  most  contrary  [and  every  hour  in  such  a  circumstance  is  important,]  came  into  Galilee, 

not  only  to  the  faith  of  all  copies,  but  to  the  reason  of  things.  and  taught  m  all  their  synagogues  ;  preached  the  sern^on  on  the  mount ; 

c  Sometimes  called  the  sea  of  Tihenas.]  We  have  before  observed,  and  then  [having,  as  Luke  tells  us,  chap.  iv.  31.  dwelt  a  while  at  Caper- 
that  It  had  various  names.  (See  note  b,  on  Luke  v.  1.  p.  72.)  It  is  not  naum,  and  taught  them  on  the  sabbath  days,]  cured  Peter's  mother-in- 
ne.cessary  to  suppose  they  crossed  the  lake  ;  if  they  did,  it  was  only  over  law :  then,  having  cast  out  Legion,  cured  tfie  paralytic,  called  Matthew, 
the  extremity  ot  it;  or  possibly  they  only  made  a  coasting  voyage  round  and  [after  having  kept  them  with  him  some  time,  as  .Mark  and  Luke 
some  creek  or  bay  of  it ;  otherwise  it  is  hard  to  say  how  the  people  going  intimate,  it  .52.  p.  103.]  sent  out  the  twelve  apostles  ;  and  having  on  one 
on  foot  could  have  been  there  before  lam,  as  it  is  said  they  were,  Mark  vi.  sabbath  vindicated  his  disciples  for  pluckiug  the  ears  of  corn,  and  on 
.J3.  .See  Lightt.  Hor.  Hebr.  on  Matt.  xiv.  13.  and  Calmet,  Dissert.  Tom.  another  cured  the  man  with  a  withered  hand,  he  then  goes  to  Nazareth, 
I.  part  1.  p.  89.  [where  he  spent  at  least  one  sabbath  ;]  and,  after  many  other  miracles, 

d  Many  knew  hrm.']    It  should  seem  that  Christ  ordered  the  vessel  to  and  the  return  of  the  twelve,  goes  into  the  desert ;  [.lohn  the  Baptist  in 

be  preirared  at  some  distance  from  the  place  where  the  multitude  was  ;  the  mean  time  having  been  seized,  (for  it  is  directiv  said  he  was  at  liberty 

.yet  not  so  far  oflF  but  some  of  the  company  could  make  a  shift  to  dis-  after  the  first  passover,  John  iii.  24.)  and  after  frequent  audiences,  while 

tinguish  who  he  was.  Herodias  long  waited  an  opportunity  to  destroy  him,  being  at  length 


FIVE  THOUSAND  MIRACULOUSLY  FED.  147 

Lukeix.iiJ.   And  when  (he      ^>id  luhen  they  had  thus  spent  the  dai/  in  a  delightful  attendance  upon  him,  and  it  now   SF.cr. 
day  besaii  to  wear  away,  Ifgan  to  (lec/hic,  and  indeed  ivuti  M)  far  spent  that  the  evening  came  on,  then  some  of  hix     77. 
speiif.H'anT'i't  waTevenlni;'';]  disciples,  and  particularly  the  twelve  apos'tles,  who  were  now  "round  him,  cmne  to  hbn,  and  ■ 


iway',  that  they  may  go  into  round  (ibout  US,  and  find  conveniences  to  lodge  there,  and  mat/  have  opportunity  to  bu^ 
a'to^r' "ncl" h)d'"e'''?.\i A b'k '  fl»^'"^^l'^e^  bread,  midget  oihex  food  ;  for  they  tiave  fasted  all  the  day,  and  can  have  nothing 

and   buy  llieniselv'es    breail,]  here  to  eat. 

?i'iev^'have'"nMiiin'^' to''ean       Then  Jesun  lifted  7ip  his  ei/cs,  and  seeing  a  s:rcat  company,  who  (as  was  said  before)  were    joiin 
[Matt.  xiv.  15.  Mark  vi.  35,  conie  out  of  all  the  citics  to  him,  he  sut/s  to  Philip,  who,  feeing  a  native  of  Bethsaida,  was     vi. 
'^'john  vi    5     When  lesiis  acquainted  in  that  country,  (John  i.  44.  p.  52.)    IIow  and  jchence  shall  ice  bay  bread  for  5 
then  lift  up  /<(> eyes, ami  saw  the  entertainment  of  all  these  people,  that  they  may  eat  with  me  before  we  part?    (And  6 

himrhe*^°'ii5^"uni<r"ph'iUp°  ^''"•''  ^"'  ■^^"'^'  °"^y  '^^  ^'-^  ^"'"'  ^"^  ^^  S'^®  '^™  ^"  Opportunity  of  observing  what  followed 
Whence  shall  we  buy  bread!  more  attentively  ;  for  he  himself  very  well  knew  what  he  rvas  about  to  do,  and  had  deter- 
^''eVAmHhis^ie  said  to  prove  mined  how  to  proceed.)  But  Philip,  forgetting  what  had  been  done  of  this  kind  by  7 
him:  for  he  himself  knew  Elijah  and  Elisha,  prophets  so  far  niferior  to  Jesus,  (1  Kings  xvii.  14 — 16.  and  2  Kings 
*7^PiiUi^''"!ins1vered  him,  IV-  4—6,  42—44.)  and  even  by  Jesus  himself  at  Cana  in  Galilee,  (John  ii.  6—11.  sect. 
Two  hundred  pennyworth  of  xxiii.)  was  surprised  that  he  should  mention  such  a  thing,  and  answered  him.  Two  hun- 
themAhlt"\lry"vnVo}^ti^em  dred pe7iiii/worth  of  />;'('«(/,  or  as  much  as  could  be  purchased  for  two  hundred  denarii,'" 
may  take  a  little.  whicli  is  at  present  all  our  little  stock,  is  not  sufjicient  for  them,  that  every  one  of  them  may 

take  a  little  refreshment,  and  much  less  would  it  furnish  them  with  a  full  meal ;  it  will 
be  necessary  therefore  immediately  to  dismiss  them,  that  they  may  have  time  to  shift  for 
themselves. 
Matt.  xiv.  16.    But  Jesus      But  Jesus  Said  to  him,  and  to  them  that  stood  near  him,  who  had  but  just  now  made  matt. 
not^depart.'sWe  ye'"t"hem^to  the  Same  proposal.    They  have  no  need  to  go  awaij  fastin?,  nor  am  I  willing  to  dismiss    xi'^'- 
eat.  [And  they  say  unto  him,  them  SO  without  any  Supply :  and  therefore  let  them  have  food  for  their  refreshment  liere ;  ^^ 
dr«l'  plifn/vlwt'ii'"V"*'bread'  and  instead  of  sending  them  away  to  provide  for  themselves,  do  you  make  ready  for  them, 
[Luke,  a/irf  meat  for  all  this  and  give  ye  them   [something]   to  eat.     And  they  say  unto  him.  Shall  we  then  go  to  a.ny 
eat°f]*^[Markvi^3T.  Luke  ix.  neighbouring  place,  and  buy  tivo  hundred  pennyworth  of  bread  [and']  meat  for  all  this  mul- 
13-]  titude  of  people,  and  give  [it']  them  to  eat,  that  it  may  go  as  far  as  it  can? "  If  such  be  thy 

to^'hIm,^'ilow  many^'i'oaves  pleasure,  we  shall  not  offer  to  dispute  it,  whatever  be  the  conseqtience  as  to  ourselves, 
have  ye'?  go  and  see.  But,  as  he  purposed  in  himself  to  entertain  the  multitude  out  of  the  little  store  of  pro-  mark 

disciples?"  Aiidrelvf   «mnn  visions  they  had,  Jesus  says  to  them.  How  many  loaves  have  you  here  already?  go  and  see  vi.  3;i. 
Peter'sbrothersaith unto  him,  that,  and  there  will  be  no  need  of  buying  any  more.     Upon  which  one  of  his  disciples,   joun 
ha^th  five*  badey  lo^avesTand  namely,  Andrew,  who  was  Simon  Peters  brother,  went  to  inquire  ;  and  soon  returning      vi. 
twosmall  fishes:  but[LuKE,  back  with  an  account  of  what  they  had,  he  says  unto  him,  I  find  there  is  a  lad  here  that  ^ 
are  'they"amon"'  so  many'?  has  five  coarse  barley  loaves,  and  two  small  fishes,  which  he  would  let  us  have ;  but  ive  have  9 
blatt.  xiv  17.  ^lark  vi.  38.  no  more  to  offer  them,  either  of  bread  or  meat ;  [and]  ivhat  are  they  among  so  many  to 

Matt!"' xiv.  18.    He  said,  Satisfy  the  hunger  of  so  great  a  company  ?  A?id  he  said  to  them.  Do  you  be  under  no  con-  matt. 
brinj;  them  hither  to  me.       '  cem  about  the  scantiness  of  your  provisions:  but  bring  them  hither  to  me,  for  even  these    xiv. 

19  And  he  commanded  the     i     ,,        re  J  f  '  to  J  "   '--"'  ..  „ 

multitude  to  sit  down  [upon  Shall  Suttice.  ^o 

thegreen grass;]  [Luke, and      And,  when  they  were  brought  to  him,  he  commanded  the  multitude  to  sit  down  vnon  1Q 

he  said  to  his  disciples,]  [Make    ,,  '  i  •   u      ,.  ^u    i.  c  ^\  ^.^     i  ■    i  i    xi     .^  .1        i-   .   ■', 

them  all  sit  down  by  com-  the  green  grass,  which  at  that  season  of  the  year  was  pretty  high :  and,  that  the  distnbu- 
'vS'mudf'orass 'iiuhr'  lace"^!  ^^^^  °^  '•'^^  ^  '^  might  be  more  orderly,  and  the  number  of  persons  be  the  better  observed, 
[.Mark  vi.  Vj!  Luke  ix.  14.  he  Said  to  his  disciplcs.  Let  tliem  be  placed  in  order,  and  cause  them  all  to  sit  down  by 
"'"Luke'i.<*^i5  And  they  dni  companies  in  rows.  JVoty  there  was  then  much  grms  in  the  place,?  in  which  they  might  sit 
so,  and  made  them  all  sit  down  with  ease  and  jileasure. 

siirJownS' Im'ranks.'by  hua-      ^"^^  ^'^  disciples  would  no  more  dispute  the  matter  with  him  ;  but  they  did  so  as  the    like 
dreds  and  by  fifties,]  [John,  Lord  had  Commanded  them,  and  caused  them  all  to  sit  doivn,  though  they  could  not  see      l-^^. 
sand."]"[Mark''\^"4o.''Luke°ix;  ^^'''^  *'^'^y  ^^^""^  *°  ^®  ^^^-     ^^'^  '"^^  therefore  sat  down  by  themselves  in  iwvs  which  there  ^^ 
14.  John  vi.  10.]  '  was  room  to  pass  between,  by  hundreds  and  by  fifties,  in  a  long  square,  containing  an 

[Jo'h'n,  ,i?sus^]'ha(A"keir'the  ^i^ndred  in  rank,  and  fifty  in'file  :^  and  they  we're  about  five  thousand  in  number,  not  to 
five  loaves,  and  the  two  fishes,  mention  the  women  and  children,  who  were  placed  apart.' 

[ToHN,*\vh«/'iie  Ifad  "given      "'^'"^  Jesus,  taking  the  five  loaves  and  the  two  fishes,  looked  up  to  heaven  with  great  rever-   mark 
thanks    he]  blessed  [Luke,  ence  and  affection,  and  having  given  thanks  to  his  heavenly  Father  for  the  bounties  of  Iiis      vi. 
and"lj(i*HN,  d'istHbutldi'Mem  Y^^^  providence,  and  the  extraordinary  instance  of  divine  favour  now  to  be  manifested,  Ac,  41 
to  his  disciples  [Lukf:,  to  set  in  a  Solemn  manner,  blessed  them,  commanding  upon  the  provisions  before  him  that  sin- 
that'^were*  "eTdown J  tand"the  gular  blcssiug  by  which  they  were  to  be  multiplied  in  the  distribution;  and  then  he  brake 
disciples  trave  them  to  the  the  loaves  in  pieccs,  and  distributed  them  to  his  disciples,  that  they  misht  set  [thcml  before  the 
multitude ;]  and  [John,  like-         /,-,     7         !  .    1  .1  1      1     j        1        j  ..i    '^  1  -' i--^    i      ,7 

wise]  the  two  fishes  divided  multituc/e,  who  were  Set  doivn  upon  the  grass  as  he  had  ordered  them  :  and  accordingly  the 

he  among  theni  ail,  [John   disciples  [gave  them'j  round  to  all  the  ?nultitude  with  believing  hearts  and  unsparing  hands: 
(Matt.  xiV.  19.  Luke^^ix"  16.  ^"?^^  ^^  likewise  divided  the  tivo  fishes  among  them  all,  and  gave  them  by  the  hands  of  his 
"'4""An(rfhe    did    11         disciples  to  the  whole  compaiiv.  Supplying  them  with  «.?  ?Hw/(  «s  ^/(H/ twiw/fi  take.     AndsO'i2 
and' were  filled.    [Matt,  xiv!  Wonderfully  were  the  provisions  increased  by  passing  under  his  creating  hand,  that  they  did 
'^i^nXr'i"'^  When  the    ^^^  ^"^  of  them  till  they  had  every  one  enough,  and  were  all  fully  satisfied. 

were  filled,  he'  said  unto  hi's  And,  when  they  were  all  sufficientlv  filled,  he  says  to  his  disciples,  Let  there  be  no  waste  joim 
nlents'^t^hfrremam,  tifat'no;  "^^"^^  of  any  part  of  tlie  divine  bounties,  hut  gather  up  the  broken  pieces  that  remain,  that  VLic. 
thing  be  lost.  '  SO  nothing  7nay  be  lost.    The  disciples  ^/;erf/o/Y,  in  obedience  to  his  word,  went  through  13 

beheaded.]    All  these  events,  except  those  included  in  crotchets,  Mr.  that  the.  ffrnss  was,  green :  as  it  was  before  the  passover,  but  not  iif-ar  (he 

aianne  expressly  nientions ;  (p.    166 — 171.)  and  those  that  are  so  in-  feast  of  pentecost,  when  even  the  corn  harvest  was  concluded.     I'houuh 

eluded,  the  evangelists  iu  express  words  connect  with  the  rest.     Now  I  thev  sat  thus  on  the  ground,  under  no  canopv  but  the  sky,  and  had  only 

appeal   to  an  unprejudiced  person,  whether  it  is  possible  these  things  barlev  bread,  and,  as  it  seems,  cold  or  dried"  fishes  to  eat,  and  proliably 

could  happen  in  a  month.    It  may  rather  be  doubted  whether  two  years  nothing  but  water  to  drink  ;  yet,  as  Mr.   Henry  truly  and  beautifully 

be  suthcient  for  them,  and  others  connected  with  them  in  the  preceding  observes  on  ]\latt.  xiv.  19.   "  There  was  more  real  grandeur  displayed 

sections.    On  the  whole,  I  cannot  recollect  anv  instance  in  which  a  per-  bv  the  Master  of  this  feast,  than  by  Ahasuerus  in  that  royal  feast  which 

son  of  such  distinguished  learning  anti  abilities  has  been  befraved,  bv  was  intended  to  ilio-o  the  riches  of  hix  gloriovs  kingdom,  una  the  konmir 

love  to  any  hypothesis,   info  so  palpable   an  error.— The  reader   will  of  his  excellent  majestij.     See  Esth.  i.  4— 7." 

'"^['ul?  '"i-^'.™';'ng  heen  so  large  iu  confuting  a  scheme  so  inconsistent  h  An  hundred   in   rank,  and  fiftv  in  file.]    Thtt  this  is  the  proper 

witn  that  laid  down  above  ;  and  will,  I  hope,  perceive  tliatit  is  proved,  import,  is  abundantly  proved  by  Air.  Pierce  in  his  lifth  Dissertation 

not  only  to  tie  precarious  or  unlikely,  but  ev^n  impossible.  annexed  to  the  Hebrews.    This  was  the  shortest  and  exactest  way  of 

t  I'or  two  hundred  denani.]    This  amounts  to  about  six  pounds  five  ranging  them,  and  reconciles  Mark's  account  above,  with  Luke  s,  who 

Shillings  ot  our  money.    The  mention  of  that  sum  seems  to  intimate  Cas  only  speaks  of  their  sitting  down  by  fifties.    Thus  disposed,  they  would 

in  the  paraphrase)  that  their  whole  stock  amounted  to  so  much.  wait  more  patiently  till  they  were  served   in  their  turns ;  tne  number 

g  lltere  was  much  grass  in  the  place.}     It  is  also  said  (Mark  vi.  39.)  would  appear  at  once,  and  tliey  would  see  that  Christ  knew  it. 

L    2 


^^8  FIVE  THOUSAND  MIRACULOUSLY  FED. 

SECT,  the  several  ranks  of  the  whole  company,  and  picking  up  the  pieces  that  were  left,  they     13  Therefore  they  sath^':':'} 
78.     gathered  them  together,  and  filled  no  less"  than  twelve  baskets  with  the  very  frafrmeiits  of  the  (weTve 'bSketTWitlfthe  trag- 

Jive  barley  loaves,  and  of  the  two  fishes,  which  remained  over  and  above  to  them  that  had  ments    of  the   five    barley 

MATT,  eaten  :  a  quantity  vastly  larger  than  they  had  at  first.  bshes,]  whichrernaTned  over 

^^\\      And  yet  thei/  who  had  eaten  of  the  loaves  and  fishes  (as  by  the  disposition  of  the  multi-  and  aboye  unto  thenyhat  had 
tude  in  rows,  the  number  of  them  might  be  easily  computed)  wei'e  a  boat  five  thousand  *^*43-  Luife'i'x!"!?.]""' 
inen,  besides  women  and  children,  who  sat  by  themselves,  and  might  almost  amount  to  an   ^Mat't.  xiv.  21.    And  they 

',1  J  J  70  jl,jj{  1,^^  e-M^n  [ot  the  loa%'es,] 

equal  number.  were  about  five  thousand  men. 

JOHN        The  men  therefore  who  were  present  upon  this  occasion,  and  were  thus  miraculously  heside  women  and  children. 

VI.     entertained,  ^au/wg  seen  the  miracle  which  Jesus  wrought,  after  all  the  preceding  wonders  of    john^  vi.   14.   Then  those 

1^  the  day,  were  so  mightily  struck  wqth  it,  that  they  said.  Truly  this  is  the  great  Prophet  who  men.  when  they  hao  seen  the 

,  ■"  •    .      ,,  °        •';  ,  11  ',  V,  ■  ^       Vi  i    1    t.  iU      miracle  that  Jesus  did,  said, 

was  to  come  into  the  world,  and  has  so  long  been  mipatientiy  expected   by  us,  even  the  This  is  of  a  truth  that  Pro- 
Messiah  himself,  whom  God  has  appointed  to  rule,  as  well  as  to  teach  his  people.  (Com-  pi'et  that  should  come  into 
pare  Deut.  xviii.  18.  and  see  also  1  Mac.  xiv.  41.)    And  concluding  that  the  same  mira- 
culous power  could  make  itself  victorious  over  all  opposition,  and  easily  could  subsist 
and  maintain  an  army'  in  the  greatest  extremity,  they  began  to  enter  into  measures  of 
proclamiing  his  title  to  the  kingdom  of  Israel,  and  fixing  him  on  the  throne  of  David  his 

latner.  _  J2  when    Jesus    therefore 

15  Jesus  therefore,  knoiving  that  they  would  quickly  urge  this  proposal,  and  that  their  hearts  perceived  that  they  would 
were  so  much  set  upon  it,  that  they  ivere  ready  to  come  and  seize  him  by  force  to  make  him  5^°  nwke'him''a  kin"g,'["M*vR'K; 
king,  was  determined  immediately  to  part  with  them,  lest  he  should  give  umbrage  to  the  straightway  he  constrained  his 
jeatousy  of  the  Romans,  and  lead  the  people  that  followed  him  into  inconvenience  and  and  to%*[blfor'e"him]^o't^e 
ruin :  he  therefore  immediafeli/  obliged  his  disciples  to  get  into  the  ship  in  which  they  had  other  side,  unto  Bethsaida, 
come  thither,!'  and  to  go  before  him  to  the  other  side  of  the  creek,  to  the  city  of  Bethsaida,^  ^Y^'.'f  [Man"' x'ir22.''\far'k 
while  he  dismissed  the  nndtltude,  who  upon  seeing  his  disciples  go  abroad,  would  be  more  ^'\/^;.^^..  45     a  d  -i 

MARK  easily  prevailed  upon  to  go  away.    And  when  he  hud  accordingly  dismissed  the  multitude,  had  sent^ them' away,  [and"the 

V-     and  sent  them  off  as  well  as  his  disciples,  «??</ ^/ie  evening  was  now  come,  he  again  withdrew,  evening  was  come,]  he  de- 

'^^  according  to  iiis  frequent  custom,  \and'\  ascended  up  by  himself  alone  to  a  mountain  in  those  ^/nt  up,""roH'N^,*' himself 

parts,  to  pray  to  his  heavenly  Father;  in  which  delightful  exercise  he  spent  the  greatest  a'onei  into  a  mountain  to 

"     .  '  r   ^'       ■   1  .  ''  pray. J    [Matt.  xiv.  23.  John 

part  ot  the  night.  vi.  15.] 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  4 1      So  evidently  true  is  it,  that  man  Uveth  not  by  bread  alone,  but  by  every  word  that  proceedeth  out  of  the  mouth  of 

God!  (Matt.  iv.  4.)     IIow  wonderful  did  the  power  of  Christ  appearj  in  thus  multiplying  the  food!  and  how 

MATT,  amiable  his  compassion,  in  his  afteetionate  concern  for  the  relief  of  his  necessitous  followers  !  It  is  to  be  esteemed 

XIV.   a  great  happiness,  when  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  have  it  in  their  power  to  assist  men  in  their  temporal  as  well 

16  as  spiritual  necessities ;  and  it  is  peculiarly  incumbent  upon  them,  thus /o  do  good  and  communicate ;  for  with 
such  sacrifices  from  their  hands  God  is  peculiarly  well  pleased,  and  the  success  of  their  ministry  may  be  greatly  pro- 
moted by  them.  (Heb.  xiii.  16.) 

JOHN       The  disciples  received  from  the  hand  of  Christ  the  food  they  delivered  to  the  people  :  and  so  should  ministers 
VI.     be  concerned,  that  they  mav  receive  from  Christ  what  they  dispense  to  others  as  the  bread  of  life,  and  that  they 

11  also  at  the  same  time  may  live  upon  it,  as  the  support  of  their  own  souls.  IIow  great  an  honour  is  it  to  be  em- 
ployed as  stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  God  !  Let  not  immoderate  secular  cares,  let  not  the  desire  of  worldly  riches 

15  or  greatness,  interrupt  us  in  "this  blessed  work  !  Christ  withdrew  from  those  who  would  have  made  him  king :  ill 
therefore  does  it  become  his  disciples  to  pursue  earthly  grandeur ;  and  most  unworthy  is  it  of  his  ministers,  to  act 
as  if  his  kingdom  were  of  this  world.     May  we  learn  in  every  state  to  be  content !  (Phil.  iv.  11.)     In  want,  may 

12  we  cheerfully  trust  Providence  !  In  plenty,  may  we  not  wantonly  abuse  it !  but  learn,  by  his  command  of  gather- 
ing up  the  fragments  even  of  this  miraculous  feast,  a  wise  frugality  in  the  use  of  our  enjoyments  :  that  nothing  may 
be  lost,  nor  a  reserve  be  wanting,  by  which  the  streams  of  future  liberality  may  be  fed  ! 

MATT.      When  the  day  had  been  thus  employed,  Christ  retired  to  a  mountain  to  pray.    Tlius  must  secret  devotion  attend 
XIV.    our  public  labours  for  the  instruction  and  salvation  of  men,  if  we  would  secure  that  divine  blessing,  without 
23  which,  neither  the  most  eloquent  preaching,  nor  the  most  engaging  and  benevolent  conduct,  can  command  or 
promise  success. 


SECTION  LXXIX. 

As  the  riisfiples  were  upon  the  lake,  they  are  overtaken  by  a  storm;  and  Christ  comes  to  them,  walking  on  the  sea,  and  stills  the  tempest. 
Matt.  xiv.  24,  to  the  end.    Mark  vi,  47,  to  the  end.    John  vi.  16— 21. 

John  vi.  16.  John  vi.  le. 

SECT.  It  was  before  observed,  that,  after  the  miraculous  feeding  of  the  five  thousand,  Christ  AND  when  even  was  vnw 
79.     ordered  his  disciples  to  depart,  and  go  before  him  to  Bethsaida ;  and  accordingly,  when  the  uX'^ihl^eaf  plurTw  "^T" 

evening  teas  come,  his  disciples  went  dmon  to  the  sea-\side  f\  And  having  entered  into  the  ship     17  And  entered  mtoaship, 

JOHN    which  waited  for  them,  and  put  off  from  land,  they  quickly  met  with  a  cross  wind  that  ^"'Ij'n''',,?^'*'"''^,^",!^^^^!^ 
*  '•     clianged  their  course,  and  were  soon  driven  further  from  the  shore  than  they  designed  ;  so  dark,  [Mark,  and  the  ship 
1 '  that, "instead  of  getting  to  Bethsaida,  they  %oere  going  to  the  other  side  of  the  sea  towards  "'^  '"  *'""  '^'''^'  °*  "'^  ^**-^ 
Capernaum  ;*  and,  night  coming  on,  it  was  now  dark,  and  the  ship  was  m  the  midst  of  the 

j  Concluding  that  the  same  miraculous  power  could  subsist  and  main-  was  observed  before,  (Luke  ix.  10.  p.  146.)  that  they  were  now  in  a 

tain  an  army.]    It  is  certain,  that  an  army  of  less  than  five  thousand  desert  place  belonging  to  Bethsaida ;  which  probably  was  divided  from 

men  might,  under  such  a  Leader,  have  accomplished  the  greatest  events,  it  by  some  bay  or  creek  that  run  into  the  land  ;  anil  Christ  now  oily 

and  have  obtained  even  universal  empire,  had  he  been  pleased  to  exert  ordered  his  disciples  to  pass  over  this  creek  to  the  city  of  bethsaida, 

his  power  to  such  purposes.    'I'hey  probably  remembered  how   vast  an  where  he  might  afterwards  have  joined  them,  wlnen  he  had  sent  away 

host  had  been  defeated  by  Gideon  with  only  three  hundred  men  with  the  people.     But  in  their  passage  thither,  a  great  storm  arose,  and  thev 

their  trumpets  and  lamps;  (Judg.   vii.  22.)  not  to  mention  Samson's  were  driven  by   a  contrary  wind   into  the   midst  of  the  sea  towanfs 

slaying  a  thousand  with  &ja70-hone,  (Judg.  xv.  15.)  and  other  extiaordi-  Capernaum.    '1  his  reconciles  the  place  before  us  with  the  beginning  of 

nary  events  of  this  kind  recorded  in  the  Old  Testament.    (See  2  Kings  the  next  section,  where,  notwithstanding  the  direction  Christ  had  given 

iii.  21 — 24.  2  Chron.  xx.  22 — 25.  and  compare  Lev.  xxvi.  8.)   They  also  them  ti>  go  before  him  to  Bethsaida.  we  find  them  going  to  Capernaum, 

knew  that  the  whole  body  of  the  Jewish  nation  was  then  highly  spirited  which  lay  on  the  other  side  of  the  lake.    Compare  note  a,  below, 
with  these  sentiments,  and  might  reasonably  expect  that  legions  of  them        a   fVere  going  to  the  other  side  of  the  sea  t07i<ards  CapernaJim.    This 

would  S90n  pour  in  to  the  standards  of  such  a  Leader.  exactly   expresses   what  is  said   in  the  original ;    j]pxoi;TO  TrfpuK  Tnf 

k  Obliged  his  disciples,  SjC.']    This  phrase  may  intimate  thatthej',  who  tia\aaar\^  eir  KaTrepi/as/i  :  and  I  cannot  Ijut  look  upon   it  as  an  argu- 

plainly  appear  to  have  been  too  fond  of  secular  views,  were  rather  in-  ment  that  Bethsaida  lay  on  the  east  side  of  the  .sea  of  Tiberias,  (though 

dined  to  stay,  and  quitted  the  multitude  with  some  rehictance,  in  what  most  of  our  maps  have  placed  it  in  a  different  situation,)  since  Caper- 

fhey   thought  so  favourable  a  conjuncture.     But  it  was  certainly  the  naum  is  allowed  by  all  to  have  been  situated  on  the  western  shore,  and 

higtiest  prudence   in   Christ,  considering  what  his   purposes  were,  to  is  here  represented  as  lying  on  the  opposite  side  to  Bethsaida,  from 

order  them  away,  and  to  dismiss  them  and  the  multitude,  before  any  which  they  were  driven  over  the  sea  to  Capernaum.    (Compare  note  1, 

thing  happened   which   could   alarm  or  offend  even  the  most  jealous  above.)     Ibis  situation  of  Bethsaida  is  likewise  confirmed  by  Josephus. 

spies,  who  might  perliaps  herd  among  the  crowd.  (  Bell.  JiiH.  lib.  ii.  cap.  0.  [al.  8.]  sect.  1.)  who  calls  it  by  tne  name  of 

I  /ind  to  go  bej'ore  him  to  the  other  side  of  tlie  creek,  to  Bethsaida.'^    It  Julias ;  wiiicli  Piiny  aJ&o  speaks  of,  as  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  lake  ot" 


JESUS  COMES  TO  THE  DISCIPLES  WALKING  ON  THE  SEA.  149 

and  Je^ns  was  not  come  unto  sca,  they  did  not  exactly  know  where.     Noiv  Jesus  was  not  yet  come,  to  them}'  \lmt  wai[   SECT, 
them,  [Makk,  bui  na.v  alone  gjiji  where  they  left  him,  by  himself  alone  on  the  land,  employed  in  secret  devotion  on  the     79. 
Mark'vL  47-.]  ^^"""  "''       mountain  to  which  he  retired.  

18  And  the  sea  arose,  by      In  the  mean  tmie  they  were  in  circumstances  of  great  danger  and  distress ;  for  the  sea  JOHN 
reason  of  a  s'f;^' ^^^l^'g^^'^J  arose  in  a  very  tempestuous  manner,  bi/  reason  of  a  violent  storm  oi  wind  ivhick  blew  hard  ^o^^- 
wfth '  wave's?  VoV  Tife  wind  upou  it :  and  the  vessel  was  tossed  bi/  the  swelling  ivaves  ;for  the  wind  was  contrari/  to  them, 
was  contrary]  [Mark,  unto  ^^-^^^  ^^^  driven  them  far  out  of  tlipir  intpnded  course- 

vi '48 1  '-  ^'  wnen  iney  hud  rowed  about  twenti/-five  or  thirty  furlongs,  or  something  more  than  a  19 

about1ive''"nd\wluty"or'thhty  league,'^  in  the  beginning  of  the  fonrili  ivatch  of  the' night,  or  about  three  o'clock  in  the 
fuiionsfs,  [in  the  fourth  watch  morning,d  Jesus,  who  knew  the  distress  they  were  in,  perceiving  that  the>/  were  weary  with 
saw'theiif 'toilfng" m '"r^owilig;  rowing,  and  in  vain  attempted  to  weather  the  storm,  came  to  them  walliing  on  the  sea, '^  by 
and  cometh  unto  them  walk-  his  miraculous  power  rendering  his  own  body  lighter  than  usual,  or  strengthening  the 
liHve'passeVbyThem']  [Matt,  waves  to  bear  it ;  and,  further  to  exercise  their  faith  and  courage,  he  seemed,  at  first,  as  if 
xiv.25.  Mvirk^x-i.  48.]  he  tuoutd  have  passed  by  them.     And  when  the  disciples,  by  that  little  light  which  the  reflec-  matt. 

thecfiscipl'^sawhin/walking  tion  of  the  moon  On  the  water  afforded  them,''  smv  him  walking  on  the  sea,  and  passing  near    Xiv. 
9"'he^sea,[.ioHN,amidraw-  f/,(;  ship,  not  perfectly  discerning  who  it  was,  they  were  much  terrified,  saying.  It  is  cer- -^^ 
wire l^oH'N^afraifi.'i's'ayinls  tainly  an  apparition,  for  no  human  body  could  thus  be  supported  by  the  water :  and  they 
It  is  a  spirit;  and  they  cried  Jiad  such  a  dread  of  what  might  be  the  consequence,  that  they  cried  out  aloud  for  fear. 
john'vi.  lyj       "*        '    "'  For  they  all  saw  him  ;  and,  notwithstanding  the  miraculous  power  that  he  had  lately  given  mark 

*^him' ard'wereVoubie'd'  ^'^^"^  °'^^'^  ^^^^  Spirits,  (Matt.  X.  1.  p.  139.)  yet  were  they  greatly  troubled.     And  therefore,      vi. 
And  ilnln'eciateiy  he  talked  to  deliver  them  from  that  anxiety,  he  immediately  spoke  to  them,  and  said.  Take  courage ;  for  ^^ 
with  thfiin  and   saith  unto  [f  /,,  J  -y-Qm-  Lord  and  Master :  be  not  afraid  of  me,  who  am  your  friend  :  nor  of  the  vio- 

tliem,  Be  ot good  cheer,  It  is  ,      ^      '.',,.   ,  ,  i       ^  W-^  i  ^      .■  •' 

I,  be  not  af aid.   [Matt.  xiv.  lent  tempest,  which  cannot  hurt  you  while  under  my  protection. 

'^Matt^"xiv  ""s"*  And  Peter      I'^en,  as  they  knew  his  voice,  they  presently  began  to  lay  aside  their  fears  :  and  Peter,  matt. 

answered    lim    and    said,  whose  natural  temper  was  remarkably  warm  and  forward,  immediately  a?is?t)eri«g,  sfljc?  2«j<o    xiv. 

^ne'unto*tiee  on  the''water^  ^'""'  ^^"'"^A  if  '^  indeed  be  tliou,  who  art  walking  on  the  sea,  as  I  now  apprehend  it  is,  I  am  ^8 
so  far  from  being  afraid  of  the  tempest  in  thy  presence,  while  I  continue  in  the  ship,  that  I 
am  willing  thou  shouldst,  if  thou  pleasest,  command  me  to  come  to  thee  even  upon  the 

29  And  he  said.   Come,  water,  and  I  will  immediately  venture  to  do  it.     And  Jesus,  that  he  thus  might  exercise  29 
^"vn^*^ou"ot*'^the^'^ship,°'he  ^is  faith,  and  by  convincing  him  of  his  weakness,  might  give  a  check  at  the  same  time  to 
walked  on  he  water,  to  go  to  his  cxccssive  Confidence,  complied  with  his  proposal,  and  said  to  him.  If  thou  hast  faith 

^*"^"  and  courage  to  attempt  it,  come  then,  and  make  the  trial :  and  Peter,  being  now  assured  it 

was  indeed  his  Master,  came  donm  from  the  ship,  and  fully  satisfied  that  he  was  able  to 

30  But  vlicn  he  saw  the  Uphold  and  bear  him  up,  walked  on  the  water  for  a  while,  to  come  unto  Jesus  :    But  soon  30 
wind    boterous,    he    was  ^x'rceivin<r  that  the  wincl  was  very  strong,  and  the  sea  raa'ing  with  great  violence,  he  was 

arrai<l ;  an  besnunng  tosmk,  i    .     .  ,     p      ,         ,  i  i  •     /•  ■  i      r  ■!■  ^     i  ■         i  i      i  ,       ■    i  7        ■    , 

he  cried,  lyiug,  Lord,  save  qjruid  01  being  lost ;  and  his  laith  lauing  nim,  he  presently  began  to  sink,s  and  cried  out 
"^^'  in  a  great  consternation  of  spirit,  saying,  I^ord,  save  me,  or  I  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  a 

31  Ancimmediately  Jesus  moment !    And  immediately  Jesus,  stretching  out  his  hand,  laid  hold  on  him  ;  and,  to  remind  31 
stretched.ortii  /,»  hand,  and  him  of  his  unbelief.  Said  to  him,  O  thou  of  little  faith,  why  didst  thou  doubt  of  my  protec- 

caught  lim,   and    said    unto  ,.  ,  ,  '  i     ^u         u  "j   i.  ■     ••        x  i       ,.1       ^  •    i  i    i      i   . 

him,  t  thou  of  little  faith,  tion,  when  1  was  SO  near ;  when  thou  hadst  my  commission  to  make  the  trial,  and  hadst 
wher«)/e  didst  thou  doubt  ?    Jq  pg^^j.  experienced  my  power  in  supporting  thee  thus  far  on  the  waves  ? 

M:kvi.  51.    And  he  went      And,  taking  Peter  with  him,  he  ascended  to  them  into  the  bark  ;^  and  when  they  were  mark 
fandwhen"^they"we're  comi  '^""'^  aboard,  they  that  were  there  jr.ceived  him.  with  the  utmost  pleasure,  as  the  great  pledge     VI. 
intothe  ship,]  [John,  they  of  their  common  safety.     And  they  quickly  found  the  happy  effects  of  his  presence  :  for  all  ^1 
the^nlf ceased -^UoHN  and  ''^^  ^'^'T  °^  ^^'^  wind  now  ceased  at  once  ;  and,  what  was  yet  more  surprising,  the  ship  was 
imediately  the  ship  was  at  immediately  at  the  point  of  land  to  which  they  were  going.     And  they  were  all  exceedingly 
*?h"y  were'^sorl'^amiSed'in  ""'f'^ff^  in  themselves,  and  ustouished  beyond  measure}  as  if  they  had  never  before  seen  any 
thfiseives  beyond  measure,  exertion  of  his  miraculous  power.    Tor  their  heart  was  so  hardened,  and  their  mind  so  insen-  52 
32Jo™n  w'^si.]  '■'^''^"'  ""■  sible,  that  they  considered  not  the  yet  more  wonderful  and  glorious  [miracle  (f  the]  loaves, 

:  For  they  considered  not  which  but  the  day  before  they  had  seen  multiplied  in  so  extraordinary  a  manner  as  to  dis- 

tlmiracle  oi  the  loaves,  tor  „i„,,  „    „  4.'  t 

tvr  heart  was  hardened.       pla/  even  a  creating  power.k 

tatt.  xiv.  33.  Then  they  Then  they  that  were  about  him,  even  all  that  were  in  the  ship,  came  and  worshipped  him,  matt. 
ai  wors1iipped*him,''say?ng^  ^s  ill  a  rapture  of  wonder,  devotion,  and  joy,  falling  down  at  his  feet  with  the  utmost  reve-  XIV. 
(a  truth  thou  art  the  Son  of  reucc,  and  Saying,  W&  are  now  convinced  that  thou  art  indeed  the  Son  of  God,  and  hast  an  33 

ii'And  when  they  were  Unlimited  power  Over  the  whole  creation. 

ndoTG'^''''^^r'tT  '"id'*'!'*      ^"'^  "''"""  ^^^-'^  ^"'^  ^^^^^  passed  Over  the  lake,  they  came  to  a  part  of  the  land  of  Genne-  34 

the  shore'.y  [Aia'rk  vi.  53.T  sareth,  and  put  to  shore  not  far  from  Capernaum,'  to  which,  it  was  observed  before,  (p.  148.) 

ennesareth.   See  Plin.  Nat.  Hist.  lih.  v.  cap.  15.  and  Lightfoot.  Cent,  attempt  he  now  made,  with  some  secret  dependence  on  his  art,  which 

'.Imrog.  in  Matt.  cap.  93.  God,  for  wise  reasons,  suffered  to  fail  him.    The  word  KaraiTov-n^eaOai 

b  Nua  Je.ms  aa.f  not  yet  come  to  them.']    It  is  a  great  imperfection  of  is  very  expressive,  and  may  intimate  that  he  felt  \\\mse\i  sinking  with 

lur  language,  that  we  have  no  propei'  copulative  particle  but  [a«rf;]  such  a   weight  that   he   had  no   hope  of  recovering   himself,  and  ex- 

ffhich  ishere  so  much  the  more  unhappy,  as  in  laying  together  the  whole  pected  nothing  but  that  he  should  go  directly  to  the   bottom  of  the 

narration  of  the  evangelists,  the  use  of  that  particle  is  much  more  fre-  sea. 

quent  than  it  would  have  been  in  any  single  one.     I  choose  therefore  h  Into   the  hark.]    Though  the  evangelists  generally   use  the  word 

here,  and  in  some  other  places,  to  change  it  for  the  word  [now,]  which  TrXoioy,  which  signifies  avy  vessel  in  which  men  sail  on  the  sea,  I  have 

in  this  connexion  signifies  almost,  if  not  entirely,  the  same  thing.  sometimes  varied  it  a  little,  in  order  to  prevent  that  ill  efl'ect  which  the 

c  When  they  had  Towed  ahont  twenty-five  or  thirty  furlongs.] — Probably,  repetition  of  it  so  frequently  as  it  occurs  would  have  on  the  ear  in  read- 
when  they  found  the  wind  so  violent,  they  were  afraid  of  being  ship-  ing ;  and  have  here  called  it  a  bark,  that  if  may  not  be  imagined  like 
wrecked  if  they  came  near  the  shore:  and  therefore  having  perhaps  our  modern  ships.  Accordingly,  John  calls  it  nXoiapiov  or  a  Utile 
sailed  a  while  before  the  wind,  they  now  rowed  out  to  sea  :  for,  as  they  vessel ;  chap.  vi.  22.  Compare  John  xxi.  3,  8. 

niust  have  been  several  hours  at  sea,  one  can  hardly  imagine,  that  with  i  Exceedingly  amazed — and  astonished  beyond  measure.]    The  words 

so  brisk  a  gale  they  made  no  more  way  in  all  this  time  than  a  little  Xmv  ex  7repi<ro-ou  efio-Tai/TO,  Kai  e^^au^iafoi/,  are  too  emphatical  to  be 

above  a  league  ;  unless  we  impute  it  to  their  having  laboured  all  they  exactly  rendered  ;  but  this  is  plainly  the  sense  of  them  :  and  the  accu- 

could  to  avoid  crossing  the  sea,  and  to  get  to  Bethsaida.  rate  reader  will  observe  that  1  suppose  the  words  Xiav  en  irefHaaov  to 

_  d  In  the  fourth  watch  of  the  night.]    The  Jewish  night  was  divided  be  equally  connected  with  cyaujiafoi/ and  efio-rai'To. 

into  four  watches,  each  containing  about  three  of  our  hours,  especially  k  As  to  display  even  a  creating  power.]    Had  not  this  been  done,  it 

so  near  the  equinox.    The  first  began  at  six  in  the  evening,  the  second  is  hard  to  imagine  how  twelve  baskets  full  of  fragments  could  have  been 

at  nine,  the  third  at  midnight,  and  the  fourth  at  three  in  the  morning,  taken  up;  it  was  therefore  in  itself  (as  the  evangelist  plainly  intimates) 

(See  Godwin's  Moses  and  Aaron,  book  iii.  chap.  1.)    F.  Calmet  (in  the  a  more  certain  ami  glorious  miracle  than  the  ceasing  of  the  wind  iinrnc- 

word  Hours)  thinks  they  learned  this  division  from  the  Romans.    See  diately  on  his  coming  into  the  ship.    Their  speedy  landing  after  this 

Veget.  de  Ke  Militari,  lib.  iii.  cap.  8.  and  Pitisc.  Lexic.  in  Vigil.  must  also  have  increased  their  astonishment.    Considering  this  instance, 

e  Walking  on  the  sea.]    This  was  thought  so  impracticable,  that  the  and  that  of  Philip,  Acts  viii.  39,  40.  we  have  room  to  admire  the  con- 

picture  of  two  feet  walking  on  the  sea,  was  an  Egyptian  hieroglyphic  descension  of  Christ,  in  submitting  so  often  to  the  fatigues  ot  journeying 

tor  an  impossible  thing.    And  in  the  Scripture  it  is  mentioned  as  the  on  foot  from  one  place  to  another,  when  he  could  at  pleasure  have  com- 

prerogative  of  God,  that  he  alune  treadcth  upon  the  waves  of  the  sea,  Job  manded  angels  to  transport  him.     With  equal  ease  he  could  have  walkea 

J".  8.  ashore  from  the  waves  of  the  sea,  but  with  the  most  eddying  modesty 

t  By  that  little  light,  &c.]    It  is  well  known,  that  it  is  never  entirely  he  avoided  the  ostentation  of  it.                                                .■    „  r  „or 

dark  on  the  water :  not  to  urge  that  the  moon  might  perliaps  now  he  in  1   To  the  land  of  Gennesareth,  and  put  to  shore  not  tar  from  <-aper- 

the  last  quarter,  as  it  must  have  been,  if  this  was  about  three  weeks  be-  naum.]    The  land  of  Gennesareth  was  a  large  tract  ot  groun.l  on  trie 

fore  the  passover.  western  shore  of  the  lake,  in  part  of  which  Capernaum  appears  from 

g  He  began  to  sink.]    He  probably  could  swim,  as  most  fishermen  hence  to  have  been  situated.    For  though  Matthew  and  .^larK  only  speaK 

can;   (compare  John  xxi.  7.)  and  perhaps  he  might  venture  on  the  of  their  coming  to  the  land  of  Gennesareth,  and  putting  to  snore  tnere^ 


^50  CHRIST  CAUTIONS  HIS  DISCIPLES  AGAINST  WORLDLY  MOTIVES, 

SECT,  their  course  was  tendinaj.    And  when  they  came  out  of  the  vessel,  as  it  was  a  place  where     Mark  vi.  54.  And  when 

79.  Jesus  had  often  been,  they  that  were  present  when  he' landed,  immedkttehi  knew  him ;  and,  ^\^y  '"5^.  i1""^  °"*  °f  ^'^'^ 

»u         1     •<.  1      ■      i)  •  ,1  c  1  •  -1  -11''  T    -1  ,       >,   ship,   straightway  tnej'  knew 

. though  It  was  so  early  in  the  mornincr,  the  news  of  his  arrival  quickly  spread  through  all  him. 

MARK  the  neighbouring  parts.     For  they  were  ready  to  inform  each  other  of  his  cominsc ;  cmd  the  ,u^?  f,'^"''  ."'j'?  the  men  of 

vr  j:  t.L    ±111  I  ■  •       t      f*  t  •  -11  '^,1  *hat  place  had   knowledge  or 

^-     7nen  oj  that  place,  who  knew  him,  no  sooner  were  apprised  of  his  arrival,  but  presently  they  him,  they  sent  out.i  and  ran 

55  sent  out,  and  ran  to  every  place  in  all  that  country  round  about,  to  give  notice  to  their  1:1!!,°"?'^  kJJ^J   " '^°'t.„''o?'°f° 

neighbours  that  J^^SUS  was  there,  anH  that  they  now  apain  should  have  the  privilege  of  his  carry  about  in  beds  those  that 

preaching  and  working  miracles  among  them:  and  they  began  to  curry  aooui  lu'e  m<.k  :„  Jflft'i^lJfK'.i?".?.!'™'!"''.*.""*" 

56  beds,  and  brought  unto  him  all  that  were  diseased,  to  the  place  where  they  heard  he  ivas.  And  ".''fe  they  heard  he  was. 
this  was  indeed  the  general  custom  wherever  he  came  :  as  soon  as  he  was  entered  into  any  sg' And'  wliithersoever  he 
towns,  or  cities,  or  country  \yillages,'\  they  laid  the  sick  in  the  most  public  streets,  through  entered,  into  villages,  or 
which  they  expected  he  would  pass,  and  entreated  him  that  they  might  at  least  touch  the  \hl^%°\l  in''"t'he'^^5tree^ts,  arid 
frinae  of  his  garment ;  and  as  manii  as  touched  him,  believinsj  in  his  power  and  readiness  to  besought  him  that  they  mi^ht 

•i       P\  ■'  '^  /•    w  'J    1  <-  lU    ■      n  1     J  u  touch.  It  It  were  biitthe  border 

heal  them,  were  perjectly  recovered,  how  extreme  soever  their  illness  had  been.  of  his  garment :  and  as  many 

as  touched  him,  were  made  [perfectly]  whole.    [Matt.  xiv.  36.] 

IMPROVEMENT.  ) 

JOHN       Thus  it  still  pleases  Christ  to  exercise  the  faith  of  his  people,  that  he  may  strengthen  their  dependence  on  him, 

VI.     and  demonstrate  at  once  his  compassion  and  his  power,     llius  are  storms  permitted  oftentimes  to  rise  around 

17  18  them,  and  for  a  while  they  are  left  in  darkness  and  are  tossed  with  tempests  :  but  he  is  near  at  hand,  even  when 

mark'  they  think  him  at  the  remotest  distance  ;  and  when  he  seems  to  be  passing  by  them,  as  regardless  of  thar  danger 

Vl'.     and  distress,  he  has  designs  of  grace  and  mercy  to  them,  and  acts  in  such  a  way  on  purpose  to  quicken  aid  excite 

48  them  to  a  greater  earnestness  and  fervour  in  their  applications  to  him.  Happy  would  the  Christian  be,  could  he 
always  discern  his  Lord,  and  always  conceive  of  him  aright !  but  alas,  how  often  does  he  appear  to  the  dsordered 

49  mind  as  the  object  of  terror  rather  than  of  confidence ;  and  in  a  day  of  darkness,  while  he  may  seem  to  treat  his 
suffering  people  with  neglect,  instead  of  seeking  him  with  a  more  earnest  importunity,  how  are  they  rexly  to  be 
overwhelmed  with  fears,  and  to  conclude  he  has  forgotten  them  ! 

MATT.      At  the  command  of  Jesus,  Peter  ventured  to  go  to  him  on  the  sea.    And  through  what  storms  and  dangers 
XIV.    may  we  not  safely  venture,  if  we  are  sure  that  our  Lord  calls  ns  !  Yet  the  rebuke  wliich  he  suffered  maywam  us 
28—30  not  rashly  to  throw  ourselves  on  unnecessary  trials,  lest  our  excess  of  confidence  end  in  fear  and  disgrae.     Mo- 
desty and  caution  will  adorn  our  other  virtues,  and  render  us  amiable  in  the  eyes  of  the  humble  Jesus. 
30  31      In  how  many  circumstances  of  life  does  the  christian  appear  to  his  own  imagination  like  Peter,  begiining  to 
sink  in  the  waves  !  But  in  the  time  of  our  distress,  like  him,  let  us  cry  to  Jesus  for  help  ;  and,  while  we  ae  lifting 
32,  33  up  the  hands  of  faith  and  prayer,  we  may  humbly  hone  that  Christ  will  stretch  forth  his  omnipotent  arn  for  our 
rescue.     Let  every  experience  of  this  kind,  and  all  tiie  seasonable  aid  he  is  from  time  to  time  impartin|us,  es- 
tablish our  dependence  on  him,  and  enforce  our  obedience  to  him  as  the  Son  of  God.     May  divine  gracedeliver 
MARK  us  from  that  hardness  of  heart,  that  stupidity  and  insensibility  of  mind,  which  sometimes  remains  uncoivinced 
VI.     in  the  midst  of  evidence,  and  unaffected  under  the  most  moving  illustrations  of  his  abilities  and  willin^ess  to 
^2  help  us !  \ 

SECTION  LXXX. 

Our  Lord,  being  followed  by  the  multitude  to  Capernaum,  cautions  them  against  those  worldly  views  with  which  they  sought  him,  and  decwes 

himself  to  be  tlie  bread  of  life.    John  vi.  22 — 10.  i 

John  vi.  22.  john  vi.  22.     1 

SECT.  IN  the  mean  time,  while  Jesus  was  thus  charitably  employed  in  healing  those  who  were  the  day  following,  v^n 

80.  brought  to  him  in  the  places  near  the  shore,  from  whence  he  soon  went  forwards  to  Caper-  oJher°si'(irof"ti.l*°se1i'"i^ 
naum,  on  the  tnorrojc  after  he  had  fed  the  five  thousand,  great  search  was  made  for  him  that  there  was  none  other  ut 


JOHX   by  those  whom  he  had  sent  away  the  night  before:  for  they  were  so  affected  with  the  to"i^s\1fscyies\?eTe"mer\' 
VI.     miraculous  entertainment  he  had  given  them,  that  there  were  many  of  the  wultitudc,  rcho,  and  that  .lesus  went  not  v^ 
"-^  though  they  might  witlidraw  to  a  little  distance  on  his  dismissing  the  assembly,  (Mark  vi.  ,'/I^,  'Ms''d?scipl'es  were *g« 
46.  p.  148.)  yet  still  continued  on  the  other  side  of  the  sea  that  night,  hoping  to  have  another  away  alone: 
interview  with  him  in  the  morning ;  and,  us  they  saw  there  was  no  other  vessel  there  on  the 

coast,  but  that  one  into  which  his  disciples  entered  when  they  departed  in  the  evening,  and  \ 

knew  that  Jesus  did  not  go  rvith  his  disciples  into  the  vessel,  but  that  his  disciples  icent  away 
by  themselves,  leaving  him  there  to  spend  the  night  alone,  they  made  no  question  of  his 

23  being  still  on  that  side  of  the  sea.  But  in  the  morning  they  perceived  that  lie  was  gone,  c.3  (Howheit  there  camt 
and  presently  determined  to  go  after  him :  and,  though  there  were  no  vessels  there  the  "thp""  ,,n"o'^,he'^"'>i'ace''^,jv"ere 
night  before,  yet  were  they  quickly  furnished  with  an  opportunity  of  following  him  ;  for  they  did  eat  bread,  after  that 
there  came  other  vessels  very  early  from  Tiberias,  and  put  to  shore  nigh  to  the  place  where  "'^  ■^''"'  ^^'^  ^''^'''°  thanks .) 
they  had  eat  the  bread  and  fishes  after  the  Lord  had  given  tha?iks,  and  commanded  such  a 

24  miraculous  blessing  upon  them.  The  multitude  therefore,  when  they  saw  that  neither  Jesus  "4  When  the  people  there- 
nor  his  disciples  tcere  there  on  that  side,  went  also  themselves  immediately  aboard  the  vessels  th'erern^eitheVhfs"*dTsdpfes! 
that  were  now  arrived,  as  manv  of  them  as  could,  and  came  to  Caperncnnn,  seeking  for  <hey  also  took  shipping,  and 

25  Jesus  with  all  the  appearance  of  the  most  eager  importunity.  A7id,  ivhen  they  hud  found  for^'iesus  "''""''  ^^^"""^ 
him  on  the  other  side  of  the  sea,  in  the  synagogue  of  Capernaum,  (see  ver.  59.)  as  soon  as  -•'5  And  when  they  had 
the  worship  was  over,  and  before  they  quitted  the  place,  they  accosted  him  with  the  gTeatest  oTihe  sea^th'ey  saui  unto^h^m! 
respect,  and  said  unto  him.  Rabbi,  ivhen  and  how  camest  thou  hither  1  for,  as  thou  didst  not  ^R.^hbi,^  when  camest  tliou 
go  last  night  with  thy  disciples,  we  expected  to  have  found  thee  on  the  other  side  of  the 

sea,  and  know  not  when  thou  couldst  come,  or  what  imaginable  way  thou  couldst  have 
of  crossing  the  water. 

26  But  Jcsu^,  modestly  waving  the  recital  of  those  extraordinary  circumstances  which  26  .Tesus  answered  them 
attended  his  passage,  diverted  the  discourse  to  a  yet  more  important  and  edifying  subject ;  s"y  unto'  you?Ve  56*6"  ^me, 
and  knowing,  by  an  intimate  penetration  of  their  very  hearts,  that  they  were  governed  only  ""t  because  ye  saw  the  mii  a- 
by  carnal  motives  in  this  attendance  upon  him,  humble  and  zealous  as  it  might  appear,  he  the^ioavesriuid  Vere  tilfed." 
answered  them  with  great  solemnity,  and  said,  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  You  seek  ?ne, 

not  because  you  have  seen  the  miracles  that  I  perform,  and  are  convinced  by  them  that  I  am 
a  divine  Teacher,  but  because  yon  have  eaten  of  the  loaiws,  and  were  filed,  and  have  from 

27  thence  concluded  that  you  sball  make  yourselves  rich  and  great  by  following  me.    But 

it  is  plain,  from  John's  account,  that  Jesus  at  his  landing  came  to  Caper-    morning  from  the  other  side  of  the  sea.    Compare  John  vi.  22,  24,  25* 
naum  :  for  it  was  there  the  people  found  him  that  followed  him  in  the    in  the  next  section,  and  ver.  59.  5  82. 


AND  DECLARES  HIMSELF  THE  BREAD  OF  LIFE.  161 

27  Labour  not  for  the  meat  these  are  mean,  and  may  be  fatal,  views ;  and  I  would  form  you  to  nobler  and  wiser  sen-   SECT, 
wiiich  perisheth,  but  for  that  timents  :  labour  not  therefore  so  much  to  procure  the  meat  ivhich  perishes,  and  can  onlv     SO- 


procure  the  meat  ivhich  perishes,  and  can  only 
hut  rather  be  solicitous  to  obtain  divine  know- 


..'erL^iinf  life    '^'hich  the  sunport  the  mortal  part  of  your  nature ; '^ 

Son  of  man  shall  give  unto  igdge  and  instruction,  that  meat  ivhich  cmhircs  to  eternal  life,  and  will  nourish  your  souls    JOHN 

^'aSiw-'sealed?    *"  '*  to  endless  felicity  :  this  is  that  which  the  Son  of  man  will  most  readily  give  i/ou ;  for  him  ^2'^- 

has  God  the  great  Father  of  all,  in  mercy  to  his  creatures,  sent  into  the  vvorld  'for  this 
blessed  purpose,  and  sealed  with  this  miraculous  power,  which  he  daily  displays,*"  as  an 
authentic  proof  of  his  divine  mission. 
28  Then  said    they   unto       Tliei/  therefore,  that  they  might  appear  willing  to  receive  his  instructions  as  well  as  his  28 

him,  What  shall  we  "do.  that  bounties.  Said  unto  him,  What  must  we  do,  that  we  may  so  work  the  works  of  God  as  to 

we  misht  work  the  worlis  ot  ir  xiiiri 

God  r  secure  his  favour  to  eternal  life  ; 

09  .lesus  answered  and  said      Jesus  rcpli/ing,  Said  uuto  them,  Think  not  of  meriting  the  divine  favour  by  any  thing  you  29 
uiito  "them,  this  is  the  work  of  can  do  yourselves  ;  for  this  is  the  great  work  of  God,  which  he  requires  above  all  things, 
whom  he'lath'sent.^^  °°  ^™  and  which  he  will  be  ready  to  accept,  that  you  believe  on  him  whom  he  has  sent,  crediting 
his  message,  and  venturing  your  souls  upon  his  power  and  grace. 

30  They  said  therefore  un-       Tlicn,  though  they  just  before  had  seen  such  an  astonishing  miracle,  and  several  of  them  30 
to  him,  \''hat  sign  shewest  lived  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Capernaum,  where  he  had  so  long  multiplied  those  wonders, 
an°d  beUevltheeTAV^hatdost  vet  some  of  them  were  so  unreasonable,  that  the}/  said  to  him,  after  all  the  miracles  that  he 
tiiou  work:  }iad  wrought,'^  If  tliou  wouldst  have  us  to  regard  thee  as  invested  with  so  high  a  character, 

that  far  exceeds  whatever  has  been  claimed  by  any  one  before,  thou  shouldst  produce  some 
signal  evidence  of  a  superior  kind  to  all  that  has  been  done  by  others  :  what  sign  therefoi'e 
sliowcst  thou  from  heaven,  that  we  may  see  [«Y,]  and  believe  thee 't  What  dost  thou  peiform 
more  than  others,  or  even  equal  to  what  Moses  did,  that  we  should  treat  thee  with  so 

31  Our  fathers    did    eat  extraordinary  a  regard  ?  Thou  didst  indeed  yesterday  feed  some  thousands  of  us  in  an  31 
wrut'en"i^^*<'avr[he'm^bread  extraordinary  manner  with  barley  bread  :  but  our  fathers,  who  were  incomparably  more 
from  heaven  to  eat.  numerous  than  that  assembly,  did,  under  the  conduct  of  Moses,  eat  ???«>!?)</,  a  far  more 

delicious  food,  in  the  wilderness,  even  forty  years  ;  as  it  is  written,  (Psal.  Ixxviii.  24.)  "  He 
gave  them  bread  from  heaven  to  eat ;"  and,  when  thou  shalt  give  us  as  glorious  a  demon- 
stration of  thy  mission,  we  will  pay  thee  an  equal  regard. 

32  Thet  Jesus  said  unto       Then  Jcsus  Said  to  them  again,  Verily,  verily,  I  say,  and  affirm  it  unto  you,  how  strange  32 
unto 'yorMoseT gave  you  soever  it  may  appear,  Moses  gave  you  not  that  bread  from  heaven  which  best  deserves  so 
not  that  ii-ead  from"  heaven ;  honourable  a  name ;  but  this  you  are  supplied  with  by  my  Father,  who,   sending  me 
true"bred  fronfheaven°"  ^^  among  you  as  your  Instructor  and  Redeemer,  giveth  you  now  the  true  and  most  excellent 

33  Foithe  bread  of  (iod  is  bread  from  heaven.     For  that  is  indeed  the  bread  of  God,  and  may  most  justly  claim  the  33 
liLvenfmd"glveth°rife  unto  title,  which  desceiideth  from  the  highest  heaven,'^  whereas  manna  fell  only  from  the  clouds 
the  woifl.  or  the  inferior  region  of  the  air ;  and  which  giveth  life  and  true  happiness  to  the  whole 

world  of  believers,  whereas  what  Moses  gave  only  relieved  the  temporal  necessities  of  one 
particular  nation. 

34  r/pn    said  they   unto       They  therefore,  when  they  heard  him  speaking  of  so  excellent  a  gift,  were  presently  34 
ulbJmd!'  ''^'''""°'"*  ^'^■'^  "^  desirous  to  obtain  it ;  and,  though  as  yet  they  did  not  fully  understand  what  he  intended 

by  this  bread,  some  of  the  wiser  and  better  part  of  them<=  had  such  a  notion  of  its  excel- 
lence, that  they  said  to  him,  Lord,  give  us  evermore  this  bread,  on  which  our  life  depends, 
and  let  us  always  live  upon  this  heavenly  manna. 
:  And   Jesus   said  unto       Then,  for  a  further  explication  of  this  important  truth,  Jesus  said  to  them,  I  am  indeed  35 
Mi'at  com'eth^'o'"me'^shali  ^^^  bread  of  life  ;  ^  nor  is  bread  so  necessary  to  the  support  of  your  bodies,  as  a  believing 
nter  hunger ;  and  he  that  regard  to  me  is  to  the  life  of  your  souls  ;  he  therefore  that  comes  to  me,  and  makes  his 
beeveth  on  me  shall  never  application  aright,  shull  never  hunger ;  and  he  that  truly  believes  in  me  shall  never  thirst  any 
more  ;  but  may  depend  upon  it^  that  he  shall  find  the  most  restless  desires  of  his  soul 
satisfied,  and,  conscious  of  the  noblest  refreshment  and  nourishment  already  received,  shall 
6  But  I  said  unto  you,  gTOw  Up  to  a  State  of  everlasting  complete  satisfaction  and  enjoyment.     But,  valuable  as  36 
•d  befieve  not'^^'^  ^'^^'^  ™^'  ^hese  blessings  of  my  grace  are,  you  are  little  disposed  to  pursue  and  accept  them  ;  for  I 
have  already  told  you,  (ver.  26.)  that  you  have  even  seen  me,  and  beheld  the  miracles  that  I 
perform,  aiid  yet  are  so  perverse  and  obstinate  that  you  believe  not  \in  me,^  and  will  not  be 
37  All  that  the  Father  giveth  prevailed  upon  to  come  to  me  for  life  and  happiness.     Nevertheless,  though  you  reject  me,  37 
him  «iat  comet^h  to  me  1  wUi  vet  I  shall  not  be  universally  rejected,  nor  shall  the  purposes  of  my  mission  be  entirely 
in  no  wise  cast  out.  frustrated  ;  for  all  that  the  Father  has  graciously  chosen  to  himself,  and  whom  he  giveth 

to  me  in  consequence  of  a  peculiar  covenant,  to  be  sanctified  and  saved  1^  me,  will  cer- 
tainly at  length  come  to  me  ;s  and,  on  the  other  hand,  if  any  of  you  find  yourselves  dis- 
joseli  to  such  a  believing  application  to  me,  you  have  no  reason  to  be  terrified  with  any 
suspicion  that  you  are  excluded  fi:om  hope  by  any  secret  transactions  between  the  Father 
and  me ;  for  I  declare  it  to  you  as  an  imiversal  truth,  and  perfectly  consistent  with  the 

a  Labour  not  to  procure  the  meat  -ehich  perishe.t.l    Hardly  any  one  of  what  is  explained  professedly  in  some  subsequent  verses  would  only 

can  imagine  our  Lord  intended  to  prohibit  men's  labouring  for  the  sub-  serve  to  tlatten  the  whole. — Compare  note  c,  on  Mark  iv.  3.  p.  122. 

sistence  of  their  bodies.    Most  of  those  who  attended  him  probably  had  e  Some  of  the  wiser  and  better  part  of  them.]    See  before,  note  c,  on 

no  other  support  than  their  labour  :  but  his  intent  was  plainly  to  declare  ver.  30. 

how  much  the  interest  of  the  soul  was  to  be  preferred  to  that  of  the  body.  f  1  am  the  bread  of  life.']    Though  indeed  it  is  very  usual  with  the 

(See  note  h,  on  Matt.  xii.  7-  p.  DO.)    tpiufetrflai  /Spoxrii/  is  to  labour  to  sacred  writers  to  represent  divine   instructions  as  the  food  of  the  soul, 

procure  meat.  and  to  compare  them  to  delicious  and  nourishing  diet.   (See  Psal.  xix. 

b  Uiin  has  God  the  Fattier  sealed.l    Some  have  ingeniously  conjee-  10.  cxix.  103.   Prov.  ix.  5.  Job.  xxiii.  12.  Jer.  xv.  16.  and  fleb.  v.  12, 

tured  that  this  may  allude  to  a  custom  which  princes  mi»ht  have  when  14.)    Yet  I  can  recollect  no  instance  in  which  the  Instructor  himself,  as 

making  grand  entertainments,  to  give  a  commission  under  their  hand  such,  is  called  food,  or  any  are  said  to  eat  him  ;  much  less  in  which,  as 

and  seal,  or  perhaps  to  deliver  a  signet  to  those  whom  they  appointed  to  below,  they  are  exhorted  to  eat  his  flesh,  and  drink  his  blood  :  so  that 

preside  in  the  management  of  them.   (See  Eisner,  vol.  i.  p.  311,  312.)  Dr.  Clarke's  laboured  and  ingenious  criticism  on  this  passage,  (in  the 

J'hough  it  may  possibly  be  suflicient  to  say,  that  to  seal  is  a  general  twelfth  of  his  Seventeen  Sermons,)  is  far  from  being  satisfactory;  and, 

phrase  for  authorizing  by  proper  credentials,  whatever  the  purpose  be  however  clear  it  may  be  of  any  such  design,  I  fear  it  has  misled  many 

lor  which  they  are  given  ;  or  for  marking  a  person  out  as  wholly  de-  to  a  neglect  of  that  great  doctrine  of  Christ's  atonement,  to  which  there 

voted  to  the  service  of  him  whose  seal  he  bears.  seems  in  this  context  so  express  a  reference. 

c  Some  of  them  were  so  unreasonable,  that  they  said  to  him.]    The  g  All  that  the  Father  giveth  vie  will  come  to  me.]    I  have  given  that 

sentiments  of  those  that  speak  to  Christ  in  this  discourse  are  so  various,  sense  of  this  celebrated  and  important  text,  which,  on  serious,  and  I 

(compare  ver.  34,  41,  42.)  and  the  evangelist  so  expressly  declares  that  hope  impartial,  consideration,  appeared  to  be  most  agreeable  to  the 

there  was  a  debate  between  some  and  others  of  them,  ver.  52.  that  I  words  themselves,  and  to  the  general  tenor  of  Scripture.  (Sec  especially 

thmk  It  would  be  wrong  to  imagine  these  to  have  been  the  perverse  and  John  xvii.  2.  6,  9,  11,  24.)    Mr.  Le  Clerc's  gloss  upon  them  appears  to 

ungrateful  sentiments  of  the  v.'hole  multitude,  who  had  followed  him  be   unnatural,  and   Dr.   Whitby's  frivolous.— I  do  not  niean  m  these 

with  30  much  eagerness  from  place  to  place  for  several  days.  notes  to  enter  largely  into  any  kind  of  controversy ;  but  dare  not  sup- 

d   Ihat  IS  nideed  the  tread  of  God,  which  desceiideth  from  heaven.]    It  press  or  disguise  what  I  am  in  my  conscience  persuaded  to  be  the  sense 

is  necessary  to  translate  6  Ka-ru.iia.ivu>v.  ire.  in  this  ambiguous  manner,  of  Scripture,  merely  because  it  is  not  agreeable  to  the  general  taste  ot 

that  we  may  not  supersede  the  explication  which  our  Lord  gives  in  ver.  the  age  to  take  it  in  that  view. — I  render  tifei,  will  come,  because  the 

.33.    Dr.  Clarke  has  justly  observed  this,  and  it  is  of  great  importance  word  does  not  necessarily  imply  any  thing  more  than  the  certainty  ot 

to  apply  It  to  many  other  passages,  where  too  clear  and  full  a  paraphrase  the  event ;  and  I  would  not  lead  any,  merely  in  dependence  on  a  trans 


152  THE  NECESSITY  OF  FEEDING  ON  THE  BREAD  OF  LIFE. 

SECT,  former.  That  him  that  cometh  to  me,  whoever  he  may  be,  I  will  by  no  means  cast  out^  nor 
80.     shall  he  be  rejected  or  refused  on  any  consideration  whatsoever.     And  you  have  sufficient     38  For  I  came  down  from 

—  reason  to  believe  this,  because  I  came  down  from  heaven  into  this  lower  world,  not  to  do  7ni/  w*iu,*^but'the  will  oni?m  tS 

JOHN   oxvn  will,  or  to  seek  any  separate  interest  of  my  own,  but  to  do  the  loill,  and  to  seek  the  sent  me. 
^^Qf)  glory  of  him  that  sent  me.    And  this  is  the  ivill  of  the  Father  ivho  sent  me,  That  of  all     39  And  this  is  the  Father's 
'  the  whole  body  of  my  people  ivhom  he  has  given  me,  and  committed  to  my  care,  1  oVair^vh'ich'hl'^hatT^'giv'^e^n 
should  lose  none,  not  even  the  meanest  member,  but  should  assuredly  raise  it  up  at  the  me  i  siiouid  lose  nothing,  but 
AO  last  day  in  complete  glory  and  happiness.     Or,   to  express  it  in  more  general  terras,  |^^"^d  raise  n  up  agam  at  the 
even  this  is  the  will  of  him  that  sent  me.   That  every  one  who  views  the  Son  with  an    .40  And  this  is  the  will  of 
attentive  ei/e,'  and,  in  consequence  of  that  view,  cordially  believes  on  him,  receiving  him  by  ou'TwhlchTeUMhe'JfonTanJ 
faith,  and  trusting  in  him  as  an  all-sufficient  Saviour,  should  have  eternal  life ;  and  I  will  believeth  on  him,  may 'have 
accordingly  raise  him  up  at  the  last  day,  and  make  him  completely  happy,  both  in  soul  and  rai^se'hi'm  up  at  the'lMt'day? 
body,  in  the  enjoymem  of  a  glorious  immortality :  nor  are  there  any  secret  purposes  and 
decrees  of  God  inconsistent  with  the  sincerity  of  such  a  declaration. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

\^er.  32      How  gratefully  should  we  acknowledge  the  divine  goodness,  in,  giving  this  true  bread  from  heaven  for  the  life 
33  of  the  world ;  and  how  solicitous  should  we  be,  that  by  a  true  faith  we  may  feed  upon  it!  In  the  midst  of  so 
27  many  insnaring  circumstances,  let  us  be  strictly  watchful  over  ourselves,  that  the  vigour  of  our  pursuits  and  labours 
may  not  be  laid  out  on  tlie  meat  which  perishes,  to  the  forgetfulness  of  that  which  endures  to  eternal  life :  but 
40  acknowledging  those  authentic  seals  by  which  Christ  is  marked  out  to  that  important  trust,  may  we  apply  :o  him  as 
sent  of  God  the  Father  to  be  the  Author  of  eternal  salvation,  and  come  to  him  to  be  partakers  of  his  saving  benefits  ! 
It  must  surely  grieve  us  to  observe  the  neglect  and  contempt  with  which  he  is  too  frequently  treated ;  but  it 
may  comfort  us,  that  there  yet  remains  a  remnant  according  to  the  election  of  grace.     (Rom.  xi.  5.)     All  that  the 
37  Father  giveth  him,  will  come  to  him  ;  and  blessed  be  God  that  this  appears  to  be  no  inconsiderable  lumber  ! 
Secret  things  belong  to  the  Lord  our  God;  (Deut.  xxix.  29.)  let  it  therefore  be  our  care  to  make  first  ou;  calling, 
and  then,  by  a  happy  consequence,  owr  election,  sure.  (2  Pet.  i.  10.)     Whatever  discouragements  may  ari:e  in  our 
way,  may  we  fly  to  cast  ourselves  at  the  foot  of  Christ ;  and  then  we  may  be  sure  he  will  never,  on  iny  con- 
sideration, cast  us  out,  but  will  receive  us  in  the  arms  of  his  almighty  compassion ;  and,  having  shelteed  and 
maintained  us  in  his  house  on  earth,  will  at  length  conduct  us  safely  to  the  presence  of  his  glory,  ant  to  the 
blessed  abodes  of  complete  felicity  ! 


SECTION  LXXXI. 

Christ  having  represented  himself  as  the  bread  of  life,  enlarges  on  the  necessity  and  benefit  of  feeding  upon  him  as  such.    John  vi.  i — 58. 

John  vi.  41.  joHNvi.4i. 

SECT.  THUS  did  our  Lord  declare  himself  to  be  the  bread  of  life  which  God  had  given  them  the  Jews  then  murruied  at 
81.     from  heaven;  hut  then,  as  this  agreed  not  with  their  worldly  vievps,  ^/(c  Jfms  u'/io  were  I'u™'uJ^!^^'"^,^h;,!i,*o,^*^  L?™ 

about  him  were  so  far  from  receiving  the  declaration  with  a  becoming  regard,  that,  on  the  from  heaven. 

JOHN  contrarv,  they  took  offence  and  murmured  at  it,  because  he  said,  I  am  the  bread  which  came 
^^49  '^'"''". /'■"'"  ^ffl^'f't  to  feed  and  support  the  divine  life  in  the  soul.  And,  being  strangers  to  42  And  they  said,  ispt 
the  doctrine  of  his  miraculous  conception  and  divine  nature,  they  said  among  themselves,  whos"e^fathe?  anTrnother*e 
Is  not  this  Jesus  the  son  of  Joseph,  whose  father  and  mother  we  have  long  known,^  having  know  !■  how  is  it  then  thate 
lived  many  years  in  the  heighbourhood  !  'How  is  it,  therefore,  that  this  man  should  claim  tenV  '='''"* '^°*°  ^^°'^^'- 
so  high  a  character?  or  how  does  he  presume  to  say,  that  I  came  down  from  heaven  ? 

43  Jesus  therefore,  who  well  knew  all  their  secret  suspicions,  how  artfully  soever  they  might  43  Jesus  therefore  answi. 
be  whispered  and  concealed,  replied  and  said  unto  them.  Do  not  murmur  among  yourselves  mur^iroramo'iig  yoiu-selves^ 
on  this  occasion,  but  rather  set  yourselves  seriously  to  reflect  on  your  present  state,  and 

44  your  true  interest.  I  know  indeed  that  your  prejudices  against  me  are  strong,  and,  with-  44  No  man  can  come  to  mi 
out  the  influences  of  divine  grace,  will  "prove  invincible  and  fatal ;  for  such  is  the  moral  fent ^mf '^draw'^'him^"^and''' 
blindness  and  degeneracy  of  human  nature,  that  no  man  can  by  a  saving  faith  come  and  will  raise  him  up  at  tlie  las 
make  his  application  to  me,  unless  the  Father  who  has  sent  me  draw  him  by  the  sweet  but    '^^' 

powerful  influences  of  his  Holy  Spirit  on  the  heart ;''  and  \then~\  I  will  raise  him  up  at  the 
last  day,  and  finally  make  him  a  partaker  of  the  complete  felicity  and  blessedness  of  my 

45  kingdom.  For  so  it  is  written  in  the  prophets,  (Isa.  liv.  13.  and  .ter.  xxxi.  34.)  "  And  they  45  It  is  written  in  the  pro- 
shall  all  be  taught  by  God,<^  by  divine  influences  on  their  minds  ;"  and  there  are  many  other  {'a'^ught ^f 'oo'JP  Fver  ''ma" 
passages  muclT  to  the  same  purpose:  (see  Isa.  ii.  2 — 5.  Mic.  iv.  1 — 4,  &c.)  Therefore  therefore  that"  hath  he^Inl, "and 
every  one  ivho  has  not  only  been  instructed  in  the  true  nature  of  God,  but  has  both  heard  cometh  u™t<?m"e^  "^^  Fatlier, 
and  learned  from  the  Father  himself  by  virtue  of  these  internal  and  efficacious  teachings 

46  of  his  erace,  comes  unto  me,  and  cordially  receives  me  under  the  character  I  profess.  I  46  Not  that  any  man  hath 
speak  this  of  an  inward  divine  teaching,  and»io^  to  insinuate  that  anyone  on  earth  A«.s  seen  seen  the  Father,  save  he  which 
the  Father,  and  been  taught  by  him,  as  one  man  is  by  the  converse  of  another :  no  one 

lation,  to  build  a  weak  argument  on  the  word  SHALL,  which  it  is  well  xix.  C6,  27.    (Compare  note  b,  on  John  ii.  1.  p.  53.  and  Matt.  xiii.  55. 

Icnown  has  sometimes  been  done.  p.  1.37.) 

h  And  him  that  cometh  to  me,  whoever  he  may  be,  I  mil  hy  no  means  b   Vtiless  the  Father  who  has  sent  me  draw  him.'\    The  sense  T  have 

cast  mit.]    To  limit  this  latter  clause  by  the  former  is  not  only  missing,  given  in  the  paraphrase  seems  so  natural  from  a  view  of  the  words  them- 

but  contradicting,  the  design  of  Christ,   and  destroying  the   wise  and  selves,  and  of  their  connexion,  as  well  as  so  agreeable  to  the  whole  tenor 

beautiful  turn  ot  this  text ;  than  which  I  think  few  more  important  for  of  .Scripture,  that  I  wonder  so  many  learned  and  ingenious  men  should 

stating  some  great  docti  ines  of  the  gospel  which  have  unhappily  been  have  laboured  to  disguise  it  by  other  interpretations.     Dr.  Clarke  ex- 

the  foundation  of  much  eager  and  uncharitable  dispute. — The  expression  plains  it  as  an  intimation,  that  "to  be  well  grounded  in  natural  religion  is 

ov  Ml  CK^aXo)  efo),  is  extremely  beautiful  and  emphatical.     It  re  pre-  the  best  preparative  for  receiving  the  christian  religion.    But  this,  thouph 

sents  an  humble  supplicant  as  coming  into  the  house  of  some  prince,  or  an  apparent  truth,  falls  far  short  of  the  sense  of  the  passage  :  especially 

other  great  person,  to  cast  himself  at  his  feet,  and  to  commit  himself  to  considering  what  is  afterwards  said  of  being  taught  bv  God,  and  not 

his  protection  and  care.    He  might  fear  his  petition  might  be  rejected,  merely  of  him,  ver.  45. — The  Doctor  observes  here,  that  when  in  Scrip- 

and  he  thrust  out  of  doors  :  but  our  Lord  assures  him  to  the  contrarv.  fure  oiie  person  is  said  to  draw  another,  the  word  may  signify  either  the 

His  house  and  heart  are  large  enough  to  receive,  shelter,  and  supply  all  action  of  the  person  said  to  draw,  or  of  the  peiso?!.  draicn  ;  an<i  unhappily 

the  indigent  and  distressed.    God  only  knows  how  many  thousand  souls  produces  John    xii.  32.  Jer.  xxxi.  3.   and   Hos.   xi.   4.   all  which   lie 

have  been  sensibly  supported  by  these  gracious  words.  strongly  against  such  a  sense.    The  truth  is,  God's  drawing  does  not 

i  Every  one  -who  views  the  Soti  with  an  attentive  eye.'\    Thus  the  words  exclude  our   consent  to  follow,  and  our  activity  in  doing  it ;    but  it 

Trar  6  f^eMpran  tov  I'lov,  should  undoubtedly  be  rendered.    There  are  always   includes  a  divine  agency.     Compare  Judg.   iv.  7.    (See  Dr. 

many  other  places  where  (hempen/  signifies  to  view  with  attention.    Com-  Clarke's  Sermons,  vol.  iii.  No.  3.) 

pare  Matt,  xxvij.  55.  Luke  x.  18.  xxi.  6.  John  xvii.  24.  Acts  iii.  16.  and  c  Taught  hy  God:  btbaHTOi  ru  Sea.]    The  word  properly  signifies, 

Heb.  vii.  4.  they  shall  be  the  disciples  or  scholars  of  God.  who  shall  humblv  sit  down, 

a   tt'hose  father  and  mother  we  have  long  k7iown.'\    Dr.  Wells  argues  as  it  were,  at  his  feet,  and  receive  instructions  from  him.    This,  in  the 

from  hence,  that  Joseph  was  yet  alive;  but  it  may  signify  only,  IVe  latter  text  referred  to  in  the  paraphrase,  is  expressly  distinguished  from 

hfoa  who  his  father  ahd  mother  were.    It  is  at  least  certain,  that  Joseph  human  instructions  relating  to  the  nature  of  God.    Compare  1  Thess. 

died  cjuicklv  after  ;  for  if  he  had  been  living,  Jesus,  when  djing  on  the  iv.  9. 
cross,  would  not  have  consigned  his  mother  to  the  care  of  John,  John 


THE  NECESSITY  OF  FEEDING  ON  THE  BREAD  OF  LIFE.  153 

is  of  God  ■  he  liaih  seen  the  has  enjoyed  such  an  honour,  except  it  be  he  wAo  in  come  to  men  as  the  great  Ambassador  SECT. 
iather.     '  from  God:  he  indeed,  being  statedly  resident  with  him,  and  inseparably  united  to  him,     81. 

has  seen  the  Father,  and  conversed  with  him  to  a  degree  of  intimacy  and  endearment  which 

47  Verily,   verily,   I  say  no  creature  can  pretend  to  have  known.     In  virtue  then  of  those  ample  instructions  I  have  John 
unto  you,  He  that  believeth  received  from  him,  vevUy,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  and  testify  it  as  a  most  sure  and  impor-  .- 

on  n.e  hath  everlasting  hte.     ^^^^^  ^^^^^^^^  ^^^^^  ^^^.^  .^  ^j-^  Only" method  of  salvation  ;  and  that  it  is  he,  and  he  alone,  who  ^' 

48  I  am  that  bread  of  life    believes  in  me,  and  reposes  himself  on  me,  that  hath  everlasting  life.    Remember,  therefore,  48 

that  it  is  in  this  respect  I  tell  you,  I  am  the  bread  of  life ;  not  only  as  a  Teacher  of  truth, 
and  a  Messenger  from  God  to  men,  but  as  the  great  Redeemer,  whom  you  must  receive 
into  your  hearts,  and  on  whom  you  must,  as  it  were,  feed  by  faith,  if  you  indeed  would 
have  your  life  to  be  supported  and  secured. 

49  Your  fathers    did  eat      And  those  who  thus  regard  me  will  receive  far  more  important  blessings  than  Moses,  of  49 
manna  in  the  wilderness,  and  ^yj^Q^n  you  have  now  been  boasting,  could  poFsibly  give.     For  though  indeed  your  fathers, 
"'"''  under  the  conduct  of  that  illustrious  prophet,  did  cat  manna  in  the  wilderness,  yet  it  was 

50  This  is  the  bread  which  not  sufficient  to  maintain  their  life,  and  they  are  long  since  dead:  \But^  this,  of  which  I  50 
thS'iVar.nav°^t  therTo"'  "ow  spcak,  is  the  true  bread  which  cometh  down  from  heaven,  and  is  of  such  a  nature,  that 
and  not  die.  '  any  One  may  eat  of  it,  and  have  his  life  so  nourished  and  supported  by  it,  that  he  shall 

not  die,  but  be  assuredly  delivered  from  the  condemnation  and  rum  to  which  the  breach 
of  God's  righteous  law  has  subjected  every  offender. 

51  I  am  the  livins  bread      Thus  then  I  plainly  tell  you,  how  incredible  soever  you  may  think  it,  That  I,  who  came  51 
which  came  down  from  hea-  f/oy„j  ^j,o,,j  hcuveu  for  this  gracious  purposc,  am.  the  living  bread,  or  a  principle  of  divine 
&.  he'sLlT  liv/forlverl  life  atid  eternal  happiness,  to  all  who  shall  faithfully  receive  me :  so  that  if  any  one  eat  of 
and  the  bread  that  I  will  give  ^/^j,  bread,  in  spite  of  death  and  the  grave,  he  shall  live  for  ever.     And,  that  you  may  more 
for"the  Ufeof'tile  wodd.  '"^  distinctly  conceive  this  important  truth,  and  see  the  propriety  of  this  language,  I  add,  That 

the  bread  which  I  will  give  to  such  a  one  is  my  own  flesh,  which  I  will  give  as  an  atoning 
sacrifice  for  the  forfeited  life  of  the  whole  world  of  Jews  and  Gentiles,-!  of  which  every  true 
believer  shall  partake. 

52  The  Jews  therefore  strove      But  the  Jeivs,  whose  Stupidity  often  occasioned  them  to  mistake,  and  whose  perverse-  52 
How°can  Thi?'maA  |iTe'"us  "Gss  led  them  to  wrest  his  words,  did  not,  or  would  not,  understand  him ;  and  therefore 
/«> flesh  to  eat?  contended  with  each  other,  the  generality  of  them  saying,''  as  if  what  he  had  said  was  to  be 

taken  in  a  literal  sense.  How  can  this  man  possibly  give  us  \jns]  flesh  to  eat  1  What  a 
monstrous  and  unintelligible  doctrine  is  this  ! 

53  Then  Jesus  said  unto       Then  Jesus  replied  in  the  same  figurative  language  he  had  used  before,  and,  without  53 
mito'Vou"&epTye'eat'the  Condescending  to  any  further  explication,  said  to  them.  However  you  may  censure  it  as 
ftesh  of  tiie  Son  of  man,  and  unintellio'ibleand  absurd,  yet  verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  There  is  no  truth  more  certain 
lifi"''n  you"'""'''  ^^ '"''''  "°  in  itself,  and  more  important  to  you  :  for  unless,  by  a  cordial  dependence  on  tlie  atone- 
ment I  shall  make,  and  by  the  powerful  influences  of  divine  grace  upon  your  hearts,  you 
eat,  as  it  were,  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  drink  his  blood,^  you  have  no  principle  of 

54  Whoso  eateth  mv  flesh,  spiritual  life  in  you,  and  can  have  no  claim  to  eternal  happiness.     For  this  is  so  important  54 
e"emtui'tf''a'n'<Ti'wTil' raise  ^  P^rt  of  faith  in  me,  that,  to  declare  the  necessity  of  it,  I  may  say,  (with  such  an  altera- 
him  up  at  the  last  day.      "^    tion  of  my  former  words,  ver.  40.)  Re  alone  that  eats  my  flesh,  and  drinks  my  blood,  hath 

eternal  life ;  and  I  ivill  most  assuredly  raise  him  up  at  the  last  day,  and  show  by  his  conir 
plete  detiverance,  how  just  a  confidence  he  has  reposed  in  me,  amidst  all  the  contempt  with 

55  For  my  flesh  is  meat  in-  which  you  treat  me.  For  myfesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed ;  s  and  nothing  55 
indeed""'^  "'^  '"'""'^  '"^""''  deserves  the  name  so  well,^as  nothing  is  worthy  of  being  called  life  in  comparison  of  that 

56  He  that  eateth  my  flesh,  which  is  hereby  supported.     For  this  feeding  upon  me  is  such,  that  he  who  thus  eats  my  56 
ertfin'me'and^l'in  him '''"'/es/(,  and  drinks  my  blood,  abides  in  me  by  an  intimate  and  inseparable  union,  and  I  abide 

in  him^  by  the  unalienable  tokens  of  my  favour  and  love  to  nourish  the  divme  life  in  his 

57  As  the  living  Father  hath  soul :  I  Say  by  the  Unalienable  tokens  of  it;  for  as  the  living  Father,  the  great  source  of  57 
Fa"hersote  that'ea'tel'fi'me'  Hfe,  has  seiit  me  into  the  world,  and  I  live  by  the  protection  and  care  of  the  Father,^  who  is 
evenhe'shall  live  by  me.      '  continually  dwelling  in  me,  and  communicating  of  his  Spirit  in  the  richest  abundance  to 

me ;  so  he  that  thus  eateth  me,  even  he  shall  live  by  7ne,  through  the  Spirit  which  I  \vill  also 

58  This  is  that  bread  which  communicate  to  him.     And  if  vou  attend  to  these  important  hints  that  I  have  given,  you  58 
as  your  falheTd'ifeTman*  may  in  general  know  what  I  meant,  by  saying  as  I  have  done.  This  is  the  bread  that  came 
na.  and  are  dead :  he  that  dtncri  from  heaven ;  and  by  adding,  (ver.  49,  50.)  that  it  is  tiot  in  this  case,  as  it  was  witli 
forlven""'  ^"""^  ''"*"  '"'  your  fathers,  who  did  eat  manna  in  the  wilderness,  and  yet  are  dead,^  without  having  found 

any  efficacy  in  it  to  communicate  a  spiritual  or  secure  an  eternal  life ;  [buf]  he  that  eats 
this  bread  shall  live  for  ever. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

The  hearers  of  Christ  murmured,  and  perversely  objected  against  his  doctrine.     Let  not  ministers  now  wonder,  Ver. 41 
if  the  like  capricious  humour  sometimes  prompts  their" hearers  to  seek  occasion  of  offence,  where  there  is  none  :  let  52 

d  Which  1 7eill  give  for  the  life  of  the  whole  reorld,  Ac]  There  seems  and  the  true  bread,  is  the  7nost  excellent  and  nourishing  bread.  See  above, 
to  be  a  beautiful  gradation  in  this  verse,  compared  with  ver.  31.    They    ver.  .32.  i.     o      i     j 

had  insinuated,  \.\\?A  feeding  a  few  thousands  xoith  the  five  loaves  was  an  h  Abides  in  me,  and  1  in  Inm.']  After  these  words,  the  Cambridge 
inconsiderable  thing  when  compared  with  what  Moses  did,  when  he  fed  manuscript,  and  one  of  Stephens's,  add.  As  the  Father  is  in  me.  and  I 
the  whole  camp  of  Israel ;  but  our  Lord  declares  the  purposes  of  his  in  the  father,  verily,  verity,  I  say  unto  you.  Except  ye  receive  the  body 
grace  and  bounty  to  be  far  more  extensive,  as  reaching  the  whole  world,  of  the  Hon  of  man  as  the  bread  of  life,  ye  have  no  life  in  you.  Dr.  Mill 
and  giving  life,  immortal  life,  to  all  that  should  believe  in  him.  (in  his  notes  here)  seems  to  approve  the  addition  ;  but  I  think  Dr.  Whit- 

e  The  generality  of  them  saying.']  Had  this  been  the  language  of  all,  by  has  so  fully  proved  it  to  be  spurious,  that  I  content  myselt  with  re- 
there  could  have  been  no  contention  between  them,  which  yet  is  ex-  ferring  the  reader  to  him.  (see  his  Examen  Milhi,  p.  49.)  and  to  Wolhus 
pressly  asserted.  on  this  text.  fC'wr.  I'hilul.  Vol.  I.  p.  865,  866.) 

f  Eat  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  drink  his  blood.]  This  phrase  i  7  live  by  the  protection  and  care  of  the  Father.]  The  human  and 
naturally  expresses  a  lively  and  habitual  regard  to  Christ  as  the  great  derived  nature  of  Christ  had,  no  doubt,  the  same  dependence  on  the 
support  of  the  spiritual  life.  The  mention  of  his  blood  naturally  leads  providence  and  influence  of  God,  that  other  creatures  have  :  antt  thougn 
to  the  thought  ot  his  atonement,  as  we  are  elsewhere  told,  lie  have  re-  Christ  as  Mediator  has  life  in  himself,  (as  it  was  said  before,  I"''!' ■*■■• 
demption  tlirojigh  his  blood,  ( Eph.  i.  7.)  and  boldness  to  enter  into  the  26.  4  47.)  yet  was  it  given  him  of  the  lather,  and  it  is  he  that  quaiincs 
holiest  by  the  blond  of  Jesns.(Ueh.x.^9.^  The  sacrament  of  the  eucharist  Christ  by  his  Spirit  for  the  great  work  for  which  he  sent  him  into  tne 
is  plainly  intended  to  afiect  our  minds  with  a  sense  of  these  important  world  :  and  he  accordingly  is  elsewhere  represented  as  upholding  /urn 
truths,  and  our  Lord  might  probably  think  of  that  intended  institution    in  it.  Isa.  xlii.  1.    Compare  John  viii.  29.  and  xvi.  .32. 


g  Myjlesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed.]  It  might  fathers  did  eat,  and  are  dead.  So  Grotius  has  '"^.'''''V'  „,V  llnnot  nas4 
more  literally  be  rendered.  Is  truly  meat,  and  is  truly  drink  ;  but  the  and  though  it  docs  not  so  exactly  answer  to  the  (.reek,  ;?"''  ""™'  ''<"? 
sense  ui  which  the  word  'iindeed]  is  often  used,  gives  a  kind  of  paraphrase    for  a  literal  translation,  it  plainly  expresses  the  sense  or  tne  piace,  auu 


on  the  words,    .lust  in  this  sense,  the  true  light,  is  the  most  excellent    the  words  run  more  natural  and  easy.    See  (jrotius,  in  icc. 
light ;  (John  i.  9.)  the  true  tine,  is  the  most  noble  vine ;  (John  xv.  L) 


J34  CHRIST  FORSAKEN  BY  MANY  OF  HIS  DISCIPLES. 

SECT,   them  learn  of  their  great  Master,  in  meekness  to  instruct  those  that  oppose  themselves,  if  God  peradventure  will  give 
81.     them  repentance  to  the  acknowledgins,  of  the  truth.  (2  Tim.  ii.  25.)     Our  Lord  expressly  asserts  the  necessity  of 

lieing  taught  and  drawn  by  the  Father,  in  order  to  our  knowing  him,  and  coming  to  him.    Let  us  therefore  humbly 

JOHN   seek^'these  influences  ourselves,  and  fix  our  dependence  upon  them  in  all  our  attempts  upon  others  for  their  con- 

^^-     version  and  edification. 

48,  51,      Christ  here  gives  us  line  upon  line,  and  precept  upon  precept,  to  illustrate  and  enforce  this  important  doctrine  of 

53,  54  the  necessity  of  regarding  him  as  the  bread  of  life,  and  of  feeding  by  faith  on  his  flesh  and  blood,  which  he  has 

given  for  the  life  of  the  world.     Let  us,  as  we  desire  any  part  in  his  saving  blessings,  most  thankfully  receive  his 

55  flesh  as  meat  indeed,  and  his  blood  as  drmk  indeed.     May  God  be  merciful  to  those  that  call  themselves  chris- 

56,  57  tians,  and  yet  are  strangers  to  such  a  believing  intercourse  with  Christ,  and  to  the  derivation  of  spiritual  life  from 

him  !    If  this  be  enthusiasm,  it  is  the  enthusiasm  of  Scripture ;  and  the  denial  or  forgetfulness  of  these  important 

doctrines,  is  like  a  fatal  ]5alsy  to  the  soul,  which  chills,  as  it  were,  all  its  nerves,  and  destroys  at  once  its  sensibility 

and  vigour,  its  pleasure  and  usefulness. 

To  represent  and  inculcate  these  great  truths,  our  Lord  afterwards  instituted  the  sacrament  of  his  Supper,  in 
which  we  not  only  commemorate  his  sufferings,  but  our  own  concern  in  them.  It  is  the  language  of  every  intel- 
ligent approach  to  it,  that  we  acknowledge  the  life  of  our  souls  to  depend  on  the  merit  of  his  atonement,  and  the 
58  communications  of  his  grace.  This  is  eating  his  flesh  and  drinking  his  blood :  may  we  be  nourished  by  it  to 
eternal  life  !  Then,  though  this  mortal  part  of  our  nature  drop  into  the  dust,  our  souls  will  live  and  triumph  ;  nor 
shall  our  bodies  finally  perish,  but  be  raised  up  by  Christ  in  the  great  day,  to  take  their  part  in  the  full  joy  of  our 
Lord.  There  these  intermediate  ordinances  shall  cease,  and  copious  uninterrupted  streams  of  divine  teachings, 
and  divine  influences,  shall  sweetly  flow  in  upon  our  ever-improving,  active,  rejoicing  minds ! 


SECTION  LXXXII. 


VI 


Christ  having  declared  that  the  foregoing  discourse  was  to  be  taken  in  a  spiritual  sense,  is  forsaken  by  many  of  his  disciples;  and  while  tlie 
apostles  assure  him  of  their  continued  fidelity,  he  intimates  the  treachery  of  Judas.    John  vi.  59,  to  the  end. 

John  vi.  59.  John  vi.  59. 

SECT.   THESE  things,  which  had  been  now  delivered  by  our  Lord,  he  spake  before  all  sorts  of  these  things  said  he  in  the 
82.     hearers  in  the  s>/nago<rue,  us  he  luas  teaching  at  Capernaum  :"■  and,  for  wise  reasons,  he  in-  (fap'Snlum."^' '''^  **"°"  " 

volved  a  part  of  his  discourse  in  figurative"  and  mysterious  language ;  as  in  particular,  that 

JO^N    which  related  to  eating  his  flesh,  and  drinking  his  blood. 

■^Q  Many  therefore  o/' those  who  following  him  as  his  disciples,  having  heard  [jY,1  said.  This  60  Many  therefore  of  his 
is  a  difUcult  and  strange  discourse ;  and  ^vho  can  hear  or  understand" «Y  ?  In  its  literal  sense  he!ulf'M'(>,^s''aM,  Thfs  is^a 
it  is  plainly  absurd,  and  we  know  not  what  other  interpretation  to  give  it.  hard  saying ;  who  can  hear 

61  But  Jesus,  knowing  in  himself  that  his  disciples  murmured  about  it,  though  they  did  not  "gj  ^vhen  Jesus  knew  in 
speak  out  their  objections  and  scruples,  said  unto  them.  Does  this  which  you  have  just  now  himself    that   his    disciples 

62  heard  so  much  ojfend  you?  and  do  you  stumble  at  it  as  incredible?  [What]  then  if  ye  }hen"''umh^Vis  offend  you  ^° 
shall  see  the  Son  of  man  ascending  up  into  heaven  where  he  was  before?^  would  you  then  62^((7mr  and  if  ye  shallsee 
understand  what  'was  meant  by  the  bread  of  life  coming  down  from  thence,  as  the  food  of  where°he  wai^befor^f  °  "'^ 
the  world  ?  Or  would  you  dien  believe  that  I  came  from  heaven,  notwithstanding  the 

63  objection  you  have  made  as  to  the  meanness  of  my  parentage  ?<=  Tlius  our  Lord  intimated  63  it  is  the  Spirit  that 
his  intended  ascension  ;  and  in  the  mean  time,  as  a  key  to  his  former  discourse,  he  added,  no\\^ingf  ^hV^'wordsThat'*! 
As  in  the  human  frame  it  is  the  indwelling  Spirit  that  quickens  every  part  of  it ;  and  the  speak  "unto  you.  t/ies/   are 

Jflesh,  how  exactly  soever  organized  and  adorned,  if  separate  from  that,  profits  nothing,  but  ^P'"'-  ^"'^  ''"^  '-^^  ''^'=- 
is  an  insensible  and  inactive  corpse ;  so  also  the  words  which  I  speak  unto  you  are  spirit, 
that  is,  they  are  to  be  taken  in  a  spiritual  sense,  and  then  you  will  find  they  are  life  to 
your  souls;  whereas,  to  take  them  in  a  literal  sense  w-ould  be  most  unprofitable  and 

64  monstrous.  It  is  indeed  stranse  that  you  should  think  of  it ;  but  I  know  there  arc  some  64  But  there  are  some  of 
qfi/ou  who  believe  not,  and  would  shelter  your  infidelity  under  these  mean  and  disingenu-  ^esV'k'new  from  th°e'bes^n- 
ous  cavils.  This  he  plainlv  told  them  :  /()/•  Jesus  knew  from  the  beginning,  who  thei/  were  ning  who  they  were  that'be- 
that  believed,  and  who  did  7wt ;  and  even  knew  the  very  person  who  it  waji  that  at  last  Letray  hhu. '""'  '''"'  '''°"''' 
should  so  basely  betray  him. 

65  And  he  further  said.  For  this  reason  I  told  you,  (ver.  44.)  that  no  man  can  cojne  unto  me  65  And  he  said.  Therefore 
except  it  be  given  him  of  mi/  Father;'^  because"  I  know  that  the  prejudices  of  corrupt  nature  caL''clme'untrme,'''e"c-^prit 
lie  stronsrlv  asrainst  such  a  doctrine  as  I  publish,  and  that  nothing  but  divine  grace  will  were  given  unto  him  of  my 

„  ,1    1        rL  Father. 

subdue  them. 

66  From  this  time  many  who  had  borne  the  name  of  his  disciples,  abusing  and  misrepre-     66  From  that  time  many 
senting  wliat  he  had  now  delivered,  as  if  it  had  been  either  absurd  or  utterly  unintelligible,  and  walked  no  more  with  Mm! 
weiit  back,  and  walked  no  more  with  him  ;  plainly  perceiving  that  their  true  character  was 
now  discovered,  as  well  as  that  their  secular  views  were  disappointed. 

67  Jesus  therefore  said  unto  the  twelve  apostles,  Will  you  also  go  arvay?  The  multitude  are  67  Then  said  Jesus  unto 
gone,  and  will  you  also  follow  them,  and  leave  me  entirely  alone?  Choose  for  yourselves  ;  *''„?a*/f''*'  ^^      ^'^  '''*"  ^° 

68  for  I  desire  not  to  detain  vou  against  your  will.     Then  Simon  Peter,  with  his  usual  zeal,     68  Then  Simon  Peter  an- 
ansxvered  him,  Jord,  to  whom  should  we' go,  if  we  were  really  disposed  to  quit  thee  ?  or  what  shal^we^'go-^'toil  'i?ast''the' 
advantage  could  we  expect  by  it  ?   Thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life,  and  hast  even  now  words  of  eternal  life, 
been  directing  us  in  the  way  to  it ;   and  God  forbid  "that  any  other  hopes  and  views 

69  should  ever  be  preferred  by  us  to  these !  However  others  may  be  governed  by  their  carnal     09  And  we  believe  and  are 
prejudices,  and  a  deluded  multitude  may  treat  thee  with  contempt,  we  firmly  believe,  and  theSon'of  the'nvingGod!'^'*'' 
assuredly  know,  on  the  most  convincing  evidence,  that  thou  art  the  Messiah,  the  Son  of 
the  living  God;  in  which  persuasion  we  are  determined  to  hazard  all  in  thy  service,  and 
to  sacrifice  even  our  lives  to  thee. 

70  Jesus  then  answered  them.  Such  a  resolution  might  reasonably  be  expected  from  you  all;     7o  Jesus  answered  them, 

a  j9s  he  was  teaching  at  Capernaum.']  Probably  (as  was  hinted  above,  appearance  of  the  symbols  of  the  Greek  and  Roman  empires  was  an 

ver.  25.  p.  150.)  the  foregoing  discourses  were  introduced  after  the  read-  argument  of  their  existence  at  that  time. 

ing  of  the  law  and  prayer.    Vk'e  wre  not  to  wonder  at  the  dialoeue  which  c  Would  you   then  believe  that   I    came   from   heaven,  \-c. J    What 

passed  here  ;  there  are  many  other  instances  of  disputes  which  either  Christ  here  savs  of  his  ascension,  may  be  further  mtended  to  mtmiate 

Christ  or  his  apostles  had  with  the  Jews  in  their  synagogues.    See  Matt,  the  necessity  of  taking  his  discourse  m  a  figurative  sense,  as  it  would  so 

xii.  9.  et  sei.  5  50.  Luke  xiii.  10,  et  seq.  }  117.  Acts  xiii.  44,  et  seq.  and  soon  be  evidently  impossible  to  eat  his  flesh,  which  was  to  be  received 

xvii.  17.  into  heaven.                                        t-    ,      ■,    n-    l     _,                  ,     r    i. 

b  Ascetiding  up  into  heaven,  where  he  was  hefore.l    A  very  celebrated  d  Except  it  he  given  htm  of  my  Father.]     lo  be  draan  hy  tiie  tather, 

writer  thinks  this  refers  to  tite  Son  of  man  appearing  to  Daniel  in  the  fver.  44.)  and  to  have  faith  given  him  hy  the  Father,  are  evidently  sy- 

c/in«/j(i/A<?atcn.-  but  his  appearing  to  him  thus  in  vision,  was  no  more  nonymous   terms;   which    plainly   vindicates  the  interpretation  given 

an  argument  of  his  being  there  at  the  time  of  that  appearance,  than  the  above,  and  shows  how  far  the  loose  and  general  glosses  of  Dr.  Clarke 


CHRIST  VINDICATES  HIS  DISCIPLES  AGAINST  THE  PHARISEES.  1J5 

TT-VP    not    T    chosen  you  for  huve  I  not  clioscn  you  twelve  to  the  honour  of  a  peculiar  intimacy  with  me,  and  to  a  SECT, 
twelve,  and  one  of  you  Is  a  station  of  the  most  distinguished  emmence  and  importance  m  the  church .'«  And  yet  I     82. 

devil?  know  that  one  of  you  is  a  devil,  and,  under  the  influence  of  that  mahgnant  spirit  of  dark- 

ness,  will  turn  my  accuser  and  betrayer/  -,     ,.  o-  ^     •.  t      ,  ,        "^vt^' 

-1  Tip    snake    of    Judas      TWis  lie  wiike  co»cenii?i!i  Ju(la.s  Iscanot,  \ the  son \  of  bunon ;  for  it  was  he  who  at  th^t  ^.'"^ 
iscariot^feUof  Simon:  for  ^^^^q  ^goan  to  liarbour  in  his  breast  this  execrable  purpose,  and  /lad  then  thoughts  of  be- 
him'^"fngonVo°tlle'tweU^  trui/ing^liim ;S  though  he  was  one  of  the  twelve  apostles,  and  therefore  under  peculiar 
obhgations  to  fidelity  and  duty. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
We  have   ihrouo-h  th^-  divine  goodness,  been  made  acquainted  with  those  crosi)el  trutlis,  in  their  full  evidence,  Ver.60 
and  mutual  connexion,  which  were  more  obscurely  hmted  to  those  who  attended  on  Christ  s  personal  ministry : 
may  we  therefore  hearken  to  the  spiritual  sense  of  this  sublime  and  excellent  discourse !  And  as  the  credible  63 
account  of  liis  ascension  into  glory  is  now  added  to  the  rest,  let  us  receive  the  whole  of  his  doctrine  with  the  most  62 
humble  submission  :  earnestly  entreatmg  the  influences  of  divine  grace,  that  we  may  not  only  be  dravvn  to  Christ, 
but  be  so  firmly  attached  to  his  interest,  that  whoever  else  forsake  him,  we  may  never  go  away.     On  the  contrary,  65 
may  we  rather  collect  an  argument  from  their  ingratitude  and  folly,  more  strenuously  and  more  affectionately  to  67 
adhere  to  him  !  Indeed,  to  whom  should  we  go  but  to  him?  He  has  the  ivords  of  eternal  life.    From  him  therefore,  68 
in  all  lowly  subjection  of  soul,  may  we  learn  those  lessons  on  which  our  everlasting  happiness  depends ! 

May  we  never,  like  Judas,  conceal  a  treacherous  and  disaffected  heart  under  the  specious  appearance  of  piety  70 
and  goodness '  This  would  be  only  imposing  on  ourselves  ;  for  his  penetrating  eye  can  never  be  deceived      May  64,  71 
we  approve  the  integrity  of  our  souls  in  his  sight,  and  repose  an  unlimited  confidence  in  him,  as  one  whom  we  69 
believe  and  know  to  be  a  divine  Saviour,  Christ  the  Son  of  the  living  God? 

SECTION  LXXXIII. 

Our  Lord  vindicates  his  disciples  in  neglecting  (he  traditions  of  the  Pharisees,  and  condemns  those  corrupt  teachers  for  preferring  such  traditions 
to  the  precepts  of  the  divine  law.     Matt.  xv.  1 — 9.     JMark  vii.  1 — 1.3. 

Mark  vii.  1. 
TIT  EN 'can.r  together  unto  THE  miracles  which  Jesus  wrought,  and  which  have  been  mentioned  above,''  being  SECT. 
[.Tesus]the  Pharisees  and  cer-  j-gported  at  the  ensuing  passover,b  gave  a  further  alarm  to  the  Jews,  and  especially  to  their     83. 

[tyere°k^!mdU^ml\ZJe-  established  teachers ;  so  that,  to  obviate  the  effect  of  them,  and  to  prevent  the  success  of 

rusalem.  [Matt.  xv.  1.]  j-,jg  ministry,  there  were  then  gathered  unto  Jesus  the  Pharisees,  and  some  of  the  scribes,  who  "^J-^^ 

tvere  stated  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  [a«rfl  came  [  from  thence]  on  purpose  to  watch,  and,     ^  ^• 
c  And  when  thev  saw  some  if  possible,  to  insnare  him.     And,  as  they  looked  on  all  his  actions  with  a  most  malignant  2 
n  n'^fh''?'''''''^  *^'  ''"■tt  '^'^'  eve,  they  soon  found  an  opportunity  to  cavil ;  for  seeing  some  of  his  disciples  eat  bread  with 
w^henyhandl''th;y''fouTd  what  they  counted  polluted  (that  Is,  with  unwashed)^ hands,  'they  found  fault  with  them 
^''""-  among  themselves. 

.-5  For  the  Pharisees,  and  all      For  this  was  a  favourite  tenet  of  the  Pharisees,  on  which  they  laid  a  particular  stress,  3 
the  .lews,  except  they  wa.5h  and  indeed  almost  all  the  Jews  pav  a  considerable  regard  to  it,*:  that  they  do  not  allow 
in'''thrtTadi'tion'ot^he  elders:  tliemselves  to  eat  witluHit  washing  their  hands  often  with  abundance  of  exactness,<i  and  par- 
ticularly just  before  their  meals :  and  this  they  observe,  not  in  consequence  of  any  express 
divine  command,  but  as  holding  the  tradition  of  the  elders,  who  thought  this  scrupulous 
care  a  decent  expression  and  memorial  of  their  concern  to  keep  themselves  free  from  what- 

4  An(\7ohen  they  come  from  soever  might  pollute  them.  And  especially  [ivhen  fhei/  come]  from  the  market,  or  any  4 
the  "ea't*noT*''"And''^n7a''nv  ^^^^^  P^^^e  of  public  concourse,  Icst  they  sliould,  without  their  knowledge,  have  touched 
other  Ihinfs  there  "be  whici!  any  thing  unclean,  ihei/  eat  not  till  they  have  ivashed  their  hands  at  least,  if  not  their  whole 
a'iThe*' wash'in''"'oftups '"and  body.  And  there  are  'mami  other  things  besides  the  washing  of  their  hands,  ivhich  they  m 
pots,  brasen  vessels,  and  of  like" manner  receive  and  mVmtain  by  the  authority  of  the  same  tradition,  \ai]  the  washing 
*^'''*^-  ofcupa  and  pots  in  which  their  food  is  put,  and  of  the  brazen  vessels  made  use  of  in  pre- 
paring it,  and  even  of  the  very  couches  on  which  they  lie  at  their  meals. 

5  Then  the  Pharisees  and       Then  the  Pharisees  and  scribes,  after  they  had  censured  the  disciples  of  Christ  among  5 
nouhl  dfscf  u-'raccor^in  "to  themselves,  (as  was  observed  before,)  came  to  Jesus,  and  asked  him.  Why  do  not  thy  disciples 
the  tradition'' of  ThT^eiders"  walk  and  behave  themselves  according  to  the  tradition  of  the  elders,  as  other  pious  and 
eat  "-br-ad'"^ with'' u'nwashen  I's^ular  .lews  do  ;  but  trunsgress  \it]  m  a  very  obvious  and  material  instance,  /Iir  they  eat 
hands  ■"  [Matt.  xv.  2.]  ivith  unwashed  handsl^     Can  they  be  so  ignorant  as  not  to  know  the  traditions  that  forbid 

it  ?    Or  are  they  so  profane  as  not  to  regard  them  ? 
ea^ind's?id^umo*hem?  Why      And  he  aimvcring,  said  unto  them.  Nay,  but  I  may  with  much  greater  reason  ask  you,   matt. 
do  ye  also  transgress  the  com-  ]y/,y  Jq  you  also  transgress  what  is  infinitely  more  sacred,  even  the  command  of  God  him-     XV. 
t?a"itu!n"'  [MarkWi'.^9.]l°"'"  self;  out  of  regard  to  your  own  vain  and  superstitious  tradition  ?    And  this  in  several  -^ 

and  Dr.  Clagset  are  from  expressine  the  true  and  determinate  sense  of  the  events  before  related,  is  expressly  determined.    (See  .Tohn  vi.  4.  and 

our  Lord's  words  the  note  there,  p.  146.  and  compare  chap.  vn.  2.)     But  the  evangelists 

e  Haie  I  not  chosen  you  twelve?  Ac]    I  see  not  the  least  reason,  with  do  not  exactly  determine  whether  Christ  did  or  did  not  attend  it.     Ir  he 

Eisner,  to  expuns:e  the  note  of  interrogation,  and  render  it,  I  have  not  did  not,  we  may  conclude  he  had  proper  reasons  tor  not  doing  it :  but  to 

chosen  you  all ;  which  would  entirely  enervate  the  spirit  of  the  following  be  sure  such  numerous  and  public  miracles  as  he  had  lately  performed, 

clause.  would  be  the  subject  of  a  great  deal  ot  discourse  at  Jerusalem.     Com- 

f  My   accuser  and   betrayer.]    According  to   ]\Ir.   Locke,  our   Lord  pare  John  vii.  11,  12.  and  xi.  56.                              . ,    -^ -,    rr-,    ■        lu- 

intimates  that  this  was  the  reason  why  he  had  not  more  plainly  declared  c  Almost  all  the  Jexos  pay  a  considerable  regard  to  it.]     I  heir  rabbles 

himself  to  be  the  Messiah,  because  he  knew  Judas  would  have  accused  carried  this  to  a  most  ridiculous  height ;  one  ot  them  determining  the  ne- 

him  of  rebellion  against  the  Romans  :  (for  so  the  word  6m/3oXo9  does  glectof  loashmg  to  be  a  greater  sm  than  whoredom  :  and  another  sa.ving,  it 

sometimes  siguifv,  a  false  accuser:  see  1  'iim.  iii.  11.  2  Tim.  iii.  3.  and  would  be  much  better  to  die  than  to  omit  it.    Many  instances  ot  this  kiiul 

Tit.  ii.  .3.)     Hut"l  can  see  no  proof  that  Judas,  from  the  beginning,  in-  may  be  seen  in  Dr.  Whitby  and  Dr.  llammond,  in  loc.  and  m  liuxtort. 

tended  to  betray  Christ.     It  is  more  probable,  he  at  tirst  engaged  with  Synag.  Jud.  cap.  xi.  p.  2.i6.     It  is   plain  that  other  nations  commonly 

hiin  in  expectation  of  secular  advantage  ;  and  findino  those  views  disap-  used  to  wash  before  their  meals.    See  Athenasus,  p.  408.  Ldit.  LasauU. 

pointed,  he  might  now  begin  to  form  that  detestable  scheme  which  lie  1675.  and  Eisner,  Ohserv.  vol.  i.  P- 73.                      . 

afterwards  executed.    If  this  was  the  occasion  on  which  he  first  enter-  d   IVashing  their  hands  often.]     Ihe  word  irvyixri  is  ambiguous,  neing 

tained  the  thought,  (as  I  think  it  probably  might,)  one  would  imagine,  very  seldom  used.    Theophylact's  gloss  would  incline  one  to  remier  it, 

that  such  an  intimation  of  his  secret  wickedness  must  have  struck  him  as  L'Enfant  does,  up  to  the  elhoxos  :  and  Beza  translates  it,  laitn  t/n  jis. 

to  the  heart  (See  Godwyn's  Moses  and  Aaron,  lid.  1.  cap.  10.  p.  39.)    ^  ot  being  able 

B  Had  thoughts  of  betraying  him.']    The  words  r\iJ.i\\ev  ninov  vapa-  certainly  to  determine  the  point,  I  thought  it  sufhcient  to  'idri  in  tne 

diAovai  may  properlv,  tliough  cot  necessarily,  import  thus  much  ;  and,  paraphrase,  with  abundance  of  exactness.    Camero  am    ';"'' ■  ,^,'' "j!"'" ", 

I  think,  had  not  this  been  actually  the  case,  Christ  would  not  have  said  Un  loc.)  explain  it  ot  holding  up  their  hands  close,/,  while  tne  wa  e,  waa 

he  is  a  devil,  but  rather  that  he  would  become  one.  poured  upon  them  ;  and   I  have  nothuig  to  object  to  me  reasons  iiicy 

a  Which  have  been  mentioned  above.]    As  both  Matthew  and  Mark  give  tor  that  mterpretation.                    ,-,.••     <u      ,;„;„ol    ,ni  hrfnd  ■ 

introduce  the  following  discourse  immediately  after  his  crossing  the  sea  e  For  they  eat  with  unwashed  hands.]    It  is  in  the  "J'f".^';  "\; ;.'!:'  ■'. 

to  Capernaum,  when  he  but  just  before  had  ted  the  five  thousand,  and  and    I   have  sometimes  retained  the    Hebraisni,  out  °'^    ""',''''''    j' 

John  determines  the  debates  in  the  preceding  sections  to  that  time,  there  necessary  always  to  do  it.     Every  attentive  reader  muotnaie    .«  ,         . 

can  be  no  reasonable  doubt  about  placing  this  section,  and  several  more  that  food  in  general  is  called  bread,  in  a  multituae  t".  Piaj^S'  •„■*""  V'<="" 

that  are  expressly  connected  with  it,  in  this  order.  is  sometimes  put  even  for  the  provisions  ot  a  royal  taoie,  i  oaiu.  ia.  (, 

b  At  the  ensuing  passover.]     I'hat  a  passover  followed  quickly  after  10.  and  xii.  20. 


156  THE  PHARISEES  UPBRAIDED  FOR  THEIR  HYPOCRISY. 

SECT,  instances  you  run  to  such  a  length,  as  that  you  fairly  make  void  the  command  of  God,  and     Mark  vii.  g.   Full  well  ye 
83.     render  it  insignificant,  that  you  may  observe  your  tradition ;  though  you  consider  not  per-  [?J*<=t  f^^  commandment  of 

haps  fi-om  whence  it  comes,  or  may  easily  Icnow  that  it  was  derived  only  from  a  fallible  owntJaditfon.'""^   ^^^ ^''"'" 

MATT.  man.     I  will  give  you  one  notorious  instance  of  it,  which  you  cannot  dispute :  for  you     Matt.  xv.  4.   For  God  [«y 
^"^■^  well  know,  that  God  has  commanded  [by]  Moses,  saying,  "  Honour  thy  father  and  thy  uoZ^Ir'th^'fMitfi^ntlthy] 
mother. "^X  precept  written  with  his  own  finger  on  "the  tables  of  stone,  and  guarded  by  mother-.  aiui.He  thatcurseth 
that  awful  sanction,  "  Whoso  curseth  his  father,  or  his  mother,  let  him  surely  die  without  Ihi''HL",h""?S^vV'f.ii*''i'^?'* 
mercy.      (see  Exod.  xxi.  17.  Lev.  xx.  9.  and  compare  Prov.  xx.  20.  and  Deut.  xxvn.  16.) 
Now  for  any  one  to  suffer  his  parents  to  languish  in  want  of  the  necessary  supplies  of  life, 
must  certainly  be  a  yet  more  aggravated  wickedness  than  an  impious  word,  which  may 
MARK  possibly  escape  a  man's  lips  in  a  sudden  transport  of  passion.f    ^ut  what  you  teach  is     Mark  vii.  ii.   But  ye  say, 
VII.    contradictory  to  this  divme  command;  and  an  imgrateful  child  may  justify  himself  in  the  Syh'eT^or  motifer^ '1/ ^'^o^a  " 
'■^  neglect  of  it,  in  consequence  of  your  tradition:  for  you  assert,  [thaf]  any  one  vmy  say  to  that  is  to  say,  a  Rift,  by  what- 
his  father  or  mother,  [Let  that  be'\  corban,  that  is  to  say,  let  it  be  reckoned  as  a'devoted  frtir/hy  me, "and'honour^not 
thing,  or  be  considered  as  a  gift  dedicated  to  the  altar,?  by  which  thou  mightest  otherwise  his  father  or  his  mother,]  he 
receive  advantage  from  me^  and  he  shall  then  be  free  from  the  command,  and  not  be  under  ^''"'^  i>ejree.  [Matt.  xv.  5, 6.] 
12  any  obligation  to  honour  and  relieve  his  father  or  his  mother.    And  in  this  manner,  out  of    12  And  ye  suffer  iiim  no 
regard  to  such  a  rash  and  impious  vow,  you  not  only  suppose  he  may  innocently  omit  tTer  or°his°mofher.^°'^  ^^^  ^^ 
this  evident  duty  of  natural  as  well  as  revealed  religion,  but  will  no  more  permit  him  to  do 
MATT,  any  thing  for  the  relief  even  of  his  father  or  his  mother.    And  [thusl  then  it  is  evidently  to     i^iatt-  xv.  6.   Thus  have  ye 
^v.     be  seen,  according  to  the  charge  which  I  advanced  against  you,  that,  through  a  gross  and  mandment'^ot"God"of  none 
"  impious  superstition,  you  have  even  invalidated  the  word,  \and^  as  it  were,  annihilated  the  ^.i^^ct  [through  your  tradi- 
command  of  God,  by  means  of  your  tradition,  which  you  have  delivered  as  a  rule  of  life  to  e'™'  amr\viany''Tucif  'lUte 
be  observed  with  the  most  scrupulous  exactness  :  and  it  were  easy  to  be  shown  in  other  things  do  ye.]  [Mari<  vii.  is.] 
instances,  that  many  such  like  things  you  do. 

7  Yet  these  are  the  things  in  which  you  vainly  pride  yourselves,  as  proofs  of  your  religion;     7  Ve  hypocrites,  well  did 
but,  O  you  hypocrite.'!,  well  did  Isaiah  prophesy  of  such  as  you,  and  very  fitly  may  those  i^'f;^'^a5''[t*'?s^  writ°enT[Mark 
words  which  he  delivers  in  the  name  of  (jod  be'applied  to  you,  where  he  is  saying  of  the  vii.' 6.] 
superstitious  Jews  of  his  own  time,  what  may  be  evidently  seen  to  agree  to  you,  (as  it  is 

8  written,  Isa.  xxix.  13.)  "  This  people  draweth  near  to  me  with  their  mouth,  and  honoureth     8  This  people  draweth  nigh 
me  with  their  lips ;  they  make  a  pompous  profession,  and  pretend  to  a  great  deal  of  devo-  "nd"  honoureth  itle  with"  Meir 

MARK  tion  and  piety 


frines  or  lessons  [that  are\  merely  human  inventions  and  injunctions,^  being  only  the  pre-  [Matt.  xv.  9.] 
cepts  of  men,  that  have  no  stamp  of  the  divine  authority  upon  them,"  which  yet  they  would 
insist  upon  as  necessary  parts  of  religion,  and  would  impose  them  on  the  consciences  of 

8  others.  And  this  (as  1  have  said)  you  may  be  charged  with,  not  in  one  single  instance  8  For  laying  aside  the  com- 
only,  but  in  many  ;/«;•,  leaving  the  commandment  of  God,  you  maintain  the  tradition  of  thrtraditlon^o^' men"!af*'the 
men,  [relating  to]  the  washing  of  pots  and  cups:  and  many  other  such  like  things  you  da,  washing  of  pots  anrl  cups: 
with  a  zeal  by  no  means  required,  and  on  which  at  best  you  lay  a  very  disproport'ionable  Ti^ngsT "^o."""*"^ 

stress. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

MATT.      How  miserable  is  the  case  of  those  who,  while  they  earnestly  contend  for  the  forms  of  divine  worship,  are  losing 
XV.     both  the  improvement  and  reward  which  might  be  expected  from  a  regular  attendance  upon  it !     This  is  the  case 

9  of  all  who  draw  near  to  God  with  their  lips,  while  their  hearts  are  far  from  him.     May  we  abhor  the  vanity  of 
8  such  hypocritical  behaviour  in  the  presence  of  Him  who  searches  the  heart  and  tries  the  reins  of  the  children 

of  men ! 

3,  7  Let  us  learn  from  this  just  and  severe  sentence  which  our  Lord  passes  on  these  superstitious  Pharisees,  to  avoid 
the  temper  he  condemns  in  tliem.  It  much  less  becomes  us  as  christians,  and  especially  as  protestants,  to  impose 
on  our  brethren  with  rigorous  severity  those  doctrinal  decisions,  or  those  ritual  observances,  which  have  not  their 
express  foundation  in  the  word  of  (iod,  to  which  we  so  constantly  appeal  as  to  our  common  rule.  Happy  had  it 
been  for  the  church  in  all  ages  and  nations,  had  men  exerted  that  zeal  for  the  truths  and  the  institutions  of  God, 
in  the  beauty  and  gloiy  of  their  native  simplicity,  which  has  carried  them  on  to  defend  and  propagate  their  own 
inventions,  till  religion  itself  has  almost  sunk  under  the  weight  of  the  ornaments  in  which  they  have  dressed  it, 
and  the  unwieldy  armour  which  they  have  hung  about  it ! 

4 — 6  Let  children  learn  from  the  command  which  Christ  has  vindicated,  to  honour  their  parents  by  a  tender  care  of 
them  in  their  declining  days  ;  remembering,  that  as  no  filial  duty  and  gratitude  can  ever  fully  repay  our  obligations 
to  such  friends,  so  an  affectionate  regard  to  them  is  a  proper  and  necessary  expression  of  our  filial  piety  to  the 

•  *^;^"  A^"'^''*'n  ''■J'"5P<""'  of  passion.]    Dr.  Lightfoot  (in  his  Hor.  Heb.  tion  has  no  force,  I  cannot  wholly  approve  this  version,  and  therefore 

>n /or.)  has  well  observed,  that  it  is  probable  a  child  must  be  in  a  trans-  did   not  insert   it.    Perhaps  some  of  these   pretended  vows  of  theirs 

port  ot  very  unriutitui  passion,  when  he  made  the  rash  vow  afterwards  amounted  to  no  more  than  an  obligation  to  leave  some  proportion  of  the 

mentioned,  that  he  would  Merer  in  any  instance  relieve  his  parent,  so  overplus  of  their  estates  to  the  temple  treasury  after  their  death,  which 

tnat  It  was  a  kind  ot  cursing  him  ;  but  had  it  been  said  ever  so  coolly  might  in  a  thousand  instances  be  made  the  cloak  of  avarice  and  cruelty, 

ana  deliberately,  the  argument  here  sugf,ested  would  have  taken  place,  'J  he  indeterminate  manner  of  speaking,  it  must  be  owned,  would  lead 

and  would  have  justified  the  connexion.  to  such  a  supposition.— Capellus,  with  immense  labour,  (and,  I   think. 

^ Jiny  one  may  say,  [Let  that  he]  corkan,  that  is  to  say,  a  gift.']    So  beyond  all  further  controversy,)  has  asserted  the  interpretation  of  this 

1  cnoose,  with  tlsner,  Wbserv.  vol.  i.   p.  74.)  to  render  the  words  in  text  as  given  in  the  paraphrase ;  and  has  produced  a  vast  variety  of 

iviattnevy,  09  av  eiirii.  though,  I  confess,  not  without  some  doubt.     But  I  passages  trom  the  Talmnd,  to  show  the  superstitious  regard  the  Jews  had 

rn-i'i.^  !L'M?o  =     o         "^  f ^  'ittle^as  possible^ to  be  supplied,  in  order  to  to  such  rash  and  unnatural  vows,  as  well  as  the  ridiculous  ways  they 

TT.-J       -     .,n  o     =„„o„    .  .       .»  .        ..  1     .  .  .  ,.  .  KV.     5. 

tier  (f  fuov, 
endering,  it 

...        -         ^.^-  -  ^.       -,,                 --,-, r."  ...fi  ...c  passage  would    have   been   6k  tou  euov,  of  which    instances  occur   in  Greek 

to  imply  a  repetition  trom  the  verse  betore.     But  such  a  construction  authors. 

seems  to  me  quite  unparalleled,  and  very  unnatural.  Grotius  makes  i  While  they  leach  doctrines  that  are  hximan  injunctions.]  So  I  render 
Ka<rerfwnrf««<,  and  would  lender  It,  \ou  teach,  that  whosoever  shall  say  SiAauKovTC-  di6a<TKu\,a?  evra^nara  avOpwiruiv.  The  words  seem  to 
to  ins  jatner  or  motlier.  It  it  a  gilt,  L^c.—let  him  not  honour  his  father  allude  to  Isa.  xxix.  l:i.  where,  though  the  present  Hebrew  copies  read 
and  mother  :  but  in  the  way  that  1  have  rendered  it,  the  sense  is  in  effect  the  text  agreeable  to  our  translation  of  the  place.  Their  fear  toicards  vie  is 
the  same,  and  the  conimon  sense  ot  Kai  is  retained.  Some  considerable  taught  by  the  precept  of  men,  Grotius  has  shown  how  a  small  variation  in 
critics,  particularly  Urusius  (rf«  Irihus  Hectic,  lib.  ii.  cap.  17.)  and  the  original  might  iustify  the  Seventy  in  that  version  of  theirs  which  the 
.h  r*i^'"'  '"^""^^  arid  Aaron,  lib.  w.  cap.  6.)  give  a  very  elegant  turn  to  evangelist  here  follows,  the  sense  of  which  is  much  the  same  with  what 
the  tollowing  words,  hii>pov  o  iav  ef  ewoi/  w^(i\r]0)K,  and  would  suppose  we  retain  in  that  place. — I  would  only  observe  further,  that  <>ida<TKa\ia 
them  to  be  an  oath  expressed  in  the  elliptical  manner,  which  was  verv  in  general  signifies  any  lesson,  and  not  merely  (as  Bishop  Hopkins  con- 
common  among  the  Hebrews ;  it  so,  they  should  be  rendered,  /  swear  tends)  a  doctrine  if  faith  ;  and  that  the  purpose  to  which  our  Lord  here 
^  corAflw,  or  the  sacred  treasury,  thou  shalt  receive  no  benefit  from  me.  applies  it.  plainly  shows  that  it  must  refer  to  rinial  injunctions.  Sea 
But  as  boUi  the  evangelists  insert  the  particle  6,  which  in  this  construe-  Bishop  Hopkins's  Woris,  p.  150,  151. 


THE  PHARISEES  UPBRAIDED  FOR  THEIR  HYPOCRISY.  157 

L'reat  Fatlier  of  our  spirits.     Justly  may  he  esteem  his  temples  profaned,  rather  than  adorned,  by  the  most  costly  SECT, 
gifts,  which  are  the  spoils  of  nature,  atid  the  trophies  of  mhumanity.  83. 


SECTION  LXXXIV. 

Christ  pursues  his  discourse  against  the  Pharisees,  and  inculcates  the  necessity  of  inward  purity.    Matt.  xv.  10—20.    Marli  vii.  14— S.l. 

Mark  vii.  14. 
AND  whtnL' had"aliedail  NOW  when  our  Lord  had  thus  condemned  the  Pharisees  to  their  face,  for  the  un warrant-  sect. 
the  people  unto  him,  he  said  g^ijjg  gtress  they  laid  on  their  vain  and  precarious  traditions,  he  took;  this  oiiportunity  to     84. 

e?erv''oTe'  o/you?  and° T  undcceive  the  people,  and  to  let  them  see  how  insignificant  this  outward  strictness  was, 

dersiand.   [Matt.  xv.  10.]       p^i  which  the  Pharisees  insisted  ;  and  liavbnr  called  all  the  multdiuk  together  to  him,  he  mark 
pursued  his  discourse,  and  said  to  them,  Le\  me  charge  eve?'i/  one  of  you  attentively  to  j^"- 
hearken  to  me  in  what  I  now  deliver,  and  give  all  diligence,  that  you  may  understand  it ; 
lest  for  want  of  doing  it,  out  of  regard  to  your  admired  teachers,  you  impose  on  your  own 
15  There  is  nothing  from  souls  in  a  matter  of  the  greatest  importance.     There  h  nothing  ivhich  enters  into  a  man  15 
■without  a  man  that  entering  ^j.^„„  ,^^,lf|^g^^t  that  Can  really  pollute  him  in  the  sight  of  God  :  it  is  not,  1  say,  that  which  is 
{hit   which"  goeth  'i."o  ^?he- originally  from  without,  and  gof.s  into  the  mouth,  that  renders  him  polluted  ;^  hut  the  things^ 
mouth,]  but  the  thmgs  which  ,^,^ '^^  ^^-^^^  ^^^^  „.•  ^  „,^,„  „,,g  f/J^^gg  f/,(,t  actually  defilc  him,  [cven\  that  which  comes  out  of    ■ 
?heTtimt delie  tlTe  mantuml  TA^l  mouth.     And  I  would  have  you  to  observe,  tliat  much  is  comprehended  in  these  few  16 
that  which  Cometh  out  of  the  J^poj-tant  words  :  remember  them  therefore,  and  think  of  them ;  and  ;/  ani/  one  ot  you  has 
"Je  If  any  man^have  ears  to  eais  to  hear,  and  a  heart  to  consider,  let  him  hear  these  things,  and  reflect  seriously  upon 

hear,  let  him  hear.  them 

17  And  when  he  was  en-      And  xohen  he  tvos  come  into  the  house  apart /rom  the  multitude,  his  disciples  came  to  him,  17 
tered  into  the  house  from  the  according  to  their  usual  custom,  [and]  asked  him  concerning  the  meaning  ot  this  parable, 
^Tdt^kJd  him^conce?nTng  or  sententious,  and  to  them  obscure,  saying.     And  thei/  likewise  said  to  him  a.t  the  same  matt. 
the  parable;  [Matt. xv.  12.]     ^■^^^   Kuowcst  thou,  and  art  thou  Sufficiently  aware  of  it,  that  the  Pharisees  who  heard  this  ^v. 
to  himULwestlhou'that^h;  sai/iiig  Were  highly  offended  at  it,  as  what  anpears  to  strike  directly  (as  they  represent  the  ^^ 
fh',lv'  ifp^rd'lfhis"  s^illnl"'* """"  m'atter)  both  at  the  authority  of  the  oral  and  of  the  written  law  ? 

n  But  he  answered  and      But  he  answered  and  said,  As  for  their  displeasure,  I  am  very  little  concerned  about  it,  13 
said,  Every  plant  which  my  nor  shall  I  ever  labour  to  ingratiate  myself  with  persons  of  their  character :  for  I  consider 
plan^ed^shaiTbe'root'ed  up°'  t^^em  as  a  set  of  men  doomed  to  destruction  :  and  indeed  everi/  plantation  which  mi/  heavenly 
Father  has  not  planted,  and  every  thing  in  religion  which,  like  the  vain  traditions  they  ad- 
vance, is  not  founded  in  divine  institution,  but  human  invention,  shall  sooner  or  later  he 

14  Let  them  alone ;  they  rooted  up,  and  cast  out  of  the  vineyard  as  an  encumbrance  to  it.     Let  them  alone,  anfJ  do  14 
be  blind  leaders  of  the  blind:  ,-,ot  trouble  or  conccm  yourselves  about  their  censures;  they  are  blind  guides  of  the  blind 
blind,  both  shaiHall  into  tile  populacc,  that  implicitly  commit  themselves  to  their  conduct ;  and  it  is  very  easy  to  foresee 
ditch.  the  consequence  ;  for,  if  the  blind  shall  undertake  to  lead  the  blind,  the;/  will  both  Jail  into 

a  ditch  together,  and  encumber  instead  of  helping  each  other ;  (compare  Luke  vi.  39.  p. 
106.)  and  so  will  these  perverse  Pharisees  and  their  careless  followers  perish  together. 

15  Then  answered   Peter,      But  Peter  answering,  said  unto  him.  We  would  desire  thee,  however   to  exnlain  more  15 
and  said  unto  him.  Declare  clearly  to  US  what  is  the  meaning  of  this  parable  which  they  are  so  much  onended  at ;  tor 
unto  us  this  parable.  ^^^^  J^^^  ourselvcs  are  at  a  loss  to  reconcile  it,  not  only  with  the  Pharisaic  traditions,  but 

with  the  injunctions  of  the  law  of  God,  which  hath  so  expressly  enjoined  a  difference  of 

meats. 
Mark  vii.  18.    And  [Jesus      And  Jesus  said  to  them,  Are  you  likewise  still  so  void  of  understanding,  as  not  to  anpre-  mark 
Tet^TZl^LZi  "tl'dirl^t  hend  the  sense  of  what  I  said?"  by  which  you  might  have  easily  perceived  that  I  did  not    vil. 
ing?  Do  ye  not  [yet]  perceive,  intend  immediately  to  supersede  any  precept  of  the  law  relating  to  the  distinction  ot  ciean 
l^'Lut''e'nlTeXinto?h^em^  and  unclean  food  ;  but  only  to  declare  that  it  is  the  temper  of  the  mind  which  God  regards, 
it  cannot  defile  him  ?  [Matt,  and  that  no  external  accident  separate  from  this  can  render  a  man  onensive  to  him  ;  and, 
'''■•  ^^'  ^^-^  after  all  the  instructions  I  have  given  you,  do  you  not  yet  perceive  that  it  must  needs  be  so, 

19  Because  [whatsoexer  en-  that  whatsoever  enters  from  ivitliout  into  a  man  'cannot  defile  him  '!  And  that,  for  this  obvious  19 
*e'th"not"tnto'hrheart!°bui  reason,  bccuuse  ivhatsocvcr  enters  in  at  the  mouth  enters  hot  into  his  heart,  or  mind,  m  which 
[goeth]  into  the  belly,  and  [is  gin  or  holiness  is  seated,  and  which  alone  is  capable  of  moral  excellence  or  pollution ;  but 
^utin"iil'meats''.'[Ma«.^xv:  gocs  into  the  bclly,  and  passing  through  the  bowels,  by  the  course  of  natural  digestion  and 
17.]     °  evacuation,  is  thrown  off  into  the  vault,  a  place  which  cleanses,  as  it  were,  and  carries  ott  the 

grosser  dregs  of  all  the  food  that  a  man  eats. 

20  And  he  said.  That  which  But,  said  he,  It  is  indeed  that  ^vhich  comes  out  of  a  man  that  really  defiles  a  man,  and  20 
de'fiTeth  °he  man''"  [/'"those  makes  him  sinful  in  the  sight  of  God,  as  it  originally  proceeds  from  within  :  [for]  the 
things  which  proceed  out  of  things  procecdina  out  of  the  mouth  come  forth  from  the  heart ;  and  these  are  they  that  actually 
'the  heaTt'''andX/defiieTe  defik  a  man,  as^hey  may  thus  be  tainted  with  a  great  deal  of  moral  guilt  and  malignity, 
man.]  [Matt.  xv.  18.]  For,  from  within,  out  of  the  heart  of  men,  proceed  all  such  corrupt  and  evil  reasonings,^  as  21 
thfhe^arto'tTen!p™"ee'd'e^°l  those  of  the  Pharisees  which  you  have  now  been  hearing,  and  all  those  self-invented 
thoughts,  adulteries,  fornica-  sophisms  which  exclude  wisdom  at  the  first  entrance  ;  and  from  hence  also  proceed  adul- 
tions,  murders,  [Matt.  xv.  19.]  ^^^-^^  ^ndfornications,  and  all  sorts  of  sensuality  and  uncleanness  ;  all  acts  of  violence  and 

22  Thefts,     covetousness,  murders  ;  And  thefts,  and  insatiable  desires,  and  malevolent  affections  of  inhumanity  and  22 

de«^^'lasc;viLusness'aS'evil  Cruelty  to  mankind;  the  injuries  arising  from  false  ivitnessings  and  deceit;  the  vile  ahomi- 

eye,  blasphemy,  pride,  fool-  nations  of  lasciviousness  and  intemperance ;  an  evil  envious  srrudging  eye,  and  that  odious 

ishness:  [Matt.  xv.  19.]  jg^^pg^.  ^^^^^  discovers  itself  bv  such  a  look  ;  (compare  Prov.  xxiii.  6.  xxviii.  22.  and 

xxii.  9.)  the  horrid  outrages  of  blasphemy  and  pride ;  and,  in  a  word,  all  kind  of  folly,"  wild 

2.3  AH   these  evil    things  imao-inations,  ungovemed  passions,  and  many  other  moral  irregularities.     All  these  evils,  23 
a?e"'the°Sings"wti.c"h] 'defiil  and  many  more  which  I  might  mention,  come  from  luithin ;  and  these  are  the  things  which 

a  ^W  tint  uhich  goes  into  the  movtii,  &c.']    Though  it  is  verv  true  a  it  willingly  admits,  and  does,  as  it  were,  hold  a  P*"'^/, ^°^,;Kp"yhesc 

man  may  bring  guilt  upon  himself  by  eating  what  is  pernicious  to  his  with.     And.  I  fear,  there  are  multitudes  in  th«  P^sen'  a,e, 

health,  or  by  excess  in  the  quantity  of  food  and   liquor;  and  a  Jew  Pharisees,   who  are  contracting  immense  J;!"''  ^Y  '^"i'^  h  .'ill v  value 

might  have  done  it  by  presumptuously  eating  what  was  forbidlen  by  sophistical  reasonings,  on  the  subtilty  ot  wtiicn  mey  \u-^y      ,    j 

the  Mosaic  law,  which  still  continued  in  force  ;  yet  in  all  these  instances,  themselves  and  each  other.  ,„    ^  horu  stands  diiectlv 

the  pollution  would  arise  from  the  wickedness  of  the  heart,  and  be  just       c  All  kind  of /<,«i/.]    1  apprehend  that  "fP°P'':^™^^.  ."     d  therefore 

proportionable  to  it ;  which  is  all  our  Lord  asserts.  opposed  to  o-to0po<rxyn,  or  sobriety  oj  "'";(«'f  „7'fh  '  j,  "  'iimtion,  and  ex- 

b  Corrupt  and  evil  reasonings :  ol  6,aXo7«rMo<  o\  «aKo,.]    \  choose  to  <loes  particularly  si-inity  the  wild  sail  esot  the  iinaemat.^^^^ 

render  it  evil  reasonings,  rather  than  merclV  exil  thoughts,  as  better  suit-  travagant  passions  and  appetites,  and  consequently  "'"^r  mcR.u  ^  a  g  ea 

im.'  both  the  original  and  the  occasion,  and  as  containing  a  more  univer-  many  immoralities  not  touched  on  in  tne  preteum^  c 
sal  and  important  truth ;  for  those  thoughts  only  defile  the  heart  which 


^58  A  SYROPHCENICIAN  WOMAN  APPLIES  TO  CHRIST. 

^Fxr.  do  indeed  pollute  a  man,  and  render  him  an  object  odious  to  the  infinite  purity  of  the  the  man:  [but  to  eat  with  un- 
>  84.     divine  nature;  hut  the  bare  undesigned  violation  of  a  ceremonial  precept  cannot  do  it;  ^ln''i"[Matt^x^v'^'2o*]'  ^°^  ^ 

and  much  more  evident  it  is,  that  to  eat  with  unwashed  hands,  which  has  no  moral  impurity 

MARK  in  it,  and  no  authority  but  a  vain  tradition  to  forbid  it,  does  not  and  cannot  defile  a  man  : 
^^^Ao  and  it  must  have  a  very  bad  tendency  to  teach  people  to  place  religion  in  things  so  entirely 
foreign  to  it. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

MATT.       May  we  be  all  taught  of  God  to  maintain  a  constant  watch  over  our  own  hearts,  as  remembering  that  frojn 
->^v.     thence  are  the  issues  of  life,  and  from  thence  the  sources  of  sin  and  death  !  (Prov.  iv.  23.)     All  the  secret  motions 

18  and  sentiments  of  them  are  open  to  the  divine  examination  and  inspection.  There  then  may  we  begin  our  cares, 
to  purify  ourselves  from  all  filthiness  both  of  the  flesh  and  spirit,  as  ever  we  would  perfect  holiness  in  the  fear  of  God. 
(2  Cof.  vii.  1.) 

19  We  see  what  secret  abominations  our  Lord  has  here  discovered  and  marked  out.  It  is  a  matter  of  much  la- 
mentation, that  our  corrupted  nature  abounds  with  such  poisonous  productions:  let  us  earnestly  pray  that  they 
may  be  rooted  out  by  divine  grace,  lest  we  ourselves  be  rooted  out  of  God's  vineyard,  as  at  once  encumbering  and 
deforming  it ! 

mark      May  the  blessed  Spirit  of  God  create  in  us  a  clean  heart,  and  implant  in  our  souls  a  temper  opposite  to  all  these 
VII.    enormities  !  May  candour  and  purity,  integrity  and  tenderness,  piety  and  generosity,  humility  and  wisdom,  prevail 
21    22  in  our  hearts,  and  shine  in  our  conduct!  And,  in  a  word,  whatsoever  things  are  true  and  honest,  just  ayid  pure, 
loveli/  and  of  good  report,  if  there  be  any  virtue,  and  if  there  be  ani/  praise,  let  us  think  on  these  t/mgs,  and  practise 
theni !  (Phil.  iv.  8.) 
MATT.      Let  those  who  are  employed  to  guide  others,  be  especially  solicitous  to  know  and  pursue  the  right  way  them- 
XV.     selves ;  lest,  instead  of  saving  themselves,  and  those  that  hear  them,  they  both  of  them  at  last  perish  together.  We 
14  are  in  danger  of  it  if,  like  these  Pharisees,  we  inculcate  on  our  hearers  a  zeal  for  the  circumstantials  and  appen- 
dages of  religion,  while  its  essentials  are  neglected ;  and  perhaps  some  of  the  greatest  enormities  of  the  mind  are 
consecrated  under  an  honourable  name,  and  profanely  listed  under  the  banner  of  the  God  of  holiness  and  love. 


SECTION  LXXXV. 


Jesus  withdraws  to  the  coasts  of  Tyre  and  Sidon,  and  there  expels  a  demon  from  the  daughter  of  a  Canaanitish  woman  ;  and  afterwards,  in  his 
return  to  Galilee,  cures  a  man  who  was  deaf,  and  had  an  impediment  in  his  speech.    Matt.  xv.  21 — 29.    Marie  vii.  24,  to  the  end. 

Mark   vii.   24.  Mark  vii.  24. 

SECT.  AND  Jesus  arose  from  thence,  and  ivithdreiu  from  the  place  where  these  invidious  enemies  and   from  thence  [Jesus] 
85.     were  continually  lying  in  wait  for  him,  to  the  borders  [o/-]  coasts  of  Ti/re  and  Sidon  :  and  bordeVr['!.r''c(Ss']'*Vf"  Tyre 
-  when  he  was  come  into  those  parts,  he  entered  into  a  house  as  privately  as  he  could,  and  and  sidon,  and  entered  into 


he  would  cast  forth 
out  of  her  daughter. 


MARK  would  have  had  no  one  Imow  Uf]  that  he  was  there;  but  he  had  so  many  eyes  upon  him  man^knovv ^f ;Tut 'hJ^cou'id 
Vil.     wherever  he  went,  that  he  could  not  long  be  concealed  in  that  retirement.  not  be  hid.  [Matt.  xv.  21.] 

25  Yea,  an  occurrence  quickly  happened  that  spread  the  fame  of  his  arrival  there  through  25  For  [behold,  a  woman 
all  the  neighbourhood  \for  behold,  a  Canaanitish  woman  came  out  of  those  coasts,  to  whom,  coaS,]*whose'young'dauati- 
though  an  alien  from  the  commonwealth  of  Israel,  he  displayed  his  power  and  goodness  ter  had  an  unclean  spirit, 
in  a  very  remarkable  manner.  Now  this  was  one  ivhose  young  daughter,  for  whom  she  had  cried^unto'iTimTsaviTgf  Have 
a  most  tender  affection,  was  possessed  by  an  unclean  and  malignant  spirit,  which  often  threw  mercy  on  me,  o  Lord,  thou 
her  into  violent  asronies :  and,  as  the  fame  of  .Tesus,  and  of  the  miracles  that  he  had  is^grlevousiy  'v^Id  ^wu.h^a. 
wrought,  was  knowTi  in  all  those  parts,  the  afflicted  mother  was  no  sooner  told  of  his  devil.]  [Matt.  xv.  22.] 
arrival,  but,  having  now  an  expectation  of  relief,  from  the  great  things  she  had  heard  of 

him,  she  came  immediately  to  the  place  where  he  was,  and  cried  unto  him  at  some  distance, 
with  the  most  humble  importunity,  saying.  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  Lord,  thou  Son  of 
David,^  consider  my  distressed  case,  and  extend  thy  compassion  to  me,  though  a  stranger ; 
for  7ny  poor  unhappy  daughter  is  grievously  tormented  by  a  cruel  demon,  that  delights  in 
the  misery  of  my  child  ;  and  I  well  know  that  thou  art  able  to  cure  her. 

26  Norv  it  is  here  to  be  observed  as  somewhat  singidar,  that  (as  we  just  now  hinted)  the    26  (The   woman    was    a 
woman  was  not  a  Jew,  but  a  Greek,  a  native  of  Sy?-opha-nicia,^  or  of  that  tract  of  Canaan  ^aTion';)^  aud™'she"be'soug'lit 
in  which  they  now  were  :  and  therefore,  though  she  thus  earnestly  besought  him  to  cast  out  him  that  ' 
the  demon  from  her  daughter,  and  the  case  seemed  so  compassionable,  our  Lord  thought  it  ''*   '^^' 
proper  not  to  take  such  immediate  notice  of  it  as  he  had  commonly  done  in  the  like 

MATT,  instances  ;  But  turning  from  her,  as  if  he  were  regardless  of  her  case,  he  answered  her  not     Matt.  xv.  2.3.  But  he  an- 

Yif  7  o  J  o  '  swered  her  not  a  word.    And 

•      a  wont.  his    disciples  came,   and   be- 

^■^      And  his  disciples  came  to  him  on  the  occasion,  and  entreated  him,  saying.  Dismiss  her  with  |""if'''fj,r"'he'criethafr'r  u^"^ 
the  grant  of  her  request ;  for  she  is  so  overwhelmed  with  her  affliction,  that  she  crieth  after 
ns  wherever  she  sees  us;"^  and  not  only  gives  us  trouble,  but  is  like  to  make  thy  abode 

24  here  more  public  than  thou  wouldst  have  it.  But  he  replying,  said,  I  am  not  sent,  but  to  ^Xl^lm  not^enrbut  unlo 
seek  and  recover  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel,  and  am  charged  with  no  immediate  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of 
message  to  the  Gentile  nations,  to  whom  you  all  know  this  woman  belongs.  ^2rfhen  came  she,  [and  fell 

25  Then,  perceiving  her  case  was  tlie  subject  of  their  discourse,  she  came  nearer,  and  fell  at  his  feet,]  and  worshipped 
doum  at  his  feet  in  a  most  importunate  manner,  and  worshipped  him,  sai/ing.  Lord,  I  beseech  [ii^vrv 'i'.'li's.]"'^  '  "^  ^  ™^' 
thee  to  help  me,  though  a  stranger ;  for  surely  none  ever  needed  thy  lielp  more.  Mark  vii.  27.    But  .lesus 

MARK       But  Jesus  said  to  her,  (yet  further  to  exercise  and  illustrate  her  faith,)  Let  the  Jews,  the  |^st"be  fiiie<l;   for  it  is.  not 

vn.    children  in  God's  famih,  first  be  satisfied;  for  it  is  not  proper  to  take  the  children's  bread,  ^eei^  *an/Ao^cast /<^ nmo*the 

2'  and  throw  it  to  the  dogs ;  and  such  you  know  that  you  Gentiles  are  commonly  deemed  by  dost. '  fMatt"  .\v^  20.]""  ° 

our  nation,  on  account  of  those  impurities  and  abominations  that  prevail  among  you.  ?»  And  she  answered  and 

III  I-    1         I       •  7  ,      ,  •        rn  T       7     •  11        .1       r  J .  ^  i_    xu  1        1     Said  uuto  him,  [  1  rulli,]  Lord  I 

28      And  she  replied  and  said  to  him,  1  rue.  Lord,  it  would  not  be  tit  to  put  both  on  a  level ;  yet  the  dogs  under  the  table 

yet  even  the  dogs  under  their  masters  fable  are  allowed  to  eat  the  children's  crumbs  ivhich  f^\  "ni)'',,*^'?.'''^''''^"'.*  .'^''umbs 

.^  ,,     ,  .       .  c?  ^  11111  1  1  T  T  1  •        [which   rail   trorn   their  mas- 

f all  from  it  ;^  may  I  not  then  humbly  hope,  that,  unworthy  as  1  am,  i  may  also  receive  ter's  table.]  [Matt.  xv.  27.] 

a  O  Lord,  thou  Son  of  David.']    Some  have  argued  from  this  cxpres-  it  should  seem  that  she,  having  learned  that  .lesus  was  there,  watched 

sion,  that  she  was  a.  proselyte  ;  but  perhaps  she  might  have  learned  it  for  the  disci|)les  as  they  went  in  and  out;  and,  having  cried  after  them 

from  some  of  the  .lews,  (either  immediately  or  by  report,)  and  might  some  time,  she  at  length  got  admittance  into  the  house;  and,  with  the 

use  it  asa  title  of  respect  without  thoroughlv  understanding  its  meaning,  profoundest  respect,  accosteii  him  at  first  from  sonic  dislrince,  and  then 

b  //  native  of  ■Si/rophienicia.']    This  part  of  Phcenicia  was  so  called,  as  dre-ui  near  and  threw  herself  ai  his  feet.    Compare  Matt.  xv.  25.  and 

it  had  been  formerly  conquered  by  the  Syrians.  Mark  vii.  2.5. 

c  for  she  crieth  after  us,  wherever  she  sees  us.]    As  Mark  tells  us,  d  Tn:e,   Lord,  yet  the  dogs,  i^c]    Both  Matthew  and  Mark  use  the 

that  Christ  was  entered  into  a  house,  and  that  the  application  of  this  word  vat,  which  we  have  rendered  in  the  former.   Truth,  and  in  the 

woman  to  him  prevented  his  being  concealed  as  he  desired  to  have  been;  latter,   Yes.    It  is  sometimes  a  form  of  assenting,  and  sometimes  of 


TWO  MIRACLES  OF  DISPOSSESSION  AND  HEALING.  159 

some  fragments  of  that  mercy  which  is  so  liberally  bestowed  on  the  Jews,  and  may  have  sect, 
been  in  some  instances  wantonly  abused.  85. 

Then  Jesus       Then  Jesiis  answering  said  unto  her,  O  ivomav,  great  is  thy  faith ;  and  it  was  my  design 


o' woman ''"n;a?>>  A'^faiTh^'  ^^  illustrate,  rather  than  to  overbear  it;  now  therefore, /o^  this  lively  sailing,  which  arg\ies  matt. 
[_imtiiis^sky\ng  go  thy  wayl  so  much  humility  and  piety,  go  thy  way  with  the  Itindest  answer  thou  couldst  wish,  c,^^' 
tho'u'wfit-'  [thlVevfl  isTonI  ^""^]  ^'^  "^  ""^^  ''''^^  ^'''^'^  j"^*-  "^  ^'"'"  '^''(^ '  ^^^  desire  shall  be  accomplished  in  all  its  ^^ 
ou't"oTtiiy  daughter.]  And  extent,  for  the  demon  is  already  ^o?2e  out  of  thy  daughter,  and  I  assure  thee  that  he  shall 
tVom*'iilV%4rTl^our'^''[Aj'rrk  torment  her  no  more.    And  accordingly  her  daughter  was  cured  from  that  very  hour.    And,  mark 
v'ii.  29.]'  '    '        returning  back  to  her  house,  fully  persuaded  of  the  accomplishment  of  what  Jesus  had  told     vii. 

shf  was  TOme°to  h e"r'' ho us*e"  her,  shcyound  the  demon  was  gone  out,  and  her  daughter  was  lyi?ig  on  the  bed,  composed  3^ 
she  found  the  devil  gone  out!  and  quiet,  which  of  late  she  had  very  seldom  been. 

the'bed'!  '''"'^'''*^'"  '""*  "''°"      And  Jesiis  after  this  departed  again  from  thence,  even  frojn  the  coasts  of  Tyre  and  Sidon,  matt. 
iviatt.'.w.  29.    And  [again]  and  came  near  to  the  sea  of  Galitee,  passing  through  several  places  in  his  way  that  lav  m     xv. 
[innn  tte^^^a'ts  o™  Tyre  and  the  nmht  of  the  coasts  of  Decapolis,  from  whence  his  fame  had  formerly  brought  multitudes  29 
Sidon,]  and  canie  nigh  unto  {q  follow  him  :  (see  Matt.  iv.  25.  note  1,  sect,  xxxvi.)  and  on  a  certain  day,  in  his  journey, 
the  midst  ot^thecoisfs''ot°De-  he  went  vn  to  the  top  of  a  mountain,  and  sat  down  there,  to  rest  himself,  and  to  teach  the 
capoiis,]  and  went  up  into  a  neonle,  WHO  in  great  multitudes  resorted  to  him  to  attend  \ipon  his  preaching,  and  brought 

mountain,  and  sat  down  tliere.  Ii     -'      ■    ,     .      i       i       i    j  i       i  ■ 

[Mari<  vii.  31.]  their  sick  to  be  liealed  by  him 


Mark  vii    32.    And  they      And,  among  many  other  diseased  persons,  they  brought  him  one  who  was  very  deaf,  and  mark 
de'a"!and'iiad"nTmpedim'ent  had  SO  great  an  impediment  in  his  speech  that  he  was  almost  dumb  too  :  and,  making  known  J^u. 
in  his  speech;  and  they  be-  j^jg  ^^^^  to  Jesus,  they  hesovgkt  him  that  he  would  lay  his  hand  upon  hiin,  as  he  had  done  ^^ 
iipon  him!   °  ''"     '^   '^"    in  many  other  cases,  making  no  doubt  that  he  would  ui)on  this  be  perfectly  restored  to  his 

3.S  And  he  took  him  aside  hearing  and  Speech.     And,  taking  him  aside  from,  the  multitude,  which  was  very  numerous,  33 

tiom  the  multitude,  and  put    ,  '^  ,  •      /-  '  •    ,      i  ■  "  i  ^i  a.     t     ^        ^-  i  •   i     i  ■     i        j  i  ■ 

his  fingers  into  his  ears,  and  he  put  his  fingers  into  his  ears,  where  there  was  a  great  obstruction,  which  hindered  him 
ton  ue"''   ^"^    touched    his  f^.^^^  hearing  distinctly ;  and,  spitting  on  his  finger,  he  touched  //is-  tongue :  <=    And,  looking  34 

.">4"And  looking  up  to  hea-  2ip,  as  to  his  Father  in  heave?!,  he  groaned,  in  token  of  his  earnest  desire  that  these  disorders 
hfm  '^EplfS'ha'''tifat'is"Be  "^''sht  be  removed  ;  and  then  said  unto  him,  as  with  a  voice  of  divine  authority,  Ephphatha; 
opened.  '         /       that  is.  Be  Opened.     And  immediately  the  word  had  its  effect ;  and  his  ears  were  accordingly  35 

were 'opene?'°a^nJ t^e'"s^tri^ig  opened,  and  the  String  of  his  tongue,  which  had  hindered  it  from  moving  freely,  urns  loosed, 
of  his  tongue'was  loosed,  and  and  he  spoke  distinctly,  and  in  an  articulate  manner,  wliich  from  his  birth  he  had  never 
""^se*^  And  he"'charged  them  done  before.  And  he  charged  the  man  himself,  and  them  that  were  near,  that  they  should  36 
that  they  should  feifno  man :  tell  no  one  of  it ;  but  the  more  he  charged  them  to  conceal  it,  the  more  they  were  charmed 
sonuicMhe'^mor^e'ag^eat'deSi  with  his  modcsty  and  humility,  and  consequently  so  much  the  more  abundantly  did  they 
they  published  it;  proclaim  [the  Cure  :]  And  all  they  who  heard  of  it  tve?'e  struck  with  exceeding  astonishment,  37 

sure  astonished,  saWng.^He  c>^d,  Said,  He  has  done  all  things  •well,  and  performed  the  most  extraordinary  cures  in  the 
hath  done  all  things"  well:  he  most  amiable  and  graceful  manner;  making,  in  this  and  many  other  instances,  both  the 

maketh  both  the  dear  to  hear,    j      /•  .      .  i  .i       j       i  i  ; 

and  the  dumb  to  speak.  deaj  to  hear,  and  the  dumb  to  speak. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

If  there  be  any  thing  in  the  whole  history  of  our  Lord  which  might  have  a  tendency  to  discourage  and  terrify  matt. 
the  humble  penitent,  it  would  surely  be  his  treatment  of  this  poor  Canaanitish  woman,  when  she  made  so  humble  ^v.  23. 
and  so  affectionate  an  application  to  him  ;  first  keeping  silence ;  then  intimating  in  words  a  coldness,  not  to  say  24 
an  aversion  ;  and  at  last  representing  her  but  as  a  dog  in  comparison  of  the  Jews.     Surely  such  an  answer  had  26 
almost  broke  her  heart,  had  it  not  been  secretly  supported  by  his  grace,  while  his  conduct  seemed  so  unkind. 
Happy  are  they  that,  like  her,  (who,  though  a  Gentile,  did  in  this  instance  approve  herself  a  true  daughter  of 
Abraliani,)  can  against  hope  believe  in  hope!  (Rom.  iv.  18.)     Happy  they  who  can  thus  extract  arguments  even 
from  discouragements !  f    They  v/ill  finally  conquer  and  triumph,  as  this  pious  woman  did  ;  and  the  honours  of  28 
their  faith  will  be  commemorated  even  by  Christ  himself,  who  soon  indulges  the  overflowing  tenderness  of  his 
heart  in  the  applause  he  bestows  upon  her,  and  the  ample  grant  he  makes  her  of  all  that  she  asked  in  its  utmost 
extent. 

The  story  of  the  deaf  man,  whose  ears  were  opened,  and  his  tongue  loosed,  is  one  additional  instance,  among  mark 
many  more,  of  Clirist's  humility,  as  well  as  of  his  power.     He  retired  from  the  admiring  multitude ;  he  used  means  vii.  32 
when  he  could  easily  have  wrought  without  them ;  he  solemnly  addressed  his  heavenly  Father,  virtually  acknow-  33 
ledging,  while  he  looked  up  to  heaven,  that  as  man  he  derived  his  miraculous  power  from  above ;  and  he  was  so  34 
far  superior  to  the  sentiments  of  vanity,  that  he  commanded  men  to  conceal  the  most  glorious  and  benevolent  36 
actions.     May  all  his  followers,  and  especially  his  ministei?,  learn  of  him  who  was  thus  meek  and  lowly  !  (Matt, 
xi.  29.)  neither  acting  as  in  their  own  strength  when  they  attempt  a  spiritual  cure,  nor  proclaiming  their  own 
praises  when  they  have  effected  it.     I'hen  will  they  likewise  do  all  things  well ;  and  there  will  be  that  beauty  in  37 
the  manner,  which  no  wise  man  would  entirely  neglect,  even  in  those  actions  which  are  in  themselves  most 
excellent  and  great. 

SECTION  LXXXVI. 

Our  Lord,  after  many  amazing  miracles,  feeds  above  four  thousand  with  seven  loaves  and  a  few  small  fishes,  and  then  goes  over  to  Dalonanutha. 

Matt.  XV.  30,  to  the  end.     Jlark  viii.  1—10. 

Matt.  xv.  30.  MaTT.    XV.    30. 

AND  great  multitudes  came  AND  while  Jcsus  was  seated  On  the  mountain  to  which  he  went  up,  (Matt.  xv.  29.)  SECT, 

"w  mT/  K^(;r"'fam'e%'und!  there  Came  to  him,  besides  the  deaf  man  of  whom  we  have  just  been  speaking,  girat  mul-  86. 
dumb,  maimed,  and  many  titudes,  having  brought  along  with  them  persons  who  ive?'e  lame,  or  blind,  or  dumb,  |or] 

at  Je's'is•'teetTand^Te''heal*d  »'«<»'«/  by  the  loss  of  a  limb,  a7id  many  others  who  had  different  complaints  ;  and  they  cast  matt. 

^''^Vi           h  ii     1            them  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  entreating  his  compassion,  which  failed  not  to  operate  on  such  "     • 

titude"wmdered,*when  They  occasions,  and  he  healed  them  all.     And  so  many  and  various  were  the  displays  of  his  31 
miraculous  power  in  the  cures  he  wrought,  that  the  whole  multitude  was  perfectly  amazed 

entreating.    Compare   Philem.  ver.   20.    and   see   Blackwall's    Sacred  why  it  was  preferred  to  others  which  our  imagination  might  suggest. 

Classics,  vol.  i.  p.  143.  Had  Christ's  patients,  like  Maaman,  C2  Kings  v.  11,  12.)  been  too  nice 

e  He pvt  hisjiugers  into  his  ears,  arid,  spitting,  touched  his  to7igiie.']    If  in  their  exceptions  fin  these  occasions,  1  fear  they  would  have  uwt  their 

any  should  ask.  Why  our  Lord  used  these  actions,  when  a  word  alone  cure  ;  and  the  indulgence  of  a  curious  or  a  petulant  mind  would  have 

would  have  been  sufficient;  and  such  means  (if  they  may  be  called  been  but  a  poor  equivalent  for  such  a  loss.                                     ^  n-  u 

means)  could   m  themselves  do  nothing  at  all  to  answer  the  end,— I  f  Happy  are  they,  &c.]    The  pious,  moderate,  and  eloquent  Bishop 

frankly  confess,  I  cannot  tell,  nor  am  1'  at  all  concerned  to  know.     Yet  Hall,  has  a  fine  contemplation  on  this  subject,  to  which  I  reter  the  rearter 

I  am  ready  to  imagine,  it  might  be  intended  to  intimate,  in  a  very  lively  with  pleasure  ;  and  take  this  opportunity  of  observing,   that  (allowing 

manner,  that  we  are  not  to  pretend  to  enter  into  the  reasons  ot'  all  his  something  for  the  peculiarities  of  the  age  in  which  he  lived)  1  have  met 

actions  :  and  that,  where  we  are  sure  that  any  observance  whatever  is  with  no  devotional  writings  on  the  historical  part  ot  fccripture,  wnicn 

appointed  by  him,  we  are  humbly  to  submit  to  it,  though  we  cannot  see  have  generally  given  me  so  much  entertainment  as  his. 


jgo  FOUR  THOUSAND  MIRACULOUSLY  FED. 

SECT,  when  they  beheld  the  dumb  speaking  forth  the  praises  of  God  and  of  their  great  Deliverer;  saw  the  dumb  to  speak,  the 
86.     the  mabned  made  whole  by  the  recovery  of  hands  and  arms  which  they  had  lost,  or  which  ^^^^ik!  'and''the''bimd'fo'fe"e1 

■ were  grown  quite  useless  to  them  ; "  the  lame  walking  with  vigour  and  agility,  and  the  blind  and  they  glorified  the  God  of 

MATT,  seeing  every  object  distinctly,  and  immediately  bearing,  without  any  inconvenience,  the  ^^f^*^'- 
^^- .  full  force  of  unaccustomed  light:''  and,  struck  with  such  various  and  pleasing  wonders, 
thei/  glorified  the  God  of  Israel,  who  had  raised  up  so  illustrious  a  Propliet  to  his  people, 
and  sent  help  to  so  many  afflicted  creatures  whom  no  human  power  could  have  restored. 
MARK       This  concourse  of  people  continued  with  him  much  longer  than  could  have  been     Mark  viii.  i.  In  those  days 
vni     imagined ;  and,  the  season  being  favourable,  they  were  so  intent  on  hearing  Christ  and  g''reat,'"and 'having  notliinT'to 
^  seeing  his  miracles,  that  they  lodged  two  nights  together  in  the  fields  ■.'^  and  therefore,  in  eat,  Jesus  called  his  disciples 
those^days  the  multitude  being  very  great,  and  having  spent  the  provision  they  had  brought  "^^^^^  ['™^-,j  ''J'.f' gf  j'**   ""*" 
out  with  them,  so  that  now  on  the  third  day  they  had  nothing  to  eat,  Jesus  having  called 

2  his  disciples  to  him,  says  unto  them,  I  cannot  but  have  compassion  on  the  7nultitude  of  my  s:  i  have  compassion  on 
hearers,  who  flock  thus  eagerly  about  me,  and  express  such  zeal  in  their  attendance,  as  to  haveTow'been  wu'h'me  three 
expose  themselves  thereby  to  many  inconveniences;  for  they  have  continued  ivith  me  now  days,  and  have  nothing  to  eat: 

3  three  days,  and  I  well  know  that  they  ham  nothing  left  to  eat :  And  therefore  I  will  not  ^'^.^''"n^'a' iiii  not]  send 
send  them  away  fasting  to  their  own  houses,  lest,  if  I  do,  the^j  should  some  of  t\\em.  faint  by  them  away  fastin?  to  their 
the  way  :  for  oiir  Lord  knew  that  several  of  them  came  from,  a  considerable  distance,  and  by"tlie°'w1iy  •  for  d^ue'S'^of 
were  but  ill  furnished  for  procurmg  accommodations  abroad.  them^came  from  far.   [Matt. 

4  And  his  disciples,  not  reflecting  on  the  miracle  he  had  lately  wrought  for  the  relief  of  the  ^"i  ^"nli  his  disciples  answer- 
five  thousand,  or  not  imagining  he  would  repeat  it,  answered  him.  From  whence  can  any  ed  him,  From  whence  can  a 
one  hope  to  satisfy  these  men  ivith  bread  and  other  food  here  in  this  desert  country,  if  he  iTrlad'here'^  [wffenTe^^ho'u'ld 
had  ever  so  much  monev  to  spare  for  the  purpose?     {And']  especiallv  whence  should  we,  we  have  so  much  bread  in  the 

,  I  t  J  ■      .1         wj  „•    I  t     "  a:    „  i     j:ii  I  wilderness,  as  to  fill  so  great  a 

whose  Stock  is  so  small,  have  so  much  bread  in  the  ivitderness  as  might  suince  toJiU  so  great  multitude  r]  [Matt.  xv.  33.] 
a  multitude,  whose  appetites  are  many  of  them  sharpened  by  so  long  a  fast  ?    We  cannot 
but  wonder  to  hear  tnee  mention  such  a  design. 

5  And  he  asked  them,  Hoiv  many  loaves  are  you  provided  with,  or  what  have  you  at  hand  5  And  he  asked  them,  How 
to  eat?    And  they  said.  We  have  only  seven  loaves  among  us  all,  and  a  few  little  fishes,  thev'^saX  h^cven,^Limd' a'lew 

6  which  is  a  very  trifle  to  the  present  purpose.  And,  having  ordered  them  to  bring  out  what  l'tt(e  fishes.]  [Matt.  xv.  34.] 
they  had,  he  commanded  the  multitude  to  sit  doivn  in  ranks  on  the  ground,  that  they  might  multitudefto^ytd'own'^on  the 
be  served,  as  before,  in  an  orderly  manner;*'  and  then  having  taken  the  seven  loaves,  and  ground :  ami^he  took  the  seven 
solemnly  given  thanks  to  his  heavenly  Father,  acknowledging  his  goodness  as  the  great  brake!' and  lave**  to  Uls^disci- 
Author  of  all  mercies,  when  he  had  blessed  them  before  them  all,  he  brake  them  into  Pjj|s  to^set  before  tAem:^and 
proper  pieces,  and  gave  [them]  to  his  disciples  to  set  before  them  ;  and  they  accordingly  set  pedpie.   [Matt.  .\v.  35,  36.] 

7  them  before  the  people.  And,  as  they  likewise  had  a  few  small  fishes,  he  took  them  also  in  7  And  they  had  a  few  small 
the  sarhe  manner;  and,  having  blessed  [them]  as  he  had  done  the  bread,  he  commanded  his  commanded  to  seuhem  also 
disciples  to  set  them  also  before  [the  multitude.]  before  them. 

8  So  they  did  all  eat,  and  were  abundantly  satisfied:  and  the  disciples  afterwards  collected  ^,ere^Vi'l'ld:'''a'nd "they 'took 
what  was  left,  and  they  took  up  no  less  than  seven  baskets  full  of  what  remained  of  the  up  of  the  broken  7neat  that 
fragments;  which  Jesiis  ordered  them  to  gather  up,  that  he  might  thus  convince  them  iit  [Mau.'^xv!^?*']  '^"^''^'^ l^*"^'-^ 
the  strongest  manner  of  the  greatness  of  the  miracle,  and  teach  them  also,  at  the  same 

time,  to  use  a  prudent  frugality  in  the  midst  of  plenty. 

9  And  they  who  had  eaten  of  these  loaves  and  fishes  ivere  about  four  thomand  men,  besides  9  And  they  that  had  eaten 
a  considerable  number  of  women  and  children,  who  were  there  iii  company  with  them,  and  J^pJ^f  [ifesUlV  women  a'ndchU- 
all  partook  of  the  same  entertainment.  dren.]  [Matt.  xv.  38.] 

MATT.      A7id,  the  repast  being  over,  he  dismissed  the  multitude ;  and  immediately  after  this,  enter-     Matt.xv.  39.    And  he  sent 

XV.     ing  into  a  ship  with  hisdiscinles,  he  crossed  the  sea,  and  came  into  the  parts  cf  Dabnanutha,  stTaiihtway'he  e'ntered  int*"a 

39  (whicli,  with  several  neighbouring  cities,  stood   in  the  coasts  of  Magdala,  not  far  from  ship  with  fiis  disciples,]  and 

Gadara,  on  the  eastern  shore  of  the  sea  of  Galilee,)  and  there  he  had  an  interview  with  manutha,]'into  fhe  coasts  of 

some  Pharisees,  which  will  be  related  in  the  next  section.  Magdala.  [Mark  viii.  9, 10.] 

IMPROVEMENT. 
Ver.  With  what  a  circle  is  our  blessed  Lord  surrounded !«     Let  us  pause  a  little,  and  endeavour  to  paint  him  to 

30,  31  our  imagination,  on  this  mountain,  where  the  astonished  multitudes  so  justly  extolled  all  these  mingled  wonders 
of  power  and  of  grace.  Let  us  reflect  on  the  dumb  peaking,  the  maimed  made  whole,  the  lame  walking,  the  deaf 
hearing,  and  the  blind  seeing,  that  with  them  we  mapglorify  the  God  of  Israel. 

But  who  can  describe  thesentiments  of  these  happy  creatures,  who,  without  any  dangerous  or  painful  operation, 
found  tliemselves,  in  a  moment,  restored  beyond  all  the  efforts  of  nature,  and  beyond  all  the  prospects  of  hope ! 
With  what  pleasure  did  the  ear  which  had  just  been  opened,  listen  to  the  pleasing  accents  of  his  instructive 
tongue !  How  did  the  lame  leap  around  him  for  joy !  and  the  maimed  extend  their  recovered  hands  in  grateful 
acknowledgments  of  his  new  creating  power !  While  the  voice  of  the  dumb  sang  forth  his  praises  in  sounds  before 
unknown  ;  and  the  eye  of  the  blind  checked  the  curiosity  which  would  have  prompted  it  to  range  over  the  various 
and  beautiful  objects  of  unveiled  nature,  to  fix  its  rapturous  regards  on  the  gracious  countenance  of  him  that  had 
given  it  the  day  ! 

Let  us  further  reflect,  with  what  correspondent  pleasure  must  our  Lord  survey  these  grateful  and  astonished 
creatures,  while  his  bene\'olent  heart  took  its  sliare  in  all  the  delight  which  he  gave !  These  trophies  of  his  great- 
ness, how  unlike  to  those  of  the  field,  the  monuments  of  desolation  and  slaughter !  Trophies,  for  which  the  hero 
must  have  struggled  with  the  man,  and  might  sit  down  and  weep  over  his  own  success  ! 

a  T/ie  maimed   made  -i-hnle.l    The   word  kuX\o9,  which  we   render  And  besides,  that  the  great  number  of  cures  which  had  been  wrought  but 

maimed,  does,  in  the  strictest  propriety,  fas   Festus  observes,)  signify  just  before  might  animate  them,  perhaps  they  might  conclude  that  the 

one  w/iose  /latid  or  arm  has  been  cut  off ;  fsee  Mark  ix.  43.)  but  it  is  some-  miraculous  power  of  Christ,  which  was  displayed  in  so  many  glorious 

times  applied  to  those  who  only  were  disabled  in  those  parts.  (See  Beza  instances  around  them,  would  either  preserve  their  health  from  being 

and  Casaub.  «n  loc.)    And  though  in  some  rare  instances  it  may  be  used  endangered  by  the  large  dews  which  fell  in  the  night,  or  restore  them 

to  signify  a  lameness  in  the  feet,  fsee  F.lsner,  (Ihserr.  vol.  i.  p.  77.  and  from  any  disorder  they  might  contract  by  their  eagerness  to  attend  on 

Albert.  Ohserv.  p.  109.)  yet,  as  it  is  here  opposed   to  xwXow  irfpiTra-  his  ministry. 

Toi^i/Tar,  the  lame  walking,  it  must  undoubtedly  be  limited   as  in  the  d  That  they  might  be  served,  as  before,  in  an  orderly  manner.]    See 

paraphrase. — It  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  among  the  many  maimed  note  h.  on  Mark  vi.  40.  p.  147.    Probably  here  they  might  sit  an  hundred 

who  were  brought  on  such  occasions,  there  were  some  whose  limhs  had  in  rank  and  forty  in  file,  by  which  means  the  four  thousand  men  would 

been  cut  off ;  and,  I  think,  hardly  any  of  the  miracles  of  our  Lord  were  be  exactly  disposed  as  the  five  thousand  had  been, 

more  illustrious  and  amazing  than  the  recovery  of  such.  e  With  what  a  circle  is  our  blessed  Lord  surrounded  !]    As  this  story 

b  Bearing— the  full  force  of  unaccustomed  light.]    So  far  as  we  can  of  feeding  the  four  thonsand  is  so  very  much  the  same  with  what  we  had 

judge  by  all  the  stories  of  the  blmd  restored  to  sight  which  occur  in  the  in  5  78.   I  refer  the  reader  to  the  improvement  of  that  section  (p.  148.) 

gospels,  this  was  universally  the  case  ;  and  I  could  not  forbear  pointing  for  practical  reflections  on  the  greatest  part  of  this  ;  and  choose  here  to 

out  so  wonderful  a  circumstance.  indulge  a  devout  meditation  on  the  number  and  variety  of  those  cures 

c  They  lodged  two  nights  together  in  the  fields.]    This  we  may  infer  which  Christ  performed,  which  constitutes  the  whole  oV  this  improve- 

from  the  next  verse.    The  season  of  the  year  was  pleasant,  it  being,  as  ment,  having  been  elsewhere  but  transiently  touched  upon. 
we  have  observed,  quickly  after  the  passover.  (See  5  83.  note  b,  p.  1.55.) 


THE  PHARISEES  DEMAND  A  SIGN  FROM  CHRIST.  161 

Whose  heart  is  so  insensible  as  not  to  feel  an  humane  as  well  as  devout  pleasure  in  the  history  of  these  and  the   SECT, 
like  miracles,  thous;h  the  subjects  on  which  they  were  wi-ought  are  long  smce  mouldering  in  tlie  dust !  But  let  us     86. 

further  recollect,  that  our  divine  Leader  has  other  yet  more  noble  and  more  permanent  trophies,— those  immortal 

spirits  which  he  has  redeemed,  and  sanctified,  and  saved !  So  may  our  transi)orted  souls,  O  blessed  Jesus,  in  the 
consciousness  of  health,  vigour,  and  salvation,  behold  thee  as  our  Deliverer !  So  mayst  thou  view  us  with  satisfac- 
tion as  the  travail  of  thy  soul,  in  that  mountain  of  God  where  we  hope  to  offer  thee  nobler  praises,  and  for  ever  to 
consecrate  to  thy  service  those  powers  which  thou  hast  recovered  from  weakness,  dishonour,  and  rum ! 


SECTION  LXXXVII. 

y  in  doing 
;es.    Matt 

Matt.  xvi.  1. 


Tlie  Pharisees  again  demand  a  sign,  and  Christ  upbraids  them  with  hypocrisy  in  doing  it ;  and,  having  crossed  the  lalic  again,  he  cautions  liis 
disciples  against  their  leaven  and  that  of  the  Sadducees.    Matt   xvi.  1—12.    Mark  vm.  11—21. 


Matt.  xvi.  i. 

THE  Pharisees  also  with  the  AND  when  Jesus  was  landed  on  the  opposite  shore  of  the  sea  of  Galilee,  in  the  coasts  of  sect. 
Sadducees  came,  [and  began  ^agdala,  the  Pharisees  and  Saddticees,  notwithstanding  the  difference  of  their  principles,     87. 
[teinp^fnThimfrfesired  Mm  aud^he  alienation  of  their  affections  from  each  other,  agreed  to  join  in  an  attempt  upon 


that  he  would  shew  "lem^a  j^j^^ .  ^^^  accordingly  they  came,  and  began  to  examine  him  in  a  very  crafty  and  insnaring  matt. 

vm!  iiT^    leaven.        ai    ^^^^^^^j. .  ^^^^^^^  ^^  fj:^^  /^^;„j  yg^  further,  desircd  him  that  he  would  siioiv  them,  a  sign  from  ^-^^1. 
heaven;'^  pretending  that  they  could  not  acquiesce  merely  in  such  miracles  as  he  had 
wrought  upon  earth,  where  there  was  much  more  room  for  artifice  and  deceit,  and  evil 
spirits  might  have  some  greater  influence  than  in  the  upper  regions.    (Compare  Matt.  xii. 
38.  sect.  Ixiii.) 

2  He  answered  and  said      But  he,  answering,  Said  unto  them,  It  is  most  apparent  you  ask  this  out  of  a  desire  to  2 
unto  them.  When  it  is  even-  ^^■^^\^  rather  than  to  learn  the  divine  will;  for  in  other  cases  you  take  up  with  degrees  of 
we^ti^e'rrfortlie  sky  is  redT  evidence  far  short  of  those  which  you  here  reject :  as  for  instance,  you  readily  say  in  an 

evening,  \It  will  he]  fair  weather  to-morrow,  because  the  sky  is  this  evening  of  a  bright  and 

3  And  in  the  morning.  It  feri/  red:  And  in  the  morning,  \It  will  be'\  tempestuous  weather^  to-day,  for  the  sky  is  red  3 
for'thi  sky'irred\''nd°fowr^  ancl.  lowering.     O  ye  hypocrites,  you  know  how  to  distinguish  the  face  of  the  heavens,  and  to 
ing.  Oye  hypocrites!  ye  can  form  from  t'lience  probable  conjectures  concerning  the  weather;  and  can  you  not  \distin- 
biiT^cL''y\*n'oVrf//cfr«'thi  giti^h'\  the  signs  of  the  present  times,  and  see  by  the  various  "miracles  which  are  daily  per- 
signs  ot  the  times  >  formed  among  you,  and  the  other  tokens  which  attend  mine  ajipearance,  that  this  is  indeed 

the  period  which  you  profess  to  desire  with  so  much  eagerness,  and  which  you  might 
discern  with  much  less  sagacity  ?  a 

Mark  viii.  12.    And   he      And,  sighing  deeply,  as  beuig  touched  in  his  own  spirit  with  a  most  compassionate  sense  mark 
andtaith^'why  dSth'this'gene-  of  their  guilt  and  misery,  he  said.  Why  does  this  generation  seek  after  a  further  sign  ?  Verily,    vill. 
ration   seek  after   a    sign?  as  I  said  once  before  on  this  occasion,  (Matt.  xii.  39.  sect.  Ixiii.)  I  now  say  it  again  to  ^■^ 
Ztckid  ind'^aduitCTourgen^-  Voti,  This  is  an  evil  and  adulterous  generation  which  demands  a  sign ;  and  no  siich  sign  as  it 
ration  seeketh  after  a  "sign,  "requires  shall  be  given  it,  unless  it  he  the  sign  of  the  prophet  Jonah,  who  lay  thiee  days  and 
gfvln'unto  ifbutlhe^sfgn  of  nights  in  the  belly  of  the  great  fish,  and  then  came  out  alive ;  to  which  a  most  remarkable 
the  prophet  'jonas.]    [Matt,  resemblance  will  be  quickly  manifested  in  the  resurrection  of  the  Messiah  on  the  third 
^"^^  *■■'  day,  that  will  moreover  be  attended  with  the  appearance  of  an  angel  coming  down  from 

heaven. 

13  And  he  left  them,  and,      ^„(jr^  having  said  this,  he  Staid  no  longer  to  debate  the  matter  with  persons  of  so  perverse  13 
dep''art"efl'to°thl  other^lid":  and  disingenuous  a  temper,  but  left  them;  and  entering  again  into  the  ship  which  brought 
[Matt.  xvi.  4.]  hini  over  the  sea,  he  departed  to  the  other  side  of  the  lake. 

Matt.  xvi.  5.  And  when  And  luhen  his  disciples  were  come  to  the  other  side  of  the  sea,  they  were  concerned  to  find  matt. 
othe'r's^tle'^the'^'had'Sr'^otte^  that  they  had  forgotten  to  take  any  bread;  and,  having  used  all  the  frai;ments  which  they  -^^^• 
to  tei!e  breaZ  [neither°had  carried  over  vvitli "them  in  the  baskets,  they  had  now  no  more  than  one  loaf  with  them  in  the 

they  in  the  ship  with   them   ohin  ^^ 

vi?ifi4.r  °"^  °^  '  ^^  And  Jesus,  willing  to  improve  this  circumstance,  considering  what  ha«^tely  passed,  6 
sayingTT?kl'"heed'''^ndT-  S^^<^  ^^^m  «  solcmu  charge.  Saying,  Be  very  cautiously  on  your  giiard<^  agaiWMf  leaven  of 
ware  of  the  leaven  of  the  the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees,  and  particularly  take  heed  of  the  leaven  of  Her odW  intending 
cees!'?and*'^  the  ^llavtn'^of  thereby  to  caution  them  against  those  corrupt  mixtures  which  these  sects  had  introduced 
Herod.]  [Mark  viii.  15.]  to  the  depraving  of  religion ;  which  tended,  like  leaven,  to  overspread,  and  sour,  and  puff 
up  the  mind,  and  so  to  prevent  the  efficacy  of  divine  instruction  upon  it. 

7  And  they  reasoned  among      But  the  slowness  of  their  understanding  showed  itself  on  this  occasion,  as  it  had  done  7 
cauTe  wrhave*take^nifob?ead!  OH  many  Others ;  and  they  debated  privately  among  themselves,  saying,  [It  is]  surely  because 
[Mark  viii.  16.]  '  we  have  taken  no  bread  with  us,  that  our  Lord  thus  cautions  us  against  the  leaven  of  these 

8  w/iich  when  Jesus  per-  men,  as  if  they  polluted  whatever  they  touched.    [  Which]  when  fesus  perceived,  as  he  knew  8 
ye  ot^li'ttle  fafth"  why^'e'^on  all  the  secret  workings  of  their  minds,  he  said  unto  them,  0  ye  of  little  faith,  why  do 
ye  among  yourselves,  because  ye  reason  in  this  manner  with  yourselves  1  and  why  is  it  that  you  are  under  such  concern 
fMarrvii^i^]"  "°  ^'^^^  ■  'because  you  have  brought  no  breadl  Do  you  not  yet  consider,  after  all  that  you  have  seen  9 

9. Do  ye' not  yet  perceive,  and  heard,  nor  understand,  what  has  so  lately  passed  before  your  eyes?  [arif/]  have  you 
v"e^your  hea?hTetTardened?]  Still  your  hearts  SO  hardened,  and  your  minds  so  stupified,  as  not  to  draw  so  easy  a  conse- 
[Mark  viii.  17.1  quehce  from  such  repeated  miracles,  as  to  be  free  from  any  anxious  concern  on  this  account, 

Mark  viii.  18.  Having  eyes,  because  you  have  but  One  loaf?  Are  you  like  so  many  senseless  images?  Having  eyes,  do  mark 
hear^yrnot'^"aAd*do"ye  n'oi  jpu  not  See  with  them?  and,  having  ears,  do  you  not  hear?  and,  with  those  natural  powers  ^vm. 
remember  >  [Matt.  xvi.  9.]      of  memory  and  reflection,  do  ye  not  remember  what  you  were  witnesses  to  but  a  few  days 

19  When  I  brake  the  five  as:o  ?  Let  me  refresh  your  memories,  and  ask  you,  When  I  broke  the  five  loaves,  and  you  19 
how^'many"^b^kets  fun°of  with  your  own  hands  distributed  them  among  the  five  thousand  men  till  they  were  all  satis- 
fragments  took  ye  up  ?  They  fied,  how  many  baskets  full  of  fragments  took  ye  up  ?   They  say  unto  him,  We  well  remember 

a  Desired  him  that  he  wmtld  shew  them  a  sign  from  heaven.]    On  the  as  well  as  in  the  most  sensible  effects.    (See  Dr.  Lardner's  Credili.  book 

whole,  1  am  ready  to  think,  the  two  things  mentioned  in  note  a,  on  Matt.  i.  cAa;t>.  5.  *  2.  vol.  i.  p.  291.                                                            t  •  hffnnt 

xu.  38.  p.  121.  are  to  be  united  ;  and  that  what  they  here  demanded  was  b  Tempestuous  weather.']    So  xeiywv  properly  signihes.    Dr.  i^igntrooi 

the  very  thing  which  .Tosephus  tells  us  (Be«.  Jud.  lib.  ii.  cap.  13.  [al.  justly  observes,  that  the  .lews  used  to  value  themselves  '"«']'>'/'" ,'"fi'^ 

12.]  *  4.)  impostors  of  those  times  promised  they  would  show  them  skill  in  prognosticating  the  weather.    And  Grotius  lias  jeii  ooservea, 

from  God,  under  the  character  of  aniJ-c^a.  i\€v9tpia<:.  signs  of  liberty,  or  in  his  note  on  this  place,  what  a  variety  of  signs  marked  out  tnai  inne 

some  miraculous  appearance  from  heaven,  to  assure  tliem  of  deliverance  for  the  arrival  of  the  Messiah.                                o    ■     ti          ,iro=s»e  (h<. 

from  the  Roman  yoke.    And  on  these  principles  they  continued  their  c  Be  very  cautiously  on  your  guard.^    This  sum"enliy  expresses  ine 

demands  in  the  apostles'  times,  (1  Cor.   i.  22.)  though  so  many  signs  sense  of  the  words  opare  kui   Trpoo-exere,  which  are  repeateci  in 

from  heaven  had  then  been  given ;  in  the  voice  from  thence  ;  in  the  pre-  original,  to  urge  the  caution  with  the  greater  torce  ana  "^"^P"?^  J; ,.  „^ 

ternatural  darkness  at  our  Lord's  crucifixion  ;  in  the  descent  of  angels  d  Uaven  of  Herod.']    Those  Sadducees,  who  were  also  I'^'oa  ?"=• 

in  repeated  instances  ;  and  in  that  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  a  visible  form,  might,  with  peculiar  propriety,  be  singled  out  by  our  ixini,  to  caution 

M 


jg2  THE  BLIND  MAN  HEALED  AT  BETHSAIDA. 

SECT,  that  we  took  up  twelve.    And,  added  he,  when  in  like  manner  [  I  divided  1  the  seven  [loaves]  say  unto  him,  Twelve.  [Matt. 
87.     (wiuns  the  four  thousand,  and  fed  them  to  the  full,  how  manif  baskets  futt  of  fragments  did  "^oQ^nd   when    the  seven 

you  then  take  up?^    And  they  said.  Lord,  we  know  we  took  up  seven.  among  tour  thousand,  how 

MAEK       And  he  further  said  to  them.  Since  you  remember  these  facts,  how  is  it  that  you  do  not  J^^fg  took  yl  up  ?  And  they 

^^^i'-,  understand  by  them  that  I  did  not  speak  to  you  concerning  bread,  so  as  to  blame  you  for  sai^d,  Seven.   [Riatt.  xvi  lo.] 

having  brought  no  more  bread,  but  meant  that  you  should  be  on  your  guard  against  the  h^V  is"it  th\t  you"do''not  m- 

leaven  of  those  erroneous  notions  and  corrupt  principles  which  are  so  common  among  the  derstand,  [that  i  spake  u  not 

7-17       •    "^      TT         T  7  CI     ;j  9  to  you  tonceiTung  bread,  that 

Fhansees,  Herodians,  and  badducees  f  ye  shouhi  beware  of  tiie  lea- 

MATT.       Then  they  were  sensible  of  their  mistake,  and  understood  that  he  did  not  charge  them  to  ven  of  the  Piiarisees,  and  of 

XVI.    beware  of  the  leaven  of  bread,  but  that  he  intended  to  warn  them  of  the  evil  doctrine  and  n j  ^^'^''"'^'^•^^ '   LWatt.  xvi. 

^2  example  of  the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees,  against  which  so  many  of  his  discourses  were  most   .Matt,  xvi  ic.  Then  under- 

,  r        -'  '    o  •'  stood  tliey  how  that  he   bade 

justly  leveilea.  t/iem  not  beware  of  the  leaven 

of  bread,  but  of  the  doctrine  of  the  Pharisees  and  of  the  Sadducees. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

MARK  So  evident  is  it,  that  the  circumstances  of  a  Scripture  story  may  be  remembered,  where  the  design  of  it  is  over- 
VIII.  looked  or  forgot !  It  is  much  to  be  wished,  that  those  which  we  have  been  surveying  may  not  increase  the  number 
^°?  21  of  such  instances. 

19  20      In  all  those  cases  wherein  tlie  arm  of  the  Lord  has  been  made  bare  in  our  favour,  let  us  seriously  reflect  on  the 
divine  power  and  goodness,  and  learn  from  past  experience  to  trust  it  for  the  time  to  come.     Never  let  us  fall  into 
MATT,  the  perverse  suspicions  of  the  Israelites,  Can  God  furnish  a  table  in  the  wilderness  ?  (Psal.  Ixxviii.  19.)    But  let 
XVI.    us  be  strong  in  faith,  giving  glory  to  God,  and  cheerfully  repose  ourselves  in  his  care,  who  can  never  want  wisdom 
^  to  judge  aright  of  the  necessities  of  his  people,  or  power  to  relieve  them,  even  in  the  greatest  extremities. 
1      We  see  anew  instance  of  the  perverseness  of  these  scribes  and  Pharisees.    They  tempted  Christ  by  unreasonable 
4  demands ;  and  he  justly  suffered  them  to  go  away  without  the  additional  demonstration  they  sought.    It  is  not  for 
us  to  prescribe  to  God  what  degrees  of  evidence  he  shall  give  us.     Let  us  impartially  pursue  and  improve  what 
2,  3  we  have ;  and  be  very  careful  that  our  sagacity  and  openness  to  conviction,  in  other  matters  of  much  less  impor- 
tance, may  not  condemn  our  stupidity,  or  obstinacy,  where  the  tmths  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  our  souls  are 
concerned. 
6,  12      It  is  our  concern  to  beware  of  erroneous  principles  in  religion,  and  of  every  corrupt  leaven  which  might  be  ready 
to  insinuate  itself  into  our  minds ;  especially  of  that,  which,  like  the  leaven  of  the  Pharisees,  would  exalt  our 
confidence  in  ourselves  ;  or,  like  tliat  of  the  Sadducees,  would  impair  our  persuasion  of  a  future  judgment,  and 
our  solicitous  concern  to  live  as  in  the  views  of  it.     May  the  oracles  of  divine  trutli  ever  aj)pear  to  our  minds  as 
^the  rule  by  which  all  doctrines  are  to  be  tried !  and  let  us,  in  the  spirit  of  love,  contend  earnestly  for  that  faith 
which  we  believe  to  have  been  once  delivered  to  the  saints ;  that  both  our  sentiments  and  actions  may  finally  be 
found  blameless,  unto  praise,  and  honour,  and  glory,  at  the  appearing  of  Jesus  Christ !  Amen. 


SECTION  LXXXVIII. 

Christ  gradually  heals  the  blind  man  at  Bethsaida  ;  and  owns  to  his  disciples  that  he  is  the  Messiah,  applauding  Peter  for  expressly  acknowledg- 
ing him  under  that  character.    Markviii.  22 — 30.    Matt.  xvi.  13 — 20.    Luke  ix.  18 — 21. 

Mark  nii.  22.  ji^„^  ,,iii  „„_ 

SKCT.  AND  when  our  Lord  had  thus  crossed  the  sea,  he  came  to  Bethsaida ;  and  his  fame  being  AKDhecomethtoPethsaida; 
88.     well  known  there,  as  soon  as  he  entered  the  place  they  brought  him  a  blind  man,  and  en-  Snto*hm,''aiKf  besought  "him 

■ treated  him  that  he  uould  be  pleased  only  to  touch  him,  as  oeing  well  assured  that  this  to  touch  him. 

MARK  would  be  sufficient  for  the  recovery  of  his  sight.    And,  as  hecliose  to  work  this  miracle  in     23  And  he  took  the  blind 
viii.  22  j^rivate,  he  took  hold'ofthe  blind  rnaiis  hand,  and  led  him  out  of  the  toivn^  in  the  most  tender  y^-^  jjft  oMhe"town":'^  and 

23  and  condescending  manner ;  and  having  spit  upon  his  eyes,  and  laid  his  hands  upon  him,  he  when  he  had  spit  on  his  eyes, 

24  asked  him  if  li^aw  any  thing.  And  looking  up,  he  said,  I  do  indeed  discern  the  forms  of  helped  h;m^Th''e  saw  ought  f 
things,  in  an^Bperfect  manner,  and  .lee  men  walking  before  me,  but  it  is  so  obscurelv,  as  ?4  And  lie  looked  up,  and 
that  I  am  AWy  able  to  distinguish  them  from  trees,  any  otherwise  than  by  their  motion.''  ?»w,lseemen,astrees,walk- 

25  Then  he  lam  his  hands  again  upon  his  eyes,  and  caused  him  to  look  up  a  second  time;  and  -5  After  that  he  put  ih 
upon  this  he  found  his  sight  ivas  perfectly  restored,  so  that  he  saw  every  man  and  thing  about  andmadltiim'l'ooTupfan^h'e 

26  liim  clearly  and  distinctly.  And  he  sent  him  away  directly  to  his  own  house,  which  lay  in  was  restored,  and  saw  every 
some  neighbouring  village  ;  and  said  unto  him.  Enter  not  into  the  ungrateful  towti  of  Beth-  "^tc  Andife  sent  him  away 
saida,  to  proclaim  what  has  now  been  done  for  thee;  neither  tell  the  circumstances  of  it  to  his  house,  saying.  Neither 
to  any  man  dwelling  in  the  town,  for  they  are  unworthy  the  knowledge  of  such  a  miracle  :  to  any  in  the  town. 

but  content  thyself  with  returning  thy  acknowledgments  to  God  for  his  favour  to  thee;  for  I 
assure  thee,  that  in  what  I  do  I  am  animated  only  by  a  sincere  regard  to  the  glory  of  him 
that  sent  me,  and  to  the  relief  of  afflicted  creatures. 

27  And  Jesus,  rvith  his  disciples,  went  out  from  the  city  of  Bethsaida,  in  the  neighbourhood  arid  his  discfpfesrinto  °t"  e 
of  whicli  this  miracle  had  been  performed,  and  came  into  the  towns  belonging  to  a  city  in  the  towns  of  Cesarea'  Philippi : 
northern  part  of  Canaan,  (near  mount  Lebanon,)  which  had  formerly  been  called  Laish,  but  bylhe  w'ay!^iwhen"ilsu''s  ?imfJ 
now  bore  the  name  of  Cersarca  Philippi,  having  lately  been  rebuilt  by  Philip  the  tetrarch.^  into  the  coisis  of  iij  [^Luke, 
And  it  came  to  pass  by  the  way,  as  they  were  on  their  journey,  when  Jesus  ivas  just  come  d!scipleTwlre'\viti[h'im,"and] 
into  [tho.se']  par-ts,  he  retired  a  while  for  devotion ;  and  ivhen  he  had  been  praying  with  his  he  askeci  his  disciples,  saying 
disciples  apart,  he  inquired  of  them,  saying.  Whom  do  wen  say  that  I,  who  have  so  long  say°that^T'[the  s^  of  maii] 

his  disciples  against  them.    See  Grotius,  tn  loc.  and  note  f,  on  ]Mark  iii.  of  his  just  displeasure  against  the  inhabitants  of  Bethsaida,  for  their 

0.  p.  101.  ingratitude  and  infidelity,  that  he  would  not  permit  them  to  be  eye- 

e  How  many  has'kets  hill  of  fragments  did  you  tahe  vpT\    The  learned  witnesses  of  this  miracle,  or  even  sutler  the  person  who  received  the 

Dr.  Daniel  Scott,  on  Matt.  xvi.  10.  with  his  usual  accuracy,  has  ob-  cure  to  go  back  thither  to  proclaim  it.    Compare  Matt.  xi.  21.  p.  112. 

served  that  two  different  words  are  used  in  this  and  the  precerling  verse  b  1  see  men  walking,  as  trees.]    Probably  they  might  not  be  far  from 

for  baskets,  ko^ikouc  and  <r7riipi6n?.    The  former  signify  larger  baskets  ;  the  way-side,  and  these  might  be  passengers  who  happened  then  to  be 

and  therefore  is  translated  panniers  by  the  French :  we  have  borrowed  going  by ;  for  it  seems  by  the  story,  that  our  Lord,  when  he  took  him 


the  word  from  them  ;  and  it  seems  from  its  etymology  first  to  have  been    out  of  the  town,  permittee!  none  of  his  company  to  attend  him. 

given  them  froai  their  being  used  by  bakers  to  carry  about  large  quanti-       c  Casaren  Philippi,  4f.]    Philip   the  tetrarcli  called  the  chief  city  cf 

ties  of  bread.   Tne  other  seem  to  have  been  smaller  hasketsv.-\tt\  handles,    this  tract  of  land  Ca;sa'rea,  in  honour  of  Tiberius  CtCsar  ;  and  Philip's 


and  such  as  consequently  might  easily   be  carried  on  the  arm.     It  is  own  name  was  added,  to  distinguish  it  from  that  other  Caesarea  so  often 

observable,  that  our  Lord  did  not  affect  to  rise  in  the  circumstances  of  mentioned  in  the  Acts,  (chap.  viii.  40.  ix.  30.  x.  1.  xii.  10.  xxi.  8.  xxiii. 

the  two  miracles  here  mentioned,    'the  latter,  though  in  some  particu-  23,  33.  and  xxv.  4,  13.1  which  was  a  tine  port  on  the  Mediterranean  sea. 

Jars  inferior  to  the  former,  was  equally  a  demonstration  of  the  divine  and  had  been  rebuilt  by   llerod  the  Great,  and  named  in  honour  of 

power  of  Christ,  and  therefore  equally  to  the  purpose  for  which  it  is  here  Augustus  C;esar. — .losephus  gives  Philip  so  good  a  character,  that  some 

mentioned  ;  not  to  urge  that  it  was  of  the  two  the  more  fresh  in  their  have  thought  our  Lord  retired  into  his  territories  for  security  from  the 

memories.  insults  of  his  eueuiies  elsewhere.    See  L'Enfant's  IneroJuctioii,  p.  27. 
a  ^-Ind  led  liim  out  ef  the  loum.]    Grotius  thinks  it  was  an  intimation 


CHRIST  ACKNOWLEDGES  HIMSELF  THE  MESSIAH.  H)3 

am  '  [Matt.  xvi.  IS.  Luke  ix.  Conversed  among  them  as  the  Son  of  man,  am  1  What  notions  do  you  find  that  men  gene-   SECT, 
is!]    '  "  rally  form  of  me  ?  ^^■ 

Lukeix  19    They  answer-      And  they  replying  said,  Some  [sai/  that  thou  art]  John  the  Baptist  risen  from  the  dead, • 

iw  said  ASome  sai/  r/iat  t/io7i  ^j^j^  ^n  additional  power  of  working  miracles;  but  others  [s«v]  that  thou  art  EHjak  the    luke 
some-'.'^]rEnLr[l.nfo'tl,e''"s!  prophet,  who  art  come  to  prepare  tfie  way  of  the  Messiah;  and  others  say  that  thou  art  ^^■ 
jeiemias,]andotheis,M^,that  Jeremiah  ■<^  and  otkers,  in  a  more  general  way,  that  one  oj  the  ancient  prophets  is  risen 

one  ot  the  old  prophets  is  risen  .  ' 

again.  [Matt.  xvi.  14.    Mark  Ogam.  ,,,,,.  ,  ,       .,  w       f     ^1  7      *l  -i^u  r 

viii.  28.]  And  after  they  had  told  him  what  were  the  thoughts  ot  others,  he  then  said  to  them,  for  mark 

saftifunto^'them!- Ea1  whom  the  trial  of  their  faith.  But  tell  me  truly  and  plainly  your  own  sentiments  ;  whom  do  you    vill. 
say  ye  that  1  am?  And  [Si-  yourselves  thinit  and  say  that  I  am.    And  Simon  Peter  immediately  answered,  with  his  ^^ 
S^untf  liim^-ilfoa  artThe  usual  zeal  and  forwardness,  and  said  to  him,  in  the  name  of  the  rest,  Lord,  we  well  know 
Christ,]  the  .Son of  the  living  ji^^t  thou  art  the  o-reat  expected  Messiah;  md  art  not  only  the  Son  ot  man,  the  worthy 
Luke  ix^sif]"'  ""'■  Heir  of  that  glorious  and  extensive  kingdom  promised  to  him,  but  art,  in  a  proper  and 

incommunicable  sense,  the  Son  of  the  ever-living  God:  and  we  believe  in  thee  as  such, 

and  adore  thee  under  that  divine  character. 
Matt.  xvi.  17.    And  .Tesus        And  JeS 
answered  and  said  unto  him,  ,,»-„„„(. 
Blessed  art  thou,  Simon  Bar-  uuilObl 
jona:  for  flesh  and  blood  hath  in  being  L.^^s. - -,   -----  .,  .  ^    ,  -    -        •     , 

myi'X\''^whicris''ia'i,ea-  thou  ha:st  not  leamt  it  by' human  report,  or  the  unassisted  sagacity  of  thine  own  mind ; 

Ven.  but  mu  Father  in  heaven  has  discovered  it  to  thee,  and  wrought  in  thy  soul  this  cordial 

assent  in  the  midst  of  those  various  prejudices  against  it,  which  present  circumstances 

18  And  1  say  also  unto  mio-ht  suggest.     And,  as  thou  hast  been  so  ready  to  make  this  acknowledgment,  I  also  in  18 
m'on'lh^f  rocri'w.ili''l',uild  return  say  to  thee,  Thou  art  indeed  Peter,  (see  John  i.  42.  n.  5L)  thou  art,  as  thy  name 
mv  church ;  and  the  gates  of  signifies,'  a  Substantial  rock  ;  and,  as  thou  hast  shown  it  in  this  good  contession,  1  assure 
hell  shall  not  prevail  against  ^.j^'^^^  ^j^^^  ^         ^y^-^  ^^^/,  j  ,^,7/  ^,„7^  „,y  church  ;<"  faith  in  me  as  the  Son  of  God  shall  be 

'  ■  its  great  support,  and  I  will  use  thee  as  a  glorious  instrument  in  raising  it :  yea,  so  im- 

movable and  firm  shall  its  foundation  be,  and  so  secure  the  superstructure,  that  though 
earth  and  hell  unite  their  assaults  against  it,  and  death  in  its  most  dreadful  fornis  be  armed 
for  its  destruction,  the  gates  of  hell,  ov  the  unseen  world,  shall  not  finally  prevail  agcnnst  it, 
to  its  ruin  ;  f  but  one  generation  of  christians  shall  arise  after  another,  even  to  the  very  end 
of  time,  to'  maintain  this  truth,  and  to  venture  their  lives  and  their  souls  upon  it,  till  at 

19  And  I  will  give  unto  leno-th  the  whole  body  of  them  be  redeemed  from  the  power  of  the  grave.  In  the  mean  19 
S-lieaven'^'and^'whSTr  time,  I  will  raise  thee,  O  Peter,  and  thy  brethren,  whose  faith  herein  agrees  with  thine, 
thou  Shalt  bind  on  earth  shall  (compare  John  XX.  23.)  to  distinguished  honours  in  my  church  ;  and  I  tvill  give  unto  thee, 
what'soeve^r  'thou''shaft  =  lo'^ofe  m  particular,  the  kcys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  and  make  thee  the  instrument  of  opening 
one.vth,  shall  be  loosed  in  it.  both  to  the  Jews  and  Gentiles  :s  yea,  so  fully  shalt  thou  be  instructed  in  my  will,  and 
•'«a^'«"-  in  the  constitution  of  ray  kingdom,  that  ivhatsoever  thou  shalt  bind  on  earth,  shall  be  bound 

in  heaven ;  and  ivhatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on  earth,  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven  ;•>  that  is,  thou 
shalt  have  authority  to  declare  what  precepts  of  the  Mosaic  religion  are  superseded,  and 
■what  are  continued,  and  what  things  are  allowed  or  forbidden  to  my  disciples ;  and  I  will 
myself  confirm  those  decisions,  whether  general  or  personal,  as  made  by  the  influences  of 
my  unerring  Spirit  communicated  to  thee  and  thy  brethren,  and  will  determine  men's  final 
state  in  a  manner  agreeable  to  them. 
Luke  ix.  21.  And  he  straitly      And  upon  this  he  Strictly  charged  and  commanded  his  disciples  that  they  should  tell  no  man,   luke 
comiraU'i%£'Mi'no  at  present,  this  thing  concerning  him,  which  he  had  so  expressly  acknowledged  to  them,     Io- 
nian.that  thing  [Mark,  of  that  he  was  Jesus  the  Messiah,  and  that  he  actually  professed  and  owned  the  title ;  because 
chn'stT[Matt  xvi.  2^' llrk  he  knew  it  was  like  to  be  interpreted  in  a  very  unjust  and  unnatural  manner,  which  might 
viii.  30.]  have  rendered  him  and  his  followers  obnoxious  to  the  Romans,  who  would  unreasonably 

look  on  such  a  profession  as  a  claim  to  regal  power,  and  utterly  inconsistent  with  the 
rights  of  Caesar.  :♦. 

d  Ottiers  say  that  thou  art  Jeremiah.']  Mr.  Cradock  has  observed,  that  implv  a  victory  over  the  power  and  policy  of  infernlf  spirits :  but  I 

the  Jews  seem  to  have  had  a  tradition  among  them,  that  Jeremiah  the  cannot  apprehend  a  reference  to  this  to  be  chieHy  mtended ;  as  it  is  cer- 

prophet  would  appear  among  them  when  the  Messiah  came  to  recover  tain  that  the  Greek  word  aduf  Vhadei^  Aoes  very  seldom  signify  the 

the  ark  of  the  covenant,  which   they  fancied  he    had   hid  ;  2   Mac.  ii.  state  of  the  damned,  but  generally,  fas  'JIXiT  in, Hebrew,)  the  mvistbte 

5.  (See  Cradock'sH«ono?;i/,  partii.p.  12.)    And  Dr.  Whitby  imagines,  aiorW  in  general.    See  Mr.  Howe's  /Por^f,  vol.  ii.  p.  61,  62. 

they  might  further  encourage  themselves  in  that  notion,  from  Jer.  i.  5,  g  I  aill  give  unto  thee  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  oJ  heaven,  Ac.J    As 

10.   (See  his  note  on  Matt.  -xvi.  14.)  stewards  of  great  families,  especially  ot  the  royal  household,  bore  a  key, 

e   Upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my  church.]    I  look  upon  (his  as  one  of  probably  a  golden  one,  (as  the  lords  of  the  bedchamber  do,)  in  token  of 


those  scriptures,  the  sense  of  which  might  be  most  certainly  fixed  by  the  their  office,  the  phrase  of  giving  a  person  the  key  naturally  grew  into  an 
particular  tone  of  voice  and  gesture  with  which  it  was  spoken;  and  expression  of  raising  him  to  great  power.  (C^ompare  Isa.  xxui.  .2.  and 
therefore  have  paraphrased  it  with  a  latitude,  which  an  intelligent  reader  Rev.  iii.  7.)  And  this  seems,  more  natural  and  certain  than  Bishop 
will  easily  observe.— If  our  Lord  altered  his  accent,  and  laid  his  hand  Burnet's  supposition,  that  Christ  refers  tp  the  custom  pt  giving  a  key  to 
on  his  breast,  it  would  show  that  he  spoke,  not  of  the  person,  but  of  the  the  Jewish  rabbles  when  they  were  admitted  into  their  ottice,  in  token 
confession,  of  Peter,  (as  most  protestant  divines  have  understood  it,)  and  of  the  power  given  thom  to  erpovnd  the JScripture.  (See  trrotius  on  J^uke 
meantto  point  out  himself  as  the  great  Foundation.  Compare  1  Cor.  iii.  xi.  52.  and  Bishop  Burnet  s  tour  Discourses,  p.  241,  242.)  Peters 
10,  11.— But  if  he  turned  to  the  other  apostles,  and  pointed  to  Peter,  opening  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  -as.  being  ihe  first  that  pre^ached  it,  both  to 
that  would  show  he  meant  to  intimate  the  honour  he  would  do  him,  in  the  Jews  (Acts  li.)  and  to  the  Gentiles,  (Acts  x.)  may  be  considered  as 
making  him  an  eminent  support  to  his  church.  This  is  the  sense  which  an  illustration  ot  this  promise :  but  I  apprehend  it  more  tully  explained 
Grotius,  Le  Clerc,  Dr.  Whitby,  Dr.  Clarke,  and  L'Enfant  defend,  and  by  the  poicer  of  binding  and  loosing  afterwards  mentioned, 
it  seems  to  suit  best  with  the  connexion.  (See  Whitbv,  in  lor.)  But  to  h  Whatsoever  thou  shalt  bind  on  earth,  shall  be  bound  m  heaven,  dgcS 
be  ?L  foundation  in  this  sense,  was  not  his  honour  alone  ;  his  brethren  A  power  to  bind  and  loose  may  signify,  lu  general,  f/cfa/  ciuthortttj  in  a 
shared  with  him  in  it,  (see  Eph.  ii.  20.  and  Rev.  xxi.  14.)  as  they  did  family  or  state:  which  sense  it  plainly  has,  both  in  Jpsephus  and 
also  in  the  power  of  ,6/W/n^  and /oo.H«^.  (See  Matt,  xviii.  18.  and  John  Plutarch.  (See  Eisner,  (TA.-m'.  vol.  i.  p.  80.)  When  applied  to  H<rf^« 
XX.  23.)— On  the  whole,  how  weak  the  arguments  are  which  the  papists  in  criminal  cases,. it  signifies  to  absolve  or  condemn,  (See  Kaphel.  /innot. 
draw  from  hence,  to  support  the  supremacy  of  Peter  in  their  wild  sense  ex  Herod,  p.  169.)  and  when  used  of  teachers,  especially  in  the  .Jewisn 
of  it,  is  sufticientiv  shown  by  Bishop  Burnet,  On  the  Articles,  p.  180.  language,  it  refers  to  their  explications  ot  the  law  ;  and  thus,^o*'nrf  is  to 
Calvin,  Institut.  lib.  iv.  cap.  6.  Dr.  Barrow,  On  the  Creed,  Serm.  xxviii.  oblige  a  person  to  do  or  forbear  any  thing  in  question,  or  to  declare  a 
Dr.  Patrick,  in  his  Sermon  on  this  text,  and  a  multitude  more,  whom  I  thine  commanded  or  forbidden  ;  and  to  loose  is  to  declare  the  thing  to  oe 
need  not  name.— There  seems  a  reference  in  this  expression  to  the  com-  indifferent,  or  the  person  at  liberty  with  respect  to  it  <-p^<^ ,^'""l'■f'f/■ 
mon  custom  of  building  citadels  upon  a  rock.  t/eb.  in  /of.)— The  learned  Selden  has  endeavoured  to  sho^y"*^  '"F 
f  The  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it  to  its  ruin.]  It  is  most  clause  before  us  must  be  interpreted  in  this  sense,  (see  Seld.  .^«  ■?*'"'»• 
certain  that  the  phrase  here  used  TrvXai  a3«,  does  generally  in  the  Greek  lib.  ii.  cap.  7-)  and  many  of  the  greatest  character  for  citicism  in  om 
writers  signify,  the  entrance  into  the  invisible  uorld;  as  Eisner  (vol.  i.  own  country  and  abroad  have  fol  owed  him  ;  and  ?"'0"S  ii  e  r"'-  '"^ 
p.  77,  78.)  and  Albert  Wbserv.  p.  Ill,  112.)  have  abundantly  proved,  present  celebrated  Bishopot  Wmchester,  in  his  g'^nous  contio\ersy  ou 
So  the  Seventy  use  it,  Isaiah  xxxviii.  10.  and  Job  xxxviii.  17.  (Com-  the  subject  of  church  authority.  I  have  included  that  sen..e,  ana  taKcn 
pare  Wisd.  of  Sol.  xvi.  l.-J.)  So  that  it  is  equivalent  to  the  gates  of  death,  the  words  m  a  yet  greater  extent,  as  the  learned  f  ""f  °°,9"  ^f,'fr  ""^n 
Psal.  cvii.  18.  and  elsewhere.  The  plainest  and  fullest  sense  seems  to  We  Halitu  Kelig.  Christ,  &c.  f>  Q2—25.)  ^ikI  I  sl^il.  « 'tn  g^ai 
be  what  I  have  given  in  the  jparaphrase ;  for  the  vindication  of  which,  pleasure,  submit  to  those  ecclesiastical  rulers  who  snaii  re  -u. 
see  Dr.  More's  Theological  Works,  p.  110.  and  Dr.  Whitby's  note  on  apostles  did,  their poicer  to  explain  the  laws  oJ  <:''"f '"  ^"„  acmrdine 
(his  place.  Grotius  also  supposes  it  refers  to  the  final  triumph  of  the  and  their  authority  efficaciously  to  absolve  or  cjndemn  men,  accoiuiiit, 
saints  over  the  grave  at  the  general  resurrection.    This  does  indeed  to  the  sense  they  give  of  them. 


M   2 


Ig4  .  CHRIST  PROPHESIES  OF  HIS  APPROACHING  SUFFERINGS. 

»gg.^  IMPROVEMENT. 

We  here  behold  the  spreat  Foundation  of  our  faith  and  hope,  even  Jesus,  the  Rock  of  ages,  the  same  yesterday, 

MATT,  to-day,  and  for  ever,  (iteb.  xiii.  8.)  who  is  Clirist  the  Son  of  the  living  God.     Other  foundation  can  no  man  lay. 
^^'^-    (1  Cor.  iii.  11.)     On  him  may  our  souls  rest,  and  the  fiercest  tempests  shall  rage  in  vain  ! 

18  Our  Lord  foretold  that  the  gates  of  hell  should  not  be  able  to  prevail  against  his  church  as  thus  founded  :  and 
behold,  even  to  this  day,  the  accomplishment  of  the  prediction  !  As  christians  of  one  age  have  sunk  into  their 
graves,  a  new  harvest  has  sprung  up  in  the  next;  and,  in  s|)ite  of  all  the  artifices  of  Satan  to  pervert  young  minds, 
and  all  the  advantages  with  which  he  attacks  them,  instead  of  the  fathers  have  been  the  children,  to  be  accounted 
to  the  Lord  for  a  generation.     (Psal.  xlv^.  16.  and  xxii.  30.) 

19  Let  us  thankfully  adore  the  divine  goodness  herein;  and  be  very  sensible  how  much  we  are  indebted  to  that 
goodness  in  those  powers  communicated  to  the  apostles,  on  whom,  as  subordinate  foundations,  we  are  built.  (Eph. 
ii.  20.)  As  they  received  so  ample  a  commission,  and  obtained  grace  from  the  Lord  to  be  faithful  to  it,  let  us  pay 
the  humblest  regard  to  their  teachings  ;  as  well  knowing,  that  what  they  have  bound  on  earth,  is  bound  in  heaven, 
and  what  they  have  inculcated,  was  solemnly  confirmed  by  a  divine  authority. 

17      If  we  have  listened  with  attention  to  those  immortal  writings  of  theirs,  by  which,  being  dead,  they  yet  speak, 

and  have  found  them  the  effectual  means  of  revealing  Christ  in  our  hearts,  in  all  his  divine  glories  and  saving 

powers ;  let  us  remember,  that  we  owe  it  not  to  flesh  and  blood,  or  the  most  excellent  human  instruments  alone, 

Isut  to  the  mfluences  of  our  Father  in  heaven. 

MARK      Tliat  efficacious  grace  is  freely  exercised,  and  operates  in  various  methods ;  on  some,  in  a  more  instantaneous 

vill .  way ;  on  others,  like  the  power  of  Christ  on  the  blind  man  of  whom  we  have  been  reading,  by  more  gradual 

23—23  advances.     Let  us  be  thankful  for  whatever  light  we  receive,  and  press  on  to  brighter  discoveries;  and  join  with 

them  proportionable  degrees  of  gratitude  to  Christ,  and  veneration  for  his  gospel. 


SECTION  LXXXIX. 


Christ  propliesies  of  liis  approacljing  sufferings,  rebukes  Peter  for  being  offended  at  them  ;  and  exhorts  his  disciples  to  self-denial,  and  a  readi- 
ness for  martyrdom  in  his  cause.    Matt.  xvi.  21,  to  the  end.    Mark  viii.  31,  to  the  end  ;  ix.  1.    Luke  ix.  22 — 27. 

Matt.  xvi.  21.  Matt.  xvi.  ai. 

SECT.   NOW  when  Jesus  had  applauded  the  confession  of  Peter,  (as  recorded  above,)  and  from  that  time  forth  began 
89.     thereby  expressly  declared  to  all  the  apostles  that  he  was  the  Messiah,  he  from  that  time  /oTil  disripies,''how 'tha\  hei 

besaji  more  plainly  than  ever  to  teach  [and]  shoiv  to  his  disciples,  that  he,  the  Son  of  man,  [the.son  of  man'.imustgoun- 

MATT.  v/ho  was  indeed  the  Christ  of  God,  must  in  a  few  months  more  go  to  Jerusalem  ;  and  {hii|s?\^and  he''r\"ifcteTrof 
^^Jy    there,  instead  of  being  owned  under  the  royal  character  he  bore,  and  submitted  to  by  the  elders  and  chief  priests 
■^^  princes  and  people,  must  sitffer  mani/  most  injurious  things,  and  be  disdainfully  rejected  bi/  !JJJ^  tiaftcf 'three  "^fays'l'^be 
the  ciders,  and  chief  priests,  and  scribes  of  their  nation,  and  he  killed  in  a  most  cruel  and  raised  again  the  third  day. 
outrageous  manner:  but  he  went  on  and  added,  to  encourage  them  under  this  gloomy  C-^l'"''' ^'"'- 31-  Luke  ix.  22.] 
prospect,  that  after  having  lain  part  of  three  days  under  the  power  of  death,  he  should  be 
raised  again  on  the  third  day. 
MARK       And,  as  he  now  spake  that  saying  plainly  and  freely ,='  whereas  he  had  before  only  given     Mark  viii.   32.    And  he 
VIII.    distant  and  obscure  hints  of  it,  they  were  exceedingly  surprised  and  troubled  :  and  Peter,  ^^H*'peter\oof/hrm  and"he" 

32  elevated  with  what  our  Lord  had  before  been  saying,  and  unable  to  reconcile  it  with  what  san  to  rebuke'him, '[saying, 
he  now  heard,  took  him  {by  the  hand,^]  and  began,  with  a  mixture  of  tenderness  and  sur-  ^i?^  sVa^l"^  not '  be'unt'o  thee  i 
prise,  to  chide  him  for  this  melancholy  discourse,  saying,  God  in  his  infinite  mercy  forbid,'^  [Matt.  xvi.  22.] 

that  thou,  O  I^ord,  shouldst  ever  be  thus  treated !    This  injury  and  violence,  I  persuade 
myself,  shall  not  by  any  means  he  done  unto  thee. 

33  Hut  [Jesus,]  when  he  had  turned  about,  and  looked  round  him  on  his  other  disciples,  whose  3,3  But  when  he  had  turned 
sentiments  he  knew  to  be  much  the  same,  rebuked  Peter  with  an  unusual  severity;  and  p^esf 'hrrebuk'l!fpete^^['S 
said  to  him,  Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan,^  for  thou  actest  the  part  of  a  devil,  ratlier  than  a  said'nnto  /«/«,]  Get  th'ee  be- 
fi-iend  ;  and  art  a  scandal  to  me,  in  thus  endeavouring  to  obstruct  the  great  end  of  mine  ott"'!K'I'*im^to ^me'^n^for'^'hoS 
appearance  ^  the  world ;  for  by  this  it  plainly  appears,  that  thou  dost  not  regard  and  savourest  not  the' things  that 
relish ///e  things  of  God,  but  those  of  men,''  and  losest  thy  zeal  for  tlie  divine  glory,  and  the  be  of  men.'  [Matt!  xwflsi' 
salvation  of  souls,  in  a  mean  solicitude  for  the  enjoyments  of  this  temporal  life,  and  the 

grandeurs  of  an  earthly  kingdom,  of  which  thon  art  vainly  dreaming. 

34  Then  having  called  the  multitude,  with  his  disciples,  to  him,  he  said  unto  them  all,  You  M  And  [then]  when  he  had 
must  not  only  expect  to  see  me  suffer,  but  to  share  with  me  in  my  afflictions  and  sorrows,  w^\h''i,f^'',i'isdplls""a*lso'^'h'e 
if  ever  you  would  hope  to  obtain  a  part  in  the  glories  of  my  kingdom  :  if  any  one  there-  said  unto  them  [Luke, 'all,] 
fore  is  willing  to  come  after  me,  and  to  attend  me  as  a  faithful  servant  and'disc'iple,  let  him  meXtMm  dIn%!mTeV,''Ind 
learn  to  deny  himself  m  the  dearest  pleasures  and  interests  of  this  present  life,  and  habituate  take  up  his  cross  [Li'ike, 
himself  f/o/Zy  to  take  up  his  cross:  let  him  submit  to  whatsoever  trial  Providence  may  lay  xvi'.^24.''Llik"e"ix'^2'3.]'  ^'^^^"' 
before  him,  and  be  ready  to  folloiv  me,  even  to  crucifixion  itself;  for  till  he  is  taught  a 

readiness  to  meet  death,  even  in  that  dreadful  form,  for  my  sake,  he  has  attended  my  other 
instructions  in  vain.     (Compare  Matt.  x.  38.  p.  143.) 

a  Plainli/  and  freely.]  So  irapiiruTia  evidently  signifies,  and  is  often  taken  into  several  languages,  is  often  used  in  the  Old  Testament  to  sig- 
rendered  in  our  version,  (compaie  John  x.  24.  and  xi.  14.)  and  in  this  nify  an  adversary,  (see  Numb.  xxii.  .32.  2  Sam.  xix.  22.  1  Kings  v.  4. 
sense  it-is  opposed  to  speaking  in  proverbs;  John  xvi.  25,  29.  Christ  and  xi.  14.)  and  the  expression  has  appeared  so  harsh  to  some,  as  coming 
had  before  given  ohsmre  hints  of  this,  John  ii.  19.  iii.  14.  vi.  51.  Matt,  from  the  mouth  of  Christ  to  one  of  his  apostles,  that  they  have  rather 
X.  38.  xii.  40.  and  elsewhere.  chosen  to  translate  it,   O  mine  adversary.     But  as  the  evangelists  have 

b  Took  Urm  hy  the  hand.]  So  I  render  the  word  7rpocrXa/3oMei/oc.  hoth  made  use  of  the  word  Sarata,  which  must  be  owned  to  have  a 
Compare  Kom.  xv.  7.  Or.  which  may  help  to  illustrate  the  sense  of  it.      sound  as  odious  in  the  Greek  as  it  has  now  with  us,  we  may  conclude 

c  God  in  his  infinite  metcy  Jorhid.^i  Dr.  Fuller  supposes  that  IAcmc  that  it  was  used  by  Christ,  or  his  rehtke  to  Peter  would  have  been  other- 
troi  should  be  rendered.  May  God  have  compassion  vpon  thee'.  (.See  wise  expressed  by  some  Greek  word  that  signifies  an  adversary.  Nor 
Fuller's  AJiscel.  Sacr.  lib.  ii.  cap.  2.)  Heinsius,  Grotius,  and  Le  Clerc  can  the  word  appear  at  all  too  harsh,  when  we  consider  that  the  tendency- 
give  the  same  interpretation  ;  which  is  also  asserted  at  large  by  the  of  Peter's  saying,  though  it  was  spoken  out  of  a  singular  affection  to  his 
learned  Mr.  Wasse.  (Bid/ioth.  Liter,  vol.  i.  p.  30.)  And  the  accurate  Master,  was  to  obstruct  the  great  design  for  which  he  came  into  the 
Or.  Scott  renders  it,  Mercy  on  thee .'  which  is  more  literal  than  any  of  world,  and  none  but  Satan  could  desire  to  prevent  what  he  was  ready  to 
the  rest.  I  think  the  phrase,  as  used  by  the  Seventy,  generally  signifies  submit  to  for  the  salvationof  lost  sinners.  — Or.  Young,  (in  his  ■Sermons, 
Godjorhid ;  or,  as  we  render  it.  Far  be  it  from  thee!  (See  1  Sam.  xiv.  vol.  ii.  p.  137.)  rendering  [Acmc  rroi,  Favmir  thyself,  supposes  that  our 
45.  2  Sam.  xx.  20.  1  Kings  xxi.  3.  1  t  hron.  xi.  19.  and  compare  1  Mac.  Lord  calls  Peter  Satan,  because  he  now  fell  on  that  advice  which  Satan 
ii.  21.)  But  as  the  accurate  critics  I  have  mentioned  above  suppose  uses  the  most  successfully  of  all  his  artifices  to  undo  men  ;  that  of  self- 
there  is  a  particular  tenderness  in  their  interpretation,  I  have  en-  inrfK/ffewce.- and  so  makes  this  Scripture  an  introduction  to  his  discourse 
deavoured  to  preserve   it  in  the  paraphrase. — Some  would  render  it,    on  self-denial. 

Jiiive  compassion  on  thysef ;  but  I  cannot  recollect  any  place  where  it  e  Thou  dost  not  regard  and  relish  the  things  of  God,  Ac]  To  relish  or 
has  that  sense  ;  though  2  Sam.  xxiii.  I7.  and  Gen.  xliii.  23.  Septuag.  savour  is  plainly  included  :  but  I  did  not  think  it  proper  to  limit  it  by 
have  been  especially  alleged  as  instances  of  it.  See  Eisner,  Observ.  vol.  such  a  version  ;  for  the  word  ^poicn;  often  signifies  to  fix  a  governing 
i.  p.  81.  regard  on  any  thing,  so  as  to  make  it  the  chief  object  of  our  pursuit ; 

d  Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan.']  Compare  Luke  iv.  8.  p.  48. — The  which  seems  the  plain  sense  of  it  here.  Compare  Rom.  viii.  5.  Phil.  iii. 
■word  Satan,  which  is  originally  Hebrew,  and  has  from  thence  been   19.  and  Col.  iii.  2. 


CfTRIST  PROPHESIES  OF  HIS  APPROACHING  SUFFERING.  165 

35  For  wiiosoever  will  save      And  it  is  well  worth  your  while  to  submit  even  to  this  :  for  whosoever  loill  attempt  to  SECT. 
his  life  shall  lose  it;  but  gave  fits  life  from  persecution,  by  forsaking  me  and  my  gospel,  shall  find  he  has  taken  the     89. 

for"'my^lkel'nd  ti°e^  gospel's!  surest  way  to  lose  it ;  as  he  will  another  "day  incur  the  sentence  of  the  second  death,  and 

the  same  shall  [find  ««/]  save  jj-,ggt  ^  far  more  dreadful  punishment  from  God,  as  an  apostate,  than  he  could  have  borne  mark 
It.  ^[Matt.  XVI.  2  .     u  e  IX.  ^^^^  ^^^^  ^^  ^^^  servant :  but  whosoever  shall  lose  or  expose  his  life,  for  mt/  sake  and  the  oY^^^' 
gospel's,  shall  find  it  with  far  greater  advantage  in  the  future  state,  [and \  so  shall  have  reason 
to  acknowledge  that  he  took  the  truest  method  to  save  it.  (Compare  "Matt.  x.  39.  p.  143.) 
,S6  For  what  shall  it  profit      And  tlierefore,  on  these  principles,  it  will  be  certainly  your  highest  wisdom  to  forego  the  36 
a  man,  if  he  shall  gain  the  gj-gatest  advantages,  or  to  bear  the  utmost  extremities,  rather  than  to  forsake  me  :  for  it  is 

whole  world,  and  lose  his  own  ti'>-\'-^'^'-     ^  n     ■>  i  ,  •,  /-,  •/•  i        t       ;j         •       //         i     i 

soul,  [Luke,  tAat  is,  lose  a  kind  of  proverb  among  you.  What  would  it  profit  a  man,  if  he  should  gam  the  whole 
man' xv?'^"6'\uke*ix'''25^] '''  w^''H  ("id  be  punislwd  with  the  loss  of  his  life  ?  f  and  'so  may  I  say,  what  would  all  that  gain, 
added  to  his  present  security,  signify,  if  he  thereby  bring  a  sentence  of  death  on  his  soul, 
37  Or  what  shall  a  man  \and]  SO  lose  himself,  or  be  finally  oak  awai/?   Or  xvhat  shall  a  man  give  as  a  ransom  for  his  37 
r^llltt^xW ''"Tf  ^°'^  '"^  ^°"'  ■  '^'/t'  •'' '  '^^'^^'^  g^i"^  vvould  he  not  be  willing  to  resign,  to  quit  himself  of  that  foolish  bargain 
by  which  he  had  sold  it?  Yet  in  this  case,  what  would  be  accepted  as  an  equivalent  for  it? 
"  Its  redemption  is  precious,  and  it  ceaseth  for  ever."    (Psal.  xlix.  8.) 
.■58  Whosoever  therefore  shall      Now  assure  yourselves,  that  this  thought  may  with  the  utmost  propriety  be  applied  to  38 
be  ashaniedof  me  andof  my  ^^^  g^gg  before  US  :  for  whosoever  is  ashamed  of  me,  and  of  mt/  words,  in  this  adulterous  and 

words,  m  this  adulterous  and   ••■^  •-"•''-     ^^  ^  ,•',,,.,  ,  •  ,     ^i     x  "^   y   i  ■         i  '/;  j;      t^  ^'  i  i  ,i 

sinful  generation,  of  him  also  sinful  generation,  shall  find,  to  his  cost,  that  of  him  also  will  the  bon  of  man  be  ashamed, 
shall   the   Son  of  man  be  .^^^  j^jj^  .^jjj  j^g  ^jjj^  scom  disown,  and  with 'inexorable  iustice  condemn,  ivhen  he  comes 

ashamed,  when  he  cometh[in    . '    .    """   "»"  "^       "^     -l"^",        ,,    ,        '  i  i  11,1  r     ij  „   „    t„J 

his  own  eiory,  and]  in  the  j«  his  own  glori/,  (that  IS,  in  all  the  pomp  and  grandeur  m  which  he  was  ot  old  represented 
Eo17an^4u  yLuke'ix""6 1''^  ^o  the  prophets,)  and  shall  appear  upon  his  throne,  invested  with  the  glory  of  his  Father,^ 
"  ■       as  commissioned  by  him,  to  be  the  great  executor  of  his  judgment,  as  well  as  the  dispenser 
of  his  grace,  attended  ivith  the  bright  retinue  of  the  holy  angels,  who  shall  wait  on  him  as 
Matt.xvi.c7.   For  the  Son  his  servants  to  grace  the  solemnity  of  that  awful  day.     For  you  may  certainly  depend   matt. 
**[  r""*^}  hirFaSi"Vitii  illl  '^PO"  i*'  t'l^*-  howsoever  he  be  now  despised  and  rejected  of  men,  there  is  a  day  appointed,  _^'^^- 
an'g^s*';  and then'he  shall  r'e^-  when  the  Son  of  man  shall  thus  come  in  his  Fathers  glory,  and  be  encircled  in  the  most  ^ ' 
hif  woiYs'^^  ""°  '"^<^°'''^'°s  to  pompous  manner  with  his  holy  angels ;  and  then  shall  he  convene  the  whole  world  before 
him,  that  he  may  determine  the  final  happiness  or  misery  of  each,  and  recompense  every 
man  according  to  his  actio7is. 
Mark  ix.  1.    And  he  said      And  he  saul  further  to  them.  Verily,  I  tell  it  you  as  a  most  certain  truth,  that  there  are  mark 
tell°mfS'7truth '/that'there  ''""^  of  them  who  stand  here  among  us  that  shall  live  to  see  a  most  awful  emblem  of  this      IX. 
be  some"  of  t™em'  that  stand  important  day  :  for  some  that  now" hear  me  shall  not  taste  of  death,  that  is,  they  shall  not  ^ 
deaUi'mf  the''''have's'een''the  ^'^^\  ^«'^  they  huve  Seen  the  kingdom  of  God  come  to  be  established  far  and  near,  with  a 
kfngdom  of' God'''«>me  with  divinely  efficacious  power ;  [and'\  have  beheld  so  eminent  an  appearance  of  Providence 
y,?'^'^""; '■°'^'' 'hu  ^I'in'^/H^?'!  to  proniote  the  triumphs  of  my  gospel,  and  to  avenge  the  cruel  injuries  I  shall  receive 

coining     in     niH      Kini;uuiii.j    n     *        t  •  ■-•■i-  ii  i  •!  a  ii       tS  t* 

£Matt.  xvi.  28.  Luke  ix.  27.]    from  this  ungrateful  nation,  that  they  may  be  said  even  to  see  the  Son  of  man  coming  in 

his  kingdom,^  and  leading  on  his  victorious  armies  against  those  who  would  not  admit  Tiim        > 
to  reign  over  them. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Alas  !  how  prone  are  our  foolish  souls  to  relish  and  regard  the  things  of  men  rather  than  those  of  God  !  How  mark 
justly  do  we  deserve  the  rebuke  of  our  Lord,  who,  while  "he  speaks  to  Peter  with  such  abhorrence,  after  all  the    Vlll. 
encomiums  he  had  just  been  giving  him,  shows  us  with  what  indignation  we  should  reject  every  motion  that  would  ^-i 
lead  us  to  prefer  our  own  ease  or  temporal  interest  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  happiness  of  man. 

We  shall  never  act  so  mean  a  part,  if  we  cordially  digest  the  lessons  which  Christ  hath  here  taught  us,  and  con-  36 
sider  of  how  much  greater  importance  the  salvation  of  the  soul  is,  than  the  gain  of  the  whole  world  when  opposed 
to  it.    Let  us  steadily  pursue  this  maxim  of  divine  wisdom,  and  with  cheerfulness  sacrifice  every  other  interest  to 
the  views  of  an  eternal  felicity. 

Does  Jesus  call  us  to  deny  ourselves  for  him?  What  difficulties  should  we  not  be  ready  to  submit  to,  what  34 
pleasures  should  we  not  renounce  for  him,  who  pleased  not  himself,  that  he  might  show  his  love  to  us  ;  and  took 
upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant,  that  he  might  make  us  kings  and  priests  unto  God  ?  Does  he  require  us  to  take 
up  our  cross  and  follow  him?  What  sufferings  should  we  not  be  willing  to  endure  for  him  ;  and  whither  should 
we  not  consent  to  follow  him,  who  has  borne  the  cross  for  us,  and  willingly  expired  on  it  for  our  sakes  ? 

A  sense  of  gratitude  for  past  favours  might  bear  us  triumphantly  through  all  the  opposition  we  might  be  called 
to  encounter  in  his  cause ;  how  much  more  then  may  we  be  animated  by  the  pleasing  hope  that  we  shall  another 
day  be  confessed  by  Christ  in  the  presence  of  his  Father  and  of  his  holy  angels.     Let  us  represent  to  ourselves  33 
that  august  presence,  that  awful  day,  whenever  a  regard  to  an  adulterous  and  sinful  generation  would  lead  us  to  be  mark 
ashamed  of  Christ  and  of  his  words.     So  shall  we  certainly  be  brought  to  see  the  kingdom  of  God  in  his  glory ;      IX. 
and  if  it  opens  to  us  in  the  visions  of  the  future  state,  we  shall  have  no  reason  to  be  anxiously  solicitous,  though  i 
death  should  remove  us  from  these  lower  regions  before  the  gospel  hath  that  universal  triumph  which  the  word  of 
God  encourages  his  church  to  expect. 

f  Ifhe  should  gain  the  whole  world,  and  he  punished  with  the  loss  of  his  which  Caccordinc  to  him")  God  the  Father  had  appeared  particularly  on 

life?  Kai  ffiMiMfln  Triv  ituYtiv  at'Tou.]      1  hough  the  force  of  this  maxim,  Mount  Hinai,  (Bragge  On  the  Parables,  vol.  li.  p.  181.)     I  think  it  sul- 

taken  by   itself,  appears  best  by  rendering  i^uYni',  soul,  wliich  it  does  ficient  to  say,  that  besides  the  glory  which  the   linvian  nattire  of  Christ 

undoubtedly  on  the  whole  signify  here  ;  yet  as  the  same  word  had  been  habitually  wears  in  heaven,  some  additional  splendour  shall  now  be 

rendered  life,  ver.  .35.  and  its  meaning  is  sufficiently  plain  from  what  given  to  him  by  the  Father,  when  he  sends  hira  with  his  commission  on 

follows,  I  thought  it  better  to  retain  the  same  version  here  likewise;  so  august  an  occasion  as  the  imner.trt^./wrfffwiejf^. 

which,  taken  in  its  connexion,  has  fas  Dr.  Tillotson  observes,  vol.  iii.  p.       i    I'he   Son  of  man  coming  m  his  kingdom.']    Raphelius   (.Annot.   ex 

558,  529.)  an  additional  spirit,   which  consists  in  the  application  of  a  Poluh.  in  loc.^  and  Albert  (.Observ.  p.  ll.'?,  114.)  have  indeed  proved  ttiat 

proverb  relating  to  the  worth  of  life,  (compare  .lob  ii.  4.)  to  the  sovl,  epxoaai  is  sometimes  used  for  aTrepxoiuai,  and  ev  tor  cic  ;  (compare.loim 

which  is  in  the  "highest  sense  the  life  of  the  man,  or  the  man  himself,  v.  4.)  and  therefore  they,  with  some  other  critics,  would  render  this  text, 

(Luke  ix.  25.)— Tm/  ^vvnv  (nnuaeeaOai  does  not  merely  signify  to  lose  Some  here  present  shall  not  die  till  they  see  the  Son  oj  fan  going  into /tis 

the  life,  which  might  be  applied  to  a  man  who  accidentally  met  death  in  kingdom,  that  is,  ascending  to  heaven,  which  the  apostles  did.  (»ee  .rtcis 

the  pursuit  of  gain ;  (as  a  merchant  who  should  be  lost  in  his  vovasje  ;)  i.  9.)    But  it  increases  the  difficulty  to  suppose  both  these  uncommon 

but  It  properly  imports  itndergoiyig  a  capital  execution,  which  is  an  idea  senses  of  the  words  in  question  to  occur  together ;  nor  will  '-„„*„  ',,; 

of  much  greater  terror,  as  well  as  of  much  stricter  propriety  in  the  42.  be  allowed  as  an  exact  parallel.     I  choose  t"«retore  to  aantre  i»yiii 

present  case  :  and  would  to  God  it  might  seriously  be  considered  in  this  received  version,  which  may  include  a  reference  to  the  «"."''^.' ,    "^,„_' 

awful  view  !  See  Raphel.  Annot.  e.v  Herod,  p.  171.  and  propagating  the  gospel,  but  chiefiy  refers  to  '"»' P    .  !mp?1  //,,.^m«iW 

g  4sa  ransom  for  his  life.]    So  the  word   avTaWayixa  properly  sig-  ance  of  Christ  for  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  ^o  ot/^n  ""^.Y'f,/,^  Z 

nifies  ;  and  in  this  connexion  leads  us  to  reHect  how  willing  a  condemned  of  the  Son  of  man,  ( M  att.  xxiv.  .3,  27,  •■»,  37  ■)  ^"i'/f  the  more  natural 

malefactor  would  be  to  give  all  he  had  got  by  his  crimes  to  bni/  his  par-  shall  be  revealed.  (Luke  xvii.  24,  26,  30.)    1  '''',*f"J'^ ',i,"^f "   that  most 

don,  and  how  vain  the  attempt  would  in  this  case  be.  here,  especially  as  our  Lord's  manner  <)    SP<"«^'"S '"'''"^ryl'-l'gt^ 

h  In  his  own  glory,  and  the  glory  of  his  Father.]    How  these  are  dis-  of  the  company  should  be  dead  before  the  e'  ent  reierreu  lu  ,  .><:t  i 

tinguished,  it  is  not  easy  to  say.    Mr.  Bragge  explains  it  of  the  lustre  of  ascension  happened  in  a  few  months  after  tnis. 
his  own  glorified  body,  surrounded  with  such  a  circle  of  Jire  as  that  in 


THE 


FAMILY     EXPOSITOR. 


THE  LATTER  PART  OF  THE  HISTORY  OF  CHRIST, 

AS  RECORDED  BY  THE  EVANGELISTS. 
SECTION    XC. 

CHRIST  GOES  UP  TO  A  MOUNTAIN,  WHERE  HE  IS  TRANSFIGURED,  AND  DISCOURSES  WITH  HIS  DISCIPLES  CONCERNING  THE 
EXPECTATION  THE  JEWS  HAD  OF  ELIJAH.     MATT.  xvii.  1—13.     MARK  ix.  2—13.     LUKE  ii.  28—36. 

Mark  ix.  Ver.  2.  ji,^^  i^.  v^„_  „ 

SECT.  AND  it  came  to  pass  after  sit  days,  [or,]  if  you  include  the  first  and  last,  about  ei^ht  days  AND   [Luke,  it   came  to 

90.     after  these  discourses  which  were  related  in  the  two  last  sections,  Jesas  took  wit/i.  him  those  ^r^^l^ol^f^ ei"ht'''"days^ after 

three  disciples  whom  he  honoured  with  something  of  a  peculiar  intimacy,  (compare  Mark  these  sayings,  [jesus  taketh 

MARK  V.  37.  and  Matt.  xxvi.  37.)  namely,  Pe^er,  and  James,  and  his  brother  John,  and  brought  rndS'^Jhi'i  ^hu'"brXr''.]'and 

'  ■  2  them  vp  privateh/  to  an  high  mountain  apart  from  the  people,"  whither  he  retired  to  pray ;  leadeth  them  up  mto  an  high 

intending,  as  he  often  dicf,  to  spend  the  night  in  that  holy  exercise.^  s"h^"s!'''"[;Lu''K£,  to^  pra™i 

And  as  he  ivas  praying,  it  came  to  pass  that  he  ^vas  suddenly,  in  a  most  glorious  manner,  [Matt.'  .wii.  i.  Luke  ix.  28.]' 

transfigured  in  their  presence  ;  and  the  form  of  his  counteruince  %vas  changed,'^  [so  that']  his  prayed,  '"[RURKf^iIe^was 

LUKE  face  shone  witli  a  brightness  like  that  of  the  sun ;  and  his  whole  body  was  clothed  with  such  transfigured  tjetore'them,  and] 

^-^;,„"a  lustre  as  shone  through  his  raiment,  insomuch  that  the  appearance  of  it  ^cas  all  white  and  wL^attered?lI"^T«""h1s  face 

~    dazzling,^  shining  so  exceedingly,  that  it  seemed  as  ivhite  as  snoiv,  \yea\  as  resplendent  as  ^^'"i  f-hine  as  the  sun;]  and  his 

the  light  itself,  to  so  great  a  degree  as  iw  fuller  on  earth  coidd  whiten  it.     Such  a  glory  did  terrng,'\MTRK,"shin?ngVx- 

God  confer  on  his  Son,  as  an  earnest  of  that  in  which  he  was  finally  to  appear ;  and  he  ^'^'^'i'°p„|*^'Vf';,''^  snow,]  [or 

permitted  these  his  servants  to  see  it,  that  they  might  not  be  offended  at  those  scenes  of  f^ue?  on   earth  "ca'n°w1iite 

deep  abasement  in  which  they  were  shortly  to  attend  him.   (Compare  Matt.  xxvi.  37.  sect.  f^'^-\  [M^"-  "v"-  2-  Mark 

clxxxii.)  "'■  *'  ■' 

MARK      Aiul  behold,  there  appeared  to  them,  at  the  same  time  that  they  saw  their  Lord  in  this     Mark  ix.  4.   And  [behold,] 

^-^-  .  splendid  form,  two  men,  that  were  talking  with  Jesus  in  a  language  and  accent  which  the  ['LuKE^''two^^'rnen]'°fal'khi" 

three  apostles  heard  and  understood,  ivho  were  known  to  be  Moses  the  great  giver,  and  with  j'esus,  [Luke,  which 

LUKE   Elijah  the  zealous  restorer,  of  tlie  law.    These  were  the  persons  whom  they  saw  with  ^^^tt,  xvir.!.  u?ke  ix'.'so.]^ 

^^'ft4  Christ,  in  whose  honour  their  respective  ministrations  terminated  ;  who,  appearing  to  their  .  Luke  ix.'si.'  whoappear'ed 

^^  view  in  forms  of  glory  somewhat  resembling  that  which  he  now  wore  himself,  spake  of  his  decfas7wh1ch  hT'l'iiould  ac- 

exit,  or  departure  out  of  the  present  life  and  state,  ichich  he  ivas  shortly  after,  even  at  the  compiish  at  Jerusalem. 

ensuing  passover,  to  accomplish  at  Jerusalem ; «  suggesting  and  enlarging  on  such  thoughts 

as  were  proper  to  animate  him  to  so  painful  and  glorious  a  conflict. 

32  Jiut  Peter,  and  they  that  were  with  him,  even  the  two  other  disciples,  did  not  see  the  32  But  Peter  and  thev  that 
beginning  of  this  glorious  vision,  nor  hear  the  whole  of  this  wonderful  and  edifying  dis-  ^f/jf  ^Ye'ep  :'"and^\v1fen  they 
course ;  for,  wearied  with  the  labours  of  the  preceding  day,  they  were  quite  overburdened  were  awake,  they  saw  his 
and  sunk  down  with  sleep ;  but  being  awakened  wdth  the  splendour  of  those  rays  which  ftood'wiTh  hiiii.*^°  ™*"  *''* 
pierced  through  the  darkness  of  the  night  that  had  before  favoured  their  slumbers,  they  satv, 

to  their  inexpressible  astonishment,  his  unusual  glory,  and  the  two  men  who  were  standing 
with  him,  and  heard  the  conclusion  of  their  conference,  from  whence  they  collected  who 

33  they  were.f    And  it  came  to  pass  that,  just  as  they  were  departing  from  him,  Peter  answered    33  And  it  came  to  pass,  as 
and  said  unto  Jesus,  Master,  it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here  in  such  a' circumstance  as  this  :  let  [aSwlr''ed^lnd]™sTid''unto*j|- 
this  glorious  appearance  and  converse'be  prolonged  ;  for  we  could  delight  to  spend  all  the  sus.  Master,  it  is  gojjd  for  us 
remainder  of  our  days  thus;  aiid  therefore,  if  thou  pleasest,  let  us  make  three  tents  here,?  let  usmakl[1^ere]th.ee"taber- 
a  An  fiiff/t  monntain  apart  from  the  peop\e.'\    .lerome  tells  us,  fiy7W<.        d   While  and  dazzlinff.']   The  words  XeuKor  efao-TpaTTTWi' may  literally 

17,  18.)  that  there  was  in  his  days  an  ancient  tradition  that  this  was  be  rendered  white  as  lightning :  but  as  this  clause  stands  here  connected 

^l"""!!            '  1*'"'^''  '^y '""^'^ ''■'''^  °f '^'^''"'°"-    Its  standing  <7;)flr<  (as  with  parallel  passages  in  the  other  evangelists,   I  choose  to  render  it 

Mr.  Maundrell  observes  that  it  does,  Travels,  p.  112.)  is  to  be  sure  no  dazzling,  that  some  proper  gradation  might  be  observed,  which  wouH 

argument  to  prove  it ;  for  that  expression  only  signifies  that  it  was  a  otherwise  ha%e  been  destroyed. 

private  retirement,  which  it  might  have  been,  had  it  made  part  of  a  c  Spake  of  his  exit,  which  he  was  shortly  to  accomplish  at  Jerusalem.'] 

ridge  of  mountains.     However,  as  this  happened  at  the  distance  of  six  Dr.  Hammond  and  Le  Clerc  seem  greatly  mistaken  in  referring  this  to 

days,  there  seems  to  be  but  little  probability  in  Mr.  Fleming's  conjee-  Christ's  victory  over  the  impenitent  .lews  in  the  destruction  of  Jerusa- 

ture,  that  since  Christ  was  just  before  near  Caesarca  Philjppi,  this  must  lem  by  the  Ilomans  ;  for  though  the  word  t^ol,ov  doesAQjnetimes  signify 

be  the  mountain  in  that  neighbourhood  on  which  one  of  Jeroboam's  a  military  expedition,  {see  Tilsner,  OA.(eri'.  vol.  i.  p.  21'^)'yet  it  is  plainly 

calves  had  been  worshipped  ;  over  which  he  thinks  it  a  kind  of  triumph  used  for  death,  or  a  departure  out  of  the  world,  2  Pet.  i.  15.  and  Wisd. 

that  the  Shechinah  was  thus  gloriously  manifested,  where  it  had  been  so  iii.  2.  which  suits  much  better  here  with  the  construction,  ev  'lepao-aXeu. 

long  attronted  by  idolatry.    See  Fleming's  Christology,  vol.  i.  p.  40.  f  Heard  the  conclusion  of  their  conference.  &c.]    It  might  not  perhaps 

b   I'o  spend  the  night  in  that  holy  exercise.]    This  appears  from  Luke  have  been  proper  they  should  have  heard  the  whole  of  it :  God  niight 

IX.  37.  where  we  read  ot  their  coming  down  from  the  mountain  the  tiext  intend  to  reveal  some  of  those  things  to  them  by  the  Spirit,  and  the 

day.   See  p.  168.  knowledge  of  others  might  be  reserved  to  the  discoveries  of  the  heavenly 

c  The  form  of  his  countenance  was  changed.']    This  was  so  striking  a  state, 

circumstance,   that    Eunapius  (l-'it.  .Tarnlil.   p.   22.)  relates  a  story  of  g  Let  us  make  three  tents  here.]    Mr.  Fleming  thinks  it  is  as  if  he  had 

Jamblicus,  which  seems  evidently  to  be  borrowed  from  this;  as  many  said,  "  Lord,  let  this  mountain  be  to  Israel  now,  what  Sinai  was  to  our 

things  which  Philostratus  tells  us  of  Apollonius  Tyanseus  seem  also  to  fathers :  hold,  as  it  were,  thy  court  here  ;  and  let  the  people  resort  hither 

nave  been  borrowed  trom  other  histories  recorded  of  Christ  by  the  to  learn  thy  will,  and^pay  their  homage  to  thee,  attended  by  these  thy 

evangelists.  glorified  servants."  (See  rleming's  Christology,  vol.  i.  p.  46.)    But  this 


CHRIST'S  TRANSFIGURATION  ON  THE  MOUNT.  167 

nacles,  one  for  thee,  and  one  for  thee  One,  and  for  Moses  one,  and  one  for  Elijah,  that  thou  with  them  mayst  lodge  here  SECT. 

for  Moses,  and  one  iorEiiasr'jj^  ^  more  Convenient  manner.    This  was  indeed  a  wild  kind  of  proposal,  ill  suiting  the  90. 
'^'^Mark'ixIe^'FoHiewlstnot,  State  of  these  glorified  persons,  or  the  subject  of  their  late  discourse :  but  it  is  the  less  to 


[Luke,  what  he  saiii.^cr,]  j^g  wondered  at,  considering  the  great  suqirise  in  which  Peter  was, /or  he  knew  not  what  mark 
sore'afraid!]' [Like  \l  ssT  he  Said,  for]  should  sat) ;  for  such  was  the  effect  it  had  on  him  and  the  two  other  disciples  g  ^^• 
who  were  tnen  present, '  that  thetj  were  vastly  terrified  at  tlie  majesty  of  this  unparalleled 
sight,  which  broke  out  upon  them  at  once  in  so  unexpected  a  manner. 

Luke  ix.  34.  While  he  thus      And  as  he  was  Speaking  thus,  behold,  there  came  a  bright  cloud,  which,  in  a  most  surprising   luke 
^^fb^'oftf'^l'^'cl  'ami  ov"?r*  manner,  spread  itself  over  the  top  of  the  mountain,  and  overshadowed  them  all :  and  the     ix. 
shadowed   rtmi '.  1!nd  "^the^  discijiles  were  Seized  with  such  a  kind  of  religious  horror,  that  they  feared  when  they  entered  "^^ 
thf  ""cloud  "'[Man  ""xWi'T  «"^"  ^^"'  cloud,'>>  and  saw  it  diffused  on  every  side  of  them.     And 'behold,  an  ever-memorable  35 
Aiark  ix"V.]         '         '    '  circumstancc  then  happened  ;  for  there  came  a  most  awful  voice  out  of  the  cloud,  as  the 
a  TOke'^wft'^of 'Vhe'^^cbmf  sacred  Symbol  of  God's  immediate  presence,  which  said,  This  is  mi/  beloved  Son,  in  whom 
Pwhich  saui.ii'hisis  my  be-  I  am  ivell  pleased;'  hear  ye  him,  therefore,  with  the  humblest  submission  and  obedience, 
weTupleased^fhear^J^li^iim!  as  the  object  of  my  dearest  complacency,  and  your  surest  guide  to  duty  and  happiness,  in 
[Matt.  xvii.  5.  Mark  ix.  7.]  '  all  respects  Superior  to  the  greatest  of  your  prophets. 

Matt.  xvii.  6.  And  wiien  A)ul  when  the  disciples  heard  [this  voice,]  they  fell  prostrate  on  their  faces  to  the  ground  matt. 
the  disciples  heard  ii,  they  ^^jt)-,  ^j^g  huniblcst  reverence,  and  were  exceedingly  terrified  by  this  tremendous  manifesta-  xvii.  o 
sore  afraid.""  ''''""'  tion  of  the  present  Deity.     And  Jesuf:,  knowing  their  confusion,  came  and  touched  them,  7 

.  '^  /^^'iu'*^"^.,  '^^T^  ^'"^  and  said.  Rise  up,  and  be  not  afraid;  infusing  into  them,  at  the  same  moment,  a  secret 

touched  them,  and  said,  Arise,  ,   '       t   /.      ^'    ,        r      ■     i        //-i  t-«  ^r\    ■tc\\ 

and  be  not  afraid.  Strength  and  fortitude  of  mmd.     (Compare  Dan.  x.  10,  19.) 

Mark  ix.  8.  And  suddenly      And  ou  a  suddcji,  while  the  heavenly  voice  ivas  uttered,  Jesus  ivas  found  alone,  Moses  and  mark 
^pL'^'es^s'was'found  alone'l  Elijah  disappearing  in  a  moment;  [and]  the  disciples,  lifling  up  their  eyes,  x^iou  the  kind     IX. 
mid]  when  they  had  [lift  up  encouragement  that  he  had  given  them,  [and  \  looking  round  about  them  tor  the  persons  " 
aboutfthey'sai  no''n.an°any  t/ic.V  l^^d  Seen  but  just  before,  saw  710  man  any  more,  but  Jesus  only  wilh  themselves,  who 
more,'  save  Jesus  only  with  jiow  a^ain  appearing:  in  his  usual  form,  graciously  entered  into  conversation  with  them  in 
Lukll^'le./*^"""  """■  ^"  the  same  condescending  manner  he  was  used  to  do. 

9  And  as  they  came  down  And  US  they  Came  down  from  the  mountain  on  which  this  wonderful  transaction  had  9 
from  the  mountain,  [lesus  passed,  Jes«.s 'sti'ictly  charged  them,  that  they  should  fell  no  one  what  they  Iwd  seen,  unless  it 
[df no  mar«\,at  thin/s  Zy  were  whcn  the  Son  of  man  was  risen  froni  the  dead;  lest,  till  that  glorious  evidence  was 
w  T-^'^rP'en'fro'^  ^Se''dead'i  giv^n  of  his  divine  mission,  this  story  should  appear  as  an  idle  dream,  or  an  incredible 
[Malt.Tvii.  i/r^  *"  ^^'  ■  tale.  And  when  he  spake  of  rising  from  the  dead,  they  laid  hold  on  that  xvord,^  disputing  10 
ini  wfththenib^ehS'quelt'ion-  «'"o»g'  themselvcs  what  this  rising  from  the  dead  could  mean  ;  for  as  often,  and  as  plainly, 
int' one  with  another  vvhatthe  as  Christ  had  declared  it  to  them',  they  could  not  persuade  themselves  to  understand  it  m 
mean  *?And'\h1;T''kepT';V  ^  ^'^eral  sense.  Howevcr,  in  obedience  to  the  charge  he  gave  them,//(ey  were  silent  as  to 
close,'  and  told  no  man  in  what  had  passed,  and  told  no  one  in  those  days  any  of  the  things  which  they  hid  now  seen 

those  days  any  of  those  things  „„  j   Kq„_j 

which  they  had  seen.]  [Luke  'I'^^'l^ara.  ,       ,     ,         ,  ,      ht        •   i     .      i    .i     *  *       •. 

ix.  .36.]  And  his  disciples,  as  they  could  not  doubt  but  he  was  the  Messiah,  took  that  opportunity  matt. 

discipfes  a'sked^him ^saying!  "^  informing  themselves  as  to  a  scruple  which  had  long  lain  on  their  minds,  and  asked  ^vn. 
Why  then  sa^  the  scribes,  that  him.  Saying,  Why  then  do  the  scribes,  the  teachers  of  our  nation,  and  professed  students  of  ^^ 
Elias^musthrst  comer  [Maik  ^j^^  ^^^^  ^^^^^  ^/^^^^  ^^-^j^  must  first  come  before  the  Messiah  appear?  Is  this  vision  that  we 
have  now  seen,  all  tlie  coming  of  that  prophet  which  was  to  be  expected? 

11  And  Jesus  answered  and  And  Jesus  replying  Said  uuto  them,  It  does  indeed  appear  from  the  Scripture,  that  Elijah  11 
shku"irs°t  Iwe,  i;,'rresto'r^  shall  first  come  to  make  way  for  the  Messiah,  and  regulate  all  things,^  by  preaching  repent- 
all,  things;  [and  ho^v  it  is  anccand  reformation  :  and  yet,  how  little  is  the  influence  that  his  coming  will  have  upon 
thafTe  "lUst  tSffe?*  iiTal^  ^  wicked  and  ungrateful  generation?  And  how  is  it  also  written  of  the  Son  of  man  himself," 
things,  andjae  set  at  nought.]  that  illustrious  Person  whom  Elijah  is  to  introduce?  It  is  plainly  foretold,  that  he  must 
[Mark  IX.  12.]  suffer  many  things,  and  be  contemptuously  reinjected ;  whicli  evidently  implies  that  his  fore- 

12  But  I  say  unto  you,  that  runner  also  shall  be  disregarded,  and  his  preaching  slighted.  And  the  event,  you  know,  12 
ready, fnfft^e^.^knlwhhiuiot;  has  been  answerable  to  it:  do  not  therefore  expect  another  to  appear,  but  observe  what  I 
but  ha'\e  done  unto  him  what-  now  Say  to  vou,  while  I  assure  vou  that  Elijah  is  indeed  come  already,  as  it  is  written  of 
wrilfen^T  him']-  likewise  /«''«"  in  vari6us  passages  of  Scripture ;  (see  Isa.  xl.  3.  and  Mai.  iii.  1.)  and  they  who  pre- 
shall  also  the  Son  of  man  tended  SO  eagerly  to  expect  him  did  not  know  and  acknowledge  him,  but  have  treated  him 
suserotthem.  [Mark  ix.  13.]  -^^  ^j^^  ^^^^  ai-bitrary  and  cruel  manner,  even  just  as  they  pleased,  without  any  regard  to 

piety,  justice,  or  humanity :  and  thus  likewise  shall  the  Son  of  man  quickly  suffer  by 
them,  and  with  the  utmost  enmity  and  malice  shall  be  persecuted  by  a  hardened  people, 
who  will  show  no  more  regard  to  him  than  to  Elijah  his  herald. 

13  Then  the  disciples  un-       J'hen  the  discipks  undei'stood  that  he  spake  to  them  concerning  John  the  Baptist,  v/hov/as  13 
SoT John  thi  Baptfst""'°  foretold  under  the  name  of  Elijah,  as  the  Messiah  was  under  that  of  David.    (Compare 

Mai.  iv.  5.  and  Ezek.  xxxiv.  23,  24.) 

seems  too  great  a  refinement,  and  too  deep  a  scheme.    I  rather  choose  to  reports)  put  into  his  hands.— Perhaps  the  command  that  is  added  to /lear 

interpret  them  as  words  of  rapturous  surprhe,  intended  merely  to  express  hini,  may  refer  to  tliat  solemn  charge  to  hear  the  great  prophet,  Ueut. 

the p/eaM(?f  they  had  in  what  they  saw  and  heard.    The  proposal  was,  xviii.  15.                                         t    o    t    u-   i 

as  St.  Mark  observes,  very  improper;  but  perhaps  few,  in  such  an  k  They  laid  hold  on  that  word.]  So  I  think  tot  Xo70i;6KpaT)j<rav  may- 
astonishing  circumstance,  could  have  been  perfectly  masters  of  them-  most  literally  be  rendered  ;  the  verb  otten  signifying  to /a^  Ao/rf  ok,  and. 
selves.— 1  he  tents  they  proposed  to  build  must  be  only  slight  huts  or  in  consequence  of  that,  resohaely  to  retain;  but  never,  that  I  can  recol- 
bowers ;  and  there  is  no  reason  at  all  to  suppose  they  meant  any  sump-  lect,  to  keep  a  secret.  Compare  Matt.  ix.  25.  xiv  3.  Mark  xii.  12.  anrt 
tuous  tabernacles  like  that  of  Moses  in  the  wilderness;  and.  that  no  such  Rev.  xx.  2.— I  tlimk  the  words  frpor  ea?/Tow  should  be  joined  witli 
idea  might  accidentally  be  raised,  I  choose  to  use  the  word  tents.  <7i,f„T«i.Ter,  as  they  are  with  the  same  word,  Mark  i.27.  ix.  16.  Lu.iexxii. 

h   There  came  a  bright  cloud,  and  overshadowed  them,  Sjc]    I  cannot  23.  and  Acts  ix.  29.                                         .,    ^    .      ,   .      ,    , 

think  it  probable  (though  a  late  eminent  critic  has  so  explained  it)  that  1  Shall  first  come  and  regulate  all  things.]    It  is  plain  tiiat  aTroKarno- 

this  only  means  that  the  cloud  cast  a  shadow  which  fell  upon  them,  but  Tijirei  here,  (as  avoKaiaataai^,  Acts  lii.   21.)  cannot,  as  it  geneiaiiy 

rather  that  it  f/irearf  cuec  the  mountain:  and  this  not  like  a  canopy  or  does,  signify,  restoring  things  to  their  former  state,   but  only,  in  tne 

umbrella,  but  that  it  covered  it  in  such  a  manner  as  a  cloud  does  ;  yet  general,  reducing  them  to  order.    It  is  strange  Tertullian  (.Ve  Uesur.  cap. 

with  this  difference,  that  it  was  more  like  a  thick  smoke  than  a  shower  ;  .35.)  should  infer  from  hence,  that  Eli.iah  the  propliet  is  to  come  oeroie 

and  that  whereas  the  skirts  of  clouds  are  geneially  rarer  than  the  central  Christ's  second  appearance.    Grotius  has  well  contute<l  that  wiia  noiiou 

parts,  this  was  darker  towards  the  edges,  a  glorv  being  w  Me  m/rff/ .•  laWa  Annotations,  in  loc.                                                        ti,^  ,.nnstrii»-- 

and  probably  it  was  the  darker  part  with  which  the  apostles  were  en-  m  Jindyet  how  is  U  written  of  the  Sonofman  himselt.'J    _f  "^™";^",h- 

veloped,  while  the  excellent  glory  (as  St.  Peter  calls  it,  2  Pet.  i.  17.)  tion  of  this  verse,  in  the  original,  is  as  perplexed  ?s  a'"'?f' ^"J  J"  Xhe 

seemed  much  higher,  and  the  rays  of  it  were  much  attempered  by  that  New  Testament.    The  Prussian   restament,  which  is  '0'iow^°  .V->jt  : 

part  of  the  cloudy  veil  which  was  between  it  and  tliem.    And  thus  we  late  English  version,  renders  it  roundly  and  elegantly  "^"""f '  •              . 

fcnowthattheShechinahhadappearedinformerages,  particularly  when  true,"  said  he,  "  that  Elias  must  first  come  to  restoie  ?''  '".'"■'J'/ •*  ,j 

it  took  possession  of  the  tabernacle  of  Moses,  Exod.  xl.  34,  35.  and  the  that  it  is  foretold  of  him,  as  well  as  ot  the  .Son  ot  man,  tnai  ny 

temple  of  Solomon,  1  Kings  viii.  10,  11.  have  much  to  suffer,  and  be  rejected  with  f''"*X'^;- ^..f^'rrtnm  of  lohn 

i  In  whom  I  am  well-pleased.]  Though  neither  Mark  nor  Luke  have  strictly  agreeable  to  the  original,  nor  can  T  /' "",,]f,f„ "J"!' V  ™u"  ' ge  there- 
given  us  these  words,  we  may  be  sure  that  they  were  really  spoken,  as  the  Baptist  any  where  foretold  m  the  U'",„-\*Y  'nmptimes  sicnifies 
we  have  the  concurring  testimony  both  of  Matthew  and  of  Peter,  who  fore  to  render  this  clause  as  a  qu«s''""-— i''''V':',tp  iv  45  Matt  xxiii 
has  thus  quoted  them,  2  Pet.  i.  17.  Some  have  thought  their  being  (aw(/i/ci,)  evidently  appears  from  John  v.  40.  l>uKe  ix.  ^J.  ivirtu. 
omitted  by  Mark,  an  intimation  tliat  Peter  did  not  review  that  gospel  37.  and  other  places.  .  ,„■,/,,,„/■/,,„,  1  For  the  rea.son 
with  any  great  accuracy,  supposing  it  was  (as  Clemens  Alexandrinus  n  Elijah  is  indeed  come  ahead!/,  as  it  is  .iruicn(j  lum.i 


168  AN  EVIL  SPIRIT  BROUGHT  TO  CHRIST, 

IMPROVEMENT. 

^QQ^'       llow  glorious  and  delightful  was  this  view  of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  which  the  apostles  had  when  he  was  trans- 

"         figured  before  them,  clothed,  as  it  were,  with  the  divine  Shechinah,  and  shining  with  a  lustre  like  that  of  the  sun  ? 

MATT.  H*^^  pleasing  and  how  edifying  must  it  be  to  them,  to  see  with  him  Moses  and  Elijah,  those  two  eminent  saints, 

XVII.   who  had  so  many  ages  ago  quitted  our  world,  but  whose  names  they  had  often  read  in  the  sacred  records  with 

3  wonder  and  reverence. 

4  Well  might  Peter  say.  It  is  s^ood  for  us  to  he  here.  Well  might  he  be  contented  to  resign  his  entertainments 
and  his  hopes  elsewhere,  that  they  might  prolong  these  delightful  moments,  feasting  their  eyes  with  these  divine 
visions,  and  their  minds  with  these  more  than  human  discourses.  Nor  can  we  wonder  that  the  scene,  transitory 
as  it  was,  left  so  abiding  a  savour  on  his  spirits,  that  in  an  epistle  which  he  wrote  many  years  after,  and  but  a  little 
before  his  death,  he  should  single  this  stoiy  from  a  thousand  others  to  attest  it  as  he  does,  and  to  argue  from  it. 
(Compare  2  Pet.  i.  16 — 18.)  But  oh  how  much  more  desirable  is  it  to  stand  upon  Mount  Zion,  and  to  behold 
those  brighter  glories  which  our  Jesus  wears  in  the  heavenly  regions  !  To  behold,  not  merely  Moses  and  Elijah,  but 
all  the  prophets,  the  apostles,  and  martyrs  ;  and,  in  a  word,  all  the  saints  of  God  in  every  age,  whether  to  us  per- 
sonally known  or  unknown,  surrounding  him  in  a  radiant  circle ;  and  not  only  to  behold  them,  but  to  converse 

LUKE  with  them.  Lord,  it  is  good  for  us  to  be  there,  in  our  desires  at  least,  and  in  our  meditations,  till  thou  pleasest  to 
IX.  32.  call  us  to  that  happy  world,  and  to  take  us  thither,  where  no  drowsiness  will  cloud  our  eyes,  where  no  hurry  will 
MARK  discompose  our  thoughts,  but  where  the  perfection  of  holiness  and  of  love  shall  cast  out  every  degree  of  terror,  as 
IX.  6.   well  as  of  sorrow. 

In  tlie  mean  time,  let  us  reverently  attend  to  that  Saviour  who  appeared  in  this  majestic  form,  and  who  comes 

MATT,  recommended  to  us  with  so  many  testimonials  of  his  divine  authority.     He  was  again  declared,  by  a  voice  from 

XVII.  heaven,  to  be  the  beloved  Son  of  God  :  as  such  let  us  hear  him,  receiving  all  his  revelations  with  the  assurance  of 

^  faith,  and  all  his  commands  with  the  obedience  of  love.    If  these  sentiments  govern  our  hearts  and  our  lives,  the 

LUKE  thoughts  of  tliat  departure  from  this  world  which  we  are  shortly  to  accomplish,  will  be  no  grief  or  terror  to  our  souls. 

JX.     Like  our  blessed  Master,  we  may  connect  the  views  of  it,  and  intermix  discourse  upon  it,  with  the  most  delightful 

31  enjoyments  and  converse ;  nay,  it  will  serve  to  render  them  yet  more  pleasing.    For  who  would  not  long  to  be 

made  conformable  to  Christ,  even  in  his  sufferings  and  death,  if  it  may  be  a  means  of  transforming  us  into  the 

resemblance  of  his  glories  ! 


SECTION  XCI. 

Christ,  descending  from  the  mountain  on  which  lie  was  transfiffured,  drives  out  an  evil  spirit  which  had  obstinately  withstood  the  attempts  of  his 
apostles.    Matt.  xvii.  14—21.    Mark  ix.  14 — 29.    Luke  i.\-.  37 — 43. 

Luke  ix.  37.  Luke  ix.  37. 

SECT.  THUS  did  our  Lord  discourse  with  his  three  disciples  after  he  had  been  transfigured  in  so  and  it  came  to  pass,  that 
^1-     glorious  a  manner  in  their  presence  :  and  it  came  to  pass,  that  on  the  next  dai/,  when  they  were'\ome'  down''tyom'*the 
came  down  from  the  mountain  on  which  the  night  had  been  so  delightfully  spent,  a  great  hill,  much  people  met  him. 
*W^^  c^'owc/  of  people  met  him.     And,  being  come  to  the  disciples,  and  particularly  to  the  rest  of    Mark  ix.  14.   And  when  he 
^■\^  the  apostles,  who,  knowing  their  Master  was  on  the  hill,  waited  for  him  in  the  adjacent  f^|at°mutti1'udl''ibouHhe^, 
valley,  he  satv  a  great  multitude  around  them,  and,  among  the  rest,  some  of  the  scribes  and  an'd  the  scribes  questioning 
Pharisees,  who  were  disputing  ivifh  them,  and  endeavoured  to  take  the  opportunity  of  their  ^^'"^  ""^■"■ 
Master's  absence  to  expose  and  distress  them.  is  And  straightway  all  the 

15  And  immediateli/,  as  soon  as  he  came  near  them,  all  the  multitude  seeing  him,  was  struck  Efm^' were ''greatly  ^amazed* 
into  astonishment  at  those  unusual  rays  of  majesty  and  glory  which  yet  remained  on  his  and'running  to  him  saluted 
countenance ;  ^  and,  running  to  him,  they  sainted  him  \vith  the  greatest  marks  of  respect  and  '^'  And  he  asked  the  scribes, 
affection  :  yet  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  without  regardins  his  return,  continued  their  ill-  What  question  ye  with  them  > 
natured  attack  on  his  disciples.  [,7.««»!  m^a'n^'ot'^'.he't'^.'ili^ 

16  A7id,  taking  notice  of  the  warm  dispute  they  were  engaged  in,  he  asked  the  scribes,  What  tu"**.  [^ufeiinii  down  to  him  j 
is  the  point  you  are  debating,  and  ivhat  do  7/ou  contend  with  them  about  1  out,^^saying"]  Master,''i  h"te 

17  And,  presently,  upon  his  making  this  inquiry,  behold,  a  \certain'\  inan  of  the  multitude  '"■o."gi't  ""to  thee  my  son, 

„„-^„     „'    1    ;         )•         J  .      I-        "  1    ,1   -^  .■         ■  '-    nr-     ,  i  •  x         iL        which   hath   a   dumb   spirit: 

came,  and  Kneeling  down  to  him,  ansxcered  the  question  m  effect;  and  crying  out  with  a  [Matt.  xvii.  14.  i.uke  ix.  38.] 

loud  and  eager  voice,  scud,  ()  thou  great  Teacher  and  Master  in  our  Israel,'  I  have  brought  ^^J^^lf^\i  jjj^'^'-  ^l^^  i}'?on'nP 

thee  vni  poor  afflicted  sow,  who  has  for  a  long  time  been  possessed  with  a  dumb  spirit ;  and  son!forhe'^s  mineonivchiM'^ 

MATT,  the  malicious  demon  has  deprived  him  of  the  use  of  his  hearing  and  speech  :  And,  in  this  ""<]  have  mercy  on  'him,  for 

YviT      vv,„..;  /->  T        J    r  1  1,1         17  ^       T      ■  ^    ■  '1       I  •!  I     r        n  he  is  lunatic,  and  sore  vexed  : 

\\  Proving  case,  U  Lord,  1  beseech  thee,  look  upon  mi/  son,  for  he  is  mine  only  child ;  [and]  yet,  for  oft-times  he  faileth  into 

^  instead  of  being  any  comfort  to  me,  is  a  most  melancholy  spectacle  of  horror ;  let  me  entreat  [Lu'ke''ix  "^r"]'  '"'"  """  '''''''"'^' 

thee,  therefore,  to  have  compassion  on  [him,]   for  he  is  lunatic,^  and  grievomli/  tormented     Luke  ix.'3'i.  And  lo.  [where- 

LUKE   with  terrible  fits,  which  frequently  seize  him,  arid  sometimes  endanger  Tiis  life  ;  'for  he  often  h^uddetty  «\et\.'oun  and"^ 

■'^"qo-^"'''^'^  »'fo  the  fire,  and  often  into  the  wafer.    And,  behold,  wherever  [this]  spirit  seizes  him,  teareth  him.  that  he  fiameth 

-^•^  he  has  no  strength  or  tho\ic;ht  to  take  care  of  himself,  but  suddenly  cries  out  in  a  violent  ?^ef h".VmTl.fnem''rwVy  ;]Vnd 

manner,  and  it  convulses  him  so  that  he  foams  again  at  the  mouth,  and  gnashes  with  his  teeth  bruisms  him.  it  hardly  de- 

m  extremity  of  anguish ;  and  thus  he  miserably  pines  and  withers  aivay  in  the  bloom  of  his  f^'"/"'^'  ^™'"  ''''"'  ^'^''^'^ '"' 

age  :  and  {it'\  is  with  great  difficulty  that  the  malignant  demon  departs  from  him  for  a  little     Matt.   xvii.   16.    And    I 

while,  having  bruised  him  to  such  a  degree  by  violent  distortions,  that'he  is  hardlv  able  to  {;™fs';4ke7o*Ml.«y,i'[Lnil; 

MATT,  use  his  limbs  in  the  interval  of  these  dreadful  agitations.    And  I  am  persuaded  there  is  andbesou^tht^/r^mtocasthim,' 

XVII    some  more  than  ordinary  difficulty  in  the  case  ;  for  I  brouglit  him  to  thy  disciples,  and  spake  Zl^^  "[Ma.'k'^x "is'^  L^keTx* 

^o  to  [them]  concerning  him,  and  entreated  [them]  in  the  most  affectionate  manner  to  use  4o.] 

their  utmost  efforts  <o  cast  him  out;  and  they  could  not  accomplish  it,  nor  heal  him.  [him,7  and  saidy^/faiThTe'sl 

17      Then  Jesus  said  in  reply  to  him,  O  ye  incredulous  and  perverse  generation  of  men,  haiv  ""ft  f"",^' f,'""'f  generation,  how 

long  shall  I  be  with  you  before  you  will  learn  a  becoming  regard  to  me  ?   How  long  shall  I  how'  long  shall  i  suffer  you  ? 

assigned  in  the  preceding  note,  I  choose  to  connect  these  two  clauses.  29,  30.  and  2  Cor.  iii.  7-)    One  would  indeed  have  expected  that  Luke, 

^d  conclude  that  the  words  which  lie  between,  both  in  the  original  and  who  has  mentioned  the  lustre  on  Stephen's  countenance,  when  pleading 

in  our  translation,  are  to  be  includcid  in  a  parenthesis.  his  cause  before  the  sanhedrim,  (Acts  vi.  15.)  should  have  taken  some 

a  Has  struck  into  asloms/iment,  ^t.I    It  is  strange  that  so  few  critics  notice  of  the  fact  here  supposed  :  but  it  is  observable,   Mark  tells  the 

shouldhavesaidany  thing  concerning  the  reason  of  the  multitude's  being  story  before  us  far  more  circumstantially  than  either  of  the  other  evan- 

thus  astonished.    It  could  not  be.  as  Doctor  Clarke  supposes,  his  coming  gelists  ;  which,  bv  the  wav,  is  another  most  convincing  proof  that  his 

down  from    the  mountain   the  day  alter  he   went  up;    for  thev   were  gospel  was  not  (as  Mr.  Whiston  supposes)  an  abridgment  of  Matthew, 

gathered  round  it  in  expectation  ot  his  descent ;  and  I  do  not  reinemher  b  He  is  lunatic.^  Grotius  well  observes,  that  this  word  (which  exactly 

that  he  ever  continued  more  than  ime  night  in  such  a  retirement.    ISlor  answers  the  etymology  of  the  original)  might  with  great  propriety  be 

IS  It  easy  to  imagine  the  multitude  were  ynder  any  apprehension,  after  used,  though  there  was  something  preternatural  in  the  case ;  as  the  evil 

he  had  been  no  longer  absent,  that  they  never  should  be  able  to  tind  him  spirit  would  undoubtedly  take  advantage  of  those  disorders  into  which 

again.    1  therefore  follow  Dr.  Whitby  s  natural  conjecture  in  his  para-  the  brain  and  nerves  of  this  unhappy  child  were  thrown  bv  the  changes 

phrase,  which  is  agreeable  to  what  we  read  ot  Moses,  that  the  skin  of  his  of  the  moon. 
Juce  shone  wlien  he  came  down  from  the  mount.  (Compare  Exod.  xxxiv 


AND  CAST  OUT  BY  HIM.  169 

bring  [Luke,  thy  son]  hither  endure  that  infidelity  which  7/011  are  showing  on  so  many  occasions?  And  thus  did  he  mean  sect. 

tome.  [Mark  ix.  19.  Lukeix.  ^t  once  to  reprove  the  weakness  of  faith  in  the  father,  and  in  his  disciples,  as  well  as  the  91- 
obstinacy  and  perverseness  of  the  Jewish  teachers,  who  were  triumphing  in  their  present 


disappointment:  and  then,  turning  to  the  father  of  the  child  and  his  attendants,  he  said,  mark 
Bring  tin/  son  hither  to  me,  and  you  shall  see  what  my  power  can  effect.  IX. 

Mark  ix.  20.  And  they  And  u'pon  this  thei/  brought  him  that  was  possessed  to  Jesus,  and  presented  the  poor  20 
wh"n  he  saw  "im°[a"he  was  ceature  to  him.  And  immediate  I  >/,  as  soon  as  he  saw  him,  while  he  was  yet  coming,  the  evil 
.veta-(omina.]straightwaythe  Spirit,  in  a  rage,  wrought  in  him  with  such  violence,  that  he  threw  him  down  and  convulsed 
U)e^him!'Zid'hAVi"on'thl  ""« !  «"^  lie  fell  On  the  groiind  with  great  force,  and  there  lay  and  rolled  from  one  side  to 
ground,  and  wallowed  foam-  the  Other,  a  Spectacle  of  iiorror,  foaming  at  the  mouth,  and  sweating  profusely,  till  nature 
mg.   [Luke  ix.  42.]  ^g^^  almost  exhausted,  and  he  seemed  ready  to  die. 

21  And  he  asked  his  father.      And,  that  the  greatness  of  the  cure  might  more  plainly  appear,  while  the  unhappy  youth  21 
"meintohhnVAnd'he'said"  '^Y  thus  before  him,  he  asked  his  father,  Row  long  time  is  it  that  he  hath  been  thus  afflicted? 
Of  a  child  :     '  '  And  hc  Said,  Even  from  his  childhood:'^    And  the  evil  sjiirit  is  so  outrageous,  and  so  mali-  22 

cast  him  fnto'thefir*e%nd "into  cious,  that  it  frequcntli/,  as  I  Said,  has  thrown  him  into  the  fire,  and  into  the  7vaters,  when 
the  waters,  to  destroy  hiiTi :  he  has  happened  to  be  near  them,  as  if  he  watched  for  opportunities  to  destroy  him ;  so 
have^  compTssioii "on" usl'aud  that  I  am  sensible  it  is  a  most  difficult  as  well  as  dreadful  case :  but  if  thou  canst  do 
help  us.  '        ant/  thing  in  it,''  have  compmsion  on  tis,  and  help  us ;  for  surely  none  ever  needed  thy  pity 

more. 

23  Jesus  said  unto  him,  If      And  Jcsus  Said  unto  him.  The  question  is  not  at  all  concerning  my  power,  but  concern-  23 
i'r°"p^ible''tcf  hTuf  thlt'b?  i"2r  the  Strength  of  thy  faith  ;  for  f  thou  canst  firmly  and  cheerfully  believe,  the  deliverance 
lieveth.  "         will  Surely  be  effected,  as  all  things  of  this  kind  [are\  possible  to  him.  that  believeth.^ 

24  And  straightway  the  fa-      And  immediately  the  father  of  the  child,  touched  to  the  very  heart  to  think  that  his  dear  24 
lnd^sa*id'w1th'tears'^'^Lord"'i  ^°^  might  possibly  lose  the  cuVe  through  the  weakness  of  his  own  faith,  cried  out  aloud, 
believe;  help  thou 'mine  un-  and  Said  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  and  ardour  in  his  countenance.  Lord,  I  do  from  my  heart 
''^''^^-  believe  that  thy  power  is  unlimited ;  yet  such  is  my  frailty,  that  when  I  look  on  this 

spectacle  of  misery,  my  faith  is  ready  to  fail  me  again :  help  me  therefore  against  my 
unbelief  by  mitigating  the  circumstances  of  the  trial,  or  communicating  suitable  strength 
to  my  souLf 

25  When  Jesus  saw  that  the       Then  Jesus  Seeing  that  the  crowd  ran  together,  and  was  continually  increasing  round  25 
{?l°^rcbuke""thTVunci'ea"]  them,  rebuked  the  unclean  spirit  which  had  possessed  the  child,  and  said  unto  him,  with  an 
spirit,  saying  unto  him,  ihou  air  of  superior  power  and  divine  authority.  Thou  dumb  and  deaf  spirit,  v/ho  hast  so  mali- 
th"ee,''come'^out'^of"him,  mfd  ciously  deprived  this  youth  of  his  speech  and  hearing,  I  strictly  charge  and  command  thee 
enter  no   more    into    him.  immediatelv  to  come  out  of  him,  and  presume  to  enter  into  him  no  more,  no  further  to  dis- 

[Luke  IX.  42.  Matt.  xvii.  18.]         ■    »  u-  1  k„  1     „„ 

quiet  him  as  long  as  he  lives. 

26  And  the  spirit  cried  and      And  immediately,  as  soon  as  he  had  spoken  these  words,  \the  evil  spirit,]  having  cried  26 
[of  him"]Tnd'hTwas"asoi'ie  ""'^  ^'th  great  camestness,  atid  thrown  him  into  violent  distortions,  came  out  of  him  ;  and 
dead,  insomuch  that  many  the  poor  youth  had  been  SO  miserably  handled,  that  he  fell  into  a  swoon,  and  seemed  as  one 
said.  He  is  dead.  [Matt.  xvii.  jg^j^  ,„  ^y^^^  many  who  Were  present  said.  He  is  undoubtedly  quite  dead,  and  will  revive 

27  But  Jesus  took  him  by  no  more.     Hut  Jesus,  taking  hold  of /(jhj  bi/  the  hand,  lifted  him  up,  and  strengthened  him,  27 
ind''he^kr'15le:''[LuKE?a"nd  SO  that  lie  urosc  and  stood  on  his  feet.     And  when  \h'e\  thus  had  perfectly 'restored  and 

/le  healed  tiie  child,  and  de-  healed  the  child,  he  took  and  delivered  him  to  his  father,  who  received  him  with  an  inex- 
ther'.]''  [And^'he^ch'iid'w^as  pressible  mixture  of  joy  and  amazement.  And  the  child  was  well  from  that  very  hour,  and 
cured  froin  that  very  hour.]  these  terrible  symptoms  returned  upon  him  no  more. 

'■'^Luke'ixl'43.'^'And'they\ve"re      ^"^  '/'fj/  who  beheld  it  were  all  astonished  at  the  mighty  power  of  God,  by  which  this   luke 
all  amazed  at   the  mighty  illustrious  miracle  had  been  wrought.  l-^-  43. 

%Tark°ix.  28.'  And  when  he      -And  when  he  had  left  the  multitude,  and  was  come  into  the  house  where  he  then  resided,  mark 
was  come  into  the  house,  his  Jiig  disciples,  Something  mortified  at  the  repulse  they  had  met  with  in  their  late  attempt,     IX. 
and]^  asked  "hiin  "^pnvaiteiy;  Came  to  Jesus  when  he  was  alo7ie,  and  asked  him  privately,  Why  could  not  we  prevail  so  far  28 
^t ^jm"'?  ""*■  ^q  i"^'  '"''"  ^^  ^^  ^^^^  '^"''  ^^^^  demon,  and  expel  him,  since  we  have  performed  many  cures  which 

seemed  equally  difficult  ? 
Matt.  xvii.  20.   And  Jesus      And  Jesus  Said  unto  them,  It  was  because  o/'the  remainder  of  your  unbelief:  for  verily  1  matt. 
your"u"nbeiil*tT'f(^'^\^erify°i  ^"]/  unto  you,  if  you  had  but  the  least  degree  of  faith  in  a  lively  exercise,  though  it,  com-  xvn. 
say  unt9you,  if  ye  have  faitii  paratively,  was  but  fl.5  «  grcun  of  mustard-seed, s  you  might  perform  the  greatest  wonders,  so  ^0 
shaifsay'mito  this  mountain!  ^^  Q^Q'^  to  suy  to  this  mountain  here  in  the  neighbourliood.  Remove  from  this  place  to  that, 
Remove  hence  unto  yonder  and  it  shoidd  accordingly  remove  ;  and,  in  a  word,  nothing  will  be  impossible  to  you.     But  21 
and^n'oth?ng  shaii'^be  ^mpossi-  ^^  to  the  case  that  was  lately  before  us,  he  further  said  imto  them.  This  demon  which  pos- 
ble  unto  you.  sessed  the  child  was  one  of  a  very  obstinate  kind,  which  cannot  be  expelled  so  readily  as 

them,]  "this'^'kind"  [can  come  Others  ;  nor  must  you  expect  to  have  power  over  such  spirits  as  these,  to  oblige  them  to 
forth  by  nothing]^  but  by  go  forth  by  any  means,  unless  you  do  by  frequent  prayer  and  fasting  intercede  with  God  for 
ix?28!^] ""'     ""^  "'*''        ^"^    nis  more  abundant  cooperation,  and  by  such  extraordinary  devotions  endeavour  to  prepare 

your  souls  for  his  further  influences.'' 

c  From  fits  childhood.']    So  the  word  TTaibtoBtv  properly  signifies  ;  and  here  is  a  reference  to  the  poignancy  of  mustard-seed,  as  an  emblem  of  a 

I  think,  with  Grotius,  it  is  much  more  convenient  to  render  it  thus  than  vigorous  and  lively  faith.     It  is  apparently  a  proverb  to  express  any 

from  his  infancy.  thing  inconsiderably  small,  that  being,  as  our  llord  expresses  it,  one  of 

d  If  thou  canst  do  any  thing  in  it.]    Perhaps,  observing  the  fit  grow  the  smallest  among  seeds.    Thus  the  rabbles  say,  the  globe  of  the  earth 

more  violent  on  his  approaching  Christ,  his  faith  might  begin  to  fail,  is  but  a  grain  of  mustard  seed,  when  compared  with  the  expanse  of  the 

This  was  a  very  natural  manner  of  speaking,  and  yet  strongly  pathetic,  heavens.     .See  Drusius,  in  toe. 

and  obliquely  interesting  the  honour  of  Christ  in  the  issue  of  the  affair.  h  This  kind  catmot  go  forth  hy  any  means,  unless  by  prayer  and  fast- 
See  Rapliel.  ei  A'cn.  p.  73.                             .  itig.]    An  ingenious  physician,  mentioned  by  the  learned  author  of  the 

e  Jf  thou  canst  believe,  4(".]    As  the  construction  in  the  original  is  Inquiry  into  Demoniacs,  Sjc.  p.  47.  instead  of  ev  Trpoo-euxf;  kqi  I'ncrTeip, 

something  uncommon.  To  ei  hmaaai  ■jrirrTeuaac  1  cannot  forbear  men-  would  read    ei/  ■npoaexit   i/iia-reia,   iy  constant  fasting  j'  and    suppose 

tioning  a  singular  conjecture  which  I   lately  had  from  the  mouth  of  a  it  refers  to  the  necessity  of  frequent  and  long-continued  abstinence,  in 

very  accurate  critic,  especially  in  biblical  learning.     He  thinks,  instead  order  to  the  cure  of  such  an  epileptic  distemper  as  the  child  in  question 

of  To,  it  rnight  be  Ti,  as  some  copies  read  it ;  and  then  taking  nKnevaai  had  been  subject  to.     But  as  the  criticism  is  founded  on  mere  conjecture, 

to  be  the  imperative  mood,  would  render  and  paraphrase  it  with  an  in-  contrary  to  all  the  copies  known  in  the  world,  so  I  cannot  think  it  at  all 

terrogation  after  Ti ;  "   JVhat  dost  thou  mean  by  saying  if  thou  canst  /"  natural  in  itself,  or  pertinent  to  the  occasion  ;  for  it  seems  not  at  all  to 

referring  to  ei  dmairai,  in  the  verse  before:  "  Believe:  all  things  are  our  Lord's  purpose  to  speak  of  the  natural  methods  of  cure,  in  answer  to 

possible  to  him  that  believeth;  see  thou  to  the  firmness  of  thy  faith,  and  the  apostles'  demand,  why  they  could  not  miraculously  perl;orm  it.' — 

leave  the  rest  to  me."  >ior  can  any  instance  be  produced  to  prove  that  the  expression  is  pro- 

f  Help  my  unbelief,  4'e.]  It  seems  an  inconvenience  inseparable  from  verbial  for  any  thing  very  difhcult. — I  could  therefore  see  no  reason  to 
this  method  of  paraphrasing,  that  sometimes  Cas  in  the  present  instance)  recede  from  the  usual  interpretation  which  1  have  given  in  the  para- 
some  lively  and  strongly  pointed  sentences  should  lose  something  of  their  phrase. — As  for  the  interpretation  of  Chrysostom  and  Iheophylact,  who 
spirit  by  it ;  yet  keeping  the  original  thus  distinct,  may  in  part  remedy  suppose  that  yctos-  signifies  at  large  this  kind  of  beings,  that  is,  demons, 
it;  and,  on  the  whole,  many  of  these  expressions  are  so  full  of  meaning,  it  seems  very  wrong ;  since  the  apostles  evidently  did  cast  out  rnany 
that  the  general  laws  of  interpretation  require  they  should  be  unfolded,  demons,  whatever  peculiar  malignity  there  might  be  in  this  anil  other.s 
To  observe  the  exact  medium  here,  is  a  felicity  which  I  dare  not  saj'  1  of  his  rank,  which  might  make  more  intense  devotion  necessary  to  eject 
have  obtained,  though  1  have  laboured  after  it.  them.— Sir  Norton  Knatchbull's  sense  is  extremely  forced,  who  under- 

g  Faillt  as  a  graiuof  mustard-seed.i    It  is  very  trifling  to  suiipose,  that  stands  it  as  if  it  had  been  said,  This  sort  [of  miraculous  innh]  advances 


-170  THE  DISCIPLES  OFFENDED  AT  CHRIST'S  PREDICTION  OF  HIS  SUFFERINGS. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

SECT.      The  invidious  opposition  which  these  scribes  and  Pharisees  made  to  our  Lord,  and  the  ill-natured  joy  they 
9L     expressed  in  what  they  ima^ned  would  disgrace  his  disciples,  appears  exceeding;  odious;  and  it  shows  us  the 

■ fatal  effects  of  ambition,  pride,  and  avarice,  when  they  possess  the  hearts  of  those  who  should  be  (as  these  by  their 

MARK  office  were)  teachers  of  others.  Such  qualities  render  those  in  the  number  of  the  most  dangerous  enemies  of  man- 
^^\^  kmd,  who  ought  to  be  its  most  affectionate  friends,  and  most  useful  benefactors."  May  the  light  of  the  gospel 
break  in  on  their  souls,  and  form  them  to  a  better  temper ! 
MATT.  The  solicitous  concern  of  this  parent  when  he  saw  his  child  under  such  sad  symptoms  of  disorder,  may  surely 
^7^l\  remind  persons  in  that  relation  of  the  sentiments  with  which  they  should  view  those  of  their  children  who  are,  in 
j^Jjjj,  a  spiritual  sense,  under  the  power  of  Satan  ;  and  of  the  importunity  with  which  they  should  entreat  that  the  hand 
IX.  38   of  Christ  may  be  stretched  out  for  their  rescue. 

A  lively  exercise  of  faith  is  greatly  to  be  desired  in  this,  and  all  other  applications  of  this  nature.    But  alas,  how 

often  do  we  find  the  remainders  of  a  contrary  principle  !  In  how  many  instances  does  that  passionate  exclamation 

MARK  of  the  father  in  this  story  suit  us, — Lord,  we  believe,  help  thou  our  unbelief!    How  difficult  is  it,  in  the  midst  of 

IX.     so  much  guilt  and  weakness,  of  so  much  perplexity  and  unworthiness,  to  believe  the  promises  of  forgiveness  and 

24  preservation,  of  grace  and  glory  !    Yet  we  may  humbly  hope,  that  He  who  by  his  grace  has  wrought  the  divine 

principle  in  our  souls,  will  maintain  it  there.    Only  let  it  be  our  concern  to  oppose  those  corruptions  which  would 

enervate  and  suppress  it.     Perhaps  there  are  some  of  them  which  will  not  be  driven  out  but  by  prayer  and  fasting, 

MATT,  by  deep  humiliation,  and  more  than  ordinary  solemnity  and  intenseness  of  devotion.     But  surely  they  have  little 

XVII.  regard  to  the  peace  and  security  of  their  souls,  who  can  allot  only  a  few  hasty  moments  to  them,  when  they  have 

21  whole  hours  and  days  to  bestow,  not  only  on  the  labours,  but  even  on  the  amusements,  of  life. 


SECTION  XCII. 

The  disciples  are  offended  at  the  warning  Christ  gives  them  of  his  approaching  sufferings.    lie  matces  a  miraculous  provision  for  paying  the 
tribute  money.    Matt.  xvii.  22,  to  the  end.    Mark  ix.  30 — 33.     Luke  ix.  43 — 45. 

Mark  ix.  30.  MARKix.  3o. 

SECT.  AND  while  every  one  of  the  spectators  \oas  amazed  at  this  stupendous  miracle  wrought  on  AND  [while  they  wondered 
92.     the  child  who  had  been  so  terribly  possessed,  and  at  all  the  other  extraordinary  things  jesus  Tdj   they "'ilpl?ted 

which  Jesus  did,  our  Lord  and  his" apostles  left  that  place,  and,  setting  out  on  a  further  jl'^ji.^^'  and  passed  through 

mark  progress,  thei/  departed  from  thence,  and  passed  from  the  mountain  on  which  he  had  been  that'any'mTnsho*uld°kuow°>. 
I^-     transfigured,'  through  the  rest  of  Galilee ;  and  Jesus  chose  to  do  it  as  privately  as  he  could  ;  [Luke  ix.  43.] 
for  he  "was  desirous  that  no  one  might  know  [if,']  lest  the  important  conversation  into  which 
31  he  then  entered  with  his  disciples  should  be  interrupted.   For  while  they  continued  travelling     31  For  [while  they  abode 
and  conversing  in  Gcdilee,  and  especially  when  they  came  to  the  places  where  they  lodged,  c|js^pies7and"aid  unto  them* 
Jesus  taught  his  disciples'^  more  largely  than  he  had  done  before,  what  was  to  befall  him.  [Matt.  xvii.  22.  Luke  ix.43.]' 
(Compare  Matt.  xvi.  21.  Mark  vih.  31.  Luke  ix.  22.  sect.  Ixxxix.) 
LUKE       And  he  said  unto  them,  with  great  solemnity,  Apply  your  cars  attentively  to  these  sayings,^     Luke  ix.  44. ,  Let  these  say- 
IX.     how  disagreeable  soever  they  may  be,  and  let  them"  sink  into  your  hearts  ;  for  the  Son  of  }ofthe"VonTf'man°s"a!rbe 
^■^  man,  instead  of  reigning  in  that  grandeur  which  you  expect,  shall  very  shortly  be  betrayed  delivered  into  the  hands  of 
into  the  hands  <»/' sinful  men,''  anrf  shall  seem  for  a'while  to  be  a  helpless  prey  to  their  rage  ;  ^n'r^^^er^haThels'kViiedi'hi 
for  they  shall  put  him  to  death  in  a  most  cruel  and  infamous  manner;  but  they  shall  not  shall  rise  the  tiiird  day  .1  [Mark 
finally"  triumph  over  him  ;  for  after  he  is  thus  slain,  he  shall  rise  from  tlie  dead  on  the  third  '''■•  ^'-  '^'''"-  ^^'^'-  ""'  "'^-^ 
day,  according  to  the  intimations  I  have  often  given  you.     (See  p.  56,  120, 161.) 
45       'But  they  were  so  strongly  prepossessed  with  the  expectation  of  a  temporal  kingdom,     45  But  they  understood  not 
that  they  understood  not  this  saying,  plain  as  it  was,  and  the  sense  of  it  was  hid  from  them,  from  themft'haTthcy  p^r^eived 
so  that  they  perceived  it  not )  foolishly  imagining  it  inconsistent  with  what  the  sacred  it  not :  and  they  feared  to  ask 
oracles  had  declared  of  the  glorious  success  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  the  universal  empire  exceeding  so?i^v!uMatt.xv^^^ 
he  was  to  estabhsh.  (Dan.  vii.  14.)  And  yet  they  were  afraid  to  ask  /iiw  what  was  the  23.  Mark  ix.  32.] 
meaning  of  that  saying,  lest  he  should  upbraid  them  as  unteachable :  considering  how 
lately  he  had  given'  them  the  like  warning  before,  and  how  severely  he  had  rebuked  Peter 
for  endeavouring  to  dissuade  him  from  it;  (sect.  Ixxxix.)  nevertheless,  they  perceived  that 
their  Master  foretold  his  own  death ;  and  were  exceedingly  sorry  that  a  person  of  so  excel- 
lent and  amiable  a  character,  from  whom  they  had  entertained  such  glorious  expectations, 

should  meet  with  so  unworthy  a  return.  Matt.  xvii.  c4.    And  [he 

MATT.       And  soon  after  this  he  came  with  his  disciples  to  Capernaum ;  and  when  they  were  come  came  to^^Capeinaum^^andj 
XVII.   to  Capernaum,  the  receivers  and  collectors  of  the  sacred  tribute,^  which  was  gathered  every  Capernaum,  They  'thTt^  rZ 

24  year  through  all  their  cities,  came  to  Peter^  and  scud.  Docs  not  your  Master,  who  has  the  ^>^^^  and"'laki""^Doth"  not 
character  of  so  religious  a  Teacher,  pay  the  usual  tribute  of  the  didrachma,<^  or  half-shekel,  your '  Master  pay  tribute  ? 
to  the  service  of  the  tem|)le  ?  And  he  says.  Yes,  I  know  that  he  uses  to  pay  it,  and  make  '•'^i^'"][jj,''- ^^y,,    Yes     And 

25  no  doubt  but  he  will  do  it  now.  And  When  he  came  into  the  house,  Jesus,  who  was  there  wiien  he  was  come  into  the 
before,  prevented  him,  before  he  could  speak  of  the  affair  in  question,  and  said  to  him,  What  house^  "'w hat 'S'll't'' thou,' 
dost  thou  think,  &/non,  and  what  seems  fit  to  thee  on  this  occasion?  Of  whom  do  the  kings  siinon'?  of  whom  do  the  kings 

not  but  hy  prayer  and  fasting.    Raphelius  has  abundantly  shown  how  c  Shall  shortly  he  hetrayed,  (Sr .]    Mark  has  expressed  it  in  the  present 

inconclusive  tliose  authorities  from  Xenophon  are.  by  which  he  would  tense,  and  says.  The  Son  of  man  is  delivered  ;  but  nothing  is  more  com 

justify  so  odd  a  version  of  efe^W<;,l'.    (See  Raphcl.  Annot.  ex  Xen.  p.  men  in  the  sacred  language  than  to  speak  of  what  should  certainly  and 

44 — 46.)    And  were  the  words  considered  as  they  stand  in  Mark,  where  quickly  be,  as  if  it  was  already  done.  Compare  John  xii.  31.  xvii.  4,  11, 

there  is  nothing  said  of  faith,  it  would  be  easv  to  perceive  our  Lord  as  24.  Eph.  ii.  5,  0.  Hcb.  xii.  22.  and  Rev.  xviii.  2,  4. — The  explication  of 

speaking  of  a  kind  of  demons  which  tliey  were  not  able  to  cast  out :  and  many  other  scriptures  depends  on  this  obvious  remark, 

that  some  demons  are  more  malignant  than  others,  is  most  manifest  from  d  'The  collectors  of  the  sacred  trihute.']  Josephus  has  expressly  asserted. 

Matt.  xii. 45.   Butoftentimesane'xplication  has  been  built  uponthe  words  that  each  of  the  .lews  used  yearly  to  pav  a  didrachma,  or  half-shekel, 

of  one  evangelist,  and  many  learned  remarks  have  been  made  to  establish  the  piece  of  money  here  mentioned,  to  the  service  ot  the  temple.  (See 

it,  which  could  not  be  applierl  witliout  great  violence  to  suit  the  parallel  Joseph.  Antiq.  lib.  xviii.  cap.  9.  [al.  12.]  i  1.)    A  custom  which   proba- 

place  in  another,  and  presently  has  fallen  to  the  ground  upon  comparing  bly  took  its  rise  from  the  demand  of  that  sum  from  each  ot  the  Israelites, 

them  together.  whenever  they  were  numbered  ;  Exod.  xxx.  13.    And  therefore,  with 

a  For  Jesus  taught  his  disciples.']    Mark  assigns  this  as  the  reason  why  Beza,  Casaubon,  Hammond,  Grotius,  and  many  other  great  critics,  I 

he  desires  his  journey  should  be  private,   viz.  that  he  might  have  an  choose  to  understand  this  passage  as  referring  to  that,  rather  than  to 

opportunity  to   talk   over  this  subject  at  large  :  which  shows  that  the  any  civil  tax  ;  chiefly  because  I  think,  notwithstanding  what  Salmasius 

continuance  or  abode  in  Galilee,  mentioned  by  Matthew,  refers  to  the  says  to  the  contrary,  fagainst  Milton,  p.  259.)  our  Lord's  argument,  ver. 

short  stay  they  made  in  the  places  where   tliey  lodged  ;  and  indeed   he  25,  26.  can  otherwise  have  no  force. — The  reader  will  find  an  excellent 

could   not  so  cr)nveniently  speak   to  all    the   twelve  while  they  were  note  in    Grotius  here,  which  renders  it  unnecessary   to  enlarge  any 

actually  travelling.  further. 

b  .\pply  your  ears  to  these  sayings.]    This  seems  to  me  a  just  transia-  e   Does  7iot  your  master  pay  the  usual  tritinte,  Ac]    It  seems  then  to 

tion  ot  Wetr^e  iueic  ei9  ra  una  v/jlwv  tow  Xoyov?  Tomom,  which  is  lite-  have  been  a  voluntary  thing,  which  custom  rather  than  law  had  establish- 

rally.  Put  these  sayings  to  yo^ir  ears ;  a  phra.se  which  our  language  will  cd.     In  Nehemiah's  days  it  was  accounted  so,  and   the  sum  was  then 

hardly  admit.    It  intimates  the  propensity-  they  had  to  withdraw  and  something  lower.  See  Neh.  x.  32. 
turn  away  their  ears  from  such  declarations  as  he  was  now  about  to  make. 


CHRIST  REPROVES  THE  DISCIPLES  FOR  THEIR  CONTENTION.  171 

of  the  earth  take  custom  or  of  the  earth  receive  custom  or  tribute?  of  their  own  sons,  or  qfsti-angcrs  ?  Peter  says  to  him,  SECT, 

tribute?  of  their  owu  chii-  £ord,  it  is  evident  they  receive  it  only  of  strangers.     Jesus  said  to  him.  Then  the  sons  bv  92. 

dren,  or  or  strangers  r  .        '»..,>  .1         ?    t  .■  *^     •,•        z'  _        .i   _      1  i-      ,•  ^   '         .       ,..  y     J 


Ib'PeterLuh  mitohim.Of  virtue  of  their  fathers'  dispensation,  are  free  from  the  obligation :  and,  on  the  like  princi- 
fi*im°°'iifen  irl^thr'chiidren  P^^'  "'■'  ^^  ^^^  ^'^^  °^  ^°'^'  ^'s'^'^  plead  an  exemption  iiere,  especially  as  I  have  not  now   matt. 
free'.     "^°^'"''     '^*^"     '^"  the  sum  which  is  required  towards  the  maintenance  of  the  temple  worship.     Nevertheless,  Jiy^^' 
we^sh^uid^'off^d'^'th^'in.'^o'  ^^^^  "'^  should  offend  them,  by  giving  an  occasion  to  imagine  that  I  put  any  slight  on  the 
thou  to  the  sea,  and  cast  an  temple,  or  lest  Others  from  my  example  should  in  far  different  circumstances  omit  this 
th°at'''iirst'*cometh"'^upr  and  contribution,  I  Will  not  debate  the  matter,  but  rather  work  a  miracle  than  fail  in  the  pay- 
when  thou  hast  opened  his  mcnt.     Go  therefore  to  the  sea,  and  when  thou  comest  to  the  neighbouring  shore,  throw 
Sf  money  ?"th'at''uife!'ind''live  "*  «  hook,  and  take  the  first  fish  that  comes  up ;  and  when  thou  hast  opened  its  mouth,  thou 
unto  fiem'for  me  and  thee,     shalt  there  fnd  a  piece  of  silver  coin  called  a  stater,  which  it  has  just  swallowed  ;f  take 
that,  and  give  it  to  them  that  collect  the  tribute,  both  /or  tne  and  thee;  for  thou  knowest  it 
will  answer  their  demands  for  both.     Accordingly  Peter  went,  and  having  caught  a  fish, 
he  found  the  money  in  its  mouth,  and  presently  returned  and  paid  it,  according  to  his 
Lord's  command. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  slow  and  untractable  were  the  minds  of  the  apostles,  who  understood  not  these  plain  things,  when  thus  mark 
inculcated  again  and  again  !  But,  on  the  other  hand,  how  much  integrity  does  it  show  in  the  historian,  to  record     IX. 
what  seemed  so  little  to  the  honour  of  himself  and  his  brethren  !  In  this  respect,  and  many  others,  surely  credit  ^■^ 
rises  to  the  gospel,  even  by  occasion  of  the  infirmities  of  those  to  whom  it  was  committed,  and  out  of  weakness 
they  are  made  strong.— The  lenity  of  our  blessed  Lord  was  truly  admirable,  that  he  should  bear  with  such  stupidity 
in  his  disciples  with  so  much  gentleness  and  patience,  and  should,  with  so  much  earnestness,  go  on  to  renew  his    luke 
instructions  to  them.     Let  us,  however,  learn  to  be  upon  our  guard  against  the  prejudices  of  worldly  interest,  since,    ^l- 
as  we  see,  they  may  take  such  strong  hold  of  minds  in  the  main  upright  and  pious.     And  therefore  let  us  earnestly 
pray  that  God  would  give  us  a  greater  relish  for  spiritual  and  eternal  blessings. 

It  cannot  surely  become  us  to" seek  the  grandeur  and  riches  of  this  world,  when  our  blessed  Master  was  so  poor  matt. 
that  he  could  not  pay  this  little  tribute  witliout  having  recourse  to  a  miracle.     Yet  this  he  chooses,  rather  than  to  n-^^^^" 
give  offence  by  a  refusal,  how  justly  soever  he  might  have  pleaded  an  exemption  from  it.    Let  us  learn  from  hence 
that  meekness  of  wisdom,  which  will  teach  us  to  seek  the  interest  of  others  rather  than  our  own  ;  and  to  consider  26 
how  we  may  edify  others  by  the  abundance  of  our  good  works,  rather  than  how  we  may  excuse  ourselves  in  the 
omission  of  any.    That  extent  of  knowledge  and  power  which  our  Lord  displayed  on  this  occasion,  can  never  be 
at  a  loss  for  means  to  repay  whatever  we  may  thus  sacrifice  for  his  sake. 


SECTION  XCIII. 

Christ  reproves  his  apostles  for  tlieir  contention  who  should  be  greatest ;  and  recommends  to  them  humility  and  mortification.    Mark  ix.  33 — 37, 

42,  to  the  end.    Watt,  xviii.  1—9.     Luke  ix.  46^8. 

MAHKix-.33.  ^Ia^K    ix.    33. 

AND  being  in  the  house,  he  NOW  when  Peter  was  returned  from  the  sea-side,  and  had  paid  the  tribute  money  with  sect. 

md  being  in  the  house 


AND  bemg  m  the  house,  he  i^u  w  wncn  retcr  was  returneo  irom  tne  sea-siae,  ana  naa  pam  tne  t 
v^e'dfspu\'iJd'araongyourselves  which  the  fish  had  supplied  him,*  our  Lord,  from  a  late  occurrence  whic 
by  the  way  >      °  among  his  disciples,  took  occasion  to  recommend  humility  to  them :  anc 

with  his  apostles,  that  he  might  naturally  introduce  the  discourse  he  intenHed,  he  asked  mark 

them.  About  rvhat  were  you  disputing  with  each  other  on  the  way  in  so  eager  a  manner,  that  oo  ^' 

I  could  not  forbear  taking  particular  notice  of  it  ? 
34  But    they  held    their      Hut,  instead  of  answering  him  directly,  they  were  confounded  with  the  question,  and  34 
aros^e^ariaso'mngLTO^ngthe^^^  Continued  silent,  being  ashamed  to  confess  the  truth ;  for  as  they  were  travelling  on  the 
anrf ]  they  iiaddfsputed  among  xvay,  a  controversy  urose  among  them,  [«?!(/]  they  had  warmly  debated  the  matter  one  ivith 
should 'tegreate^stHLukelx!  another,  which  of  them  shoiddbe  the  greatest  man  in  that  temporal  monarchy,  which  they 
<6.]         °  assured  themselves  that  Jesus,  as  the  expected  Messiah,  would  erect,  whatever  sufferings 

might  lie  in  the  passage  to  it. 
the^t^o'ught'^ortiie^r'^i^eait,*]      -^'"^  J^'^^^^  perceiving,  notwithstanding  their  silence,  the  secret  thought  of  their  ambitious  35 
sat  down,  and    called    the  heart,  and  observing  the  same  carnality  and  emulation  to  be  still  working  there,  when  he 
K  any'manSsire  to'be''ti7st;  '^"-^  ^"^  dowH,  Called  all  the  tivelve  about  him,!*  and  says  unto  them  with  great  seriousness 
the  same  shall  be  last  of  all]  and  eamestness.  It  is  humility  that  is  the  way  to  honour  in  my  kingdom  ;  and  therefore, 
and  servant  of  all.  [Luke  ix.  -r^^^j^^^  ^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^^  chief  there,  let  him,  in  all  the  offices  of  condescending  friendship  to  his 

brethren,  be  as  the  Imt  of  all,  and  the  servant  of  all. 
Matt,  xviii.  1.  At  the  same      Now  at  the  Same  time,'^  when  the  disciples  were  thus  called,  they  came  to  Jesus,  and  find-  matt. 
&rS,yin|,''who  Is  "?he  ing  that  he  knew  the  subject  of  their  late  debate,  some  of  them  at  'length  took  the  liberty  of  XVUL 
greatest^  m  the  kingdom  of  saying,  Lord,  decide  this  question,  and  tell  us  plainly  who  is  intended  to  be  the  greatest  in 
^^^^" '  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  to  whom  wilt  thou  commit  the  chief  management  of  affairs 

child  rnito  him^  and  [took  and]      And,  when  he  had  answered  the  inquiry  in  the  manner  related  above,  Jesus,  in  order  to  2 
set  him  [Ljjke,  by  him]  in  impress  the  important  maxim  yet  deeper  on  their  minds,  having  called  to  him  a  little  child 
he'^hTd  tak°nhfm'in  hisams"  that  happened  then  to  be  in  the  house  where  they  lodged,  took  and  set  him  by  him  in  the 
he  said^unto  them,]  [Mark  ix.  widst  of  them  ;  and  taking  him  up,  and  embracing  him  in  his  gracious  arms,  in  token  of 
3  Verily^i  say  unto  you,  his  tender  regard,  he  said  unto  them,  I  assuredly  declare  it  to  you  as  a  most  solemn  and  3 

.  f  A  stater,  which  it  has  just  swallowed.]    The  stater  was  (as  appeal's  generally  introduced  each  with  a  brief  hint  at  the  subject  of  the  former  ; 

in  part  from  this  text)  a  piece  of  coin,  in  value  about  ?wo /in/Z-j/ie^e/j,  or,  which,  though  it  makes  the  paraphrase  on  the  first  verse  of  a  section 

according  to  Dr.  Prideaux,  near  three  shillings  of  our  money,  though  most  sometimes  much  longer  than  1  should  otherwise  have  chosen,  yet  I  hope 

critics  reckon  the  i/ie^W  but  about /ia//'-a-fro7(i7j.  (See  Drusius  on  this  verse  may   be  attended  with  advantage    sufficient  to  balance   that  inconve- 

and  the  24th.) — I  see  no  reason,  with  Schmidius,  to  suppose  this  piece  of  nience. 

money  was  created  on  this  occasion  :  but  supposing,  as  m  the  paraphrase,  b  Called  all  the  twelve  about  him.]    It  is  natural  to  suppose  that  twelve 

that  the  lish  had  accidentally  swallowed  it,  (perhaps  as  it  was  falling  into  persons  travelling  together  on  foot  would  form   themselves  into  two  or 

the  water,  near  some  other  prey,)  I  cannot  forbear  remarking  how  illus-  three  little  companies,  while  some  of  them,  no  doubt,  would  be  attend- 

trious  a  degree  of  knowledge  and  power  our  Lord  discovered  in  the  case  ing  Christ,  and  discoursing  with  him  :  but  our  Lord  judged  it  proper, 

before  us;   knowledge,  in  penetrating  into  the  bowels  of  this  animal,  as  "he  was  now  in  the  house,  that  all  the  twelve  should  hear  this  admoni- 

though  m  the  sea ;  and  power,  in  directing  this  particular  fish  to  Peter's  tion,  though  they  might  not  all  have  been  engaged  in  the  dispute  whicti 

hook,  though  he  himself  was  at  a  distance.    Hardly  anv  circumstance  occasioned  it.                                                                                         „          , 

can  be  imagmed  more  fit  to  encourage  him  and  his  brethren  jn  a  firm  c  At  the  same  time.]    By  these  words  Matthew  expressly  hxes  tne 

dependence  on  divine  Providence.    And  it  is  very  natural  to  reflect  how  connexion  between  this  story  and  that  which  concluded  his  seventeentn 

easily  Christ  could,  if  he  had  seen  fit,  have  drawn  up  immense  trea-  chapter.     But  Clarius  seems  to  refine  too  much,  when  he  supposes  mat 

sures,  by  this  very  method,  from  the  heart  of  the  sea :  but  he  intended  Christ's  having  thus  miraculously   provided  for  paying  Peter  s  tribute 

that  his  servants  should  be  enriched  and  adorned  in  a  much  nobler  with  his  own,  gave  umbrage  to  the  rest:  yet  this  precarious  turn  serves 

manner  than  with  pearls  and  costly  array .  the  church  of  Rome  as  an  argument  for  the  supremacy  ot  the  pope  ,  nor 

a  When  Peter  was  returned,  &c.]    In  order  to  remind  those  who  may  is  it  wonderful,  that  in  so  weak  a  cause  they  should  catch  at  sucn  a 

hear  these  sections  read  in  a  family,  of  the  connexion  of  them.  I  have  shadow. 


172  CHRIST  REPROVES  AMBITION  AND  RECOMMENDS  HUMILITY. 

SECT,  important  truth,  That  except  ye  be  converted  and  turned  from  these  ambitious  and  carnal  except  ye  be  converted,  and 
93.     views,  and  become  like  little  children  in  lowliness  and  meekness,  in  a  candid  teachable  shau'^not^eilter'^in^o'the^king- 

temper,  and  an  inditlerence  to  the  great  things  of  the  present  life,  (Psal.  cxxxi.  1,  2.)  you  dom  ot  heaven. 

MATT,  will  be  so  far  from  having  any  distmguished  rank  among  my  subjects,  that  ye  shall  by  no 
XVIII.  jjjgdfjg  so  much  as  enter  at  all  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  or  be  entitled  to  any  of  its  final 

4  blessings.  Whoever  therefore  shall  humble  himself  even  as  this  little  child,  and  act  with  4  Whosoever  therefore  shall 
such  candour,  simplicity,  and  modesty  as  you  see  in  him,  he  is  the  person  that  hereafter  chUd*!' the  "same  i?greatest'in 
will  be  regarded  as  the  greatest  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  will  stand  high  in  its  final  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

5  glories.  And  whosoever  covd'iaWy  shall  entertain  this  child,  [or']  shall  discover  an  affection-  5  And  [Luke,  whosoever 
ate  regard  to  any  one  of  such  little  children,  in  my  name,  and  for  my  sake,  as  one  whom  I  ont'Lf'^suchTiit'tie  fcMidrerTi 
love,  and  recommend  "to  his  care,  entertaineth  me ;  for  I  shall  take  the  kmdness  as  done  in  my  name,  receheth  me'; 
to  myself:  and  I  would  have  you  to  remember,  that  it  shall  not  terminate  even  there,  but  me,'^receheXnot^me''but*^him 
(as  I  have  formerly  told  you.  Matt.  x.  40.  p.  143.)  xvhoever  thus  shall  entertain  and  show  that  sent  me :]  [Luke,  for  he 
a  regard  to  7ne,  entertains  not  me  alone,  but  him  that  sent  me,^  even  my  heavenly  Father,  [[jg*  s\me^'shaif"le^TreatI] 
who  is  honoured  or  affronted  as  I  am  respected  or  slighted.  And  this  regard  to  the  Mark  ix.  37.  Lukei.\.  Is.] 
meanest  of  my  servants,  I  must  urge  upon  you  as  of  the  utmost  importance ;  for  (as  I  just 

now  told  you)  he  that  by  such  a  condescension  is  as  the  least  among  you  all,  he  shall  be 
eminently  grea^  in  my  esteem,  and  be  distinguished  by  peculiar  marks  of  the  divine  favour. 

6  But  whoever  shall  deliberately  do  any  tiling  to  offend,  and  to  occasion  the  fall  of  one  of  e,  But  [whosoever]  shall  of- 
these  little  ones  who  believe  in  me,^  or  of  any  disciple  of  mine,  though  he  may  seem  as  weak  ^''P^  i°b*'r°'  *'''^^*^  ''"'"^  °?^? 
as  this  infant,  will  expose  himself  thereby  to  such  guilt  and  punishment,  that  it  were  better  better  for  him  thaY'a  mUi^ 

for  him  he  should  undergo  the  most  certain  and  terrible  destruction  one  can  imagine,  even  ^°JJ.^  were  hanged  about  his 
that  a  huge  mill-stone^  should  be  hanged  about  his  7ieck,  and  he  should  thus  be  thrown  head-  into  the  sea,  and]  drow^nedfn 
long;  intoUie  sea,%  [and']  there  be  drowned  in  the  depth  ofUt-l  ht  i"^f^  °*  *''^  ^^^'  ^^^'^^ 

7  Woe  unto  the  ivorld,  because  of  such  offences  or  scandals  as  these ;  for  they  will  bring  7  Woe  unto  the  world  be- 
upon  it  the  most  dreadful  judgments  :  indeed,  considering  the  corruption  and  weakness  of  needs  be°tlfaToff^^n'ceVco'me*- 
mankind,  and  the  various  temptations  with  which  they  are  surrounded,  it  is,  humanly  but  woe  to  that  man  by  whom 
speaking,  necessary,  or  unavoidable,  that  offences  come;  but  I  may  well  say.  Woe  to  that  7nan  "'^  oheace  cometh. 

by  whnni  the  offence  cometh,  whoever  he  be,  that  by  avarice,  ambition,  or  any  other  vicious 
affection,  lays  a  stumbling-block  in  men's  way,  and  makes  himself  accessary  to  the  ruin  of 
immortal  souls,  tempting  them  either  to  renounce  or  to  despise  the  gospel;  for  the  time 
will  come  when  he  shall  bitterly  repent  it. 

8  Wherfore,  let  me  renew  the  exhortation  which  I  formerly  gave  you.  Rather  to  submit  8  wherefore  if  thy  hand- 
to  the  severest  mortifications,  than  to  indulge  your  sinful  inclinations  to  the  scandal  of  casnv  fro^m  the"':  u 'is' better 
others,  and  to  your  own  ruin :  and,  as  I  then  told  you  in  my  sermon  on  the  mount,''  (see  for  thee  to  enter  into  life— 
on  Matt.  v.  30.  p.  80.)  //'  thy  right  hand  offend  thee,  that  is,  if  any  thing  dear  unto  thee  as  uv^oTands,"  [to'^go  hlto^'idf 
a  right  hand  should  be  tlie  means  of  leading  thee  into  sin,  ratlierthan  indulge  it  cut  it  off,  j"'"  ""^  {'■'e  that  never  shall 
anrf  ««/ [/i]^n)7H  Mee,  whatever  pain  or  deformity,  or  other  detriment,  might  follow  from  ^'i"'^"'-'*  '■^  ^^  '"■  -J 
such  a  loss ;  for  it  is  much  better  for  thee  to  enter  maimed  into  eternal  life,  than  having  two 

hands  to  go  down  into  the  prison  of  hell,  even  into  that  fire  rvhich  shall  never  be  extinguished: 
MARK    Whcir  their  corroding  and  upbraiding  conscience  is  as  a  worm  which  dieth  not,^  but,  with     Mark  ix.  44.   Where  their 
i-^-     unutterable  anguish,  still  gnaws  upon  the  heart ;  and  where  the  fire  of  divine  wrath,  which  i^Hi""  quenched.  ^"'^  ^^  ^* 
'*'*  shall  penetrate  into  the  very  soul  of  the  sinner,  is  not  and  shall  not  be  quenched  throughout 
all  the  endless  ages  of  eternity. 

45  And  again,  if  thy  foot  offend  thee,  cut  it  off  with,  as  much  resolution  as  thou  wouldst  45  And  if  thy  foot  oflFend 
part  with  a  gangrened  member  for  the  preservation  of  thy  life;  for  something  yet  more  lilee' to' inter  half  hito^life"^ 
important  is  here  concerned,  and  it  is  better  for  thee  to  enter  lame  into  the  regions  of  than  having  two  feet,  to  be 
eternal  life  and  blessedness,  though  thou  wast  "ever  to  continue  so,''  than  having  ttcofeet  Sat  nelershai'i  bequenche*d1 

46  to  be  cast  into  the  inextinguislmble  fre  of  hell ;  Where  their  tormenting  woi-m  dieth  not  j  and  [Matt,  xviii.  8.] 

where  the  fire  is  not  quenched,  nor  the" violence  of  its  heat  abated  through  all  the  ages  of  no{faIyd^'hefirc7snotTuenc^I^ 
eternity.  ed.' 

47  Aiid,  to  repeat  so  wholesome  and  necessary  an  admonition  a  third  time,  If  thine  eye  47  And  if  thine  eye  offend 
off'end  thee,  or  would  necessarily  be  the  means  of  leading  thee  into  sin,  choose  rather  wi'th  ♦[|ee,pluckit  out,  [and  cast  iV 

. Y  •  1,       J     i      ,  ■.         ,      r-  ■  1  1  •  ^1  ,1  1   t'om   thee  :J   it   is  better   tor 

tlune  own  hands  to  tear  it  out  ot  its  socket,  and  to  cast  it  uwai/  from  thee  as  an  abhorred  thee  to  enter  into  the  kingdom 
thing,  than,  by  complying  with  the  temptation,  to  hazard  thy  far  more  precious  soul ;  for  oue*^ye',\rathir]°than'ilavmg 
it  is  far  better  for  thee  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God,  [or]  into  everlasting  life  and 
blessedness,  with  but  one  eye,  even  though  the  other  were  not  to  be  restored  at  the  resur- 
rection, but  the  blemish  were  to  continue  for  ever,  than  having  two  eyes,  and  all  the  other 

_  d  F.nlertains  not  me  aXone,  hit  him  that  sent  me.]    Here  Christ  was  and  it  is  observable,  that  some  of  the  ancients  expressed  the  same  thought 

interrupted   by   a  speech  of  John,  related   Mark   ix.   38 — 41.  which  is  by  saying,  tUM  l/ie  marnw  ofthe  Imck-hone  (\\A,  in  a  wicked  man,  turn 

paraphrased  and  explained  below,  in  }  06.  where  1  have  accounted,  in  iuto  a  huge  and  tierce  serpent ;   thereby  intimating,  (by  a  much  finer 

note  a,  tor  placing  it  apart.  figure  than  .T.lian,  who  reports  it,  understood,)  that  their  own  thoiight 

e  tihall  offend  one  of  these  little  ones,  S.c.']  To  off'end  a  person  generally  slioidd  be  their  torment,  and  they  should  be  unable  to  disarm  it  by  those 
signihes,  (as  was  observed  before,  p.  80.  note  c)  lai/inr/  a  shimhling-  artifices  which  had  prevailed  in  the  present  life.  .See  .T.lian, //;>/.  Wnm. 
Ww*j»//u  aiffi/;  so  that  any  who  should  by  a  scandalous  life  lea<l  others  lib.  i.  cap.  ."jl.  an<l  Gatakcr,  Antonin.  lib.  viii.  ^  58. — Since  the  first 
to  think  ill  ot  the  christian  profession  in  general,  or  should  by  persecu-  edition  of  this  work,  I  have  met  with  an  explication  of  these  words  in 
tion  discourage  the  weak,  or  by  sophistry,  bad  example,  or  otherwise,  Er.  Hymer's  Representation  of  Revealed  Religion,  p.  155.  so  new  tome, 
pervert  them  from  the  way  of  truth  and  goodness,  would  fall  under  the  and  at  the  same  time  so  considerable,  that  I  could  not  forbear  mention- 
weight  ot  this  terrible  sentence.  ing  it.     lie  supposes,  that  both  the  teorm  and  the  fire  are  meant  of  the 

f  4  huge  nnll-stone.]    So  I  render  u.v'Soi  owkoc,  which  (as  Erasmus,  body,  and  refer  to  the  two  different  ways  of  funeral  ainong  the  ancients, 

Grotius,  Haphelms,  and  many  others  observe)  properly  signifies  a  mill-  interment  and  burning.    So  that  our  Lord  may  seem  here"  to  prevent  an 

stone  too  large  to  be  turned,  as  some  were,  by  the  hand,  and  requiring  objection  against  the  permanent  misery  of  the  wicked  in  hell,  arising 

the  force  of  asses  to  move  it ;  as  it  seems  those  animals  were  generally  from  the  frail  constitution  of  the  body  ;  as  if  he  should  have  said;  "  The 

used  by  the  .Tews  on  this  occasion.    See  Raphel.  Antiot.  Ae«.  p.  46.  .  body  will  not  then  be  as  it  is  at  present,  but  will  be  incapable  of  con- 

_  g  Thrown\ieAa\m\^,intothe  .sea.]    Casaubon  and  Eisner,  ((Mjerr.  vol.  sumption  or  dissolution.     In  its  natural  .state,  Me  aormj- may  devour  the 

I.  p.  85.)  not  to  mention  others,  have  shown  at  large,  that  drumming  in  whole,  and  die  for  want  of  nourishtiicnt ;  the  fire  may  consume  it,  and 

the  sea  was  a  punishment  frequently  used  among  the  ancients,  and  that  be  extinguished  for  want  of  fuel  :  but  there  shall  be  perpetual  food  for 

the  persons  condemned   had  sometimes  heavy  stones  tied  about  their  the  u'orm  that  corrodes  '\\,  perpetual  fvel  for  the  fire  that  torments  it." 

necks,  or  were  rolled  up  m  sheets  of  lead.     It  seems  to  have  grown  into  The  words  of  the  Apocryphal  writer  above  mentioned,  Judith  xvi   17 

a  proverb  tor  dreadful  and  inevitable  ruin.  greatly   illustrate  this  interpretation;  where  it  is  said,  'Vhe  Lord  Al- 

h  As  1   told  you  in  my  sermon  on  the  mount.]    It  will,  I  hope,  be  mighty  vill  take  vengeance  on  the  wicked  in  the  day  of  judgment,  pultini/ 

observed,  that  IMatthew,  who  had  before  so  largely  recorded  that  ser-  fi're  and  aorms  ijito  their  flesh ;  and  they  shall  feel  them,  and  weep  for 

mon.  mves  us  again  this  passage  of  it  on  the  present  occasion ;  which  is  eier. 

one  proof  among  many  others,  that  our  Lord  did  not  think  it  improper  k  Though  thou  wast  ever  to  continue  so.]    It  is  certain  no  man  will 

or  unnecessary,  sometimes  to  repeat  what  he  had  then  said  '.  (see  p.  89,  enter  into  life  halt,  maimed,  or  blind,  as  the  bodies  of  the  saints  will  be 

note  e.)    AnrI,  considering  the  importance  of  these  maxims,  ami  how  restored  in  the  greatest  perfection.     I   know   indeed,   that,  with  some 

little  many  of  his  hearers  were  disposed  to  receive  and  retain  them,  it  latitude  in  the  expression,  he  may  be  said  to  enter  halt  or  maimed  into 

was  a  valuable  instance  ot  his  compassion  and  wisdom.  life,  whose  spirit  passes  from  a  dismembered  body  into  the  regions  of  the 

.  I    Where  their — conscience  is  as  a  ziiorm  which  dieth  not.]    There  may  blessed  ;  but  it  seems  to  me,  that  the  propriety  of  the  phrase  is  most 

indeed  bean  allusion  hereto  Isa.  Ixvi.  2-1.  (compare  Ecchis.  vii.  17.  and  exactly  preserved,  by  taking  it  as  in  the  paraphrase,  and  the  spirit  of 

Judith  XVI.  17.)  but  the  expression  had  been  just  and  proper  without  it :  the  tliouglit  is  greatly  increased  by  that  interpretation. 


OUR  LORD  INCULCATES  HUlVnUITY  AND  CONDESCENSION.  173 

two  eyes  to  be  cnst  into  hell-  members  of  thy  bodv  in  the  greatest  perfection,  to  be  cast  into  hell,  where  they  will  all  be  SECT, 

fire :  [Matt,  xviii.  9.]  full  of  miutterable  anguish,  beinof  tormented  with  everlasting /i/'e ;  In  that  dreadful  prison  93 

48  Where  their  worm  dieth      ....  f  .        '  ,       t^,  ,,  •  i      "•'■    n    ..    ■  ,.    ..       r^ 


not. 


and^the^'Vre'^Ts    not  of  divine  vengeance,  where  (as  I  have  told  you  again  and  again)  their  worm  dieth  not,  and  ■ 


quenched.  the  fire  is  not  quenched  nor  abated,  but  preys  perpetually  on  the  miserable  sinner  that  is  mark 

49  For  every  one  shall  be  Condemned  to  it.     For  as  the  flesh  burnt  upon  the  altar  has  salt  rubbed  upon  it,  in  con-  .g^-"^- 
salted  with  hre,  and  every  sequence  of  which  it  bums  SO  much  the  more  fiercely,  so  every  one  of  those  unhappy 
sacrifice  shall  be  salted  with  ^^^^^^^^^^  t^g  victims  of  divine  justicc,  shall  be  (as  it  were)  salted  with  fire  ;\and,  instead  df 

being  consumed  by  it,  shall,  m  those  wretched  abodes,  continue  immortal  m  the  midst  of 
their  flames  ;  whereas  every  acceptable  sacrifice  shall  be  seasoned  with  another  kind  of  salt,"' 
even  that  of  divine  grace,  "which  purifies  the  soul,  and  preserves  it  from  corruption. 

50  Salt  is  2ood :  but  if  the      In  allusion  to  this,  you,  my  disciples,  may  remember,  I  have  formerly  called  you  the  50 
salt  have  lo'st   his  saltness,  gait  of  the  earth  ;  (Matt.  V.  13.  p.  77.)  and,  as  salt  is  a  very  gooc^  thing,  so  will  you,  if  you 
Hat'e  salt  in  yourslfveT.Vnd  answer  that  character,  be  inestimable  blessings  to  the  world,  by  purifying  and  preserving 
have  peace  one  with  another.  [^  from  corruption,  and  diff"using  the  savour  of  that  knowledge  and  grace  with  which  you 

are  seasoned  :  but,  as  I  added  then,  if  the  salt  itself  be  grown  insipid,  ivith  what  xvill  you 
season  it  ?  or  what  can  restore  you,  if  vou  are  corrupted,  who  sliould  be  the  means  of 
curing  or  restoring  others  ?  See" to  it,  therefore,  that  you  have  this  excellent  salt  in  your- 
selves ;  and,  as  one  instance  of  it,  be  careful  to  maintain  peace  with  each  other,  and  do  not 
give  way  to  those  very  unbecoming  disputes  and  emulations  which  have  been  the  occasion 
of  my  present  discourse. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  deey)ly  is  pride  rooted  in  the  heart  of  fallen  man,  when  neither  the  daily  instructions  or  edifying  example  m.^tt. 
of  the  humble  Jesus  could  prevent  it  from  appearing,  even  among  the  apostles  themselves,  in  so  mean  and  un-  XVlli. 
worthy  a  manner !  Still  did  worldly  interest  and  grandeur  so  intoxicate  their  minds,  that  they  seemed  even  against 
hope  to  have  hoped  for  it,  and  to  have  found  out  a  stranre  kind  of  method  of  grafting  these  expectations  even  on 
the  very  cross  of  Christ,  which  was  intended  to  destroy  them. 

How  edifying  and  affijcting  are  these  lessons  which  the  meek  and  lowly  Redeemer  gave  us,  with  this  little  child  mark 
in  his  arms,' whose  example  we  are  required  to  copy?  Lord,  give  us  of  thy  regenerating  grace,  that  we  may  do  it;     IX. 
that  we  may  be  converted,  and  become  as  little  children,  free  from  avarice  and  ambition,  malice  and  prejudice !  •^" 
How  melancholy  is  it  to  thhik,  that  many,  who  have  by  their  office  been  employed  to  read  and  explain  this  lesson  matt. 
to  others,  and  who  have  not  been  children  in  understanding,  seem  to  have  learnt  so  little  of  it  themselves,  as  if  it  ?^^^^- 
had  never  been  at  all  intended  for  that  order  of  men,  to  whom  indeed  it  was  immediately  addressed  !  If  there  be 
any  such  yet  remaining  in  the  Christian  ministry,  let  them  seriously  weigh  the  woe  denounced  on  that  man  by 
whom  the  offence  cometh.     May  the  infinite  mercies  of  God  be  extended  to  all  professing  christians  who  give  them-  7 
selves  up  to  worldly  pursuits  and  projects  ;  and  especially  to  those  who  make  the  church  of  Christ  only  a  kind  of 
porch  to  the  temple  of  Mammon,  and  the  sacred  office  itself  merely  a  convenient  vehicle  for  swallowing  down  riches 
and  honours !    May  divine  grace  deliver  us  from  such  fatal  snares,  and  form  us  to  that  self-denial  and  mortifi- 
cation, without  which  we  cannot  be  the  true  disciples  of  Christ ;  but,  after  having  pierced  ourselves  through  with 
many  unnecessary  sorrows  here,  shall  plunge  ourselves  deep  into  eternal  perdition  ! 

May  these  repeated  and  dreadful  representations  of  future  misery,  which  we  have  now  been  reading,  impress  our  mark 
souls  in  a  becoming  manner!  Blessed  Jesus  !  thou  bringest  good  tidings  ;  yet  which  of  the  prophets  under  the  ^^_^q 
legal  dispensation  ever  represented  the  terrors  of  the  Lord  in"  so  awful  a  light  as  that  in  which  thou  hast  placed 
them !  Let  none  of  thy  ministers  be  afraid  to  imitate  thee  herein !  nor  let  any  of  thy  followers  presume  to  censure 
them  for  it !  May  we  all  be  effectually  warned  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come  ;  and,  as  we  would  not  another  day 
be  salted  with  fire,  may  our  hearts  now  be  seasoned  with  thy  grace !  and  may  we,  by  a  modest  and  peaceful,  a  49 
benevolent  and  useful,  life,  be  daily  bearing  a  testimony  to  it,  and,  as  the  salt  of  the  earth,  may  we  be  labouring  to  50 
cure  the  growing  corruption  of  the  world  about  us  ! 


SECTION  XCIV. 

Our  Lord  further  enforces  condescension  and  humility,  and  gives  rules  for  the  accommodation  of  disputes  and  offences  among  christicins.    Matt. 

xviii.  10—20. 

Matt,  xviii.  10.  Matt.   xviii.   10. 

TAKE  heed  that  ye  despise  FURTHER  to  promote  the  humility  and  moderation  of  his  disciples,  our  Lord  proceeded  sect. 
fo°r  i"slyVnto°^you!'Th°aTm  i"  the  discourse  which  he  began  (as  in  the  former  section)  with  the  little  child  in  his  arms,     94. 

heaven  their  angels  do  always  and  Said,  Take  Special  heed  that  you  despise  not  one  of  these  little  ones,  or  that  you  do  not 

whkh*i^''h/hea\°en.'"'*'  ^'^^^"  cast  contempt  on  the  weakest  and  meanest  of  my  servants,  nor  slight  even  the  soul  of  a  matt. 
child  ;  for  I  say  unto  you,  that  their  attendant  angels,  while  in  heaven,  do  incessantly  behold  A  ^"- 
the  face  of  my  heavenly  Father  ;^  and  if  the  highest  courtiers  in  the  world  above  do  not 
11  For  the  Son  of  man  is  disdain,  on  proper  occasions,  to  minister  unto  them,  much  less  should  you  disdain  it.    Espe-  1 1 
cially  when  you  consider  how  much  greater  an  instance  of  condescension  you  have  con- 

1  Shall  be  Salted  with  fire.']    Grotius,  Spanheim,  Gataker,   Le  Clerc,  covenant  of  salt  ;  Kumb.  xviii.  19.    I  should  rather  think  it  intended  as 

and    Dr.   Will,  have  abundantly  answered   the  favourite  criticism  of  a   circumstance  of  decency,  that  the  meat  of  God's  table  should  be 

Scaliscr,  by  which  he  would  here  read  Trupia  instead  of  wupi,  that  it  salted ;  and  conclude  that,  it"  it  had  any  emblematical  meaning,  it  was 

might  be  rendered.  Every  offering  made  by  fire  shall  he  salted. — The  to  recommend  to  the  worshipper  an   incorrupt  heart,  seasoned   with 

learneil  and  laborious  Wolfius  has  proposed  a  multitude  of  interpreta-  savoury  sentiments  of  wisdom  and  piety.    Sinners  are  elsewhere  repre- 

tions  on  this  text.    He  and  Jlons.  L'Enfant  think  it  refers  to  the  fiery  senteil  as  the  victims  of  divine  justice.    (Isa.  sixxiv.  6.  .Ter.  xii.  .3   xlvi. 

trial  through  which  christians  must  expect  to  pass;   but  this  neither  10.   Kzek.  xxi.  9,  10.  and  xxxix.  17.)    And  good  men  (as  in  the  end  of 

seems  a  natural  sense  of  the  phrase  itself,  nor  does  it  so  well  suit  the  this  verse)  are  represented  in  another  view,  with  regard  to  their  conse- 

context,  by  which  it  should  seem  to  be  a  reason  why  the  infernal  fi) e  is  cration  to  God,  as  acceptable  sacrifices.  Rom.  xii.  1.  xv.  16.    Compare 

never  quenched.    I   know  it  mav  be  answered,  that  it  is,  however,   a  1  Pet.  ii.  5. 

reason   why   the  disciples  should  practise   the   mortification  required  a  Their  attendant  angels,  while  in  heaven,  Sfc]    The  fathers  looked 

above  ;  but  it  seems  desirable,  where  it  can  be  done,  to  interpret  tlie  on  this  as  an  argument  that  each  good  man  has  his  particular  guardian 

particles  in  their  most  usual  sense,  though  sometimes  it  is  necessar.v  Cas  angel.    tSee  Suicer.  Thesaur.  vol.  i.  p.  43.)    And  Grotius  also  seems  to 

we  have  elsewhere  observed,  p.  99,  riote^i.)  to  recede  from  it.    'lo  sup-  allow  the  force  of  it.    I  apprehend  this  passage  rather  intimates,  that 

pose,  as  Dr.  Clarke  and  some  others. do,  that  here  is  a  reference  to  the  the  angels,  who  sometimes  attend  the  little  om«  spoken  of,  at  other  times 

ambiauity    of  the   Hebrew  word   n'5'D],   whicti   signifies  either  to    be  stand  in  God's   immediate  presence;  and  consequently  that  dineient 

salted  or  conmmed,  seems  very  unwarrantable  :  since  a^iaiinat-rai.  has  angels  are  at  different  times  employed  in  this  kind  othce,  if  it  be  in- 

no  such  ambiguity  ;  not  to  say  how  much  it  would  impair  the  force  of  cessantly  performed.    The  general  sense  is  plain,  that  the  highest  ansels 

the  sentence,  leading  to  an  idea  the  very  contrary   to  what  Christ  had  do  not  disdain,  on  proper  occasions,  to  perform  services  ot  protection 

suggested  above  no  less  than  three  times.  and  friendship  for  the  meanest  christian  ;  but,  as  St.  Paul  says,  tney  are 

m  Every  sacrifice  shall  be  seasoned  with  salt.]    It  is  well  known  that  all  ministering  spirits  sent  forth  to  minister  to  the  heirs  of  salvation.  (Men. 

the  Mosaic  law  required  this.    8ee  Lev.  ii.  1.3.— Ileinsius  thinks,  that  as  i.  14.)    I  say,  the  highest ;  because  to  behold  the  face  of  Oodnmy  signify 

salt  contracts  and  binds,  it  was  therefore  used  as  an  emblem  of  friend-  waiting  near  his  throne,  and  be  an  allusion  to  the  othce  ot  chiet  ministers 

ship,  which  he  supposes  our  Lord  afterwards  to  refer  to  ;  and  that  it  was  in  earthly  courts,  who  daily  converse  \vith  their  princes,    see  Grotius  ; 

tlie  foundation  of  the  figure  by  which  a  perpetual  engagement  is  called  a  and  compare  2  Sam.  xvi.  19.  1  Kings  xii.  6.  Esth.  i.  14.  and  mRe  i.  19. 


If4  OUR  LORD  INCULCATES  HUMILITY  AND  CONDESCENSION. 

SECT,  tinually  before  you,  than  it  is  possible  even  the  angels  should  give ;  for  the  Son  of  man  come  to  save  that  which  was 
94.     himself,'*  that  great  and  illustrious  Personage,  came  not,  as  many  have  imagined,  to  reign  '°^'- 
■  and  triumph  upon  earth,  but  by  all  the  offices  of  humility  and  endearment  to  save  that 


MATT,  which  was  lost  and  undone ;  and  he  takes  a  gracious  and  constant  oversight  of  the  least,  as 

■^^^19  ^^^'  ^^  *^^  greatest,  of  his  redeemed  ones.  (Compare  Luke  xix.  10.  sect,  cxliii.)  What  do     le  How  think  ye?  If  a  man 

^^  yoM  think  would  be  the  conduct  of  a  faithful  shepherd  ?  If  a  man  had  a  flock  of  an  hundred  one^oMhem'be^'gonrStray'! 

sheep,  and  but  one  of  them  should  wander  from  the  rest,  would  he  not  leave  the  ninety-inne  doth  he  not  leave  the  ninety 

in  their  pasture  or  fold  on  the  mountains,'^  and  go  out  with  the  most  solicitous  care  and  mmint'"ins'''aiid  °s'e'eket'li°that 

13  labour  to  seek  that  which  is  gone  astraij  1  And  if  he  happen  tofnd  it,  I  assuredli/  say  unto  which  is  gone  astray  ? 
you,  that  he  will  bring  it  back  with  greater  pleasure,  and  the  recovery  of  it  will  give  him  a  it.^vediy  i^say  unto^'you,  He 
more  sensible joj/,  than  the  safety  of  the  ninety-nine  which  had  not  wandered  at  all.    (Com-  rejoiceth  more  of  that  sheep, 

14  pare  Luke  xv.  4,  5.  sect,  cxxii.)  Even  so  the  love  and  tenderness  of  God  for  those  who  whiVn°we\'lt  not'astiay'.''  """^ 
are  regarded  by  him  as  his  children  is  such,  that  you  may  be  assured  it  is  not  the  will  of  i4  Even  so,  it  is  not  the  will 
your  heavenly  Father  that  any  one  of  these  little  ones  should  be  lost,  for  want  of  your  care  hL^ven^hlfone  of'the'se  fitt'le 
"in  attending  it,  or  through  your  negbgence  in  seeking  its  recovery.  ones  should  peiish. 

15  And  as,  in  order  to  the  recovery  of  your  weaker  brethren,  admonition  will  frequently  be  i5  Jioreover,  if  thy  brother 
necessary,  let  me  lay  down  a  rule  which,  when  larger  societies  are  formed  among  you,  it  |nd  teYfh?m1ifs^fauitbet''ween 
will  be  of  great  importance  to  attend  to  with  the  utmost  care :  If  thou  shalt  know  thy  thee  and  him  alone  -.  if  he 
brother  to  be  guilty  of  a  fault,  and  he  shall  sin  against  thee,  go  and'reprove  him  in  the  most  |atned 'thy  brother"''*"  ^^^ 
convincing,  yet  the  most  gentle,  manner  that  thou  canst ;  ^  and  that  he  "may  take  it  the  better, 

let  it  be  done  between  thee  and  him  alone :  if  he  will  hear  thee  with  due  reg'ard,  it  is  well, 
for  by  this  means  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother ;  he  will  return  to  the  way  of  his  duty,  and 
the  friendship  between  you  will  thus  be  established  on  firmer  foundations  than  ever,  in 
consequence  of  this  substantial  token  of  thy  impartial  sincerity  and  frankness  of  temper. 

16  (Compare  Prov.  xxviii.  23.)  But  if  he  will  not  hearketi  \to  thee,^  take  with  thee  one  or  le  Bnt  if  he  will  not  hear 
hvo  more,  who  are  persons  of  character  and  reputation  in  the  society,  that  their  presence  ""^f'  '''"^  '^'jf  with  thee  one 

,  ,'  ,  •    1  .  .      ,1  1  -x-  •  J  1         r  •  -.1         ,   '     -1  or  two  more,  that  m  the  mouth 

may  add  greater  weight  to  the  admonition  given,  and  may  be  oi  service,  either  to  silence  of  two  or   three   witnesses 
his  objections,  and  bring  him  to  a  sense  of  his  fault,  or  to  prevent  disputes,  and  justify  thy  *^^'">'  "^^^^  '"*>'  ''*  estabiish- 
conduct,  if  the  matter  should  be  carried  further ;  as  in  the  mouth  of  tivo  or  three  tvitnesses 
every  word  may  be  established  more  effectually  than  it  could  otherwise  have  been.     (See 

17  Deut.  xix.  1.5.)  Hut  if  he  shall  be  still  incorrigible  in  his  fault,  and  disregard  them  in  the  17  And  if  he  shall  neglect 
advice  they  offer  him  for  peace,  then  tell  it  to  the  whole  church,''  or  society  of  worshipping  chu'rch'^*but''i(*he'ne"iect^'to 
christians  to  which  he  belongs,  and  among  whom  he  has  immediate  communion  in  gospel  hear  the  church,  let  him  be 
ordinances  ;  and  j/'they  concur  in  any  admonition  to  the  offender,  and  he  be  so  far  harHened  aSdVpTbUca*"  '^^^'*'*°  ""^ 
as  to  disregard  the  whole  church,  or  society  of  christians,  you  have  then  done  your  utmost 

to  reclaim  nim ;  and  while  he  continues  in  this  obstinate  temper,  you  will  do  well  to  enter 
your  protest  against  it,  by  forbearing  any  intimate  friendship  with  such  a  person  ;  and  let 
him  therefore  in  this  case  be  to  thee  even  as  a  heathen  and  a  publican,  or  other  most  notori- 
ous sinner,f  to  whom  you  would  perform  only  the  common  offices  of  humanity,  but  would 
avoid  his  intimate  society  as  scandalous,  and  to  whom  you  are  not  under  those  peculiar 
obligations  whereby  christian  brethren  are  bound  to  each  other. 

18  These  are  the  maxims  which  you,  my  apostles,  are  to  inculcate  on  my  other  followers,  is  Veriiy  i  say  unto  you, 
and  let  them  see  to  it,  that  they  daily  regard  you  ;  for  verily  I  say  unto  you,  You  shall  be  earth'^slfairbe^oiHid  'luliea" 
furnished  with  such  divine  illumination  and  assistance,  as  shall  abundantly  confirm  the  v'en ;  and  whatsoever  ye  shall 
authority  of  your  decisions  on  every  case  and  question  which  may  occur ;  and  fully  prove  Sn^heaven  ^'^"'  ^'"*"  ^^  '°°^*'' 
(as  I  formerly  told  you)  that  whatsoever  you  shall  bind,  even  in  this  course  of  your  humble 

ministry,  on  earth,  shall  be  bound  in  heaven ;  and  whatsoever  you  shall  loose  on  earth,  shall 
be  loosed  in  heaven.     (See  note  h,  on  Matt.  xvi.  19.  p.  163  ) 

19  And  further,  as  a  convincing  token  and  demonstration  of  this,  I  say  unto  yon.  That  this  19  Again  T  say  unto  you, 
authority  and  power  not  only  shall  attend  the  actions  of  your  whole  united  body,  but  even  Timtif  two  of  you  shall  agree 

•  /•  .  •'  ,.  '  I     II  ■'  ,        ,11  ,1  •  J}  •  J  •   I    ,1  1     71  on    earth    as    touchmg    any 

If  any  two  of  you  shall  ugi-ee  together  here  on  earth,?  concerning  anif  thing  wtiich  they  shall  thing  that  they  shall  ask,  it 
think  it  proper  to  ask  in  prayer,  for  the  miraculous  confirmation  of  any  of  their  determina-  ?j?^.''  ""^  ''"."^  for  them  ot  my 

„_  . •  -i     I    "/I  7      ■  1'     I-'     I  /•       ,»  1  -n   w        -1  1, -^    -n  7  1      .   i         Father  which  IS  m  heaven. 

20  tions,  it  shall  be  immediately  done  for  them  by  my  lather  in  heaven.*^  ior  where  but  txvo  20  For  where  two  or  three 
or  three  are  assembled  in  mij  name,  with  a  resrard  to  my  authority,  and  to  tlie  purpose  of  my  ="■«  gathered  together  m  my 

,  ,  ,  ,..'  '  .        ,         -S'  ,        J,  -11  1   '•     '     -i  1  name,  there  am  1  m  the  midst 

glory,  whatever  the  peculiar  occasion  be,  1  am  therr,  by  my  special  though  invisible  pre-  of  them. 
sence,  in  the  midst  of  them,  and  will  show,  by  all  proper  interposition  of  my  divine  power, 
the  regard  I  have  to  their  interest  and  their  prayers. 

b  For  the  Son  of  man  himself.!    The  particle  for  here   introduces  are  at  last  to  be  gathered  together  in  the  presence  of  Christ  their  head, 

another  reason  to  enforce  the  caution  not  to  despise  these  little  ones,  and  (Q  Ihess.  ii.  1.)  and  to  dwell  for  ever  with  each  other  and  with  him. 

not  apronfot'  t/ieir  angels  beholding  God's  face.  See  note  d,  on  Luke  xi.  (1  'Chess,  iv.  17.)    Compare  Ma:t.  xvi.  ]R.  Eph.  i.  22.  iii.  10,  v.  24.  and 

36.  p.  121.  Col.  i.  18,  24. — According  to  Bishop  Stillingfleet's  interpretation  of  this 

,c  Leave  the  ninel!/-nine  on  the  mountains.]    The  original   will   bear  text  (in  his  Irenicum,  book  ii.  chap.  5.  5  8.)'if  should  be  rendered.  Tell 

either  this  construction,  or  that  which  is  given  in  our  common  transia-  tt  to  an  a.fsem/>/p,  or  a  select  company.     But  it  is  certain,  the  force  of 

tion  ;  but  1  have  rather  chosen  to  express  it  thus,  as  most  agreeable  to  the  article  is  better  preserved  by  our  version  ;  and  as  undoubtedly  it 

what  we  find  in  T.uke,  chap.  xv.  4.  5  122.  must  be  an  assembly  of  christians,  (compare  1  Cor.  vi.  1.)  so  no  intcr- 

d  i^sprcie /i;>«  in  the  most  convincing — manner  that  thou  canst.]    The  pretation  seems  so  natural,  as  that  it  snould  be  that  assembly  which 

word  eXefoi/  signifies  to  convince  as  well  as  to  admonish.  Compare  ,lohn  was  under  a  peculiar  obligation  to  watch  over  the  person  in  question, 

viii.  9,  46.  xvi.  8.  1  Cor.  xiv.  24.  Tit.  i.  9.  and  .lames  ii.9. —  I  he  reader  (compare  1  Cor.  v.  12,  13.  and  2  Ihess.  iii.  14,  15.)  and  that  whose 

will  observe,  I  often  choose  to  give  the  full  force  of  a  word  in  the  para-  advices  and  remonstrances  he  was  peculiarly  obliged  to  hear.     And  this 

phrase,  rather  than  greatly  to  increase  the  number  of  words  in  the  ver-  was  likewise  conformable  to  the  usase  of  tlie  Jews,  who  admonished 

sion,  though  so  increased  they  might  express  no  more  than  is  expressed  offenders  in  their  synagogues,  and  to  many  of  llieir  maxims,  which  com- 

in  a  single  word  or  two  in  the  Greek.  mentators  mention  on  this  text.    See  Lightfoot's  Hor.  Heir,  in  loc.  and 

e  Tell  it  to  the  whole  church.]  This  is  one  of  those  many  scriptures  Selden,  de  Syned.  lib.  1.  cap.  9. 
which  would  have  been  very  intelligible,  if  they  had  not  been  learnedly  f  As  a  heathen  and  a  publican,  or  other  most  notorious  sinner.]  If  I 
obscured  by  ingenious  men,  whose  interest  it  has  been  to  spread  a  cloud  am  not  much  mistaken,  that  celebrated  text  in  Titus  relating  to  heretics, 
over  them.  I  am  more  and  more  convinced,  that  the  vulgar  sense  of  the  (chap.  iii.  10.)  which  requires  that  a  man  who  disturbs  the  peace  or  sub- 
New  Testament,  that  is,  the  sense  in  which  an  honest  man  of  plain  sense  verts  the  faith  of  his  christian  brethren,  should  he  tuicc  admonished,  and 
would  take  it  on  his  first  reading  the  original,  or  any  good  translation,  then  discarded  by  the  society,  may  be  much  illustrated  by  this  passaae. 
is  almost  every  where  the  true  general  sense  of  any  passaae  ;  though  an  When  such  a  case  occurs,  (as  well  as  when  an  offended  brother  has  just 
acquaintance  with  language  and  antiquity,  with  an  attentive  meditation  cause  of  complaint,)  each  particular  person  concerned  must  judge  as  well 
on  the  text  and  context,  may  illustrate  tlie  spirit  and  energy  of  a  multi-  as  he  can  ;  remembering  he  is  answerable  to  Christ  for  the  impartiality 
tude  of  places,  in  a  manner  which  could  not  otherwise  be  learned.    The  of  such  judgment. 

old  English  editions  of  15.19  and  1511  render  it.  Tell  it  to  the  congrega-  g  If  any  t?io  of  you  shall  agree  together  here  on  earth.]    The  text  so 

tion  ;  and,  I  think,  properly  enough. — The  word  church  is  unhappily  expressly  refers  to  agreeing  in  a  petition,  that  I  wonder  the  learned  and 

grown  into  a  term  of  art,  and  has  by  different  persons  a  variety  of  judicious  editors  of  the  Prussian  Testament  should  render  it,  Jf  any  two 

secondary  ideas  annexed  to  it ;  as  Dr.  Watts  has  beautifully  shown  in  0/  you  shall  live  on  earth  in  a  good  understanding  -,iith  each  other.    Per- 

his  Essay  mi  Uncharitableness,  p.  7 — 10.     But  it  signifies  in  general  an  haps  there  may  be  a  reference  to  the  notion  the  .lews  had,  that  it  was 

assembly,  or  number  of  people,  called  together  on  whatever  occasion,  necessary  at  least  teii  should  concur  in  social  prayer,  if  any  extraor- 

as  is  well  known.  (Compare  Acts  xix.  32,  .39.)    It  is  in  the  New  Tes-  dinary  success  was  expected.    See  Trigland.  De  SectO,  Karaonim,  cap. 

tament  generally  used,  as  here,  for  a  particular  assembly  ;  (Acts  xiv.  x.  p.  172. 

28.  1  Cor.  iv.  17.  xiv.  23.  xvi.  19.)  but  sometimes  it  is  used  for  the  whole  h  It  shall  be  done  for  them,  Sfc]    That  this  refers  to  a  miracu^s 

body  of  christians,  because  they  are  now  called  out  from  the  world,  and  ansaier  of  prayer,  may  appear  from  comparing  Matt.  xxi.  21,  22.  Mark 


OUR  LORD  CAUTIONS  HIS  DISCIPLES  AGAINST  AN   UNFORGIVING  SPIRIT.  175 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Thus  happy  are  the  meanest  servants  of  Christ  in  the  care  and  favour  of  their  heavenly  Master,  and  in  the  SECT. 
angehc  guard  "which,  by  his  high  command,  are  continually  attending  even  tlie  lambs  of  his  flock.     So  condescend-     94. 
ing  are  the  blessed  spirits  above,  that  even  the  greatest  of  them  do  not  disdain  to  miriisfo-  unto  tlie  heirs  of  salvation.  ■ 


to  our  eternal  ruin. 

What  could  have  been  more  happy  for  the  church  of  Christ,  than  the  observation  of  this  plain  and  easy  nde,  15, 16 
which  he  has  given  for  ending  disputes  among  his  followers?  And  yet  who,  that  sees  the  conduct  of  the  generality 
of  christians,  would  imagine  they  had  ever  heard  of  such  a  rule  ?  Instead  of  tliis  private  expostulation,  which  might 
often  bring  a  debate  to  a  speedy  and  amicable  conclusion, — what  public  charges !  what  passionate  complaints ! 
what  freqiient  and  laboured  attempts  to  take,  if  the  least  scandalous,  yet  not  the  least  pernicious,  kind  of  revenge, 
by  wounding  tiie  characters  of  those  whom  we  imagine  to  have  inj  nred  us  ! 

As  for  church  censures,  how  lamentable  is  it  that  they  have  been  so  little  conformable  to  this  rule,  and  in  many  17 
instances  so  contrary  to  it,  in  almost  every  christian  nation  under  heaven!  Is  this  the  form  in  which  ecclesiastical 
judgments  do  appear  in  the  popish,  or  even  in  the  protestant,  world  ?  Are  tliese  the  maxims  by  which  they  have 
been,  or  by  which  they  are,  determined,  even  by  those  who  claim  the  largest  share  in  the  promises  made  to  the 
apostles,  and  boast  with  the  greatest  confidence  of  the  presence  and  authority  of  Christ  with  them,  to  confirm  their 
sentences,  and  to  sanctify,  perhaps,  rapine  and  murder?  Vain,  wretched  confidence!  Let  us  earnestly  pray  that 
this  dishonour  to  the  christian  name  may  every  where  be  wiped  away ;  and  that  true  religion,  and  even  common 
humanity,  may  not  with  such  solemn  mockery  be  destroyed  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

Let  humble  submission  be  always  paid  to  apostolical  decisions  in  every  difficulty  ;  and  let  the  promises  made  18 
to  these  leaders  in  the  christian  church  be  some  encouragement  even  to  us,  on  whom  the  ends  of  tlie  world  are 
come.  None  but  an  omnipresent,  and  consequently  a  divine.  Person,  could  say.  Wherever  two  or  three  are 
■gathered  together  in  my  name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them.  His  power  and  his  goodness  can  nevef  be  impaired :  20 
et  it  therefore  be  an  encouragement  to  social  prayer :  and  let  the  remembrance  of  our  Redeemer's  continued 
presence  and  inspection  engage  us  to  behave  ourselves  agreeably  to  the  relation  that  we  claim  to  him,  and  to 
those  expectations  from  him  which  we  profess. 


S 


SECTION  XCV. 

nutual  foi 
0  the  end 

Matt,  xviii.  21. 


Our  Lord  cautions  his  disciples  against  a  revengeful  spirit,  and  inculcates  mutual  forgiveness,  by  the  affecting'  parable  of  the  unmerciful  servant. 

Matt,  xviii.  £1,  to  the  end. 


Matt,  xviii.  21. 

THEN  came  Peter  to  him    THEN  when  Jesus  had  given  this  advice  for  the  accommodation  of  differences  among  sect. 
my  brothe^°'sm''a»ain'st^me  ^^^  disciples,  Peter,  imagining  it  might  be  abused  by  ill-disposed  persons  as  an  encourage-     95. 
and  I  forgive  him  ?  till  seveii  ment  to  offer  injuries  to  others,  came  to  him,  ai}d  said,  Lo?-d,  how  often  must  I  forgive  my  • 

*""^^  ■  brother  if  he  offend  against  me  ?  must  I  go  on  to  do  it  until  he  has  repeated  the  injury  matt. 

seve?i  times?  xvill. 

22  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  T      And  Jesus,  in  reply,  says  to  him,  I  do  not  merely  say  to  thee,  Till  seven  times,  hut  even  22 
tUne"*;'  "bu't,"^UntVl"'seventy  ^'^^  Seventy  times  seveu  :  in  short,  tlie  precept  is  unbounded,  and  you  must  never  be  weary 
times  seven.'  of  forgiving  your  brethren,  since  you  are  so  much  more  indebted  to  the  divine  mercy  than 

they  can  be  to  yours. 

23  Therefore  is  the  kingdom      For  this  reason,  or  with  rcspcct  to  this  matter,  I  may  properly  say,  that  the  kingdom  of  23 
tain'^Mn"  w Mch'' would" ta"e  heaven,  in  its  constitution  and  final  process,  may  he  likened  to,  or  be  illustrated  by,  the 
account  of  his  servants.  instance  of  «  Certain  king  that  ruled  over  a  large  country,"  who,  as  he  had  a  great  number 

24  And  when  he  had  begun  of  officers  Under  him,  was  determined  at  lengtli  to  settle  an  account  xvith  his  servants.    And  24 
unto^him"whichow'edMni'fen  w'Ae«  he  hegan  to  reckon  with  them,  there  was  brought  to  him  one  who  had  so  abused  the 
thousand  talents :  eminent  Station  in  which  he  had  been  placed,  and  the  high  confidence  which  his  prince 

had  reposed  in  him,  that  he  owed  him  a  most  immense  sum,  and  stood  accountable  for 

25  But  forasmuch  as  he  had  ten  thousand  tuknts  :^  And  US  he  had  nothing  to  poj/ which  could  be  any  equivalent  for  25 
mMcied'him  to'te'sdd.^aird  ^he  debt,  or  any  considerable  composition  for  it,  his  lord,  according  to  frequent  custom  in 

his  wife  and  children,  and  all  such  cases,  (Exod.  xxii.  3.  Lev.  XXV.  47.  and  2   Kings  iv.  1.)  commanded  him  to  be  sold 
be'^made.*  '  '^"    P»>'"<^n'  to  f^^.  ^  gi^jye,  and  also  lus  Wife  and  children,  and  all  the  goods  that  he  had,  and  payment  to  be 

26  The   servant  therefore  made  with  the  price  of  them,  as  far  as  it  would  go.     The  servant  therefore,  falling  down  in  26 
Mm,  "saj^'o- ^Lord^^°iia\4'''pa^  helpless  consternation,  prostrated  himself  at  his  master's  feet,  and  said,  Lord,  I  beseech 
tiencew-ith  me,  and  I  will  pay  thee  to  have  patience  with  me  for  a  while  longer,  aiid  I  ivill  endeavour  to  pay  thee  all.    Then  27 
"^27  Then  the  Lord  of  that  ^^^  ^"^''^  °f  ""'^  Unhappy  Servant  whose  affairs  were  so  utterly  desperate,  being  jnelted  with 
servant  was  moved  with  com-  compassioji,  graciously  discharged  him  ;  and,  knowing  how  vain  it  was  to  expect  he  should 
Foa'ive'hillf  the°de1)t'!'""'  ^""^  ^ver  pay  him,  declared  that,  on  condition  of  his  future  good  behaviour,*:  he  frankly/orgaw 

him  all  the  debt. 

28  But  the  same  servant  But  just  US  that  sei'vunt  Went  out  from  the  presence  of  his  generous  and  indulgent  sove-  28 
f Jio\v-servants'"whi?h'' owed  i"^'?";  ^e  met  with  One  of  his  fellow-servants,  who  owed  him  but  a  very  inconsiderable  sum 
him  an  hundred  pence ;  and  of  money,  no  more  than  an  hundred  pence  ;'^  and  laifmg  hold  of  him  hi/  the  throat,  and 
took '/«>n''by''t1ie°'throat,' say^  almost  Strangling  him,**  he  said,  in  a  furious  and  outrageous  manner,  Pay  me  that  which 
ing.  Pay  me  that  thou  owest.  thou  owest  me  immediately,  or  I  will  detain  thee  as  my  prisoner.  And  his  poor  felloiv-  29 
fefl  down  at  hil^teet!  and  be-  Servant  fell  down  at  his  feet,  as  he  had  done  at  his  lord's,  and  entreated  him,  saying,  in  the 
sought  him,  sayinsr.  Have  very  words  %vhich  he  himself  had  used  but  just  before  on  the  like  occasion,  Itave  patience 
pay  theiri'l    '""'  ""''  ^  '"'"  with  we  for  a  while  longer,  and  I  will  endeavour  to  pay  thee  all.    And  he  would  not  be  30 

30  And  he  would  not;  but  prevailed  upon  to  forbear  him  any  longer;  but  went  away  with  him  before  a  magistrate, 

xi.  2.3,  24.  John  xiv.  13,  14.  1  John  iii.  22.  v.  14,  15.  and  James  v.  16.  et  lib.  xxxviii.  cap.  38.)    And  even  thus  the  sum  must  have  amounted 

See  1  illofson's  Works,  vol.  iii.  p.  307.  to  t"6,750,0O().    See  Prid.  Connect,  vol.  i.  Pref.  p.  20.  and  vol.   ii.  p. 

a  May  he  likened  to,  or  be  illustrated,  ^ac.']   See  i>  58.  note  i,  p.  112.  138. — Our  Lord  seems  to  have  mentioned  so  large  a  sum,  on  purpose  to 

b  Ojted  /iini  ten  i/i07t.^aiid  talents.]    According  to  Di'.  Prideaux's  com-  intimate  the  number  and  weight  of  our  offences  agamst  God,  and  our 

putation,  if  these  were  talents  of  gold,  this  would  amount  to  seventy-t-xo  utter  incapacitv  of  making  him  any  satisfaction. 

mtlltons  sterling  ;   which  is  so  immense  a  sum,  that  it  seems  strange  c  On  condition  of  his  future  good  behaviour.]    This  is  a  circumstance 

Antiochus  the  Great  should  be  able  to  pay  it,  as  Eutropius  tells  us  he  exceeding  natural,  and,  by  the 'revocation  of  the  pardon  afterwards,  it 

did,  to  purchase  a  peace  with  the  Komans,  (Entrop.  lid.  iv.  cap.  2.)  seems  strongly  implied. 

Jiut  by  Livy  s  account  of  the  conditions  of  peace,  they  were  talents  of  d  jrln  hundred  pence.]    Reckoning  the  Tloman  denarius  at  seven-pence 

silver,  of  which  Antiochus  was  to  pay  fifteen  thousand  talents,  that  is,  halfpenny  of  our  money,  it  amounted  to  three  pounds  and  halt-a- 

hve  hundred  talents  down,  two  thousand  five  hundred  when  the  senate  crown.                                                                                .                      .          , 

should  ratify  the  peace,  and  the  remaining  twelve  thousand  in  twelve  e  By  the  throat,  and  almost  strangling  him.]  This  is  the  proper  import 

years,  at  a  thousand  talents  a  year.  (Liv.  Histor.  lib.  xxxvii.  cap.  45.  of  the  word  iirvite,  which  yet  more  strongly  expresses  his  cruelty. 


176  OUR  LORD  CAUTIONS  HIS  DISCIPLES  AGAINST  AN  UNFORGIVING  SPIRIT. 

SECT,  and  cast  him  into  prison,  protesting  he  should  lie  there  till  he  should  pay  even  the  last  went  and  cast  him  into  prison, 
95.     farthing  of  the  debt.  *'"  *><=  ^^ouJd  pay  the  debt. 

•      And  when  his  o^hex  fellow-servants  saio  what  was  done,  they  were  exceedingly  grieved  at     31  So   when    his   fellow- 

MATT.  such  an  instance  of  unexampled  cruelty  from  a  man  in  his  circumstances,  and  came  and  they^  were  "very'' wr"^  '* 'S 

XVIII.  g^^g  ff^^^j.  Iq^^  jj^g  ^.jjjg  ^,„  exact  and  faithful  account  of  the  whole  matter,^  who  was  highly  came  and  told  unto  theiViord 

32  mcensed  at  so  inhuman  an  action.     Then  his  lord,  hewing  called  him  again,  said  unto  him,  ^\'^fhZu^ts\ov<^  after  that 

with  just  indignation,  Thou  wicked  and  barbarous  slave,?  thou  knowest  that  I  frankly  he  iiad  called  him,' said  unto 

forgave  thee  all  that  vast  debt  which  thou  owedst  to  me,  because  thou  didst  entreat  my  pity:  ^forg^ve'?heIall%'hat'debt' 

33' And  shouldst  not  thou  also  have  had  compassion  on  thy  fellow-servant  when  in  thy  power,  because  thou  desiredst  me: 

even  as  I  but  just  before  hud  compassion  on  thee?  Thou  art  most  inexcusable  in  what  thou  ha^v^l  haTcomp^sionZ  «,y 

hast  done,  and  I  am  determined  to  treat  thee  accordingly.  fellow-servant,  even  as  1  had 

34  And  his  lord,  being  justly  incensed,  revoked  the  grant  of  remission  he  had  just  before  ^34  A^n'd^  ids  lord  was  wroth, 
made,  as  forfeited  by  so  vile  a  behaviour ;  and  not  only  put  him  in  prison,  but  delivered  and  delivered  him  to  the  tor- 
him  to  the  tormentors  there,  to  fetter  and  scourge  him,''"it«7/  he  should  pay  all  that  teas  due  aifthat^vls  dulumri-lfm^''^ 
to  him  ;  which  was  equivalent  to  condemning  him  to  perpetual  confinement  and  painful 

imprisonment  during  life. 

35  And  Jesus  concluded  the  discourse  with  saying.  Thus  also  will  my  heavenly  Father  deal  35  so  likewise  sh.-iU  my 
with  vou,  if  vou  do  not  everu  one  of  you  from  your  very  heai-ts  forgive  his  brother  his  tres-  heavenly  Father  do  also  unto 

.v""'  :' +',  •  ■  -'        .'  -'^      •     J     •       I,    ^u       -^.r         f    r  X      i  i.  you.  if  ye  from  your  hearts 

passes ;  and  I  leave  it  to  your  own  consciences  to  judge  whether  it  be  sate  tor  you  to  tempt  forgive   not  every  one  his 
the  strictness  of  his  inexorable  justice,  by  the  severity  of  your  conduct  towards  your '""o'^er  their  trespasses, 
offending  brethren. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  unreasonable,  and  how  odious,  does  a  severe  and  uncharitable  temper  appear,  when  we  view  it  in  the 

V^er.24  light  of  this  parable !  Yet  what  light  can  be  more  just  than  this  ?  \^'e  are  indebted  to  God  more  than  ten  thousand 

talents ;  from  our  infancy  we  begin  to  contract  the  debt,  and  are  daily  increasing  it  in  our  ripening  years  :  justly, 

therefore,  might  he  cast  us  into  the  prison  of  hell,  till  we  paid  the  uttermost  farthing.     And  were  we  to  fall  at  liis 

26  feet,  with  a  promise  of  paying  him  all,  on  his  patient  forbearance,  it  must  be  tlie  language  of  gross  ignorance,  or  of 
presumptuous  folly,  when  addressed  to  a  Being  who  knows  our  poverty,  and  knows  that,  in  consequence  of  it,  we 

27  are  utterly  incapatile  of  making  him  any  amends.  But  he  magnifies  his  grace  in  the  kind  offers  of  a  free  forgive- 
ness ;  and  shall  we  who  receive  it,  and  hold  our  lives  and  all  our  hope  by  it,  take  our  bretliren  by  the  throat,  because 

28  they  owe  us  a  few  pence  ?  or  shall  we  carry  along  with  us  deep-continued  resentment,  glowing  like  a  hidden  fire 

34  in  our  bosoms  ?  God  forbid  !  For  surely  if  we  do  so,  out  of  our  own  mouth  shall  we  be  condemned,  while  we 
acknowledge  the  justice  of  The  sentence  here  passed  against  this  cruel  servant. 

35  Christ  himself  nas  made  the  application,  so  shall  mi/  heavenly  Father  deal  with  you,  if  you  do  not  forgive  your 
brethren  ;  and  he  has  instructed  us  elsewhere  to  ask  forgiveness  only  as  we  grant  It.  (I\Iatt.  vi.  14,  15.)  Let  us 
then  from  this  moment  discharge  our  hearts  of  every  sentiment  of  rancour  and  revenge,  nor  ever  allow  a  word,  or 
even  a  wish,  that  savours  of  if.  And  as  ever  we  hope  our  addresses  to  the  throne  of  divine  mercy  should  meet 
with  a  favourable  audience,  let  us  lift  up  holy  hands,  without  wrath,  as  well  as  without  doubting.  (1  Tim.  ii.  8.) 


SECTION  XCVI. 

it  demoi 
Li 

Mark  ix.  38. 


Christ  reproves  John  for  prohibitins  one  who  casts  out  demons  in  his  name,  because  he  was  not  of  their  company.    JIark  ix.  38 — 41. 

Luke  ix.  49,  50. 


SECT.  IN  the  midst  of  the  preceding  discourse  relating  to  humility  and  self-denial,  the  apostle  ^^^  joim  "answered  him 

96.     John  (whether  desirous  of  diverting  him  from  a  subject  which  he  could  not  hear  pursued  saying,  Master,  we  saw  one* 

without  some  consciousness  of  having  deserved  blame,  or  thinking  it  might  receive  some  casting  out   devils   in    thy 

.,    „.,    r     iL         11  ,       1  •  1  ^        ,1  ii     .^  1         1        1 J  1-       \   •    .  i    J  name,  and   he   tollowetn   not 

MARK  further  lUustration  by  his  remarks  upon  the  case  that  he  should  mention)  interrupted  our  us :  and  we  forbad  him,  [be- 
^^'00  Lord,*  and  answered  him,  when  he  had  just  been  urging  a  readiness  to  receive  one  of  the  *^''"f*r'Luke'i'x*4y''i  "°'  *'"' 
least  of  his  servants  in  his  name,  (Mark  ix.  37.  p.  172.)  by  saying.  Master,  while  we  were  "^'    "■  '     '" 

in  our  late  progress,  we  saw  one  casting  out  demons  in  thy  name^  who  does  not  follow  ns,  nor 
converse  with  us  as  brethren :  and  we  forbade  him  to  do  it  any  more,  because  he  does  not 
follow  thee  among  tis,  and  never  had,  as  we  apprehend,  any  regular  commission  from  thee, 
and  so  might  possibly  have  proved  an  occasion  of  neglect  or  reproach  to  the  rest  of  thy 
disciples. 

39  But  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Do  not  forbid,  or  go  about  to  hinder  him  at  present ;  for,  by  39  But  Jesus  said  [unto 
thus  making  use  of  my  name,  he  appears  to  have  some  reverence  and  resard  for  me,  and  him,] . Forbid  him  not:   tor 

■11        ^  ^\     -    c  .  /•  !/•  •     '.'  ■  ,;  •  1        I     III  .  I    there  is  no  man  which  shall 

Will  not  therefore  set  himself  against  me ;  since  there  is  no  jnan  who  shall  be  seen  to  work  do  a  miracle  in  my  name, 
such  a  miracle  in  my  name,  that  can  quickly,  or  on  any  slight  occasion,  speak  evil  of  me,  or  *''^'r?"i,''^']("^'i'^'''^  *^''  °^ 

40  say  any  thing  dishonourable  of  that  name  for  which  he  professes  such  a  regard  :  And  be  40  For  he  that  is  uotasainst 
that  regard  ever  so  imperfect,  I  would  not  discourage  one  who  acts  thus  now  :  for,  v/ith  "^-.'^  °"  °"''  ?*■"'•  t^uke  ix. 
respect  to  such,  and  in  a  case  like  this,  I  may  use  a  proverb  (the  reverse  of  that  v/hich  I 

mentioned  on  a  different  occasion)  and  say,  Whosoever  is  not  against  ns,  is  for  us  ,•"=  and 
therefore  I  would  by  no  means  condemn  a  man  for  doing  that  oy  which  the  kingdom  of 

f  Gave  their  Lord  an  exact  and  faithful  acccnnt.']    This  is  the  mean-  might  see  reason  now  to  erant  that  efficacy  to  their  adjurations,  which 

ing  of  the  word  bieaacpnoav,  as  Albert  has  shown,  Observ.  p.  116.  he  afterwards  denied  when  the  evidences  of  the  gospel   were  proposed 

g  Thou  wicked  slave.]    The  word  6ov\e  is  not  always  a  term  of  re-  so  much  more  distinctly  and  fully,  after  the  descent  of  the  i'ypirit. — Dr. 

proach,  nor  does  it  necessarily  imply  more  than  seriant.    (Compare  Clarke  supposes  that  he  was  one  of  John  the  Baptist's  disciples. . 

Matt.  XXV.  21,  23.)    Yet  in  this  connexion,  1  thought  it  would  well  bear  c   Whosoever  is  not  anainst  vs,  is  for  ns.]    Our  Lord  had  formerly  said, 

the  version   1  have  given  it,  which  may  best  express  tlie  indignation  (Matt.  xii.  .30.)  He  that  is  not  with  me,  is  against  me ;  thereby  giving 

with  which  his  lord  is  supposed  to  speak.  his  hearers  a  just  and  necessary  admonition,  that,  on  the  whole,  the  war 

h  Delivered  him   to  the  tormentors,  Sjc]    Imprisonment  is  a   much  between  him  and  Satan  admitted  of  no  neutrality,  and  that  those  who 

greater  punishment  in  the  eastern  parts  of  the  world  than  here;  state  were  indifferent  to  him  would  finally  be  treated  as  his  enemies.    (See 

criminals   especially,   when  condemned   to  it,  are  not  only  forced   to  ^  61.  p.  117.)    But  here,   in  another  view,  he  very  consistently   uses  a 

submit  to  a  very  mean  and  scanty  allowance,  but  are  frequently  loaded  ditterent  and  seemingly  opposite  proverb,  the  counterpart  of  the  former, 

with  clogs  or  yokes  of  heavy  wood,  in  which  they  cannot  either  lie  or  directing  his  followers  to  fudge  of  men's  characters  in  the  most  candid 

sit  at  ease;  and,  by  frequent  scourgings,  and  sometimes  by  racking,  manner,  and  charitably  to  hope,  that  they  who  did  not  oppose  his  cause 

are  quickly  brought  to  an  untimely  end.  (See  Samedo's  China,  p.  225.)  wished  well  to  it, — a  conduct  peculiarly  reasonable,  when  his  cause  lay 

To  this  there  is  probably  a  reference  here.  Compare  ^  .32.  note  h,  p.  69.  under  so  many  discouragements.    Probably  many  who  now  concealed 

a  Interrupted  our  Lord.]    I  have  inserted  this  story  apart  here,  that  their  regard  to  him,  were  afterwards  animated  courageously  to  profess 

the  thread  of  the  preceding  discourse  might   not  be  broken  ;  that  the  it,  though  at  the  greatest  hazard. — I  cannot,  with  Mr.  Baxter,  think  an 

ninety-third  section  might  not  be  lengthened   bejond  due  bounds  ;  and  express  declaration  of  regard  to  Christ  to  have  been  more  necessary  in 

that  I  might  have  room  to  illustrate  and  improve  this  passage,  which,  the  former  case  than  now  ;  but  it  is  most  obvious,  that  Christ  requires 

though  short,  has  both  its  difficulty  and  its  use.  us  to  be  more  rigorous  in  judging  ourselves,  than  he  allows  us  to  be  in 

b  Casting  out  demons  in  thy  name.]    Probably  this  was  a  case  some-  judging  each  other, 
thing  resembling  that  of  the  sons  of  Sceva ;  (Acts  xix.  13 — 16.)  and  God 


THE  MISSION  OF  THE  SEVENTY  DISCIPLES.  177 

Satan  is  in  fact  weakened,  and  my  name  glorified,  though  he  have  not  my  immediate  and  SECT. 
41  For  wiiosoever shall  give  express  commission.     1  rather  take  it  in  good  part,  as  I  am  wilhng  to  do  any  thing  that     96. 

m  ni*  "n^ne  b<fc'Huse''ye"bl'^  looks  Hke  a  token  of  esteem  and  affection  to  me,  be  it  ever  so  inconsiderable  ;  fur,  as  I 

loug^Vchrist.'^verily  I  say  formerly  told  you,  (Matt.  X.  42.  p.  143.)  u'hoever  shall  present  you  with  a  cup  n/'cold  water  mark 
unto  you.  He  siiall  not  lose  Qjjjy  j,j  ^jy  riame,  that  is,  because  yuu  belong  to  Christ,  verily  1  say  uuto  you.  He  shall  iu>t      ^■^• 

lose  his  proportionable  reward.    And  so  he  went  on  to  warn  them  of  the'danger  of  offend- 

ing  any  of  the  weakest  of  his  disciples,  in  the  manner  recounted  and  explained  above. 

(See  Mark  ix.  42.  p.  172.)     And  when  he  had  concluded  that  discourse,  he  not  long  after 

quitted  Galilee.     Compare  Matt.  xix.  1.  sect,  cxxxv. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

It  is  sad  that  the  spirit  which  remains  in  so  many  christians,  and  in  this  instance  appeared  even  in  the  beloved  Ver.  38 
Saint  John,  should  (as  the  apostle  James  expresses  it)  lust  unto  envy.  (Jam.  iv.  5^  How  ill  does  that  spirit 
become  a  disciple,  and  much  more  a  minister  of  the  benevolent  Jesus  !  The  apostle  Paul  had  learnt  and  taught  a 
better  temper,  when  he  rejoiced  that  Christ  icas  preached,  even  by  those  who  were  his  personal  enemies,  (Phil.  i. 
18.)  To  seek  our  own  glory,  is  not  glory ;  (Prov.  xxv.  27.)  and  to  confine  religion  to  them  that  follow  us,  is  a 
narrowness  of  spirit  which  we  should  avoid  and  abhor. 

Christ  here  gives  us  a  lovely  example  of  candour  and  moderation  ;  he  was  willing  to  put  the  best  construction  39,  40 
on  dubious  cases,  and  to  treat  those  as  friends  who  were  not  avowed  and  declared  enemies.     Perhaps  in  this 
instance  it  might  be  a  means  of  overcoming  a  remainder  of  prejudice,  and  perfecting  what  was  wanting  in  the 
faith  and  obedience  of  the  persons  in  question  ;  at  least  it  suited  tiie  present  state  of  things,  in  which  men  are  to 
bejudged  of  by  their  professions  and  actions,  as  their  hearts  cannot  immediately  and  certainly  be  known. 

But  let  us  judge  ourselves  with  greater  severity,  remembering  there  is  an  approaching  day,  in  which  the  secrets 
of  all  hearts  will  be  made  manifest ;  in  which  those  who  have  indeed  been  neuters  in  the  war  between  Christ  and 
Satan  will  be  treated  as  enemies, — and  those  other  words  will  be  fulfilled.  He  that  is  not  with  me,  is  against  vie ; 
and  he  that  gathereth  not  with  me,  scattereth  abroad.     (Matt.  xii.  30.  and  Luke  xi.  23.) 

In  that  day,  may  the  sincerity  of  our  hearts  be  discovered,  and  then  we  may  rejoice  in  this  repeated  assurance,  41 
that  the  least  of  our  services  snail  be  kindly  remembered,  and  abundantly  rewarded  according  to  the  riches  of 
divine  bounty  and  grace. 


SECTION  XCVII. 

Our  Lord  sends  out  the  seventy  disciples  with  large  instructions,  like  those  he  had  before  given  to  the  twelve  apostles.    Luke  x.  1 — 16. 

LuKEx.i.  Luke  x.  1. 

AFTER  these    things    the  AFTER  these  things,  before  he  departed  from  Galilee,  the  Lore?  Jesus  intending,  when  SECT, 
also^  and °senT them 'twrand  ^he  approaching  feast  of  tabcmacles  was  over,"-  to  make  one  journey  more  over  the  country     97. 

two  before  his  tace  into  every  in  the  last  half  year  he  was  to  spend  on  earth,  fixed  iipon  seventy  others  of  his  disciples 

himse^f''woufd'come!'"'^'^  ^^  ^^>^c>  besides  the  tv/elve  apostles  so  frequently  mentioned  before,  (see  Luke  ix.  1,  et  seq.   luke 
sect.  Ixxiv.)  and  sent  them  out  before  him,  two  and  two  together,  into  every  city  and  more  ..  ^' 
private  place  into  winch  he  himself  intended  shortly  to  come ;  and  thus,  as  It  were,  he 
divided  the  whole  country  into  thirty-five  lesser  circuits. 
2  Therefore  said  he  unto      And  at  their  setting  out  he  gave  them  many  important  instructions,  nearly  resembling  2 
grtat',  but^  th^e^?abourI"s^«re  thosc  which  he  had  before  addressed  to  the  apostles  ;  and  as  it  was  a  large  and  copious 
few :  pray  ye  therefore  the  field  for  Service  on  which  they  were  to  enter,  he  said  therefore  to  them,^  as  he  had  formerly 
wouid°send  fort'h  "Ikbourers  done  to  their  brethren,  (Matt.  ix.  37,  38.  p.  138.)   The  harvest  is  indeed  great,  and  many 
into  his  harvest.  souls  are  to  be  gathered  in,  but  the  faithful  labourers  are  as  yet  vQvy  few  ;  pray  ye  therefore 

the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  woidd,  by  his  immediate  access  to  the  spints  of  men,  thrust 
forth  more  labourers  into  his  harvest,  though  the  work  may  prove  so  fatiguing  and  hazard- 
ous, that  they  are  naturally  averse  to  it.<= 

I  M^d  ^-ou""  forto  'as''1ambs      ^'^^  ^^  ^°''  y°^'  S°  ^''"''  "^""^^^  ^^'■^  ^^^  ^^^  resolution  and  zeal  you  can  employ  in  your  3 
among  w'oives.*"^     as   am  s  j^^jj^jg^^y^  ^^  indeed  you  will  need  it  all ;  for  behold,  I  send  you  forth  as  so  many  defence- 

4  Carry  neither  purse  nor  less  lambs  in  the  midst  of  ravenous  and  cruel  wolves.     Yet  as  you  go  under  the  singular  4 

scrip,  nor  shoes:    and  salute  j-  j-    ■         t->        •  i  ,        -n  c  ■     c 

no  man  by  the  way.  care  ot  divine  Providence,  carry  not  with  you  any  purse  ot  money,  nor  even  a  scrip  tor 

your  provisions,  Jior  any  more  shoes  than  you  have  now  on  your  feet ;  nor  stay  so  much  as 
to  salute  any  man  as  you  pass  by  him  on  the  way ;  ^  but  let  it  evidently  appear  to  all  who 
see  you,  that  your  thoughts  are  full  of  the  great  errand  on  which  you  go. 

5  And    into    whatsoever      And,  in  all  the  Stages  of  your  journey,  carry  along  with  you  those  benevolent  affections  5 
P°e'^e  ^J to  fhYs"ous*e^f  ^*^'  which  are  so  well  suited  to  the  design  of  your  mission :  into  whatever  house  therefore  you 

shall  happen  to  come,  at  your  first  entrance  say.  Peace  be  upon  this  home,  and  pray  that 

6  And  if  the  son  of  peace  prosperity  and  happiness  may  attend  the  whole  family.     And  if  any  son  and  heir  of  peace,  6 
upotf  it :'  ^if"no?,^irsha?l  turn  o^  ^"Y  truly  good  man  who  IS  worthy  of  such  blessings,  be  there  in  the  house,  your  prayer 
to  you  again.    '  for  peace  and  prosperity  shall  be  answered,  and  shall  rest  upon  it ;  but  if  not,  it  shall  not  be 

entirely  lost,  but  shall  return  upon  you,  and  you  shall  be  the  belter  for  those  kind  and 
friendly  sentiments,  even  though  the  wishes  they  dictate  be  not  exactly  answered. 

a  When  the  approaching  feast  of  tabernacles  was  over.]    It  seems  to  given  us  this  account  of  Christ's  sending  out  the  seventy ;  and  it  is  the 

me  much  more  reasonable  to  suppose  that  Christ  sent  out  the  seventy  less  to  be  wondered  at  that  he  should  do  it  so  particularly,  if  the  ancient 

before  the  feast  of  tabernacles  than  after  it ;  considering  how  little  time  tradition  be  true  which  Origen  and  Epiphanins  have  mentioned,  that  he 

he  had  between  that  and  the  feast  of  dedication,  in  which  interval  he  was  himself  one  of  the  number.    .See  Dr.  Whitby's  Preface  to  Luke, 

despatched  his  last  circuit  in  Galilee.    To  take  from  those  three  months  where  he  has  shown  this  to  be  highly  probable,  and  no  way  inconsistent 

all  the  period  to  be  allowed  for  their  journey  and  return,  seems  incon-  with  what  Luke  has  said  at  the  beginning  of  his  gospel. 

venient.    But  it  is  astonishing  that  Mr.   Le  Clerc,  and  some  others,  c  That  he  would  thrvst  fnrtli  mon  labourers,  Sgc.']    As  both  Luke  here, 

should  suppose  that  these  instructions  were  given  to  them  in  Christ's  and    Mattiiew    in   a   parallel    pa.ssage,   (Matt.   ix.    .'iB.)   use   the   word 

journey  to  the  above-mentioned  feast :  for,  not  to  mention  the  impossi-  eK/3qX\ii,  which  literally  signifies  to  thrust  mit,  I  was  willing  to  express 

bility  of  holding  a  discourse  with  such  a  number  of  people  on  the  road,  the  force  of  it  in  the  version  as  well  as  the  paraphrase.  (See  note  k,  on 

about  an  affair  of  such  importance,  it  is  expressly  said,  John  vii.  10.  Matt.  ix.  38.  j  73.  p.  138.) — So  many  of  the  expressions  used  in  this  dis- 

that  he  went  up  to  the  feast  of  tabernacles  privately  ;    which  is  utterly  course  are  to  be  found  in  that  to  the  twelve,  §  74,  75.  that  it  is  generally 

inconsistent  with  his  being  attended  with  such  a  train  as  seventy,  or  sufficient  to  refer  to  the  paraphrase  and  notes  there,  for  the  explication 

(according  to  that  author)  eighty-two  persons;   for  Le  Clerc  supposes  of  them  here.                                                                 .                               _ 

the  twelve  were  also  with  him. — I  shall  elsewhere  give  my  reasons  why  d  Nor  stay  to  salnte  any  man,  as  you  pass  ii/  him  on  the  Kai/.l    Uur 

I  suppose   the   story  of  the   Samaritans  refusing    him   entertainment  Lord  did  not  intend  by  this  to  forbid  his  disciples  in  general,  nor  even 

(though  recorded  Luke  ix.  51 — 56.)  to  have  happened  later  than  this,  any  of  his  ministers,  a  decent  use  of  the  customary  tokens  ot  civil  respect 

(See  5  1C7.  note  a.)    At  present  I  would  only  observe,  that  the  expres-  to  others,  any  more  than  he  forbids  the  use  of  shoes  and  purses  ;  only 

sion,  after  the  things,  in  the  beginning  of  this  chapter,  may  either  refer  while  they  were  employed  on  this  particular  message,  he  requirea  tne 

to  the  stories  immediately  preceding,  in  the  close  of  the  former,  from  forbearance  of  them,  that  every  one  who  saw  them  pass  by  might  per- 

ver.  57.  to  the  end,  or  to  the  general  series  of  events,  recorded  above,  ceive  that  their  minds  were  full  of  the  most  important  business,  ana  mat 

though  (as  I  think  the  evangelist  himself  strongly  intimates)  one  little  they  were  earnestly  intent  on  the  immediate  despatch  ot  it.    (L.onipare 

history  be  transposed.  e  Kings  iv.  29.)    This  was  the  more  necessary,  as  they  were  so  much 

b  He  said  therefore  to  them.]    Luke  is  the  only  evangelist  who  has  straitened  for  time.  See  above,  note  a. 

N 


178  THE  MISSION  OF  THE  SEVENTY  DISCIPLES. 

SECT.       ■^"'^  when  you  are  entered  into  any  lodgings,  continue  in  the  same  house  as  long  as  you     7  And  in  the  same  nouse 
97.     stay  in  the  town,  cheerfully  and  contentedly  eatins,  and  drinking  xohat  you  find  with  them ;  ''^"Ifi?'  eating  and  drinking 

•"..■>  ,  1,        1      ,-1  I   1     ■'         ■    '^      ^L        I-  1  ■  J         J  xi         r  such  tinngs  as  they  give:  for 

■ — jor  as,  on  the  one  hand,  the  common  labourer  is  ivorthy  of  Ins  reward,  and  therefore  you,  the  labourer  is  worthy  ot  his 

LUKE  who  take  so  much  pains  to  bring  them  to  the  greatest  blessings,  have  much  more  right  to  ^^^;^^  ^°  "**'  ^'''""  '"'"°*  *° 
-^-  _  your  entertainment ;  so,  on  the  other,  it  is  beneath  you  to  be  very  solicitous  and  nice  about 
'  the  manner  of  it :  and  therefore  do  not  create  an  unnecessary  trouble  in  the  family  where 
you  are,  or  go  from  one  house  to  another,  in  hope  of  better  accommodations  during  the 
short  stay  you  make  in  a  place. 

8  And  I  repeat  it  again.  Info  luhatever  town  or  citi/  you  come,  and  they  receive  and  enter-     8  And  into  whatsoever  city 
tain  you  freely  and  cheerfully,  be  ready  to  accept  their  kindness  to  you,  and  without  any  ^'oureat^'snch  tM^^s'^l^'are 

9  difficulty  eat  and  drink  such  things  as  are  set  before  you  :  And  I  am  sure  I  put  it  into  your  set  before  you : 

power  to  make  them  an  abundant  recompence,  when  I  commission  you,  as  I  do  now,  to  therein,'^  a^nd^ay  unto 'Them! 
heal  the  sick  that  are  in  it,  and  to  say  unto  them.  The  long-expected  kingdom  of  God  is  come  Ji.'ie  l<ingdoni  ot  God  is  come' 
near  unto  you,  and  therefore  prepare  yourselves  thankfully  to  receive  the  blessings  of  it,  °'=   "^^°  ^'°"" 
which  are  "thus  freely  offered  to  you  by  the  Messiah. 

10  But  into  whatsoever  city  you  come,  and  they  perversely  set  themselves  against  you,  and  10  But  into  whatsoever  city 
do  not  entertain  yon,  nor  regard  your  message,  go  out  into  the  streets  of  it,  and'say,  in  a  you  ™o^t? go"yo*r^  wa^rout 

1*1  most  public  and  solemn  manner,  Since  you  reject  so  gxacious  and  important  a  message,  Into  the 'streets  of  the  same, 
we  cannot  but  consider  you  as  rejected  by  God,  and  devoted  to  certain  and  inevitable^  ^"Vlfv'en  the  very  dust  of 
destruction ;  xve  therefore  separate  ourselves  from  all  that  belongs  to  you,  and  wipe  off  your  city,  which  cieaveth  on 
from  our  feet,  as  a  testimony  against  yon,  even  the  very  dust  of  your  city  which  cleaves  to  youT*notwiths'tanding!1fe'"^e 
tis;^  nevertheless,  knoiv  this  assuredly,  that  the  kingdom  of  God  is  come  near  unto  you,  and  sure  of  this,  that  the  kingdom 
in  the  midst  of  all  the  calamities  which  are  to  befall  you,  let  your  consciences  witness  that  you*^"'^  '^  ^°"^^  "'""^  ""'° 

12  mercy  hath  been  offered  and  refused.  And  I  say  imto  you,  as  I  formerly  did  to  your  12  But  I  say  unto  vou, 
brethren,  That  in  that  day  of  the  final  judgment  It  shall" he  more  tolerable  even  for  the  bie^^'n'that'day^br*  Sodom 
accursed  inliabitants  of  Sodom  itself,  than  for  that  city,  wheresoever  it  be  found.  than  for  tliat  city. 

13  Now  while  our  Lord  was  thus  mentionmg  to  his  seventy  disciples  the  wretched  case  of  13  Woe  unto  thee,  Chora- 
those  that  rejected  the  gospel,  he  could  not  forbear  reflecting  that  this  was  the  condition  of  si"da I'forit'thif mighty  woi-ks 
some  of  those  cities  where  he  himself  had  made  the  most  frequent  visits,  and  the  longest  had  been  done  in°Tyre  and 
abode  ;  he  therefore  repeated  the  pathetic  lamentation  he  had  before  taken  up  for  them,f  hI'*j?ou?thl'i:^had'a''grea"whU^ 
and  said,  On  this  account,  woe  unto  thee,  O  thou  obstinate  Chorazin  !  woe  unto  thee,  O  aso  repented,  sitting  in  sack- 
thou  incorrigible  Bethsaida  !  for  if  the  wonders  which  have  been  ivrought  in  you  had  been  ^  "^''^  ""    *^  ^^' 

done  in  Tyre  and  Sidon,  degenerate  as  they  were,  they  would  have  repented  long  since,  sitting 
in  sackcloth  and  lying  down  in  ashes,  to  express  the  depth  of  their  humiliation  and  soitow. 

14  But  though  vengeance  has  long  since  been  executed  upon  them,  God  will  make  manifest  u  But  it  shall  be  more 
the  impartiality  of  his  justice,  and  it  shall  be  more  tolerable,  hi  the  day  of  his  tremendous  au'he^judgment'^than'foryou" 

\5  judgment,  for  Tyre  and  Sidon  than  for  you.     And  thou,  O  most  ungrateful  and  rebellious     15  And' tiiou,  Capernaum, 
Capeniaum,  who  hast  been  distinguished  from  all  the  rest  by  my  longest  residence  in  thee,  shalt  be  thrust  down  to  bell.* 
so  that  thou  hast  (as  it  were)  been  lifted  up  to  heaven  in  that  respect  as  well  as  in  magni- 
ficence and  v^'ealth,  shalt  he  brought  clown  even  to  hell,  and  sunk  into  the  deepest  and  most 
irrecoverable  ruin,  since  thou  hast  heard  my  gospel  only  to  despise  it. 

16      And  then  turning  to  the  seventy  disciples,  who  still  stood  around  him,  he  concluded  his     16  He  that    heareth  you 
instructions  to  them  in  these  important  words,  (to  the  same  purpose  as  he  before  had  said  despfseth'ymi  d^spiseth  iiie^; 
to  the  apostles.  Matt.  x.  40.  sect.  Ixxvi.)  He  that  heareth  you,  in  the  discharge  of  this  your  and   he    that  despiseth  me 
embassy,  heareth  me ;  and,  on  the  other  hand,  he  that  rcjccteth  you,  in  like  manner  rejecteth    ''^p'*^'^  '""  *  **'  ^^"^  '"^• 
me  ;  arid  he  that  rejecteth  me,  rejecteth  him  that  sent  me,  even  the  Father  himself,  whose 
credentials  I  bear,  and  who  will  punish  the  despisers  of  the  gospel  as  impious  rebels,  who 
presume  to  contemn  his  infinite  iNIajesty,  and  provoke  his  almighty  power. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
Ver.  1       So  unwilling  was  the  blessed  Jesus  to  give  over  his  kind  attempts  for  men's  salvation  !   He  projected  another 
circuit  through  the  country,  and  sends  forth  other  messengers,  more  numerous  tlian  the  former  company; — he  renews 
13, 15  his  invitations  to  perishing  sinners,  and  his  lamentations  over  those  who  had  liitherto  rejected  the  counsel  of  God 
against  themselves.    (Luke  vii.  30.)    Thus  let  us  love  the  souls  of  men ;  thus  let  us  use  repeated  endeavours  to 
deliver  them  ;  endeavours  which  would  probably  be  much  more  successful  than  they  are,  if  these  wise  and  gracious 
directions  of  Christ  to  his  ministers  were  more  attentively  observed  by  those  who  are  honoured  with  that  impor- 
tant office. 
3,  4      Let  all  such  cast  their  care  upon  God ;  let  them  go  forth  cheerfully  in  a  dependence  on  his  protection  and 
5,  7,  8  favour ;  let  them  carry  about  with  them  hearts  full  of  affection  for  the  whole  human  race,  seeking  and  praying  for 
the  peace  of  all  around  them  ;  cheerfully  contenting  themselves  with  such  things  as  they  have  ;  (Heb.  xiii.  5.)  and 
neither  pursuing  the  grandeurs  nor  the  delicacies  of  life  with  an  eager  attachment. 
2      Send  forth,  O  Lord,  such  labourers  into  thine  han'est,  and  animate  them  to  a  becoming  zeal  in  their  work,  by 
a  deep  sense  of  that  dreadful  condemnation  which  those  will  incur,  who,  despising  them,  pour  contempt  on  their 
16  divine  Master,  and  his  heavenly  Father,  in  whose  name  he  was  sent!  May  God  preser\'e  ovu-  country  from  that 

11  guilt  and  ruin  !  The  kingdom  of  God  is  come  nigh  unto  us,  and  we  are  lifted  up  to  heaven  by  our  privileges  :  may 

15  we  not,  after  all,  be  cast  down  to  hell  for  the  abuse  of  them  !  but  may  divine  grace  make  such  a  way  for  the  gospel 
into  our  hearts,  that  we  may  cordially  receive  all  who  faithfully  proclaim  it,  and  bid  them  welcome  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord  ! 

e   Wipe  off  the  lerp  dust  of  your  city,  iSc]    For   the    import  of  this  tionate  temper  of  our  Lord,  it  is  no  wonder  that  he  should  renew  his 

solemn  action,  see  §  74.  note  o,  p.  140.  from  whence  it  will  appear,  that  lamentation  over  those  unhappy  places  where  he  had  so  intimately  con- 

Dr.  Edwards's  singular  interpretation  (Edw.  On  Script.  \o\.  ii.  p.  189 —  versed  ;  and  that  he  should  do  it  in  such  words  as  these,  so  well  calcu- 

193.)  is  not  only  foreign,   but  contrary  to  our   Lord's  purpose.    He  lated  to  alarm  and  impress  all  that  should  hear  or  read  them.    Oh  that 

strangely  supposes  it  an  allusion  to  those  courts,  where,  as  in  what  we  they  might  now  have  their  due  weight  with  those  who  might  pass  them 

call   pie-powder  (or  pieds  pnudres)  courts,   controversies  were  imme-  over  too  slightly,  when  they  occurred  before  in  IMatt.  xi.  20—24.!  (See 

diately  decided,  as  itlwere,  lie/ore  people  could  wipe  the  dmt  off  their  $  59.  p.  112,  11.3.)    Oh  that  every  impenitent  creature  who  reads  them 

shoet.  might  know  that  the  sentence  of  his  owi  condemnation  is  now  before  hit 

f  He  repeated  the  pathetic  lamentation,  &c.]    Considering  the  affcc-  ei/esf 


CHRIST  DISCOURSES  WITH  HIS  BRETHREN  RESPECTING  THE  FEAST  OF  TABERNACLES.     1 79 

SECTION  XCVIII. 

Christ  discourses  with  his  brethren  about  his  going  up  to  tlie  feast  of  tabernacles,  and  stays  some  time  after  them.    John  vii.  1—13. 

..  ,  John  vii.  1. 

John  vii.  1. 

AFTER  these  things  Jcsiis  AFTER  these  things,  that  is,  after  he  had  miraculously  fed  the  five  thousand,  walked  on   SECT. 

Av''"id''not  waik'^fn  lewry*^  ^^^  ^^^  ^'^  '^'^  disciples,  and  discoursed  with  the  multitude  concerning  the  bread  of  life,"     98. 

because  the  Jews  sought  to  Jcxus  for  some  time  walked,  or  travelled,  as  we  before  observed,  i?i  Galilee,  and  there  in- 

*""  ''""•  structed  his  disciples  :  (see  p.  170.)  for  he  would  not  then  walk  or  converse  familiarly  in   John 

Judea,^  because  the  Jews,  and  more  especially  tlieir  rulers,  incensed  by  the  growing  fame  of  ^  ^'^" 
his  miracles,  and  the  freedom  of  his  discourses,  sought  an  opportunity  to  slay  him,  either 
by  private  assassination,  tumultuous  assault,  or  legal  process. 

2  Now  the  Jews'  feast  of      And  a  very  nofed /erts^  of  the  Jews  teas  theu  near,  which  is  [^called']  the  feast  of  tuherna-  2 
tabernacles  was  at  hand.         ^i^g  .  instituted  in  Commemoration  of  their  dwelling  in  tents  in  the  wilderness,  and  cele- 
brated in  booths  erected  for  that  purpose,  with  great  solemnity  and  joy.    (See  Lev.  xxiii. 
34,  et  seq.) 

3  His    brethren    therefore       Therefore  his  brethren,  or  near  kinsmen  in  Galilee,  said  unto  him,  We  would  advise  thee  3 
and  "o'?nt'o"judea^that''"th'^'  ^^  remove  from  hence,  and  go  into  Judea,  that  tht/  disciples  also  who  are  there  mai/,  for  the 
d?sciples'"aiso  "may  Jee  tlie  confirmation  of  their  faith  in  thee,  behold  thy  miracles,  and  see  the  mighty  icorks  which 
woriis  that  thou  doest.  f|^^J^  performest  here  :   For  this  retirement  seems  not  at  all  to  suit  the  great  pretensions  4 

4  i'or  there  zs  no  man  tnai     .  V      .'  ^.  .  .     .  n  i  ^i     i 

doeth  any  thing  in  secret,  thou  art  making  to  a  public  and  extraordinary  character;  as  it  is  well  known  tnat  wo  man 

known  openly  ^'^if '^ti'iou'  do  '^''^  choose  to  act  ani/  remarkable  thing  in  secret,  that  is  himself  desirous,  like  thee,  to  be 

these  things,  sliew  thyself  to  publicli/  known  and  talked  ofs    If,  therefore,  thou  art  really  the  promised  Messiah,  and  pe/- 

the  world.  formest  these  things,  which  we  so  often  see  at  home,  by  a  divine  commission,  go  up  to 

Jerusalem,  and  there  manifest  thyself  to  the  great  men  of  the  world,  and  appear  m  places 

of  the  most  public  concourse ;  and'  thou  canst  not  have  a  better  opportunity  of  doing  it 

than  at  tliis  celebrated  feast,  which  brings  together  so  many,  not  only  from  the  land  of 

5  For  neither  did  his  bre-  Israel,  but  from  neighbouring  countries.    This  they  said,  not  out  of  any  real  friendship  ,5 
thren  believe  m  him.  ^^^  respect,  but  to  make  further  trial  of  him,  and  in  some  measure  to  upbraid  him  with 

those  precautions  which  he  thought  proper  to  observe ;  for,  notwithstanding  all  the  evi- 
dences he  had  given  of  his  divine  mission,  yet  neither  did  his  brethren  and  kindred  them- 
selves believe  in  him,  when  they  saw  that  he  took  no  such  method  to  raise  himself  and  his 
family,  as  they  thought  inseparable  from  the  character  of  the  Messiah,  whenever  he  should 
appear.<i 

6  Then   Jesus  said    unto       Then  Jesus  said  wito  them,  Ml/  time,  either  to  manifest  myself,  or  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem,  6 
them.  My  time  is  not  yet  (g  j^q^  ygf  co,ng  •  Jy^  your  time  IS  always  ready,  and  such  a  circumstance  m  your  case  is 

come:  but  your  time  is  al  way  ■    ,  •      i        c  •/..i      •  ,  •-^    -sr      •  i  ^     r  ■    ■  i^    r^ 

ready.  Comparatively  of  very  little  importance.     You  have  no  reason  to  tear  any  injury  or  assault,  7 

7  Jhe  world  cannot  hate  gg  ff^g  nmrld  canuot  hate  voii,^    bccausc  it  is  on  principles  of  carnal  wisdom  that  you  act, 

y oil ;  but  me  it  hatetli ,  because         ,         ,  i  •         ■         "  ■  i  i  "^  •      i  ■  ■ 

1  testify  of  it,  that  the  works  and  SO  have  nothing  in  your  conduct  that  may  draw  upon  you  any  particular  opposition ; 

thereof  are  evil.  jj^^f.  ^^g  j^  hates ;  not  on  account  of  any  ill  action  which  I  have  committed,  but  because, 

from  a  zeal  for  truth,  and  a  desire  of  its  reformation,  I  bear  my  testimony  concerning  it,  that 

8  Go  ye  up  unto  this  feast:  its  deeds  are  evU.     Do  you,  therefore,  go  itp  to  this  feast  whenever  you  please,  without  8 
for°my  time'^L"  not' yet'^fuli  waiting  for  me  ;  and  acquiesce  in  what  I  now  tell  yoii,  that  1  do  not  as  [yetl  go  up  to  this 
come.  feast  ;^  for  that  which  I  judge  my  most  convenient  time  of  doing  it  is  not  yet;  fully  come, 

nor  do  I  need  to  be  directed  by  you  in  my  conduct  on  such  occasions  as  these. 

9  When  he  had  said  these      JVow  ivhen  he  had  Said  these  things  unto  them,  he  left  them  to  go  up  alone,  while  he  con-  9 
7t°inn  Glfiiee?"'"       "'"'''"  tinucd  [still]  in  Galilee  for  a  few  days  longer.    But  when  his  brethren  or  kindred  were gme  10 

10  But  when  his  brethren  ?;p,  then  he  also  himself  ivcnt  up  to  the  feast, s  not  publicly,  with  a  train  of  attendants,  as  he 
aiso^up'"unto''the'^feas^t!"iiot  had  often  done,'>  but  as  it  were  in  secret,  with  as  much  privacy  as  he  could. 

openly,  but  as  it  were  in       The  Jcws  therefore,  not  Seeing  him  appear  as  usual,  sought  for  him  at  the  beginning  of  11 
^^ii^fhen  the  Jews  soueht  the  feast,  and  saicl,  What  is  become  of  Jesus,  and  where  is  he  ?  or  what  can  have  prevented 
mer'^eSs^ife/^"*''  ^^^  ^'"'^'  his'coming  up  to  the  feast?* 

12  And  tiiere   was  much      -^nd  there  wos  in  the  mean  time  a  great  murmuring  among  the  people  concerning  him  ;  12 
"nrara'in"""''hi'iT^'\';fr''som^-^''''  ^"'^  ^""^'  (^^  ^^^  ^^'^'  '"'^™  ^^^  wliolc  tcnor  of  his  life,  the  utmost  reason  to  conclude,) 
said, He is"agood'ma'n: others  Surely^  he  is  an  eminently  pious  and  a  good  man:  but  others,  under  the  force  of  strong 
the'^pe^ple'  ''"*  '"^  deceiveth  prejudices,  suspected  the  worst,  and  said.  Nay,  that  cannot  be,  but  he  certainly  seduces  the 

Ignorant  populace,  however  he  comes  by  this  power  of  doing  it ;  and  the  wisest  part  of 
mankind  must  see  that  he  will  undoubtedly  at  last  draw  his  followers  into  ruin,  as  some 

13  llowbeit,  no  man  spake  other  impostors  have  lately  done.     (See  Acts  v.  36,  37.)  Thus  they  privately  debated  the 

matter ;  howbeit,  no  one  that  thought  favourably  of  him,  spoke  his  mind  with  freedom  con- 

3.  Jifler  these  things,  SjcA    Those  that  I  have  mentioned  here  are  the  enclose  the  word  [ye/,]  which  answers  to  wtm  in  the  original,  in  crotchets  ; 

last  which  had  been  recorded  by  John.    See  a  more  particulai"  account  and  the  reason  is,  because  I  do  indeed  doubt  whether  it  was  in  the  oldest 

of  them,  §78 — 82.  copies.    And  this  doubt  arises,  not  merely  from  Porpliyry's  objecting 

b  He  Tiould  not  walk  in  Judea."]    This  may  be  an  intimation,  either  against  this  as  a  falsehood,  (for  frequent  experience  has  taught  us  how 

that  he  was  not  at  Jerusalem  the  preceding  passover,  or  at  least  made  little  the  enemies  of  Christianity  are  to  be  trusted  in  their  representations 

no  public  appearance  or  long  abode  there.     1  am  inclined  to  think  the  of  Scripture,)   but  from   observing  that  Jerome,  and   the  other  most 

former  was  the  case. — Undoubtedly,  liis  omission  of  a  journey  thither  ancient  fathers  who  reply  to  that  objection,  do  not  found  their  answer  on 

at  some  of  the  great  feasts  might  be  vindicated   by  his  extraordinary  his  citing  the  passage  wrong,  but,  as  they  justly  might,  on  the  intima- 

character,  and  those  intimations  he  might  have  from  his  heavenly  Father,  tion  our  Lord  gave  of  his  intending  shortly  to  go  to  the  feast,  in  that 

of  being  dispensed  with,  for  reasons  not  particularly  known  to  us,  who  expression.  My  time  is  not  j/et  fully  come. — It  is  a  glorious  testimony  to 

have  no  concern  with  them.    See  note  b,  5  R3.  p.  155.  the  unblemished  integrity  of  our  Lord's  character,  that  so  cunning  and 

c  'Vlittt  is  himself  desirous  to  he  puUicly  known  and  talked  of.]    This  inveterate  an  enemy   was  forced  to  have  recourse  to  such  mean  and 

seems  to  be  a  very  invidious  and  groundless  insinuation,  as  if  he  was  ridiculous  methods  of  aspersing  it.    See   Dr.   Mill  on   this  text,  and 

actuated  by  ostentatious  views:    the  contrary  to  which  appeared  so  Cleric.  De  yl«e  CriVsVa,  part.  iii.  p.  232. 

evidently  in  the  whole  of  his  conduct,  that  nothing  but  base  envj-  could  g  He  also  went  up  to  the  feast. 1    Our  Lord  might  know  of  some  cir- 

suggest  such  a  charge.  cumstance  of  particular  danger  which  might  have  rendered  his  going  up 

a  Neither  did  his  brethren  believe  in  him,  Sfc.']    It  is  astonishing  that  at  the  usual  time,  and  in  company  with  his  brethren,  unsafe,  and  there- 

these  near  relations  of  Christ,  who  must  have  had  so  many  opportunities  fore  improper. 

ot  seeing  the  glories  both  of  his  character  and  miracles,  (which  last  they  h  Not  pnhlichj,  with  a  train  of  attendants,  &c.]    I  look  on  this  as  a 

here  expressly  acknowledge,")  should  continue  in  unbelief.    But  they  most  certain  argument,  that  the  story  in  Luke  ix.  51 — 56.  cannot  (as 

unhappily  laid  it  down  as  a  iirst  principle,  that  the  Messiah  must  be  a  most  commentators  suppose)  relate  to  this  journey  ;  since  it  is  so  evident, 

temporal  Prince  ;  and  finding  this  mark  of  his  mission  wanting,  and  he  was  then  attended  with  a  numerous  train  of  followers.  Compare  note 

seeing  (more  strongly  than  others  not  so  intimately  conversant  with  him  a,  §  97.  p.  177.                                                                                               , 

could  do)  his  aversion  to  any  such  scheme,  they  would  yield  to  no  other  i   Where  is  he?   or  what  can  have  prevented  his  coming  up  to  tne 

proofs ;  and  are,  I  fear,  on  the  fatal  list  of  those  who  perished,  as  thou-  feast?]    If  our  Lord  had  absented  himself  from  the  two  preceding  teasts, 

sands  now  do,  by  opposing  hypothesis  to  fact.    See  Dr.  Sykes,  On  the  (which  perhaps  the  expostulations  of  his  brethren,  ver.  3,  4.  may  imply,) 

Truth  of  Christianity,  p.  128.  there  was  yet  an  obvious  reason  for  the  surprise  which  this  question  ex- 

e  The   world  cannot  hate  pou.'i    These   words,   gentle  as  they  may  presses;  for  undoubtedly  our  Lord  used  generally  to  attend  on  tnese 

appear,  contain  a  most  awful  insinuation,  that  these  his  kinsmen  were  occasions.    See  p.  1.55.  ^  83.  note  b.                                           a    it,  t  tu 

persons  governed  entirely  by  carnal  views,  and  therefore  destitute  of  k  Surely.]    It  is  possible,  as  our  translators  have  supposed,  mat  me 

the  love  of  God,  and  all  well-grounded  liope  from  him.  word  oti  here  may  be  only  an  expletive  ;  but  to  me  it  seenis  prcpaDie 

{  1  do  not  [yet]  go  up  to  this  feast.]    The  reader  may  observe  that  I  that  it  may  not  improperly  be  rendered  surely  or  truly,  wlucn  is  ac- 

N    2 


ISO  CHRIST  VINDICATES  HIMSELF  AT  THE  FEAST  OF  TABERNACLES. 

SECT,  ce/niiig  him,^  for  fear  of  the  rulers  among  the  Jews,  who  were  jealous  of  his  growing  fame,  openly  ot  him,  for  fear  of  the 
98.     and  looked  with  a  very  malignant  eye  on  all  who  took  any  peculiar  notice  of  Jesus.  ■'**^- 

~^^  IMPROVEMENT. 

"^'"-  ^      We  see  how  little  the  greatest  external  advantages  can  do  without  the  divine  blessing,  when  some  of  the  nearest 

^  relations  of  Christ  himself,  by  whom  he  had  been  most  intimately  known,  were  not  prevailed  upon  to  believe  m 

him.     Who  then  can  wonder  if  some  remain  incorrigible  in  the  most  regular  and  pious  families?     How  much 

more  valuable  is  the  union  to  him,  which  is  founded  on  a  cordial  and  obedient  faith,  than  that  which  arose  from 

the  bands  of  nature!  and  how  cautiously  should  we  watch  against  those  carnal  prejudices  by  which  even  the 

brethren  of  Christ  were  alienated  from  him !  ,  ,  ■     ■  r  n  j  •    • 

Our  Lord,  we  see,  used  a  prudent  care  to  avoid  persecution  and  danger  till  his  time  was  fully  come ;  and  it  is 

1  8  our  duty  to  endeavour,  by  all  wise  and  upright  precautions,  to  secure  and  preserve  ourselves,  that  we  may  have 

opportunities  for  further  service.  ,  ,•      i 

In  the  course  of  such  service  we  must  expect,  especially  if  we  appear  under  a  public  character,  to  meet  with  a 
variety  of  censures;  but  let  us  remember,  that  Jesus  himself  went  through  evil  report  and  good  report ;  by  some 
12  applauded  as  a  good  man,  but  by  others,  and  those  the  greater  part  of  his  countrymen,  condemned  as  deceiving 
the  people.  Let  us  learn  of  Christ  patiently  to  endure  such  injurious  treatment ;  and  endeavour  to  behave  our- 
selves so,  that  we  may  have  a  testimony  in  the  consciences  of  men,  and  in  the  presence  of  God,  that,  after  the 
example  of  our  great  Master,  in  simpliciti/  and  godly  sincerity,  not  with  fleshly  wisdom,  but  by  the  grace  of  God,  we 
have  our  conversation  in  the  world.  (2  Cor.  i.  12.)  'Then  will  our  names  be  "liad  in  remembrance,  and  the  honour 
and  reward  of  our  faithful  obedience  continue,  when  the  memories  of  those  that  reviled  us  are  perished  with  them. 


SECTION  XCIX. 

Christ,  "oing  up  privately  to  .Jerusalem  at  the  feast  of  tabernacles,  vindicates  his  conduct,  and  further  urges  the  proofs  of  his  divine  mission. 
"  Jo!m  vii.  14 — 24. 

John  vii.  14.  john  vii.  i4. 

SECT   THUS  were  the  Jews  divided  in  their  sentiments  about  our  blessed  Lord,  and  though  now  about  the  midst  of  the 
99.     they  eagerly  inquired  after  him,  they  knew  not  where  to  find  him  :  but  now  in  the  midst  of  iemple,'ind  Taught f  '" 

the  feast  of  tabernacles,  about  the  third  or  fourth  day,  Jesus  went  up  io  Jerusalem,  and 

JOHN   entered  publicly  into  the  temple,  and  taught  the  people,  who  were  in  vast  multitudes 

^^'v  assembled  there.     And  the  Jews  who  heard  him  were'  amazed,  saying.  How  does  this  man     15  And  the  Jews  marvelled, 
^^  understand  letters?''  or  how  comes  he  to  be  so  well  acquainted  with  sacred  literature,  as  m^n"=',ette?sT  haWng  never 
to  be  able  thus  to  expound  the  Scriptures,  and  to  apply  himself  to  us  with  such  graceful-  learned  ? 
ness  and  propriety,  having  never  learned  these  arts  of  address  at  any  place  of  public 
education  ? 

16  Jesus  ansioered  them,  and  said,  Tliere  is  no  such  reason  why  you  should  wonder  at  this  ;  16  .lesus  answered  them, 
for  my  doctrine,  or  that  which  I  now  teach  you,  is  not  mine  own  invention,  or  what  I  have  nlinerbut  hisVaTse'nTmc."°' 
learnt  by  any  common  metiiod  of  inquiry ;  but  it  is  entirely  his  that  sent  me,  and  I  learned 

17  it  by  immediate  inspiration  from  him.  And  if  you  desire  rightly  to  enter  into  the  evidences  i7  if  any  man  will  do  his 
of  it,  you  must  make  it  your  great  care  to  maintain  an  honest  and  religious  temper  ;  for  ?/"  Joct;ine%vl!etLrit°heofGod! 
any  one  be  resolutely  diicrmined  to  observe  tlie  dictates  of  my  heavenly  Fatlier,  and  to  do  or  zchct/Ur  i  speak  of  myself! 
Im  will,^  though  ever  so  contrary  to  the  impulse  of  a  corrupt  nature,  he  shall  then  quickly 

nndcrslund  whether  my  doctrine  he  of  God,  or  whether  I  speak  it  of  myself ;  for  the  evidence 
is  plain  to  an  honest  mind,  and  the  correspondence  which  such  a  truly  good  man  will  find 
between  the  whole  system  of  my  doctrine  and  his  own  inward  experience,  will  be  unto 

18  him  instead  of  a  thousand  speculative  arguments.  In  the  mean  time  you  might  observe  iR  ne^thatspeakethof  him- 
something,  even  in  the  very  manner  of  my  teaching,  sufficient  to  convince  you  that  I  am  |*i,(  nrthat  seeketh^his^'gldry 
no  impostor:  for  he  that,  in  such  a  circumstance,  and  with  such  pretensions,  speaks  of  hi)?!-  that  sent  him,  the  same  is  true. 

>/.      -.1        .  I-  11  I  ■         If  u  1  1  „  „  ™„;„  .„  and  no  unngliteousuess  is  m 

self,  Without  any  divine  commission,  will  govern  himself  by  secular  views  ;  and  a  sagacious  ),;,„ 

observer  will  soon  see  that  he  is  seeking  his  own  glori/  and  interest,  even  under  the  most 

self-denying  forms  :  but  he  that  in  the  whole  of  his  conduct  shows  that  he  seeks  the  glory 

of  God,  as  of  him  that  he  declares  to  have  sent  him,  gives  great  reason  to  believe  that  he  is 

true  and  sincere  in  that  declaration,  and  that  the/-e  is  no  unrighteousness  or  imposture 

in  hinw^ 

19  But  your  character  is  the  very  reverse  of  this,  and  you  cannot  but  know  it  in  your  owm  19  Did  not  Moses  give  you 
conscience:  for  let  me  upon  this  occasion  call  you  to  reflect  on  your  own  conduct,  and  keepeth\he1aw?"why°l'oye 
appeal  to  that :  hath  not  Moses  given  you  the  law,  and  do  you  not  eagerly  contend  for  its  about  to  kill  me  ? 

divine  original  ?  and  yet  none  of  you  observes  the  laiv  which  he  has  given  you.  If  you  deny 
the  charge,  let  me  remind  yoii  of  that  grand  precept,  "  Thou  shalt  not  kill,"  and  then  ask 
you,  Wherefore  do  you  go  about  to  kill  me,  though  an  innocent  and  upright  jierson,  who  am 
come  to  bring  you  a  most  important  message  from  God  ? 

20  Tiiis  Jesus  said,  with  reference  to  what  he  knew  to  be  the  secret  design  of  some  of  his  20  The  people  answered 
hearers,  who  were  even  then  plotting  his  destruction;  but  the  multitude,  who  were  not  ^lo°goeth  alxmt  tokm  thee? 
aware  of  it,  ignorantly  and  rudely  answered  and  said,  Surely  thou  art  possessed  and  dis- 

tracted,"!  to  talk  thus ;  dost  thou  not  safely  travel  from  place  to  place,  and  appear  in  our 
most  public  assemblies,  even  here  at  Jerusalem,  and  rvho  goes  about  or  desires  to  kill  thee? 

cordingly   the  sense  that  I  have  sometimes  given  it. — We  should  not,  words,  OeXn  to  6e\niia  auTS  iroteiv.    (See  J  22.  note  a,  p.  52.)    This 

I  think,  unnecessarily  conclude  a  word  to  be  quite  insignificant  jn  any  important  passage  seems  an  express  declaration,  that  every  upright  man 

writer  of  credit  and  character,  especially  in  the  sacred  penmen.  to  whom  the  go.spel  is  iiroposed,  will  see  and  own  the  evidence  of  its 

I   No  one  that  thought  favourably  of  him.  iS:c.]    the  reason  afterwards  divine  authority  ;  which  indeed  might  reasonably  have  been  concluded 

given  renders  such  a  restriction  absolutely  necessary.  Those  that  thought  from  the  awful  judgment  pronounced  on  those  who  presume  to  reject  it. 

contemptibly  of  Christ  might  have  spoken  their  minds  as  freely  as  they  c  No  iinriff/iteovmess  or  imposture  in  him.]    'The  word  a&iKia,  m  this 

pleased.  opposition  to  aXn^'lf-'T'St  ''ignify  imposture.    Yet  I  think  it  the  fairest 

a  How  does  this  man  understand  letters?]    I  see  no  reason  to  believe  way  to  translate  the  original  words  in  all  their  extent,  and  content  my- 

that  our  Lord  adorned  his  discourses  with  quotations  from,  or  references  self  with  suggesting  in  the  paraphrase  those  limitations  which  the  par- 

to,  the   writers  that  were  then  most  celebrated  for  their  learning,  or  ticular  connexion  requires. 

showed  any  extraordinary  acquisitions  in  history,  antiquities,  &:c.    The  d   Thou  art  possessed  and  distracted.]    So  some  ot  them  express  it, 

evangelists  have  given  us  no  specimen  of  this  kiiid  ;  and  it  is  certain  that  .lohn  x.  20.  He  hath  a  devil,  and  is  mad  .which  plainly  shows,  as  many 

foreign  literature  was  then  in  great  contempt  among  the  .lews. —  i'iie  have  observed,  that  they  thought  some  of  the  worst  kind  and  degrees  of 

worils   undoubtedly  refer  to  our   Lord's  great  acquaintance  with  the  lunacies  proceeded  from  the  agency  of  some  demon :  as  many  considei- 

Scriptures,  ami  the  judicious  and  masterly  manner  in  which  he  taught  able  Greek  writers  plainly  did.   (.See  Bos.  Exercit.  p.  41 — 4:1.)    But  it 

the  people  out  of  them,  with  far  greater  majesty  and  nobler  eloquence  can  never  be  argued  from  hence  that  possession  and  lunacy  are  univei- 

than  the  scribes  could  attain  to  by  a  learned  education. — Compare  Mark  sally  synonymous  terms      When, joined  together  they  seem  to  signify 

i.  22.  and  Matt.  vii.  29.  p.  89.  note  c.  different  things ;  the  former  being  put  for  the  cause,  and  tlie  latter  for 

b  Be  determined  to  do  his  will.]    This  seems  to  be  the  import  of  those  the  effect. 


CHRIST  VINDICATES  HIMSFXF  AT  THE  FEAST  OF  TABERNACLES.  181 

■21  Jesus  answered  and  said      Jcsus,  referring  to  the  design  which  he  knew  some  of  them  had  of  renewing  their  prose-  SECT. 

unto  them   I  have  done  one  ciition  against  him  as  a  sabliath-breaker,  because  lie  had  commanded  the  disabled  man  at     99. 

wor-,  ant  >e  a    marve  .       ^j^^  ^^^^  ^^  Bethesda  to  carry  his  bed  on  that  day,  (compare  John  v.  16.  p.  95.)  answered " 

in  the  gentlest  manner,  and  said  unto  them,  I  have,  some  time  ago,  ncrfornud  one  remark-   John 
able  work,'^  and  you  all,  to  this  very  day,  wonder  on  account  of  it,^  tnat  I  should  order  the     ^^^' 

22  Moses  therefore  gave  man  I  Cured  to  Carry  his  couch  on  the  sabbath-day :  Yet  a  little  reflection  might  con-  22 
because'it  is"oTR'iiJses"ijut"of  ^''"ce  you  that  your  cavil  is  very  unreasonable,  even  on  your  own  principles  :  for  Moses 
the  fathers;)  and  ye 'on  the  gave  t/oii  a  precept,  which  required  chrumcisio7i,  (not  that  it  is  originally  of  IMoscs's  institu- 
sabhath-day    circumcise    a  tion,  iw^  had  been  formerly  established  by  the  observation  of  Abraham,' and  of  the  other 

fathers  of  our  nation,  many  as:es  before  JNIoses  was  born,  which  therefore  could  not  pro- 
perly be  altered  by  him,s)  and  you  scruple  not  to  circumcise  a  man-chWA  on  the  sabbath- 

23  If  a  man  on  the  sabbath-  dai/,  if  it  happen  to  be  the  eigiith  from  his  birth.     If  [then,']  to  prevent  the  violation  of  23 
tif/la^v'^oTMoses"shourd'  'not  ^loses's  Uiw  by  deferring  this  sacred  rite,  you  acknowleda:e  it  fit  that  a  wan.  should  receive 

be  broken ;  are  ye  antrry  at  circumcision  On  the  subSath  itself,  [ivhi/1  are  1/ou  incensed  against  me,  that,  by  speaking  a 

man'fve'r'y  \vhit'whoie"on'the  ^ord,  I  havc  cured  a  man  who  was  entireli/  disabled,*"  on  the  sabbath ;  as  if  it  was  a  more 

sabbathday?  Servile  work  to  heal  than  to  wound  ?  or  how  do  you  imaijine  that  I  have  not  power,  when 

I  have  thus  healed  him,  to  manifest  the  perfection  of  the  cure,  by  commanding  him  to 

24  Judge  not  accordin?  to  carry  his  couch?'  Jiidgc  not  according  to  these  prejudices  which  the  meanness  of  my  24 
ri'4teousTud"me'nt'!'"'  ^"''°*'  appeuiunce  tends  to  produce;  but  judge  righteous  and  equitable  judgment ;  which  if  you 

do,  you  must  necessarily  acknowledge  my  divine  mission  to  be  as  evident  and  certain  as 
that  of  INIoses  himself,  to  whose  precepts  you  profess  so  great  a  regard. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  us  learn  of  our  meek  and  humble  Master,  to  refer  the  honour  of  all  we  know  and  do  to  divine  instructions  \'er.  16 
communicated  to  us,  and  divine  grace  working  in  and  by  us;  that,  seeking  the  glory  of  God,  we  may  have  the  18 
surest  evidence  that  we  are  truly  his.     Let  us  on  all  occasions  remember,  that  integi'ity  and  uprightness  will  be  a 
certain  security  to  us  against  dangerous  mistakes  in  matters  of  religion.     If  the  light  we  already  have  be  faithfully 
improved,  we  may  humbly  hope  that  more  will  be  given  in  ;  nor  shall  we  then  fail  of  convincmg  evidence  that  the  17 
gospel-doctrine  is  of  (iod  ;  for  the  experience  of  its  power  on  our  hearts  will  check  our  passions,  and  destroy  the 
prejudices  that  would  prevent  the  truth  from  taking  place  in  our  minds. 

Let  us  receive  his  doctrine  as  divine,  and  hearken  unto  Christ  as  sent  of  God  ;  and  whatsoever  be  the  vile  re- 
proaches we  may  meet  with  from  a  wicked  world,  and  the  malicious  designs  it  may  form  asainst  us,  let  us  be 
resolute  and  stedfast  in  the  practice  of  the  duties  he  has  taught  us,  that  with  ivell-doing  we  mat/  put  to  silence  the  19 
ignorance  of  foolish  men.     (1  Pet.  ii.  15.) 

Our  Lord  was  reviled  as  a  demoniac  and  a  lunatic  ;  but  instead  of  rendering  railing  for  railing,  he  replied  in  the  20 
words  of  gentleness  and  sobriety.     So  let  us  endeavour  to  conquer  the  rudeness  of  those  attacks  we  may  meet  21—23 
with  in  his  cause ;  that  we  may,  if  possible,  remove  the  prejudices  so  fatal  to  those  that  entertain  them,  and  form 
men  to  that  equitable  and  impartial  judgment  which  would  soon  turn  all  their  cavils  against  Christ  into  admira-  24 
tion,  praise,  and  obedience. 


SECTION  C. 

by  th 
luld  n 

John  vii.  25. 


The  Jews  pass  a  variety  of  censures  on  Christ ;  and  the  sanhedrim,  alarmed  by  the  regard  which  some  expressed  towards  him,  send  of&cers  to 
seize  him  ;  but  Christ  openly  declares  that  their  purposes  should  not  imniediatel>  take  effect.    John  vii.  25 — 36. 


THEN  said  some  of  them  of  THEN,  while  our  Lord  was  thus  discoursing  at  the  feast  of  tabernacles,  some  of  the  in-  sect. 
'whom  they  silk  to ViU^   ^^  habitants  (if  Jerusalem,  who  knew  more  of  the  designs  of  the  sanhedrim  than  others  who    100. 
had  spoken  before,  (ver.  20.)  said,  Is  not  this  he  whom  they  seek  an  opportunity  to  put  to ■ — 

26  But,  lo,  he  speaketb  death?  But,  behold,  he  is  uot  Only  covne  up  hither  to  ihe  ka.st,hut  speaks  openli/ and  fveelj  john 
unto  him.  DoVeruTers"^^^^^  '"  the  very  temple  itself;  and  they  are  so  far  from  seizing  him,  that  they  do  not  so  much  .,^11. 
itideeii  ^that  this  is  the  very  as  Say  any  thing  to  prohibit  him.   Do  the  rulers  then  indeed  know  they  were  mistaken  in  their 

''^^ '  former  censures,  and  ai'e  they  now  persuaded  in  their  consciences  that  this  is  really  the 

27  Howbeit  w;e  know  tiiis  Messiah  1    But  we  have  sufficient  reason  to  conclude  this  cannot  be  the  case  ;  for  many  of  27 
Chrisrco™cth,no  man  know-  "^  know  this  man,  from  ivhcnce  he  is,  and  are  sure  that  he  was  born  of  Joseph's  wife; 
eth  whence  he  is.  whereas,  when  the  Messiah  comes,  no  man  will  thus  k7iow  from  whence  he  is;  for  he  is  to  be 

born  in  a  miraculous  way  of  a  virgin." 
tern  I^^"  h'^'^'^  '^d^"^  '"•"'^       Then  Jesics,  though  they  said  this  in  a  private  manner  to  each  other,  and  imagined  that  28 
■y'e'both'^\now'"ine,'and"y(J  ^^  could  not  have  heard  them,  us  he  was  teaching  in  the  temple,  and  at  some  distance 
know  whcnre  I  am :  and  I  am  fi'om  them,  c?'ied  out  with  a  louder  voice  than  before,  and  said.  Do  ye  indeed  both  know 
m>se  ,    u     e  ^^^^^  ^^^^^^  knoio  from  rvhence  I  am  ?^   Alas,  it  is  great  rashness  and  folly  for  you  to  assert  it; 

and  whatever  you  may  object,  yet  it  is  most  certain  that  I  am  not  come  of  myself,  with 

e  1  have  some  time  Ago  performed  one  remarkable  work.']    It  is  plain  emphasis:  the  words  oXoc  avSptoTroi/  i>7i»i  evoL^aa  literally  signify,  / 

the  miracle  here  referred  to  was  wrought  a  year  and  a  half  before  this  have  healed,  or  made  sound,  a  uiliole  man.    But  the  ambiguity  in  our 

feast.  Compare  §  46.  note  a,  p.  9.3.  English  word  whole  rendered  such  a  version  very  improper.     1  therefore 

f  And  i/im  all  wonder  on  account  of  it.}    I  here  follow  Theophylact  and  thought  it  necessary  a  little  to  vary  the  expression,  but  the  sense  is 

Beza  in  joining  the  words  3ia  rmo  to  the  end  of  this  verse,  because  it  is  altogether  the  same. — But,  since  I  published  this,  a  very  accurate  critic, 

certain  that  in  their  usual  signitication  they  cannot  properly  introduce  both  in  the  Greek  and  English  language,  has  suggested  another  version, 

the  next ;  and  John  xix.  11.  (^  188.")  may  be  an  instance  of  the  like  kind,  yet  more  literal  than  this,  or  any  of  the  rest :  1  liaie  made  a  man  sound 

—The  Prussian  translators  render  it.  Became  Mosei  gave  you  circum-  throijphmt. 

cision,  Sic.    and  the  learned  Eisner  inclines  to  this  version.     (Eisner,  i  TJiat  I  have  not  power,  when  I  have  thus  healed  him,  &'c.l    So  our 

Observ.  vol.  i.  p.  311,  315.)    But  though  I  am  sensible  «  cwkck  some-  Lord  himself   states  the  argument,  in  a  case  nearly  resenibiing  this, 

times  signifies  hecan.se.  (see  Gen.  xxxviii.  26.  Numb.  x.  31.  and  xiv.  43.  (Matt.  ix.  5,  6.  p.  92.)  and  might  probably  here  intend  to  insmuate  it. 

Septnag.  and  Ilehr.)  I  cannot  find  hia  tvto  ever  so  used  ;  and  I  think,  though  in  an  oblique  manner. 

it  It  be  retained  at  the  beginning  of  the  next  verse,  it  should  be  rendered,  a  He  is  to  be  born  in  a  miraculous  way  of  a  virgin.]    It  is  evident 

As  to  this  matter  ;  which  sense  it  may  perhaps  have  in  Matt.  xiii.  52.  from  Matt.  ii.  4,  5.  that  the  Jews  apprehended  the  Messiah  was  to  be 

xv'iii.  23.  and  in  a  few  other  places ;  and  so  Grotius  takes  it  here.    See  born  at  Bethlehem  ;  and  from  a  multitude  of  other  places,  that  they 

Dr.  Whithy  on  this  place.  knew  he  was  to  be  a  descendant  of  David.  (Compare  ver.  12.)     (  know 

g   'Sol  that  it  is  originally  of  Moses,  <Sr.]     An  excellent  person,  justly  not  liow  therefore  to  account  for  their  saying  that,  wheyi  Christ  came,  no 

celebrated  in  the  learned  world,  has  lately  suggested  to  me  a  thought  on  man  would  know  whence  he  is,  but  bv  supposing,  with  Archbishop  Xil- 

tiiese  words,  (which  1  have  not  met  with  elsewhere,  but  have  brietiy  lotson,  (vol.  ii.  p.  454.)  that  the  words  refer  to  an  expectation  they  had 

hinted  in  the  paraphrase,)  as  to  the  reason  why  our  Lord  makes  this  that  he  would  be  horn  of  a  virgin. — As  for  the  notion  which  Justin 

?i    'i°«?  remark,  that  circumcision  was  older  than  the  time  of  Moses.  Maityr  mentions,  that  the  Messiah  should  for  a  while  he  hid,  it  seems 

Had  Moses  instituted  it,  he  would  probably  have  ordered   it  so  as  to  more  modern;  and  they  must  put  a  strange  interpretation  on  Isa.  liii. 

make  it  quadrate  with  his  law  relating  to  the  strict  rest  of  the  sabbath  :  8.  Mic.  v.  2.  and  Psal.  ex.  4.  to  draw  any  such  consequence  from  them 

but  tinding  it  instituted  by  a  previous  covenant,  which  his  law  could  as  Dr.  Whitby  and  Mr.  L'Enfant  .suppose  they  did. 

not  disannul,  (see  Gal.  iii.  17.)  he  left  it  still  on  the  same  footing.— This  b  Do  you  both  know  me.  and  know  whence  I  am  :]    .So  l.ishop  Chanaier 

argument  will  iiuleed  infer  that  the  strict  sabbatical  rest  was  not  observed  would  render  these  words  ;  (see  his  Defence,  p.  334.)  and  it  seem=  "eces- 

in  the  patriarchal  age  ;  but  vet  it  might  be  a  day  of  extraordinary  devo-  sary,  in  order  to  vindicate  the  propriety,  and  indeed  the  veracity,  or  tne 

tion,  which  I  apprehend  to  be  proved  from  Gen.  ii.  3.  reply;  unle.ss,  with  Beza  and  Cameiarius,  we  suppose  it  to  be  spoKen 

h  1  have  cured  a  man  entirety.'}    Our  translation  loses  much  of  the  ironically. 


182  THE  JEWS  CENSURE  CHRIST,  AND  SEND  OFFICERS  TO  SEIZE  IlIM. 

SECT,  vain  and  false  pretences  to  a  divine  mission,  nor  do  I  want  any  proper  evidences  of  it:  that  sent  me  is  true,  whom  ye 
100.    but  he  who  sent  me  is  true  to  all  his  promises  and  predictions,*^  whom,  nevertheless,  with  all  ''"o"  ""*• 

— your  boasts,  ye  know  not.     But  I  know  him  in  a  most  intimate  manner ;  for  I  am  sprung     eo  But  I  know  him :  for  i 

JOHN   from  him'^  by  a  mysterious  and  divine  creneration,  in  consequence  of  which  I  am  infinitely  l'^^  ^°^  *"'"'  '^"^  '^^  *'""' 
^^90  better  acquainted  with  him  than  you,  or  any  mere  creatures,  can  be ;  and  he  hath  sent  jne 
among  you  as  his  Ambassador,  on  an  errand  of  the  highest  importance. 

30  Then  they  were  so  provoked  by  this  claim  of  a  divine  original,  and  by  the  charge  so  Then  they  sought  to  take 
advanced  against  them,  as  ignorant  of  that  God  in  whom  they  gloried  as  so  peculiarly  their  oJ,"hJm  "beTauT^bislJour  w^ 
own,  that  they  sought  an  opportunity  to  seize  him ;  yet  God  impressed  their  minds  in  such  not  yet  come. 

a  manner,  that  no  one  of  them  would  be  the  first  that  laid  hands  on  him  :  and  they  were 
kept  under  this  visible  restraint,  because  his  appointed  hour  of  suffering  was  not  yet  come, 
but  he  had  further  services  in  life  to  despatch  before  he  was  delivered  to  them. 

31  And  many  of  the  people  were  so  much  affected  with  these  discourses,  that  they  secretly  .31  And  many  of  the  people 
believed  on^him,  and  said  to  each  other,  ir/iera  the  Messiah  comes,  will  it  be  possible  he  when^ch^^t  cometh?tiU  he 
should  do  sreater  miracles  than  these  which  this  [Jesus']  has  done  here  at  Jerusalem,  and  do  more  miracles  than  these 

, ,  P  ,  .       t  u  -I  which  this  ma}i  hath  done  ? 

over  tlie  whole  country  : 

32  This,  however,  could  not  be  so  privately  said,  but  some  information  of  it  was  sent  to  the  32  The  Pharisees  heard  that 
Pharisees,  who,  when  they  heard  that  the  people  whispered  such  things  concerning  him,  were  {hfn„P^concernin?'h[m ;  'aSd 
greatly  displeased  and  alarmed  at  it :  and  the  Pharisees  and  the  other  members  of  the  the  Pharisees  and  the'  chief 
grand  sanhedrim,  particularly  the  chief  priests,  among  whom  there  were  many  Sadducees,  ^[^^f'^  ^^^^  ""^"""^  '°  "^''^ 
(see  Acts  iv.  1 .)  sent  officers  from  the  chamber  in  which  they  held  their  council,*  into  the 

adjacent  court  of  the  temple,  to  seize  him,  as  he  preached  there  to  the  multitude. 

33  Then  Jesus  said  to  them,  as  soon  as  they  appeared,  1  know  the  design  on  which  some  .33  Then  said  jesus  unto 
of  you  are  come,  but  God  will  not  permit  you  immediately  to  execute  k ;  for  yet  a  little  JJ^iX^ou!  lnTlleZ\%^m,h, 
while  longer  I  am  to  continue  ivith  you,  and  [then^  I  am  to  go  again  to  him  that  sent  me.  him  that  sent  me. 

34  And  when  I  am  returned  to  him,  I  shall  be  entirely  out  of  your  reach ;  so  that  you  shall  34  Ye  shall  seek  me,  and 
seek  me,  and  wish  that  you  had  me  in  your  power  again,  but  you  shall  not  find  me;  and  f'^^  "fu/!er  ye  ^^aot  come 
where  I  am,  or  where  I  shall  then  and  always  be,  you  cannot  possibly  come:  which  he  said, 

referring  to  liis  speedy  exaltation  to  the  heavenly  world,  and  to  the  impotent  malice  with 
which  they  should  then  oppose  his  triumphant  cause. 

35  But  he  was  not  understood  in  that  sense :  the  Jeivs  therefore  who  were  present  said  -35  Then  said  the  .Tews 
among  themselves.  Whither  is  he  about  to  go,  that  we  shall  not  find  him  J  Will  he  leave  wui^re  go'Th'at  w|' shau'not 
Judea,  and  go  to  the  remainders  of  the  holy  seed  who  are  dispersed  among  the  Greeks  and  find  hin?-  will  he^o  unto  the 
other  nations?  and  will  he  teach  them,  or  the  Greeks  themselves,f  even  the  idolatrous  ai^' teach  tK^entUesT' 

36  Gentiles,  after  his  being  thus  rejected  by  his  own  nation  at  home  and  abroad  ?    What  [sort  .  .36  what  mamier  0/  sayin? 
of]  saying  is  this  which  he  has  now  spoken.  You  shall  seek  me,  and  shall  not  find  me ;' and  seek"  m'eT'ami  shall  noVfiSd 
where  I  am,  you  cannot  possibly  come?  Thus  they  continued  cavilling  at  his  words;  yet  »>e:  and' where  l  am,  iMtAer 
were  so  overawed  by  his  presence,  that  they  did  not  dare  to  offer  him  any  violence,  not-  ^'^  cannot  come  ? 
withstanding  the  commission  with  which  some  of  them  came. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.26      So  confident  is  error  in  its  own  decisions,  and  so  vain  in  its  self-applauses !  These  unhappy  people,  every  way 

27  mistaken,  censure  their  rulers  for  a  supposed  credulity,  in  seeming,  as  it  were,  to  acquiesce  in  Christ's  claim  to  be 
the  Messiah ;  and  imagined  themselves,  no  doubt,  exceeding  wise  in  rejecting  him,  while  they  blindly  took  it  for 
granted  he  was  the  son  of  Joseph,  and  had  not  patience  to  wait  for  the  authentic  story  of  his  miraculous  concep- 
tion. Surely  men  had  need  to  look  well  to  the  force  of  those  arguments,  on  which  they  venture  their  souls  by 
rejecting  the  gospel. 

28  Our  Lord  answered  their  secret  reasoning  in  a  manner  which  might  justly  have  alarmed  them,  charging  them 
with  ignorance  of  that  God  whom  they  pretended  to  know,  and  whom,  with  a  presumptuous  confidence,  they 
claimed  as  theirs.  And  oh,  that  it  may  not  be  found  at  last,  that  many  who  have  appeared  most  confident  of  their 
interest  in  God,  neither  know  him,  nor  are  known  by  him  ! 

29  The  blessed  Jesus,  who  is  the  brightness  of  his  glory,  and  the  express  image  of  his  Person,  has  the  completest 
knowledge  of  the  Father.  May  we  be  so  wise  and  hai)py  as  to  seek  instructions  from  him,  that  the  eyes  of  our 
understandings  may  be  enlightened,  and  the  temper  of  our  hearts  proportionably  regulated,  by  all  the  discoveries  of 
the  divine  Being  which  he  makes  ! 

How  obstinate  and  desperately  hardened  were  the  hearts  of  those  who,  notwithstanding  all  the  proofs  that  Jesus 
30,  32  gave  of  his  divine  mission,  were  yet  so  far  from  hearkening  to  him,  as  to  seek  opportunities  to  destroy  him  !  So 
dangerous  and  fatal  is  the  prevalence  of  error  in  such  as  like  not  to  retain  God  in  their  knowledge,  that  they  will 
even  venture  on  the  greatest  wickedness,  when  once  they  are  given  over  to  a  reprobate  mind.  (Rom.  i.  28.) — May 
God  preserve  us  from  a  spirit  of  delusion,  and  fill  us  with  that  wisdom,  that  we  may  know  the  things  belonging  to 
our  peace ;  and  being  ready  to  receive  the  ti-uth  in  the  love  of  it,  may  we  acknowledge  and  attend  to  Christ  as 
sent  of  God ! 
34  May  we  learn  this  heavenly  wisdom  in  time,  since  the  hour  is  approaching  when  Christ  will  be  sought  in  vain, 
and  all  correspondence  between  him  and  sinners  will  be  finally  cut  off!  Where  he  is,  they  cannot  then  come ;  and 
to  be  excluded  from  him,  will  at  length  appear  insupportable  misery,  even  to  those  who,  with  proud  folly  and  fatal 
self-sufficiency,  are  now  most  ready  to  say  unto  him.  Depart  from  us,  for  we  desire  not  the  knowledge  o/'thee  or  thy 
ways.    (Job  xxi.  14.) 


SECTION  CI. 

1 
'^^^-  John  vii.  37. 


Christ  invites  his  hearers  to  come  and  imbibe  the  Spirit  from  him  ;  and  by  these  and  other  pxacious  discourses,  disarms  the  resolution  of  the  officers, 
SECT.  ^^^°  return  to  the  sanhedrim  without  him  ;  where  a  short  debate  arises  between  Nicodemus  and  his  brethren.    John  vii.  37,  to  the  end. 


John  vii.  37. 

JOHN   SUCH  were  the  discourses  which  our  Lord  made  to  the  people,  in  the  presence  of  those  IN  the  last  day,  that  great 
vii".    who  were  sent  by  the  sanhedrim  to  seize  him;  and  this  happened  in  the  eighth  and  last  ^"^^^  ****  *'^^*'  •'^^"^  ^'°'"' 

c  /f  <n(«  to  all  his  promises  and  predictions.]  There  seems  a  reference  vary  any  thing  in  the  paraphrase,  since  in  either  sense  it  suggests  so 
here  to  the  accomplishment  of  some  of  the  prophecies  already  fulfilled  strong  a  reason  for  believing  that  Christ  hath  the  most  intimate  know- 
in  him,  together  with  a  cheerful /a«/i  in  what  was  yet  to  come.  ledge  of  the  Father. 

d  I  am  from  him.]    I  should  have  chosen  to  render  Trap'  clvth,  Kith  e  From  tlie  chamber  in  which  they  held  their  council.]  See  ^  24.  note 

him,  as  I  did  in  the  first  edition,  to  avoid  a  tautology  ;  but  I  am  sensi-  f,  p.  .W. 

ble,  on  further  reflection,  that  I  want  a  sufficient  authoritj'  for  sucli  a  t   IVil!  he  go  to  the  dispersed  among  tlie  Greeks,  and  teach  the  Greets?'} 

version.    I  therefore  acquiesce  in  our  own  :  but  I  see  no  occasion  to  By  Greeks  we  are  here  to  understand  idolatrous  Gentiles,  and  not 


THE  PHARISEES  ARE  ANGRY  AT  CHRIST.  Ili3 

and  cried  saying.  If  any  man  day,  that  great  [day']  of  the  f east  of  tabernacles,  when,  according  to  the  institution  of  Moses,    SECT. 

thirst,  let'himcome  untonie,  (Lev.  xxiii.  34,  36.  Numb",  xxix.  35.)  there  was  to  be  an  holy  convocation,  attended  with    101. 

and  drink.  ^^^^^  cxtraorduiary  sacrifices.    Now,  on  this  day,  when  it  was  customary  for  tlie  priests  to 

surround  the  altar  with  their  palm-branches,  and  to  pour  out  water  in  the  temple,  as  an  John 
expression  of  the  general  desire  of  the  Messiah's  appearance,  and  the  pouruig  forth  of  the  „^'^- 
Spirit  by  him,='  Jesus  stood  on  an  eminence,  that  he  might  be  the  better  heard  and  seen, 
and  proclaimed  with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  If  any  man  thirst,  that  is,  if  he  ardently  desire 
true  happiness,  and  long  for  the  blessings  promised  under  the  administration  of  the  Messiah, 
let  him  come  unto  me  by  faith,  and  drink  his  fill ;  for  I  am  most  ready  freely  to  communi- 
cate every  needful  blessing,  and  particularly  those  supplies  of  the  Spirit  which  you  profess 
.38  Hethatbeiievethonme,  SO  earnestly  to  desire.     (Compare  Isa.  Iv.  1.)     For  he  that  truly  helieveth  on  we,  as  the  38 

a.s  the  Scripture  iiath  said,  out  Scripture  hath  in  many  places  said  and  promised,''  shall  receive  those  supplies  in  so  great 

ofliving  water.  an  abundance,  that  he  shall  not  only  be  refrr^shed  himself,  hnt  out  of  his  belli/,  or  from 

within  him,'^  shall  flow  vital  streams,  and,  as  it  were,  rivers  of  living  water,  for  the  refresh- 
ment and  comfort  of  others. 

39  (But  this  spake  he  of      Now  this,  which  was  true  in  a  more  extensive  sense,  he  peculiarly  spake  of  the  Spirit^  39 
the  Spirit,  which  they  that  ,^,/,/c/,  tf^gy  i^fig  helievcd  on  him  should  receive,  and  which  some  of  them  should  also  be 
for'ThrHoiy  Ghost  wlil'not  enabled  to  communicate  to  others.     But  it  was  not  then  generally  understood  ; /or  the 
yet  i7n«^«;  because  that  Jesus  jj^,/y  Spirit  luas  not  yet  [given]  in  that  extraordinary  manner,  because  Jesus  was  not  yet 
was  not  yet  giormed.)  glorified ;  and  it  was  the  wise  and  gracious  purpose  of  God  to  send  him  down  on  the 

church,  after  the  ascension  of  Jesus,  as  a  triumphant  Conqueror,  into  his  Father's  presence. 
(See  Eph.  iv.  7—12.  John  xvi.  7.  and  Acts  li.  33.) 

40  Many   of  the    people       Then  many  of  the  people,  when  they  heard  this  gracious  saying,  which  was  indeed  a  more  40 
therefore,  when  they  heard  f,.gg  declaration  and  profession  than  he  commonly  made,  said,  Surely  this  [nam]  is  at  least 
{his  ilThe  prophet."*  ^  a  prophet, <'  and  probably  comes  to  introduce  the  Messiah.     And  khers  said,  Nay,  this  is  41 

41  otheis  said.  This  is  the  certainly  the  Messiah  himself;  but  in  opposition  to  this,  some  objected,  and  sauI,  Shall  the 
chHst  come  out  of  Galilee  f    Messiah,  when  he  appears,  come  out  of  Galilee,  as  we  know  this  Jesus  of  Nazareth  does? 


said, 
the  : 
the  I 

^^'so'ttfere  was  a  division  Mic.  V.  2.)''  And'  thus  they  were  divided  in  their  sentiments,  and  there  was  a  warm  dis-  43 
among  the  people  because  of  sension^  aiiiong  the  people  on  his  account. 

"'44'And  some  of  them  would      And  the  officers  also,  who  had  been  sent  to  apprehend  him,  were  at  a  loss  what  they  44 
have  taken  him ;  but  no  man  should  do,  and  some  of  them  ivould  have  seized  him ;  but,  struck  with  the  regard  which 
laid  hands  on  him.  several  of  the  people  expressed  towards  him,  and,  above  all,  impressed  by  the  dignity  and 

sweetness  of  his  discourses,  and  the  secret  hand  of  Heaven  which  wrought  for  his  deliver- 
ance, they  were  so  far  restrained,  that  no  man  laid  hands  on  him. 
45  Then  came  the  officers  to       Then  the  officers  came  back  to  the  chief  priests  and  the  Pharisees,  without  accomplishing  45 
sels'''' and'^thly  "safd^unto  the  purpose  for  which  they  were  sent :  and  when  the  sanhedrim  perceived  they  had  not 
tiiem'.    Why    have   ye  not  executed  their  commission,  tlicy  said  unto  them.  Why  have  ye  not  brought  him  with  you  as 
brought  him  ?  ^,^^^^  prisoner,  according  to  the  orders  you  received  from  us  ? 

40  The  officers  answered.       The  officers  replied,  \Ve  could  not  find  in  our  hearts  to  attempt  it ;  for  surely  no  man  46 
Never  man  spake  like  this  \]yi^^„  g{,(,,.  j^j^/^.g  ;„  §0  engaging  and  irresistible  a  manner  as  this  man  doth  ;s  and  had  you 
heard  him  yourselves,  it  must  have  disarmed  your  resentment  against  him. 
47  Then  answered  them  the       Then  the  Pharisees,  far  from  being  softened  by  the  account  they  gave  them,  answered  47 
Pharisees,  Are  ye  also  de-  ^f^g|J^  jjj  ^  scomful  and  Upbraiding  way.  What,  are  you  also  deceived  by  his  artful  and 
^^Ts^Iave  any  of  the  rulers  popular  address?  Surely  you  cannot  be  so  weak  as  to  be  thus  infatuated?  Pray  consider  48 
°'"  wi^Y  ^'^'^'''"^^  believed  ^|^g  conduct  of  those  who  are  most  capable  of  judging  of  this  point :  have  any  of  the  rulers 
°"   ""■  believed  on  him,  or  [any]  of  the  Pharisees  of  a  more  private  station  ?>»  Yet  you  know  these 

are  most  eminent  for  tlieir  acquaintance  with  religion,  and  are  the  most  authentic  interpre- 
49  But  this  people,  who  ters  of  the  sacred  writings  in  which  it  is  contained  :  But  this  wretched  herd  oi people,  who  49 


l"?Zd^  "°'  ""'    '^'''  '"^'  ^^  ^^  enclianted  with  him,  laww  and  regard  woit  any  thing^  of  the  true  meaning  oi  the  law, 
and,  it  is  easy  to  be  seen  '        '  ■.       ,  , ,  .  _  .  ^ 

absurd  and  fatal  mistake 


''""^'^'  and,  it  is  easy  to  be  seen,  are  cursed  with  a  judicial  blindness,  and  given  up  to  the  most 


Hellenists,  or  Jews  that  used  the  Greek  language  ;  for  these  were  the  d  T/iis  he  spake  of  the  Spirit.^    It  is  strange  that,  when  the  evangelist 

dispersed  among  them.    There  is  tlierefore,   I  think,  a  sting  in  these  has  thus  plainly  commented  on  these  words  of  Christ,  a  late  eminent 

words  beyond    what   commentators   have   observed.    They    insinuate,  writer  should  venture  to  advance  a  difterent  interpretation,  and  e-xplain 

that  if  he  was  to  go  into  foreign  countries  to  address  himself  to  the  Jews  them  as  spoken  oi  the  docinne  of  ihe  ffoxpe/.                          c     _,    -i      ■  .  ^ 

there,  who  might  be  supposed  not  so  well  instructed  as  those  that  lived  e  Sureii/  this  man  is  a  prophet.^    As  the  article  is  prehxed,  it  might 

in  Judea  and  at  Jerusalem,  he  would  not  be  able  to  mal^e  any  prose-  seem  natural  to  render  it  the  prophet,  were  it  not  afterwards  distinguished 

lytes,  even  among  these  ;  but  would  be  constrained  to  apply  himself  to  from  the  Christ.    On  tins  account  1  conclude  that  here,  as  also  John  i. 

the  ignorant  and  stupid  Gentiles,  to  seek  disciples  among  them  ;  wliich,  21.  6  ■!T(>o<pr\Tv\i  signifies  only  a  prophet,  that  is,  one  of  the  ancient  pro- 

to  be  sure,  appeared  to  these  hau;;hty  scorners  one  of  the  most  infamous  phets  revived.    See  »  20.  note  c,  p.  49.         ,    ,              ,                    , 

circumstances  that  could  be  imagined,  and  most  incompatible  with  the  f  A   warm  dissension.l    So    I    apprehen<    the  word  Sxicua  always 

character  of  the  true  Messiah  signifies.    And  thus  the  word  schism,  which  is  just  the  same,  (with  an 

a  When  it  was  customary  for  the  priests  to  pour  out  water,  (Sjc]   That  English  termination,)  expresses  not  merely  nor  necessarily  a  separation 

there  was  a  custom  on  this  day  of  drawing  water  out  of  the  fountain  of  from  each  other,  but  an  angry  debate,  whether  it  be,  or  be  not,  attended 

Siloam,  and  pouring  it  out  before  the  Lord  in  the  temple,  at  the  time  of  with  separation.                                                   t,,          .             •         • 

evening  sacrifice,  and  that  the  priest  who  did  it  stood  on  some  eminence,  g  A'o  man  ever  spake  as  this  man  doth.]    Plutarch  rnentions  it  as  a 

tlie  Jewish  Rabbles  unanimously  assure  us.   (See  Reland's  Antig.  Ileh.  memorable  proof  of  the  extraordinary  eloquence  of  Mark  Antony,  when 

part  iv.  cap.  6.  \  6.)    Some  think  it  was  intended  to  supplicate  the  Marius  sent  soldiers  to  kill  him,  that  when  he  began  TrapaneKrilat  tov 

former  rain ;  but  the  context  inclines  me  much  rather  to  believe  those  ^araToi',  to  plead  for  his  life,  he  disarmed  their  resolution,  and  melted 

Jewish  writers,  produced  by  Dr.  Lightfoot,  (in  his  Hor.   Hcb.  on  this  them  into  tears,  (Plutarch,  p'lt.  p.  431.)    But  these  othcers  are  thus 

place,)  who  say  It  was  meant  as  a  way  of  invoking  the  divine  influences  vanquished,   merely   by    hearing   Christ's   gracious   discourses   to  tlie 

of  the  blessed  Spirit,  and  as  a  mark  of  their  desire  of  having  it  poured  people,  which  is  a  circumstance  much  more  remarkable,     ihey  re, urn 

out  upon  them.  See  Tremellius's  excellent  note  on  this  text.  in  a  kind  of  amaze,  and  instead  ot  seizing  him  as  fneir  prisoner,  or 

b  As  the  ficripture  hath  inmzxiy  p\aces  said ■AnAvTom'xsed.']    Chrysos-  making  a  laboured  apology  for  their  failure,  only  break  out  into  a 

torn,  and  after  him  many  other  eminent  critics,  refer  this  to  the  former  pathetic  exclamation,  that  no  man  in  the  world  ever  spake  like  Inm.    Jt 

clause,  and  understand  it  as  if  he  had  said.  He  that  hath  that  faith  in  is  a  reflection  which,  1  hope,  we  often  make,  as  we  read  his  discourses. 

me  which  the  Scripture  requires.   (See  Castalio,  Ze^erus,  and  Jac.  Cap-  h  Have  any  of  the  rulers  believed  on  him,  or  any  of  the  Fhartsees.  i 

pellus,  in  he.)    And  thus  they  avoid  the  difficulty  which  arises  from  our  I  cannot  think,  with  Grotius,  that  this  is  any  intimation,  that,  it  tnere 

not  finding  the  following  words  in  Scripture. — But  it  seems  much  more  were  any  of  the  Great  Council  who  had  favourable  thoughts  ot  Jesuj, 

natural,  with  Grotius,  to  suppose  that  here  is  a  general  reference  to  the  they  were  the  Sadducees.    The  interpretation  of  the  paraphrase  is  mucn 

several    prophecies   which   refer  to  the  effusiori  of  the  Spirit  by  the  easier.    There  is  no  reason  to  believe  any  ot  the  Sadducees  \vereinciinea 

Messiah  under  the  similitude  of  pouring  out  water  ;  and  accordingly  I  to  receive  the  gospel ;  and,  if  the  Pharisees  had  ^e^'^^tly  suspecien  inei  i 

have  paraphrased  the  words  in  that  view  of  the  connexion.  See  Isa.  lii.  of  such  an  inclination,  they  would  hardly  have  attronted  tiiem  dj'  »"V'' 

15.  xliv.  3.  Iviii.n.  and  Joel  ii.  28.  an  insinuation  in  this  grand  assembly,  considering  the  ni^n  lanit  in 

c  Out  of  his  belly,  or  from  within  him.]    The  belly  is  frequently  put  which  many  of  that  sect  were.                                 j  n    t  „  .>  „„  cmmd  to 

for  the  mind  or  heart.    Compare  Job  xv.  35.  xx.  20.  and  Prov.  xx.  27,  i   This  people,  who  know  nM  the  law,  are  cursed.]    i  ^<^^  ,"?  "i' "j,,  "  '" 

m— It  sometimes  signifies,  in  a  more  general  way,  the  inward  part  of  think,  with  Grotius,  that  this  refers  to  Deut.  xkvi.    -b.  ana  's  duiu  on  a 

a  thing,  (1  Kings  vii.  so.  Matt.  xii.  40.)  and  may  perhaps  have  some  supposition  that  the  ignorance  ot  the  populace  niustaiwajs  expo  lici. 

allusion   here  to  the  prominency  of  that  capacious  golden  vase  from  to  a  curse.    It  rather  intimates  an.aPPrehension,  that  ooa  nau  Mven 

which  the  water  wa.s  now  poured  out  in  a  laige  stream.  them  up  to  a  spirit  of  fatal  mtatuation.— Instances  ot  their  contempt  oi 


184         CHRIST  GOES  TO  THE  MOUNT  OF  OLIVES,  AND  RETURNS  TO  THE  TEMPLE. 

SECT.       Upon  this,  Nicodemus,  whom  we  before  have  mentioned  as  the  person  who  came  to     50  Nicodemus  saith  unto 
101.    \^3es,vu%\  by  night,  (see  John  iii.  1,  et  seq.  p.  56,  37.)  being  both  a  ruler  and  a  Pharisee,  and  tj'^'^--  [,t''bei"'/o!JJfo°tfJ*^") 

sitting  in  the  sanhedrim  as  one  of  them,  took  so  much  courage,  that  he  said  to  them,  Doth    ^bT^oxh  oah^Z^iZdg^m'iy 

JOHN   our  Imv,  which  you  boast  so  much  acquaintance  with,''  judge  and  condemn  anv  man  before  f"^"  ^'^l?'f  J'  j'^'T,  "l'"^'  ''"^ 

VII       ^1  •   ^     i  •    ,     1   .  .      •.  1  ■        '    1  °i,-  .1     . -1  'i  know  what  be  doeth  :' 

ki  the  magistrate,  appomted  to  execute  it,  summon  him  into  his  presence,  that  he  may  hear 
from  him  what  he  hath  to  say  in  his  own  defence,  and  know,  from  credible  witnesses,  what 
he  hath  done  to  deserve  punishment.    (See  Deut.  xvii.  8 — 11.  and  xix.  1.5,  et  seq.) 

52  But  thei/,  without  entering  further  into  the  argument,  answered  him  only  by  saying,  in  a     5C  They  answered  and  said 
slight  and  superficial  manner,  What,  art  thou  thyself  also  of  Galilee,  that  thou"  favourest  ""to  him,  Art  thou  also  of 

.1   °  "^     ^    1  •  -1  1     ;-,    II  T    o  (        i-.^.!      r-       1  •  1  I  trainee  r    .Search,   and  looli : 

the  pretences  of  this  contemptible  bahlean  !  Search  a  little  further  into  the  matter,  and  for  out  of  Galilee  ariseth  no 
thou  wilt  soon  see  the  unreasonableness  of  doing  it;  for  it  is  notorious,  even  to  a  proverb,  P™P''et- 
that  no  prophet  is  raised  up  from  Galilee,'^  nor  will  God  ever  honour  that  contemptible 
country  witli  such  a  production. 

53  A7id,  having  said  this,  they  would  not  wait  for  a  reply,  but  immediately  broke  up  the     53  And  every  man  went 
court ;  and  so  every  one  went  away  to  his  oivn  house.  ^°^°  '"^  °*"  house. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  37  With  what  delight  and  thankfulness  should  we  hear  this  gracious  proclamation  of  Christ,  v^hich  he  now  made 
in  the  temple,  and  a  while  after  repeated  from  the  throne  of  his  glory, — Jf  any  man  thirst,  let  him  come  unto  me 
and  drink ;  yea,  whosoever  will,  let  him  take  of  the  icater  of  If e  freely  !  (Rev.  xxii.  17.)  Blessed  Jesus,  had  we 
been  allowed  to  have  prescribed  to  thee  a  form  of  words,  in  which  thy  kind  purposes  towards  us  should  have  been 
expressed,  what  could  we  have  invented  more  pathetic,  more  condescending,  or  more  reviving ! — May  we  thirst 
39  for  the  blessings  of  thy  grace,  and  in  the  confidence  of  faith  apply  unto  thee  for  them ;  and  particularly  for  these 
communications  of  thy  Spirit,  which  are  so  highly  excellent  and  desirable,  and  indeed  so  necessary  for  us  !  Supply 
us  with  them,  we  entreat  thee,  in  so  rich  an  abundance,  that  we,  in  our  different  spheres,  may  supply  others,  and 
38  from  us  there  may  flow  rivers  of  living  water ! 

Well  might  such  gxacious  words  as  these  disarm  the  rage  of  enemies  and  persecutors.    Let  us  add  our  testimony 

46  to  theirs,  and  say.  Never  man  spake  as  Jesus  speaks.     Let  us  hear  him  with  calm  and  thankful  attention,  while 

his  voice  still  sounds  in  his  word.     Happy  are  those  that  knoio  the  joyful  sound!  (Psal.  Ixxxix.  15.)    The  Phari- 

48,  49  sees,  like  deaf  adders,  stopped  their  ears  against  the  voice  of  the  Charmer;  and,  while  they  proudly  censured  the 

populace  as  a  brutal  herd,  and  gloried  in  their  own  superior  wisdom,  rejected  the  counsel  of  God  :  rashly  judging 

without  serious  inquiry,  and  weakly  borne  down  by  vulgar  senseless  prejudices  against  names  and  places,  which 

51,  52  is  all  the  senate  of  Israel  opposes  to  the  solid  argument  of  Nicodemus  !    That  good  man,  already  considerably 

improved  by  his  interview  witli  Jesus,  was  undoubtedly  confirmed  in  his  adherence  to  him,  by  observing  the 

methods  of  their  opposition :  and  where  magistrates  arm  their  authority  to  overbear  argument,  they  will  probably, 

53  in  the  judgment  of  impartial  men.  produce  a  suspicion  at  least,  that  they  know  their  cause  to  be  incapable  of  a 

rational  defence. 


SECTION  CII. 

Christ,  having  spent  the  night  in  retirement,  returns  to  the  temple,  where  an  adulteress  is  brought  before  him  ;  but  he  avoids  giving  Judgment  in 
her  case,  and  turns  the  consciences  of  his  enemies  on  tliemselves.    John  viii.  1 — 11. 

•TOHN    vili.    1.  JOHN  viii.  1. 

SECT.  THUS  tlie  Pharisees  debated  the  case,  and  in  such  dissension  tlieir  assembly  broke  up;  JEsys  went  unto  the  mount 
102.    but  Jesits,  choosing  to  retire  in  the  evening,  that  he  might  by  secret  converse  with  liis  "*  *^'"''*s. 

heavenly  Father  be  animated  to  all  the  labours  and  dangers  before  him,  went  up  to  a 

JOHN    mountain  in  the  neiglibourhood  of  Jerusalem,  which  lay  to  the  east  of  the  city,  on  the 
^^^^-    other  side  of  the  brook  Cedron,  and  is  well  known  by  the  name  of  the  Mount  of  Olive.-,, 
where  he  spent  the  night  in  meditation  and  prayer. 

2  But,  that  his  retirement  might  not  break  in  upon  the  opportunity  of  public  service  which     2  And  early  in  the  morning 
the  present  concourse  of  people  gave  him,  he  returned  to  the  temple  early  in  the  morning ;  ''|  <^^^^|  "fi^  the'"*"  T^  '*'" 
and  all  the  people  who  came  to  worship  there,  before  they  returned  to  their  respective  habit-  unlb  him'-  and" he  sat^down^ 
ations  in  the  country,  (the  feast  being  now  ended,)  flocked  around  him  to  receive  his  and  taught  them, 
instructions ;  and  such  was  his  courage  and  zeal,  notwithstanding  the  late  conspiracy  which 

had  been  formed  against  him,  that,  sitting  down  in  one  of  the  cloisters,  he  instructed  them 
as  freely  as  he  had  ever  done. 

3  And,  while  he  was  engaged  in  this  exercise,  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  brought  to  him  a  3  And  the  scribes  and  Pha- 
woman  who  had  just  been  taken  in  the  commission  of  adullcn/,^  having  been  unhappily  "^'^'^^  brought  •  unto   him  a 

1     .  1        .       i    -^  ,1  •    ,  11,  c  •        1         1  1  ■      c       .  '7      -^    woman    taken    m    adultery; 

betrayed  into  it  among  those  intemperances  which  too  often  attend  public  feasts ;  arid,  as  and  when  they  had  set  her 
the  court  of  judicature  before  whom  she  should  have  been  tried  was  not  vet  assembled,  '"  *^  midst, 
they  took  that  opjiortunity  of  laying  a  snare  for  Jesus,  by  setting  her  before  him,  in  the 

4  midst  of  the  people  who  were  attending  his  discourse.  And,  as  if  they  were  desirous  of  4  They  say  unto  him,  Mas- 
information  from  him,  ^/fn/ craftily  said  unto  him.  Master,  as  thou  professest  thyself  an  ter,thi^s  woman  was  taken  in 
extraordinary  Teacher,  we  desire  thou  wouldst  pronounce  thy  judgment  on  this  case  :  here  ^  "  '"^^' '"    *  ^'^'^^ 

5  is  a  u'oman  who  was  taken  in  the  veri/  act  of  adultery.  Now  Moses  in  the  law  has  com-  5  Now  Moses  in  the  law 
mandedus,  that  such  infamous  ivomen  should  be  stoned,^  (Lev.  xx.  10.  and  Deut.  xxii.  22.)  commanded    us,  that    such 

the  common  people  may  be  seen  in  Ughtfoot  (//or.  Heir,  in  he.)  and  reject,  its  authority.     But  I  acquiesce  in  the  reasoning  of  the  learned  Dr. 

Vitringa.  (.Ohserv.  Sacr.  lib.  iii.  cap.  2.  p.  498.)  Will,  to  whom  I  refer  the  reader  for  the  arguments  to  prove  '\t  authentic ; 

k  Doth  our  law,  which  you  boast  so  much  acquaintance  with.]    Soft  the  critical  examination  of  these  matters  lying  quite  out  of  the  sphere  of 

as  these  words  seem,  there  is  a  severe  sting  in  them  ;  and  they  in  efTect  my  present  design.     A  mistaken  apprehension  that  some  circumstances 

amount  to  a  charge,  that  while  they  professed  such  a  knowledge  of  the  in  the  story  were  indecent,  and  an  excessive  rigour  with  respect  to  those 

law,  and  zeal  for  it,  they  either  knew  not,  or  regarded  not,  some  of  its  who  had  tallen  into  this  truly  detestable  crime,  might  perhans  be  the 

plainest  precepts,  and   were  even  unmindful  of  those  which,  as  they  occasion  of  this  omission,  if  it  was  not  accidental  in  some  early  copies, 

were  a  court  of  judicature,  were  their  peculiar  concern.  Erasmus  conjectures  it  might  be  added   by  St.  John,  after  some  copies 

I  A''w  prophet  is  raised  vp  from  Gali/ee.]    As  it  is  plain  that  Jonah,  and  of  his  eospel   had  been  taken  ;  and  Grotius.  that  some  who  heard  the 

probable  that  N ahum  also,  was  a  Galilean,  Sir  Norton  I^natchhuU  and  story  from  the  apostle's  month,  recorded  it  with   the  approbation  of 

others,  who  imagine  that  these  rulers  could  not  be  ignorant  of  that,  sup-  Paplas,   and  other  eminent  persons   in   the  church. —  The   notice  that 

pose  that  7rpo^iiTi]9  here  signifies  the  Great  Proi)het,  or  Messiah.     But  Eusebius,  (Eccles.  His/,  lib.  iii.  cap.  nil.)  Jerome,  (/Idv.  Pc/ag.  lib.  ii. 

probably,  had  this  been  their  meaning,  they  would  rather  have  quoted  cap.  6.)  and  other  ancient  writers,  have  taken  of  the  dubiousness  of  this 

the  text  which  mentions  Bethlehem  as  the  birth-place  of  the  Messiah,  passage,  with  a  few  other  instances  of  the  like  nature,  shows  thatcritical 

The   answer   must  therefore    be   acknowledged   to  he   very   mean    and  exactness  with  which  they  examined  into  the  genuineness  of  the  several 

trifling,  and  the  abrupt  manner  in  which  the  assembly  was  broke  up,  parts  of  the   New    Testament;  and  so,  on   the  whole,  strengthens  the 

seems  to  intimate  their  consciousness  that  it  would  not  bear  examination,  evidence  of  Christianity,  which  (as  1  have  shown  at  large  in  the  ninth 

a  Drouyht  to  him  a  Koman  taken  in  adultery.']     It  is  well  known  that  of  my  Ten  Sermons)  is  so  inseparably  connected  with  the  genuineness 

this  story  is  wanting  in  the  Syriac  version,  as  well  as  in  the  Alexandrian  and  purity  of  the  New  Testament. 

ami    Bodleian  copies,  and  indeed  in  most  of  the  oldest  manuscripts;  b  .ShcA  women  should  be  stoned.]    If  they  spoke  accurately,  this  inust 

which  engaged  Beza  to  question,  and  Le  Clerc,  with  many  others,  to  have  been  a  woman  who  had  been  betrothed  to  a  husband,  and  ha    been 


TOE  WOMAN  TAKEN  IN  ADULTERY  BROUGHT  BEFORE  CHRIST.  185 

should  be  stoned,  but  what  but,  as  thou  takest  upon  thee  either  to  supersede  many  of  his  precepts,  or  to  interpret  them  SECT, 
sayestthou?  in  a  very  singular  manner,  we  would  be  glad  to  hear  thy  determination  in  an  affair  of  so    102. 

.6  This  they  said  tempting  great  importance ;  what  therefore  dost  t/iou  sui/ 1   T/iis  t'/iej/  said  tempting  him,  that,  which 

him,  that  they  might  have  to  ^^y  soever  he  should  determine,  they  might  have  an  opportunity  to  accuse  him,  either  to   JOHN 
im.  ^j^^  Jewish  rulers,  if  he  acquitted  such  a  criminal,  or  to  the  Romans,  if  he  ventured,  though  f^^^^' 

on  the  authority  of  the  law,  to  pronounce  a  capital  sentence  against  her,  which  he  had  no 
authority  from  the  Romans  to  do,"^  and  which  the  Jewish  rulers  themselves  had  at  present 
no  power  to  execute.     (Compare  John  xviii.  31.) 
— But  .Tesus  stooped  down,      But  Jcsiis  Stooping  doum,  wrote  something  on  the  givu7id  with  his  finger,'^  choosing  (as  it 
th'e''  ImJd,  """r'/,!™!^  /,"  ^''ere)  to  speak  to  them  by  that  action,  rather  than  by  words.     But  as  thei/,  thinking  that  7 
heard  them  not.  they  had  him  at  a  great  advantage,  continued  asking  him  with  greater  importunity,  he  raised 

asLng  him?he  nft^up"hin"selr,  himscIf  uj),  and.  Without  replying  directly  to  their  demand,  only  said  to  them,  Let  him  of 
and  said  uiito  them,  He  that  7/0U  that  is  xoithout  siu  in  this  or  any  other  respect,  pursue  the  prosecution,  and  throw  the 
Mm'firs"VaTt  a'"s'toL^aTher'.A''s^  fatal  stone  at  her,  when  she  is  condemned  :"  (compare  Deut.  xvii.  7.)  thus  prudently 

8  And   again  lie  stooped  avoiding  a  decision  of  the  case,  and  leading  them  to  reflect  on  their  own  guilt.     Aiid  8 
ground  ^"^   *™**  °°   "^^  stooping  down  again,  he  wrote  on  the  ground,  as  he  had  done  before,  and  left  them  to  their 

own  reflections, 

9  And  they  which  heara  tt.      But  having  heard  [his  «?;sw'pr,]  and  being,  by  a  secret  energy  which  went  along  with  the  9 
couscie™cer went''out''one''by  word  of  Jesus,  in  a  very  awful  and  powerful  manner  convicted  in  their  consciences  of  their 
one,  beginning  at  the  eldest,  own  personal  and  aggravated  guilt,  thei/  were  ashamed  even  to  look  each  other  in  the  face  ; 
was  left°aufne?^L'Kf'\'he  wo-  ^"^^  SO  went  out  one'  hi/  One,  beginning  from  the  eldest,^  whose  age  and  office  tended  to 
man  standing  in  the  midst,      increase  their  shame  and  remorse;  and  the  impression  passed  even  to   the  last,  or  the 

youngest  and  meanest  of  them.  And  Jesus  was  left  ahme  by  all  the  accusers,  and  the 
woman  standing  in  the  midst  of  the  crowd,  with  which  she  had  been  surrounded  before  she 
was  brought  in. 

10  When  Jesus  had  lifted  up      And  Jesus  raising  himself  up,  and  seeing  none  of  those  who  had  been  soliciting  his  judg-  10 
himseit,  and  saw  none  but  the  ment,  but  Only  the  woman  they  had  brought  before  him,  said  to  her.  Woman,  where  are 

woman,    he    said    unto    her,     ,        '   ,  .  •  i      tt  ■'  i  i     .  •       t  •     ■  i 

Woman,  where  are  those  thine  those  thine  accusers!  Has  710  man  condemned  thee,  or  is  there  none  remaining  to  bear  wit- 
demneri  the'e'*"'  ""  '"""  ™"  "^^^  against  thee?    And  she  said,  No  man,  Lord.    And  Jesus  said  unto  her.  Neither  do  J 11 

11  She  said,  No  man.  Lord,  take  upon  me,  at  this  time,  and  under  this  circumstance,  judicially  to  condemn  thee,  though 
Neithe'r*doS^conde"nii'thee'^'  thy  crime  has  been  undoubtedly  great;  go  thy  waij,  therefore,  without  any  impediment 
go,  and  sin  no  more.  from  me ;  but,  as  the  Messenger  of  God,  and  Friend  of  souls,  I  warn  thee  that  thou  sin 

no  more  ;s  for  such  enormous  practices  as  these  must  subject  thee  to  a  severer  judgment 
from  God  than  man  can  pronounce  or  inflict. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

The  devout  retirements  of  Christ,  and  his  early  renewed  labours,  so  often  come  in  view,  that,  after  having  made  Ver.  1 
some  progress  in  his  history,  we  are  ready  to  pass  them  over  as  things  of  course.  But  let  us  remember,  that  in  2 
some  degree  they  call  upon  us  to  go  and  do  likewise ;  and  will  another  day  condemn  those  who,  while  they  call 
themselves  his  disciples,  are  given  up  to  ease  and  luxury,  and  suffer  every  little  amusement  or  sensual  gratification 
to  lead  them  into  an  omission  of  their  duty  to  God  and  their  fellow-creatures ;  an  omission  especially  aggravated 
in  those  wjiom  he  has  appointed  to  be  teachers  of  others,  and  who  have  therefore  so  many  peculiar  errands  to  the 
throne  of  grace,  and  so  many  engagements  in  the  morning  to  sow,  or  to  prepare  the  seed  of  religious  instruction, 
and  in  the  evening  not  to  withhold  their  hand  from  dispensing  it.     (Eccles.  xi.  6.) 

While  Jesus  is  teaching,  his  enemies  address  him,  not  only  as  an  instructor,  but  as  a  judge ;  and  yet,  by  this  3,  5 
specious  form  of  honour  and  respect,  they  sought  only  to  insnare  and  destroy  him.     So  unsafe  would  it  be  always  6 
to  judge  of  men's  intentions  by  the  first  appearances  of  their  actions !    But  our  Lord,  in  his  answer,  united,  as  7 
usual,  the  wisdom  of  the  serpent  with  the  innocence  and  gentleness  of  the  dove  ;  and  in  his  conduct  to  this  10, 11 
criminal,  showed  at  once  that  tenderness  and  faithfulness  which  might  have  the  most  effectual  tendency  to  imjiress 
and  reclaim  her ;  if  a  heart  capable  of  such  infidelity  and  wickedness  could  be  impressed  and  reclaimed  at  all. 
Go  thy  way,  said  he  to  this  adulteress,  and  sin  7io  more.     Perhaps  the  charge  may  have  little  weight  with  such 
abandoned  transgressors  as  she  ;  but  let  all  learn  to  improve  their  escapes  from  danger,  and  the  continued  exercise 
of  divine  patience  towards  them,  as  an  engagement  to  speedy  and  thorough  reformation. 

Let  the  force  of  conscience,  and  the  power  of  Christ  over  it,  (both  which  so  evidently  appeared  in  this  instance,)  9 
teach  us  to  reverence  the  dictates  of  our  own  minds,  and  to  do  nothing  to  bring  them  under  a  sense  of  guilt ; 
which,  through  the  secret  energy  of  our  Redeemer,  wrought  so  powerfully  on  these  Pharisees,  that,  hypocritical 

guilty  of  this  infamous  crime  before  the  marriage  was  completed  ;  for  must  say,  with  a  greai  critic  on  these  words,  Nescire  velle,  qua  Magister 

such  only  are  expressly  condemned  to  be  stoned.   (Deut.  xxii.  22 — 24.)  optimus  nescire  nos  vult,  erudita  inscitia  est ;  "  To  be  willing  to  continue 

The  Jewish  writers  tell  us,  that  when  (as  in  case  of  other  adulteries)  ignorant  of  what  our  great  Master  has  thought  fit  to  conceal,  is  no  incon- 

only  death  in  general  was  denounced,  without  specifying  the  particular  siderable  part  of  christian  learning." 

kind  of  it,  strangling  was  to  be  used.     Custom  indeed  (as  Grotius  ob-  e  Let  him  of  you  that  is  tvithout  sin,  throrti  the  first  stone  at  her.']    Le 

serves)  might  have  introduced  stoning  in  all  these  cases ;  (compare  Ezek.  Clerc  makes  the  supposed  impropriety  of  this  reply  a  further  argument 

xvi.  38,  40,)  yet  that  would  not  justify  what  they  here  say.     But  our  against  the  genuineness  of  this  text,  since  the  law  did  not  require  the 

Lord's  spirit  was  too  noble  to  take  the  advantage  of  such  a  slip,  if  it  was  u'itnesses  or  executioners  to  be  free  from  sin,  in  order  to  the  efficacy  of 

a  mistake:  he  had  a  much  greater  view,  and  silenced  them  in  a  far  more  such  a  prosecution.     But  it  may  be  answered,  that  our  Lord's  certain 

elTectual  manner.  knowledge  of  what  the  effect  would  be,  vindicated  the  wisdom  of  his  put- 

c  To  accuse  him — to  the  Romans,  if  he  ventured,  &:c.]    It  is  very  ting  the  matter  upon  tliis  issue,  by  which  it  is  plain,  in  fact,  he  escaped 

evident  that  the  Jewish  sanhedrim  sat   by   licence   from   the   Roman  their  snare. 

governor;  and   though  they  had  a  right  to  try  capital  causes,  it  was  f  IVent  out  one  by  one,  beginning  from  the  eldest.']    It  is  strange  any 

necessary  (as  it  seems  from  passages  elsewhere  examined)  that  the  sen-  should  have  interpreted  this  clause  so  ligorously,  as  to  imagine  that 

tence  they  passed  should  be  recognised  and  allowed  by  the   Komans  every  particular  person  wentoutjustaccording  toAw  a^e.    Itseemsonly 

before  it  could   be  carried  into  execution.    (See  ti  186.  note  c,  on  Matt,  to  intimate  that  those  elders  of  the  people,  who  had  been  most  eager  in 

xxvii.  2.  and  <j  188.  note  h,  on  John  xix.  10.)    For  Christ  therefore  to  the  prosecution,  appeared  under  the  most  sensible  confusion,  ancl  were 

have  undertaken  the  decision  of  this  case  would,  ipso  facto,  have  ren-  some  o(  the  first  that  left  the  assembly.     And  in  this  view  it  is  very  re- 

dered  him  obnoxious  to  the  Komans,  as  well  as  to  the  sanhedrim  :  and  markable  ;  especially  considering  that  they  were  now  in  the  presence  of 

had  he  condemned  her,  a  new  occasion  of  offence  must  have  arisen  in  the  multitude,  before  whom  they  would  no  doubt  be  desirous  to  keep  up 

consequence  of  that — to  Pilate,  if  execution  had  been  ordered  without  the  strictest  appearance  of  virtue,  in  order  to  maintain  their  influence 

an  application  to  him, — and  to  the  Jews,  if  Christ  had  directed  such  an  over  them. —  Though  (as  Dr.  Whitby  shows,  on  ver.  7.)  adultery   pre- 

application  to  be  made.    .So  that  the  snare  here  was  much  the  same  with  vailed  much  among  the  Jews  about  this  time,  yet  I  see  no  reason  to 

that  afterwards  laid  for  him  (Matt.  xxii.  17 — 22.  §  154.)  in  the  question  conclude  that  their  conscience  convicted  every  one  of  them  of  this  par- 

about  the  lawfulness  of  paying  tribute.  ticular  crime. — Their  partiality  (as  Dr.   Lardner  well  observes)  seems 

d   IVrote   on    the  ground  with  his  finger.']    The   following  words   u»j  to  appear  in  bringing  only  the  woman,  not  the  man,  when  the  law  con- 

■Trpoo-TToiovuei/oi-,  as  though  he  heard  them  not,  or,  (as  I   would  render  demned  both.  (Lard^  Ciedibil.  part  i.  vol.  i.  p.  79.)            . 

them,)  as  not  regarding  them,  are  wanting  in  the  most  valuable  manu-  g  Sin  no  more.]    Eisner,  Ulbserv.  vol.  i.  p.  318.)  and  Su'icer(.Thesatir 

scripts.    Dr.  Mill  therefore,  1  think  iustly,  omits  them,  as  several  other  vol.  i.  p.  205.)  have  shown  that  the  word  aiiapTnveiv,  to  sin,  is  used  by 

printed  editions  of  the  Creek  Testament  do.    Were  they  admitted,  they  the  most  elegant  Greek  classics  (as  the  correspondent  word  peccare  is  Dy 

would  cut  otf  most  of  the  vonjeclures  which  learned  men  have  advanced  the  Latin)to  signify  the  commission  of  adultery ;  whichstrongly  intimates, 

as  to  what  Christ  wrote  ;  a  question,  which  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  de-  that  even  the  fight  of  nature  taught  many  of  the  heathens  the  exceeding 

termine,  and  which  we  have  no  need  at  all  to  be  solicitous  about.    1  am  sinfulness  of  it :  which  is  the  more  worthy  ot  notice,  as  not  only  tne 

inclined  to  think  there  was  a  language  in  the  action  itself,  either  to  greatest  ot  their  men,  but  (according  to  their  scandalous  theology)  ine- 

intimate  that  these  hypocritical  Pharisees  should  be  themselves  Cas  the  greatest  of  their  gods  too,  gave  it  all  the  sanction  it  could  nave  trom 

prophet  expresses  it,  ,ler.  xvii.  I,"?.)  written  in  the  earth,  or  that  they  example. 
were  to  attend  to  what  was  written  :  but  I  can  determine  nothing,  and 


186  CHRIST  SPEAKS  OF  HIMSELF  AS  THE  LIGHT  OF  THE  WORLD. 

SECT    and  vain-glorious  as  they  were,  they  could  not  command  themselves  so  far  as  even  to  save  appearances ;  but  the 
102.'  eldest  and  gravest  among  them  were  the  first  to  confess  their  guilt,  by  withdrawing  from  the  presence  of  so  holy 

a  Prophet,  from  the  temple  of  God,  and  from  the  criminal  whom  they  came  to  prosecute.  -A  like  consciousness 

JOHN    of  being  ourselves  to  blame,  will  abate  the  boldness  and  freedom  of  our  proceedings  with  others  for  their  faults,  if, 
^'I'l-    while  we  judge  them,  we  are  self-condemned ;  nor  will  the  authority  of  a  superior  age  or  station  of  life  bear  us 
out  against  these  inward  reproaches. 

SECTION  cm. 

Our  Lord  speaks  of  himself  as  the  lieht  of  the  world,  urges  the  concurrent  testimony  of  his  Father,  and  gives  the  Jews  repeated  warning  of  the 
danger  they  would  incur  by  persisting  in  their  inlidelity.    John  viii.  12 — 29. 

John  viii.  12.  john  viii.  12. 

SECT.   THEN  Jesus,  after  the  interruption  that  he  met  with  while  he  was  speaking  to  the  people  then  ^pai<c  Jesus  again 
103.    in  the  temple,  by  the  Pharisees  bringing  in  the  adulteress,  resumed  the  work  he  was  before  |,„ht  of  the  world  :  he  that 

engaged  in,  and  again  proceeded  to  instruct  the  people;  and  observmg  the  sun  lately  risen    ff^;;;';,',  "'^  ^^f  ",^"11  ha'-e 

JOHN  and  shining  with  great  lustre  and  beauty,  he  spake  unto  them,  saying,  1  am.  the  true  light  of  ti,e  Ughto'f  life. 
^^^\-^  the  world,  m  whose  appearance  you  ought  chiefly  to  rejoice:''  this  sun  arises,  in  a  few 
hours  to  descend  again,  and  may  fail  many  of  you  before  your  intended  journey  is 
despatched  ;>>  whereas  he  that  follows  me,  and  governs  himself  by  the  dictates  of  my  word 
and  Spirit,  'shall  not  be  left  to  walk  in  the  darkness  of  ignorance,  error,  and  sin,  but  shall 
have  the  light  of  life  continually  shining  upon  him,  to  diffuse  over  his  soul  knowledge,  ^ 

holiness,  alid  joy,  till  he  is  guided  by  it  to  eternal  happiness. 
13      Some  of  the  Pharisees  therefore,  who  were  then  present,  but  different  persons  from  those  ^J3  J^'',^^PJ|^7^7,^gt''^^|^^°/5* 
who  had  brought  in  the  wonian,  enraged  at  the  late  disappointment  of  their  brethren,  said  fecord"o"f  thyself  ■""thr'^re- 
nnto  him,  Thou  hearest  witness  of  thyself,  and  therefore,  by  thine  own  confession,  (chap.  v.  cord  is  not  true. 
31.)  thy  testimony  is  not  to  be  admitted  as  true,  but  may  rather  be  suspected  of  vam-glory; 
nor  can  we  believe  such  great  things  of  thee,  unless  we  have  some  further  proof  than  thine 
own  affirmation. 

Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them.  Though  I  indeed  bear  witness  of  myself,  [yet]  as  I  ^^u  •'f4^f,^".f^;^;^^j|,^5''^|;'J 


demonstrations  of  it  have  been  given  you,  both  in  the  nature  of  my  doctrine,  and  in  the  whence  i  come,  and  whither 
miracles  which  I  have  wrought  among  you  :  but  you  are  so  perverse,  that,  as  often  as  I     *='"■ 
have  hinted  or  declared  it,  you  kfum  no}  to  this  day  from  whence  I  come,  and  whither  I 

15  am  going:  Which  is  not  to  be  ascribed  to  the  want  of  sufficient  evidence,  but  merely  to  15  Ye  judge  after  the  flesh; 
the  force  of  your  own  prejudices;  for  you  judge  according  to  the  maxims  oi  flesh  and  i  judge  no  man. 

sense,  and  will  believe  nothing  in  opposition  "to  these  principles  which  you  have  so  rashly 
imbibed,<^  and  by  this  means  are  justly  liable  to  condemnation :  but  I  wave  that  for  the 
present,  as  I  now  judge  no  man,  but  rather  appear  under  the  character  of  a  Saviour. 

16  (Compare  chap.  iii.  17.)     Yet  if  I  should  judge,  nuf  determination  and  sentence  is  appa-  .  16  And  yet  if  I  judge,  my 
rently  true  and  right,  and  you  would  justly  be  condemned  for  not  receiving  my  testimony  ;  JJ^'j^^ilf,",',  bVt  Tand  the  la- 
for  1  am  not  alone  in  what  I  say,  but  I  and  the  Father  that  sent  me,  as  we  are  in  other  ther  tiiat  sent  me. 
'respects  inseparably  united,  do  evidently  concur  together  in  the  testimony  that  I  give. 

17  And  it  is  lurittcn  in  your  own  laxo,  for  which  you  profess  so  sacred  a  regard,  that  the  tes-  17  if  is  also  written  in  your 
timony  of  two  men  is  to  be  admitted  as  true,  and  matters  of  the  greatest  consequence  are  ,„en  is  n'ue' '"    """'^        ° 

18  without  "scruple  (o  be  determined  by  it.  (Deut.  xvii.  6.  and  xix.  15.)  Now  I  am  [one]  I8  1  am  one  that  bear  wit- 
who  bear  this  xvitncss  of  myself  in  a  fact,  the  trutli  of  which  I  cannot  but  certainly  know  ;  "h^,  sen"' n'f  beareth  witnels 
and  the  Father  who  sent  me  is  another,  and  surely  a  most  credible  Person,  who  also  bears  of  me. 

his  testimony  to  me ;  thereby  asserting  the  truth  of  every  doctrine  I  teach,  and  the  justice 
of  every  sentence  I  might  pass. 

19  Then  said  they  to  him.  Where  is  this  thy  Father,  to  whom  thou  so  frequently  appealest?     19  Then   said    they   unto 
mention  him  plainly,  that  we  may  know  how  far  he  is  to  be  regarded,  and  produce  him  j^",,-;  answired.v'e  neither 
as  a  witness.     Jesus  ansivercd.  You  may  well  ask  ;  for  it  plainly  appears  by  your  conduct  know  me.jior  my  ^'""'er^^if 
that  you  neither  knoiv  me  nor  my  Father,  however  you  may  boast  an  acquaintance  with  haveluow°n™my"iatiier*a°so. 
him :  and  indeed,  if  you  hud  known  mc  aright,  and  regarded  me  as  you  ouglit  to  have 

done,  you  would  also  long  ere  this  have  known  who  and  what  7ny  Father  is,  in  another  man- 
ner than  you  now  do  ;  for  I  bear  his  complete  resemblance,  and  it  is  my  great  business  to 
reveal  him  to  those  who  submit  to  my  instructions. 

20  These  words  Jesus  spake  with  the  greatest  freedom,  as  he  was  teaching  in  the  temple,  in  a  20  These  words  spake  Jesus 
certain  part  of  it  called  the  treasury,  where  the  chests  stood  in  which  the  people  put  their  '^  ^{^^  VnnA?-.'  ^d  no^maL' 
gifts  for  the  service  of  tliat  sacred  house,  (see  Mark  xii.  41.  sect,  clix.)  the  stores  of  which  laid  handsonbim,  for  his  hour 
were  laid  up  in  chambers  over  that  cloister:  and  though  he  so  plainly  intimated  that  God  was  not  yet  come. 

was  his  Father,  and  charged  the  Jews  with  being  ignorant  of  him,  in  whom  they  boasted 
as  so  peculiarly  their  God,  yet  their  spirits  were  kept  under  such  a  powerful  though  secret 
restraint,  that  no  one  seized  him ;  which  was  the  more  wonderful,  as  it  was  a  place  from 
whence  it  would  not  have  been  easy  to  have  escaped  without  a  miracle,  and  which  was 
much  frequented  by  his  greatest  enemies :  but  the  true  reason  was,  because  his  hour  was 
not  yet  come  in  which  he  was,  by  divine  permission,  to  be  delivered  into  their  hands. 

21  Confiding  therefore  in  the  protection  of  divine  Providence,  Jesus  then  said  unto  them  21  Then  said  Jesus  again 
again,  as  he  had  done  before,  (chap.  vii.  33,  34.  p.  182.)  lam  speedily go/wg  away  from  ""''shairVeek^m'Tf  and'shLu 
among  you,  and  you  shall  seek  me,  and  inquire  after  the  Messiah  in  vain  ;  but,  as  a  just 

punishment  for  your  having  rejected  me,  you  shall  die  in  this  your  sin,  and  perish  for  your 
unbelief,  by  a  sinole  stroke  of  divine  vengeance,  which  shall  sink  you  into  final  condem- 
nation. Remember  then,  that  I  have  warned  you  with  the  greatest  faithfulness,  and  now 
again  I  solemnly  repeat  the   warning,  that  though  you  should  be  ever  so  desirous  of 

a  I  am  the  iratt  light  of  the  loorld.']    The  Messiah  was  often  represented  sacrifice:  after  which,  no  doubt,  many  would  be  setting  out  for  their 

under  this  view.     Isa.  xlii.  6.  xlix.  6.  and  Mai.  iv.  2.    Compare  Luke  habitations  in  the  country, 

ii.  32.  John  i.  4 — 9.  iii.  19.  ix.  5.  and  xii.  46.  c   You  judge  according  to  the  flesh,  Ac]    The  same  carnal  prejudices 

b  Ihc  sun  arises  to  descend  again,  and  may  fail  many  of  you,  &r.]  still  prevail  in  the  minds  of  the  Jews,  and  prevent  their  reception  of 

The  reader  will  remember  this  was  the  morning  after  the  conclusion  of  Christ;  they  laying  it  down  as  a  first  principle,  that  he  is  to  he  a  great 

the  feast  of  tabernacles,  and  probably  might  be  before  the  morning  temporal  Prince  and  Deliverer.    And  the  admission  ot  false  principles. 


THE  JEWS  WARNED  OF  THE  DANGER  OF  PERSISTING  IN  INFIDELITY.  187 

die  in  vour  sins-  whither  I  admittance  to  me,  it  will  be  in  vain  ;  for  you  cannot  come  to  the  place  whither  I  am  now  sect. 
go,  ye  "cannot  come.  going,  either  to  molcst  me,  or  to  secure  yourselves.  103. 

""  ■ihen   said   the    Jews,       The  Jcivs  then  Said,  with  a  very  perverse  and  foolish  contempt.  What,  will  he  kill  him- ■ 

will  he  kill  himself?  because  or//"  that  he  sai/s,  You  Cannot  come  whither  I  am  going ''.    We  shall  not  desire  to  follow  him   John 

he  saith,  Whither   I   go,   ye       •"      ,,  ^^„  »„;„=.  WW. 

cannot  come.  Upon  thosC  terms.  ,    •    ,       o         •,  j  V    •  ■      ■         .■  .1  ■      «o 

".T  An<i  he  said  unto  them.      And  he  said  to  them  yet  more  plamly,  So  vile  and  malicious  an  insinuation  as  this,  23 

Ye  are  from  beneath;  1  am  evidently  shows  that j/ou  are  from  beneath,  the  slaves  of  earth,  and  the  heirs  of  hell ;  while, 

world"'l''amnotot''this  world!  on  the  Other  hand,  I  am  from  above,  and  shall  quickly  return  thither :  you  are  originally 

of  this  world,  and  your  treasure  and  hearts  are  here ;  but  as  i  am  not  oj  tins  world,  my 

thoughts  therefore  naturally  turn  to  that  celestial  abode  from  whence  I  came,  and  I  inces- 

24  Isaid  therefore  unto  you,  santlv  labour  to  conduct  men  thither.     But  as  to  you,  I  labour  in  vain  :  and  therefore  1 2A 

that  ye  shall  die  in  your  sins:  •   g^  j-^q^^  ,„;^  „„;„  yQ^^  (/jat  you  shall  die  ui  your  slns,  and  It  is  really  a  great  and  awful 

A°'ye'shaii  die  inVour  sins"  truth,  and  deserves  another  kind  of  regard  than  you  give  it ;  so  that  I  yet  again  would  call 

you  to  consider  it ;  for  if  you  believe  not  that  I  am  \he\  whom  I  have  represented  myself 

to  bejd  you  shull  unavoidably  die  in  your  sins,  and  are  in  effect  the  murderers  of  your  own 

souls.''  1      T  1  1    1        n  r 

"5  Thensaid  thevuntohim,       Then  said-tlwy  to  him,  in  proud  derision.  Who  art  thou,  that  such  great  regard  should  be  25 
Who  art  thou.'  "And  Jesus      -^  ^^  jj^gg^  ^i^^j  ^l^^^  [^  should  be  SO  fatal  a  thing  to  neglect  thee?    A?id  Jesus  said  to 
Tafe  {'hat"  I  sTd  umo"  you  them.  Trull/,  because  I  am  still  speaking  to  you  to  this  very  day  in  so  plain  and  affectionate 
*''"o?T"'h.'"'^'""'"?fi  ■  „,=  f    a  manner,'!  have  many  things  to  say  and  judge  concerning  you,'  and  justly  might  upbraid  26 

..o  1   na\ e  many  inm„s  lo  .  ,      ,  .     ^        •.  i     '_    .    _  _  _• ,i*    *„  „.,„*„„„^  ^c  nr^-^An*vi*^nt^f\*-t  nr^^^n  t/~,ii  « 


say 


nd  r<)'judge"of  yoSfbu"  you  With  the  utmost  Severity,  and  pass  an'immediate  sentence  of  condemnation  upon  you  : 


he  that  sent  me  is  t'"<j  J  a'"!  but  for  the  present,  I  content  myself  with  reminding  you,  that  he  ivho  sent  me  is  true  :  and, 
things  which  lliave'heard  of  as  I  speak  to  the  ivorld  only  those  things  which  I  have  heard  from  him,  he  will  finally  verify 
him.  jjjy  words,  and  it  will  be  at  the  peril  of  your  souls  if  yo  i  continue  to  treat  me  with  such 

perverseness  and  contempt.  ,     ,     i       j  ,    r         r     si  n-r 

27  They  understood  not  that      These  things  were  very  intelligible,  when  compared  with  what  he  had  said  before ;  lyet\  27 
he  spake  to  them  of  the  Fa-  g^  exceeding'stupid  were  they,  and  so  blinded  by  the  prejudices  of  their  minds,  that  they 
*''"•  did  not  uudcrsfaiid  that  he  spake  to  them  of  God  the  Father  as  the  Person  who  sent  him. 

28  Then  said  Jesus  unto      Jesus  therefore  said  to  them,  I  know  that,  notwithstanding  all  I  have  said,  you  will  be  28 
them.Whenye  have  lifted  up  gjj^  g^  obstinate  as  to  persist  in  your  infidelity,  till  you  proceed  even  to  take  away  my 
know°t'i,atrirm/«,'aMdM«/l  life;  but  w'Afw,  after  all  your  professed  desire  of  his  appearance  and  kingdom,  i/o«  shall 
mV  FatlTef  hatMau-lit  m'e  ^1  ^"'''e  /'fted  up  that  glorious  Person,  the  Son  of  man,  from  the  earth,  and  have  even  pro- 
speak  these  things.  "        '     ceeded  so  far  as  to  put  him  to  a  violent  death,  instead  of  seeing  his  cause  and  interest 

overborne  by  that  outrageous  attempt,  you  shall  then  know,  by  some  new  and  convincing 
tokens,  that  I  am  [/(f,J^  and  [that]  I  do  nothing  separately  of  mi/self,  but  in  exact  agree- 

29  And  he  that  sent  me  is  ment  with  him,  speak  all  these  things  according  as  my  Father  has  instructed  me  :  And  even  29 
left  m'^aione^- ?or'i*^do always  "°^^'  ^'^  ^^'"^  ''*'"'  ^"^  ^'^  g^aciously  present  with  me,  to  bear  his  testimony  to  the  truth  of 
tLseThtngrthatplease^'him^^  what  I  say,  and  to  support  and  vindicate  me  :  and,  whatsoever  you  may  foolishly  surmise, 

the  Father  has  not  left  me  alone,  nor  will  he  ever  leave  me ;  for  I  always  do  the  things 
which  are  most  pleasing  to  him,  and  faithfully  and  constantly  pursue  the  important  work 
which  he  has  committed  to  my  trust. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

SccH  may  our  character  ever  be,  as  we  desire  the  supports  of  the  divine  presence !  Whoever  be  displeased,  may  Ver.  29 
we  ahvays  do  the  things  which  please  him:  and  with  all  diligence  let  us  labour,  whether  present  in  the  body  or  absent 
from  it,  to  be  still  approved  and  accepted  of  him  !  (2  Cor.  v.  9.) 

Our  blessed  Redeemer  is  the  light  of  the  world.     With  how  much  pleasure  should  we  behold  his  rays  !    With  12 
how  much  cheerfulness  should  we  follow,  whithersoever  he  leads  us  ;  as  well  knowing  that  we  shall  not  then 
walk  in  darkness  :  and  God  forbid  we  should  ever  choose  to  continue  in  it,  as  the  shelter  and  screen  of  wicked 
works  ! 

May  we,  with  all  candour  and  humility,  regard  and  submit  to  the  testimony  which  the  Father  has  borne  to  him  17, 18 
in  so  express  and  incontestable  a  manner !  Dreadful  would  be  the  consequence  of  our  refusing  to  do  it.    Tlie  doom  21,  24 
of  these  wretched  Jews  would  be  ours,  to  die  in  our  sins.     And  oh  !  how  insupportable  will  that  guilty  burthen 
prove  in  a  dying  hour,  and  before  the  tribunal  of  God  !  How  will  it  sink  us  into  condemnation  and  despair !    In 
vain  shall  those  who  now  despise  him,  then  seek  admittance  to  the  world  where  he  is  :  thither  they  cannot  come  :  21 
and  if  excluded  from  him,  must  be  excluded  from  happiness. 

Justly  might  it  long  since  have  been  our  case ;  for  surely  he  has  many  things  to  say  of  us,  and  to  judge  con-  25,  26 
ceming  us,  should  he  lay  judgment  to  the  line,  and  righteousness  to  the  plunimet,  after  his  having  been  so  long 
with  us,  yea,  after  we  have,  as  it  were,  seen  him  lifted  up  and  set  forth  as  cnicified  among  us!  (Gal.  iii.  1.) 

May  this  faithful  admonition  prevail  to  our  conviction  and  reformation  ;  that  our  everlasting  condemnation  may  28 
not  further  illustrate  the  reasonableness,  yea,  the  necessity  of  it,  and  the  madness  of  hardening  our  hearts 
against  it ! 

■which  are  constantly  taken  for  gianted,  and  never  examined,  will,  I  on  Kai  \aKoi  vmv,  voWa  ex")  "■«?'  vixuiv  XaXeiv  Kat  Kpivciv.  All 
fear,  be  attended  with  fatal  consequences  to  thousands  more.  that  know  any  thing  of  the  Greek  language,  know  that  xnv  apxn"  0''e" 

d  TAal  I  am  he,  Ac.^ti  t7«  em;.]  There  is  evidently  an  ellipsis  signifies  ifideed.  or  truly ;  and  so  the  translation  I  have  given  is  very 
here  to  be  supplied  by  Rmparing  it  with  ver.  12.  Compare  John  xiii.  literal,  and  makes  a  very  good  sense.— Mr.  Flemmg  would  renderit,  / 
39.  Mark  xiii.  6.  and  Acts  xiii.  25.  nm,  as  I  said  to  yoii,  the  Beginning,  that  is,  the  Person  spoken  ot,  C.en. 

e  Are  in  effect  the  murderers  of  your  own  souls.]  The  repetition  of  i.  1.  and  elsewhere,  under  that  title  :  but  this,  as  well  as  our  own  version, 
the  threatening  here,  from  ver.  21.  is  a  veiy  awful  rebuke  to  the  folly  of  is  not  any  thing  like  a  just  and  grammatical  translation  ;  though  to  be 
their  answer,  ver.  22.  as  if  our  Lord  had  said,  "  It  very  ill  becomes  you  sure  there  is  a  sense  in  which  Christ  may  most  properly  be  called  the 
to  trifle  and  amuse  yourselves  with  such  silly  and  spiteful  turns,  when  Beitinnino.  Compare  Col.  i.  18.  liev.  i.  8.  xxi.  0.  xxii.  13.  (see  Hem- 
your  life,  even  the  life  of  your  souls,  is  at  stake,  and  to  talk  of  my  kill-  ing's  Christology,  vol.  i.  p.  281.) — I  shall  only  add,  that  some  would 
ing  myself,  when,  by  vour  unbelief  and  impenitency,  you  are  plunging  render  it.  The  same  I  am  speaking  to  you  of:  but  the  version  here  given 
yourselves  into  eternal  death."  Thus  do  those  passages  in  our  Lord's  is  more  agreeable  to  the  original,  and  by  a  proper  pointing  would  appeal- 
discourses,  which  to  a  careless  reader  might  seem  Hat  tautologies,  ap-  natural  and  easy,  if  what  should  be  considered  as  one  sentence  had  not 
pear,  on  an  attentive  review,  to  be  animated  with  a  most  penetrating  been  separated  into  two  parts  by  a  wrong  division  of  the  verses, 
spirit,  and  to  be  full  of  divine  dignity.  A  remark  which  will  frequently  g  Ymi  shall  then  know  that  I  am  he.^  This  undoubtedly  refers  to  iiie 
occur,  especially  in  reading  those  important  discourses  of  Christ,  which  prodigies  attending  his  death,  his  resurrection  and  ascension,  the  ciescenc 
John  has,  through  the  infinite  goodness  of  God  to  his  church,  recorded  of  the  Spirit,  the  amazing  miracles  wrought  by  the  apostles  in  iiis  name, 
after  they  had  been  omitted  by  the  other  evangelists.  Ac— But  I  am  careful  not  to  put  such  words  into  pur  Lord  s  i™"'" '° 

f  Truly,  became  I  am  still  speaking  lo  you,  I  have  many  things  to  say    the  paraphrase,  as  would  have  been  unsuitable  to  the  reserve  ^^y'"^";."' 
and  judge  concerning  you.]  I  entirely  agree  with  the  learned  Kaphelius,    some  of  these  heads,  prudence  obliged  him  to  keep;  or  S'lcn  as  in  uu  e 
C^7i«<>^er//«rorf.  p.  292— .10.3.)  that  all  the  difficulty  of  these  words  arises    instances  would  have  superseded  further  inquiry  into  the  r"«aniiii,  oi 
from  a  mistake  in  the  pointing,  as  they  stand  in  most  copies ;  and   1    what  he  said.    I  think  it  most  natural  to  refer  these  to  tne  noiea, 
think  his  method  of  restoring  the  true  reading  and  sense  the  easiest  and    the  paraphrase  on  some  following  passage. 
justest  1  have  ever  met  with.    He  would  point  them  thus,  Ttii-  apxii) 


188  CONTINUATION  OF  CHRIST'S  DISCOURSE  WITH  THE  JEWS. 

SECTION  CIV. 

Our  Lord  continues  his  discourse  with  the  Jews  in  the  treasury,  the  day  after  the  feast  of  tabernacles ;  and  labours  to  convince  them  how  vain 
their  preteuces  to  liberty  and  to  the  privileges  of  the  children  of  Abraham  were,  while  they  continued  to  reject  and  persecute  him.    John  viii. 

30—47. 

John  viii.  30.  John  viii.  so. 

SECT.  THUS  did  Jesus  warn  the  Jews  of  the  danger  of  rejecting  him,  and  appeal  to  his  heavenly  as  he  spake  these  words, 
104.    Father  as  authorizing  the  whole  of  his  administration ;  and,  as  he  tvas  speaking  these  words,  '"'*°^  believed  on  him. 

• mani/  of  his  hearers  were  so  struck  with  them,  that  they  believed  in  him,'>'  and  were  strongly 

JOHN    inclmed  to  follow  him  as  the  Messiah. 

^^'L  The7i  Jesus,  knowing  the  weakness  and  treachery  of  the  human  heart,  and  the  difficulties  3i  Then  said  Jesus  to  those 
which  would  lie  m  the  way,  if  they  attempted  to  put  that  inclination  into  practice,  said  to  if  y|^oi*i^nue''in'^my°word| 
those  of  the  Jeivs  w/w  were  now  ready  to  profess  that  they  believed  in  him,  If  you  continue  then  are  ye  my  disciples  in- 
stedfast  in  your  adherence  to  my  word,  and  yield  a  constant  and  universal  obedience  to  it,  '^^^'^ ' 

32  Ithen']  you  are  mt/  disciples  indeed,  and  I  will  finally  own  you  as  such.  And  you  shall  then  32  And  ye  shall  know  the 
know  the  truth  of  my  gospel  m  its  full  compass  and  extent,  so  far  as  it  is  necessary  to  your  youVrte!*  "'^ '•'"^'^  ^''^"  T'^'^* 
salvation,  or  conducive  to  your  comfort ;  and  the  truth  shall  make  youfree^  and  fix  you  in 

that  slate  of  glorious  liberty  which  is  the  privilege  of  my  disciples  alone. 

33  But  some  that  heard  him  were  not  a  little  displeased  at  this,  as  an  insinuation  that  they  33  They  answered  him,  We 
were  not  already  free  ;  and,  strangely  forgetting  the  servitude  of  Egypt  and  Babylon,  and  nev^r^'in  bonda^rto'an"''mTn^ 
how  often  their  nation  had  been  conquered  by  others,  and  even  how  low  it  was  at  present  how  say  est  thou,  Ye  shall"  be 
reduced  by  the  Roman  power,  they  confidently  fl«su;e;Yc?  him,  Wc  arc  the  seed  of  Abraham,  ™^'^*  *''''•' 

a  person  always  free,  and  the  peculiar  favourite  of  heaven ;  and  we  have  never  been  in 
slavery  to  any  man  whatever,  nor  do  we  fear  that  God  will  permit  us  to  be  so :  hoiv  then 
dost  thou  say  to  us.  Yon  shall  be  made  free  upon  becoming  my  disciples? 

34  Jesus,  waving  what  he  might  easily  have  replied  as  to  their  former  history,  and  the  pre-     •''■*  J^^"^  answered   thom, 
sent  state  of  their  civil  affairs,  that  he  might  give  no  unnecessary  offence,  answered  them,  yoT,  \l'hosoe\^er  ^committeth 
Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  and  recommend  it  to  your  consideration  as  a  most  important  *"i>  '^  the  servant  of  sin. 
truth,  that  every  one  ivho  habitually  practises  sin,'^  and  goes  on  in  a  course  of  it,  is  the  slave 

of  sin  ;  and  that  is  a  servitude  by  far  meaner  and  more  dreadful  than  the  yoke  of  an  earthly 

35  tyrant.  Now,  as  the  servant  does  not  always  abide  in  the  family  of  his  master,  but  is,  at  35  And  the  servant  abideth 
his  Lord's  pleasure,  liable  to  be  dismissed"  or  transferred  to  another ;  much  less  can  you,  "he  Son  ab'idefh  cven'^'^"  *"' 
who  are  the  servants,  not  of  God,  but  of  sin,  promise  yourselves  that  you  shall  still,  on 

account  of  your  descent  from  Abraham,  continue  in  those  privileges  which,  by  undeserved 
mercy,  you  hitherto  enjoy  :  \_but'\  the  eldest  son  and  heir  of  the  family  continually  abides 

36  in  his  father's  house,  and  his  power  and  influence  \^there^  are  always  increasingj.d  Tlius  do  36  If  the  Son  therefore  shall 
I  ever  continue,  and  have  power  of  receiving  whom  I  will  into  the  family :  //'  therefore  I,  fv^c  Indeed  ^"^'''  ^*  ^'"'"  ^ 
who  am  the  only-begotten  Son  of  God,  and  the  heir  of  all  things,  rnake  you  free,  you, 

claiming  in  virtue  of  my  right  and  authority,  will  be  free  indeed,^  and  will  not  only  be 
delivered  from  the  bondage  of  corruption  and  the  tyranny  of  Satan,  but  be  entitled  to  those 
immunities  and  blessings  here,  and  to  that  future  inheritance  of  eternal  glory,  to  which  at 
present  you  have  no  claim. 

37  And  as  to  what  you  say,  that  you  are  Abraham's  seed,  I  know  that  you  indeed  aix,  in  a  37  r  know  that  ye  are 
natural  way,  the  posterity  of  Abraham,^  as  Ishmael  also  was  ;  but  what  can  that  avail  you,  t'?)'l[ili"'mJ!  because'my^wwd 
while  you  are  so  unlike  Abraham  in  your  temper,  and  are  so  far  from  being  of  a  disposi-  'lath  no  place  in  3'ou. 

tion  suitable  to  your  descent  from  him,  that  you  not  only  deride,  but  seek  to  kill  me,  because 
my  xvord  has  no  place  in  your  hearts,  and  has  not  any  weight  or  influence  upon  you,  but  is 

38  of  a  tenor  directly  contrary  to  your  prejudices  and  lusts.     And,  on  the  whole,  there  is  so     .38  I  speak  that  which  I 
great  a  difference  between  us,  that  it  is  really  impossible  to  reconcile  your  practice  with  and^ve'^d"  tiiarwhichye'have 
my  doctrine ;  for  I  sneak  that  which  I  have  seen  with  my  Father,  and  which  I  know  to  be  seeifwith  your  father, 
agreeable  to  his  mind  and  will ;  and  you  do  that  which  you  have  seen  with  your  father,  and 

show  a  visible  conformity  in  your  works  to  him  :  by  which  he  intimated  that  their  works 
as  much  resembled  the  nature  of  the  devil,  as  his  doctrine  answered  to  that  of  God. 

39  But  they  replied  with  some  warmth,  and  said  to  him.  Take  heed  on  wliom  this  reflection  39  They  answered  and  said 
may  fall ;"  for  Abraham  is  our  father,  and  surely  thou  wouldst  not  insinuate  any  thing  to  falher*^'  ^'"'^'"""  '^  ""■■ 
the  injury  of  tliat  holy  patriarch's  memory,  who  was  expressly  called  the  friend  of  God. 

Jesus  says  to  them,  Jf  you  were  indeed,  and  in  the  most  important  sense,  the  children  of  —Jesus  saith  unto  them,  if 
Abraham,  you  would  do  the  ivorks  of  Abraluan,  and  would  make  it  the  great  business  of  ye  "v*^uid  ^do'''the^works'^'"f 

40  your  life  to  imitate  so  wise  and  so  holy  an  example.     But  now  you  seek  and  contrive  to  Abraham. 

slay  me,  a  blameless  and  innocent  man,  for  no  other  reason  but  because  I  am  one  xvho  has  mc?  a  man^th^at^hatMoM  you 
faithfully  told  you  the  truth,  which  J  have  heard  and  received  in  commission  //o???  God:  the'truth, which  i  have  heard 
Abraham,  your" boasted  ancestor,  did  not  any  thing  like  this ;  but  gave  the  readiest  credit,  hain."''"  ""^  ^^^  "°*  ^'"^^' 
and  the  most  joyful  welcome,  to  all  the  messengers  which  God  sent  him.     Nevertheless, 

a  Many  believed  in  him.']    One  can  hardly  think  that  the  ambiguity  dubious  ;  and  the  words  will  make  a  good  sense,   independent  on  this 

of  the  expression  of  the  Son  of  man's  heing  'lifted  tip,  Cver.  28.)  engaged  peculiar  interpretation  ;  which  yet  seemed  remarkable  enough  to  deserve 

them  to  this,  in  hope  that  it  miuht  intimate  some  exaltation  to  a  tem-  a  mention  here. 

poral  kingdom.    It  is  more  reasonable  to  believe,  that  they  felt  their  c   Who  habitually  prar^ww  sin.]    rioieii/  aMnprmv  seems  a  phrase  of 

hearts  impressed  with  what  they  heard  from  him  in  the  whole  preceding  the  \ery  same  import  with  imrkinn  iniqniiy  :  1  have  therefure  tendered 

discourse.    Yet  it  is  observable,  that  in  the  series  of  it  he  advances  no  it  practises  sin,  as  that  word  generally  signifies  an  habitual  course  of 

new  proof  of  his  mission;  so  that  probably  these  people  were  wrought  action. 

upon  by  wliat  they  observed  in  the  temper  and  conduct  of  Christ ;  bear-  d   The  servant  does  not  always  abide  in  the  family  ;  bvt  the  son. abides 

ing  the  peryerseness  ot  his  enemies  with  so  much  patience,  speaking  of  [Msre]  afeaj/.t.]    I  think  Dr.  Gnyse's  ingenious  and  pious  paraphrase 

an  Ignominious  and  painful  death  with  such  holy  composure,  and  ex-  and  note  on  these  words  contain  an  excellent  illustration  of  them.    J  he 

pressing  so  genuine  and  lively  a  sense  of  his  heavenly  Father's  approba-  main  sense  of  what  he  says  on  this  passage,  is  much  the  same  with  what 

tion,  and  so  sweet  a  complacency  in  it.— And  perhaps,  would  ministers  I  have  given  above  (much  as  I  had  written  it  several  years  ago):  the 

generally  allow  themselves  to  open  with  freedom  the  native  workings  of  castinsr  out    Ishmael,  though  a  son  of  Abraham   by  the  bondwoman, 

a  heart  deeply  impressed  with  the  gospel,  the  secret  charm  might  subdue  beautifully  illustrates  the  remark  and  the  connexion.     It  is  strange  that 

tliose  whose  subtilty  and  prejudice  might  be  proof  against  the  most  con-  Ur.  Clauet  should  think  that  Moses  was  the  servant  here  meant :  and 

elusive  abstract  reasoning.  stranger  yet,  that  Dr.  Clarke  should  ailopt  so  unnatural  an  interpreta- 

b   The  truth  shall  make  yon  free.]    According  to  Sir  Isaac  Newton,  tion.    See  Dr.  Clarke's  Sermons,  vol.  iii.  p.  4,  5. 

(.On  Proph.  p.  149.)  these  words  were  spoken  in  a  sabbatical  vear,  when  e  1(  the  Son  make  you  free,  Ike.]    Archbishop  Tillotson  (vol.   iii.  p. 

at  the  least  ot  tabernacles,  which  was  just  about  the  beginning  of  the  578.)" thinks  that  this  alludes  to  a  custom  in  some  of  the  cities  of  Greece, 

civil  year,  great  numbers  of  servants  were  set  at  liberty  :  and  lie  sup-  and  elsewhere,  wheiebv  the  son  and  heir  had  a  liberty  to  adopt  brethren, 

poses  that  the  answer  of  the  Jews  (ver.  .33.)  is  to  be  explained  with  a  and  give  them  the  privileges  of  the  family. 

peculiar  reference  to  this,  and  contains  two  distinct  thoughts  :  "  We  are  f  1  know  that  yon  are  the  po.<iieriiy  of  .Ihraham.]    It  seems  probable 

Abraham's  seed,  and  consequently,  had  we  ever  been  in  bondage,  we  that  our  Lord  speaks  this,  not  to  those  who  believed  in  him,  but  to  some 

should  have  been  set  at  libeiiy  at  this  season,  though  Geniile  slaves  are  others  in  the  company  ;  and  that  the  phrase,  'J'hcy  ansiiered him,  ver.  33. 

stiW  detained  ;  and,  besides  th&t,  we  never  were  in  bondage  to  any  man  at  onlv   signifies,   that    some   of   those   who  were    present  made  such  a 

all."    But  the  arguments  by  which  this  is  fixed  to  a  sabbatical  year  arc  reply. 


CONTINUATION  OF  CHRIST'S  DISCOURSE  WITH  THE  JEWS  189 

41  Ye  do  the  deeds  of  your  thou2,h  you  are  SO  far  from  doing  the  works  of  Abraham,  I  may  well  say,  as  I  have  just  SECT. 

father.—                              now  intimated,  (ver.  38.)  thatj/OM  do  the  works  o/"him  who  is  indeed  your  jut  her.  104. 
—Then  said  they  to  Inm,  Wc       Thcn  Said  theij  to  him,  We  vvould  have  tliee  to  know  that  we  are  not  born  of  fornication; 


be  not  born  of  fornication ;  ^ve  are  not  bastard  Jews,  whose  blood  has  been  contaminated  with  idolatrous  alliances ;    JOHN 
we^^have  one  Fat  ler,  tmu  ^^^^  ^^  virtue  of  our  descent  from  his  people,  and  our  profession  of  his  religion,  we  have  a1^^^' 
all  one  great  and  common  Father,  [which  is]  God. 
4e  .lesus  said  unto  them,  If      Jestis  Said  to  them.  If  God  were  indeed  your  Father,  as  you  pretend^ instead  of  attempt-  42 
God  were  your  Fatiiex,  ye  j^g  jq  jj^j^g  away  my  life,  you  would  honour  and  love  me :  for,  to  speak  without  any  reserve 
ceede'd  for?h"and  came  from  on  this  important  head,  I  renew  the  declaration,  That  I  proceeded  originally,  and  do  come 
God;  neither^came^i  of  my-  y;.p„^  God,?  and  appear  among  you  as  his  Messenger; /or  J  came  not  of  myself,  hut  he  has 
%3  vv hy  "do" "veTot  nuder-'.SCT^  7ne,  and  I  conslanUy  keep  his  commission  in  view.     And  why  do  you  not  understand  43 
stand  my  speech ?  (rre«  be-  (j^jg        tansiutiie,  and  acknowledge  It,  smiple  as  it  is,  to  be  indeed  divine?  [Is  it'\  because 

cause    ve   cannot    hear    my  •'         o      o   7  ,  ..i     .-,     "  '^        -.  ,t     .    t    i      t  ■    •  z\ 

word.  you  cannot  hear  my  word .''''  Can  you  pretend  to  say  that  1  declme  givmg  you  the  most 

public  and  frequent  instructions,  or  that  those  instructions  are  unintelligible  and  obscure? 
Your  consciences  in  general  know  the  contrary  as  to  the  main  series  of  them. 
41  Ye  areofyrar  fatherthe  The  case  indeed  is  Sufficiently  plain,  nor  do  I  fear  to  represent  it  in  the  most  express  44 
faTher  ''■e''wiirdo"^'He*wara  terms  :  I  tell  YOU  therefore,  You  are  the  genuine  children  of  your  father  the  devil  ;^  and  the 
murderer  from  the  beginning,  malicious  and"  abominable  lusts  ()/' that  accursed  spirit,  whom  I  justly  call  your  father,  you 
belus'r^here'is"no\^ri*t'h"'in  "^'^^  resolutcly  and  obstinately  persist  to  do  ;^  and  even  now  there  is  the  plainest  evidence 
him.  When  he  speaketh  a  of  your  resemblance  to  him,  in  your  design  to  murder  me,  and  in  your  opposition  to  the 
fmMie^  ira''tmr?and  thl  fVither  ^''^^h  that  I  dgUver  to  you ;  for  he  has  always  acted  as  the  enemy  of  mankind,  and  ivas  a 
of  it.  '  "        murderer  from  the  beginning,  in  his  attempt  to  bring  destruction  on  the  world  by  sin. 

(Compare"  1  John  iii"  8.)  "And  to  accomplish  his  destructive  purpose,  as  his  original 
mfegrity  was  lost  by  his  apostasy  from  Cod,  he  threw  off  all  regard  to  vvhat  was  right,  and 
continued  not  in  the  truth,  but,  by  an  audacious  and  most  pernicious  lie,  ruined  the  first 
parents  of  the  human  race,  because  there  was  and  is  no  truth  in  him  :  and,  indeed,  when  he 
speaks  a  lie,  he  speaks  of  his  own,  and  indulges  the  bias  of  his  own  fraudulent  and  perfidi- 
ous nature ;  for  he  is  liimself  a  liar,  and  was  the  father  of  it,  or  the  first  forger  of  that 
45  And  because  I  tell  s/ou  detestable  and  pernicious  crime.  And,  as  you  are  of  such  a  disposition,  if  I  would  flatter  45 
the  truth,  ye  believe  me  not.  yQ^,p  prejudices  and  vices,  you  would  hear  me  with  pleasure;  but  because  I  plainly  and 
faithfully  speak  the  truth,  without  desire  of  favour,  or  fear  of  offence,  you,  being  under  the 


me 

truth 

me 


47  lie  that  is  of  God  hear-  that  I  Speak  the  truth,  ivhi/  do  ye  not  believe  me  ?   He  that  is  of  God,  or  that  is  really  a  child  47 
eth  God's  words;  ye  therefore  q{  CioA,  and  a  partaker  "of  his  Spirit,  hears  with  an  affectionate  and  obedient  regard,  the 

hear  Mt/n  not,  because  ye  are  ,      ',-  i--t     ?   i  ■     i  i     -r.    ,i  i  .1  -ii  it  li 

not  of  God.  words  of  God,  his  heavenly  Father,  and  receives  them  with  reverence,  by  whomsoever  they 

are  brought :  the  reason  therefore,  why  you  do  not  hear  mine,  is  because,  as  I  have  often 
said,  you  are  not  the  children  of  God. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

May  we  approve  ourselves  the  sincere  disciples  of  Jesus,  by  continuing  in  his  word,  and  hemg  faithful  even  V^er.31 
unto  death,  as  ever  we  expect  a  crown  of  life!  (Rev.  ii.  10.)     Without  this,  external  privileges  will  turn  to  but  37,  38 
little  account.     The  children  of  Abraham  may  be  the  children  of  Satan  ;  and  they  are  so,  if  they  imitate  the 
temper  and  works  of  the  accursed  fiend,  rather  than  of  the  holy  patriarch.     The  devil  was  from  the  beginning  a  44 
liar  and  a  murderer ;  and  all  falsehood  and  malice  are  from  him.    I.et  us  earnestly  pray  that  we  may  be  freed  from 
them,  and  from  the  tyranny  of  every  other  sin  to  which  we  have  been  enslaved  ;  that  Christ,  the  Son,  may  make  36 
us  free  of  his  Father's  family,  and  of  his  heavenly  kingdom !    Then  we  shall  be  free  indeed,  and  no  more  be 
reduced  to  bondage. 

May  we  prove  that  we  are  the  children  of  God,  by  our  readiness  to  hear  and  receive  the  words  of  our  blessed  47 
Redeemer,  the  words  of  incarnate  truth,  and  wisdom,  and  love ;  whom  none  of  his  enemies  could  ever  convict 
of  sin,  nor  ever  accused  him  of  it  but  to  their  own  confusion  !  May  we  resemble  him  in  the  innocence  and  holi-  46 
ness  of  his  life ;  that  we  may  the  more  easily  and  gracefully  imitate  that  courage  and  zeal  with  which  he  reproved 
the  haughtiest  sinners,  and  bore  his  testimony  against  the  errors  and  vices  of  that  degenerate  age  and  nation  in 
which  he  lived  ! 


SECTION  CV. 

nee  as 
eir  ha: 

John  viii.  48. 


Jesus  promising  immortality  to  his  followers,  and  speaking  of  his  own  existence  as  prior  to  that  of  Abraham,  the  .Tews  in  the  temple  attempt  to 
stone  him  ;  but  he  miraculously  escapes  from  their  hands.    John  viii.  48,  to  the  end. 


John  viii.  48. 

THEN  answered  the  Jews,  NOW  when  the  Jews  heard  Jesus  SO  expressly  declaring  that  they  were  ignorant  of  God,  sect. 

no? weif  thrt"thou"krf  a^Sa!  ^"^^  vi&'^Q  the  children  not  of  Abraham,  but  of  the  devil,  they  anstvered  him  therefore,  with    105. 

maritan,  and  hast  a  devil  ?      great  rage  and  contempt,  and  said  unto  him.  Do  wc  not  well  say,  that  thou,  who  s|)eakest ' 

of  Israelites  in  such  language  as  this,  art  a  Samaritan,  rather  than  one  of  the  holy  seed,  John 
and  art  possessed  by  a  demon,  who  hurries  thee  on  to  such  outrage  and  madness?*  ^^    * 

49  Jesus  answered,  I  have      But  to  this  iusolent  charge  Jcsus  meekly  answered.  It  is  plain  from  the  whole  series  of  49 

Fathe'r'^  antl  ''ye  do'd?s*iionour  ^Y  discourses  and  actions,  that  I  am  not  a  demoniac,  nor  can  any  of  you  produce  any  thing 

me.     '  in"  all  that  I  have  said  or  done  which  looks  like  lunacy  or  impiety ;  but  the  truth  is,  I 

honour  my  Father,  by  bearing  a  steady  and  consistent  testimony  to  the  doctrine  he  sent 
me  to  reveal  to  the  world ;  and,  because  this  is  contrary  to  your  corrupt  prejudices  and 
passions,  therefore  you  dishonour  vie  by  such  opprobrious  reflections,  in  hope  of  discredit- 

8  I  proceeded  ox\gvna\\y,  and  Jo  come  from  God.'\    Tliisseems  to  be  the  iivuxrKetv,  in  the  preceding  clause,   evidently  signifies  to  understand, 

proper  distinction  between  efnXCoi' anil  nKM.    The  Seventy  (as  several  Acts  viii.  30.  and /o  rf»fmx?K!.i/!,  John  x.  14.  ., 

commentators  have  observed)  use  the  first  of  these  words  to  express  the        i   You  are  of  your  father  the  deri/.]    The  account  .Tcsephus  gives  or  the 

descent  of  children  from  their  parents.  (Compare  Gen.  xv.  4.  xxxv.  11.  wickedness  of  the  Jews  about  this  time,  abundantly   vindicates  this 

and  Isa.  xi.  1.)    The  form  in  which  the  o(/ier stands,  favours  the  render-  assertion  nf  our  Lord  from    any  appearance  of  """"'^^'^y^r'Yv.  J'^® 

mg  I  have  given,  (do  come  from.  God,)  and  may  intimate  not  only  his  Joseph.  Bell.  Jnd.  lib.  v.  cap.  10.  (.at.  vi.  11.)  4  5.  cap.  '.■>•"'[•  \'^-'.y  "■ 

first  mission,  but  his  exact  attendance  to  every  particular  message.  Edit.  Havercamp,  and  Dr.  Lardner's  Credibility,  part  i.  book.  i.  cliap. 

h  Is  It  because  you  cannot  hear  my  word  f]    1  choose  to  place  a  mark  of  6.  vol.  i.  p.  ,"04 — 310.  j   ,    t,  •    •       i   ■   i 

interrogation  after  this  clause.  On   s  &v\,aalie  cMhsmv  lov  X0701'  toi/        k   Fnii  »/«  resolutely  and  obstinately  persist  to  rfo.j     Ihis  is  piainyr 

tu-ov\   and   hvvaa^i  olkhhv  may  refer,  either  to  their  opportunity  of  the  sense  of  the  words,  ffeXere  Troieii/.    See  note  a,  on  .lohn  1.  4.i.  p   OK. 
hearing,  which  is   the  most  common  sense  of  the  word,  or  to  their       a  Po,M«.tC(/ (5^/ «  (/emoK,  who  hurries  thee  on  to  such  outrage  ana  maa- 

capacity  oi  understanding :  1  have  theiefore  included  both. — Tlie  word  ness.]    See  note  d,  on  John  vii.  20.  §  99.  P.  180. 


^90  THE  JEWS  ATTEMPT  TO  STONE  CHRIST  IN  THE  TEMPLE. 

SECT  ing  my  message.  But  as  for  what  personally  relates  to  me,  I  am  little  affected  with  it,  for  50  And  i  seek  not  mine  own 
105.  J  seek  not  mi/  own  glory;  nevertheless,  I  know  there  is  one  that  seeketh,  and  will  secure  Ith'an'djudgeth.™"  '""  '" 
it,  and  who  now  judgeth  of  all  that  passes,_  and  will  at  length  evKlently  show  the  exact 

"    say 

P  my 

er   see 

,cv.*w,    .c..^  ..wx^.^.v^.^,  ^..,  ..y,  ^^.  ..y,  *  •-■,   -,--,-,        .,  I       .,  ,  death: 

see  death,^  but  shall'surely'be  entitled  to  eternal  life,  aiid  shall  immediately  be  advanced 
to  so  glorious  and  happy  a  state,  that  the  dissolution  of  this  mortal  nature  shall,  with 
respect  to  him,  hardlv  deserve  to  be  called  deatli. 

52  Then  the  Jews,  thinking  he  had  asserted  that  his  disciples  should  be  exempted  from  the  52  Then  said  the  Jews  unto 
common  lot  of  mortality,  said  again  to  him  in  a  reproachful  way.  Now  we  assuredly  know  haTt'  a  levli  Abraham  "S 
that  thou  hast  a  demon  dwelling  in  thee,  which  hurries  thee  on  to  this  madness  and  pride,  dead,  and  the  prophets;  and 
otherwise  thou  couldst  never  talk  at  this  extravagant  rate  :  for  Abraham,  the  friend  of  God,  n,y"  i^f^^^[  he\hau'neve? 
and  the  great  founder  of  our  nation,  is  dead :  and  all  the  holy  prophets,  whom  God  raised  taste  ot  death. 
up  in  succeeding  ages,  were  so  far  from  being  able  to  bestow  immortality  on  their  fol- 
lowers, that  even  they  themselves  are  long  since  dead;  and  yet  thou  presumptuously 

53  sayest.  If  any  one  keep  my  word,  he  shall  never  taste  of  deaths  What,  art  thou  greater  53  Art  thou  greater  than 
tlian  that  venerable  patriarch,  onr  father  Abraham,  rvho  h  dead,  and  than  all  the  most  illus-  °"deld  ?'ancfthet?S'pheTs are 
trious  prophets,  who  are  also  dead?  Whom  dost  thou  then  pretend  thyself  to  be,  that  thou  dead:  whom  makest  thou 
shouldst  thus  assume  such  a  distinguishing  glory  to  thyself?  thyself.' 

54  Jesus  replied.  If  I  only  glorify  myself,  by  high  encomiums  on  my  own  dignity  and     54  Jesus  answered.   If  I 
excellence,  while  'I  neglect  the  honour  and  service  of  my  Father,  my  glory  is  nothing  but  nXue^u  is  my^FaJhTthal 
a  mere  empty  sound;  ^but'X  it  evidently  appears  by  all  the  series  of  my  converse  and  honourethme;  of  whom  ye 
miracles,  compared  with  eacli  other,  that  it  is  my  Fa^Aer  himself  that  Q«ec\M^\\y  glorifies  ^^>''  ^  hat  he  ,s  your  God : 
me,  even  he  of  whom  i/ou  confidently  say,  that  he  is  your  God,  though  in  this  respect  you 

55  pay  so  little  regard  to'  his  testimony.     And  notwithstanding  all  your  boasts,  yet  neverthe-  hifn.Iutrknowh'Si*''aTi'f 
less  you  have  not  truly  knoivn  him  ;  but  I  well  knouj  him  ;  and  if  I  should  deny  it,  and  say  1  sLuid  say.Tknow  hin'Tnot, 
that  I  know  him  not,'ox  retract  my  pretensions  to  that  peculiar  and  intimate  knowledge  of  butl''know'him't!id"keep"hii 
him  which  I  have  so  often  professed,  I  should  be  a  liar  like  you :  but  I  repeat  it  again,  .saying. 
notwithstanding  all  your  enmity  and  your  scorn,  that  I  perfectly  know  him,  and  continually 

56  keep  his  word  in  its  fullest  extent  and  exactest  purity.     And  I  will  tell  you  further,  that  ^/^^jjj  ^^  J^'Jjf  j^''^**'^^ 
though  you  despise  me  as  unworthy  of  your  notice,  your  father  Abraham  himself  ?w«  even  htsAlr  !V°and  was  glad.  *" 
transported  with  a  joyful  desire  that  he  might  see  my  da'y,^  or  the  time  of  my  appearance 
and  glory,  and  in  some  degi-ee,  he  saw  [it]  by  faith,  and  rejoiced  in  the  distant  and  imper- 
fect \new,e  thankfuUv  receiving  every  intimation  of  the  purposes  of  my  coming  which  God 
was  pleased  to  give  him. 

57  Then  the  Jews  said  unto  him.  Thou  art  not  yet  fifty  years  old,^  and  hast  thou,  who  but  ^  .57  ^hen  said  the^Jewsunto 
half  a  century  ago  wast  not  in  being,  any  room  'to  pretend  that  thou  hast  seen  and  con-  y'JaVs  old,"a2d  hSst  t^ou  seen 
versed  with  Abraliam,  who  has  been  dead  more  than  two  thousand  years ?  Abraham.' 

58  Jesus  said  nnto  them,  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  and  solemnly  affirm  it  as  a  most  58  Jesus  said  unto  them, 
certain  truth,  how  incredible  soever  it  may  seem,  that  before  Abraham  was  born,?  I  had  a  yo^J  before' Abraham^w^"'? 
glorious  existence  with  the  Father,  and  I  am  still  invariably  the  same,  and  one  with  him.h  am. 

59  This  appeared  to  them  so  direct  a  claim  to  the  name  and  properties  of  the  eternal  to^^?^sTarh*im'^'buf  jyi^lTfd 
Jehovah,  that,  being  ignorant  of  the  divine  nature  of  Christ,  they  thought  it  intolerable  h'?msel(?and"went  out^of  the 
blasphemy;  and  though  he  was  then  discoursing  in  so  sacred  a  place  as  the  temple,  they  ,\^,lj^t  of  them°and°sS^pasl^ 


immediately  tool:  vn  some  loose  stones,  with  which  they  were  repairing  either  the  pave-  by.' 
ment  or  the  building,'  that  they  might  cast  them  at  him,  to  destroy  him ;  but  Jesus  in  a 
miraculous  manner  concealed  himself  from  their  sight,  and  went  out  of  the  temple,  going 
through  the  midst  of  them  unknown,''  and  so  passed  on  to  another  place  till  their  fury  was  a 
little-appeased. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.48      With  what  patience  did  our  blessed  Redeemer  bear,  and  with  what  meekness  of  wisdom  did  he  answer,  the 

49  most  virulent  and  opprobrious  language !    When  he  was  rudely  charged  with  being  a  Samaritan,  and  having  a 

demon,  he  endured  the  contradiction  of  sinners  against  himself;  (Heb.  xii.  3.)  and  being  thus  ixviled,  he  reviled  not 

b  He  shall  never  see  death.']    The  turn  given  to  this  expression  in  the  them,  and  be  might  show  them  much  more  of  his  covenant  than  they 

paraphrase  accounts  not  only  for  this  passage  and  that  m  .lohn  .\i.  26.  could  have  discovered  without  such  extraordinary  assistance.    Compare 

(.i  HO.)  but  for  what  is  said  of  Christ's  kavinti  abolished  death.  (2  Tim.  Psal.  xxv.  14.  and  see  Dr.  Scoffs  Chnstian  Life,  vol.  v.  p.  194.— Since 

i.  10.)  liaving  destroyed  the  devil,  (Ilel).  ii.  14.)  and  raised  up  christians  I  drew  up  this  note,  the  reverend  and  learned  Or.  Warburton  has  shown, 

with  himself,  and  made  them  sit  uith  him  in  heaienli/  places.   (Eph.  ii.  that  there  is  great  reH.son  to  believe  our  Lord  here  particularly  refers  to 

6.) — Death  is  as  nolhim;.  compared  to  what  it  would  otherwise  have  a  siiecial  revelation  made  to  Abraham,  when  he  received  that  command 

been  to  the  sinner;  anrlthe   felicity  of  heaven  is  so  sure  and  so  near,  from  God  to  offer  up  lsa<ic;  by  which  he  was  informed,  that  the  sacri- 

that,  by  an  easy  and  common  figure,  true  christians  are  spoken  of  as  fice  then  enjoined  him  was  a  symbol  of  the  method  which  (lod  would 

already  there.    See  the  followinsf  note.  really  take  for  the  redemption  of  sinful  men,  by  the  death  and  resurrec- 

c   I'it  thou  sayest.  If  any  (me  leep  my  aoid,  he  shall  never  taste  of  tion  of  his  own  Son.   See  Divine  legation,  vol.  ii.  p.  5K9— 627-  and  the 

death.^    This  is  not  the  phrase  which  our  I^onl  used,  ver.  51.  though  /VHrf/f«c/on  of  it,  in  the  second  volume  of  OcrojiVmn/ i?emarX-f. 

perhaps  its  signification  is  nearly  equivalent.     Hut  1  think  it  shows  how  f  'Hiouart  vol  yet  fifty  years  old.]    Christ  was  not  now  five  and  thirty  : 

improper  it  would  be  to  interpret  the  preceding  words,  em'aToi/  »  mm  but  Erasmus  thinks  that,  worn  with  labours,  he  might  appe.ir  older  than 

flewpn'^l  fir  tii;  aiuiya,  lie  .fhall  not  see  death  fr  ever;  as  if  they  si<mi-  he  was.     Lightfoot  imagines,  that  as  the  Leviles  were  discharged  from 

tied.  He  shall  not  die  eternally  ;  for  on  lliis  interpretation  of  the  words,  the  temple  service  at  fifty,  (compare   Numb.  iv.  3,  23.)  tliat  age  was 

there  could  have  been  no  shadow  of  force  in  the  argument  they  use,  proverbially  used,  as  I  think  it  might  have  been,  without  any  such  in- 

iinless  they  had  meant  to  assert  that  Abraham  and  the  prophets  mere  stitution  relating  to  them.     It  is  little  to  the  credit  of  lrena;us's  judg- 

dead,  6ir  tov  aiwva,  for  ever  ;  than  which  nothing  could  be  further  from  ment  to  have  inferred  from  hence,  or  admitted  on  an  uncertain  tradjtion, 

ftie  thoughts  of  any  of  the  .lews,  except  the  Sadducees,  w  ho  do  not  seem  fathered  on  St.  Luke,  that  Christ  was  now  turned  of  forty.    See  Iren. 

to  have  been  the  persons  speaking  here.  See  note  1,  on  Tohn  iv.  14.  p.  64.  lib.  \\.  cap.  39,  W. 

d    IVaS  even  transported  with  a  joyful  desire  that  he  might  see  my  day  ;  g   Before  Abrahnm  was  born.']    F.rasmus  obser\es  that  this  is  the  mean- 

nyaWcaa-aTO  cia  iSr]  mv  nuepai/  rnv  eni^v.]    It  is  necessary  to  tr.anslate  ing  of  fivealfai ;  and  Kaphelius  abundantly  justifies  the  interpretation, 

the  word  ma'WinaaTo  thus,  not  only  to  avoid  the  tautolog)'  which  our  Annot.  er  Xen.  p.  133. 

translation  occasions,  but  also  to  preserve  the  force  of  the  words  iva  tin.  h  I  am  invariably  the  same,  cSrc.l  Compare  Ileb.  xiu.  8.    I  have  long 

And   indeed  the  expression  may  with  the  strictest  propriety   signify  (with  Chrysostom  and  many  others)  looked  on  this  text   as  at  least  a 

leaping  forward  uith  joy  to  meet  the  object  of  our  wishes,  as  well  as  strong  intimation  of  the  Deity  of  Christ,  nearly  parallel  to  lleb.  1. 12.  ay 

eivlting  in  the  possession  of  it.   See  Blackwall's  S,acred  Classics,  vol.  i.  St  6  auTor  ei,  ihon  art  the  same.— I  cannot  apprehend  that  ejio  ei/x<  is 

p.  46—^8.  ever  used  for  /  was;  nor  imagine  that  it  our  Lord  had   been  a  mere 

e  He  saw  it  by  faith,  nnrf  rejoiced  in  the  view.]    T  cannot  think  with  cieature,  he  would  have  ventured   to  express   himself  in  a  manner  so 

Mr.  Fleming,  (Chrislofogy,  vol.  i.  p.  221.)  that  the  appearance  of  Christ  marly  bordering  on  blasphemy,  or  have  permitted  his  beloved  disciple 

to  Abraham;  (Oen.  xviii.  1.)  could  with  any  propriety  be  here  referred  so  dangerously  to  disguise  his  meaning. 

to  as  Christ's  day.     It  seems  much  more  reasonable  to  conclude,  with  i    I'oo/c  up  some  loose  stimes,  v/'ith  which  they  were  repairing,  &c.]  See 

Dr.  .Scott  and  Mr.  Henry,  that  it  intimates  some  peculiar  discoveries  Lightfoot,  Hor.  Heb.  on  this  place  ;  and  note  h,  on  .lohn  ii.  20.  p.  56. 

Avhich  the  Spirit  of  God  "might  make  to  Abraham  for  his  own  private  k  tJoing  through  the  midst  of  them.]     Ihe  omission  ot  these  words  in 

consolation,  though  not  expressly  recorded  in  .Scripture.    And  thus,  this  passage,  as  quoted  by  Chrysostom  and  Augustin,  as  well  as  in  sonie 

with  regard  to  him,  as  well  as  many  other  saints  under  that  dispensa-  manuscripts,  has  led  some  to  suspect  they  were  added  from  Luke  iv. 

tion,  the  secret  of  the  I^rd  might  in  an  extraordinary  manner  be  ^vilh  yo.    See  i  32.  note  p,  p.  70. 


THE  RETURN  OF  THE  SEVENTY  DISCIPLES.  -191 

Of^aiji.  (1  Pet.  ii.  23.)  And  shall  we  too  keenly  resent  the  reflections  which  are  thrown  upon  us !  May  but  our  SECT, 
conscience  witness  for  us,  and  we  need  not  fear  all  that  are  against  us !  105. 

Christ  honoured  his  Father,  and  sought  not  his  own  glory.     So  may  we  be  careful  of  the  honour  of  God,  and 

cheerfully  commit  to  him  the  guardianship  and  care  of  our  reputation  !  and  we  shall  find  there  is  one  that  seeketh,  JOHN 
and  judgeth  in  our  favour.  '^^^^^• 

It'is  a  great  and  important  promise  which  our  Lord  here  makes,  If  am/  one  keep  tni/  word,  he  shall  never  see  death.  51 
Sense  seems  to  plead  against  it ;  but  he  is  the  ixsurreetion  and  the  life,  and  hath  assured  us  he  will  make  it  good. 
Let  us  therefore  be  strong  in  faith,  giving  glay  to  God ;  (Rom.  iv.  20.)  Though  not  only  Abraham  and  tlie  pro- 
phets, but  Peter  and  Paul  and  the  othei" apostles,  are  dead,  yet  this  word  shall  be  gloriously  accomplished.  Still  52 
they  live  to  him,  and  shortly  shall  they  be  for  ever  recovered  from  the  power  of  the  grave  ;  so  that  death  is  to  them 
comparatively  as  nothing.  "W  ith  them  may  our  final  portion  be,  and  we  may  set  light  by  the  reproaches,  clamours, 
and  accusations  of  prejudiced,  ignorant,  and  sinful  men  ! 

Adored  be  that  gracious  providence  that  determmed  our  existence  to  begin  in  that  happy  day  which  prophets 
and  patriarchs  desired  to  see,  and  in  tiie  distant  view  of  which  Abraham  rejoiced  !     Let  it  be  also  our  joy ;  for  56 
Jesus  Christ  is  the  same  iiesterdai/,  to-dai/,  and  for  ever;  nor  could  the  heart  of  those  holy  men  fully  conceive  those  58 
thi7!gs  tvhich  God  had  prepared  Jor  them'that  love  him,  and  which  he  has  now  TTvealed  unto  ics  by  his  Spirit.   (1  Cor. 
ii.  9,  10.) _^ 

SECTION  CVI. 

The  seventy  disciples  return  with  joy  :  Christ  foretells  the  greater  success  of  his  gospel,  and  praises  his  heavenly  Father  for  the  wise  though  mys- 
terious dispensation  of  it.     Lulie  x.  17 — "-4. 

Luke  x.  17. 
Luke  x.  17.  ,  ,  •     ,  i  •  1  ■ 

AND  the  seventy  returned  AFTER  these  things,  Jcsus  determined  to  take  his  last,  and,  as  it  seems,  his  most  sue-  sect. 
apain  with  joy  sayin?,  Lc>rd,  cessful  circuit  through  Galilee  ;*  and,  before  he  set  out  upon  it,  the  seventy  disciples,  who  106. 
unlo  us  through'thy'^uame.'^'^   had  been  sent  before  him  as  his  harbingers,  (sect,  xcvii.  p.  177.)  returned  to  him  again^ 


ith  great  joy,  attended  witli  some  mixture  of  surprise,  saying,  Loi'd,  we  have  not  only   luke 
cured  diseases,  according  to  the  power  thou  wast  pleased  to  give  us,  (ver.  9.  p.  178.)  but,      ■^• 
though  thy  commission  did  not  directly  express  so  much,  yet  it  appears  that  even  the  demons 
themselves  are  subject  to  us,  when  in  thy  name  we  command  them  to  go  out  of  such  as  they 
had  possessed. 

18  And  he  said  unto  them,      And  he  Said  to  them,  I  know  that  it  is  and  must  be  so:  for  I  myself  s«w  Satan,  the  great  IB 
falMVom  hea'^eu  ^  ''^'''"'°^'  prince  of  the  demons, /M/Z/wg  like  lightning  from  heaven  on  his  first  transgression,  and  well 

remember  how  immediate  and  dreadful  his  ruin  was  ;<=  and  I  foresee  in  spirit  that  renewed, 
swift,  and  irresistible  victory,  of  which  this  present  success  of  yours  is  an  earnest,  which 
the  preaching  of  the  gospel  shall  shortly  gain  over  all  these  rebel  powers  which,  even  in 

19  Behold,!  give  unto  you  their  highest  Strength  and  glory,  were  so  incapable  of  opposing  the  arm  of  God.     And,  19 
ancT  Scorpions  and  over'aU  ^^^^  Y^^  ^^^Y  more  Successfully  pursue  this  conquest,  behold  I  now  give  you  a  miraculous 
the  power  of  the  enemy  :  and  power  Securely  to  tread  upon  serpetits  and  scorpions,  those  venomous  and  hurtful  creatures, 
hurt  you^'''^"  ^^  ""'^  "'^""^  (compare  Mark  xvi.  18.  and  Acts  xxviii.  5.)  in  token  of  your  triumph  over  the  infernal 

spirits,  and  over  all  the  might  of  Satan  the  great  enemy,  which  he  may  set  in  array  against 
you ;  and  I  will  so  effectually  su]jport  you  in  all  the  trials  you  shall  meet  with,  that  nothing 
shall  by  any  means  be  able  to  injure  you,  while  you  continue  faithful  in  your  adherence  to 
my  service.     (Compare  Psal.  xci.  13.  and  Gen.  iii.  15.) 

20  Notwithstanding,  in  this      Nevertheless,  rejoice  not  so  much  in  this,  that  the  evil  spirits  are  thus  subject  to  you,  and  20 
sXjecVtmto'yoV'rbCt  rather  ^^'^^  Y^^  ^^6  enabled  miraculously  to  control  them  ;  but  rather  rejoice  that  your  names  are 
rejoice,  because  your  names  written  in  heaven,  and  that  you  stand  enrolled  among  the  heirs  of  that  glorious  world,  as 
are  written  m  heaven.  ^j^^  peculiar  objects  of  the  divine  favour  and  love. 

21  In  that  hour  Jesus  re-  In  that  remarkable  hour,  Jesus,  in  a  pleasing  contemplation  of  the  success  that  should  21 
ihank  thee,^u"ather!  Lord  of  attend  his  gospel,  though  it  was  to  be  propagated  by  such  weak  instruments,  exceedingly 
heaven  and  earth,  that  thou  rejoiccd  in  his  Spirit,  and  Said,  in  the  words  he  had  used  on  a  former  occasion,''  (Matt.  xi. 
w?se''ind'prmilntf  iiThast  25,  26.  p.  113.)  I  ascribe  glory  to  thee,  O  Almighty  Father,  the  Creator  and  Lord  both  of 
revealed  them  unto  babes :  heaven  and  earth,  that  while  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the  ivise  philosophers  and  pru- 
seemed"good*intiiy  sight."  ''  '^^"^  politicians  of  the  age,  thou  hast  discovered  them  in  the  mean  time  to  others  of  an 

inferior  character,  and  hast  graciously  revealed  them  to  the  weak,  the  ignorant,  and  the 
poor,  who  are  but  as  infants  in  the  eyes  of  the  world,  and  in  their  own  appreliension  :  be 
it  so,  O  Father !  I  cheerfully  acquiesce  in  it,  .since  such  is  thy  sovereign,  wise,  and  holy 
pleasure,  to  humble  human  pride,  and  to  display  the  glory  of  thy  name. 

22  All  things  are  delivered      Then  likewise  did  Jesus  repeat  the  declaration  of  his  own  extensive  authority,  and  said,  22 
man^know^th'^^who^'the^Son  ^^^  before,  p.  113.)  All  things  in  the  kingdom  of  providence  and  grace  are  delivered  to  me 

is,  but  the  Father ;  and  who  by  my  Father ;  and  no  one  perfectly  knows  who  the  Son  is,  except  the  Father ;  nor  who  the 
and  L^to^whom''thVson^viii  Father  is,  exccpt  the  Son,  and  he  to  ivhom  the  Son  will  be  pleased  to  reveal  [him  :]  so  that 
reveal  hini.  from  me  you  must  learn  the  saving  knowledge  of  God  and  the  way  to  secure  his  favour. 

23  And  he  turned  him  unto      And  then  turning  to  his  dlsciples,  he  said  [to  them]  apart.  Blessed  are  the  ei/es  ivhich  do,  23 
\4*telyf B'le?s'ed'^"«re  \he* eyes  '^^  hereafter  shall.  See  the  things  that  you  see:  and  (I  may  add)  the  ears  which  do,  or  here- 
which  see  the  things  that  ye  after  shall,  hear  the  things  that  you  daily  and  familiarly  hear.     In  the  midst  of  all  your  24 
^li  Fori  tell  you,  that  many  povcrty,  fatigue,  and  danger,  you  have  reason  to  think  yourselves  exceeding  happy;  for  I 
prophets  and  king's  have  de-  sal/  unto  you,  and  very  Solemnly  assure  you  of  it.  That  many  of  the  most  emmeni  prophets 
sired  to  see  those  thmgs  which  ^^  ^^^  Old-Testament  dispensation,  and  even  of  the  most  pious  and  illustrious  kings y/hom 

God  raised  up  to  reign  over  his  people,  desired  earnestly  to  have  seen  the  things  which  you 

a  His  last  circuit  through  Galilee.]    St.   Luke  has  given  us  a  large  the  law  obliged  to  attend  this  feast  at  Jerusalem,  it  seems  most  probable 

account  of  several  occurrences  in  it,  omitted  by  all  the  other  evange-  that  was  the  time  and  place.                                                                           . 

lists  ;  and  I  think  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  it  must  come  in  here.     It  c  I  sa-e  Satan,  4f.]    I  think  this  answer  to  the  seventy  loses  much  or 

was  despatched  between  the  feast  of  tabernacles  and  the  dedication,  its  beauty  and  propriety,  unless  we  suppose  Satan  to  have  been  the 

(mentioned  John  x.  22.  :>  1:54.)  or  between  the  months  of  September  antt  prince  of  the  demons  the'y  spoke  of,  and  also  allow  the  reference,  hinted 

December.— I   call  it   his  last  circuit  through   (ialilee,    because   it  is  at  in  the  paraphrase,  to  the  first  fall  of  that  rebellious  spirit.    Compare 

strongly  intimated,  that  after  the  conclusion  of  it  he  returned  thither  no  2  Pet.  ii.  4.  and  Jude  ver.  6. — For  the  remainder  of  this  section,  and 

more  before  his  crucifixion.  (See  Luke  xiii.  31 — 3.3.  and  John  x.  40 — 12.)  some  of  the  following,  the  reader  may  consult  the  notes  in  the  parallel 

Quickly  alter  his  resurrection,  which  was  the  next  spring,  we  find   five  passages  referred  to,  which  have  been  considered  in  their  proper  places 

hundred  brethren  in  Galilee.  (1  Cor.  XV.  6. ~)    It  is  probable  most  of  them  above.                                                                                              .      ,     „, 

might  be  converted  in  this  journey ;  for  we  never  find  hiin  attended  by  d  And  said,  in  the  words  he  had  used  on  a  former  occasion. j     i  nej 

greater  multitudes,   nor  his  enemies  more  alarmed,   than  about   this  are  here  repeated  with  evident  propriety,  in  the  view  ot  tiiat  glorious 

time.  success  which  should  attend  these  his  despised  servants   as  the  destined 

b  The  sevs-nly  <lisciples  returned  to  him   affain.]    I   presume  not  to  conquerors  of  the  infernal  legions,  by  whom  thousands  ot  the  poor  snouKl 

determine  where  or  when  they  met  him  ;  but  considering  they  were  by  be  brought  to  receive  the  gospel. 


192  WHAT  IS  NECESSARY  TO  INHERIT  ETERNAL  LIFE. 

SECT,  see,  and  did  not  see  them ;  and  to  have  heard  the  thinga  which  you  hear,  and  did  not  hear  ye  see,  and  have  not  seen 
106.    them:  remember  then  how  much  you  are  indebted  to  the  divine  goodness,  and  let  it  be  '-^f^  v  ^nd  to  hear  those  things 

.  1  -ill-  ''  ,      n    1  //-I  T>/r^        ■••^v.^-,  -^.s    which  ve  hear,  and  have  not 

■  your  care  to  make  a  suitable  improvement  of  them.    (Compare  Matt.  xui.  16, 17.  p.  124.)  heard  'them. 


^x!^  IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.23      And  are  not  our  obligations  in  some  measure  proportionable  to  theirs,  while  these  glorious  sights  are  reflected 

24  to  oiu-  eyes  from  the  mirror  of  his  word,  and  these  glad  tidings  are  echoed  back  to  our  ears !  Have  not  we  also 

21  reason  to  adore  the  peculiar  favour  of  God  to  us,  and  to  admire  the  sovereignty  of  his  love,  that  he  has  been  pleased 

to  reveal  his  Son  in  us,  and  has  given  to  such  babes  as  we  must  own  ourselves  to  be,  that  spiritual  knowledge  of 

him  which  he  has  suffered  to  remam  hidden  from  the  great,  the  learned,  and  the  wise ;  Even  so,  Father,  must  we 

also  say,  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  thy  sight :  thou  hast  mercy  on  whom  thou  unit  have  mercy,  and  often  exaltest  the 

riches  of  thy  grace,  by  the  meanness  and  un worthiness  of  those  on  whom  it  is  bestowed. 

20  Have  we  reason  to  hope  that  our  worthless  names  are  written  in  heaven  ?  let  us  often  think  of  that  glorious 
society  amongst  whom  we  are  enrolled  as  members,  and  rejoice  in  the  thought  of  those  privileges  which  result 
from  such  a  relation  to  it :  privileges,  in  comparison  of  which,  a  power  to  heal  diseases  and  eject  demons  with  a 
word,  would  hardly  deserve  our  joy.  In  a  grateful  sense  of  them,  let  us  adore  the  grace  which  gave  us  a  place  in 
the  Lamb's  book  of  life,  and  be  ever  solicitous  to  behave  in  a  manner  worthy  of  so  illustrious  a  hope. 

18,  19  We  have  great  encouragement  to  expect  that  he  before  whom  Satan  fell  like  lightning  from  heaven,  will  enable 
us  finally  to  trample  on  his  power.  Let  us  not  servilely  fear  that  condemned  criminal,  already  marked  with  the 
scars  of  the  divine  vengeance ;  but  let  us  cheerfully  hope  that  the  triumph  over  him  will  be  renewed  by  the 
preaching  of  the  gospel.  Quickened  by  that  hope,  let  us  more  earnestly  pray  that  the  ruin  of  his  gloomy  kingdom 
may  be  daily  more  and  more  apparent,  especially  among  us ;  that  our  gracious  Redeemer,  who  reckons  the  interest 

21  of  soyls  his  own,  may  have  renewed  reason  of  joy  and  praise  on  that  account.     Exert,  O  blessed  Jesus,  thine  own 

22  almighty  arm  for  tliat  great  purpose ;  and,  as  thou  alone  canst  do  it,  reveal  thine  heavenly  Father  to  those  who, 
by  neglecting  thee,  show  that  they  know  not  him  ! 


SECTION  CVII. 

Christ  answers  the  scribe  who  asked  what  he  should  do  to  inherit  eternal  life ;  and  illustrates  his  answer  by  the  parable  of  the  good  Samaritan. 

Luke  -v.  25 — 37. 

Luke  x.  25.  Lukex.co. 

SECT.  WHILE  our  Lord  was  discoursing  in  this  manner  with  his  seventy  disciples,  an  assembly  and,  behold,  a  certain  law- 
107.    of  people  gathered  round  them  ;  and  behold,  among  the  rest,  a  certain  man  who  was  a  i^im,^*°ayin"f'MasterrTht't 

lawyer,  or  one  of  those  scribes  who  made  it  their  profession  to  study  and  teach  the  law  of  shall  i  "do  "to  inherit  eternal 

LUKE   Moses,  and  to  resolve  many  curious  questions  relating  to  it,  rose  up  with  a  design  to  try   '  ^' 
^-  ^  him  ;'^  and,  to  judge  of  the  skill  of  .Tesus  in  divine  matters,  said,  O  thou  great  Aluster  and 
"^  Teacher  in  Israel,  what  must  I  do  that   I  vmy  inherit  that  eternal  life,  which  thou  so 
frequently  proposest  as  the  main  object  of  our  pursuits,  and  which  is  indeed  most  worthy 
of  them. 

26  And  Jesus,  as  lie  knew  with  what  design  he  had  proposed  the  question,  wisely  returned  .  C6  He  said  unto  him,  what 
it  on  himself,  and  said  to  him.  What  is  written  in  the  law,  which  thy  profession  must  readlst'thou"  ^^^  '""^ '  '"'^'^ 
engage  thee  to  have  made  thy  study  ?  how  dost  thou  find  the  case  to  be  determined  there  ? 

and  what  is  it  thou  dost  so  frequently  i-ead  there?'' 

27  And  he  replying,  said.  It  is  there  written  as  the  sum  of  all  the  commandments,  (Dent.  27  And  he  answering  said, 
vi.  5.  Lev.  xix.  18.)  "  Thou  shall  love  the  Tjyrd  thy  God  with  all  thine  heart,  and  with  all  J^°l\^s^}\}nV^%}fJ,^t^r> 

,.  ,  I       •  I       II      1  I  1       •  I       II      ,••  1  I'  1  11  -11   ^^''  witti  all  thy  heart,  and 

thy  soul,  and  ivitli  all  thy  strength,  and  with  all  thine  understanding;  thou  slialt  imite  all  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all 
the  faculties  of  thy  soul  to  render  him  tlie  most  intelligent  and  sincere,  the  most  affec-  mfnd  f'amrtiiy1ie^"hbour''i« 
tionate  and  resolute  service  ;<=  and  thou  shalt  also  love  thy  neighbour  as  sincerely  and  thyself. 
impartially  as  thou  lovest  thyself." 

28  Jesus  readily  approved  his  answer;  but  was  desirous  to  convince  him  at  the  same  time  .28  And  he  said  unto  him, 
how  far  he  was  from  coming  up  to  wliat  the  law  required  :  and,  in  this  view,  he  said  to  thi's'do,''and  tlloTshalt  iVv^e*'.' ' 
him.  Thou  hast  answered  right :  do  this,  and  thou  shalt  live  ;  do  it  perfectly,  and  thou  wilt 

have  a  legal  claim  to  life ;  or  cultivate  this  temper  sincerely,  and  Hod  will  not  leave  thee 
finally  to  perish,  but  will  give  thee  all  necessary  discoveries  of  his  will  in  order  to  thine 
eternal  salvation. 

29  Hut  he,  willing  to  justify  himself  as  to  the  integrity  of  his  inquiry,  and  to  display  the  29  But  he,  willin?  to  justify 
virtue  of  his  character,  not  at  all  doubting  but  he  sufficiently  understood  his  duty  to  iGod,  t'ho  i's  my  nei'ghboue"''  ^"^ 
said  unto  Jesus,  And  who  is  my  neighbour,  whom  by  this  latter  precept  I  am  obliged  to 

love?  for  I  would  fain  know  the  wiiole  of  my  duty,  that  I  may  practise  it  in  all  its 
extent. 

30  And  Jesus  replying,  spake  the  following  parable,  which  was  intended  to  show,  in  the  30  And  Jesus  answering 
most  lively  manner,  that  every  human  creature,  who  needs  our  assistance,  is  to  be  con-  do'wnfmmTe'AlsalemtoTefi' 
sidered  by  us  as  our  neighbour,  of  whatever  nation,  or  faith,  or  profession  he  may  be  :  and  cho,  and  fell  among  thieves 


eri- 


he  said,  A  certain  man  of  our  own  country  went  down  from  Jerusalem  to  Jericho  ;  and,  rahnentf  "^and'^wotlnded" 


of   his 


passing  through  those  wild  deserts  and  dangerous  roads,''  he  fe//  among  some  of  those  cruel  and  departed,  leaving 
slobbers  who  so  often  assault  such  as  travel  that  way  :  and  these  ruffians,  having  both  plun-  ''^'f  f'^^'^- 
dered,  stripped,  and  bound  him,  and  having  also  wounded  him  in  a  cruel  and  dangerous 
31  manner,^  went  off,  leaving  him  half  dead.     And  it  happened,  that  while  he  was  in  these     3i  And  by  chance  there 

a  With  a  design  <o  try  him.']    Dr.  Barrow  concludes  it  was  with  an  each  of  the  words  used  here.    Otherwise  I  should  think  KapSia,  Me /lear/, 

intent  to  insnare  him ;  the  question  being  so  determined  Ijy  the  Jewish  a  general  expression,  illustrated  by  the  three  following  words ;  even  with 

doctors,    that   for   a  ditt'erent  answer  he  might  have  been  accused  of"  «// Mi/ jo«/,  (ij-uxur.)  that  is,  with  the  warmest  affection;  and  with  all 

heresy  ;  (see  Barrow's  lioris,  vol.  i.  p.  221.)  but  I  see  no  certain  proof  thi/  strength,  daxvo^,')  that  is.  with  the  most  vigorous  resolution  of  the 

of  so  bad  an  intention.  will  ;  and  with  all  thine  understanding,  (Siaioiar,)  that  is,  taking  care  to 

b  How  doat  thou  so  frequently  read  there ']    Vitringa  with  great  perti-  form  rational  ideas  of  him  as  a  guide  to  the  affections  and  resolutions, 

nency  observes,  that  what  the  scribe  replies,  Thmt  shall  love  the  Lord  Accordingly  we  may  observe,  that  in  a  parallel  place  (Mark  xii.  .SS.) 

My  t;orf,  4t.  was  daily  read  in  their  synagogues,  which  made  the  answer  the  word  (ruvecri?  is"  used   instead  of  dmi/oia.    And   this  very  word  is 

more   apparently   proper.    (Vitrmg.    Sijnag.   p.   I06O.)    And   that  this  justly  translated  Understanding,  Eph.  i.  18.  iv.  18.  and  1  John   v.  20. 

passage  ot  Scripture  is  still  read  by  the  whole  assembly,  both  m  their  d  Passing  through  those  wild  deserts  and  dangerous  roads.]     'J'his 

morning  and  evening  prayers,  and  is  called,  from  the  first  word  of  it,  circumstance  is  well  chosen;  for  so  many  robberies  and  murders  were 

the  Shehiah,  may  be  seen  in  Pedahzur's  Ceremonies  of  the  Modern  Jews,  committed  on  this  road,  which   lay  through  a  kind  of  wilderness,  that 

p.  40.  and  115.  only  it  is  observable,  they  leave  out  that  clause,   Thnu  Jerome  tells  us  it  was  called  □'Dirt  the  bloody  w^i/.— Jericho  is  said  to 

shalt  love  thy  yicighhour  as  thyself.    See  Wotton's  Miscell.  vol.  i.   p.  have  been  seated  in  a  \alley,  and  thence  is  the  phrase  of  going  down 

171—194.                ,  to  it. 

c  Thou  slialt  unite  all  the  faculties  of  thy  soul,  &c.]    I  apprehend,  e   IVonnded  him  in  a  cruel  and  dangerous  manner.]    This  is  strongly 

with  Archbishop  Tillotson,  we  may  acquiesce  in  this  general  sense  of  implied  in  the  expression  7r\ti7as-  eTriOei/Ter.  having  laid  OHtmnindf. 
the  passage,  without  being  solicitous  to  seek  a  particular  distinct  idea  to 


THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  GOOD  SAMARITAN.  193 

tame  Jown  a  certain  priest  deplorable  circumstances,  rt  certain  priest  went  doivn  that  way,  who  was  going  to  Jericho,   SECT. 

tiiat  way :  and  >vheii  he  saw  where  SO  many  of  that  profession  were  settled  ;f  and  though,  by  virtue  of  his  sacred  office,    107. 

him,  he  passed  by  on  the  other  j^^  ^^^^^  ^^  j^^^^  ^^^^^  ^  peculiar  example  of  humanity  to  the  afflicted,  yet  seeing  him  lie • 

at  some  little  distance,  and  being  willing  to  avoid  the  trouble  or  expense  whicn  a  more    luke 
jiarticular  inquiry  might  have  occasioned,  he  crossed  [the  ?vad,']  and  went  on,  proceeding  in      ^• 
3'^  And  likewise  a  Levite,  his  joumey  without  any  further  notice.    And  in  like  manner  too,  a  Levite,  going  that  way,  32 

■wiiJn  he  was  at  the  place,  ,^./,f,j  /,g  ,(,^^5  (,/;  (/,g  place,  just  Came  and  looked  on  this  miserable  object,?  and  immediately 

passed^by  on'the  other'si'd""    crossed  and  passed  by,  without  doing  any  thing  at  all  for  his  relief    And  thus  the  distressed  33 

33  But  a  certain  Samaritan,  creature  might  have  lain  and  perished,  but  for  a  certain  Samuritun^  who,  ws  tie  was  travel- 
as  he  journeyed,  came  wiiere  /;„„  jj^g  same  way,  Came  to  the  place  ivliere  he  was,  and  seeing  him  in  this  sad  condition, 
helmrcomp^sionor/«v«;'"'  though  he  might  easily  know,  or  at  least  guess,  him  to  be  a  Jew;  yet,  notwitlistanding  the 

general  hatred  of  these  two  nations  to  each  other,'  he  ivas  moved  with  very  tender  compassion 

34  And  went  to  /,im,  anri  towards  him  :    And  goins:  to  him,  he  bound  up  his  wounds  in  the  best  manner  he  could,k  31 
bound  up  his  wounds,  pouring  whe?!,  as  the  Only  means  he  had  to  cure  them,  he  had  poured  in  some  of  the  oil  and  loine 

in  his  own  S;  and  Trousht  which  he  had  taken  with  him  as  part  of  the  provisions  for  his  journey;  (compare  Gen. 

him  to  an  inn,  and  took  care  xxviii.  18.)  and  Setting  him  on  his  oivn  beast,  because  he  was  incapable  of  walking,  he  held 

°*  '"'"•  him  up  as  he  rode,  and  with  the  tenderest  care  brought  him  safely  to  an  inn,  where  he  had 

some  acquaintance ;  and  there  took  further  care  of  him,  that  he  should  be  lodged  and 

35  Andontheraorrowwhen  accommodated  in  a  proper  manner  that  night.     And  the  next  morning  as  he  departed  from  35 
he  departed,  he  took  out  two  ^|-,g  ^^^^  /^^  fgg]^  Q^t  of  his  pursc  two  denarii,  or  Romari«e?<oe,'  and  gave  them  to  the  land- 
K^andsaifunto  him, 'Take  loi'd  of  the  house ;  and  at  the  same  time  said  to  him.  Take  all  possible  care  of  this  poor 
care  of  iiim :  and  whatsoever  ^oundcd  Stranger,  and  let  him  want  for  nothing  :  and  whatsoever  more  thou  shalt  spend  on 

thou  spendest  more,  when  1   ,  .  t^  -H  ,i  t  i       i 

come  again  I  will  repay  thee,    his  account,  1  wul  repay  thee  OS  i  come  bacK. 

36  Which  now  of  these  three,      Now,  Said  our  Lord  to  the  lawyer  he  was  discoursing  with,  which  of  these  three  persons,  36 
IIut"o''idm  "that  fell  amon-^'the  the  priest,  the  Levite,  or  the  compassionate  Samaritan,  dost  thou  think  was  the  neighbour  of 
thieves  ■  "       this  poor  man  that  fell  among  the  robbers  ?    And  he  said.  Undoubtedly  it  was  he  that  had 

37  And  he  said.  He  that  mercif  upon  him,  notwithstanding  he  was  a  person  of  another  nation  and  religion.     Then  37 
showed  mercy  on  him    Then  gaid^Jesus  to  him.  If  this  Seem  SO  amiable  an  example  to  thee,  go,  and  do  thou  likewise; 
do^'hot^like«■he."'"'  and  if  thou  findest  even  a  Samaritan  in  the  like  distress,  consider  him  as  thy  neighbour, 

and  as  cheerfully  perform  all  these  beneficent  and  friendly  offices  to  him :  for  those  pre- 
tensions to  religion  are  but  vain  which  do  not  inspire  men  with  such  universal  humanity 
and  benevolence. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Of  how  great  importance  is  it  that  we  should  every  one  of  us  be  in  good  earnest  making  this  inquiry  which  the 
scribe  addressed  to  our  Lord,  TT7(«^  shall  I  do  that  I  may  inherit  eternal  life '!  What  ought  we  not  willingly  to  Ver.  25 
do,  and  to  bear,  that  we  may  secure  so  great  a  felicity  ?  Still  will  our  Lord  answer  us  from  his  word,  that  we  must  26 
keep  the  commandments  of  God,  while  we  are  looking  to  him  as  the  end  of  the  law  for  inghteoumess ;  (Rom.  x.  4.) 
Happy  are  they  that  faithfully  do  it,  that  through  the  grace  manifested  in  the  gospel,  they  may  have  a  right  to  eat 
of  the  tree  of  life.'  (Rev.  xxii.  14.) 

May  this  abstract  and  summary  of  the  commandments  be  written,  as  it  were,  in  golden  characters,  on  the  table 
of  each  of  our  hearts !  Rlay  we  love  tlie  Lord  our  God  with  all  the  united  powers  and  faculties  of  our  souls,  and  27 
our  neighbour  as  sincerely  and  fervently  as  ourselves !  And  may  we  learn,  from  this  beautiful  parable  of  the  good 
Samaritan,  to  exercise  our  charity  to  our  fellow-creatures  in  the  most  amiable  manner  ! 

The  Jewish  priest  and  Levite  had,  no  doubt,  the  ingenuity  to  find  out  some  excuse  or  other  for  passing  over  to  31,  32 
the  other  side  ;  and  might,  perhaps,  formally  thank  God  for" their  own  deliverance,  while  they  left  their  brother  to 
bleed  to  death  for  want  of  their  assistance.     Is  it  not  an  emblem  of  many  living  characters,  perhaps  of  some  whose 
sacred  office  lays  them  under  the  strongest  obligations  to  distinguished  benevorence  and  generosity  ?  But  the  good  33 
Samaritan  actecl  the  part  of  a  brother  to  this  expiring  Jew.     Oseed  of  Israel,  O  house  of  Levi,  and  of  Aaron  1  will 
not  the  day  come  when  the  humane  virtues  of  heatVrens  shall  rise  up  in  judgment  against  thee ! 

Let  us  reflect  with  shame,  what  are  the  differences  between  one  christian  and  another  when  compared  with  those  34,  35 
between  a  Samaritan  and  a  Jew !  A'et  here  the  benevolence  of  a  good  heart  overcame  even  these ;  and,  on  the 
view  of  a  wounded,  dying  man,  forgot  that  he  was  by  nation  an  enemy.  Whose  heart  does  not  burn  within  him, 
whose  eyes  do  not  overflow  with  tears  of  delight,  while  he  reads  such  a  story '!  Let  us  go  and  do  likewise,  regard-  37 
ing  every  man  as  our  neighbour  who  needs  our  assistance.  Let  us  exclude  every  malignant  sentiment  of  bigotry 
and  party-zeal,  which  would  contract  our  hearts  into  an  insensibility  for  all  the  human  race  but  a  little  select  num- 
ber, whose  sentiments  and  practices  are  so  much  our  own,  that  our  love  to  them  is  but  self-love  reflected.  With 
an  honest  openness  of  mind,  let  us  always  remember  the  relation  between  man  and  man,  and  feel  and  cultivate 
that  happy  instinct  by  which  God,  who  has  formed  our  hearts  in  many  instances  alike,  has,  in  the  original  consti- 
tution of  our  nature,  strongly  and  graciously  bound  them  to  each  other. 


SECTION  CVIII. 

ar3-  atte 
.     Luke 

Luke  x.  38. 


LUKE 
X. 


Christ  visits  his  friends  at  Betliany,  and  commends  (lie  diligence  with  which  Mary  attends  his  preaching,  while  her  sister  Martha  was  too  anxious 

about  the  entertainment  of  her  guests.    Luke  x.  38,  to  the  end.  SECT. 

108. 

Luke  x.  38.  jj^j.^x^   ^.    ^kj.  ,  .    , ■ 

NOW  it  came  to  pass, as  they  ABOUT  this  time''  our  Lord  quitted  Jerusalem,  and  set  out  with  his  disciples  on  his  last 
went,  that  he  entered  into  a  journey  from  thence  to  Galilee,  the  feast  of  tabernacles  (as  was  observed  above)  being  fully 

f  Where  so  many  of  that  profession  were  settled.]    See  Lightfoot's  touch  this  Jew,  but  took  so  much  pains  to  dress  his  wounds,  and  to  set 

IJor.  Heir,  in  loc.  where  he  produces  a  passage  from  a  considerable  him  on  his  own  beast,  supportins:  him  in  his  arms  as  he  rode,  as  well  as 

Jewish  writer,  to  prove  that  twelve  thousand  priests  and  Levites  dwelt  making  such  generous  provision  for  him  at  the  inn. 

at  Jericho  ;  which,  if  it  had  any  shadow  and  degree  of  truth,  vindicates  k  Bound  vp  his  wounds,  cSc]    As  the  Jew  was  stripped  oy  the  robbers, 

the  paraphrase,  and  shows  how  naturally  the  priest  and  Levite  were  ver.  .30.  we  may  probably  suppose  the  Samaritan  used  some  ot  his  own 

here  introduced,  without  any  reflection  on  their  othce.  garments  for  this  purpose  ;  which  was  a  farther  instance  ot  wondertui 

fi  Came  and  looked  on  Vt\\=,  miserable  object.]    This  is  the  import  of  goodness,  perhaps  tearing  them  to  make  a  more  convenient  bandage,    ur 

eXeuK  Kai  \hiav,  as  Kaphelius  has  shown  in  his  Not.  ex  Xen.  p.  91.  the  use  the  ancients  made  of  wine  and  oil  in  dressing  tresh  wounds,  see 

h  A  certain  Samaritan.]    It  is  admirably  well  judged,  to  represent  Bos.  Exerc.  p.  24.  and  Wolfius  on  this  text.  "        .         ,         ,      ,  <;<•*<.„„ 

the  distress  on  the  side  of  the  Jew,  and  the  mercy  on  that  of  the  Sa-  1   Two  denarii,  or  Roman  peyice.]    These  were  in  value  auout  ^']^^" 

maritan;   for  self-interest  would  make  them  see  how  amiable  such  a  pence  of  our  money.    It  is  a  very  probable  circumstance,  ti"'^  ■"/''' 

conduct  was,  and  lay  them  open  to  our  Lord's  inference,  ver.  37-    Had  travelling  without  any  attendants,  and  now  going  out  to  a  ™"^'","  ^"'j 

It  been  put  the  other  way,  prejudices  might  more  easily  have  interposed  distance  trom  home,  should  not  have  more  to  spare,  '"'Jlj''^'';. '■>,"!  "v„rv 

before  the  heart  could  have  been  struck  with  these  tender  circumstances,  to  travel  through  so  dangerous  a  road  ;  and  so  it  ^*'0"'"  "r  "^  "^„  |:^-  /„ 

i  Notwithstanding  the  hatred  of  these  two  nations  to  each  other.]  See  imprudent  to  charge  himself  with  much  more  ■"0"f>'*"^",,^,f„r  travel- 
note  g,  on  John  iv.  9.  *  29.  p.  63.  Some  writers  tell  us,  this  hatred  arose  want  in  his  journey  ;  which  would  be  the  I«SS'  as  it  >va»  r7.mnare  aen 
so  high,  that  if  a  Jew  and  a  Samaritan  met  in  a  narrow  way,  they  were  lers  in  those  parts  to  carry  their  provision  with  tncm.  »..onipa.e  vrcn. 
exceedingly  solicitous  that  they  might  pass  without  touching  each  other,  xxviii.  18.  and  Josh.  ix.  12,  13.  .  ;„j„t„rmin!itp  manner  a.s 
for  fear  of  pollution  on  each  side  If  this  was  fact,  it  is  a  beautiful  a  About  this  time.]  I  express  myself  in  ''l''  ."^^,  ^:";""f '"^""u^^^ 
illustration  of  the  humanity  of  this  good  Samaritan,  who  would  not  only  to  the  date  of  this  little  but  very  instructive  stoiy,  because  i  ai  preueuu 


J 94  CHRIST'S  VISIT  TO  HIS  FRIENDS  AT  BETHANY. 

SECT,  concluded.     N(y>v  it  came  to  pass,  as  t/ici/  wei'e  on  their  journcif,  he  entered,  wntli  many  of  certain  village:  and  a  certain 
"108.'  his  attendants,  into  a  certain  neighbouring  village  called  Bethany;  (compare  Jolin  xi.  1.  cei?ed°him?ntoliefliouse. '''' 

sect,  cxxxix.)  and  a  certain  pious  woman,  whose  name  ivas  Martha,  with  tlie  most  cheerful 

LUKE  hospitality  received  him  into  her  honse,  thinking  herself  greatly  honoured  by  such  a  visit. 
^- Q      And  she  lud  a  sister  called  Mary,  who,  being  earnestly  desirous  to  improve  this  happy     m  AaA  she  had  a  sister 
"^    opportunity  of  advancing  in  divine  knowledge  and  a  religious  temper,  sat  down  at  the  feet  Jesus' ^}ee7'lnd''iieard''hts 
of  Jesus,  as  an  humble  disciple  ;''  and  heard  with  most  diligent  and  pleasing  attention  his  "word, 
wise  and  gracious  discourse,  which,  as  his  usual  practice  was,  he  began,  as  soon  as  he  came 
in,  to  address  to  those  that  were  about  him. 

40  But  Martha,  too  solicitous  about  tlie  variety  and  elegance  of  the  entertainment  she  in-  40  But  Jlar'.ha  was  cum- 
tended  for  her  sacred  Guest  and  the  company  with  Him,  xvas  exceedingly  hurried'^  and  afid1:ame°fo  him,''and'sa'i3; 
perplexed  about  much  serving ;  and  coming  in  to  the  room  where  Jesus  was,  she,  not  without  Lord,  dost  thou  not  care  that 
some  wai-mth  and  discontent,  exjiressed' how  much  she  was  ofiended  at  lier  sister's  sitting  aiLT/''bid''iier^the'retore  that 
still,  and  said,  Lord,  dost  thou  not  mind  that  my  sister  has  left  me  to  provide  and  serve  up  she  help  me. 

the  entertainment  alone,  which  is  more  than  I  can  well  nianage ;  while  she  sits  here  as 
calmly  as  if  she  had  no  concern  in  it  ?  I  would  not  take  upon  me  to  call  her  away  from 
thy  presence  myself,  but  I  beg  that  thou  wouldst  interpose  in  the  matter ;  speak  to  lier 
therefore,  that  she  may  lend  her  helping  hand  ivith  mine,^  and  let  her  then  sit  down  to  hear 
thee  discourse  when  the  entertainment  is  over. 

41  And  Jesus  in  reply  said  to  her,  O  Martha,  Martha,  thou  art  over  anxious  and  disturbed  4i  And  Jesus  answered  and 
with  resdess  agitation  of  spirit •=  about  many  things  which  are  not  worth  so  much  solicitude,  \lf^  "^ou  ''ar't  '^careful  '^Ind 

42  and  might  well  have  been  spared  on  such  an  occasion  as  this :  Hut  let  me  tell  thee,  my  troubled  about  many  thinas: 
dear  friend,  that  there  is  one  /Am^  absolutely  necessary, ^  and  of  infinitely  greater  importance  ^ud  ^M'ary''hat'°°ci'ore1^''t*hit 
than  any  of  these  domestic  and  secular  cares  ;  even  the  care  to  have  the  soul  instructed  in  good  part,  which  shall  not  be 
the  saving  knowledge  of  the  way  that  leads  to  eternal  life,  and  to  secure  a  title  to  it :  and  *""'''"  ^""^^  ^'"°™  ''"• 
Mary  is  wisely  attending  to  that ;  therefore,  instead  of  reproving  her,  I  must  rather  declare 

that  she  has  chosen  what  may  eminently  be  called  the  good  part,^  which  as  it  shall  not  be 
finally  frt/:en  away  from  her,  I  would  not  now  hinder  her  from  pursuing;  but  rather  invite 
thee  to  join  with  her  in  her  attention  to  it,  though  the  circumstances  of  our  intended  meal 
should  not  be  so  exactly  adjusted  as  thy  fond  friendship  could  desire. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
Ver.  38      So  steadily  and  zealously  did  our  blessed  Lord  pursue  his  work,  with  such  unwearied  diligence  and  constant 

39  affection !  No  sooner  is  he  entered  into  the  house  of  this  pious  friend,  but  he  sets  himself  to  preach  the  word  of 
salvation,  and  is  the  same  in  the  jiarlour  which  he  had  been  in  the  temple.  O  JNIary,  how  delightful  was  thy  situa- 
tion !  Who  would  not  rather  have  sat  with  thee  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  to  hear  his  wisdom,  than  have  filled  the  throne 
of  the  greatest  prince  upon  earth !  Blessed  were  thine  eyes  in  what  they  saw,  thine  ears  in  what  they  heard,  and 
thine  heart  in  what  it  received  and  embraced,  and  treasured  up  as  food  which  would  endure  to  everlasting  life ! 

40  How  unhappily  was  her  good  sister  deprived  of  the  entertainment  of  these  golden  moments,  while  hurried  about 
meats  and  drinks,  and  tables  with  their  furniture,  till  she  lost  not  only  her  opportunity,  but  her  temper  too  ;  as  it  is 
indeed  hard  to  preserve  it  without  a  resolute  guard,  amidst  the  crowd  and  clamour  of  domestic  cares  !  Happy  that 
mistress  of  a  numerous  family  who  can  manage  its  concerns  with  the  meekness  and  composure  of  wisdom,  and 
adjust  its  affairs  in  such  a  manner,  as  that  it  may  not  exclude  the  pleasures  of  devotion,  and  cut  her  off  from  the 
means  of  religious  improvement!  Happy  the  man  who,  in  a  pressing  variety  of  secular  business,  is  not  so  cumbered 

41,  42  and  careful  as  to  forget  that  one  thing  which  is  absolutely  needful;  but  resolutely  chooses  this  better  part,  and 
retains  it  as  the  only  secure  and  everlasting  treasure!  Oh  "that  this  comprehensive  important  sentence  were  ever 
before  our 
thing  but 
were  of ; 
less  vanity  is  it  not  dailv  sacrificed  ? 

Let  the  ministers  of  Christ,  let  the  friends  of  souls  in  every  station,  exert  themselves,  that  all  about  them  may  be 
awakened  duly  to  regard  tliis  great  interest ;  accounting  it  tfieir  meat  and  their  drink  to  promote  it.  Let  them  be 
always  solicitous  that  neither  they  nor  others  may  neglect  it  for  the  hurries  of  too  busy  a  life,  or  even  for  the 
services  of  an  over-officious  friendship. 


SECTION  CIX. 

y,  rep 
given 

Luke  xi.  1. 


Christ  being  entreated  by  his  disciples  to  teach  them  fo  pray,  repeats  with  some  additions  the  instructions  and  encouragements  relating  to  that 
duty  which  he  had  formerly  given  in  his  sermon  on  the  mount.    Luke  xi.  1—1.3. 


ST^*^T.  OUR  Lord  then  lea\'ing  Bethany,  went  on  his  way;  dividing  his  time,  as  usual,  between  j^g^^J^j'' ^J"-^/"  f^*' l^f  f ' 
the  care  of  teaching  his  numerous  followers  and  the  exercises  of  secret  devotion.     And  as  place!  whPi?he^eased,'^one*o" 

he  was  one  day  praying  in  a  certain  retired  place,  when  he  had  ended  one  of  his  disciples  .sa/c/"'iis  /Jisciples  said  unto  him, 

^Xi^'^   <o  him,  Lord,  we  desire  thou  wouldst  teach  us  to  pray,  and  give  us  some  short  form  which  johiVaiso'taught  WsciTsaple^ 

the  evangelist  ha?  not  exactly  determined  when  it  happened,  which  it  assistance  which  the  Spirit  of  God  gives  to  the  infirmities  ol  our  fiail 

was  of  no  importance  for  us  exactly  to  know.    Tt  might  very  possibly  nature.  Rom.  viii.  26. 

be  just  at  this  time ;  at  least  the  want  of  any  sufficient  reason  for  trans-  e  Dislurhed  with  restless  agitation  of  spirit]   The  word  Tfp/?a(:n  is  no 

posing  it,  obliges  me,  on  the  rules  1  have  laid  down  to  myself,  to  intro-  where  else  used  in  the  New  I'estament.     It  seems  to  express  the   rcst- 

iince  it  here.  less  situation  of  a  person  in  a  tumultuous  crowd,  where  so  many  are 

b  Sat  down  at  the  feet  of  Jems,  as  an  humble  disciple.]    It  is  well  pressing  upon  him  that  he  can  hardly  stand  his  ground  ;  or  of  water  in 

known  that  this  was  the  posture  in  which  learners  attended  on  their  treat  agitation.                                                     _                                            _ 

teachers,  (compare  Luke  viii.  ".5.  and  Acts  xxii.  3.1  and  likewise  grew  f  T/iere  is  otie  thing  absolutely  necessary :  ti/o?  he  tii  xpfaJ    This  is 

into  a  proverb  for  humble  and  diligent  attention.    .See  the  authors  cited  one   of  the   gravest  and  most  important  apophthegms  that  ever   was 

by   Wolfius,  i«   loc.   and   especially  Vitringa,   Synag.  lib.  i.    part  2.  uttered :  and  one  can  scarce  pardon  the  trigid  impertinence  of  Theophy. 

cap.  6.  lact  and  Basil,  who  explain  it  as  it  he  had  only  meant.  One  dish  of  meat 

c  Kn*  exceedingly /rarrf'erf.]  The  word  Trfpieo-TruTO  properly  signifies  is  enongh.  .  .^  •  i 
to  be  drawn  (as  it  were)  different  ways  at  the  same  time,  and  admirably  g  The  good  part.]  That  yepi?  signifies  a  portion,  there  can  be  no 
expresses  the  situation  of  a  mind  surrounded  with  so  many  objects  of  reasonable  doubt ;  but  that  here  is  any  allusion  to  the  custom  of  sending 
care,  that  it  hardly  knows  which  to  attend  to  first.  She  had  probably  the  hest  portion  of  an  entertainment  to  a  guest  whom  peculiar  honour 
servants  to  whom  she  might  have  committed  these  affairs ;  and  the  was  intended,  seems  too  great  a  refinement,  and  not  exactly  suitable  to 
humility  and  moderation  of  our  blessed  Redeemer  would  have  taken  up  the  occasion,  though  some  considerable  critics  have  defended  it.  (See 
with  what  had  been  less  exactly  prepared:  especially  as  she  had  so  Wolfius,  in  loc.  and  Eisner,  Ohserv.  vol.  i.  p.  225,226.)  I  think  render- 
valuable  and  so  signal  an  opportunity  of  improving  her  mind  in  divine  ing  rnf  ata9nv  inpt&u,  the  good  part,  is  more  forcible,  as  well  as  more 
•               knowledge.  literal,  than  our  translation  ;  as  it  intimates  nothing  else  to  deserve  the 

d  lA:nd  her  helping  hand  with  mine.']    This   is  the  exact  import  ot  name  o^  a  good  part  when  compared  with  this.     Compare  Matt.  xix.  17. 

auvavTi\a,3r\T0ii>  which  is  also  with  the  utmost  propriety  used  for  the  5  137. 


CHRIST  TEACHES  HIS  DISCIPLES  TO  PRAY.  Iy5 

may  be  proper  for  our  frequent  use,  as  John  also  taught  his  disciples,^  and  other  leading  men  SKCT. 
of  the  several  rehgious  sects  among  us  have  taught  theirs.  109. 

A    1  h        I     t    ti  Pm       ^"d  fte  said  to  them,  When  you  pray,  you  may  use  that  form  which  I  before  have  given 

When  >e  pray. "sav.  Ol.^  as  a  comprehensive  model  and  directory  for  prayer,  (See  Matt.  vi.  9—1.3.  p.  83.)  and  suy   luke 
Father  wi'i^ii  art  jnj^'^^^^'j;^'  in  your  addresses  to  God,  "  O  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,b  who  dwellest  in  the  higii     -^^• 
kii'gliom  come  Tthy'^wiU  be  and  holy  place,  with  humble  reverence  we  bow  before  thee,  and  with  a  filial  confidence  in  ^ 
doife,  as  in  heaven,  so  m  ^j     ^leicy,  and  mutual  love  unto  each  other,  we  would  look  up  to  thee  as  to  our  God  and 
'''"''  ■  Father,  who  with  the  most  amazing  grace  and  condescension  art  ready  to  attend  unto  tlie 

supplications  of  thy  children  from  thy  throne  in  heaven :  we  adore  thee  as  possessed  of 
infinite  perfections ;  and  as  our  first  concern  is  for  thy  glory,  we  offer  it  as  our  first  request, 
May  thy  name  he  every  where  sanctified ;  may  tliy  perfections  be  displayed  tlirough  all  the 
world,  and  be  regarded  witli  the  highest  veneration !  And,  that  the  lionour  of  thy  Majesty 
may  be  thus  exalted,  Mai/  thy  kingdom  come  which  thou  hast  promised  to  establish  under 
the  Messiah ;  may  thv  victorious  grace  be  universally  triumphant  over  all  thine  enemies, 
and  thy  people  be  willing  in  the  dav  of  thy  power !  And,  as  an  evidence  of  its  efficacy  on 
the  hearts  of  men.  May  %holy  will  be  done,  as  it  is  constantly  in  heaven,  so  likewise  upon 
earth;  and  be  as  cheerfully  submitted  to,  as  fully  acquiesced  in,  and  readily  obeyed  in  all 
things,  as  it  is  possible  for  us  in  this  unperfect  state  to  imitate  those  heavenly  spirits  who 
3  Give  us  day  hy  dav  our  delight  in  doing  thy  commandments,  and  hearkening  to  the  voice  of  thy  word  !  During  3 
daily  bread  :  q^^  continuance  here  on  eardi  we  would  not  be  solicitous  to  seek  great  things  for  ourselves, 

but  humbly  beg  that  thou  wouldst  give  us  day  by  day  our  daily  bread,  and  would.st  supply 
us,  as  our  wants  return  upon  us,  with  such  a  competent  provision  of  the  necessaries  of  life 
as 'may  enable  us  to  serve  thee  acceptably,  and  to  attend  without  distraction  and  uneasi- 
■t  And  forgive  us  our  sins  •  ness  to  the  performance  of  our  duty.     And,  though  the  guilt  of  our  iniquities  might  justly  4 
for  we  also  foraive  every  one  separate  between  thee  and  us,  and  withhold  good  things  from  us,  we  earnestly  entreat  thee 
lead  us  not' into  t'emptationl  to  extend  thy  mercy  to  us,  and  to  forgive  us  all  our  sins -for  even  we,  the  bowels  of  whose 
but  deliver  us  from  evil.        mercy  cannot  be  comjiared  with  thine,  are  willing  to  forgive  every  one  that  is  indebted  to 
us,  and  desire  to  pardon  all  that  have  injured  us :"  and',  to  prevent  us  for  the  time  to  come 
from  falling  into  sin,  bring  us  not  into  circumstances  that  will  expose  us  to  the  danger  of 
temptation^  uov  suffer  us  to  be  tempted  above  what  we  are  able  to  bear;  but  keep  us  by 
thy  grace  from  all  iniquity,  and  rescue  us  from  the  power  of  the  evil  one,  that  he  may  never 
triumph  in  our  fall,  and  we  may  finally  be  saved  from  all  the  ruinous  effects  of  sin." 
5  And  he  said  unto  them       -i"^  when  he  thus  had  taugi.it  them  what  they  were  to  pray  for,  in  order  to  excite  and  5 
\vhich  of  you  shall  have  a  encourage  them  to  a  believing  importunity  in  praver,  lie  said  to  them.  Mho  is  there  of  you 
If  !l'in""i,t''1'nd°saT.mS  that  lias' not  observed  the  efficacy  of  importunate  requests  ?«  If,  for  instance,  he  shall  have 
him,  Friendi  lend  me  three  a  friend,  and  shall  go  to  him  at  midnight,  and  knock  at  his  door,  and  say  to  htm,  Friend,  I 
'TFoi- a  friend  of  mine  in  desire  thou  wouldst  lend  me  three  loaves;  For  a  friend  qfnwie,vfho  was  benighted  on  fiis  6 
his  journey  is  come  to  me,  journey  is  just  come  to  7ny  house,  and  being  altosether  unprovided,  I  have  nothing  to  set 
beforeSdm'?  "°"""°  '°  '^^' bcforcliim  for  his  refreshment:  And  he  from  within,  instead  of  granting  his  request  imme-  7 


,^-c  press ^  ^  ,  „  .  I  •       ■    u 

8  1  say  unto  you,  Thou?h  i/,oj,gh  he  would  uot  rise  and  give  him  the  loaves  that  he  desired,  because  he  was  Ins  neigh- 
blcause"h1  irhirfrifnd  yel  bour  and  friend,  yet  on  account  of  his  importunity,  as  he  continues  knocking,  and  will  take 
because  of  his  importunity  ^0  denial'  he  ivill  at  length  get  up  and  give  him  as  many  as  he  ^vaiits.  Now  then,  it  one  9 
many  L'he'nefde'th™  '""  "'  who  was  at  first  Unwilling  to  regard  his  friend,  was  overcome  at  last  by  his  continued 
y  And  I  say  unto  you.  Ask,  eamestness,  and  yielded  to  his  importunity,  much  more  will  God,  who  is  infinitely  good 
s\"ek,  ami  i^e shall  IndTknoTk;  and  rich  in  mercy,  though  he  may  not  see  fit  to  answer  you  immediately,  be  certainly  pre- 
and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  vailed  upon  at  length  to  give  you  what  you  stand  in  need  of,  if  you  continue  to  be  earnest 
^°""  and  importunate  in  your  prayers  to  him  :  and  I  say  therefore  to  you,  ^Vhatever  mercy  you 

desire  to  obtain,  ask  it  of  God  with  a  continued  fervency,  and  it  shall  assuredly  be  given 
you ;  seek  it  with  diligence,  and  you  shall  find  it ;  and  if  it  be  a  while  delayed,  knock  with 
an  earnest  importunity  at  the  door  of  divine  mercy,  and  it  shall  at  length  be  opened  to  you. 
10  For  every  one  that  ask-  And  the  success  of  Others  may  encourage  yoa  to  this,  as  what  indeed  has  been  confirmed  10 
teekefif  fiMet'h  ''and  to  him  ^Y  ^^ppy  and  constant  experience :  for  every  one  that  asks  with  an  unwearied  fen'ency, 
that%'no"kcft  'it^"shail  "be  receives;  and  he  that  diligently  seeke'th,  findeih ;  and  to  him  that  knocks  again  and  again, 
°P«"ed.  though  for  a  while  there  may  be  some  delay,  it  shall  at  length  be  opened.    (Compare  JMatt. 

vii.  7,  8.  sect,  xlii.) 
n  If  a  son  shall  ask  bread      And,  further  to  assist  your  faith  in  these  occasions,  reflect  upon  the  workings  of  your  n 


wiU  h'e'^offer  him'a^lcol-pion".^  give  him  a  scorpion  ?  and  in  'the  room  of  what  is  necessary  for  the  support  of  life,  will  offer 

13  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  him  a  thing  that  would  be  useless  or  injurious  to  him.     If  yon  then,  ivho  are  at  least  com-  13 
«X  your'^hildrenf  low  paratively  evil,  and  perhaps  some  of  you  inclined  to  a  penurious  and  morose  temper,  yet 
much  more  shall  j/o«r  heaven-  hiow  how  to  give  "ood  gifts  to  your  children,  and  find  your  hearts  disposed  to  relieve  their 
{o  fifenuhatlsk  Wm-^^''''''  returning  necessities  by^a  variety  of  daily  provisions;  how  much  more  shall  {your']  heavenly 
Father,  wlio  is  infinitely  powerful  and  gracious,  and  who  himself  has  wrought  these  dis- 
positions in  you,  be  ready  to  bestow  every  necessary  good,  and  even  to  give  the  best  and 
the  most  excellent  gift  of  all,  his  Holy  Spirit,  to  them  that  sincerely  and  earnestly  cisk  Inm 
for  it,  to  produce  and  cherisli  in  their  hearts  those  graces  which  may  fit  them  for  tlie 
services  of  life,  and  for  the  joys  of  an  happy  immortality?   (Compare  Matt.  vn.  9—11. 
p.  87.) 

a  As  John  also  taught  his  disciples.'\    Manj' 
the  Jewish  masters  used  to  give   their  folio 

prayer,  as  a  peculiar  badge  of  their  relation  „  ,       .  ,      ,   -         .        ,.  ,  „    n.„  ..^     <„    i,nii  .im   vfov 

Baptist  had  probably  done,  though  we  know  not  now  what  it  was.    And  let  the  reader  know  that  this  paraphrase  on  '''!_:7;  ,.;"•„  "."aving  para- 

in  this  view  only  can  we  suppose  the  disciples  could  now  ask  Jesus  to  was  written  by  him.    I  had  here  only  given  »  ^;""»'^'      '  ^ich  may  be 

teach  them  to  pray  ;  for  it  is  not  to  be  tliought,  that  in  the  three  preced-  phrased  tins  excellent  prayer  before  in  ?  40.  the  notes  on  wnicn  may 

mg  years  ot  his  ministry,  he  had  not  often  given  them  instructions  both  consulted  here.  nh^prved  the  efficacy  of  importunate 

as  to  the  matter  and  manner  of  prayer.    In  this  sense  Mr.  Joseph  Mede        c   H  ho  ,s  there  of  ym  that  has  n<>VJ'^®,5n,mrke  a  complete  giammati- 

aiid  Dr.  Lightfoot  understand  the  Request  and  answer  before  us  ;  and  I  requests  Ml  i>e  words  in  the  original  do  not  make  a  complete  gia.mnai 

O    2 


196  CHRIST  DINES  AT  THE  HOUSE  OF  A  PHARISEE. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

SEC  I .       \\'ell  does  this  petition  become  every  disciple  of  Christ,  Lord,  teach  m  to  pray  !  Thou  hast  taught  us  by  thine 
109.    example,  and  by  the  precepts  of  thy  word;  teach  us  also  by  thine  Holy  Spirit!  Excellent  is  this  form  of  sound 

and  divine  words  which  our  great  Master  here  recommends.     God  forbid  that  any  of  his  followers  should  censure 

LUKE  their  brethren,  who  think  it  still  proper  to  use  it,  not  only  as  a  directory  but  as  a  form  too,  though  perhaps  with 
^^-     some  little  variation  from  the  original  sense  of  some  clauses  of  it."*     Let  us  attentively  study  it,  that,  concise  and 

^^  expressive  as  it  is,  our  thoughts  may  go  along  with  its  several  petitions. 
2,  3,  4  Let  us  learn  to  reverence  and  love  God,  and  to  consider  ourselves  as  brethren  in  his  family.  Let  the  glory  of  his 
name,  and  the  prosperity  of  his  kingdom,  be  much  dearer  to  us  than  any  separate  interest  of  our  own.  Let  it  be 
our  cordial  desire  that  his  will  may  be  universally  obeyed,  and  with  the  most  entire  consent  of  soul  acquiesced  in 
by  all  his  creatures,  both  in  heaven  and  on  earth.  Let  our  appetites  and  passions  be  so  moderated,  that  having 
even  the  plainest  food  and  raiment,  we  may  be  therewith  content :  and,  on  the  other  hand,  how  plentiful  soever 
our  circumstances  may  be,  let  us  remember,  that  day  by  day  we  depend  on  God  for  our  daily  bread.  Nor  do  we 
need  even  the  most  necessary  supplies  of  life  more  than  we  need  daily  pardon ;  to  which,  therefore,  we  should  be 
putting  in  our  constant  claim,  heartily  forgiving  all  our  brethren,  as  we  desire  to  be  forgiven  by  God.  Conscious 
of  our  ov/n  weakness,  let  us,  as  far  as  we  can,  endeavour  to  avoid  circumstances  of  temptation  ;  and  when  neces- 
sarily led  into  them,  let  us  be  looking  up  to  heaven  for  support ;  labouring  above  all  things  to  preserve  our  integrity, 
and  "to  maintain  a  conscience  void  of  otfence. 
9,  10  Depending  on  the  certainty  of  these  gracious  promises,  and  encouraged  by  the  experience  of  so  many  thousands 
who  have  onasking  received,  and  on  seeking  found,  let  us  renew  our  importunate  addresses  to  the  throne  of  divine 
grace ;  and,  remembering  the  compassion  of  our  heavenly  Fatlier,  let  us  be  imboldened,  in  the  full  assurance  of 
faith,  to  ask  every  necessary  blessing ;  especially  the  communication  of  that  enlightening  and  sanctifying  Spirit, 
witiiout  which  our  corrupt  hearts  will  find  out  a  ready  way  to  abuse  the  choicest  of  his  providential  favours  to  the 
dishonour  of  his  holy  name,  and  the  deeper  wounding  of  our  own  miserable  souls. 


SECTION  ex. 

Our  Loid  dining  at  the  house  of  a  Pharisee,  seriously  admonishes  hitn.and  his  brethren  of  their  guilt  and  danger;  by  which  they  are  exasperated 

rather  than  reformed.    Luke  xi.  37,  to  the  end. 

Luke  xi.  37.  l„ke  xi.  .37. 

SECT.   NOW,  after  our  Lord  had  delivered  these  things,  it  happened  one  day,  that  while  he  rvas  and  as  he  spake,  a  certain 
110.    speaking  to  the  people  about  the  great  concerns  of  their  eternal  salvation,=i  a  certain  Pharisee  wuirMm''"and''he  "went'^'i'n! 

then  present  invited  him  to  dine  u-ith  him  ;  and,  with  whatever  view  he  might  do  it,  Jesus,  and  sat  down  to  meat. 

LUKE   that  he  might  not  seem  morose,  or  insensible  of  a  civility,  accepting  the  offer,  ivent  in  to  his 
■^''     house,  and  sat  down  to  table. 

38  And  xvhen  the  Pharisee  who  had  invited  him  saw  that  he  was  regardless  of  the  tradition  38  And  when^the  Piiarisee 
of  the  elders,  and  did  not  first  wash  before  dinner,  according  to  the  constant  custom  of  their  had  not'  tirst'"washed  before 
sect,  he  wondered  [at  it,\  considering  the  character  he  had  for  an  extraordinary  degree  of  dinner. 

sanctity. 

39  But  the  Lord,  perceiving  his  thoughts,  and  knowing  that  in  some  circumstances  a  39  And  the  Lord  said  unto 
faithful  reproof  is  t!ie  most  valuable  token  of  friendship  and  gratitude,  said  to  him.  As  I  ^'^^^  ^,°^y^  ll''^  (^utsMrotThl 
.see  you  are  noiv  offended  at  my  neglecting  the  ceremony  of  washing  before  dinner,  I  can-  rupand  the  platter:  but  your 
not  but  plainly  tell  you,  that  j/ou  Pharisees  are  too  much  like  those  vain  [leople  that  cleanse  jnglnd  wickedness."*  '^'"'*"" 
only  the  oulsiitc  of  the  cup  and  the  dish,  while  the  inside,  which  is  of  much  greater  import- 
ance, is  left  dirty  and  foul ;  for  with  regard  to  many  of  you,  your  inward  part,  even  your 

very  heart  and  conscience,  is  defiled,  being  full  of  rapine,  and  of  all  the  foulest  kinds  of 

40  pollution  and  wickedness.  But  let  me  seriously  ask  you,  O  ye  thojigldlcss  oralures,^  and  40  )>  fools,  did  nothetliat 
let  me  charge  you  that  ve  ask  yourselves.  Did  not  he  that  made  the  outside,  make  also  that  "^'■^'.^'^  't^'  ''^'I'^'l '?  without 

,  .   ,    .        •:.■•-      T^-  1    •         1      -^  ^.11  Till  1  1   .        T  1    make   that   which   is    within 

which  IS  Within  f     Did  not  the  same  God  that  created  the  body,  create  the  soul  too  :  and  also? 
must  he  not  intimately  know  his  own  work,  and  discern  and  abhor  all  those  secret  abomi- 
nations, which,  in  contempt  of  his  omni.science,  you  study  so  artfully  to  conceal  from  your 
fellow-creatures?    (Compare  Psal.  xciv.  8,  9.) 

41  I  would  therefore,  from  the  sincerest  concern  for  your  true  honour  and  happiness,  4i  But  rather  give  alms  of 
exhort  you,  not  only  to  purge  yourselves  from  secret  wickedness,  but  to  abound  in  the  behoid^,'"ffi'thuigs' w-e'cfemi 
exercise  of  universal  goodness,  and  particularly  to  aire  alms  with  liberality  in  proportion  unto  you. 

to  your  substance:'^  and  then,  if  it  be  done  from  a  right  principle,  behold,  God,  the  great 
Proprietor  of  all,  will  accept  and  bless  you  ;  and  though  you  should  not  be  so  exact  in 
this  outward  washing,  all  things  are  pure  to  you,  so  tliat  you  may  use  them  with  comfort ; 
whereas  now  you  do,  as  it  were,  pollute  and  profane  every  thing  you  touch,  and  all  the 
water  in  the  world  cannot  wash  away  tiie  stain.     (See  Tit.  1.  15.) 

42  But  alas,  you  seem  little  disposed  to  attend  to  this  kind  and  faithful  advice  ;  and  there-  42  But  woe  unto  you,  riia- 
fore  my  character  obliges  me  solemnly  to  warn  you  of  those  approaching  judgments 

rat  sentence  ;  but  such  accidental  inaccuracies  are  sometimes  to  be  found  all  1  have  said  above  to  introduce  the  section  before  us  will  be  true  on 

ill  the  most  approved  authors.    The  sense  is  not  the  less  plain.  that  supposition. 

(1  With  some  little  variation  from  the  original  sense,  Src]    Dr.  Guyse        b  O  ye   t/ioiighllesx  creatmes.']    As  adipover  is  a   milder  word  than 

has  excellently  shown,  in  his  note  on  Matt.  vi.  13.  tliat  this  prayer  in  its  n'l^pot,  I  choose  to  render  it  thus,  rather  than   as  in  our  translation, 

orieinal  sense  was  peculiarly  suited  to  the  dispensation  then  present,  as  CSee  note  m,  on  Matt.  v.  22.  p.  78.)    The  learned  Eisner  (Oiserv.  vol.  i. 

introductory  to  the  Messiah's  kingdom,  and  has  given  a  just  and  very  ex-  p.  227.)  explains  the  latter  part  of  the  verse  as  if  it  had  been  said, 

pressive  paraphrase  of  it  in  that  particular  view.  But  there  is  not  a  cfause  "  There  in  a  yreat  deal  of  difference  between  cleaning  the  outside,  and 

in  It  which  will  not  bear  a  more  extensive  sense,  and  express  what  ought  cleaning  that  which  is  within,  and  no  such  necessary  connexion  between 

to  be  our  daily  temper,  and  the  breathings  of  our  heart  before  God.    No  them  as  you  seem  to  suppose."   To  iustify  this,  he  urges  2  Sam.  xix.  24. 

doubt,  thousands  of  christians  have  daily  refreshment  and  edilication  in  and  one  passage  in  Aristophanes,  where  nomv  signifies  to  cleanse  ;  but 

the  use  of  it ;  and  it  is  astonishing  that  any  should  venture  to  condemn  the  sense  is  so  unusual,  and  that  commonly  received  so  much  more  lively 

their  brethren  for  it.     But  I  would  hope  there  are  few  of  any  profession  and  important,  that  I  could  not  persuade  myself  to  deviate  from  our 

now  remaining,  who  have  so  much  the  spirit  of  opposition  and  cen-  translation  here, 
seriousness.  c  In  proiwrlion  toyonr  siihstance.']    Thus  Grotius  understands  it.   The 

a  Ithapnened  one  day,  XWiiwhile  he  was  speaking, Stc.']  The  attentive  learned  Bos  (Eiercit.  p.  26.)  has  I  think  abundantly  proved  the  words 

reader  will  easily  observe  that  I  have  here  omitted  what  occurs  from  the  to  tvoina  'for  Kara  to  ei/ovra)  will  very  justly  admit  this  sense,  and  are 

end  of  the  l:ith  to  the  begmning  of  the  37th  verse.    That  passage  is  thus  used  by  some  of  the  best  Greek  classics.    No  other  seems  to  aeree 

inserted.  ?  61—64.  as  being  exactly  parallel  to  IMatt.  xii.  22,  et  seg.  and  so  well  with  the  connexion  ;  not  even  that  ingenious  turn  of  Raphelius, 

Mark  lii.  22,  et  seg.    Nor  could  1  see  any  proof  tliat  the  same  discourse,  {Annot.  ex  Xen.  p.  93—96.)  who  explains  to  tvovta,  by  to  cvroi  rov 

with  just  the  very  same  circumstances,  happened  again  here;  and  as  noriipiov  Kat  th?  7rapoi|/(5oc,  Matt,  xxiii.  26.  or  that  which  is  within  the 

this  seemed  improbable,  in  proportion  to  the  variety  and  resemblance  cup  and  dish,  as  if  it  had  been  said,  "  Give  meat  to  the  hungry,  and 

of  those  circumstances,  I  thought  it  was  better  thus  to  transpose  Luke's  drink  to  the  thirsty,  ami  make  a  liberal  distribution  of  those  things  that 

story,  than  to  take  the  repetition  for  granted. —  1  he   phrase  cv  f>e  tm  are  within  the  cvp  and  the  dish."     But  the  last  view  in  which  to  tauiOev 

\a\tiaai,  while  he  7oas  speaking,  w'lW,  1  think,  fairly  admit  the  turn  I  had  been  mentioned,  was,  as  expressing  ?/if /cm/K'r  «/</(« /i<'ar/.  fver.  40.) 

.have  given  it  in  the  paraphrase;  but  if  any  judge  otherwise,  it  will  be  which  is  a  strong  objection  against  this  great  man's  interpretation, 
easy  to  turn  back  to  the  passage  as  inserted  before,  p.  116,  ec  seg.  and 


CHRIST  ADMONISHES  THE  PHARISEES  OF  THEIR  GUILT  AND  DANGER.  197 

risees !  for  ye  tithe  mint  and  which,  if  Speedy  repentance  does  not  prevent,  will  shortly  overtake  your  whole  sect,  sect. 
rue  and  all  manner  ot  herbs,  numerous  and  honoured  as  it  is.  Woe  therefore  unto  _i/(>u,  P/iarisees!  for,  io  gain  the  HO. 
Sllflovfof  God"  thell"ou''g'iit  admiration  of  the  priests  and  the  people,  i/ou  most  scrupulously  pay  the  tithe  of  mint  and 


e  to  have  done,  and  not  to  ^^^g_^  ^^j^/  ciw!/  [o^/icr]  trifling  herh  that  grows  in  your  gardens,  and  expect  to  recommend   luke 
leave  the  other  undone.  yourselves  to  the  divme  acceptance  by  sucli  kind  of  observances ;  hut,  at  the  same  time,  ,^^- 

you  sliamefuUy  pass  hi/  and  carelessly  neglect  the  practice  of  righteous  judgment  to  your 
fellow-creatures,  and  of  the  love  of  God  your  Creator,  as  if  they  were  matters  of  but  little 
importance ;  whereas  indeed  these  are  the  duties  that  i/ou  more  especially  ought  to  have 
done ;  and  yet,  I  own,  you  ought  not  to  neglect  the  other,  as  even  the  least  of  God's  com- 
mands are  to  be  revered  and  obeyed.    (See  Matt.  v.  19.) 

43  Woe  unto  you,  Phari-       Woe  unto  i/ou,  Pharisees,  on  account  of  your  pride,  which  appears  on  every  occasion,  43 
^^''^'ieats^i'nthrs'ult'ooSes'  ^^^  ""^  every  affair  of  life  !  for  you  love  the  uppermost  seats  in  all  assemblies,  even  in  the 
aud%reetinss  in  the°mar\Tts!  very  s?yw(^o"^^^^  you"meet  to  humble  yourselves  before  God;  and  mightily  affect 

salutations  m  the  markets  and  other  public  places,  by  titles  of  distinguished  resjject,  as  the 
guides  and  fathers  of  the  people,  the  oracles  of  truth,  and  the  standards  of  holiness. 
(Compare  Matt,  xxiii.  6 — 10.  sect,  clvii.) 

44  Woe  unto  you,  scribes       Woe  unto  you  also,  O  ye  scribes  and  Pharisees,  on  account  of  your  deceit,  as  under  all  44 
^'ire''a1'''ra?es  uSappear  tbose  appearances  of  the  strictest  sanctity  you  are  the  most  egregious  hypocrites  of  the  age  '.'i 
not,  and  "the  men  that  walk  for  I  may  truly  Say  that  ijou  are  like  concealed  graves,'^'  rvliich,  being  overgrown  with  grass, 
^h!m.''"""  ^"^^  "°'  ''"'"*  "■'men  walk  over,  and  are  tiot  aware  of  {them,']  till  they  stumble  at  them,  and  are  hurt,  or  at 

least  defiled  by  the  touch  of  them. 

45  Then  answered  one  of      And  one  of  the  doctors  of  the  law,f  vs'ho  happened  to  be  present,  observing  that  in  this  45 
him  ^''iS^a^tl!-  '"thus^''s!iy"iS!'°  ^^^t  woe  Jc'sus  mentioned  the  scribes,  who  were  a  body  of  men  to  whom  he  and  his 
thoii  reproach'est  us  also.    °'  brethren  belonged,  answered  and  said  unto  him,  Master,  in  saying  these  things,  thou  re- 

proachest  not  only  tlie  sect  of  the  Pharisees,  but  us  too,  in  a  manner  unbecoming  the 
dignity  of  our  holy  profession,  as  the  depositaries  of  the  sacred  oracles. 

46  And  he  said,  Woe  unto     "But  Jesus  was  SO  far  from  palliating  the  matter  to  ingratiate  himself  with  them,  that  he  46 
fa°d"e  men  withTu^dens  grie^v'  plainly  and  courageously  said.  Nay,  it  is  a  righteous  rebuke,  and  I  intend  it  for  you,  and 
ous  to  be  borne,  and  ye  your-  therefore  particularly  repeat  it  for  your  admonition  :    Woe  unto  you  also,  ye  professed  inter- 
^^In^^'ofyouvt^g^^s:^'"'^  prefers  of  the  law  !  for,  by  your  rigorous  decisions  on  the  ceremonial  parts  of  it,  and  the 

liuman  traditions  which  you  have  added  to  it,  you  load  other  men  with  insupportuble 
hardens,  and  unmercifully  lay  them  on,  while  you  yourselves  will  not  touch  the  hardens  with 
one  of  your  fingers,?  but  sufier  your  lives  to  contradict  your  precepts,  even  in  some  of  the 
most  important  instances. 

47  Woe  unto  you !  for  ye      I  also  solemnly  denounce  a  ivoe  unto  you  all,  for  the  malignity  and  cruelty  of  your  47 
''ro'hets^  and^'^'ou?  t°ithers  tempers   Under  tliis  mask  of  piety  and  devotion  !  for  at  a  great  expense  you  huild  and 
Smed^them"."    ^  """    "  '^'"^  ^^jQ^n  the  sepulchrcs  of  the  prophets,  as  if  you  had'a  mighty  veneration  and  affection  for 

48  Truly  ye  bear  witness  them,  though  i/our  fathers  slew  them.    But  as  you  are  regardless  of  the  instructions  that  48 
wur  fethtrWoMheyTndee^d  ^6  prophets  gave,  and  appear  in  your  conduct  to  imitate  your  fathers,  truly  you  bear  ivit- 
kiiied  them,  and  ye  build  their  yiess  to  them,  rather  than  against  them,  and  in  effect  approve  and  vindicate  the  works  of 
sepulchres.  ^^^^  fathers ;''  for  as  they  indeed  slew  them,  and  you  build  their  sepulchres,  one  would 

imagine  that  you  erected  these  monuments  not  so  much  in  honour  of  the  slaughtered  pro- 
phets, as  of  the  persecutors  by  whom  they  were  so  wickedly  destroyed.  (Compare  Matt, 
xxiii.  29 — 32.  sect,  clviii.) 

49  I'herefore  also  said  the       Therefore  ulso  the  wisdom  of  God  hath  said,^  and  I  am  in  his  name  commissioned  to  49 
them°proph?ts'*andliposUes'!  declare  'it  as  his  determinate  purpose,  I  %vill  yet  send  them  other  prophets  and  extraordinary 
an.i  some  of  them  they  shall  messengers,  particularly  the  apostles,  who  shall  declare  my  gospel  to  them,  as  the  last  ex- 
siay  and  persecute ;  pedient  for  their  recovery  and  salvation:  but  such  1  know  to  be  the  hardness  of  their 

hearts,  that  they  will  generally  despise  and  reject  them ;  nay,  {^somel  of  them  they  will  kill, 

50  That  the  blood  of  all  the  and  will  persecute  the  rest :  So  that  by  filling  up  the  measure  of  their  sins,  they  will  bring  50 
ti™n''the  f"atir'of''jhe  such  a  terrible  destruction  upon  themselves,  that  the  blood  of  all  the  prophets  and  martyrs 
world,  may  be  required  of  luhich  has  been  crucUy  shed  from  the  foundation  of  the  woidd,  may  seem  to  be  required  of 
'''MfromthTtiiood  of  Abel,  this  generation  :    Even  froiii  the  blood  of  righteous  Abel,  who  in  those  early  ages  for  his  51 
unto  the  blood  of  ZachariasI  distinguished  piety  was  murdered  by  his  inhuman  brother,  to  the  blood  of  Zechariah,^  one 
Tuar'an^d  the'temRle"?'verily  of  the  last  of  the  prophets,  xvho  iLHis  sluin  betiuecn  the  altar  and  the  temple.  (2  Chron.  xxiv. 

vpu,  it  shall  be  20 — 22.)  Yea,  in  the  strongest  terms  J  tell  you,  and  repeat  it  again,  The  ruin  God  will 
this  generation,  ^^j^^.  ^^^^^  ^^^^  -^  j^-^  righteous  judgment  shall  be  so  dreadful,  that  it  shall  seem  as  if  the 
guilt  of  all  their  blood  had  been  laid  up  in  store,  that  it  might  be  required  at  the  hands  of 
this  generation,  and  heap  aggravated  ruin  on  their  heads.  (Compare  Matt,  xxiii.  34^ 
36,  sect,  clviii.) 
52  Woe  unto  you,  lawyers!  And  I  will  add,  that  the  disguises  thrown  on  Scripture,  and  the  methods  used  to  con-  52 
ceal  it  from  the  people,  have  done  a  great  deal  to  bring  on  this  ten-ible  sentence :  woe 

d  O  ye  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites.'^  Though  some  copies  want  This  seems  to  prove  against  Trigland,  (de  Karats,  p.  58,  et  seq.^  that 
these  words,  and  Grotius  and  Dr.  Mill  give  them  up,  I  think  Dr.  Whitby  these  lawyers  were  not  Karaites ;  for  these  added  not  traditionary  bur- 
is  right  in  retaining  them ;  especially  because  they  so  much  illustrate  dens  to  the  law.  ,  .  ,.  ,  ,  ^  ,  ,  »  u 
verse  45.    See  Whitb.  Exam.  Mill.  p.  46.  h  Jind  in  eftect  a/iproie  and  vindicate  thervorks  of  your  fathers. ^  Arch- 

e  Are   like  concealed  graves^    The  discourse  against   the   Pharisees,  bishop  Tillotson  (vol.  ii.  p.   195,  196.:)  has  set  this  text  in  a  most  strong 

which  is  recorded  Matt,  x.xiii.  (^   157,   158.)  was  plainly  delivered  at  and  beautiful  light,  and  hinted  the  turn  which  1  have  given  it  in  the 

another  time,  and  in  very  different  circumstances.    Our  Lord  there  com-  paraphrase.                                  „,,     ,      .,-„„                 unri- 

liares  them  to  whited  sepulchres,  ver.  27.  adorned  on  the  outside,  but  i  Therefore  also  the  xnsdom  of  Uodhathsaid.^  Ur.  Guyse  (with  fllarkius, 

defiled  within:  but  here  to  grates  overgromi  with  grass,  which  might  Exerc.  p.  669.1  paraphrases  this  clause  as  the  words  ot  the  historian,  and 

often  happen  to  be  by  the  way-side  ;  (compare  Gen.  xxxv.  19.)  and  so  supposes  him  here  to  apply  this  character  to  Christ,  and  to  declare  that 

might  occasion  such  accidents  as  are  here  referred  to.  Christ,  the  wisdom  of  God,  further  said,  I  will  send  them  prophets  A:c.   -i 

t  One  of  the  doctors  of  the  laio.]    I  apprehend  that  vounKOi  may  well  be  doubt  not  but  Christ  might  with  great  propriety  be  spoken  ot  by  tiiat 

rendered  a  doctor  or  interpreter  of  the  law:  which   I   generally  choose,  phrase  :  but,  with  all  due  respect  to  that  learned  and  pious  interpreter, 

rather  than  the  word  lawyer,  because  tliat  naturally  suggests  to  us  a  I  cannot  apprehend  it  to  be  the  sense  of  this  passage ;  not  only  because 

modern  idea  of  an  office  which  did  not  exist  among  the  .lews  at  this  time,  the  phraseology  is  unexampled  in  the  evangelists,  but  chieHy  "^^""^^ 


1  say  unto 
required  of 


bably  many  of  them  were  Pharisees  ;  but  it  was  no  ways  essential  to  was  empowered,  without  any  such  voucher,  to  declare  what  the  counsels 

their  office  that  they  should  be  so.     What  touched  the  person  here  speak-  ot  divine  wisdom  had  determined  ;  and  this  manner  ot  ^F'l'', .'■;,,:"  f^ 

mg  was,  that  our  Lord  in  his  last  woe,  ver.  44.  had  joined  the  scribes  intimates  that  he  was  so  ;  in  which  view  it  has,  on  tais  imei  i   eun.i^i, 

with  the  Pharisees.  peculiar  beauty  and  propriety.  :=  *r,  /-.-.nrlnHe  th<- 

g   Will  not  touch  the  burdens  with  one  of  your  Jingers.l    Perhaps  their       k  The   blood  of  ^echariah.^    What  reason  theie  '^  w  e^'-'  "«  *"' 

consciences  might  charge  them  with  some  private  contempt  of  the  iu-  Zechariah  here  spoken  of  is  that  prophet  o'  " 'O^^^"",,,'  ,,    oi    Matt 

junctions  they  most  rigorously  imposed  upon  others,  in  ceremonial  pre-  account  in  2  Chron.  xxiv.  20,  et  seq.  will  be  snowu  in  nuii.  ,,  u 

cepts,  as  well  as  moral ;  or  it  may  refer  to  the  want  of  a  due  tenderness  xxiii.  .'55.  ?  158. 
for  the  comfort  of  men's  lives,  which  they  imbittered  by   such  rigour. 


193  CHRIST  CAUTIONS  HIS  DISCIPLES  AGAINST  HYPOCRISY. 

SECT,  tiierefore  unto  you,  inteifrefcrs  of  the  law,  on  this  account !  for  by  tliese  unrighteous  for  ye  have  taken  away  the 
110.    practices  you  have  as  it  were  taken  away  the  key  o/ divine  knowledge;^  and  instead  of  {^^^'9f'^"°^'|'Js|:  y^^otered 

•  tracing  out  a  spiritual  Messiah  in  Scri])ture,  and  illustrating  the  testimony  which  the  sacred  that  were  entering  in  ye  hin- 

LUKio  oracles  bear  to  him,  you  have  rather  abetted  the  popular  prejudices  against  him ;  and  have  'l*"^. 
^^'rcy  been  so  perverse  and  obstinate  in  your  opposition  to  the  gospel,  as  that  yo?*  have  not  entered 
in  to  the  kingdom  of  heaven  yourselves,  and  even  those  that  otherwise  were  disposed  to  do 
it,  and  would  have  entered  in,  you  by  your  wicked  management  have  hindered. 

53  But  while  he  spake  these  severe  and  awful  things  with  so  much  freedom  to  them,  tne  53  And  as  he  said  these 
scribes  and  Pharisees  were  so  exceedingly  provoked,  that  they  began  fiercely  to  fasten  upon  and^he"'AiarL'"es'''be"an''to 
/(iw,™  a7id  rudely  endeavoured  to  urge  him  to  speak  of  many  things  that  were  the  most  ex-  urge  him  vehemently,  and  to 

54  ceptionable  topics:  Tliereby  laying  snares  for  him,  and  attempting,  if  possible,  to  start  prp^^iie  him  to  speak  of  many 
some  unguarded  ■word'^  which  they  hoped  might  fall  /toot  his  mouth  in  the  warmth  of    54' Laying  wait  for  him, 
natural  resentment ;  that  they  might  take  occasion  to  accuse  him  for  it  before  the  Roman  ?|"n„^out'oF  l*is  mouth^''t'hat 
governor,  or  the  Jewish  sanhedrim ;  but  the  prudence  of  Christ  frustrated  their  malice,  in  they^might  accuse  him.' 
the  midst  of  all  the  plainness  of  his  faithful  rebukes. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

^'er.  39      Faithful  are  the  wounds  of  a  friend  ;  and  such  were  the  reproofs  of  Christ  on  this  occasion.    How  well  had 
et  sccj.  all  the  entertainments  of  the  Pharisee's  table  been  repaid,  liad  he  and  his  brethren  heard  them  with  candour, 

51  humility,  and  obedience  !  These  men  despised  them  to  tlieir  ruin  :  let  us  often  review  them  for  our  instruction, 
that  none  of  these  dreadful  woes  may  come  upon  us. 

39,  42      This  discourse  of  our  Lord  is  a  most  just  and  severe  rebuke  to  every  hypocritical  professor  who  is  scrupulous 
and  exact  in  matters  of  ceremony,  while  he  neglects  morality ;  and  is  studious  to  shine  in  the  sight  of  men,  while 

43  he  forgets  the  all-penetrating  eye  of  God.     It  exposes  the  ostentation  of  those  who  pride  themselves  in  empty 
46  titles  of  honour,  and  eagerly  affect  precedence  and  superiority.     And  it  evidently  chastises  those  who  press  on 

others  the  duties  they  neglect  themselves,  and  so  are  most  righteously  judged  out  of  their  own  mouth. 

44  How  melancholy  is  it  to  observe,  in  instances  like  these,  the  hypocrisy  and  deceitfulness  of  the  human  heart, 
and  its  desperate  and  unfathomable  wickedness !  and  to  see  how  men  impose  upon  themselves  with  empty 

47,  49  appearances,  like  these  Pharisees,  who  built  the  sepulchres  of  die  former  prophets,  while  they  were  persecuting 
50,  51  those  of  their  own  day;  and,  in  contempt  of  all  that  was  said  by  tlie  messengers  of  God,  v/ere  filling  up  the  mea- 
sure of  their  iniquities,  till  the  cloud  which  had  been  so  long  gathering  burst  on  their  heads,  and  ])oured  forth  a 
storm  of  aggravated  wrath  and  ruin  ! 

May  tliat  (jod  who  has  an  immediate  access  to  the  hearts  of  men,  deliver  all  christian  countries,  and  especially 

52  all  protestant  churches,  from  such  teachers  as  are  here  described ;  who  take  away  and  secrete  the  key  of  know- 
ledge instead  of  using  it,  and  obstruct  rather  tlian  promote  men's  entrance  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  !  How  loud 
will  the  blood  of  the  souls  diey  have  betrayed  cry  against  tliem  in  the  awful  day  of  accounts  !  and  how  little  will 
the  wages  of  unrighteousness,  and  the  rewards  of  worldly  policy,  be  able  to  arm  them  against  destruction,  or  to 
support  them  under  it ! 

SECTION  CXI. 

Clirist  cautious  his  disciples  against  hvpocrisv,  and  animates  them  against  the  fear  of  men  hy  the  promise  of  extraordinary  assistance  from  his 

Spirit  in  their  greatest  trials.    Luke  xii.  1 — I'J. 

Li^KE  xii.  1.  ^  L.^^j.  ,,ii.  1. 

SECT.  IN  the  mean  time,  while  Christ  was  thus  discoursing  at  the  Pharisee's  house,  many  thousands  in  the  mean  time,  when  there 
111-    of  people  were  gathered  together,'^  and  pressed  with  so  much  eagerness  to  hear  him,  that  they  h*[um??i!bfe"''mu]fft'ude    o" 

even  trampled  on  each  other :  and  lJrsns'\  going  forth  among  them,  began  to  sat/  to  his  dis-  people,  insomuch  that  they 

i-UKE   ciphs  in  the  presence  of  them  all,  See  tliat  you  more  especially  beware,  ^m\  above  all  things  ilefa'n  to^ay  iZo SisdVles 
^'^•^  take  heed  to  yourselves,  of  being  coiTuj)ted  by  the  leaven  of  the  Pharisees,  which  is  hi/pocrisi/ :  first  of  all,  I'jware  ye  ot  the 
a  vice  which  secretly  puffs  uj)  their  minds,  and  strangely  spreads  itself  through  their  hearts  •fh^^'^ofrisy ."'"'' ' 

2  and  lives,  so  as  to  taint  and  spoil  the  very  best  of  their  duties.  But  seriously  reflect  upon  2  ^or  there  is  nothing  co- 
the  folly  of  it ;  for  you  may  assure  yourselves,  as  I  liave  told  you  formerly,  (Matt.  x.  26.  vla?ed  :  neith'e'riiid,°that^sha.1i 
Mark  iv.  22.  and  Luke  viii.  17.)  that  there  is  nothing  now  so  secretly  concealed  which  shall  "<"  he  known. 

not  be  discovered,  and  be  openly  unveiled  another  day ;  nor  any  thing  so  artfully  disguised 
or  hid,  which  shall  not  then  at  least  be  made  known,  if  God  does  not  more  immediately 

3  expose  those  shallow  artifices  which  he  now  discerns  and  abhors.  So  that  ivhatever  you  3  Therefore  whatsoever  ye. 
have  spoken  with  the  utmost  caution,  in  the  thickest  darkness,  shall  then  be  published  and  [jf heanl'in  the  llghttand^th^ilt 
heard  in  the  clearest  effulgence  of  light :  and  what  you  have  whispered  in  the  most  retired  which  ye  have  spoken  in  the 
chambers  and  closets,  shall  then  be  proclaimed  aloud  a.s  frotn  the  house-tops,  m  the  audience  Ha^'ed'^^lmon'the^house-tops' 
of  all. 

4  And  therefore  let  it  be  vour  care,  not  merely  to  save  appearances,  but  to  maintain  a  good  .  4  And  I  saj  unto  you,  my 
conscience,  though  at  the  greatest  expense  :  for  I  say  unto  you,  my  (leM'friends,  with  all  fhHt"tn/thrbo^dyTaud  late- 
possible  seriousness,  and  most  tender  concern  for  your  everlasting  welfare.  Fear  not  those  that  have  no  more'  that  they 
who  at  the  worst  can  only  kill  the  body,  and  after  that  have  nothing  more  vhich  they  can  do,  '"'*° ''"' 

5  the  immortal  soul  being  entirely  out  of  their  reach  as  soon  as  it  has  quitted  the  body.  But  5  But  I  will  forewarn  ji'ou 
Twill  point  out  to  you  the  great  Object  whom  you  shall  fear,  while  I  exhort  you  most  wS,^ after  hrhath'^kuied^ 
reverentially  to  fear  the  great  Almighty  God,  even  him  ivho,  after  he  has  killed  the  body,  has 

1   T/ie  iey  0/ hioteledgc]    Vitringa  understands  this  of  one  fundamen-        n  To  slarl  some  unsnurded  a'ord.]    Onpcvrrni  in  this  connexion  has  a 

tal  truth,  which  would  have  led  them  into  the  knowledge  of  the  rest;  most  beautiful  propriety,  and  signifies  tlie  eaL'erne.ss  with  which  sports- 

((idxert.  Sacr.  Hi.  i.  p.  ICo.)  but  all  their  endeavours  to  embarrass  antl  men  beat  about  for  their  game,  to  start  it  from  its  covert. —  It  is  very 

bias  the  minds  of  men  in  their  inquiries  after  truth,  might  be  intended  probable,  as  Mr.  Cradock  conjectures,  that  the  Pharisee  who  was  masteV 

here;  as  well  as  more  especially  their  disguising  the  prophecies  which  of  the  house,   had  invited  a  great  many  of  his  brethren  and  learned 

related  to  the  Messiah. — If  a  key  was  deliveredto  them  as  the  badge  ot  friends,  on  purpose  to  make  a  more  formidable  attack  upon  Christ,  and 

their  office,  (see  p.  IfiS.  note  g,  and  Camero  on  this  place,)  tliere  may  be  by  their  concurrent  testimony  to  charge  upon  him  any  thing  which  miglit 

a  beautiful  allusion  to  that  circumstance  ;  as  if  he  should  have  said.  You  render  him  obnoxious  :  and  the  presence  of  so  many  of  them  made  the 

laie  that  iey,  not  to  me,  hut  to  secrete  it.  (.See  Archbishop  Tillotson,  vol.  discourse  delivered  at  this  time  more  proper,  and  the  courage  and  zeal 

1.  p.  20fi.) — Eisner  has  well  shown  on  this  te,\t,  that  the  heathen  priests  it  expressed  more  remarkable.    See  Cradock's  Harmon!/,  part  ii.  p.  6. 
were  called  kXh5ou%o<,  key-bearers.  (O/iserv.  vol.  i.  p.  2Q8,  229.)  a  Many  thmisands  of  people -mere  gathered  toriethiT^     It  would  be  more 

m  liercely  to  fasten  upon  him.']    So  ieivw^  (vexnv  properly  signifies,  exactly  rendered  rnany  myriads ;  but,  lest  every  Iniilish  reader  should 

(See  note  g,  on  Mark  vi.  19.  p.  62. — .Several  more  of  the  words  here  used  not  know  that  a  myriad  is  ten  thousand,  I  render  it  many  thousands :  nor 

are  metaphors  taken  from  hunting.    A7ro(TT0uaTi(;eiv  might  be  rendered  is  it  necessary  to  take  the  word  in  its  strictest  sense.    Perhaps  this  vast 

to  mouth  or  bear  do\vn  with  the  violence  of  their  words,  as  Theophy  lact  assemblage  of  people  might  be  owing  to  an  apiireliension,  either  that 

excellently  explains  it ;  but  the  addition  of  ircpi  nXeioviav  engaged  me  Christ  might  meet  with  some  ill  usage  among  so  many  of  his  enemies, 

rather  to  translate  it  as  I  have  done.    Grotius  and  Casaubon  have  shown  or  that  he  would  savor  do  something  peculiarly  remarkable  on  the 

that  it  sometimes  signifies  to  eremine  in  a  viagisterial  nay  ;  but  Eras-  occa'-ion.    Compare  Luke  v.  17,  19.  ^  45. 
mus's  note  is,  on  the  svhole.  the  best  1  have  seen  upon  this  word. 


CHRIST  CAUTIONS  IIIS  DISCIPLES  AGAINST  HYPOCRISY.  199 

hath  power  to  cast  into  hell ;  power  to  cost  both  that  and  the  soul  into  hell ;  yea,  knowing  that  I  cannot  too  often  incul-  SECT, 
vea,  1  say  unto  you,  Fear  ^^^q  jj^  J  g^y  ,^„;o  ygn  again,  Fear  him,  and  rather  choose  to  venture  on  the  greatest    HI- 

'""■  dangers,  and  to  sacrifice  your  lives,  than  to  do  any  thing  which  may  offend  his  divine 

Majesty.     (Compai'e  Matt.  x.  28.  p.  141.)  luke 

0  Are  not  live  sparrows  sold      In  the  mean  time,  remember  that  your  enemies  cannot  hurt  even  your  bodies  without    ■^^^• 
oT  them''is''\orgotten  "befOT^  '^'^  knowledge  and  permission  ;  for  his  providence  extends  itself  even  to  the  meanest  works  ^ 
God :  of  his  hands  :  for  instance,  Are  not  jive  sparrows  sold  for  so  inconsiderable  a  sum  as  two 

farttiin^s  ?^  and  yet  not  one  of  than,  minute  and  worthless  as  they  are,  is  forgotten  before 

7  Buteventhevery  hairs  ofGof/;  out  he  attends  to  all  the  circumstances  of  their  lives  and  deaths.     Surely  then' you  7 
Kar  notf  tl^eretore'^'^y'e  "^are  '^^''^^  "^'^  ^'^  overlooked  by  him ;  but  may  justly  conclude,  that  he  has  such  a  special  and 
of  more'  value  than  many  particular  concem  for  you,  as  tliat  even  the  very  hairs  of  your  head  are  all  numbered,  so 
sparrows.  ^]-,^j  jipj  ^^^  ^f  them  can  perish  witliout  his  notice.     Fear  not,  therefore ;  for  as  men,  and 

much  more  as  my  servants  and  friends,  you  a.e  more  valuable  than  many  sparrows,  and  will 

8  Also  I  say  unto  you,  be  more  remarkably  his  care  than  they.     But  howsoever  he  may  now  permit  you  to  be  8 
before"me^n  hhn  shTu'tl^e  Son  persecuted  by  your  enemies  for  your  fidelity  to  me,  though  he  should  even  suffer  you  to 
ot  man  also  confess  before  the  Sacrifice  your  lives  ill  SO  honourable  a  cause,  you  will  be  far  from  being  losers  by  it  in  the 
angels  of  God ;  ^^^  .  f^j.  j  ^^^^^  j^^^f^  y^-^,^^  Tliat  /'/'  any  one  shall  freely  acknowledge  his  faith  in  7ne  before 

7nen,<^  the  Son  of  man  himself  shall  also  acknowledge  his  complacency  in  such  a  person,  and 
his  relation  to  him,  even  before  the  angels  of  God,  when  they  come  to  attend  on  his  final 

9  But  he  that  denieth  me  triumph.     But  as  for  him  that  basely  and  perfidiously  renounces  me  before  men,  and  is  9 
before  the  ati^efsot'^God.""^'*  asliamed  or  afraid  of  maintaining  so  good  a  cause,  him  will  I  also  renounce  before  the  holy 

angels  of  God,'^  when  they  appear  in  a  radiant  circle  around  me,  and  wait,  with  solemn 
and  observant  silence,  the  important  event  of  that  awful  day.  (Compai-e  Matt.  x.  29 — 33. 
p.  142.) 

10  And   whosoever  shall      Nothing  can  therefore  be  more  dangerous  and  fatal  than  to  oppose  my  cause,  and  that  10 
speak  a  word  aijamst  the  Son  especially  when  the  Spirit  is  sent  down  on  my  followers  after  my  resurrection  and  ascen- 
him :  but  unto  him  that  bias-  sion  :  for  whosoevcr  Shall  Speak  a  renectmg  ivord  against  the  bon  of  man  in  this  present 
&'ho?t^1tshaUnotbe'tor4ven'  ^'"^'^  of  his  humiliation  and  suffering,  he  may  possibly  hereafter  repent,  and  on  thatrepent- 

'  ance  it  nuiy  be  forgiven  him  :^  but  as  for  him  that  blasphemeth  the  Holi/  Spirit,  who  shall 
then  display  his  most  glorious  agency  as  my  great  Advocate  and  Witness ;  as  for  the 
wretch  that  maliciously  imputes  to  diabolical  operation  the  most  convincing  evidences  of 
divine  power  and  goodness  that  shall  be  given  by  the  Spirit  after  his  effusion,  his  crime 
is  of  such  a  nature,  that  it  shall  not  be  forgiven  him ;  for  he  has  thus  opposed  the  last 
method  of  God's  recovering  grace,  and  shall,  as  utterly  incorrigible,  be  abandoned  to  final 
destruction.     (See  Matt.  xii.  31.  and  note  p,  p.  117.) 

11  And  when  they  brin^j      But  let  me  add,  that  however  others  maybe  affected  by  this  testimony  of  the  Spirit,  11 
KH«>rnagis\'rates"and°  powers,  °"^  li^PPY  effect  of  its  operation  shall  be  to  furnish  you,  my  apostles,  for  an  honourable 
take  ye  no  thought  how  or  discharge  of  your  office  in  its  most  difficult  parts  :  and  therefore,  in  the  opposition  you 
w'what'yes^alfsay:*"^"*'^'  ^^^^  meet  with  from  your  enemies  and  persecutors,  ivhen  they  shall  bring  you  before  the 

judicial  courts  which  assemble  in  the  synagogues,  and  even  before  greater  magistrates,  and 
the  supreme  powers,  whether  Jewish  or  heathen ;  though  they  may  have  not  only  your 
liberty,  but  your  life  in  their  hands,  yet  be  not  anxious  hoiv  to  behave,  or  what  apology  you 

12  For  the  Holy  Ghost  shall  shall  make  for  yourselves,'  or  what  you  shall  say  in  defence  of  the  gospel  you  preach  :   For  12 
what  y^e°ought'tosay"'^  ^""'^  ^^"'  ^"^^  Spirit  himself  shall  teach  you  in  that  very  hour,  or  in  the  season  of  the  greatest 

difficulty  and  extremity,  what  you  ought  to  say,  and  what  answer  you  should  make  to  their 
most  captious  inquiries,  or  most  invidious  charges.  (Compare  Matt.  x.  19,  20.  sect  Ixxv.) 
Proper  thoughts  and  expressions  shall  fireely  flow  in  upon  you  as  fast  as  you  can  utter 
them ;  so  that  with  undaunted  courage  you  shall  be  able  to  vindicate  the  honour  of  my 
gospel,  and  to  confound  tlie  most  artful  or  most  potent  of  your  enemies. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  us,  from  this  discourse  which  we  have  been  reading,  learn  the  folly  of  hypocrisy,  as  well  as  the  wickedness  Ver.  1 
of  it.     ..-1  lying  tongue  is  but  for  a  moment ;  (Prov.  xii.  19.)  and  the  great  approaching  judgment-day  will  show  all 
in  their  true  colours.     May  we  live  as  those  who  are  then  to  be  made  manifest !     May  the  leaven  of  deceit,  by  2,  3 
divine  grace,  be  entirely  purged  out  of  our  hearts  ;  and  all  our  conduct  be  so  fair  and  equal,  that  it  may  appear 
more  honourable  and  lovely  in  proportion  to  the  accuracy  with  which  it  is  examined ;  as  the  whitest  garments  are 
recommended,  by  being  seen  in  the  strongest  light ! 

If  we  would  preserve  such  an  integrity  of  soul,  let  us  endeavour  to  get  above  the  servile  fear  of  man  :  of  man  tliat  4 
shall  die,  and  of  the  son  of  man,  that  shall  be  nutde  as  grass ;  as  if  the  opnressor  had  us  in  his  power,  and  were  ready 
to  destroy  :  andwhere  is'thcfury  of  the  oppressor?  (Isa.  li.  12,  13.)  VVith  what  infinite  ease  can  God  restrain  it ; 
and,  when  it  is  let  loose  in  all  its  violence,  how  little  can  it  do  to  hurt  his  faithful  servants!  Let  this  mean 
jiassion  be  overawed  by  the  fear  of  that  God  who  has  our  eternal  all  in  his  hands ;  whose  vengeance  or  favour  5 
will  reach  far  beyond  the  grave,  and  determine  our  final  misery  or  felicity,  as  we  are  the  objects  of  the  one  or  the 
other. 

VVhde  we  are  in  the  world,  let  us  labour  after  a  firm  faith  in  the  universality  of  Divine  Providence  ;  from  which  6,  7 
the  least  of  his  creatures  are  not  exempted,  nor  are  they  forgotten  by  it.     Let  us  endeavour  to  enjoy  the  pleasure 
and  comfort  of  such  a  thought ;  assuring  ourselves,  that  He  who  regards  the  life  of  birds,  and  of  insects,  will  not 
neglect  the  care  and  preservation  of  his  children. 

In  a  steady  persuasion  of  this,  let  us  determine  courageously  to  confess  and  maintain  his  gospel  in  the  extremest  8,  9 

h  For  f-d'o  farthings,  aa-aapiaiv  ovo.l    This  was  a  Roman  coin  that  was  e  It  mav  be  forgiven /iim.'\    The  common  rendering  of  a^eCr?CT«Tai  is 

then  current  in  Judea,  called  «*,  or  anciently  asfariiis,  which  was  the  more  literal ;  but  the  connexion  shows  it  must  be  taken  as  here ;  tor  it 

tenth  part  of  the  denarius  or  Roman  penny,  in  value  about  three  far-  would  be  madness  to  imagine  that,  in  such  a  case  as  this,  forgiveness 

things  of  our  money.    Two  sparrows  might  be  bought  for  one,  and  five  must  come  nf  course,  whether  the  blasphemer  did  or  did  not  repent, 

for  two  of  these.    Compare  Matt.  x.  29.  §  76.  What  grammarians  call  an  enallage  of  moods  and  tenses  is  very  trequent; 

c  If  any  one  shall  achunvledge  me,  Ac]    The  idioms  of  languages  differ  and  I  shall  not  always  think  it  necessary  to  trouble  the  reader  with  an 

so  much,  that  what  is  very  elegant  and  proper  in  one,  may,  if  verbally  apology,  when  the  reason  of  the  change  is  so  evident, 

translated,  be  contrary  to  grammar  in  another.    This  verse  and  the  fol-  f  Be  not  anxious  how  to  behave,  or  what  apology  ypn  shall  maice  im 

lowing  are  instances  of  it.    It  seems  to  me  a  kind  of  superstition,  to  yourselves.]    It  is  not  without  reason  that  Christ  so  otten  touches  on  tms 

scruple  such  little  changes  as  1  have  here  made.  topic.    The  apostles,  being  poor  and  illiterate  men,  woiuti.  naiuraii> 

d  Llim  -jiill  I  also  renounce,  &c.'\    Nothing  can  be  more  majestic  than  have  been  thrown  into  contusion  when  they  appeared  a.s  "'".""'' |?;?f'J* 

this  view  which  Christ  gives  of  himself.   'i:obe  renounced  by  him\i>ipoken  presence  of  persons  in  the  highest  stations  ot  lite,  and  tlieir  so  iciiuae 

of  as  a  circumstance  which  would  expose  a  man  to  the  contempt  of  the  ^v■^)ulll  be  in  some  measure  proportionable  to  (heir  '"^p';  ''  '    f^J*f 

whole  angelic  world,  and  leave  him  no  remaining  shelter  or   hope,  prehended  the  gospel,  which  was  tli-arv/  to  theni  than  tiieir  own  irves, 

ConniareTSIatt.  vii.  23.  543.  noted,  p.  BO.  and  John  v.  22,  cif  ffy.  ^47.  might  suffer  by  thehurry  and  disorder  ot  then- thoughts,  when  tney  were 

note  h,  p.  96.                                                                                         '  thus  called  publici  v  to  defend  it.    Compare  note  e,  on  Watt.  x.  19.  p.  141. 


200  CAUTION  AGAINST  COVETOUSNESS. 

tsect.  danger ;  knowing  that  thus  only  we  shall  secure  the  honour  of  being  owned  by  Christ,  amidst  all  the  glories  of  his 

111.    final  appearance. 

And,  in  a  word,  to  animate  us  to  this  holy  courage,  and  to  assist  us  in  every  other  duty,  let  us  earnestly  )iray  for 

LUKE  the  Holy  Spirit',  by  whose  influence  the  apostles  were  instructed  and  supported  in  the  discharge  of  their  difficult 

^^^-    and  various  office  ;  whose  grace  therefore  must  be  abundantly  sufficient  for  tis,  to  cause  us  to  abound  in  every  good 
word  and  work.    (2  Cor.  ix.  8.) 


SECTION  CXII. 

t  bretl: 
hichh 

Luke  xii.  13. 


Christ  being  desired  to  interpose  in  a  dispute  between  two  brethren  about  property,  declines  the  decision  of  tfce  case :  and  takes  occasion  to 
advance  a  caution  against  covetousness,  which  he  enforces  by  the  parable  of  the  rich  fool.    Luke  xii.  13 — 21. 


SECT.  AND  while  he  was  discoursing  thus  to  his  disciples,  one  of  the  crowd  that  was  then  about  and  one  of  the  company 

H2.    Jesus,  mid  to  him.  Master,  I  desire  thou  wouldst  speak  to  my  brother,  that  he  ivould  agree  said  unto  him,  Master,  speak 

to  divide  the  inheritance  with  me,  which  since  the  death  of  our  father  he  injuriously  detains  the'mherUance  wift  me"*^ 

^UKE  to  himself ;  for  thou  art  well  known  to  be  a  person  of  such  an  extraordinary  character, 
"    ^'    that  I  would  hope  his  reverence  to  thine  authority  may  induce  him  to  do  me  justice. 

14  But  Jesus,  as  he  did  not  come  to  meddle  in  such  matters,  prudently  replied,'^  Man,  i4  And  he  said  unto  him, 
what  dost  thou  mean  by  such  a  rash  appeal  to  me  ?  Who  constituted  me  a  judge  in  tem-  or^^dividermer  you?'  ''"^^^ 
poral  concerns,  or  set  me  up  as  a  divider  over  you  ?     My  kingdom  is  of  a  spiritulil  nature  ; 

and  as  to  the  civil  rights  and  properties  of  men,  I  intermeddle  not  with  them,  but  leave 
them  just  as  I  found  them.     (Compare  Exod.  ii.  14.) 

15  And  upon  this  occasion,  though  he  would  not  interpose  in  the  affair,  yet,  to  prevent  15  And  he  said  unto  them, 
their  being  fond  of  the  enjoyments  of  the  world,  and  to  preserve  them  from  a  covetous  Jo^ve^ousn^l's  Awa'^man^slifi 
disposition,  Jesus  said  to  his  disciples,  and  to  them  that  were  present.  See  to  it,  that  with  consisteth  not  in  the  abun- 
the  utmost  care  and  resolution  you  be  upon  your  guard  against  all  kinds  and  degrees  of  poss'e'ss'eth.''^  "^'°^^  •w^k)\  he 
covetousnesa  ;^  for  though  it  be  a  common,  it  is  a  very  unreasonable,  vice  ;  since  it  is 

evident  that  the  comfort  and  liappiness  of  a  vutn's  life  does  not  consist  in  the  abundance  of 
his  possessions ;  nor  can  the  continuance  of  his  life,  even  for  the  shortest  period  of  time, 
be  secured  by  that  abundance. 

16  And,  to  enforce  and  illustrate  this  remark,  he  spake  a  very  instructive  parable  to  them,  and  i6  And  he  spake  a  parabin 
said,  There  teas  a  certain  rich  man  whose  ground  bore  fruit  so  plentifulhi,  that  he  had  not  "n'o them. saying.fhe ground 

._  '  ,  ,  .  ,  t"  ,  -nil        '     .     -^    1  '  1  1      r         1      11  .  ■     of  a  certam  rich  man  brought 

17  room  to  receive  and  lay  up  m  store  the  vast  produce  ot  his  harvest.     And  he  found  all  his  forth  plentifully : 

plenty  an  encumbrance  to  him,  so  that  he  reasoned  with  himself,  not  without  some  consider-  ui^J, '^"^..,^l ''' wh"?.*  =Ti'il'? 
able  anxiety  oi  mind,  saying,   what  shall  1  do!  for  1  have  not  room  at  present  to  store  up  do,  because  i  have  no  room 

18  my  crop,  should  I  stow  it  ever  so  close.  And,  after  some  pause,  he  came  to  a  resolution,  ^is'^And'^he'saidTThQ'i'wiil 
and  said,  I  will  do  this,  as  what  appears  to  me  the  wisest  scheme  :  Iivill  pull  down  my  old  do:  i  will  pull'  down  my 
barns,  and  build  new,  which  shall  be  larger,  and  much  more  commodious  than  they  ;  and  \hlvtvd\\  'i"bestow'all'  my 
there  I  will  gather  in  all  w/y  rich  increase  this  year,  and  a\\  mi/ goods  that  I  already  have  in  fruits  and  my  goods. 

19  store.  And  then  J  ^vill  retire  from  business,  and  sit  down  and  enjoy  the  fruits  of  my  19  And  i  will  say  to  my 
former  labours,  and  will  say  to  my  soul  with  complacency  and  confidence,  O  my  soul,  thou  |oods  llwLVfo"  many  yea"  s'- 
hast  now  an  abundance  of  goods  laid  up,  on  which  thou  mayst  comfortably  subsist  for  mam/  fake  thine  ease,  eat,  drink', 
future  years ;  repose  thyself  therefore  after  all  thy  fatigues  ;  cut  and  drink  freely,  without  '""'^e  merry. 

any  fear  of  exhausting  thy  stores  ;  and  be  as  merry  as  corn  and  wine  and  oil,  shared  with 

20  thy  most  jovial  companions,  can  make  thee.  But  God  beheld  him  with  just  displeasure,  -o  But  God  said  unto  him, 
and  by  the  awful  dispensation  of  his  providence,  in  effect  said  to  him,  amidst  all  this  gaiety  shtl"  "^be' required ''of ''^h^^e"! 
of  heart,  in  tlie  variety  of  his  scliemes  and  hopes,  Thou  fool,  who  dost  thus  stupidly  forget  <'"'»  whose  shall  those  things 
both  the  dignity  and  the  mortality  of  thy  nature,  and  thy  continual  dependence  upon  me  ^^  ^'"'''  *'^""  ''""  P'"^"^'"!- 
thy  supreme  Lord !  know  to  thy  terror,  that  while  thou  art  talking  of  a  long  succession  of 

pleasurable  years,  this  very  night  thy  soul  shall  be  demanded  of  thee,''  and  be  hurried  away 
to  its  place ;  and  then,  where  will  all  its  boasted  entertainments  be,  or  ivho  shall  possess 
what  thou  hast  thus  laboriously  provided,  but  shalt  thyself  never  enjoy  1  And  accordingly 
the  unhappy  creature  died  that  night,  and  all  his  wealth  could  do  no  more  for  him  than 

21  furnish  out  the  expenses  of  his  funeral.  And  so,  or  such  a  fool  in  the  divine  account,  [is]  21  So  is  he  that  layeth  up 
he  that  heaps  up  treasures  to  himself  iiere  on  earth,  and  is  not  rich  with  respect  to  God^  in  mn  rich  rowards"God.  *'"'*  '* 
acts  of  charity  and  piety,  which  would  secure  a  fund  of  celestial  treasure  lodged  in  his 

almighty  hand,  and  therefore  inviolably  safe  from  such  calamitous  accidents  as  these. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
Ver.  13      Most  prudently  did  our  Lord  decline  the  invidious  office  of  an  arbitrator  in  civil  affairs;  and  wisdom  will 

14  require  his  ministers  generally  to  avoid  it  likewise.  It  is  more  suitable  to  our  office,  like  our  blessed  Master,  to 
endeavour  to  draw  off  and  disengage  the  minds  of  men  from  covetousness,  and  to  pluck  up  the  root  of  tliose  eager 
contentions  which  so  often  divide  even  the  nearest  relations,  and  inspire  them  with  mutual  aversions  more  invin- 
cible than  the  bars  of  a  castle.     (Prov.  xviii.  19.) 

15  And,  that  a  covetous  desire  of  the  enjoyments  of  the  world  may  not  create  contentions,  and  engage  us  in  pur- 
suits that  will  be  fatal  to  our  souls,  let  us  seriously  consider  the  true  value  of  tilings,  and  reflect  how  little  riches 
can  do  to  make  us  happy,  if  we  obtain  them ;  and  how  very  uncertain  that  life  is,  on  the  continuance  of  which  our 

16,  possession  of  them  does  so  evidently  depend.     But,  alas  !  how  many  are  there  who  are  now  as  deeply  engaged  in 

et  seij.  their  worldly  schemes  as  this  rich  fool  in  the  parable,  to  whom  God  will,  in  a  few  weeks  or  days,  if  "not  tills  very 

20  night,  say,  by  the  awful  voice  of  his  irresistible  providence.  Thy  soul  is  required  of  thee  !    And  then  what  will"  all 

these  treasures  do  to  purchase  life,  or  to  allay  the  agonies  of  death  ?    So  far  will  they  be  found  from  being  capable 

of  this,  that  they  will  rather  serve  to  increase  and  imbitter  the  surprise  and  anguish  of  those  agonies. 

^^.^  JI^  prudently  replied.^    This  appellant  probably  thouiht,  that  as  least,  that  our  Lord  intended  the  caution  in  this  extent,  whether  he  did 

the  Messiah,  he  would  act  in  the  character  of  a  prince  who  would  decide  or  did  not  so  particularly  express  it. 

controversies  relating  to  property.— My  rendering  the  phrase  /le  said  c  T/ii/  smil  shall  he  demanded  of  thee.']  It  is  in  the  orisinal  cnranovatv, 

unto  htm,  by  the  equivalent  word  replied,  will  not,  I   hope,  be  thought  They  shrill  demand  thy  soul.    Eisner  thinks  it  alludes  to  the  messengers 

to  need  any  apology.  ^pm  to  fetch  away  the  soul ;  and  produces  a  remarkable  and  well  known 

r>  .See  (0  It.  that  with  the  utmost  care  you  be  npon  your  guard  again-H  i)assage  from  Plato,  to  prove  that  Socrates  thought  this  the  ortice  of  a 

all  kinds  and  legreesot  coveMisness.]  Opare  Ka,  cpoXaaa-eaOt  is  a  lively  spirit  superior  to  men.    See  Eisner,  OAserv.  vol.  i.  p.  '2M. 

phrase,  the  full  force  of  which   I   have  enileavoured  to  express  iu  the  d  Uich  with  respect  to  God.']     1  here  is  a  force  and   propriety  in  the 

paraphrase,  not  being  able  exactly  fo  do  it  in  the  version.    (Compare  phrase  e/s-eeov,  which  our  language  will  not  exactly  express,    ft  repre- 

note  c,  on  ftlaft.  xvi.  6.  p.   Ibl.)    Some  old  versions  and  very  good  sents  God  as  a  depository  in  whose  hands  the  good  man  has  lodged  his 

•               copie.s  lead  it,  Jrom  all  coretuusytcss  ;  to  which  I  have  sliowii  so  much  treasure  ;  and  who  has,  as  it  were,  made  himself  accountable  for  it  in 

regard,  as  to  insert  the  word  all  m  the  paraphrase  ;  ai  it  is  certain,  at  another  and  better  world.    Compare  Prov.  xix.  1*. 


CHRIST  REPEATS  HIS  CAUTIONS  AGAINST  COVETOUSNESS.  201 

Let  it  then  be  our  labour  and  care  that  we  may  be  rich  towards  God,  rich  in  works  of  piety  and  charity.  So  SECT, 
shall  we  safely  consign  over  our  treasure  to  the  bank  of  heaven,  and  shall  be  enriclied  by  it  when  we  leave  the  112. 
world  as  naked  as  we  entered  upon  it,  and  lose  all  but  what  has  been  so  wisely  and  happily  spent.  


SECTION  CXIII. 

temper  v 
-34. 

Luke  xii.  22. 


C'hiist  repeats  the  cautions  and  argumpnts  asain't  an  anvious  and  covetous  temper  which  he  had  formerly  given  in  his  sermon  on  the  mount. 

Luke  xii.  22—34. 


Luke  xii.  OC.  i     •     i 

AND  he  said  unto  his  dis-  THUS  Jesus  cautioned  his  followers  against  setting  their  hearts  on  worldly  treasures  ;  but  sect. 

''•ml"'Takr''nfrthouMit"'tb'?  ^^  '""^'  °^  '^'^^"'^  ^^^^  '"  ^^^^  ^°^^  circumstances  as  to  be  in  greater  danger  of  immoderate    113. 

your  lite,  what  veThlii  eat;  solicitude  aljout  tlie  neccssary  supplies  of  life,  he  proceeded  to  caution  them  against  this, • 

siiin'^'^ut'on  "^  ^"'^^' '"'''''  ^^  ^y  repeating  some  of  those  admonitions  which  he  had  formerly  delivered  m  his  sermon  on   luke 
''"  °°'  the  mount.*    And  accordingly  he  said  to  Iiis  dixcip/rs,  For  thk  cause,  that  is,  considering  „^''- 

the  great  uncertainty  of  riches,  I  say  to  you,  and  strictly  cliarge  it  upon  you,  That  you  he  ^^ 
not  anxious  about  your  life,  what  you  shall  cat,  or  how  you  shall  procure  food  to  support 

23  The  life  is  more  than  it ;  nor  for  the  body,  whdt  you  shall  put  on  to  cover,  defend,  and  adorn  it.     For  you  must  23 
thin 'raiment'^  '""^^  "  """^^  needs  be  sensible,"  ?/ie  life  itself,  which  you  have  received  from  God  without  any  care  or 

thoughtfulness  of  yours,  is  much  more  important  than  meat,  and  the  body  than  raiment ; 
and  well  then  may  you  hope  that  the  great  Author  of  your  life,  and  the  Former  of  your 
body,  will  maintain  his  own  work  in  a  proper  manner,  without  your  anxiety  and  solicitude 

24  Consider  the  ravens:  for  about  it.     Especially  may  you  expect  it,  when  you  see  tiae  care  wiiich  he  takes  of  the  24 
whfch"ndU^erh°aTestorehou'^i  inferior  creatures ;  a's,  for  instance,  consider  the  ravens  how  they  are  subsisted ;  ^/or //cy 
nor  barn;  and  God  feedeth  neither  SOW  Hor  reap,  and  have  neither  storehouse  nor  barn  to  lay  up  any  thing  against  a 
ye''bette?'t'lian"the  fow?s '  ^^'^  time  of  want,  nay,  their  young  ones  are  early  deserted  by  their  dams ;  and  yet,  voracious 

as  they  are,  God  one  way  or  other  feedeth  them,  so  that  you  see  the  species  is  still  conti- 
nued. Now,  how  nntch  more  are  you  better  than  they  ?  and  how  much  rather  may  you  hope 
to  be  supplied  with  the  necessaries  of  life,  than  any  kind  of  birds?  (Compare  Matt.  vi. 
25,  26.  p.  85.) 

25  And  which  of  you  with      And  moreover,  as  this  care  is  unnecessary,  it  will  also  be  unprofitable  :  for  which  of  you,  25 
taking  thought  can  add  to  his  ^„  fakin"  the  most  soHcitous  t/iouffht,  can  add  a  single  cubit,  or  the  least  measure  or 
statu  re  one  cubit .'  .'  f.,  ,.  V//^i  u/i..~<..->  i^i  ii,.i 

moment,  either  to  his  age  or  stature  ?  (Compare  Matt.  vi.  27.  and  note  h,  on  that  text,  sect. 

26  If  ye  then  be  not  able  xli.)     //"  then  you  catuiot  do  the  least  matter,^  as  in  this  proverbial  expression  you  grant,  26 
to  do  that  thing  whicii  is  least,  ,^/,„  „,,g  ,„p,^  aniious  ubout  the  rest,  as  if  vou  were  to  hold  your  life  by  a  kind  of  perpetual 

why  take  ye  thought  tor  the  ,     ■'  .-',  .  n    i  "     n  i  i  •      .  ^  -j 

rest?  lease,  and  were  secure  against  all  danger  oi  a  sudden  ejectment .' 

27  Consider  the  lilies  how      But,  to  pursue  the  argument  I  began  before.  Do  but  consider  God's  providential  care  27 
spm  nST  and'^yeT I  say  Lnto  ^^^^  of  the  vegetable  Creation  :  survey,  for  instance,  the  fair  and  beautiful  lilies,  and  reflect 
you,  That  Solomon  in  all  his  how  theij  grow  ;  they  neither  labour  to  prepare  the  materials  of  their  dress,  7ior  spin  it  into 
oneTof  these""'  ^"''^''''  '''^'^  that  curious  form  ;  and  yet  Providence  clothes  them  in  so  elegant  and  splendid  a  manner, 

that  I  sail  unto  you.  Even  Solomon,  when  on  some  grand  festival  he  appeared  in  all  his 

28  If  then  God  so  clothe  utmost  magnificence,  was  not  arrayed  in  so  beautiful  a  white  as  one  of  these.    And  if  God  28 
the  ITid,'  Ind^to'mmrmv  fs  ^^  '^^othe  and  'adom  the  grass  of  th'e  field  among  ivhich  the  lilies  grow,  though  it  is  \^flourish- 
cast  into  the  oven,  how  much  ing\  to-dai/  in  all  its  Verdure,  anc?  by  to-morrow  is  cut  down  and  throivn  into  the  furnace 
Ti'ittie  feithf'''''"  ^°"' "  ^^  or  still,  (see  note  1,  on  Matt.  vi.  30.  sect.  xli.  p.  86.)  how  much  more  {will  he  clothe]  you, 

0  ye  of  little  faith,  who  thus  suspect  his  care? 
eg  And  seek  not  ye  what      And  do  not  you  then,  who  are  acquainted  with  the  care  of  Providence,  and  are  parti-  29 
Sfink!neUhe°bey'eof'doubt-  cularly  interested  in  it,  be  solicitous  to  seek  tvhat  ye  shall  eat,  or  what  ye  shall  drink  ;  nor 
ful  mind.  be  like  meteors  in  the  air,  that  are  tossed  about  by  every  blast  of  wind,  hurried  with 

30  For  all  these  things  do  anxious  cares,  and  agitated  unth  a  variety  of  restless  and  uneasv  thoughts^     For  the  30 
afte?f  andVo'^urFaXrlnow^  Gentile  nations  qf  the  ivorld,  who  know  little  of  Providence  or  of  a  future  state,  seek  after 
eth  that  ye  have  need  of  these  all  these  lower  things  with  great  solicitude ;  and  they  are  more  excusable  in  doing  it :  but 
'  '°^'"  you  are  directed  to'much  nobler  objects  of  pursuit,  and  furnished  with  a  more  substantial 

support  against  such  anxieties,  in  that  paternal  relation  which  God  avows  to  you  ;  and  as 
your  heavenly  Father  well  knows  that  you  have  need  of  these  things,  he  will  certainly 
■'51  But  rather  seek  ye  the  provide  them  for  you  in  a  proper  degree.     Leave  them  therefore  to  his  care,  and,  low  as  31 
thmgs'"shall  be'  added  *unto  Jour  Condition  is,  be  not  uneasy  and  disquieted  about  them  :    but  seek  ye  rather  the 
yo"-  kingdom  of  God,  and  labour  to  promote  its  interest  among  men ;  and  then  you  may 

depend  upon  it,  not  only  that  you  shall  obtain  that  most  important  prize,  but  likewise 
that  cdl  these  other  necessary  things  shall  be  added  to  you,  without  your  anxiety.     (Compare 
Matt.  vi.  31—33.  p.  86.) 
,  32  Fear  not,  little  Hock ;      I  repeat  the  encouraging  thought,  Fear  not,  ye  little  flock,  my  dear  property  and  charge,  32 
pleasure  to'g'iAe'yo'rt'iie  kin""'^  however  feeble  you  may  seem ;  fear  not,  I  say,  that  you  shall  be  left  destitute  of  tliese 
dom.  °   common  blessings  of  divine  Providence  ;  for  it  is  your  heavenly  Fathers  gracious  pleasure 

to  give  you  what  is  infinitely  more  valuable,  even  the  kingdom  of  eternal  glory :  and  can 
you  possibly  imagine  that,  while  he  intends  to  bestow  tliat  upon  you,  and  even  takes 
pleasure  in  the  thought  of  making  you  so  great  and  happy  there,'i  he  will  refuse  you  those 
earthly  supplies  which  he  liberally  imparts  even  to  strangers  and  enemies  ? 
33  Sell  that  ye  have,  and      Animated  therefore  by  such  a  hope  and  confidence,  instead  of  being  solicitous  to  increase  33 

a  Repeating  some  of  those  admonitions,  &c.]    Most  of  the  thoughts       d  Takes  pleasure  in  the  thought  of  making  you  so  great  and  happy 

and  expressions  used  here  occurred  before,  i  41.  and  are,  1  hope,  suffi-  there.]   Ihis  is  the  beautiful  and  wonderful  import  of  the  word  evfioKnTcv 

ciently  explained  tliere  ;  I  content  myself  therefore  with  referring  the  in  this  connexion,  which  aenerally  signifies  a  pleasnralile  acquiestenrf. 

reader  to  it.    P.  84,  c;  seq.  And  agreeably  to  this,  it  is  most  edifying  and  delightful  to  observe 

b  Jf  then  ■you  cannot  do  the  least  matter.']    This  proves  tliat  to  add  otic  how  God  is  represented  in  Scripture  as  enjoyius  his  own  prescionop.  as 

cuiii  to  a  thing  was  a  proverbial  expression  for  making  the  least  addi-  it  were  with  a  peculiar  relish,  in  the  view  ot  those  glories  which  he  nai 

tion  to  it.  prepared  for  his  people. — Hence  those  eniphatical  phrases  ot   llisdoni 

c   'Nor  be  agitated  with  restless  thoughts.']     After  all  the  various  and  rejoicing  in  the  habitable  parts  of  the  earth,  or  in  the  prospect  and  idea 

perplexed  things  which  critics  have  said  on  this  word,  mritoptteirili,  fof  of  them,  before  they  were  actually  made  ;  (Prov.  viii.   31.)  ot   t>ort  s 

which  a  very  large  account  may  be  seen  in  the  learned  Wolfius,')  the  knowing  the  thought  he  things  towards  his  people  ;  Oer-  ^xix.  11.)  ami  or 

sense  I  have  taken  is  the  most  simple,  and  especially  here  the  most  his  rejoicing  over  them  with  joy,  and  silently  resting  m  its  love  to  iiiem. 

natural.    The  authorities  produced   by  Eisner,  (.Observ.  vol.  i.  p.  233,  (Zeph.  iii.  17.)    The  tenderness  and  energy  ot  inniimerab  e  scriptures 

234.)  and  several  of  those  mentioned  by  Paphelius,  (Jnnot.  ex  Xen.  p.  depend  on  this  remark  ;   and  many  of  those  relating  to  election,  pre- 

97.  98.)  seem  to  me  to  favour  this  sense,  though  some  of  them  are  pro-  destination,  <S:c.  which  have  been  as  dry  rods  ot  controversy,   wneii 

ddced  to  establish  another.     It  appears  f.om  them,  that  any  speculations  considered  in  this  view,  bud  out  into  a  thousand  tair  leaves  ana  iia,iant 

and  musings,  in  which  the  mind  fluctuates,  or  is  suspended  in  an  uneasy  blossoms  of  hope  and  joy. 
hesitation,  might  well  be  expressed  by  such  a  word. 


202  CHRIST  EXHORTS  HIS  DISCIPLES  TO  WATCHFULNESS  AND  FIDELITY. 

SECT,   vour  possessions  to  the  utmost,  rather  be  prepared,  when  Providence  shall  call  you  to  it,  to  give  alms:  provide  yourselves 
113.    sell  what  ijou  already  have,  and  distribute  [it}  in  charity  ;<=  that  so  you  may  provide  for  your-  \fil,^re'in  the'' heavLis  that 

selves  purses  which  do  ?wt  grow  old  and  wear  outjf  even  a  never-fuiling  treasure  in  heaven,  faUeth  not,  wiiei-e  no  thief 

LUKE   that  region  of  security  and  "immortality,  tvhere  no  thief'  approaches  to  plunder  the  riches  of  corm^pteth!      "^'        ^ 
^^^-    its  inhabitants,  nor  doth  the  moth  corrode  and  spoil  the  robes  of  glory  in  which  they  appear. 

34  And  the  more  careful  should  you  be  about  this  heavenly  treasure,  because  it  is  certam,  ,  34  For  where  your  treasure 
that  luhere  that  which  you  account  your  chief  treasure  is  laid  up,  there  will  your  heart  be  ^iso        *     ^°"' 
also  fixed,  and  the  whole  tenor  of  your  thoughts  and  affections  will  naturally  flow  in  that 
channel.    (Compare  Matt.  vi.  20,  21.  p. '85.) 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.22      Are  we  not  all  conscious  to  ourselves  that  on  such  topics  as  these  we  need  line  upon  line  and  precept  upon  pre- 

29  cepf,  as  being  too  deficient  in  our  regard,  though  God  speak  once,  yea  twice?     (Job  xxxiii.  14.)     We  see  our 
27,  28  heavenly  Father  crownins.  the  earth  w'dh  his  goodness :  to  this  day  does  he  clothe  the  grass  and  the  Jlowers  with  the 

24  same  profusion  of  ornament;  to  this  day  does  he  feed  the  young  ravens  lohen  they  c?y,  (Psal.  cxlvii.  9.)  nor  has 

30  the  meanest  species  of  insects  perished.  '  Still  does  he  know  our  necessities  ;  and  still  he  addresses  us  in  the  same 
gracious  language,  and  avows  the  same  endearing  paternal  relation.     The  experience  of  his  power,  goodness,  and 

23  fidelity,  is  increasing  with  every  succeeding  generation,  with  every  revolving  day.  The  life  that  he  has  given  is 
supported  by  his  care;  and  the  same  hand  "that  formed  the  body,  nourishes  and  clothes  it.     Let  us  then  cast  all 

32  our  care  on' him,  as  being  persuaded  that  he  careth  for  us  :  (1  Pet.  v.  7.)  Feeble  as  his  little  flock  is,  it  is  the 
Fathers  good  pleasure  to  give  us  the  kingdom  ;  and  we  are  unworthy  our  share  in  so  glorious  a  hope,  if  we  cannot 
trust  him  for  inferior  blessings,  and  refer  it  to  him  to  judge  in  what  manner  our  present  wants  are  to  be  supplied. 

30      Let  the  heathens  abandon'themselves  to  these  low  anxieties  ;  but  as  for  us,  let  us  thank  God  and  take  courage, 

33  opening  our  hearts  wide  to  every  sentiment  of  faith  in  God  and  charity  to  men  ;  and  while  we  have  this  inexhaus- 
tible bank  to  draw  upon,  let  us  "be  rich  in  good  works,  ready  to  distribute,  willing  to  communicate,  so  laying  up  in 
store  for  ourselves  a  good  foundation  against  the  time  to  come,  that  we  may  lay  hold  on  eternal  life ;  (1  Tim.  vi.  18, 

34  19.)  the  very  hope  and  expectation  of  which,  if  our  heart  be  set  upon  it,  will  give  us  incomparably  sweeter  delight 
than  the  securest  possessions  of  this  empty  world,  and  the  most  ample  magazines  of  its  ricliest  stores. 


SECTION  CXIV. 

Christ  exhorts  his  disciples  to  watchfulness  and  fidelity,  in  expectation  of  his  coming,  and  of  the  final  account  to  be  given  for  all  tlieir  advantages. 

Luke  xii.  35 — 18. 

LuKExii.  35.  Luke -xii.  35. 

SECT.  OUR  Lord  having  thus  exhorted  his  disciples  to  a  due  moderation  as  to  their  worldly  let  your  'oius  be  girded 
114.    possessions,  proceeded  to  press  upon  them  a  serious  preparation  for  their  final  remove  from  \°2f'  ""''  ^'""'  "°^'*  ""'""" 

earth,  and  for  the  awful  solemnities  of  death,  judgment,  and  eternity .^    He  therefore  went 

LUKE  on  to  say.  Consider  yourselves  always  as  servants  who  have  a  Master  in  heaven  ;  and,  that 

-^^  oc  you  may  approve  your  diligence  and  fidelity  to  him,  let  your  loins  be  still  girded  up  in  a 

posture  for  active  service,  and  your  lamps  be  continually  burning  in  readiness  to  receive 

36  him  -.^  And  be  you,  on  the  whole,  like  men  in  a  waiting  posture,  ivho,  as  good  servants  left  36  And  ye  yourselves  like 
with  a  proper  charge,  attending  to  the  work  appointed  them,  wait  for  their  Lord's  return  Loni"'whenVrw\ll  return 
from  a  marriage-feast,"  or  any  other  late  entertainment ;  that  when  ever  he  comes  and  knocks  tVom  the  wedding ;  that  when 
"at  the  door  ihe'ii  may  inimediateli/  open  it  to  him,  and  not  be  surprised  in  any  disorder.  mH™'opeu''unto"hhn  imme^ 

37  Happy  are  those  seri-ants  whom,  when  [their]  Lord  comes,  he  shall  find  thus  watching  for  diatelv  ^^^^^  ^^^ 
him :  and  happv  also  will  you  be,  if  tliis  shall  be  your  case :  for  venly,  I  say  unto  you,  v^nts  whom  the  Lord,  when 
So  condescending  is  your  Lord  and  Master,  that,  if  you  answer  this  character,  he  will  he^cometh  shaU_^ find^watch- 
reward  you  as  graciously  as  if  some  great  man,  absent  on  such  an  occasion  as  I  have  sup-  That  he^'hail gird  him"e'ifi*'a°n(i 
posed,  finding  his  servants  diligently  waiting  for  him  at  his  return,  should  gather  up  his  make  ^^'„^^  J?n^'^'„,^°7„r['^* 
clothes  and  gird  himself,  and  cause  them  to  sit  down  to  supper,  and  should  come  forth  him-  and  serve  them. 

38  self  and  wait  upon  them  A  And  at  whatever  hour  the  time  of  his  arrival  be,  rvhether  he  38  AmiifheshaU  come  "i 
shall  come  early  in  the  second  watch,  or  come  late  in  the  third  watch  of  the  night,*"  and  find  \^l  third'UTdi?and'^hnXy7". 
{them']  thus  employed,  blessed  and  happy  arc  those  faithful  servants.  so,  blessed  are  those  servants. 

39  But  do  not  think  it  is  enough,  if  you  would  then  be  happv,  to  make  some  sudden  pre-  .39  And  this  know,  that  if 
paration  upon  notice  of  liis  coming";  for  the  day  of  the  Lord  so  comes  as  a  thief  in  the  Z^  *^knoVn  "what  hour  the 
night;  and  you  know  this,  that  there  is  none  so  negligent  and  stupid,  where  a  house  is  {J^\t^  ™^'|fp,f °'^n^;, '',^oj"'i"^v^ 
plundered,  but  if  the  housekeeper,  wlio  is  intrasted  with  the  care  of  it,  had  been  aware  at  suffered  his  hous''t"tobe°broitea 
what  hour  the  thief  would  have  come,  he  would  undoubtedly  hare  watched  at  that  time,  and  through. 

would  not  have  permitted  his  house  to  be  broken  open  :  lie  then  that  acts  with  prudence  will 
be  always  on  his  watch,  that,  as  he  knows  not  when  the  thief  will  come,  he  may  not  find 

40  him  unprepared.  Be  you  therefore  also  ready ;  for  at  such  a  season  as  you  think  not  of,  and  40  Be  ye  therefore  ready 
may  least  of  all  expect  it,  the  Son  of  man  comeih;^  and  as  the  day  of  final  judgment  will  ^^'°-  ^°'  the  t,on  or  man 

e  Sell  what  yon  have,  avii  distribute  it  in  charitv.']    These  words  were  care  we  should  take  to  inform  ourselves  in  our  duty,  anti  the  resolution 

probably  as  a  fruitful  seed  in  the  minds  of  some  who  heard  them  :  and  with  which  we  should  apply  to  the  performance  ot  it.                             . 

the  liberal  sale  of  estates  a  few  monlhs  after,  by  which  so  many  poor  c  From  a  marnage-Jeast.^     1  here  is  no  particular  mystery  in  this  cir- 

christians  were  subsisted,  miaht  he  in  a  great  measure  the  harvest  which  cumstance.    Our  Lord  miaht  probably  instance  m  this,  because  marriat/e- 

spruns  up  from  it  under  the  cultivation'of  the  blessed  Spirit.     Nothing  feasts  were  generally  the  most  splendid,  aud  so  prolonged  to  the  latest 

is  more  probable  than  that  some  of  the  many  myriads  now  attending  hours.                                                ,.       ,       .               ,       i    t»  •    .        / 

our  L<)rd(ver.l.)mightbeinthenu!iiberofthethousandsthenconverted.  d  And  ihnu\d  come  forth  \umse\t  and  a'ait  upon  them.]    It  is  true  (as 

See  Arts  ii   -11 15  Grotius  and  many  others  observed  that  the  Roman  masters  did  some- 

f  Pnrses'rrhich  donot  groia  old  and  wear  out.]   This  may  be  fitly  taken  times,  during  the  Saturnalia,  practise  some  condescensions  like  these  to 

as  an  allusion  to  the  danser  of  losing  money  out  of  a  hole  worn  in  an  their  slaves  :  but  that  was,  perhaps,  chiefly  tor  their  own  diversion  ;  and 

old   purse.    .Such  is  frequently  the  gain  ot  this  world,  and  so  are  its  it  is  difficult  to  judge  how  tar  Christ's  hearers  miaht  be  acquainted  with 

treasures  hoarded  up,  and  jmt  into  a  bag  -xith  holes.  (Compare  Ha"   i.  it ;  at  least  the  words  would  be  very  inteUigible  without  supposing  any 

6.)    The  rich  men  of  J udea,  so  soon  ravaged  and  destroyed  by  the  Ro-  such  reference.                           ,    -  ,        .,,„,..     ,    ,    .    ,,  .i     •• 

mans,  particularly  found  it  so.  e  In  the  seconder  third  watch  of  the  night.]    This  included  all  the  time 

a  A  serious  preparation  for— death,  judgment, and  eternity.]    I  shall  from  nine  in  the  evening  to  three  in  the  morning;  and  was  as  it  he  had 

.  give  the  reason  ot  my  interpreting  this  passage  thus,  a  little  below,  in  said,  whether  he  come  early  or  late.                                      ,  i  tu 

note  f,  though  I  am  sensible  the  Renerality  of  readers   would  rather  i  At  such  a  season  as  yon  think  not,  the  Son  of  man  cnmeth.]   Ihecomnip 

have  expected  an  apoloey  if  1  had  gone  about  to  interpret  it  otherwise,  of  the  Son  of  man  often  signifies  his  providential   interposition  tor  the 

b  Let  your  loins  he  yirdcdvp,  and ymr  lamps  Imrning.']  As  the  easterns  destruction  of  .Jerusalem.  (See  Matt.  x.  23.  note  g,  p.  141.)  But  here  1 
wore  long  garments,  it  was  necessary  that,  when  they  had  any  thing  to  think  it  cannot  be  taken  m  such  a  sense,  because  our  Lord  speaks  ot  an 
do  which  required  them  to  exert  their  strength  or  agility,  they  should  immediate  reward  to  be  bestowed  on  all  faithful  servants,  aiK  an  imme- 
tuck  them  up  and  gird  them  close  ;  a  practice  to  which  there  are  frequent  diate  punishment  to  be  executed  on  all  that  were  unfaithful  :  and  ex- 
references  both  in  the  Old  Testament  and  the  New.  (See  1  Kinas  xviii.  pressly  declares  this  to  be  a  matter  of  universal  concern  :  all  which 
46.  2  Kings  iv.  Cg.  .lob  xxxviii.  3.  .ler.  i.  17.  Eph.  vi.  14.  and  1  Pet.  i.  particulars  have  very  little  sense  or  propriety  when  applied  to  the 
13.)— That  the  lamps  should  be  found  exfiniruished  niisht  be  an  incon-  destruction  of  Jerusalem.  It  must  therefore  be  understood  ot  his  comiiiB 
venient  circumstance  to  the  master,  and  would  be  a  demonstration  cf  the  to  remove  them  from  the  capacities  of  service  here,  to  give  up  their 
servants'  idleness. —The  expressions  taken  together  may  intimate  the  account.    And,  if  we  suppose  it  to  relate  to  death  as  well  as  judgment. 


CHRIST  EXHORTS  HIS  DISCIPLES  TO  WATCHFULNESS  AND  FIDELITY.  203 

comr-th  at  an  hour  when  ye  be  a  surprise  to  the  world  in  general,  so  the  day  when  particular  persons  are  called  out  of  SECT. 
think  not.  this  life,  IS  often  a  sudden  thinsr,  and  too  frequently  a  fatal  surprise  to  the  persons  most    114. 

intimately  concerned  in  it.     (Compare  Matt.  xxiv.  43,  44.  sect,  clxiii.)  

41  Then  Peter  said  unto       Fetcr  then  sciid  unto  him,  Lord,  dost  thou  speak  this  awakening  parables  to  us  thine    luke 
him,  Lord,  speai^est thou  this  nnostles  in  particular?  or  is  it  also  unto  all  in  general,  that  what  thou  hast  been  saying  is  .^^^■ 

parable  unto   us,  ,or  even  to      i.  '  '-'  •''^41 

all  r  directed  : 

4"  And  the  Lord  said.  Who      And  the  Lord  said  in  reply,  Though  none  are  entirely  unconcerned,  yet  you  my  ministers  42 
then  is  that  faithful  and  wise  ^re  more  peculiarly  to  apply  it  to  yourselves,  and  to  consider  me  as  asking  each  of  vou, 
make'ruler°o".er"mfilous"   Who  is  that  fuithfid  uiid  prudeut  Steward^  ivhom  [his]  Lord  shall  set  over  all  the  servants  of 
hold,  to  sive  them  their  por-  /j/^  familii '  to  d'cid  Old  to  cach  of  his  domcstics  the  stated  allowance  of  food  in  its  proper 
uou  of  meat  m  due  season .'    ^^^J^^  ^  JJ^^  ^j^^  ^.^^  ^j.  ^^^^  ^^^  ^^^^^  ^^qj  ^g  greater  than  that  of  a  common  ^ervant,  if 

he  prove 
hfippi^  is  t 

employed  ,.  .       .  . 

r'uie'rover  aU  that  he  hani'"'"  '^^  tmll  prefer  him  to  a  much  higher  station  of  honour  and  importance ;  as  if  a  person  hnd- 
ing  his  domestic  steward  thus  faithful,  should  upon  that  appoint  him  to  take  the  care  of  all 
that  he  hath,  abroad  as  well  as  at  home.     (Compare  Gen.  xxxix.  4,  5,  6.) 
45  But  and  if  that  servant      But,  ou  the  contrary,  //■  that  servaJit  I  spoke  of  before  as  set  over  the  family,''  should  45 
say  in  his  heart,  ^ly  ]ojd^'^«j  sn>i  in  his  heart,  ilfy  Lor'd  delays  his  coming,  so  that  I  have  nothing  to  apprehend  from  it ; 
bepiiVto  I'feat  th'e"men^slrvants  uhd  on  that  foolisli'  presumption  shall  grov/  so  insolent  and  wanton  as  to  begin  to  beat  and 
dn'lik"alld  to'bTdrlmken  ^""^  abuse  the  men  and  maidservants,  and  to  eat  and  drink  in  a  riotous  and  extravagant  man- 
'"(5  the  Loni of  thL" servant  ner,  SO  as  to  dehuuch  [himself]  with  it :  I  assure  you,  that  the  Lord  of  that  servant  will  46 
jToke^rnot  for''/,;»;^'andTt  an  Come  upon  him  in  a  day  when  he  does  not  expect  him,  and  in  an  hour  which  he  is  not  aware  ^ 
hour  when  he  is  liot  aware,  of,  and  will  scourge  him  with  such  severity,  that  he  will  even  cut  him  asunder;^  and,  not- 
and  '^wi'irap™'int"hm"''his  witlistanditig  the  profession  he  has  made,  God  ivill  appoint  him  his  portion  with  infidels;^ 
portion  with  the  unbelievers,  nav,  in  some  respects  his  case  shall  be  worse  than  theirs,  as  his  opportunities  and  engage- 
ments have  been  so  much  greater. 
47  And  that  servant,  which      jl),cl  that  Servant  ivho,  like  him  I  have  been  speaking  of,  knew  his  lord's  ivill  by  a  parti-  47 
p'arrd''not°^«'./A!npither'dTd  cular  declaration  of  it,"  and,  disregarding  the  instructions  given  him,  did  not  keep  himself 
according  to  hiswdl,  shall  be  ,-eady  °  uor  Set  himself  to  do  according  to  his  will,  shall  have  the  sorest  punishment  inflicted 
""ju'KuV'hVXt  knew'not.  On  him,  and  he  beaten  luilh  many  [stripes.]^  (Compare  Deut.  xxv.  2,  3.)     But  he  who,  like  48 
arid  did  commit  thin-s  worthy  the  heathen,  did  not  know  the  particulars  of  his  duty  by  a  clear  revelation,  and  yet,  sinning 
with"tew''.7n>".  ''l-or^^un'to  against  that  degree  of  light  he  had,  committed  things  which  deserved  stripes,  shall  be  beaten 
whomsoever  much  is  given,  indeed,  hwi-witk  fewer  and  lighter  \strokes]<\  than  the  other.     For  it  is  a  received  maxim 
quired":  a^^d"  to ^vhom'Ve'n  among  men,"and'God  will  make  it  the  rule  of  his  final  judgment,  that  ?«hcA  improvement 
have  committed  much,  of  him  ^/f^i/i  /,f  required  from  every  one  to  whom  much  is  Qiven:  and  where  much  is  deposited,  the 
they  will  ask  the  more.  ^^^^^^  ^^^.^^  v^  demanded  in  proportion  to  it.     (Compare  Numb.  xv.  29,  30.) 

IMPROVEMENT. 

May  our  souls  be  awakened  by  these  awful  truths !  and  may  we  be  engaged  to  gird  up  the  loins  of  our  mind,  to  Ver.35 
he  sober,  and  watch  to  the  end  !  (1  Pet.  i.  13.)  36 

Great  are  our  encouragements  to  diligence  on  the  one  hand,  and  on  the  other  dreadful  will  be  the  punishment 
of  our  neglect.    The  time  of  our  Lord's  appearance  is  uncertain  ;  let  us  therefore  always  be  ready,— solicitous  40 
that  when  he  comes  he  may  find  us  so  doing  as  he  has  required  ;  living  not  to  ourselves,  hut  to  him,  and  employmg  43 
ourselves  about  that  particular  thing,  whatsoever  it  may  be,  which,  all  circumstances  considered,  we  are  verily 
persuaded  may  most  promote  the  great  ends  of  life,  and  the  important  purposes  of  his  glory. 

How  glorious  are  the  rewards  promised  to  such  !  How  justly  may  they  awaken  our  emulation  !    He  will  prefer  42,  44 
them  to  stations  of  more  honourable  and  important  service.     He  will  set  them  down  at  his  table,  and  minister  (as  37 
it  were)  himself  to  their  delight,  bringing  forth  the  choicest  dainties  of  heaven,  and  spreading  before  them  an 

(which,  bv  a  consequence  at  least,  it  undoubtedly  does,)  itstronsly  inti-  that  fhoush  this  wicked  servant  shall  have  his  portion  and  abode  with 

mates  his" having  such  a  dominion  over  the  invisible  world,  that  every  such,  (who,  by  the  way,  had  they  not  been  untaithtul,  would  not  have 

soul  removed  into  it  might  be  said  to  be  fetched  away  by  him.  Compare  been  unbelievers.)  yet  his  punishment  shall  be  more  grievous  ;  as  there 

Kcv.  i.  18.  niay  be  a  great  difference  in  the  condition  ot  criminals  conhned  in  the 

g  This  awakening  paraile.]    It  may  signify  particularly  the  simili-  sarrie  prison.  ,       ,     ,        ■         c  ■    -,    -r,.        ■ 

tilde  of  the  Lord  and  his  servants,  or  may  extend  to  the  whole  of  the       n  Knem  his  Lord's  Kill  by  a  particular  declaration  of  it.]     Ihere  is  a 

discourse.  force  and  propriety  in  these  words  beyond  what  is  usually  observed.    A 

h   Who  is  that  faithful  and pntdent  steward?']    This  interrogation  had  servant,  without  express  instruction,  might  know,  that  to  beat  his  tellow- 

z  lively  force  to  turn  tlieir  thoughts  inward,  that  each  might  ask  himself  servants,  and  plunge  himself  into  debauchery,  would  be  offensive  to  his 

Whether  he  zias  the  man?    'I  lie  Prussian  version  therefore  Cand  that  master;  and  he  would  therefore  deserve  some  correction,  but  such  a 

English  one  which  follows  it  so  close)  loses  much  of  the  spirit  of  the  conduct  in  a  servant  to  whom  his  master  had  committed  some  particular 

passage  in  rendering  it.  If  there  be  any  faithful  steward,  %c.  charge,  with  suitable  instructions  for  performing  it,  was  most  monstrous, 

i  The  servants  of  his  familu.']    So  I  render  yepaTrtm,  which  (as  Eisner  and  consequently  deserved  severer  punishment  ,         ,  , 

shows  at  large,  Ubserv.  vol.  i.   p.  235.)  exactly  answers  to  the  Latin       o  Did  not  keep  himself  ready.]    So  Mr.  L  Enfant  renders  the  word 

famnlitinm,  all  the  servants   of  a  family ;   for  which  we  have  no  one  eTo:(iacra9,  I  suppose  to  distinguish  it  from  the  following  clause  ;  and  I 

English  word,  any  more  than  "for  cnTOne-rpiov,  which  strictly  signifies  a  follow  him,  though  not  without  some  hesitation.    Perhaps  both  may  be 

determinate  measure  of  wheat  ;  but  here  is  put  for  all  the  daily  food.  (See  joined  thus  :  Did  not  prepare  or  set  himselj  to  do  according  to  his  wi  'I.— 

Erasmus  here.)    By  such  a  version  the  distinction  between  this  and  the  But  since  I  wrote  this,  I  perceive  a  great  emphasis  in  these  words  which 

44th  verse  is  set  in  a  clearer  light  than  critics  have  generally  given  it.  I  did  not  before  observe.    Ihe  sense  rises  on  that  of  the  foregoing  verse  ; 

To  be  raised  from  the  care  of  jTiving  out  food  to  the  servants,  to  have  tlie  as  if  our  Lord  had  said,  "  I  hink  not  that  I  merely  intend  to  forbid  such 

charge  of  the  whole  estate,  was  a  noble  preferment.  gross  immoralities  as  drunkenness,  not,  oppression,  &c.  but  be  assured 

k  If  that  servant  I  spoke  of  before,  &c.]  It  is  necessary  thus  to  go  that  sins  of  omission,  where  there  have  been  fair  opportunities  of  learn- 
back  to  ver.  4','.  for  the  explication  of  this;  for  it  is  most  evident,  from  ing  your  duty,  will  expose  you  to  the  divme  correction.'  The  opposi- 
the  whole  tenor  of  Scripture,  that  the  servant  who  at  his  Lord's  coming  tion  here  and  in  the  next  verse  is  between  a  servant  who  receives  an 
has  passed  his  account  in  an  honourable  manner,  will  never  afterwards  express  message  from  his  master,  which  he  contradicts :  and  another 
be  in  danger  of  incurring  his  displeasure.  who,  though  he  receive  no  such  express  message,  yet  falls  into  such 

1  Scourge  him  with  such  severity,  that  he  will  even  cut  him  asunder.}  instances  of  misbehaviour  as  he  cannot  but  know  to  be  inconsistent  with 

Br.  Whitby  has  so  clearly  proved  this  to  be  the  sense  of  l,ixo-rour\aei.  his  dutj'  and  office  in  general ;  by  which   he  exposes  himself  justly  to 

that  I  am  surprised  that  any  should  since  have  coldly  rendered  it,  j-/(«//  some  punishment,  though,  other  things  being  equal,  he  is  less  criminal 

separate  him  from  the  rest.     But  this  is  one  instance  of  many,  in  which  than  the  former.  .  i  ■/ 

the  version  of  17C7  has  followed  the  Prussian  lestament  in  some  of  those       p  Shall  be  beaten  with  many  stripes.]    Sconrffina  was  a  usual  punish- 

partsof  it  which  are  the  least  judicious. — I  know  not  on  what  authority  meat  for  negligent  servants  ;  but  I  cannot  find   that  what  is  properly 

It  has  been  asserted  that  the  word  may  only  signify  conJi>cating  his  called  giving  the  bastinado  was  in  use  among  the  .lews,  thouah  some 

estate.    Wherever  it,  or  any  of  its  derivatives,  occur  in  the  Septuagint,  suppose  it  to  be  referred  to  here.— Brennius  thinks  that  these  worris  have 

it  has  always  the  signification  which  is  here  given  it  by  our  version,  and  a  peculiar  reference  to  the  case  of  ministers,  who  have  such  singular     ^ 

generally  answers  to  the  Hebrew  nriD.    See  Exod.  xxix.  17.  Lev.  i.  8.  advantages  for  knowing  Christ's  will ;  so  that  they  will  certainly  oe  m 

Ezek.  xxiv.  4.    Septuag.  the  number  of  the  most  happy  or  the  most  miserable  of  mankind,     iiiaj 

m  And  appoint  him  his  portion  with  infidels.]    It  has  been  sugsesfed  they  seriously  consider  it,  and  rejoice  with  tremblin<!:  in  those  o'^jyC; 

to  me  by  a  person  of  great  worth  and  eminence,  that  aniinwv  signilies  tions  of  their  office  which  will  draw  after  them  such  solemn  ana  wei„iiii 

«?//<»>/;/)(/;  and  that  had  infidelity,  or  the  disbelief  of  the  gospel,  been  consequences!  ,  ,     .,    ,,,,.    .. ,.„„„! ,,  :„,: 

referred  to  here,  the  word  would  have  been  a-Kia-revovTwv.     But  1  must       q  Shall  he  beaten  indeed,  but  \\\t\\  fewer  strokes.]    {"'t^'^^y.',' 1 

beg  leave  to  observe,  that  avriCTTOir  does  in  several  places  evidently  mates  that  ignorance  will  not  entirely  excuse  any  ^'"°  "?\^  ">  ,J:' ;„ 

signify  unbelieving :  compare  John  xx,  27.  1  Cor.  vii.  12—15.  x.  27.  xiv.  God's  service,  since  they  might  in  general  "a^^  known  at  least  me  nmiu 

22-24.  (where  there  is  an  express  opposition  in  ver.  22.  between  avm-  branches  of  their  duty  ;  as  every  servant  may  '<"""' "f„\"^„"' he  „urh 

Toie  and  7r.<TTeuoi.o-i ;  2  Cor.  vi.  14,  15.  1  1  im.  v.  8.    And  I  cannot  but  kind  of  conduct  his  master  will  approve,  though  some  may  oe  iiiucii 

think  that  the  spirit  of  this  text  is  much  better  expressed  by  such  a  ren-  more  fully  instructed  than  others  as  to  his  particular  pieasuie. 
dcripg;  especially  when  the  next  verse  is  compaied  with  it,  which  shows 


204  THE  EVILS  WHICH  WOULD  BE  OCCASIONED  BY  CHRIST'S  COMING. 

SECT,  eternal  banquet.     Lord,  may  we  through  thy  grace  be  found  worthy  to  taste  of  that  supper !    May  the  Lamb  thai 
114.    is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne  feed  us,  and  guide  us  to  fountains  of  living  water  !    (Rev.  vii.  17.) 

On  the  other  hand,  let  us  seriously  consider  the  punishments  to  be  inflicted  on  the  unfaithful  servant.     Let 

LUKE  ministers,  if  such  there  are,  who  abandon  themselves  to  a  life  of  idleness  and  luxury;  who  stain  their  sacred 
•^^^-  character  by  intemperance ;  who  proudly  censure  their  brethren,  and  either  call  or  wish  for  the  secular  arm  to 
smite  their  fellow-servants,  perliaps  more  faithful  than  themselves — let  such  hear  and  tremble.  Their  Lord  may 
46  come  in  a  very  unexpected  hour ;  (as  indeed,  when  do  such  expect  him  ?)  and  what  are  the  stripes  they  have 
given  others,  wiien  compared  with  those  which  they  shall  themselves  receive  !  stripes  which  shall  cut  them  asunder, 
and  pierce  deep  into  their  very  souls  !  How  much  more  tolerable  will  it  be,  even  for  the  worst  of  Gentile  sinners, 
than  for  such ! 

Let  all  who  are  in  any  measure  distinguished  by  the  gifts  of  the  divine  bounty  to  them,  or  by  their  stations, 
whether  in  civil  or  sacred  offices,  attentively  dwell  on  this  great  truth,  so  solemnly  repeated  again  and  again  :  let 
them  consider  it  with  a  view  to  their  own  account :  To  whomsoever  much  is  given,  of  him  will  much  be  required. 
48  May  divine  grace  so  impress  it  on  their  hearts,  that  they  may  be  distinguished  by  present  fidelity  and  future 
rewards,  in  proportion  to  the  difference  which  Providence  has  already  made  in  their  favour !  And  may  they  never 
have  reason  to  reflect  with  confusion  and  anguish  on  what  is  now  their  honour  and  their  joy ! 


SECTION  CXV. 

Christ  obsen'es  the  evils  which  would  be  occasioned  bj'  his  coming,  yet  declares  his  desire  to  complete  his  work,  and  warns  the  Jews  of  the  great 
danger  of  neglecting  the  short  remainder  of  their  time  of  trial.    Luke  xii.  49,  to  the  end. 

Luke  xii.  49.  L^^^^  ,ii  49 

SECT.  OUR  Lord  further  added  in  his  discourse  to  his  disciples  and  tlie  multitude  :    After  all  r  am  come  to  send  fire  on 
115.    that  I  have  said  to  promote  humanity  and  charity,  yet  it  will  in  fact  appear  that  I  am  come  [f  u  be'^Sready'kinmedT"  ^ 
■'  to  send  fire  on  the  earth  ;  so  opposite  is  my  doctrine  to  the  prejudices  and  the  lusts  of  men, 

LUKE   and  such  are  the  violent  contentions  that  my  gospel  will  occasion,  through  the  wickedness 
'^^40  ^^  those  among  whom  it  is  preached  :  and  yet  ivhat  do  I  wish  1  that  the  gospel  might  be 
suppressed  ?  nay,  but  I  rather  say,  O  that  this  fire,  fierce  as  it  shall  be,  ivere  already 
kindled-^  by  the  universal  propagation  of  a  religion  whose  blessings  so  abundantly  counter- 

50  balance  all  the  accidental  evils  which  can  attend  it !  But  I  have  indeed,  in  the  mean  time,  so  But  l  have  a  baptism  to 
a  most  dreadful  baotism  to  be  baptized  xvith,  and  know  that  I  shall  shortly  be  bathed,  as  it  i^l'r^'-f^ned^tiU  If "b1>''acco"m. 
were,  in  blood,  ana  plimged  in  the  most  overwhelming  distress  :  yet,  far  from  drawing  back  piished ! 

on  that  account,  how  inexpressibly  am  I  straitened  and  uneasy  through  the  earnestness 
of  my  desire,  till,  terrible  as  it  is,  it  he  fully  completed,^  and  the  glorious  birth  produced, 
whatever  agonies  may  lie  in  the  way  to  it ! 

51  But  these  benefits  are  to  be  secured  in  a  very  different  manner  from  what  some  of  you,     si  Suppose  ye  that  t  am 

d-    ,         ■  •  r        1  j^L    J.    T  i        ■  tl  „  „'    tJ     come  to  f;ive  peace  on  earth  r 

_,     isciples,  imagine  :  for  do  you  now  suppose  that  1  am  come  to  give  peace  on  tlie  eurtli,  \  teii  you,  Nay;  but  rather 

or  immediately  to  establish  that  temporal  tranquillity  and  prosi)erity  which  you  expect  division : 
should  attend  the  Messiah's  kingdom  ;<=    '^uy,  hut  considering  how  my  gospel,  notwith- 
standing all  its  tendency  to  peace,  will  be  opposed,  and  how  it  will  be  perverted,  I  may 

52  say  to  r/ou,  that  I  am  rather  come  to  occasion  the  most  unnatural  division.  For  such  are  52  For  from  henceforth 
tlie  contentious  heats  and  animosities  that  will  attend  the  publication  of  the  gospel,  that  dlwdld,  thi^e'licai'nst  u'o* 
ere  long,  five  in  one  family  shall  be  so  divided,  that  there  shall  be  three  against  two  on  the  and  two  against  three. 

53  one  side,  and  two  against  three  on  the  other.  And  this  shall  be  the  case  when  those  53  The  father  shall  be  di- 
families  consist  of  persons  in  the  nearest  relations  to  each  other  :  the  father,  for  instance,  son^'i^ffnTt*\i,e^  t"{i;er"''  Jh| 
shall  differ  with  the  son,  and  the  son  with  the  father ;  the  fondest  mother  with  the  daughicr,  mother  against  the  daughter, 
and  the  daughter  ivilh  the  mother;  the  mother-in-law  with  her  sons  wife,  and  the  daughter-  fno1heV^''the'' m'^other-?n!llw 
in-law  with  her  husband's  inother  ;^  and  so  inveterate  shall  be  their  hatred  against  all  that  against 'her  daughter-in-law, 
embrace  my  gospel,  that  they  shall  break  the  bands  of  nature  as  well  as  of  friendship,  to  against  her  mothlr-fn-iawr*^' 
express  it.    (Compare  Matt."  x.  .34,  35.  p.  142.) 

54  And  he  said  also  to  the  people.  This  perverseness  already  shows  itself  in  your  overlooking  54  And  he  said  also  to  the 
so  many  proofs  of  the  ^Messiah's  appearance  among  you,  while  you  discover  such  a  sagacity  ^s^'ou't  of\Te  'west?s?raight^ 
in  your  observations  with  respect  to  other  things  ;  for  tvhen  you  see  a  cloud  arising  out  (f  way  ye  say.  There  cometh  a 
the  ivest,  or  coming  from  the  Mediterranean  sea,  you  presently  say,  A  heavy  slioiver  is  5'"^^*'-  ^''   so  it  is. 

55  coming  ;e  and  it  is  so.  And  when  [you  find^  the  south  wind  blowing  from  the  desert  of  55  And  when  ye  see  the 
Arabia  and  other  liot  climates,  vo".w/,'r//e;-e  will  he  sultri/  heat ;  and  so  accordingly  it  Th"eWwm  be  "heat  ?  ^ancT'lt 

56  conies  to  pass.     Ye  hypocrites,  that  pretend  to  ask  for  further  signs,  as  if  you  were  really  cometh  to  pass.       ^ 
desirous  to  know  whether  I  be  or  be  not  a  divine  Teacher;  you  know  how  by  such  discen/the'tac"  of't^e  sky 
remarks  as  these  to  distinguish  the  face  of  the  earth  and  of  the  heavens,  so  as  to  foretell  the  f^f^at  "e  do^nVd'i""'n^h'^ 
changes  in  the  weather  before  they  come  ;  hut  how  is  it  that  you  do  not  discern  and  judge  lime"'?  ^*   °  °°     '^"™    "^ 
of  the  much  more  evident  signs  of  this  time,  which  are  attended  with  such  manifest  and 

57  unparalleled  tokens  of  the  Messiah's  coming?  (Compare  Matt.  xvi.  2,  3.  p.  161.)  Yea,  .jfJ^J,^,^-^  "ud* e'^'^^'not  what 
why  is  it  you  do  not  even  of  yourselves  judge  ivhat  is  fit  and  right/  and  gather  from  such  ?s°right?'^^''"  ^'^*"°  *  '' 

a  And  what  do  I  wish?  O  that  it  u-ere  alreMy  kindhd7\    T  think  Sir  posing  he  was  immediately  to  accomplish  it ;  whereas  the  prophecies  of 

Norton  Knatchbull  has  abundantly  established  this  version.  Dr.  Whitby  the  Mew  Testament,  especially  in  the  book  of  itevelalion,  show,  and 

(who  here,  as  in  many  other  places,  transcribes  from  Grotius)  seems  those  of  the  Old  Testament  most  plainly  intimate,  that  this  prosperous 

fully  to  have  proved  that  ci  sometimes  has  this  force.    Compare  Luke  state  of  his  kingdom  was  not  only  to  be  preceded  by  his  own  sufferings, 

xix.  42.  and    Numb.  xxii.  Ct).  Josh.  vii.  7.  Psal.  l.sxxi.   13.    ikftuag.  but  by  a  variety  of  persecutions,  trials,  and  sufferings,  which  should  in 

(Perhaps  we  may  add  Luke  xxii.  42.)    .See  Grotius,  in  lot.  different  degrees  attend  his  followers,  before  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth 

b  How  am  I  straitened  and  imeasy  /;//  it  be  completed!'^    The  word  became,  by  a  general  conversion,  the  kingdom  of  the  Lord  and.  of  his 

(TTOexouai  seems  to  import  an  ardour  of  mind,  witti  which  a  person  is  so  Christ.  (Kev.  xi.  15.)    See  Dr.  Leland's  Jinswer  to  the  Moral  Philoso- 

bome  on  towards  the  object  of  his  afl^ection  and  pursuit,  that  the  neces-  pher,  p.  353 — .366. 

sary  impediments  which  lie  in  his  way  are  uneasy  to  him  ;  compare  2  d  The  mother-in-law  with  her  sov''s  wife, and  the  dnnghter-in-lawteith  her 
Cor.  V.  14. — Mr.  Locke  understands  it  of  a  kind  of  embarrassment  which  husband's  mother. '\  The  original  words,  Tiei'f'tpaand  vuM^n.are  exactly 
^Christ  was  under,  to  know  how  faithfully  to  fulfil  his  ministry,  without  expressed  in  this  translation.  Ihe  English  words  mother-in-law  and 
.♦.*gi\'mg  such  umbrage  to  the  Roman  power  as  would  have  drawn  perse-  daughter-in-law  are  more  extensive,  and  rather,  though  not  necessarily, 
cutioh  and  death  upon  him  before  the  appointed  time  ;  (see  Mr.  Locke's  lead"  us  to  think  of  [noierca,  lunpina]  a  step-dauje,  or  father's  seconil 
Reasbnableness  of  Christianity,  p.  1,34.")  but  this  seems  to  me  a  very  wife,  and  her  husband's  daughter.  Our  Lord  mifiht  mention  this  relation, 
foreign  and  unnatural  sense. — That  which  I  take  it  in  is  also  favoured  because,  in  consequence  of  tlie  obligation  which  the  Jewish  children  were 
by  Luke  xxii.  15.  §  168.  but  if  Grotius,  whose  sense  I  have  hinted  in  the  under  to  maintain  their  aged  parents,  a  young  man  miyht,  when  he  set- 
paraphrase,  judge  rightly  of  the  particular  force  and  beauty  of  the  word  tied  in  tlie  world, often  take  his  mother,  if  a  widow,  into  his  family,  and 
o-m/fxoMai,  it  may  be  illustrated  by  John  xvi.  21.  ^  178.  her  abode  in  it  might  occasion  less  uneasiness  than  that  of  a  mother-in- 

c  Or  immediately  to  establish  that  temporal  tranquillity. &c.]   There  law  in  any  other  sense. 

are  so  many  prophecies  of  tlie  peaceful  state  of  the  Messiah's  kingdom,  e  A  heaiTj  shower    is   coming.']    Ou/3po?  properly   signifies   n  heavy 

(compare  Psal.  Ixxii.  7.  Isa.  ii.  4.  xi.  6— y.  Ixv.  25.)  that  it  is  hard  to  sav  shouer  :  and  Kavawv,  in  the  next  verse,  sultry  or  scorching  heat. 

how  Christ  could  completely  answer  the  character  of  the  IMessiah  if  lie  f  ll'hy  is  it  you  do  not  even  of  yourselves,  *c]    The  phrase  u^'  tav-rav 

should  never  give  peace  on  earth  ;  but  the  error  of  the  Jews  lay  in  sup-  does  not  seem  here  to  signify,  "  From  the  like  principles  of  good  sense 


THE  DANGER  OF  A  CONTINUANCE  IN  IMPENITENCE.  205 

obvious  premises,  how  you  ought  in  reason  and  conscience  to  treat  so  extraordinary  a  SFXT. 
Person  as  I  appear  to  be  from  the  whole  series  of  my  doctrine  and  conduct,  instead  of  115- 
disre£;arding  all  the  proofs  that  sliow  me  to  be  sent  from  God  ? 


56  When  thou  goest  with      Tills,  howcver  you  may  thoughtlessly  neglect  it,  is  a  matter  of  the  utmost  importance  :  LtJKE 
thine  adversary  to  the  magis-  J  jjj^jgt  therefore  enforce  the  exhortation  I  formerly  gave  you,  (Matt.  v.  25,  26.  p.  79.)  and  c^^^' 
g'ive 'du'i<''ence'thaJ"hou  may-  i)ress  you  to  cndeavour,  with  the  greatest  diligence,  that  the  controversy  may  inmiedtately  ^" 
est  be  delivered  from  him ;  ^^q  made  up  between  God  and  your  souls.     For  you  count  it  a  rule  of  human  prudence, 
i^'d  theTudge'deUvVr%h"e"t'(;  ^c/tcti  you  go  to  the  magistrate  ivlt/i  ■your  adversan/  who  has  a  suit  against  you,  to  use  your 
the  officer,  and  the  officer  cast  ,^itmost  endeuvour  to  7iiake  itp  the  affair  with  hims  whde  you  are  yet  on  the  way ;  lest  he 
thee  into  prison.  j.^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^^^   .^^^^^  ^^^j^  ^j^^  judge,  having  found  t])ee  to  be  indeed  accountable, 

59  I  tell  thee,  thou  shalt  deliver  thee  to  the  custody  of  the  ser'jeant,  and  the  serjtant  throw  thee  into  prison.  It  will  59 
not  depart  thence,  till  thou  ^qj  tj-jgn  be  in  thy  power  to  compound  the  matter  upon  gentler  terms,  or  to  get  free  from 
hast  paid  the  very  last  mite.  ^^^^  confinement ;"  but  I  tell  thee  that,  when  he  has  thee  at  such  an  advantage,  thou  shalt 
not  be  able  to  come  out  from  thence,  till  thou  hast  paid  the  very  last  mite  of  the  debt  thou 
owest.h  And  thus,  if  y'ou  are  regardless  of  the  proposals  of  God's  mercy  while  the  day  of 
life  and  grace  is  continued,  nothing  is  to  be  expected  from  the  tribunal  of  his  justice  but 
a  severe  sentence,  which  will  end  in  everlasting  confinement  and  punishment. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

To  what  a  lamentable  degree  is  human  nature  corrupted,  that  so  noble  a  remedy  as  the  gospel,  so  well  adapted  Ver.49 
to  the  cure  of  a  malevolent  and  contentious  disposition,  should  in  so  many  instances  only  irritate  the  disease  !  and 
.that  a  scheme  so  full  of  love  and  goodness,  and  so  well  suited  to  promote  |)eace  and  harmony  in  those  who  cor- 
dially embrace  it,  should  be  opposed  with  all  the  violence  of  persecution,  and  be  the  means  of  introducing  strife 
and  dii'ision ! 

How  monstrous  is  it,  that  any  should  hate  their  neighbours,  yea,  and  their  nearest  relatives,  for  that  disinterested  51,  53 
piety  and  regard  to  conscience  which  might  recommend  strangers  to  their  esteem  and  affection  !  Yet  let  not  those 
who  meet  with  such  injurious  treatment  be  discouraged,  knowing  they  have  a  Father  and  a  Saviour  in  heaven, 
whose  love  is  ten  thousand  times  more  than  all :  nor  let  others  be  offended,  as  if  Christianity  had  been  the  occa- 
sion of  more  evil  than  good  ;  for  such  is  the  nature  of  eternity,  that  the  salvation  of  one  immortal  soul  will  be  more 
than  an  equivalent  for  the  greatest  and  most  lasting  temporal  evils  which  the  greatest  number  of  persons  can  suffer 
for  conscience  sake. 

Let  this  awaken  our  zeal  to  save  souls,  however  great  and  terrible  the  sufferings  are  to  which  it  may  expose  us,  50 
in  proportion  to  the  rage  with  which  the  enemy  is  endeavouring  their  destruction.     May  we  be  animated  in  it  by 
the  example  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  who,  with  a  view  to  this,  even  longed  for  those  sufferings  which  innocent  nature 
could  not  but  regard  as  the  object  of  strong  aversion  ! 

May  we  at  all  times  be  so  wise  as  to  discern  the  evidences  and  to  comply  with  the  purposes  of  the  gospel,  else  54,  56 
our  knowledge  in  natural  things,  should  it  extend  not  only  to  the  most  common  but  the  most  curious  appearances 
on  the  face  of  the  earth  or  the  heavens,  will  turn  to  no  other  account  but  to  shame  and  condemn  us  ! 

If  we  have  any  reason  to  fear  that,  through  obstinate  impenitence,  the  blessed  God  is  still  an  adversary  to  us,  58 
let  us  make  it  our  first  and  greatest  care  that,  by  an  humble  submission  of  soul  to  him  in  the  methods  of  his  gos- 
pel-grace, that  strict  sarutiny  of  his  justice  may  be  jirevented,  and  that  sentence  of  his  wrath  averted,  which  would 
otherwise  plunge  us  into  endless  ruin  and  misery  ;  for  when  could  we  pretend  to  have  paid  the  last  farthing  of  the 
debt  of  ten  thousand  talents,  which  we  have  been  daily  contracting,  and  which  is  charged  to  our  account  in  the 
book  of  his  remembrance  ! 


SECTION  CXVI. 

Christ,  on  the  mention  of  some  calamities  which  had  befallen  others,  warns  his  hearers  of  the  danger  they  were  in  if  they  did  not  repent,  and 
illustrates  it  by  the  parable  of  the  barren  fig-tree.    Luke  .\iii.  1 — 9. 

LuKExiii.i.  "*  Luke  xiii.  1. 

THETiE  were  present  at  that  NO  W,  while  our  feord  was  tlius  discoursing  of  the  necessity  of  being  at  peace  with  God,   sfxt. 
of^T"rrTi'ile%il'^  whosl^'blood  *"'"e  who  were  present  at  that  time,  told  him  of  those  unhappy  Galileans,  the  followers  of    116. 

Pilate  had  ming'ied  with  their  Judas  Gaulonitcs,"  who  had  rendered  themselves  obnoxious  to  the  Roman  power  by  some ■ 

sacrifices.  ^^^^  ^^  principles  of  resistance  to  it;  and  lohose  blood  Pilate  the  governor  had  in  effect   luke 

mingled  with  their  sacrifices,  having  circumvented  and  slain  them  when  they  were  come  to    ^m- 
worship  in  the  temple  at  a  public  feast, 
c  And    Jesus    answering      And  Jesus,  without  making  any  remarks  on  the  cause  in  which  they  were  engaged,  2 
^h''J  ♦"i,"!"  n^!"")'  ^"PP°^^y'^  endeavoured,  with  his  usual  wisdom  and  piety,  to  lead  the  minds  of  his  hearers  into  some 

that  these  Galileans  were  sin-  r.     ,  ,  X        ■  ,  I'.-'i  .j,i  t-v  ,i  ■    i    ^i    ±  ±i 

ners  above  all  the  Galileans,  profitable  reflections  upon  the  event ;  and,  m  reply,  said  to  them,  JJo  you  think  that  these 
thhi'"s'*?  "^^^  suflfered  such  QdiHgdns  were  notorious  sinners  above  all  the  rest  of  the  Galileans,  that  they  suffered  such 

3  "i  tell  you.  Nay:  but  sad  things  as  tliesc,  and  were  cut  off  in  so  miserable  a  manner?    If  you  do,  you  are  very  3 
nke^OTse^perish"''  ^^  ^'"'"  ^"  ""At  to  judge  of  the  conduct  of  Providence ;  for,  howsoever  you  may  censure  them,  as 
shown  hereby  to  be  the  most  enormous  sinners,  I  tell  you.  No ;  you  are  not  to  conclude 
from  hence  this  was  the  case;  but,  except  you  repent,  you  shall  all  perish  thus  ;^  vengeance 

■which  you  use  in  common  affairs,  or  in  matters  relating  to  yourselves :"  mite  was  but  little  more  than  the  third  part  of  an  English  farthing,  and  a 

but  it  seems  an  advance  on  that  thought,  as  if  our  Lord  had  said,  "  Even  sparrow  was  reckoned  worth  four  of  them. 

though  [  had  not  so  expressly  drawn  the  consequence,  yet,  from  the       a  Taid  him  of  those  Galileans,  the  followers  of  .Tudas  Gaulonites.] 

tenor  of  my  doctrine  and  character,  as  well  as  from  my  miracles,  you  .Tosephus  has  given  us  the  story  of  this  .ludas  Gaulonites  at  large,  ilntiq. 

might  have  discerned  yourselves,  that  it  must  be  a  very  wrong  and  very  lib.  xviii.  cap.  1.^1.  (See  also  Bell.  Jud.  lib.  ii.  cap.  8.  [al.  7.]  *j  1.  eap. 

dangerous  thing  to  reject  and  sliglit  me." — Castalio  and  Grotius  coii-  17.  4  8.  and  lib.  vii.  cap.  8.  [al.  (!8.]  Havercamp.^    It  appears  he  was  the 

nect  this  verse  with  the  two  following,  I  think  without  any  reason.  head  of  a  sect  who  asserted  God  to  be  their  only  Sovereign,  and  were  so 

g  Use  yonr  utmost  endeavovr  to  make  vp  the  affair  with  him.} — The-  utterly  averse  to  a  submission  to  the  Roman  power,  that  they  accounted 

ophylact   intimates,  and  Salmasius,  and  after  him   La  Cene,   largely  it  unlawful  to  pay  tribute  unto  Caesar,  and  rather  wmild   endure  (he 

insist  upon  it,  that  5o9  epyao-mv  signifies,  "  Pay  the  interest  as  well  as  greatest  torments   than  give  any  man  the  title  of  lord.    This  .ludas  is 

the  principal  of  thy  debt,  in  order  to  procure  deliverance."    But  Luke  probably  the  person  whom  Gamaliel  refers  to  by  the  name  of  Judas  of^^ 

makes  use  of  another  word  [toko?]  for  vsvry.  (Luke  xix.  23.)  which   I  Galilee,  Acts  v.  37. — Josephus  does  not  mention  the  slaughter  ot  ^||^^B 

think  a  considerable  argument  for  the  common  rendering,  which  is  also  Galileans;   (which,  by  the  way,  makes  Zegerus's   interpretation  ^Bj^^^ 

more  extensive. — kirnWaxOai  signifies  not  merely  anj'  kind  of  deliver-  improbable,  that  they  were  actually  slain  at  tlie  altar  in  contempt  or  llJI!"i 

ante,  but  such  an  agreement  as  secures  the  defendant  from  any  further  temple ;)  but  he  records  an  action  of  Pilate  that  much  resembles  it.  or 

danger  of  prosecution ;  as  Eisner  accurately  shows,  Ohserv.  vol.  i.   p.  the  manner  of  his  treating  the  Samaritans.  Anti//.  lib.  xviu.  cap.  4.  [al. 

237.— Tt  is  well  known  that  a!'Ti<5iKo?  properly  signifies  a  prosecvtor,  or  5.]  i  1. — Perhaps  this  story  of  the  Galileans  might  now  be  mentioneci  to 

one  who  has  a  suit  at  law  against  anotner,  whether  in  a  civil  or  criminal  Christ  with  a  design  of  leading  him  into  a  snare,  whether  lie  snouia 

case.  justify  or  condemn  the  persons  that  were  slain.  „    t    c  t     f 

h   TAf  !€ri/ /a.t<  m!/c  of  the  debt  thou  owesf.]    The  mite  [XciTTOv'i  vias       b   You   shall   all  perish   thus:    iiaavTui^   aTToAeifffle-]    0°"^^.  '•°!'''""j 

the  least  valuable  of  their  coins,  (see  Mark  xii.  42.)  containing  no  more  themselves  with  rendering  it.  You  shall  all  perish  a,  -Mil  "t"'^'' '  ";"' 

than  half  of  their  least  kind  of  farthing,  or  of  their  Koopai/TC?,  or  qua-  possibly  no  more  may  be  intended :  yet  the  rendering  1  prerer  appears 

drans;  which  was  itself  but  the  fourth  part  of  the  as,  or  airo-cipioi/,  or  of  to  be  rriore  literal ;  and  I  the  rather  choose  it,  because  (as  uroiius,  iii- 

the  larger  farthing,  mentioned  Matt.  %.  2y.  and  Luke  xii.  6.  so  that  the  lotson,  Whitbv,  and  many  others  have  observed)  there  was  a  remarK- 


206  THE  DANGER  OF  A  CONTINUANCE  IN  IMPENITENCE. 

SECT,  will  overtake  you  in  your  evil  ways,  and,  in  the  desolating  judgments  that  will  shortly 
116.  come  on  your  w^hole  nation,  the  blood  of  many  of  you  shall  be  mingled  with  your 
sacrifices. 


LUKE       Or,  to  instance  in  another  unhappy  case  that  has  latelv  occurred,  I  mean  that  of  t/iose     4  Or  those  eighteen,  upon 

YTiT         ■,.  1  .,       ,  ■'•'c-i  ,■  II  II    "    ^i     ..  .    J.    jl:,,i.  iU „..„  whom   the  tower   in    biloam 

,  think  ye 
ers  above 
in  Jeru- 


XIII.    eighteen  men  on  whom  the  tower  in  Siloam  fell,  and  slew  them,'-  do  yon  think  thei/  iccre  f^i'i"  ^n^j  siew  them,  think  ye 

■^^      '  •■  II    .1  1  •    I     !•.       .        /.    X  ;  .1  _.    .^i ..1 ,1. »  .1 „.-„  ^i.-ers  above 


A  greater  offenders  than  all  the  other  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  that  they  were  thus  P^ovi- timtjiiey  were^smnen 

5  dentially"  singled  out  for  destruction  ?  I  tell  you,  No ;  you  would  judge  very  rashly,  if  you  saiem^r" 
were  in  general  to  draw  such  conclusions  ;  for  the  best  of  men  may  be  involved  with  others  ^^5^1^  ye'Vepent  j^'shall'lu 
in  temporal  calamities;  but  remember  what  I  told  you  before,  diat  except  you  repent,  you  fik"wise  perish.  ' 

shall  all  perish  thus  ;  you  shall  be  pressed  under  the  insupportable  load  of  the  divine  ven- 
geance, and  be  destroyed  under  the  ruins  of  that  holy  city  in  which  you  trust. 

6  And,  in  order  to  awaken  them  more  effectually  to  such  deep  and  serious  repentance,  he  6  lie  spake  also  this  para- 
spake  this  parable  to  them  :  There  was  a  certain  man  who  had  a  fig-tree  planted  in  his  vine-  lig.tVe^ planted  iu^'his'^vtie^ 
yard ;  and  he  came,  for  several  successive  seasons,  searching  for  fruit  upon  it,  hut  he  found  yaid  ;    and    he   came  and 

7'none.  And  at  length,  despairing  of  any  better  success,  he' said  to  the  keeper  of  the  vine-  foand'none""  *''^''*°"'  ""'^ 
yard.  Behold,  these  three  years  togedier''  I  have  coine  to  look  for  fruit  upon  this  ji"-tree,  and  7  iiien  said  he  unto  the 
stdl  I  find  none  :  cut  it  down  therefore  immediately  as  a  barren  tree  :  for  ivhy  does  it  thus  hoifif th^e  th?eVye"arT  I'come 
cumber  the  ground,  filling  up  the  place  of  more  profitable  plants  with  its  useless  bulk,  and  seeking  tmit  on  this  fi"-tree, 

8  drawing  away  nourishment  from  those  that  grow  round  it  ?  But  such  was  the  concern  of  x"hyVumbe7etiUtthVs.om,d? 
the  vine-dresser  for  its  preservation,  that  he  said  to  him  in  reply.  Sir,  I  desire  thou  wouldst  &  An^i  he  answering  said 
let  it  alone  this  year  also,  till  I  shall  dig  up  the  ground  about  it,  and  lay  dung  to  the  root  of  "hi!°yJa"aiso,' ti'ii  l  shall  dll 

9  it :  And  then  perhaps  it  may  bear  fruit  ;^  and  if  so,'it  is  well,  and  thou  preservest  thy  tree  ;  ab"ut  it,  ami  dung >;.• 

.        .  .  ,.  '       I  ■'.,  ,',,    ■  c-    \  1  i         i    *  J  3    r        n  ii  ■        !■     .u  y  And  it  it  bear  truif.a'c//.- 

but  if  not,  after  this  thou  shall,  if  thou  pleasest,  cut  it  down,  and  1  will  say  nothing  further  and  if  not,  tAen  after  wat 
to  prevent  it.     By  which  parable  our  Lord  did  plainly  represent  to  the  Jews  the  divine  thou  shalt  cut  it  down, 
displeasure  against  them  for  having  neglected  the  many  opportunities  they  had  enjoyed  as 
•    planted  in  the  vineyard  of  God's  church  ;  (compare  Isa.  v.  1,  2.  xxvii.  2,  3.)  and  in  an 
♦  awful  manner  intimated,  that  though  they  had  hitherto  at  his  intercession  been  spared,  yet, 

if  they  coutmued  unfruitful  under  the  additional  cultivation  they  were  shortly  to  receive 
on  the  descent  of  the  Spirit,  and  the  proposal  of  the  gospel  in  its  full  extent  and  evidence/ 
ihey  must  expect  nothing  but  speedy,  irresistible,  and  irrecoverable  ruin. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
Ver.6      \>'hich  of  us  may  not  learn  a  lesson  for  himself  fi-om  this  instructive  parable  of  the  fig-tree?  Have  we  not  long 
been  planted  in  God's  vinevard,  and  favoured  with  the  cultivation  of  his  ordinances,  yea,  with  the  dews  of  his 

7  grace  too ;  and  yet  how  little  fruit  have  we  borne  in  proportion  to  those  advantages !  How  long  has  he  come 
seeking  it  in  vain,  while  we  have  frustrated  die  most  reasonable  expectations,  perhaps  not  only  for  three,  but  several 
of  us  for  more  than  thirty  years  !     Wonderful  is  it  that  the  dreadful  sentence  has  not  long  since  gone  forth  against 

8  us.  Cut  them  down;  why  cumber  they  the  ground?  We  owe  it  to  the  intercession  of  our  ble-^sed Redeemer,  the 
Great  Keeper  of  the  garden  of  God,'  that  this  has  not  long  since  been  our  case.  Let  us  not  be  high-minded,  but 
fear!  (Rom.  xi.  20.)     Let  barren  sinners  reflect  that  this  may  be  the  last  year,  perhaps  indeed  the  last  month  or 

9'last  day,  of  their  trial ;  for  even  now  also  is  the  axe  laid  at  the  root  of  the  tree!  (Matt.  iii.  10.)  And  let  them 
remember,  that  though  there  be  hope  of  a  tree,  when  it  is  cut  down,  that  it  may  sprout  again,  (.lob  xiv.  7.)  yet,  when 
the  doom  is  executed  on  tliem,  their  'root  will  be  as  rottenness,  and  their  blossom  will  go  up  li!:c  dust ;  (Isaiah  v.  24.) 
and  every  tree  which  brings  not  forth  good  fruit  will  be  hewn  down,  and  cast  info  the  f  re. 

2  Let  siich  therefore  meditate  'terror  when  the  judgments  of  God  are  abroad  in  the  earth  ;  and,  when  others  are 
overwhelmed  in  ruin,  let  them  not  harshly  censure" the  sufferers,  as  if  they  were  greater  sinners  than  any  others; 
3,  5  but  let  tliem  apply  tliat  salutary  though  awful  admonition  to  their  own  souls,  repeating  it  again  and  again,  till  they 
are  pricked  to  the  heart  liy  it,  Except  ye  repnit  ye  shall  all  likewise  perish. 

1      Terrible  indeed  was  the  case  of  those  whose  blood  Pilate  mingled  with  their  saci^ficcs,  and  of  tliose  who  were 

4  dashed  to  pieces  in  a  moment  by  the  fall  of  Siloam's  tower :  but  infinitely  more  dreadful  will  be  the  condition  of 
them  that  fall  into  the  hands  of  fhe  living  God,  (Heb.  x.  31.)  especially  of  those  deceivers  who  having  surrounded 
his  altars  "with  hypocritical  forms  of  devotion,  shall  themselves  be  jhade  the  victims  of  his  justice,  and  be  crushed 
by  the  resistless  weight  of  his  almighty  vengeance. 


LUKE 

xiir. 


SECTION  CXVII. 

Christ  cures  a  crooked  woman  in  the  synagogue,  and  vindicates  his  doing  it  on  the  sabbatli-day  ;  and  afterwards  repeats  the  parables  of  the  grain 

of  mustaid  seed,  and  of  the  leaven.    Luke  xiii.  10—22. 

Luke  xiii.  10.  Luke  xiii.  lo. 

SECT.  THUS  our  Lord  went  on  in  his  journey  tlirough  Galilee  for  a  considerable  time;  and  as  ^fYh?si^na|oVueTon1hl"sT 
^^'-    he  ^cas  teaching  in  one  of  the  syn'aaogues  on  the  sabbath-day.     Behold,  there  was  present  a  bath: 

poor  disabled  woman,  who  (as  the  .Tews  used  commonly  to  express  it,  and  was  now  actually  ^  J^!„,f,™'\vhlch''had'a*pTrit 
the  case)  had  been  afflicted  by  a  spirit  of  weakness^  no  less  than  eighteen  years,  and  was  bowed  of  infirmity  eighteen  years, 

able  resemblance  between  the  fate  of  these  Galileans  and  that  of  the  whole  chronology  of  the  TS'ew  Testament,  had  now  lasted  three  j^f-ars :  but  it 

Jewish  nation;  the  Hower  of  winch  was  slain  at  .lerusalem  by  the  Koman  is  certain  the  patience  of  tiod  bore  with  them  much  longer  than  another 

sword  while  they  were  assembled  at  one  of  their  great  festivals  ;  (see  year.    (Irotins  theretore  thinks   it  more   probable   ij  may  refer  to  the 

Joseph.  Be//.  Ji/t/./M.vi.  c«p.u.  [al.vii.  17.]  5. •!,  4.)  and  many  thousands  nature  of  a  tig-tree,  which  it  it  bear  at  all,  ;;enerally  begins  to  do  it 

of  them  perished  in  the  temple  itself,  and  were  (as  their  own  historian  within  three  years  alter  it  is  planted ;  but  ml^ht,  to  be  sure,  be  looked 

represents  it  at  large)  literally  buried  under  its  ruins.  Jo«tph.  Bell.  Jud.  upon  as  barren,  it  it  had   disappointed   the  expectation  of  the  planter 

iib.\\.  cap.  4.  [al.Vii.  10.]  ?  6.  et  cap.  5.  [al.  vii.  11.]  ^  1,  2.  three  years  to2ether  after  the  time  in  which  it  should  have  yielded  truit, 

c  0)1  uhom  the  to-uer  in  Siloam  fell,  and  slew  i/ieni.]    From  the  foun-  which  was  yet  worse.               .        _                                          i    t.  •  '•     .u 

tain  of  Siloam,  which  was  without  the  walls  of  Jerusalem,  a  little  stream  e  Perhaps  it  may  bear  fruit :  k  q-v  ney  voinqn  Kapirov.]    It  is  in  the 

flowed  into  the  city,  (Isa.  viii.  6.)  which  was  received  in  a   kind  of  original  something  of  an  abrupt  way  ot  speaking,  ot  w-hich   Kaphelius 

bason,   which    some    have   thought   to  be   the  same   with  the   pool   of  has  produced  many  examples  ;  ('JHJJOf.ei  JCen.  P.  102,  103.)  but  1  tliink 

Eethesda.  (See  2  Kings  xx.  20.  Neh.  iii.  Ifi.  Isa.  viii.  6.  and  Jolm  v.  2.  the  way  of  rendering  the  idiom  1  have  here  used,  would  suit  it  m  most 

.)     Being  near  the  temple,  it  is  no  wonder  that  many  frequented  it  of  those  instances.      .       ,       ,.       .         „,,,,.          .         ,■ 

Juritication  ;  but  the  calamity  occasioned  by  the  fall  of  the  ntigh-  f  Under  the  additional  cultivation,  S:c.J    The  extraordinary  means 

^..ring  tower  is  not,  that  1  can  find,  mentioned  any  where  but  here  ;  used  to  bring  them  to  repentance  after  the  resurrection  ot  Christ,  by  the 

probably   it  had  happened  at  some  late  feast:   and  some  of  (_'hiist's  effusion  of  his  Spirit  and  the  preaching  ot  the  apostles,  might,  with  great 

hearers  might  then  have  been  at  Jerusalem.— Krasmus  imleed  takes  this  propriety,  be  expressed  by  digging  round  the  barren  tree,  and  applying 

.Siloam  to  have  been  Shiloh,  the   plate  where  the  tabernacle  was  first  warm  compost  or  dung  to  its  roots.                    ,    ,..   •                    j     »  n. 

settle<l,  (Josh,  xviii.  J.  Psal.  Ixxviii.  60.)  but  without  sutiicient  reason  ;  a  iJad  been  afHicted  by  a  spirit  ofzceahiess.^    It  is  very  evident  the 

see   Drusius,  in /oc.—'ihh  last  instance  might  seem   in  some  respects  Jews  apprehended  that  all  remarkable  disorders  ot  body  proceeded  tiom 

more  to  the   purpose  than  the  former,  as  there  was  no  interposition  the  operation  ot  some  malignant  demon.    Perhaps  they  might  draw'  an 

attending  the  death  of  these  men  ;  so  that  it  seemed  more  immediately  argument  from  what  is  said  ot  Satan  s  agency  in  the  aflliction  ot  Job, 

providential  than  that  of  the  Galileans  whom  Pilate  had  massacred.  (chap.  i.  and  ii.)  and  from  Psal.  xci.  6.  (compare  Septuag.)  and  1  .Sam. 

d   These  three  i/ears.^  Many  have  supposed  that  these  words  allude  to  xvi.  14.    'Ihey  also  considered  Satan  as  having //<e/((ijrer  of  death,  Hel>. 

the  time  of  Christ's  personal  ministo',  which,  as  most  have  computed  the  ii.  J4.— Ami  that,  in  some  maladies,  this  w.is  indeed  the  case,  is  inti- 


^    Beth( 
^^^Wuri 


A  CROOKED  WOMAN  CURED  ON  THE  SABBATH-DAY.  207 

and  wa.5  bowed  togetiier,  and  together  in  SO  sad  a  manner,  that  from  the  time  it  first  seized  her,  she  was  utterly/  unable  to  SECT, 

could  iu  no  wise  lift  up  her-  j-f^i^g  herscIf  Upright,^  Or  to  Stand  straight.  117. 
''li  And  when  Jesus  saw  her,      A)ul  Jesiis  Seeing  her,  and  intimately  knowing  all  the  sad  circumstances  of  her  affliction, 


Light  to  work :  in  fhem  unto  the  people,  There  are  six  days  on  which  the  common  ivork  of  human  life  mmt  he  done ; 
ron°thlsa'bbath'-day.'''  On  some  of  theae  therefore  you  may  surely  find  time  to  cowe  and  be  healed,  and  should  not 


unto^'ir' '' w''lnan"'  thoVart  ^"^  ^'^^  difficulty  with  which  slie  was  then  come  to  attend  the  solemnities  of  divine  worship    luke 
loos°d'from  thine"iniirn.V.'^   there,  called  her  to  him,  and  said  to  her.  Woman,  thou  art  loosed  from  that  affliction  which    ^^^^• 

i-i  And  he  laid  /lis  hands  thou  hast  long  been  under  by  reason  of  thi/  weakness  and  malady.     And  as  he  was  speak-  13 
wJ'm.'/p^'lr^r.Sr'iind'^'inri''  iug  thesB  words, /jg /«ic? /(is  hdndx  upon  her,' and  immediately  she  was  strengthened,  and  made 

Wets   (Iicldc  aUai  —  lJlt  aUU   glUl  l-O  ii/»i  11"  i  .  l"l>i 

fied  God.  Straight ;  so  that  she  stood  before  them  all  m  an  erect  posture,  and  moved  with  as  much 

ease  and  freedom  as  if  she  had  never  been  disabled  :  and,  as  was  most  reasonable,  she  in 
a  very  affectionate  manner  glorified  God  before  the  whole  assembly;  praising  him  for  so 
signal  and  unexpected  a  favoui-',  and  declaring  how  long  her  illness  had  continued,  and 
how  desperate  and  incurable  it  was  thought. 

14  And  the  ruler  of  the      But  a  ruler  of  the  si/vagonue,'^  instead  of  joining  in  acknowledgments  of  the  divine  14 
dTgnlt'ion''b''ec'ause1h"t*J«\"s  power  and  goodness  displayed  in  that  gi-acious  action  of  onr  Lord,  was  moved  with  indig- 
had  healed  on  the  sabbath-  nation,  which  he  endeavoured  to  disguise  under  the  form  of  piety  and  zeal ;  and,  as  if  he 
fera'lf  lfx"dlysTn''whid;  Only  had  been  angry  because  Jesus  had  healed  her  on  the  sabbath-dat/,  he  answered  and^  said 
men  ough 
therefore  ( 
and  not  oi. ^ .  .,  .  .  -  . 

make  these  applications  on  the  sabbath-dat/,  which,  you  know,  is  appropriated  to  tlie  sacred 
purposes  of  religious  rest  and  worship. 

15  The  Lord  then  answered       Then  the  Lord  answered  him  with  a  just  severity,  mid  said,  Thou  hi/pocrite,  who  thus  15 
crhe^  doth  n'l>\''each  one  o?wu  makest  thy  pretended  zeal  for  the  honour  of  divine  institutions  a  specious  cloak  for  thy 

on  the  sabbath  loose  his  ox  or  malice  against  me,  art  thou  not  self-condemned  ?  Does  not  every  one  of  you,  even  the 

lead^lL^aw'to  witer'inl"'^  Pliarisees  and  rulers  of  synagogues  among  the  rest,*!  without  any  ^scruple  or  blame,  loose 

his  ox  or  his  ass  from  the  manger,  and  lead  him  away  to  drink  on  the  sabbath-day,  as  well  as 

on  any  other :  tliough  the  work  be  more  sei-vile  than  what  I  have  done,  and  the  occasion 

16  And  ought  not  this  wo-  far  less  important?  ^ Nojv,  if  you  have  such  a  regard  to  the  thirst  of  one  of  your  cattle,  was  16 
Abraham'"whonf  s^almfhath  '^  ""^  much  more  apparently  ^V  that  this  good  ivoman,  who  is  a  believing  daughter  of 
bound,    io,   tiiese  "eTghte^en  Abraham,  wliom  Satan  by  the  divine  permission  has  bound  in  this  cruel  manner,  lo  for  these 
K%n''the'sabbith™ay?''"'^  eighteen  years  together,  should  be  loosed  from  this  bond  even  on  the  sabbath-day,  especially 

wnen  it  might  be  effected  without  any  labour,  by  no  more  than  a  word  and  a  touch  ? 
n  And  when  he  had  said      And  when  he  had  said  these  things,  all  his  opposers  were  ashamed,  and  perfectly  con-  17 
these  things,  aU  his  adversa-  founded  by  the  strenath  of  such  obvious  and  conclusive  reasoning :  and  all  the  multitude 
the  people/ejoiced  for  all  tfie  who  were  present  rcjoiced  in  his  triumph ;  for  they  were  greatly  delighted  with  all  the 
glonous  things  that  were  done  vvonderful  and  glorious  tilings  that  were  done  by  him,  in  which  there  was  so  amiable  a 

displayof  his  goo'lness  as  well  as  his  power. 

18  Then  said   he,    Unto      Now  on  this  occasion,  for  the  further  encouragement  of  his  friends,  and  confusion  of  his  18 
iTke**  iVci'^wfem,"to°shaU°l  enemies,  our  Lord  thought  i^roper  to  intimate  the  great  increase  of  his  kingdom,  notwith- 
resemble  it?  Standing  the  malignant  opposition  it  should  meet  with,  which  he  illustrated  by  two  para- 
bles formerly  delivered  elsewhere :  and  he  said.  To  what  is  the  kingdom  of  God  like,  and 
what  shall  I  compare  it  to  ?  or  how  is  it  tliat  I  shall  represent  the  propagation  of  the  gospel 

19  It  is  like  a  grain  of  mus-  in  the  world  ?     It  is  like  a  grain  of  mustard-seed  which  a  man  took  and  sowed  in  his  garden ;  1 9 
^n'ri  ;l^^'*inTn 'ht.  aarH^in  •  Thh'  md  from  SO  miuute  a  seed  it  grew  to  a  prodigious  bulk,  and  became  such  a  great  tree,  that 

it  grew,  and  waxed  a  great  the  birds  of  the  air  Came  and  lodged  in  its  branches.     Iso  shall  my  kingdom,  which  in  its 
lod^4d"n  t\^lbrm.ci°esofif'"  ^fst  beginning  seems  to  be  contemptible,  diffuse  itself  in  time  over  the  whole  world,  and 
the  inhabitants  of  distant  nations  shall  seek  their  shelter  in  it.     (Compare  Matt.  xiii.  31, 
32.  and  Mark  iv.  30—32.  p.  127.) 
CO  And    again    he    said,      And  aiioin  he  Said,  To  what  else  shall  I  liken  the  kingdom  of  God,  of  which  I  have  now  20 
idn'^ldom  ofGod'?^  '"''"  "'^  teen  speaking?  or  how  shall  I  describe  the  efficacy  of  its' doctrine  ?     It  is  like  a  little  21 

21  It  is  like  leaven,  which  quantity  of  kaven  which  a  ivoman  took  and  covered  up  in  a  mass  of  dough,  consisting  of 
fhrre°measu?et  ormeaiMu  "o  less'than  three  measures  of  meal;  and  yet  it  insinuated  and  diffused  itself  throughout 
the  whole  was  leavene<i.'        till  the  whole  lump  ivas  leavened.     So  shall  the  gospel  make  its  way,  and,  by  a  secret 

influence,  shall  spread  its  efficacy  through  the  hearts  of  men,  till  it  has  changed  them  into 
a  likeness  to  itself     (Compare  Matt.  xhi.  33.  p.  127.) 

22  And  he  went  througii      And  tlius  he  Went  through  all  the  principal  cities  and  villages  of  Galilee,  teaching  them  22 
ing.'aiid  jourueyfn^^'toward  wheresoever  he  came,  and'~travelling  on  toward  Jerusalem ;  to  which  he  had  now  begun  to 
Jerusalem.  °  Steer  his  course,  as  he  intended  to  be  there  at  the  approaching  feast  of  the  dedication, 

(John  X.  22.  sect,  cxxxiv.)  and  to  spend  the  little  remainder  of  his  time  during  his  con- 
tinuance upon  earth  in  that  city,  or  the  neighbouring  parts ;  no  more  returning  to  these 
northern  regions  till  he  ajjpeared  here  after  his  resurrection. 

IMPROVEMENT.  # 

Again  do  we  see,  in  a  very  instructive  instance,  the  power  and  goodness  of  Christ.    It  wrought  on  a  poor  V''er.l2 
despised  creature ;  but  our  Lord  considered  her  as  a  daughter  of  Abraham,  and  honoured,  even  in  her,  whatever  \c 
traces  of  her  father  Abraham's  faitli  and  piety  his  penetrating  eye  might  discern.     Her  zeal  and  willingness  to 
attend  on  public  worship  brought  her  out,  though  she  could  not  stand  upright,  and  had  probably  in  that  respect  n 
a  much  better  excuse  for  staying  at  home  than  many  could  make  who  now  often  absent  themselves  from  the  much 
nobler  services  of  the  christian  sanctuary. 

mated  by  our  Lord's  reply  here,  ver.  16.  and  by  St.  Paul's  words,  gogue ;   but  not  without  a  reserve  of  appeal  to  the  several   superior 

1  Cor.  V.  5.  where  he  speaks  of  delivering  an  offender  to  Satan  for  the  courts.  ,  If  of  these  three  there  \yas  any  one  who  had  a  .iistmguished 

destruction  of  the  flesh.— 1  he  topic  is  veiy  iudiciously  handled  by  that  authority,  and  might,  by  way  of  eminence,  be  called  the  rn/cr  oj  the 

illustrious  writer  Mr.  Howe ;  (see  his  Works,  vol.  ii.  p.  360,  361 ;)  and  synagoyue,  it  is  strange  the  Jewish  writers  omit  to  mention  it,  vl\^K\^,M 

there  are  some  curious  and  entertaining  remarks  in  Wolfius  on  this  text,  tar  as  I  can  recollect,  thj^  never  do.    See  Wolfaus  on  this  text,  ana 

b  Utterly  muihle  to  raise  herself  upright.']    1  his  version  of  jir|  SuyaMevn  Vitr'msn.  Synag.  Vet. -p.  S&O.  ., 

a.vaKv^ai  £.9  to  ,rai-T.X£9,  seems  preferable  to  that  other  which  the       d  Even   the    Pharisees    «°'\'-"'e'-s  of  synagogues   aniong    he    res^^ 

words  6,9  TO  wavTeAce  might  bear,  "  She  could  vot  lilt  herself  up,  so  as  Had  not  this  been  generally  the  case,  the  answer  would  not  lia^eneen 

to  bUnd  perfectly  straight."    (Compare  Heb.  vii.  M.  Gr.)    For  on  the  sulhcient  for  conviction  in  the  present  circunistance.    Perhaps  tmnii^ 

rendering  1  have  given,  which  is  equally  literal,  the  miracle  appears  might  that  very  day  have  been  pertorming  such  an  ottire  tor  one  or  nis 

much  more  important  than  on  the  other.  •  cattle  with  his  own  hands  :  I  sav,  aillihts  own  ''""'''  i^lf'^ ^^Xl%^l 

c  A  ruler  of  the  synagogue.]     It  is  plain  that  there  were  several  rulers  means  essential  to  his  being  a  ruler  of  'I'e  synagogue  that  nesnouu. 

of  the  same  synagoaue.    (Compare  Mark  v.  C2.   Acts  xiii.  1,5.  xviii.  8,  person  ot  wealth  or  dignity,  in  common  lite;  '»o"Sh  proDaDiy  m  la  ^c 

17.)    And  Dr.  Lightfoot  and  Vitringa  have  observed  that,  in  every  town  and  splendid  cities,  (such,  tor  instance,  '^, '-''P^"??"!^,)  na'ssa"es  from 

■where  there  was  a  synagogue,  there  were  at  least  ten  men   who  were  sons  might  generally  be  chosen.— (-ritics  ha^e  co'itt;"'  lf^„  ,  ^         t 

obliged  constantly  to  attend  on  the  public  worship  in  it.    Of  these,  three  rahbmical  writers    in  which  they  allow  it  to  be  law  rui  lo  tee  i 

werecalledr«/m-,  who  presided  in  directing  the  worship,  and  judged  ot  a  beast  on  the  Sabbath-day.    See  Light  oot,iii'ri/e»r.  on  m^^^^^^ 

such  little  disputes  and  litigations  as  mightbe  determined  in  the  syna-  where  he  shows  tliey  wore  expressly  allowed  even  to  oraw  wai. 


208  THE  DIFFICULTY  OF  ENTERING  INTO  THE  KINGDOM  OF  HEAVEN. 

SECT.  She  met  with  Christ  in  the  synagogue,  and  returned  with  a  cure.  And  oh,  how  many,  as  the  effect  of  such  a 
117.  pious  zeal,  though  they  have  not  been  loosed  from  their  infirmities,  have  at  least  been  greatly  strengthened  to  bea^ 
—  them. 


LUKE       Our  Lord  says,  that  Satari  had  bound  her.    That  malignant  enemy  to  our  bodies  and  souls  rejoices  in  any  opppr- 
-^^^Jg  tunity  of  hurting  either.     But  it  is  pleasing  to  think,"that  his  power  is  always  under  the  control  of  Christ;  akid 

therefore  shall  never  be  exercised  on  his  people  any  further  than  their  gracious  Redeemer  sees  it  consistent  w^th 

their  good,  and  will  take  care  to  render  it  subservient  to  it. 

1 4  How  gravely  does  this  ruler  of  the  synagogue  instruct  the  people  in  a  point  of  ceremony,  while  his  heart  was  ful 

15  of  enmity  to  Christ,  and  hardened  against  every  sentiment  of  human  compassion  !    Justly  was  his  hypocrisy  con- 
founded and  exposed. 

We  should  with  pleasure  see  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  thus  victoriously  breaking  through  those  clouds  which 
18,  21  envy  and  malice  had  raised  to  obscure  him,  and  diffusing  his  sacred  light  from  one  end  of  the  heavens  to  the  other. 
With  pleasure  should  we  view  the  accomplishment  of  these  parables  which  represent  the  success  of  his  gospel  as 
so  great ;  and  vi^e  should  daily  pray,  with  increasing  earnestness,  that  all  the  remaining  nations  and  kingdoms  of 
this  world  may  at  length  become  the  kingdoms  of  the  Lord  and  of  his  Christ ;  and  sincere  converts  flock  to  him 
from  every  side,  even  as  doves  to  their  windows  !  (Rev.  xi.  15.  and  Isa.  Ix.  8.) 


SECTION  CXVIII. 


Chiist  warns  his  hearers  of  the  difficiiltv  and  importance  of  entering  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  and  is  not  intimidated  by  the  fear  of  Herod 

from  pursuing  liis  work.    Luke  xiii.  23,  to  the  end. 

Luke  xiii.  23.  Luke  xiii.  23. 

SECT.  AND,  as  Jesus  was  proceeding  in  his  journey  towards  Jerusalem,  where  he  designed  to  then  said  one  unto  him, 
118.    be  present  at  the  feast  of  the  dedication,^  being  attended  by  several  of  his  disciples,  in  a  slaved  ?'''"Al!d''he*^'sIid''^unto 

pretty  large  compass  which  he  took  by  the  way,  one  of  them  said  to  him,  Lord,  are  there  them, ' 

LUKE    \biit^  few  that  shall  be  saved?     Surely,  if  thy  kingdom  be  so  extensive  as  diese  parables 
^^^\o  intimate,  (see  ver.  19,  21.)  the  number  must  be  very  considerable. 

But  he  said  to  them,  Instead  of  amusing  yourselves  with  such  curious  inquiries  with 
relation  to  others,  attend  to  what  more  nearly  concerns  you,  and  be  solicitous  to  secure 

24  your  owh  safety  :    And  let  me  urge  it  upon  you,  that  you  exert  your  utmost  strength  to     24  strive  to  enter  in  at  the 
enter  in  at  the  strait  gate,^  which  I  formerly  mentioned  as  leading  to  eternal  life,  (IVIatt.  unri'you^wiaVJerfo  Infe^ 
vii.  14.  p.  88.)  and  strain,  as  it  were,  every  nerve  to  break  your  way  through  those  enemies  in,  and  shall  not  be  able. 
who  are  always  ready  to  oppose  your  passage  -.for  I  seriously  tell  yon,  the  time  is  coming 

when  mami  xinll  importunately  seek  to  enter  in,<^  and  shall  not  be  able  to  do  it. 

25  And,  howsoever  they  may  now  despise  and  trifle  with  the  means  of  grace,  this  will  e.5  When  once  the  Master 
hereafter  be  the  case,  even  with  the  most  stupid  and  negligent  of  mankind,  as  soon  as  ever  hath  IhuTto  the 'doOT,'and'*ye 
the  great  Lord  and  Master  of  the  ftmili/  shall,  as  it  were,  have  risen  up  from  his  seat,  and  be;;'"  'o  s'='"d  without,  and 
with  his  own  authoritative  hand  shall  liave  shut  and  barred  the  door  ;<^  and  you,  among  the  Lord?''LoTd! 'open"  untd*  us^' 
rest,  shall  begin  to  stand  without,  and  to  knock  at  the  door,  saying,  with  great  earnestness,  JJJ'^'j*^ ''*'  ^^'"^l  answer  and  say 
Lord,  Lord,  we  beseech  thee  open  to  us  :  but  you  will  cry  in  vain,  and  he  who  now  so  whent^^ye  are  -^""^  ■^°"  "° 
graciously  invites  and  waits  upon  you,  shall  then  ?rply  to  you,  1  know  you  not,  who  you 

are,  or  from  whence  you  are  come  ;  but  determine  to  treat  you  as  strangers,  for  whom  I 
have  no  friendship  or  regard,  and  who  have  never  been  approved  by  me. 

26  Some  of  you  may  perhaps  then  plead  an  intimate  acquaintance  and  professed  friendship,  26  Then  shall  ye  begin  to 
and  urge  the  privileges  tliat  you  once  enjoyed,  and  the  conspicuous  figure  you  made  m  drank  Tn  thy "prelenc",  and 
his  church  :  but  if  any  of  you  can  carry  it  so  far  as  that  you  shall  begin  to  say.  Lord,  ive  thou  hast  taught  in  our  streets. 
have  eaten  and  drank  in  thy  presence  in  a  familiar  manner,''  and  thou  hast  thyself  lived 

among  us,  and  often  taught  m  our  streets  and  houses,  so  that  thou  canst  not  sure  have 

27  forgot  us  :  Nevertheless,  he  will  persist  in  disowning  you,  and  say,  I  tell  you  attain,  J  kno^v     27  But  he  shall  say,  i  tell 
you  not,  and  whatsoever  you  pretend  to,  1  regard  not  whence  you  are ;  all  the  former  rela-  ^|."!,y^  i'^Jfe'Iia^rfrom  me^"aU 
tion  to  which  you  refer  is  (as  it  were)  blotted  from  my  remembrance,  since  your  hearts  ye  workers  of  iniquity, 
were  still  insincere,  and  your  lives  unsuitable  to  your  fair  professions  ;  and  therefore  depart 

from  vie,  all  ye  that  habitually  practise  iniquity  ;  for  none  of  your  character  shall  ever  be 
'admitted  here.     (Compare  Matt.  vii.  22,  23.  p.  89.) 

28  Tins  awful  word,  how  little  soever  you  may  now  regard  it,  shall  wound  you  to  the  heart,  28  There  shall  be  weeping 
and  throw  you  into  agonies  of  everlasting  despair  :  and  there  shall  be  the  bitterest  iveeping  ye^sGf  see^  Abraham .^''am'i 
and  gnashing  of  the  teeth  for  madness  and  rage,  whoi  you  shall  see  your  holy  ancestors,  "Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  all 
Abraham,  and' Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  all  the  prophets  of  the  succeeding  ages,  <h  "actual  pos-  ,',t*Go'd,'''and  'yoa%m"n^l't^t 
session  of  the  kingdom  of  God ;  and  shall  find  yourselves  cast  out  witli  contempt,  and  thnist  thrust  out. 

29  back  with  just  indignation.  Yea,  they  shall  come  from  the  most  distant  heathen  lands,  even  29  And  they  shall  come 
from  the  east  and  the  west,  and  from  the  north  and  the  south,  and  shall  sit  doivn  in  joyful  wes"  and  from  thl'^nSh!  ami 

multitudes,  to  partake  of  the  heavenly  banquet  with  your  pious  ancestors  in  the  kingdom  from  the  south,  and  shail  sit 
of  God,  while  you  are  utterly  excluded  from  it.  (Compare  INIatt.  vhi.  11,  12.  and  note  f,  ^°^"' '"  "^"  kingdom  of  God. 
p.  108.) 

30  And,  behold,  this  shall  be  the  case  not  only  of  a  few,  but  of  great  numbers  ;  for  therr  are  30  And.  behold,  there  are 
many  who  are  now  last  in  point  of  religious  advantages,  that  shall  then  be  first  in  honour  }h|rJlre  firs't''wh'icii\'^im'ir  be 
and  happiness  ;  and  there  are  many  who  now  appear  _first,  that  shall  then  be  found  last, —  last. 

their  beasts;  a  much  more  laborious  work  than  leading  them  to  it.    See  and  awakening!  Compare  1  Cor.  ix.  25.  Col.  i.  29.  1  Tim.  vi.  12.  and 

also  Wotton's  Misccll.  vol.  ii.  p.  41 — 46.  2  Tim.  iv.  7. 

a  Where  he  designed  ti)  be  present  at  the  feast  of  the  dedication.]  Mr.  c  Mtmy  ni//  aeek  to  enter  in.']    The  Prussian  Version  renders  it.  shall 

Whiston  and  some  others  place  the  following  passages  in  a  different  try,ov  attempt:   but   I  apprehend  from  the  context,  that  it  refers  to 

order,  and  introduce  them  after  this  feast;  but  it  does  not  appear  that  imi>ortunate  entreaties  when  they  were  actually  excluded,  rather  than 

Christ  was  ever  in  Galilee  before  his  resurrection,  after  this  journey,  to  feeble  attempts  now  ;  though  it  is  an  awful  truth,  that  these  likewise 

He  was  indeed  at  Ephraim.or  Ephrem  ;  (.lohnxi.54.  §141.')  but,  as  that  will  he  unsuccessful. 

city  lay  on  the  confines  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  at  no  great  distance  d  The  master  of  the  family,  ^c]    There  is  a  majesty  and  pathos  in  this 

from  .lerusalem,  (Liahtfoot's  Disqvisit.  Chorogr.  in  Joan.  rap.  vii.  i  1.)  passage,  as  in  many  others,  which  no  paraphrase  can  retain,  in  which 

the  argument  which  Mr.  Wliiston  draws  from  thence   in  favour  of  his  the  very  words  of  our  lord  do  not  make  a  part. 

order  must  be  very  inconclusive.    See  Whistou's  Harmony,  p.  .385  and  e   Ue  have  eaten  and  drank  in.  thy  presence.]   Perhaps  some  of  the  nine 

402.  thousand  whom  he  had  fed  by  miracle  may  at  last  lie  in  this  miserable 

b  Etert  your  ■utmost  slrenqth  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate.]    The  origi-  number.  ("Compare  .lohn  vi.  26.) — Hreiinius  refers  it  to  their  liaving  eaten 

nal  word  a7(»i'ift<7(*c  fully  expresses  this.     It  imports  the  act  of  contend-  the  sacrifices  presented  to  God  acconliug  to  the  Mosaic  constitution.  — 

ing  in  the  most  ardent  and  resolute  manner  with  antagonists  in  games.  But  different  persons  may  use  this  plea  in  different  senses ;  and  the.v 

or  in  war  ;  and  may  well  intimate,  that  the  strait  gate  is  beset  with  a  who,  while  their  hearts  were  hardened  in  impenitence  and  unbelief,  have 

variety  of  enemies,  through  which,  if  we  aspire  to  a  crown  of  eternal  profaned  the  Lord's  supper  by  an  unworthy  participation  of  it,  will  find 

glory,  we  must  break  a\u\  force  our  way;  a  representation  equally  just  asad  sense  peculiarto  themselves,  though  it  niightnotbechiefly  intended. 


CHRIST'S  LAMENTATION  OVER  THE  IMPENITENCE  OF  JERUSALEM.  209 

and,  on  account  of  their  abused  privileges,  shall  appear  as  the  most  infamous  and  miserable  SECT, 
of  mankind.     (Compare  Matt.  xix.  30.  and  Mark  x.  31.  sect,  cxxxvii.)  118. 

1  The  same  day  there  came      These  things  our  Lord  Said  in  his  journey  through  Galilee  towards  Jerusalem  ;  making  ■ 


certain  of  the  Pharisees,  say-  ^^^ny  pauses  in  his  wav,  that,  m  consequence  or  the  shortness  ot  his  stages,  he  might  have  luke 
ami  "eTart'lTenSf  for  Herod  an  opportunity  of  greater  usefulness.  And  it  came  to  pass  on  that  dm/  when  he  uttered  g^^"- 
will  liiu  thee.  these  discourses,  some  of  the  F/tarisees  came,  and  that  they  might,_if  possible,  intimidate 

and  drive  liim  to  a  distance,  they.s«ic^  to  him.  Go  forth,  and  depart  from^  hence  viA\\  all  pos- 
sible speed,  into  the  territories  of  some  other  prince,  for  Herod  the  tetrarch,  in  whose 
dominions  thou  art,  is  at  this  very  time  determined  to  kill  thee,^  as  he  did  John  the  Baptist, 
thy  friend  and  associate,  and  seeks  but  an  opportunity  to  effect  it. 
3"  And  he  said  unto  them.      But  Jesus  was  SO  far  from  being  at  all  alarmed  at  this  intimation,  that  he  said  to  them  32 
Go've,  and  tdi  that  fox.  Be-  ^jt}^  ^^g^t  steadiness,  Go  and  tell  that  fox,  that  crafty,  wicked,  and  voracious  prince, 
do  cufertida^-'mid  to-i^ior    Beliold,  I  cast  Old  dcmons,  and  perform  cures  ii.  thy  dominions  to-dai/  and  to-morrow,  and 
row,  and  the  third  rfffj/ 1  shall  carry  On  my  woi'k  a  little  while  longer,  and  the  third  dai/  I  shall  be  perfected;?  for  the 
be  perfected.  appointed  time  will  quickly  come  when  I  shall  finish  my  course,  and  have  done  all  that 

3.3  Nevertheless    I    must  I  intend  here.     In  the  mean  while  he  may  well  allow  me  a  licence  to  stay  in  his  territories  33 

walk  to-day,  and  to-morrow,  gg  Xon^^  at  least  on  such  kind  and  gracious  designs  ;  or  howsoever  he  may  be  unwilling  to 

ft"cannot''bf  {hat''l"prophet  allow  k,  vet  nevertheless  I  must  go  o«  in  this  leisurely  progress  (as  I  just  now  said)  to-dai/ 

perishoutof  .lerusalem.        ^^^j^  to-morrow,  and  the  third  day,  till  the  determined  season  comes  in  which  my  ministry 

shall  be  fulfilled:  nor  do  I  fear 'the  effects  of  Herod's  malice-  /o?-  it  cannot  he  supposed 

that  a  prophet  should  perixh,  or  be  put  to  death,  any  where  out  ofJerusale7n,^—ih!it  unhappy 

city,  the  seat  of  the  supreme  court,  challenging  as  it  were  to  itself  the  sad  prerogative  of 

being  the  slaughter-house  of  the  messengers  of  God. 

34  o  .Terusaiem,  Jerusa-      And  upon  this,  turning  in  thought  at  least  towards  Jerusalem,  though  it  lay  at  the  dis-  34 

lem,  which  kiliest  the  pro-  ^^nce  of  SO  many  miles,  he  took  up  a  most  affectionate  lamentation  over  it,  and  said,   O 

are  sent^'untoTel';  how  ofte!*n  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  thou  guilty  and  miserable  city !  ivho,  though  thou  hast  been  distin- 

Tid''  ^  t'Teth*?^'aTa  hen  g^ished  by  divine  favours  beyond  any  place  on  earth,  yet  with  the  utmost  ingratitude  and 

Joih  'ff«t/ie7Lr%'rold  unde"  cruelty  slui/est  the  prophets,  and  stonest  as  the  vilest  malefactors  those  who  are  sent  unto  thee 

her  wings,  and  ye  would  not!  ^^  ^-^^  ambassadors  01  God  !     Jiow  often  would  I  have  gathered  t/u/  children  together  unto 

myself  with  all  the  tenderness  of  parental  love,  and  have  sheltered,  comforted,  and  cherished 

them,  even  as  a  hen  [gathers]  her  little  brood  of  chickens  under  her  tvi7igs  !  yet  you  were 

still  regardless  of  the  "offers  of  my  grace,  and  would  not  be  persuaded  to  hearken  to  my 

.35  Behold,  your  house  is  call,  and  to  accept  my  favour.     And  now,  alas,  behold  with  awful  dread,  and  remark  the  35 

l^ril""'f  s^"  unto'^'ou  T'e  prediction  and  event,  your  house  is  left  unto  you  desolate;  and  the  hour  is  just  at  hand 

shlii^not  \Te  me?  until  {the  when  vour  children  whom  I  would  have  gathered  to  myself  shall  perish,  and  your  temple 

/ime  come  when  ye  shall  say   gj^g^jj  ^,g  utterly  destroyed;  and  in  the  mean  time   I  assuredly  say  unto  you,  Tliat  I  will 

the  name  of  the  Lord.  quickly  cease  my  labours  among  you,  and  retire  in  such  righteous  displeasure,  that  you. 

sludl  see  me  no  more,  till  the  time  come  when,  taught  by  your  calamities,  you  shall  be  ready 

and  disposed  to  say,  Blessed  [be]  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord}  and  shall  in  vain 

wish  for  the  succour  of  him  whom  you  now  despise.    (Compare  Matt,  xxiii.  37 — 39.  sect. 

clviii.) 

IMPROVEMENT. 

And  who  would  not  welcome  such  a  Saviour,  when  he  appears  on  so  kind  a  design !    Who  would  not  bless  him  \"er.  35 
that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  to  gather  our  souls  with  the  tenderest  care,  and  to  shelter  us  from  wrath  and  34 
ruin !  that  Saviour  whose  bowels  yearned  over  us,  and  whose  heart  poured  forth  its  blood  for  us !     Too  many 
reject  him,  and  will  not  hearken  to  the  kindest  calls  of  his  compassionate  voice.     Unhappy  creatures !  the  time 
will  come  when  they  too  late  will  be  convinced  of  their  fatal  error. 

Let  each  of  us  be  solicitous  for  himself.     Away  with  those  vain  curiosities  which  serve  only  to  amuse  and  dis-  23 
tract  our  thoughts.     Let  us  call  and  fix  them  down  to  the  great  concerns  of  our  own  salvation  :  and,  if  we  would 
secure  it,  let  us  prepare  to  encounter  difficulties,  and  strive^  as  for  our  lives,  to  break  through  all  the  opposition  of  24 
our  enemies,  and  resolutely  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate.     How  many  have  sought  it  when  the  door  has  been 
barred !  and  how  soon  may  tlie  great  Master  of  the  house  arise  and  shut  it  for  ever  against  those  who  are  yet  25 
trifling ! 

Let  not  hypocrites  tmst  in  vain  words.     The  workers  of  iniquity  shall  be  disowned  by  Christ  at  last,  though  26,  27 
they  may  have  eaten  and  drunk  in  his  presence.     But  oh,  who  can  express  the  disappointment,  the  rage  and 
despair  of  those  who  fall  from  such  towering  hopes,  and  plunge  as  from  the  very  gates  of  heaven,  into  the  lowest  28,  29 
abyss  of  darkness  and  horror.     Their  hearts  will  endeavour  to  harden  themselves  in  vain  ;  their  doleful  cries  shall 
be  distinguished  in  that  region  of  universal  horror !  but  they  shall  not  penetrate  the  regions  of  the  blessed,  nor 
inten-upt  the  delight  with  which  even  the  dearest  of  their  pioiis  relatives  shall  sit  down  in  the  kingdom  of  God. 

If  we  through  grace  have  more  substantial  hopes,  let  us  imitate  the  zeal  and  courage  of  our  divine  Leader ;  and,  31,  33 
whatever  threatenings  or  dangers  may  oppose  us,  let  us  go  on  day  after  day  till  our  work  be  done,  and  our  souls  at 
length  perfected  in  glory.     But  let  us  carefully  distinguish  between  those" things  in  v*hich  our  Lord  meant  himself 
as  our  Pattern,  and  those  which  were  peculiar" to  his  office  as  a  Prophet  sent  from  God.    That  extraordinary  office 
justified  him  in  using  that  severity  of  language  when  speaking  of  wicked  princes  and  corrupt  teachers,  to  which 

f  Herod  is  determined  to  kill  thee  ;  HtXei  oe  airoHTeivai.]  For  the  force  his  office  as  th°  great  High  Priest  and  Captain  of  our  salvation  ;  as  the 

of  this  phrase  compare  note  b,  on  .lohn  vii.  17.  «  yo.  p.  180.  and  note  a,  word  is  used,  Heb.  ii.  10.  v.  8,  9,  10.  vii.  27,  28. 

on  .lohn  i.  43.  p.  .52. — It  is  very  probable,  consid«;rin2  both  the  wicked  h  It  cannot  he  supposed  that  a  prophet,  &c.]  John  the  Baptist  had  lately 

cliaracter   and    suspicious   temper   of   Herod,    that  though    he   had    a  perished  in  Galilee  ;  so  that  the  expression  «k  eiSexeTai  can  import  no 

curiosity  to  see  Christ,  (compare  Luke  ix.  '.).  xxiii.  8.)  he  was  uneasy  at  more  than  this  version  expresses,  which  Eisner  has  shown  to  be  its  pro- 

his  spending  so  much  time  in  Galilee,  lest  he  sliould  occasion  him  some  per  sense.  (Eisner,  O/isen'.  vol.  i.  p.  242.') — Drusms,  Grotius,  Knatch- 

embarrassment  either  with  regard  to  the  .lews  or  the  Romans ;  yet  fear-  bull,  and  many  other  eminent  critics,  refer  this  to  the  nglit  which  the 

insr,  after  all  the  anxiety  which  the  murder  of  .lohn  the  Baptist  had  given  sanhedrim  alone  had  to  punish  a  person  as  a  false  prophet, 

hiin,  to  make  any  attempt  on  his  life,  he  miyht  think  fit  thus  to  endea-  i    Yvu  shall  see  me  no  more,  till  you  shall  say.  Blessed  be  he  that  eomef/i 

vour  to  terrify  him  with  an  empty  threatening.  In  this  view  there  would  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.]    Some,  supposing  these  words  refer  to  the 

be  a  peculiarpropriety  in  calling  him  fox,  rather  than  lion,  wolf,  or  congratulations  which  thrist  received  on  his  entrance  into  .lerusalem, 

bear;  to  which  savage  beasts  the  prophets  had  sometimes,  with  a  plain-  (Matt.  xxi.  9.  Mark.  xi.  10.  Luke  xix.  .38.  and  John  xii.  13.  ^  l^'!:'"F^\ 

ness  becoming   their  cliaracter,  compared  wicked  persons.    Compare  them  as  a  reason  for  placing  this  section  after  the  ninth  and  tenth  cnapters 

Zeph.  iii.  3.  Ezek.  xxii.  27.  and  Prov.  xvii.  IC.  of  John,  or  between  the  feast  of  the  dedication  and  his  last  passojer. 

g  And  the  third  da,/  1  shall  he  perfected.]    Many  suppose,  and  I  think  But  as  our  Lord  repeats  these  words  again  after  his  '""'PP"''"' 5."[2^' 

very  reasonably,  that  our   Lord  is  not  to  be  understocul  as  speaking  (Matt,  xxiii.  39.  §  158.)  they  must  be  capable  ot  another  ""f^r  ';?'<"  ?'•• 

exactly  of  three  days,  but  of  a  little  period  of  time  ;  see  Hos.  vi.  2.  and  and  therefore  can  afi'ord  no  sijch  argument ;  nor  is  there  any  iiiiunam  u 

compare  the  original  of  Gen.  xxxi.  2.  Exod.  iv.  10.  Deut.  xix.  4.  .losh.  of  his  return  into  Galilee  between  these  two  feasts.— It  ''"<'?  ,"'"^3  ^. 

iii.  4.  1  .Sam.  xix.  7.  and  1  Chron.  xi.  2.  in  all  which  places,  yesterday  they  should  ever  see  Jesus  at  all  ;  hut  only  that  tieyshouiaearnesiiy 

and  the  third  day  signifies  lately,  or  a  little  while  o.w.— On  this  inter-  wish  for  the  Messiah,  and.  in  the  extremity  ot  'hf'^.'llf.''^*!- i'^P„,":,„:' 

pretation  the  word  TsXetBiiai,  I  shall  he  perfected,  may  refer  to  Christ's  entertain  any  one  who  might  oflTer  himself  under  tliatcnaracier.  «..,oiiiiMie 

finishing  the  work  of  redemption,  and,  being  by  death  consecrated  to  Luke  xvii.  22,  23.  ^  128. 


210  THE  CURING  OF  A  MAN  WHO  HAD  A  DROPSY. 

SECT,  we  have  no  call ;  and  by  which  we  should  only  bring  scandal  on  religion  and  ruin  on  ourselves,  while  we  irritated 
118.    rather  than  convinced  or  reformed  those  whom  we  undertook  so  indecently  to  rebuke. 


SECTION  CXIX. 

Our  Lord  being  invited  to  dine  with  a  Pharisee,  cures  a  man  who  had  a  dropsy,  cautions  them  against  an  affectation  of  precedence,  and  urges 

them  to  works  of  charity.     Luke  xiv.  1 — 14. 

Luke  xiv.  1.  Luke  xiv.  i. 

SECT.  AND  it  came  to  pax:;,  that  iust  as  our  Lord  was  finishing  his  journey  through  Herod's  and  it  came  to  pass  as  he 

^^n        1        .    .  ,  J    .    '        I     J,  /.  /.  .,        I-   J-   Ti;       •         T       1  •   <. i        r- went  into  the  house  or  one  of 

lly-    dommions,  he  went  into  the  house  of  one  of  the  chief   l^hansces,''-  who  was  a  magistrate  ot  the  chief  Pharisees  to  eat 

great  distinction,''  by  whom  he  was  invited  to  eat  bread,  tliat  is,  to  dine  with  him,  on  the  ^^^l''\°^^^^^l^''|^^^'■^^''^'•'^'^^^*■ 

LUKE  sabbath-clat/ ;  and  many  of  the  Pharisees  were  present  there  :  and,  as  their  usual  custom     ^^  ^^^^le     im. 
^^^-    was,  they  were  narrowly  watching  him,  to  make  the  most  invidious  observations  on  his 
conduct. 

2  A7icl  behold,  there  was  a  certain  man  before  him  that  had  a  dropst/,  who  having  heard  that     2  And,  behold,  there  was  a 

■i,       ^i.iux  i/t.ci/iu,  wii,.  V-  .1-    J  ,         ir^i_.^i  -      I  ■"  r  ..  certain  man  before  him  which 

Jesus  was  to  dine  there,  had  conveyed  himself  thither,  in  hope  ot  a  cure.<=  had  the  dropsy. 

3  And  Jesus,  answering  to  the  secret  reasonings  which  he  discerned  in  their  minds  on  this  3  And  .Jesus  answering, 
occasion,  said  to  the  doctors  of  the  law  and  otber  Pharisees  who  were  then  present,  What  Ph'artse"e's!''saying!lsYt^aw- 
do  you  think  now  of  this  case  ?  Is  it  lauftd  to  heal  a  distempered  person  on  the  sabbath-  fu!  to  heal  on  the  sabbath- 
daj/?  or  can  there  be  any  thing  in  so  benevolent  an  action  inconsistent  with  the  sacred    ^^' 

rest  which  is  required  on  that  day  ? 

4  But  they  were  silent ;  as  not  being  able  witli  any  face  to  deny  the  legality  of  the  action,  4  And  tijey  held  their 
and  yet  unwilling  to  say  any  thing  which  might  seem  to  authorize  or  countenance  those  P^''"-— 

cures"  which  Christ  performed  on  the  sabbath-day  as  well  as  at  other  times ;  and  which,  in 
the  general,  they  had  been  known  to  censure. 

When  Jesus  therefore  found  that  they  would  make  him  no  reply,  he  extended  his  com-  —And  he  took  ^fm,  and  heal- 
passion  to  the  poor  man  ;  and,  taking  him  {by  the  hand,Y  he  miraculously  healed  him  before  ^°^  ^im.and  let  him  go; 
them  all,  and  dismissed  him  perfectly  well,  restored  at  once  to  his  full  strength,  and  reduced 
in  a  moment  to  his  proper  shape  and  bulk.* 

5  A7id,  more  fully  to  convince  them  how  justifiable  such  an  action  was,  even  upon  their  own  .  5  .And  answered  them,  say- 
principles,  as  he  saw  they  were  secretly  cavilling  at  it,  he  said  inanmcer  to  them.  Which  o/'an'assor'an'ox' fniien"  intTa 
you,  if  he  have  but  an  ass  or  an  ox  that  shall  happen  io  fall  into  a  pit,  xvill  Jiot  immediately  ?''•  a'"'  wUi  not  straii-htway 
'draiu'him  out  without  any  scruple,  even  on  the  sabbath-day,^  though  that  is  a  much  more  Say?       °"'  °"       ' 
laborious  action,  and  the  life  of  one  of  those  animals  is  so  much  less  important  than  the 

health  of  a  man  ?  and  can  you  then,  without  the  greatest  injustice,  condemn  me  for  what 
I  have  now  done  ? 

6  And  they  were  all  so  confounded  at  the  force  and  evidence  of  what  he  said,  that  they  6  And  they  could  not  an- 
were  7tot  able  to  awsiver  him  again  to  these  things,  though  they  had  not  the  candour  to  f,^ngs.'"'"  ''°^'"  '°  """** 
acknowledge  themselves  convinced  by  them. 

7  And  he  'spake  what  may  in  one  sense  of  the  word  be  called  a  parable,  that  is,  a  grave,     T  And  he  put  forth  a  para- 

•  K  ,  1      ■  /  .1  ^r,-.  \  J     ji  L  ■       -i    1  L     J  ble  to  those  which  were  bid- 

concise,  and  memorable  sentence,  (see  note  b,  p.  122.)  to  those  ivhowere  invited  to  dinner,  den,  when  he  marked  iiow 
when  he  observed  how  they  chose  and  contended  for  the  chief  seats  at  the  table;  and,  to  rooms ■'^sayin^unto'then?'"'^*^ 
reprove  them  for  their  pride,  and  recommend  humility,  he  said  unto  them.  There  is  one 

8  thing  I  would  on  this  occasion  address  to  every  one  in  the  company,  namely.  When  thou  8  When  thou  ait  bidden  of 
art  invited  by  any  friend  to  a  wedding-feast,  or  any  other  great  entertainment,  remember  ,Yown'7n*theTiah"sf'room;' 
the  hint  whicli  Solomon  has  given,  (Prov.  xxv.  6,  7.)  and  do  not  sit  down  in  the  uppermost  lest  a  more  honourable  man 
place,  lest  another  of  more  honourable  rank  in  life  than  thee  should  happen  to  be  invited  by  ^^''''"  *''°"  be  bidden  ot  him; 

9  him  ;  And  he  that  invited  yon  both  should  come  and  say  to  thee,  Tliou  must  give  place  to  this  9  And  he  that  bade  thee 
pei'son  ;  and  thou  shouldst  then,  to  avoid  a  second  disgrace  of  this  nature,  if^'/w  with  shame  f|"ee,  cTJe^Ms*  m"n  place '• 
to  take  the  very  lowest  place,  as  conscious  how  much  thou  hast  exposed  thyself  by  so  and  thou  beirin  with  shame  to 

10  haughty  and  foolish  a  behaviour.  But  rather,  on  the  contrary,  when  thou  art  tnus  invited,  *io  But  when  tho" 'art  bid- 
go  and  sit  down  at  first  in  the  lowest  place  thou  canst  find  :?  that  when  he  that  invited  thee  '^^'^^'J^  ^J^  ^''th'atThen  *he 
comes  into  the  room,  he  may  say  to  thee.  My  friend,  go  up  higher  ;  then  shall  thy  modesty  that  bade  thee'cometh.  he  may 
be  followed  with  a  distinEmisliinsr  resrard,  and  thou  shall  thus  have  honour  in  the  sight  both  say  unto  thee,  friend,  go  up 

»    ,  <-    1       ^       ^  1     ',.     ,7    .,  .,..,,.    17         ■«,    ^i  1        •  1   hisjher:  then  shalt  thou  have 

of  tlie  master  of  the  feast,  and  of  all  them  that  sit  at  table  with  thee,  as  having  assumed  worship  in  the  presence  ot 

11  nothing  to  thyself,  but  rather  been  contented  to  stoop  to  thine  inferiors.  For  this  may  be  t[]«^n  that  sit  at  meat  with 
laid  down  as  a  certain  maxim  in  life,  and  happy  is  the  man  that  attends  to  it,  Every  one  n'ror  whosoever  exaltcth 
who  exalts  himself  heyond  his  proper  rank  and  circumstances  shall  be  propoilionably  {j^j^^if  shaU  h^p  ;Aab^ej|^;^a^^^ 
humbled  and  mortified  ;  but  he  that  willingly  humbles  himself  shall  be  exalted  and  honoured,  be  exalted. 

as  well  as  beloved,  botliby  Cod  and  man.    (Compare  Matt,  xxiii.  12.  and  Luke  xviii.  14.) 

12  Then  said  he  also  to  him  that  invited  him.  If  you  desire  to  improve  what  you  have  to  the  12  Then  said  he^ai^soto  him 
Ijest  advantage,  spend  it  in  charity,  ratlier  than  in  magnificence  and  luxury :  and  when  nlakest''a"dinner  or  aTupper" 
thou  makest  a  dinner  or  a  supper,  invite  not  so  much  thy  rich  friends,  or  thy  brethren,  or  call  not  thy  friends,  uor  thy 

a  As  he  reent  into  the  house  nf  one  of  the  chief  Phariiees.]    As  all  that  led  him  aside  to  avoid  ostentation  :  but  the  words  do  not  express  this; 

follows  from  the  beginnins;  of  this  fourteenth  chapter  to  chap.  xvii.  10.  and,  as  our  Lord  speaks  ot  the  cure  both  immediately  betore  and  after 

is  placed  by  Luke  before  the  account  of  his  journey  through  Samaria  to  it,  there  can  be  no  room  to  imagine  he  intended  to  conceal  it.   Probably 

.lerusaleni  ;  and  as  1  tind  no  other  event  in  an  v  of  the  evangelists  before  the  circumstance  of  taking  him  by  the  hand  is  mentioned  as  an  instance 

the  feast  of  dedication  to  which   1  conclude  "that  journey  refers,  I  am  of  his  condescension  ;  and  shows  that  there  was  nothing  in  the  manner  of 

obliged  (by  the  rule  I  laid  down  to  myself,  of  never  changing  the  order  the  cure  which  could  be  objected  to  as  a  servile  work, 

without  apparent  reason)  to  take  all  these  discourses  and  stories  just  as  e  Heduced  to  his  proper  shape  and  bulk.]    If  any  ask  how  this  could 

1  find  them  ;  though  I  cannot  pretend  positively  to  say  that  Luke,  who,  be.  1  answer.  Tie  that  at  once  could  cure  the  dropsy  with  a  touch,  could, 

no  doubt,  has  sometimes  changed  tlie  order  in  his  narration,  has  exactly  if  he  please,  annihilate  the  excess  of  water  that  caused  it ;  and  it  is  rea- 

observed  it  here.     It  is  however  possible,  that  all  recorded  in  these  chap-  sonahle  to   believe  the  cure  was  wrought  in  such  a  niauiitr  as  would 

ters  might  pass  within  the  compass  of  a  few  days,  and  so  would  be  con-  make  the  reality  and  perfection  of  it  immediately  apparent. 

sistent  with  interpreting  chap.  xiii.  ,32,  .33.  in  a  more  literal  manner  than  f  If  he  have  but  ati  ass  or  an  ox,  Sjc.']    Our  T^rd  had  used  the  same 

is  absolutely  necessary.  reasoning  before,  almost  in  the  same  words,  when  vindicating  the  cure 

b  A  magistratcof  great  distinction.]    If  (as  Dr.  Whitby  supposes")  the  of  the  man  whose  hand  was  withered,  (Matt.  xii.  11.  p.  IfiO.I  and  at 

person  who  gave  the  invitation  was  indeed  one  of  the  erand  sanhedrim,  another  time  had  urged  an  argument  in  effect  the  same  with  legard  to 

he  might  nevertheless  have  a  country  seat  in  Galilee;  as  the   higher  the  cure  of  the  crooked  woman:   (Luke  xiii.  15.  ^   117.)  which   may 

courts  never  fail  of  allowing  some  recess  to  their  members,    .'io  that  serve,  among  a  variety  of  other  instances,  to  vindicate  several  repetitions 

Grotius's  argument  for  transposing   this  story  till  Christ's  arrival  at  which  must  be  supposed,  if  we  desire  to  assert  the  exact  and  circum- 

Jerusalem  seems  inconclusive.                           "  stautial  truth  of  the  sacred  historians. — See  Wotton's  Miscel.  vol.  ii. 

c  Had  conveyed  himself  thither,  &c.l    I  cannot  think  (as  some  sup-  p.  27. 

pose)  that  he  was  one  of  the  family  :  because  it  is  said  that  Christ  dis-  g  Hit  down  at  first  in  the  lowest  place.']    It  is  most  probable  that  Christ 

missed.  oi-  let  him  £o,  when  he  was  cured,  ver.  4.  hifnself,  as  illustrious  a  person  as  he  was,  had  accordingly  done  thus, 

d   Talttng  him  ip  the  hand.)    1  know  some  have  imagined  that  Christ  and  sal  down  among  them  in  the  /urcesi  place  at  the  table. 


THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  GREAT  SUPPER.  211 


hy  kins-  th}f  kindred,  or  nciglihours  ;h  lest  they  should  aho  invite  thee  again,  and  thus  a  recompence  SECT, 
le  t  th  r-  bid  thee^a°a^'n'  ^^  ^""'^^  '^^^'  ^"^  ^^^  ^'^°^  ^^^^  '"  retum  be  to  receive  one  banf(uet  for  another;  which  119- 
and  a*^rcconipence  Ve  "made  vvould  introduce  an  habit  of  high  living,  at  a  great  expense  both  of  money  and  time,  and 


bretliren,    neitlier    thy 
men,  nor  (Aj/ rich  nei, 


13  But  when  thou   makest 
a    fpHst 
maimed 


,  call  the  poor,  the  7}7ake  (111  entertainment  which  should  turn  to  the  surest  account,  let  it  be  plain  and  frugal,  ^tY' 

l.the  lame,  the  blind:  ^^^  invite  to  it  tlie  poor,  tfte  disabled,  the  lame,  [and]  the  blind,^  who  are  hicapable  of  pro- 

viding  for  themselves  :  let  these  come  frequently  to  tliy  house,  to  receive  thine  alms,  or 

14  And  thou  shalt  be  bless-  "  sencl  portions  to  them"  when  they  cannot  come  :  (Neh.  viii.  10.)  And  this  will  afford  14 

pense'^her'^'t'or'^lhou^shl'it'be  ^^^^^  ^  much  noblcr  Satisfaction  than  banquets  can  give ;  and,  I  may  truly  say,  thou  shalt 

recompensed  at  the  resurrec-  he  happi/  in  that  thei/  are  not  capable  of  making  thee  such  a  requital;  for  their  prayers  shall 

tion  ot  the  just.  descend  in  blessings  on  thy  head ;  and,  besides  all  tlie  pleasure  a  generous  heart  v/ill  find 

in  the  very  exercise  of  such  bounties,  thou  shal'  be  abundantly  recoinpensed  at  the  resun-ec- 

tion  of  the  just,^  if  they  proceed  from  a  real  principle  of  piety  and  faitli.     (Compare  note 

a,  p. '106.)' 

IMPROVEMENT. 

IIow  happy  were  they  who  had  frequent  opportunities  of  conversing  with  Christ,  whose  discourses  were  always 
so  wise  ana  so  useful !  how  well  did  he  repay  all  the  entertainments  he  received,  in  the  advantages  which  lie  gave 
for  religious  improvement !  In  vain  might  his  enemies  watch  for  occasions  against  him.     In  his  tongue  teas  the  law  Ver.  1 
of  ivisdom  as  well  as  of  kindness.  (Prov.  xxxi.  26.)    And  surely  the  lips  of  his  ministers  and  disciples  would  feed 
many  to  their  everlasting  benefit,  were  this  blessed  model  to  be  more  carefully  traced  !  (Prov.  x.  21.) 

Let  us  particularly  observe  what  he  here  says  concerning  a  modest  and  humble  deportment,  which  is  indeed  the  8 — 1 1 
surest  way  to  be  honoured  and  respected.  And  let  us  take  great  heed  tliat  that  good-breeding,  which  consists  so 
much  in  the  expressions  of  humility,  and  a  readiness  to  prefer  others  to  ourselves,  do  not  degenerate  into  a  mere 
form,  and  prove,  as  it  too  often  does,  the  cloak  of  arrogance  and  jiride ;  but  that  it  have  its  foundation  in  a  lowly 
opinion  of  ourselves,  and  an  habitual  disposition  to  submit  even  to  our  inferiors,  when  we  may  do  it  without 
breaking  in  upon  the  duties  and  decencies  of  life,  and  injuring  those  to  wiiom  it  may  be  exercised,  by  an  in- 
dulgence which  they  know  not  how  to  understand  or  improve. 

Let  us  hearken  to  these  exhortations  to  charity  from  the  mouth  of  our  charitable  Saviour,  who  gave  himself  for  12,  13 
us.  And  as  Christ  pleased  not  himself,  (Rom.  xv.  3.)  let  us  not  allow  ourselves  to  squander  away  great  quanti- 
ties of  money  in  what  may  gratify  our  own  senses,  or  make  a  gaudy  show  in  the  eyes  of  the  vainer  part  of  man- 
kind ;  but  let  us  be  willing  to  spare  from  the  luxuries  and  superfluities  of  life,  that  we  may  bestow  it  on  the  poor 
and  the  distressed.  And  indeed,  whatever  our  circumstances  and  possessions  be,  we  must  expect  that  the  stream 
of  our  bounty  will  soon  be  dried  up,  if  it  be  not  supplied  from  the  fountain  of  a  prudent  fnigality.  The  self-denial 
may  now  in  some  instances  be  painful ;  but  it  will  be  amply  recompensed  at  the  resurrection  of  the  just.  May  we  14 
then  meet  with  many  whom  our  liberality  has  fed  and  clothed,  whom  our  knowledge  and  zeal  have  iiistracted,  and 
whom  our  holy  examples  have  edified  and  quickened  !  Here  will  be  a  foundation  laid  for  the  endearments  of  an 
eternal  friendship ;  when  that  which  has  been  formed  upon  a  partnership  in  vice  or  animal  pleasure  shall  be  for 
ever  forgotten,  or  be  remembered  with  mutual  hon-or. 


SECTION  CXX. 

Our  Lord  foretells,  in  the  parable  of  the  great  supper,  the  rejection  of  the  Jews,  and  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles.    Luke  .\iv.  15 — 24. 
Luke  xiv.  15.  I'UKE  xiv.  15. 

AND  when  one  of  them  that  AND  while  .Tesus  vvas  tlius  discoursing,  one  of  the  guests  at  the  Pharisee's  table  hearing  skct. 
thLe\hTn*l*s  he'said'onto^hfrn'!  '''^^^^  useful  things,  and  willing  to  keep  up  so' good  a  spirit  of  conversation,  .mid  to  him,  120. 
Blessed  is  'he  that  shall  eat  Happy  indeed  IS  he  who  shall  be  honoured  so  far  as  to  cat  bread'-  in  the  kingdom  of  God: 
bread  in  the  kmgdomoi  God.  Tq\^^^^^  j^^n,  who  shall  live  in  the  time  of  the  Messiali,  and  share  the  entertainments  he  luke 
will  prepare  for  Ins  people,  when  these  virtues  of  humility,  condescension,  and  charity  -^k^^' 
shall  flourish  in  all  their  glory ! 

16  Then  said  he  unto  him,      Q^  jj^jg  natural  occasion,  our  Lord  thought  it  proper  to  remind  him  and  the  company,  16 

A  certain  man  made  a  great    ,  ,  .  '  p    i  f^    ,  -     '^i    '  c  i  i      •       •  ^    i' 

supper,  and  bade  many :  that  many  who,  On  mistaken  notions  01  this  kingdom,  professed  to  desire  it,  were  under 
the  force  of  such  carnal  prejudices  on  this  head,  that  they  w^ould  in  fact  slight  and  reject 
it.    And  to  this  (lurpose  he  uttered  the  following  parable,  and  said  to  him  that  had  expressed 

17  And  sent  his  servant  at  ^^  '^'S'^  ''•  notion  of  the  entertainments  of  his  kingdom,  A  certain  man  made  a  great  supper, 
supper-time  to  sa^  to  them  a7id  invited  many  guests :  Ami  he  sent  out  his  sei'vant  at  the  hour  of  supper  to  say  to  those  17 
laf'thTugs  are'no"wVeady!  °^  ^''"^  ''''f'f'  invited,  as  they  delayed  their  coming.  My  master  desires  you  would  come  away 

18  And  they  all  with  one  as  soon  as  possible,  for  all  things  prepared  for  the  entertainment  are  now  ready.    And  they  18 
Thr'fi'rs't'^sli'ici^irnto  hi'm'!^''f  M  began  with  one  [consent,]*'  as  if  by  mutual  agreement  they  had  all  contrived  to  put  "a 
have  bought  a  piece  of  ground,  slight  on  the  entertainment,  to  excuse  themselves  on  one  pretence  or  another.    The  first  said 

ft":  1  pray  the'e  have  lue  ex^  to  him  that  was  sent,  I  have  just  now  purchased  afield,  and  I  am  under  a  necessity  of  going 
cused.  .  to  see  it ;  I  entreat  thee  therefore  to  make  my  excuse.    And  another  said,  I  have  just  bought  10 

bought  live  yoke  of'oxen,  and  five  yoke  ofoxcn,  and  I  am  going  to  try  them,  that  I  may  see  how  they  will  draw ;  I  beseech 
I  go  to  prove  them :  I  pray  fljee  therefore  to  make  my  excuse,  and  assure  thy  master  that  it  is  important  business  that 
eo  And  auothersaid,  I  have  prevents  me.*^    And  another  said,  I  have  very  lately  married  a  wife,  and  shall  have  company  20 

h  Invite  not  so  much  thy  rick  friends, — or  neiffhhoitrs.']    Probably  (as  to  me  a  strong  and  awakening  intimation  that  none  who  neglect  works 

Mr.  Reading  well  conjectures)  he  observed  in  the  Pharisees  a  humour  of  charity  shall  have  their  final  lot  among  the  righteous;  which  is  evi- 

of  making  magnificent  feasts,  (on  the  sabbaih-days,  and  on  other  occa-  dent  from  the  many  hundred  scriptures  which  indispensably  require 

sions,)  and  of  treating  great  persons,  chiefly  out  of  pride,  ambition,  and  merry  as  well  as  jH.triVe.    (Compare  Matt.  i.  19.  note  a,  p.  27. 1 

ostentation  ;  which  might  render  this  advice  peculiarly  proper,  especially  a  tShall  eat  bread.']    It  is  well  known  that  the  phrase,  to  eat  bread,  sig- 

if  he  who  now  gave  tliis  entertainment  was,  as  many  of  his  brethren  nifies  making  a  meal ;  and  this  not  merely  at  a  common  table,  but  sonie- 

certainly  were,  v'eiy  deficient  in  works  o'i charily.    See  Reading's  Life  nf  times  at  a  feast  where  the  provision  is  very  sumptuous.    So  perhaps  it 

Clirist,  p.  256. — It  is  plain  the  word  rich  (as  Grotius  well  observes)  might  be  at  the  table  of  this  noble  Pharisee,  ver.  1.    (See  2  Sam.  i.\:.  7. 

refers  not  merely  to  neighbours,  but  to  the  kindred  and  the  other  persons  10.  xii.  17,  20.  and  Prov.  ix.  5.)    Compare  note  e,  p.  155. 

that  are  mentioned  with  them  ;  for  if  these  were  in  low  circumstances,  b   IVith  one  [consent  ;]  airo  mm?.]    Ot  all  the  various  methods  which 

their  being  related  to  them  was  an  argument  why  they  should  be  re-  learned  men  have  taken  to  supply  the  ellipsis  here,  (which  may  be  seen 

garded  rattier  than  neglected.  at  large  in  Wolfius,  Observ.  vol.  i.  p.  682,  683.)  it  seems  to  me  most 

i   The  disabled,  Ac]    We  render  araTTnpqi't  the  maimed  ;  but  the  sig-  natural  to  understand  the  word  -^vau-iK,  that  is,  -.nth  one  consent ;  which 

"ification  of  the  word  is  much  more  extensive,  and  indeed  takes  in  botli  supposition  is  maintained  by  Keza.    'I'he  variety  of  their  excuses  render 

tM  lame  and  the  blind  afterwards  mentioned  ;  and   may  also  include  (ptuvm,  with  one  voice,  less  proper.                                    <■  i     • 

thpse  whom  the  infirmitiesof  age  have  rendered  helpless. — Grotius  thinks  c  1  beseech  thee  make  my  excuse,  <Sr.]    It  is  a  beautiful  circumstance 

this  Scripture  was  the  foundation  of  the  agapa,  or  love  feasts,  among  that  our  Lord  here  represents  both  tiiese  barsaius  as  already  marie  :  so 

the  primitive  christians  ;  but  it  is  not  evident.    Pliny  has  a  fine  parallel  that  going  to  see  the  farm  and  to  prove  the  oxen  that  evening  rather  than 

passage :  See  Plin.  Epist.  lib.  ix.  epist.  30.  the  next  morning,  was  merely  tlie  effect  of  rudeness  on  the  one  hand. 

k  At  the  resurrection  of  the  just.']    It  is  not  so  evident  as  Dr.  Clarke  and  of  a  foolish  impatient  humour  on  the  other  :  and  could  ne^•er  have 

supposes,  that  Sixaiov  must  here  signify  charitable  men;  it  rather  seerus  been  urged,  had  they  esteemed  the  invitei  or  his  entertainment.    Ac- 


212  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  GREAT  SUPPER. 

SECT,   to  entertain,  and  therefoie  you  will  easily  perceive  I  cannot  come  to  attend  your  master's  married  a  wife,  and  tiierefore 
120.    feast  and  neglect  my  own.-i    And  that  servant  returning,  told  his  Lord  all  these  things.     Then  ^  ofsTtha'tTerVantcame,  and 

■ the  master  of  the  house  who  had  made  the  entertainment  was  very  angrt/,  as  he  reasonably  shewed  iiis  lord  these  things. 

LUKE   might  be,  to  see  such  an  affront  put  upon  his  splendid  preparations,  and  such  an  ungrate-  being   InTryJ'^'said    to  "his 
^^^-    ful  return  made  for  the  peculiar  kindness  and  respect  he  had  shown  in  sending  for  these  servant,  Goout  quickly  into 

21  guests;  ««</  therefore  he  said  to  his  servant,  Go  out  directli/  into  the  streets  and  lanes  of  the  cityf'anTbrlSg  in"htther  thi 
f//j/,e  uivl  bring  in  hither  tlie  poor,  and  the  disabled,  and  the  lame,  and  the  blind,  that  they  poor,  and  the  maimed,  and 
may  come  and  partake  of  the  entertainment ;  for  I  had  rather  see  my  house  filled  with  '"^ """' ''""  '"^  "'"""• 

22  such  o-uests  than  empty  as  it  now  is.  J.nd  the  servant  quickly  came  back,  and  said,  Sir,  22  And  the  servant  said, 
what  Ihou  didst  please  to  command  is  done;  these  poor  distressed  people  are  come  in,  and  c^omnianded^'andyeuherels 
sat  down  at  the  table,  and  still  there  is  room  for  more  guests,  and  entertainment  enough  room. 

23  provided  to  feast  many  others.  And  the  lord  said  to  the  servant,  Go  out  tlien  into  the  roads  23  And  the  lord  said  unto 
without  the  city,  and,  rather  than  fad,  look  for  the  poorest  and  most  helpless  travellers,  highwayT'knd  "hedge"," and 
who  are  sheltering  themselves  under  trees  and  hedges  ;f  and,  if  importunity  be  necessary  ^i'^''?^'''"' "';'^°"^f,'3'  *'''" 
to  such,  press  them  that  you  find  there  by  the  most  earnest  invitation  to  come  in,s  that  mij     ^ 

24  house  may  be  well  filled'  For  I  saij  unto  you  that  none  of  those  men  luho  were  invited,  if  04  For  i  say  unto  you,  that 
they  should  now  he  ever  so  desirous  of  it,  shall  be  admitted  so  much  as  to  taste  of  my  [;°J'd\°/3'|;^fft"aSeof'myIup' 
supper,  since  they  have  so  rudely  and  ungratefully  slighted  it.  per. 

And  in  like  manner,  such  will  the  divine  conduct  be  with  regard  to  the  gospel,  God  sends 
his  messengers  in  the  most  importunate  manner  to  invite  you  Jews  to  come  and  partake 
of  its  rich  entertainment :  yet  you  neglect  it  on  the  meanest  pretences,  and  one  is  too  busy 
and  another  too  idle  to  attend  to  it.  But  he  will  severely  resent  the  affront,  and  (though 
it  may  seem  to  you  as  unaccounta1)le  a  conduct  as  that  which  I  have  represented  in  this 
parable)  will  call  in  the  poor,  ignorant,  and  wTetched  Gentiles,  who  were  wa.ndering  in  the 
most  helpless  circumstances  in'the  ways  of  idolatry  and  wickedness,  and  his  church  shall 
he  filled  with  them;  while  you,  who  reject  his  gospel,  shall  in  righteous  judgment  be 
yourselves  rejected,  and  perish  for  want  of  those  mercies  which  you  now  despise. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.24      May  the  infinite  mercy  of  God  forbid  that  this  should  ever  be  our  condition  !  The  gospel-feast,  like  the  sump- 
tuous banquet  of  Ahasuerus,  (Esth.  i.  3,  4.)  is  of  a  very  long  standing :  not  only  from  week  to  week,  but  from 
21,  22  age  to  age,  God  is  sending  to  invite  new  guests;  and,  after  all  the  millions  that  have  been  regaled  by  it,  and 
nourished  up  to  everlasting  life,  there  is  yet  room  for  more.    Still  are  his  senants  sent  from  one  time  to  another, 
23  with  all  the  fervour  of  the  most  affectionate  persuasion,  to  urge  sinners  to  accept  of  these  desirable  blessings :  (for 
such  only  is  the  compulsion  that  becomes  a  feast,  and  suits  the  nature  of  reasonable  creatures.)     May  we  not 
receive  the  grace  of  God  in  vain  !     May  we  not  perish,  as  thousands  before  us  have  done,  by  making  light  of  the 
gospel ! 
18,  20      It  has  often  been  observed  from  this  parable,  that  they  were  lawful  occasions  which  these  unhappy  people 
pleaded  as  their  excuse  for  neglecting  the  invitation.    And  how  many  perish  by  what  is  indeed  lawful !    But  the 
care  of  our  estates  or  cattle,  our  domestic  affairs,  and  our  dearest  relatives,  will  be  destructive  to  us,  if  they  be 
minded  as  our  main  care,  and  our  hearts  be  so  attentive  to  them  as  to  forget  the  one  thing  needful. 
21      Are  we  of  the  number  of  those  who,  though  once  blinded,  impoverished,  and  enfeebled  by  sin,  are  now  brought 
as  welcome  gTiests  to  the  table  which  divine  love  has  spread  ?     Let  us  adore  the  grace  which  opened  the  door  to 
us,  and  opened  our  hearts  to  comply  w  ith  the  call ;  by  its  strong  and  powerful,  though  rational  and  gentle  influ- 
ence, compelling  us  to  come  in.     Let  the  servants  employed  in  the  message  urge  it  with  a  becoming  earnestness ; 
as  well  knowing  how  mucli  the  heart  of  their  great  Master  is  in  it,  and  how  much  the  happiness  of  souls  depends 
on  their  accepting  it.    Lord  !  may  we  see  thy  table  furnished  with  guests,  and  ourselves  be  so  happy  as  finally  to 
1 ')  partake  of  those  blessings  to  which  we  are  now  commanded  to  invite  others  !    For  blessed  indeed  are  they  who 
shall  eat  bread  in  the  kinardom  of  (Sod  ! 


SECTION  CXXI. 

Our  Lord  urses  upon  his  disciples  the  necessity  ot  considering  the  difficulties  of  religion  before  they  take  up  a  profession  of  it.    Luke  xiv.  25, 

to  the  end. 

Luke  xiv.  25.  Luke  xiv.  25. 

S^T.  JJVX)  as  great  multitudes  attended  Christ,*  and  went  with  him  in  this  his  journey  toward  ANT)  there  went  great  mul- 
^*^-    Jerusalem,  Ac  turned  about  and  said  to  them.  You  now  attend  me  from  place  to  place  with  Jumed' and  said  ™nto  them. 


some  tokens  of  regard  ;  but  seriously  consider  how  much  it  will  cost  you  to  approve  your- 
^jy^  selves  my  faithful  foUovifers. 

26  ^f  ""'/  '""^  comes  to  me  to  be  instructed  in  my  religion,  and  to  obtain  the  blessings  of  26  if  any  man  come  to  me, 
my' kingdom,  and  does  not  prepare  himself,  on  a  proper  occasion,  to  act  as  if  he  did  even  mother, *\mi\'!ffef^and^'cb'iU 
hate  his  father  and  mother,  ami  his  very  icife  and  children,  and  brethren  and  sisters,  yea,  and  dren,  'and  brethren,  and 
his  oum  'life  too,^  that  is,  if  he  be  not  willing  to  abandon  all  these  rather  than  to  forsake  me,  ''*"='''•  >''^'  «"''  >"'  °"°  ''^^ 

cordingly  it  is  commonly  found  in  fact,  that  men  neglect  the  blessings  others,  that  these  words  can  justify  the  use  of  compulsion  and  force  in 

and  demands  of  the  gospel,  not  for  the  most  important  affairs  in  lite,  religious  matters;  the  absurdity  and  iniquity  of  which  I  have  repre- 

with  which  they  seldom  interfere,  l)ut  to  indulge  the  caprice  and  folly  sented  at  large  in  my  Sermon  on  that  subject.     It  is  certain  the  word 

of  tljeir  own  tempers,  and  to  gratify  tlie  impulse  of  present  passions,  ava-yKa^'o  is  often  used  to  express  an  impnrtiiiiity  where  there  could  be 

sometimes  excited  on  very  low  occas"ions.  no  secular  terrors  ;  Matt.  xiv.  22.  Mark  vi.45.  Gal.  ii.  .■?,  14.  vi.  12.  fas 

d  1  eannot  comi-.&c]  As  the  process  o(  the  pnra/ile  represents  a  wise  is  likewise  the  word  ■Rafxi^ta^ouLai,  Luke  xxiv.  iq.  and  Acts  xvi.  15.) 
and  good  man  offended  with  this  excuse  among  the  rest,  we  must  sup-  and  several  instances  are  produced  by  Eisner,  in  which  the  word.signi- 
I>ose  something  in  the  circumstance  of  his  receiving  the  message,  or  of  ties  presnng  persuasion.  (Ohserv.  vol.  i.  p.  244,  245.)  And  here,  as  it 
appointing  the  time  for  entertaining  company  on  his  own  niarriage,  would  be  most  indecent  to  imagine  persons  forced  to  an  entertainment, 
which  implied  a  rude  contempt  of  the  inviter,  and  made  the  reply  inde-  so  it  would  have  been  quite  impracticable  tor  a  single  servant  to  have  corn- 
cent.     It  was  not  necessary  to  descend  to  such  particulais.  pelled  a  multitude  in  this  sense.    There  is  an  ambiguity  in  the  English 

e  Into  the  streets  and  lanes  of  the  city.']    This  seeins  the  true  distinc-  word  [press,]  which  much  more  exactly  answers  to  that  in  the  original 

tion  between  TrXaTsmc  and  pvua^  ;  the  former  of  which  signifies  a  broad,  than  the  word  our  translators  use  :  and  it  seems  to  me  the  part  of  a 

and  the  latter  a  narrow  wap,  in  which  last  the  alleys  may  be  included,  faithful  translator,  especially  of  the  sacred  writings,  to  preserve  the 

f  l7ito  the  roads  and  liedyes.]    Any  gross  and  abandoned  sinners  might  ambiguities  of  the  original,  though  a  paraphrase,  which  speaks  only  a 

be  represented  as  in  this  wretched  condition.   (See  Eph.  ii.  12 — 17.)   But  man's  own  sentiments,  may  sometimes  venture  to  determine  them, 

it  seems  an  excessive  refinement  of  Brennius,  to  suppose  tlie  hedges  here  a  Great  mvltiludei  attended  Christ.]  Perhaps  the  cure  of  the  man  who 

mentioned  refer  to  the  ceremonial  law  as  a  partition  ;  as  it  likewise  is  to  had  the  dropsy,  and  some  expectations  as  to  the  event  of  Christ's  visit 

explain  the  first  clause  as  relating  to  the  proselytes  of  the  gate,  and  the  to  this  Pharisee,  might  cause  a  crowd  near  his  house  ;  and  what  follows 

second  to  the  idolatrous  Gentiles.    One  might  as  well  infer  from  ver.  24.  might  be  spoken  the  same  sabbath,  on  our  Lord's  coming  out  from 

that  no  Jews  should  be  saved  :  and  it  argues  a  wrong  taste  in  criticism  thence  :  but  as  the  evangelist  does  not  so  expressly  connect  the  passages, 

to  torture  every  circumstance  into  a  fancied  resemblance.  I  was  not  willing  to  assert  it  in  the  paraphrase. 

g  Press  them  by  the  most  earnest  invitation  to  come  in..]    Xothingcan  b   To  act  as  if  he  did  even  hate  his  father  and  mother,  ^c.]    Strictly 

be  more  apparently  weak  than  to  imagine,  with  St.  Augustin  and  many  s|ie.ikint;,  to  hale  our  nearest  relatives,  and  our  own  lives,  would  be  nn- 


THE  NECESSITY  OF  DECISION  IN  THE  CHRISTIAN  PROFESSION.  21:3 

also  he  cannot  be  my  disci-  he  cannot  really  he  my  disciple,  whatever  he  may  pretend.     And  whosoever  does  not  sted-   SECT, 
pie.'  fastly  resolve  even  to  bear  his  cross  and  to  come  after  me,  whenever  he  is  called  to  tread  the    121. 

h^  h1s"crols°and  come'afteJ  painful  steps  that  I  am  taking  in  the  way  to  crucifixion  and  death,  he  cannot  be »«;/  disciple : 

me,  cannot  be  my  disciple,  ^nd  therefore,  as  I  gave  the.se  things  in  charge  to  my  apostles,  (Matt.  x.  38.  p.  143.)  I  i-^ke 
repeat  them  to  you  as  matters  of  universal  concern,  which  require  your  most  attentive  con-  -"^^'*'- 
sideration.  .        , .  ,    ^         ■/•  l    ^ 

28  For  which  of  you  in-      And  it  is  necessary  to  dwell  on  the  thought  ;Jor  which  of  you,  if  he  be  a  person  of  com-  28 
tending  to  build  a  tower,  sit-  ^^^  prudence,  and  intend  to  build  a  tower,"  or  any  other  edifice,  does  not  first  deliberately 
counteTh'thfcoft,  whether^  he  sit  down  and  compute  the  expense  it  will  require,  and  compare  it  with  his  own  circumstances, 
have  sufficient  to  finish  ;/?     ^j^^j  j^g  j^^y  judge  whether  he  has  a  stock  of  wealth  \suificient^  to  finish  it  ?    Lest  when  he  29 
lafd the founXt'ion,  and" snot  hath  laid  a  foundation,  and  is  not  able  to  complete  \)he  work]  he  had  begun,  for  want  of 
able  to  finish  <«,  aii^that  be-  j^gney  to  go  through  with  it,  all  ivho  see  it,  as  they  pass  by,  should  besin  to  deride  him, 
"•io  Saymg.  ThTs°man"£gan  Sai/ins,  m  contempt.  This  must  be  surely  a  wise  man  who  thus  be^un  to  build,  and  rvas  not  30 
to^build,  and  was  not  able  to  ^^^^/^  ^^  ^^-^/^  j^jg  ^^^^  .  ^^^  j^g^g  his  imperfect  work  Stands  a  lasting  monument  of  his  great 

discretion !  .      . 

rA  Or  what  king,  going  to      Or  what  wise  king,  if  he  was  marching  out  to  encounter  another  king  in  war,^  does  not  first  3I 
make   war  aga^pst  another  ^-^  ^^^^^^  ^^^^^  consider  whether  he  has  any  such  advantage  as  to  arms,  strength,  or  situation,  as 
cinfS  Xth°eHie  be  able  may  induce  him  to  conclude  that  he  is  able  with  no  greater  force  than  ten  thousand  inen  to 
wUh  ten^t^housand^to me^et  him  ,„fg;  ^nd  oppose  him  that  cometh  against  him  with  twenty  thousand?  And  if  he  find  he  has  32 
twentv'timusatid"?'    '"'  "'     not,  while  he  that  comes  with  this  superior  force  against  him  is  yet  at  a  distance,  he  sends  an 
is^yei^a'LTeat'' waV''ot}"'^le  embasst/,  and  desircs  terms  ofpeace,^  acknowledging  his  readiness  to  submit  to  soine  things 
sendethanambassage.andde-  which*  may  be  disagreeable,  for  the  preservation  of  his  dominions,  and  perhaps  ot  his  lite. 
''3lVo°"itkew'isV^vhSsoever      So  then  do  you  consider  whether  you  think  it  worth  your  while  to  adhere  to  me  on  these  33 
he  be  of  you  tiik  forsaketh  terms  for  I  assure  you,  I  will  admit  you  on  no  other ;  and  xuhosoever  he  be  of  you  that  does 
be'ny  d'isdpfe'."""'  ^^ '''"''°'  not  stedfasUy  resolve  to  give  up  all  his  possessions  whenever  he  is  called  to  it  on  my  account, 
he  cannot  be  owned  by  me  as  tny  disciple  indeed. 
a*  Salt  is  good ;  but  if  the      And  if  you  are  not  my  disciples  indeed,  your  outward  profession  will  be  very  hisignifi-  34 
wi'/erewith  shall  itlefelsonl  cant ;  for  though  Salt  in  general  is  a  yevy  good  thing,  and  my  servants,  as  I  fornierly  inti- 
ed .'  mated,  (Matt.  v.  13.  p.  77.)  are  the  salt  of  the  earth  ;  yet  I  must  again  add,  if  the  salt  be 

grown  insipid,  with  ivhat  can  it  be  seasoned?  or  what  can  recover  those  whom  my  gospel 
35  It  is  neither  fit  for  the  will  not  influence  and  reclaim  ?    And  as  insipid  salt  is  such  a  vile  and  worthless  thing  35 
land,  nor  yet  for  the  dung-  ^\^^^  ^  is  neither  fit  to  be  used  of  itself  as  manure  for  the  land,  vor  even  so  much  as  ^i  for 
that'haUi  Trs  tJ51ie'a.°,'let  him  a  place  on  the  dunghill,  to  be  there  mixed  with  other  dung ;  \but\  it  is  thrown  out  of  doors, 
iiear.  and  trampled  un^er  foot  like  mire  in  the  streets :  you  also  will  be  no  less  useless  and 

contemfi^tible,  if,  under  the  advantages  and  obligations  of  a  christian  profession,  you  are 
destitute  of  a  sincere  principle  of  integrity  and  piety,  and  will  be  utterly  abandoned  and 
rejected  as  unprofitable  servants.  He  therefore  that  hath  ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear  it 
attentively ;  for  it  is  a  point  in  which  not  only  the  honour  of  my  kingdom  but  the  salvation 
of  your  own  souls  is  concerned. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

May  our  most  serious  attention  be  fixed  on  so  important  a  truth ;  and  may  this  plain  and  candid  declaration  of 
our  Lord  be  duly  regarded  by  us,  as  ever  we  desire  to  find  the  advantage  of  that  relation  to  him  in  which  we  are  Ver.33 
so  ready  to  glory !     If  we  would  not  be  cast  out  with  disdain,  and  trampled  under  foot  as  worthless  and  vile,  let  34,  35 
us  be  solicitous  that  there  may  be  the  salt  of  divine  grace  in  our  hearts  ;  and  let  us  undertake  a  religious  profession 
with  that  deliberate  consideration  which  becomes  a  matter  of  such  great  importance.     A  hasty  purpose  will  never  28-32 
bear  us  through  the  difficulties  we  must  expect  to  encounter ;  and  rash  vows  and  thoughtless  adventures  m  this 
case  will  only  expose  us  to  the  derision  of  others,  and  the  keener  remorse  of  our  own  minds. 

Nor  is  the  "nature  and  evidence  of  religion  such  as  to  have  any  reason  to  fear  the  severest  examination.    Tlie 
demands  of  Christ  are  indeed  high,— that  the  nearest  relatives  should  be  abandoned,  and  even  life  itself  sacrificed  26 
for  his  sake ;  that  we  be  at  least  martyrs  in  resolution,  and  have  so  much  of  a  reciprocal  affection  for  him,  as  shall, 
like  his  love  to  us,  be  stronger  than  death.     Yet  how  reasonable  is  the  demand !  Did  he  leave  his  Father's  bosom  33 
for  us,  and  shall  we  scruple'to  abandon  our  houses  and  our  kindred  for  him?    Did  he  expire  on  the  cross  for  us, 
and  shall  not  we  be  ready  to  take  up  our  crosses  and  follow  him  ?     Shall  it  not  be  delightful  to  us  to  trace  his  most  27 
painful  steps,  and  by  the  most  costly  sacrifices  to  approve  our  gratitude  and  our  duty  ? 

Blessed  Jesus,  lead  us  !  and  by  thy  grace  we  will  follow  thee,  whatever  be  the  path,  whatever  be  the  burden, 
whatever  the  terror  of  the  way ;  knowirig  that  if  we  partake  with  thee  in  thy  sufferings,  we  shall  at  length  share 
with  thee  in  thy  consolation  and  thy  glory  !  (2  Tim.  ii.  12.) 


SECTION  CXXII. 

Publicans  and  sinners  flock  round  our  Lord,  and  he  vindicates  his  readiness  to  receive  them  by  the  parables  ot  the  lost  sheep  and  piece  of  money. 

Luke  XV.  1 — 10.  SEfT 

^^  ^  Luke  xv.  1.  122. 

THEN  dr^ewVelr  unto  him  THUS  our  I.ord  addressed  himself  to  the  multitude,  and  especially  to  his  disciples,  on  

all  the  publicans  and  sinners,  ^j^g  gabbath-day,  as  he  Came  out  from  the  house  of  the  noble  Pharisee  with  whom  he  liad    luke 
tor  to  hear  mm.  ^.^^^     ^^^  __.^  .^  ^^^  ^^^^^  ^  ^^^^^^  ^^  leisure,  and  he  appeared  in  public  teaching  the   xv.i. 

natural  wickedness,  and  equally  contrary  to  the  dictates  of  humanity  premises  to  be  true)  there  would  be  any  certainty  of  such  an  mtended 

and  the  genius  of  the  gospel.     But  it  is  well  known,  that  one  thing  is  allusion.                                                                                  Ti.i^  rcnipsenl, 

said  to  be  loved  and   another  hated  in  Scripture,  when  the  former  is  e  Desires  terms  of  peace :  epwra  xa  7rpo9  «'P'l,X'im  nf  thrhi  mil  tv 

much  preferred;  and  especially  when,  out  of  regard  to  it,  the  latter  is  the  feebler  person^  Aeggingapeace;  *  Pvoper  emblem  ot  the  humin^ 

neglected  and  forsaken.    Compare  Gen.  xxix.  31.  Deut.  xxi.  15-1?.  and  resignation  wih  vvhich  peace  is  to.be  sought  from  an  oftenri^^^^ 

Blal.  i.  3.  Rom.  ix.  13.  and  Matt.  vi.  C4.  Y^^ll^  possessed  ot  a  strength,  not  (as  in  the  case  f"PP°5«=J  1'^^'.^  " 

0  If  he  intend  to  bnild  a  tozoer.]    This  phrase  naturally  suggests  to  us  double,  but  inhmtely  superior  to  ours.-  I  he  P  ""*.  t°'J A'Sever  he  be., 

he  idea  of  a  more  magnificent  edifice  than  our  Lord's  hearers  might  ot  a  late  valuable  piece  called  Orthodoxy  «';-'^,p/'«^"f 'J,"'''?fuiH,   so  far 


eserves 

e  not 

dthe 

ml  sit 

in  this 

make  no 


hiKh  in  proportion  to  their  basis,  that  they  might  command  the  larser  courage  tonghtwim  "'-^r  spiritual  euei,ne»,u.c  »"..".  "- 

prospect,    fcompare  2  Chron.  xxvi.  10.  Mic.  iv.  8.  Isa.  v.  2.  Matt.  xxi.  devil,  and  therefore  make  the  best  ternis  they  ^^"*''"be  taken 

:a.  and  Mark  xS.  1.  ,  still  neglecting  Christ  and  religion.    But  if  'he  P«jp|f  ^f  ^Jfl'l  ;j,^„^  „.. 

d  Or  what  king  marching  out  to  encounter  another  king,  4t.]    Accord-  sense,  our  Lord,  by  declaring  m  the  next  ver»c  inai    ^^^^.^^^  ,,  jj  ,o 

ing  to  Sir  Isaac  Newton's  Chronology,  these  words  were  spoken  at  our  abatement  in  his  own  deniands.  Plainly  "]^y"f^^f..^„  m  the  diificulti.s 

Lord's  last  passover,   and  might  refer  to   Herod's  leading  his  army  break  through  all  opposition,  and  to  determinyo  uil  ^^^   ^^^^^  ^^^ 

through  Judea  against  Aretas.  king  of  Arabia.    But  as  Herod  did  not  in  our  way,  which  it  will  be  our  wisdom  to  view  anu 

then  appear  to  be  the  weaker,  1  cannot  see  that  (even  supposing  the  may  be  prepared  with  proportionable  resolution. 


214  CHRIST  VINDICATES  HIS  RECEPTION  OF  PUBLICANS  AND  SINNERS. 

SECT,  people,  all  the  publicans  in  that  place,  and  some  other  notorious  sinners,  who  might  not 
122.  easily  have  been  admitted  into  the  Piiarisee's  house,  drew  near  to  hear  him  preach,*  being 
charmed  with  the  condescension  which  allowed  of  their  access. 


LUKE       And  Jesus,  moved  with  compassion  for  them,  uttered  some  remarkable  discourses,  ad-     c  And  the  Pharisees  and 
^^'2  mirably  calculated  for  their  encouragement,  and  that  of  others  who  had  lain  under  the  xhis^man'reSMveth  s1nne"f; 
most  aggravated  guilt.     But  the  proud  Pharisees  and  scribes  who  were  present,  murmured  and  eaietii  with  them. 
when  they  saw  such  a  crowd  around  him,  and  said,  This  man,  while  he  sets  up  for  a  reli- 
gious Teacher,  unaccountably  gives  access  to  the  most  profligate  sinners,  and  sometimes 
eats  with  them,  and  makes  no  scruple  to  accept  of  invitations  to  tlieir  houses.    (Compare 
Markii.  16.  p.  133.)  . 

3  But  [Jes7cs,]  for  the  encouragement  of  these  poor  penitents,  as  well  as  to  rebuke  the  cen-  bie  unto  themfLyin"!  ^^'^'^' 

4  sorious  and  uncharitable  Pharisees,  spake  to  them  this  parable,  and  said.  What  man  is  there  4  whatmanotyou,  havjng 
of  you  that  has  a  flock  of  an  hundred  sheep,  who  ivill  not,  upon  losing  one  of  them,  imme-  ona  oFthemf  dmh'  not'^leave 
diatelv  leave  the  ninetij-nine  that  were  feeding  together  in  the  pastures  of  the  desert,^  and  "le  ninety  and  nine  in  the 

_         /.    ■'        ,  ,      -' ■  \       i^'i       j^L    J.      \-  1  1     J.    ^11    I      j:     1  -i^t        I     I  L       ■  ^  wilderness,  and  jro  after  that 

5  go  from  place  to  place  in  search  ajter  that  ivhtch  was  lost,  till  hejind  it  f  And  having  at  which  is  lost,  untu  he  find  it? 
length  found  it,  he  lays  it  on  his  shoulders,  greatly  rejoicing,  as  a  man  in  such  a  circum-  ,v^he^"a  eVi^F^  m/'hls  shoui* 

6  stance  "naturally  would.  (Compare  Matt,  xviii.  12,  13.  sect.  xciv.  p.  174.)  And  when  he  de.sf  rejoicing.  ""  "^  ^'°"  " 
cometh  home,  he  calls  together  [his]  friends  and  neighbours,  and  says  unto  them,  with  the  i,^^,,^']^^  caUetii  to^ether'//''j 
greatest  pleasure,  My  friends,  you  may  now  rejoice  with  me :  for  my  labour  and  search  fiieud's  and  neighbours,  say- 

7  have  not  been  in  vain,  but  /  have  found  my  sheep  which  teas  lost. — And  as  he  thus  is  more  JJJf  ."jjj*"  I'^Tv-e'^^ound^m"' 
delighted  with  the  recovery  of  the  sheep  which  he  had  lost,  than  with  the  safety  of  the  sheep  which  was  lost. 

rest  which  had  not  wandered  ;  so,  I  say  to  you,  that  greater  and  more  sensible  joy  will  ^JJ^^^'  "hln  Ye" m'^healien 
be  in  heaven,  among  the  blessed  and  benevolent  spirits  that  dwell  there,'  over  one  penitent  over  one  sinner  that  repent- 
sinner,  than  over  ninety-nine  righteous  persons  who  do  not  need  such  deep  repentance,'^  or  ||Jj{  ^nrjusTpersons  whk^ 
such  an  universal  change  of  mind  and  character.  need  no  repentance. 

8  Or,  to  illustrate  the  matter  by  another  obvious  similitude,  that  it  may  yet  more  power-  j^g  ten  plecIs''otsTuTr',"it'^she 
fully  strike  your  minds,  117;^^  poor  woman  having  ten  pieces  of  silver  money,  though  they  lose  one  piece,  doth  not  light 
were  each  of  them  but  of  the  value  of  a  drachma,  if  she  lose  one  of  them  out  of  her  little  house"and  seek'diHgffnt^v  tm 
stock,  %vill  not  presently  light  a  lamp,  and  take  the  pains  to  sweep  out  the  house,  and  search  she  find  it? 

9  carefully  in  all  the  corners  till  she  find  it  ?  And  when  she  has  found  it,  she  joyfully  calls  //]^shl"caiTeth"/eAri'*ends°and 
her  fem^\efriejHh  and  neighbours  together,'^  to  acquaint  them  vnth  her  good  success ;  a?id,  I'^r  neigiibours  together,  say- 
concluding  it  will  be  agreeable  news  to  them,  she  says.  Rejoice  with  me,  my  friends,  /'or  1 1,"  ve  foind^he  piece^vhich  i 

10  have  found  the  piece  of  money  which  I  had  tost.    And  so  I  sau  unto  you,  that  there  is  in  had  lost. 

11™  1-        ■       ■     u  ji  I      r  r^    J  t-  ■  10   Likewise,   I    say    unto 

like  manner  a  peculiar  ;«(/  m  heaven  among  the  angels  of  Uod  over  one  repenting  sinner.  yo„,   ihere    is  joy  in  the 

Do  not  therefore  wonder  if  I  labour  to  promote  their  ioy  on  this  account,  and  condescend  presence  of  the  angels  of  God 

.     r        1-  ■»!.  xL  1  ji     J        •  ii.  J  over  one  sinner  that  repent- 

to  laniHiar  converse  with  those  whom  you  proudly  despise  as  unworthy  your  regard.  eth. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  1  llow  graceful  and  lovely  does  our  Lord  appear,  while  thus  opening  his  compassionate  arms  and  heart  to  these 
wretched  outcasts,  for  whose  souls  no  man  cared  !  Who  can  choose  but  rejoice  at  this  jubilee  which  he  proclaimed 
among  them,  and  at  the  cheerful  attention  which  they  gave  to  these  glad  tidings  of  great  joy  ?  May  we,  who  are 
his  followers,  never  despise  the  meanest  or  the  worst  of  men  when  they  seem  disposed  to  receive  religious  instruc- 
10  tion ;  but  rather  exert  ourselves  with  a  distinguished  zeal,  as  knowing  that  the  joy  of  the  heavenly  world  in  their 
recovery  will  be  in  some  measure  proportionable  to  the  extremity  of  their  former  danger. 
7  Let  us  often  recollect  the  charity  and  goodness  of  those  perfected  spirits  who  look  down  from  their  own  glory 
witli  compassion  on  mortals  wandering  in  the  paths  of  the  destroyer,  and  who  sing  anthems  of  thankfulness  and 
joy,  when  by  divine  grace  they  are  reclaimed  from  them.    Let  every  sinner  be  touched  with  a  generous  desire,  that 

4 — 6  lie  who  has  been  in  so  many  instances  the  offence  and  burden  of  the  earth,  mav  become  the  joy  of  heaven  by  his 
8,  9  sincere  conversion.  And  let  the  solicitude  with  which  the  little  possessions  of  this  world  are  sought,  when  they 
are  lost  by  any  accident,  engage  us  more  earnestly  to  seek  what  is  infinitely  more  valuable,  our  own  salvation,  and 
that  of  the  immortal  souls  of  others.  May  we  in  our  different  stations  labour  successfully  for  their  recovery  :  that 
we  may  another  day  share  in  that  higher  jov  which  angels  and  gforified  saints  shall  express,  when  they  see  them 
not  only  reduced  to  the  paths  of  virtue  and  happiness,  but  fixed  in  abodes  of  eternal  glory ! 


SECTION  CXXIII. 

SECT.  Our  Lord  further  pursues  the  design  of  the  preceding  parables,  by  delivering  that  of  the  prodigal  son.    Luke  xv.  il,  to  the  end. 

^2^-  Luke  XV.  11. 


Luke  xv.  11. 


LUKE  ^'^^Tll  the  same  design  of  vindicating  himself  in  conversing  with  publicans  and  sinners,  and  he  said,  a  certain  man 
XV.    of  reproving  the  envy  of  the  Pharisees,  and  of  encouraging  every  sincere  penitent  by  ^"^ '"'"  *°"*  ■ 

a  A/l  the  puhlicans  and  sinners  ihcic  near  to  hear  him.']    Some  suppose  benevolent  spirits  be  an  occasion  of  joy ;  nor  could  any  thing  have  been 

they  came  by  a  particular  appointment  from  all  the  neighbouring  parts,  suggested  more  proper,  to  encourage  the  humble  penitent,  to  expose  the 

Jiut  as  Luke  goes  on  in  the  story,  without  any  intimation  of  a  change  repining  Pharisee,  or  to  animate  all  to  zeal  in  so  good  a  work  as  en- 

either  m  the  time  or  the  scene  ot  it,  I  am  inclined  to  think  these  dis-  deavouring  to  promote  the  repentance  of  otliers. 

courses  might  be  delivered  the  same  day  that  Christ  dined  with  the  d  Thati  over  ninety-nine  righteous  persons,  4f.]    It   cannot   be  our 

Pharisee,  Oj  119.)  which  being  the  sabbath-day,  would  give  the  publicans.  Lord's  meaning  here,  that  God  esteems  one  penitent  sinner  more  than 

who  on  other  days  were  employed  in  their  office,  a  more  convenient  ninety-nitic  confirmed  and  established  saints;  (who  are,  uiidonbtedlj', 

opportunity  of  attending. — Some  have  concluded  ( 1  could  never  con-  the  persons  spoken  of  as  needing  no  repentance,  or  no  universal  change 

jecture  for  what  reason)  that  this  happened  in  Galilee  of  the  Gentiles  of  heart  and  life,  m  which  sense  the  word  neravoia  is  commonly  used';) 

beyond  Jordan,  from  w^hence,  they  say,  Christ  went  up  to  .lernsalem.  for   it  would  be  inconsistent   with  the  divine  wisdom,  goodness,  and 

(Luke  xvii.  11.)    But  that  the  chief  )iart  of  this  assembly  were  (Jentile  holiness,  to  suppose  this.     Put  it  is  plainly  as  if  he  had  said,  "  As  a 

idolaters  can  never  be  proved  ;  and  if  it  couhl,  it  would  he  no  sufficient  father  peculiarly  rejoices  when  an  extravagant  child   is  reduced  lo  a 

jiroot  of  Christ  s  being  now  on  the  other  side  of  Jordan.    Yet  I  acknow-  sense  of  his  duty,  and  one  whom  he  had  considered  as  utterly  ruined 

ledge  It  highly  probable  that  some  idolatrous  Gentiles  might  join  with  bv  his  follies,  and  perhaps  as  dead,  returns  with  remorse  and  submis- 

the  multitude,  who,  it  they  understood  these  parables,  might  justly  draw  sfon ;  or  as  any  other  person  who  has  recovered  what  he  had  given  up 

great  encouragement  from  them.        ^  tWr  gone,  has  a  more  sensible  satisfaction  in  it,  than  in  several  other 

b  In  the  pastures  ot  the  desert.]  Uncultivated  ground,  used  merely  things  equally  valuable,  but  not  in  such  danger:  so  do  the  holy  in- 
ns comnion  or  pasture,  was  called  wilderness,  or  desert,  bv  the  Jews,  in  habitants  of  heaven  rejoice  in  the  conversion  of  the  most  abandoned 
rlistinctiontrom  arable  or  enclosed  land.  Compare  Josh.  xv.  61.  1  Kings  sinners,  and  the  great  Father  of  all  so  readily  forgives  and  receives 
"■  i\«  "■'"*?*. 111.  8.  Matt.  iii.  1.  and  Mark  vi.  .'51.  (Compare  also  note  them,  that  he  may' be  represented  as  having  part  in  the  joy."— Though, 
c,  on  Matt,  xviii.  IC.  ^  ijl.  p.  174.)  by   the  way,   when  human   passions  are  ascribed  to  Gotf,  it  is  certain 

c  (.reater  jo»  aiil  he  in  heaven,  &c.']    Alluding,  says  Mr.   L'Enfant,  they  are  to  be  taken  in  a  figurative  sense,  entirely  exclusive  of  those 

(a  little  too  coldly.)  to  the  style  ot  the  Jews,  with  whom  it  was  usual  to  sensations  which  result  from  the  commotions  of  animal  nature  in  our- 

represeut  the  angels  weeping  tor  the  corruption  of  men.  and  rejoicing  at  selves. 

their  conversion.     But  it  seems  very  unwarrantable  to  suppose  Christ  e  She  calls  her  female  friends  [ra?  dxXnr]  and  neighhmrs  together.]    It 

thus  iisserting  a  thing,  merely  because  the  Jews  used  thus  to  represent  and  might  seem  hardly  worth  while  to  ask  the  congratulation  of  her  friends 

conceive  of  it.— We  may  rather  conclude  from  ver.  10.  that,  at  least  in  on  so  small  an  occasion  as  finding  a  drachma,  (for  that  is  the  piece  of 

some  extraordinary  cases,  the  angels  are,  cither  by  immediate  revelation  coin  here  mentioned,  in  value  not  above  nine-pence ;)  but  it  is  leprc- 

or  otherwise,  iiifornicd  ot  the  conversion  ot  sinners,  which  mast  to  those  sentcd  as  the  tenth  part  of  her  little  stock,  and  the  impressible  and  social 


THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  PRODIGAL  SON.  215 

movino;  representations  of  tlie  divine  mercy,  our  Lord  went  on  to  utter  another  most  sect. 

beautiml  and  affecting  parable.     And  he  said,  while  this  various  multitude  was  standing  123. 
round  him,  There  was  a  certain  man  in  ])lentiful  circumstances,  and  of  a  very  condescend- 


le  And  tiie  younger  of  them  ing  temper,  who  had  two  sons  that  were  now  grown  up  to  manhood.    And  the  younger  of  luke 

ml'^thV''ortii'rof  goo'dsfS  ^^'^"'.'  fondly  conceited  of  his  own  capacity  to  manage  his  affairs,  and  weary  of  the  restraints  ,„^"^- 

f^Mefh  t^°ne]  And  he  divided  of  his  father's  house,  Said  One  day  to  his  indulgent  parent,  Father,  as  I  am  now  come  to 

unto  them  his  living.  ye2a-?.  of  discretion,  I  desire  thou  wouldst  give  me  into  mine  own  hands  that  portion  of 

goods  ivhich,  according  to  an  equitable  distribution,  /«//.<  to  imj  share.     And  he,  unwilling 

to  make  any  invidious  distinction  in  distributing  his  effects,  divided  his  living  between  them 

both,a  and  gave  them  his  chief  stock  of  money,  reserving  the  house  and  estate  in  his  own 

hands. 

13  And   not  many  days      And  not  mam/ daijs  after  this  divJsion  w'Ri  made,  the  yoimger  S07I  gathe?'ing  all  his  iKs.- IZ 
ed^ah'tole^herrand'took'hfs  Sure  together,  arid  pretending  a  design  of  trj; Peking  with  it,  took  a  journey  into  a  very 
journey  into  a  far  country ,  distant  country ;  and  there  forgetting  his  relations  at  home,  and  living  with  a  knot  of 
stlnce*  wUh  rToTous  living!"''  Companions  like  himself,  in  a  very  riotous,  debauched,  and  extravagant  manner,  he  quickly 

squandered  away  the  whole  of  his  substance. 

14  And  when  he  had  spent      And  ivhen  he  had  Consumed  all  in  this  wretched  course,  it  so  happened,  through  the  14 
famine'1n*that°fand'*;  !md' he  righteous  judgment  of  God  upon  him,  that  there  was  an  extreme  famine  in  that  country 
began  to  be  in  want.'  where  he  sojoumed ;  and  he  soon  began  to  be  in  want  of  the  very  necessaries  of  life.    And,  15 
himseff"to''a  cft^zen"  of  tifjlt  finding  no  shelter  or  relief  among  those  who  had  been  the  companions  of  his  luxury,  and 

countr 
to  his  i 


;  and  he  sent  him  in-  shared  in  the  spoils  of  his  substance,  yet  unable  to  brook  the  mortification  of  returning 
e  s  to  ee  swiue.  home  in  such  circumstances,  he  ivent  and  joined  himself  as  a  sen^ant  to  a  citizen  of  that 
place ;  who,  thinking  such  a  worthless  creature  unfit  for  any  better  post,  sent  him  away 
into  his  grvunds^  belonging  to  an  estate  in  the  country,  where  he  employed  him  to  feed 
sivine ;  to  which,  however  mean  and  disagreeable  the  employment  was,<=  this  unhappy 

16  And  he  would  fain  have  youth,  who  had  once  lived  in  so  much  plenty  and  splendour,  was  forced  to  submit :  And  16 
t'hat'til''^swii^  did*  lat  •*'"^'d  ^^^"^  then,  through  the  unkindness  of  his  master  and  the  extremity  of  the  season,  he  was 

no  man  gave  unto  hitn.'  kept  SO  poorly,  that  he  had  not  bread,  but  loould  gladly  have  filled  his  hungry  belly  with 
the  soniest  husks^  which  the  swine  did  eat:  and  yet  there  was  no  nuin  that  would  take  so 
much  pity  upon  him  as  to  give  unto  him  one  morsel  of  food ;  so  sparing  did  the  famine 
make  them,  and  so  much  did  every  one  despise  this  foolish  and  scandalous  prodigal. 

17  And  when  he  came  to      And  now  the  infamy  and  distress  of  his  present  situation  began  to  lead  him  into  serious  17 
himself,  he  said,  How  manv  consideration;  and  coming  to  himself,  he  so  far  recovered  his  reason,  which  had  before 
iia?e  bread"  enough  a'nd'^'to  been  dethroned  and  extinguished  by  the  mad  intoxication  of  sensual  pleasure,  that  he  said 
spare,  and  1  perish  with  hun-  jn  ^jg  q^^jj  mind,  Alas,  how  many  hired  servants  in  the  family  of  my  good  father  have  bread 
^"'^ '  enough  and  to  spare,  while  I  his  child,  who  have  known  so  many  better  days,  am  even 

perishing  with  famine,  and  am  not  thought  worth  my  food  by  this  unkind  master  to  whom 
18.1  will  arise  and  go  to  I  have  hired  myself!     Whatever  be  the  consequence  of  it,  I  am  resolved  that  I  will  sit  18 
my  father,  and  will  say  unto  jjq  longer  in  this  miserable  condition;  but  I  will  immediately  arise  and  go  to  my  father, 

mm,   ratner,   1  nave  sinned   -r     ii  i.    i  .    •  i  i  •  7         ■  i  •    i 

against  heaven,  and  before  it  all  my  little  remaining  Strength  can  carry  me  such  a  journey ;  and,  without  vainly 
"'**•  attempting  an  apology,  I  will  say  to  him,  O  my  dear  injured /a^Acr,  I  humbly  confess  that 

I  have  sinned  against  the  great  God  of  heaven^  by  a  long  course  of  vice  and  wickedness, 
and  have  been  "guilty  also  of  the  vilest  behaviour  before  thee,  in  abusing  thy  goodness,  and 
19  And  am  no  more  worthy  grieving  thee  by  my  unnatural  rebellion;  And,  in  consequence  of  this,  I  am  no  more'^^ 
me ''^s*^"  out  *'of  Thy'  iiired  """'^'^J/  ^0  be  Called  t/iy  SOU,  HOT  Can  I  expect  the  favour  of  being  admitted  into  thy  family 
servants.  On  such  terms  again  ;  nevertheless,  do  not  suffer  me  to  perish,  but  rather  make  me  as  one 

of  thy  hired  servants,^  and  I  will  be  contented  for  the  future  to  labour  and  to  fare  as  they 
do,  so  I  may  but  live  in  thy  sight, 
en  And  he  arose,  and  came      And  accordingly  he  arose  at  that  very  instant,  and  set  forward  on  his  long  journey,  20 
to  his  father.—  passing  through  aill  the  stages  of  it  with  a  firm  resolution.  Providence  taking  care  for  his 

subsistence,  though  he  was  obliged  to  beg  his  way  ;  and  at  length  he  ca7ne  to  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  the  house  in  which  his  father  dwelt. 
Brea?w  ^^'ff"  h'*  Fih  ^^^  ^      "^"^  while  he  was  yet  at  a  considerable  distance,  his  father,  who  happened  to  be  then  look- 
him%nd  had  compassion,  Ind  i^g  that  way,  saw  him,  and  presently  knew  him,  disguised  as  he  was;  and  his  bowels 
ktss'ed  hlm'^"  °°  '''^  "^'^'''  ^"'^  yearned  over  him  to  see  him  in  so  wretched  a  condition  :  and  immediately,  as  if  he  had 
forgot  the  dignity  of  his  own  character,  and  all  the  injuries  he  had  received,  he  ran  to  his 
child,  and  fell  on  his  neck  with  an  eager  embrace,  and  tenderly  kissed  him  with  tears  of  joy. 
21  And  the  son  said  unto  And  the  SOU  began  to  make  his  humble  acknowledgments,  as  he  before  had  purposed,  and  21 
against \eaven,  ^and  in"thy  ■'■""^  ""^0  f>"'h  O  my  abused  and  injured /fl/Ae/-,  I  am  ashamed  to  appear  in  thy  presence; 
sight,  and  ""i  no  more  wor-  for  such  has  been  my  vileness,  that  I  have  sinned  against  the  God  of  heaven  and  before 
y  son.         tliee,  and  am  no  more  worthy  to  he  called  and  owned  as  thy  son,  or  to  receive  any  token  of 
his"se?vants'**Bring  "^fonlf  the  ^^^  favourable  regards,     liut,  before  he  could  make  an  end  of  the  speech  he  intended,  the  22 
best  robe,  and  put  zV  on  him,  compassionate  /«if//e/'  turned,  and  said  to  his  servants,  who  were  now  gathered  round  them, 
and  Sloes^on'/l/feet'-^  '^^"'''  ^°  immediately  into  the  house,  and  bring  out  the  best  robe  that  is  there,?  arid  clothe  him 
with  it,  and  put  a  ring  on  his  hand,  and  sandals  on  his  feet,  that  my  dear  child  may  appear 

temper  of  the  sex  may  be  perhaps  thought  of,  as  adding  some  propriety  crooked  pods,  which  by  some  is  called  .St.  John's  bread  ;  but  if  the  ar- 
te the  representation,  count  which  Sauhert  himself  gives  of  it  be  true,  swine  would  hardly 

a  Divided  his  liiinp  hettvcen  them  both.]    It  is  plain  no  significant  have  been  fed  with  any  thing  but  the  hnsly  part  of  this,  in  a  time  of 

sense  can  be  put  on  this  circumstance  of  tlie  parable,  as  referring  to  the  extreme  famine.    I  therefore  choose  to  retain  our  version;  but  take  it, 

dispensations  ot  God  to  his  creatures.     It  is  one  of  those  many  orna-  on  the  whole,  to  have  been  the  fruit  of  a  tree  something  of  a  wild  chesnut 

mental  circumstances  which  it  would  be   weakness  over-rigorously  to  kind.    See  Driisius,  in  loc. 

acconjfnodate  to  the  general  design.  e  Sitmed  against  the  great  God  of  heaven.'\   This  was  as  Dr.  Goodman 

I,     ij  i? — '^"'  '""'  """  ''"  grounds. '\    That  nai  in  such  a  construction  observes,  (.Parable  of  the  Prodigal,  p.  C07.)  an  acknowledgment  that  his 

should  be  rendered  in  this  manner,  the  accurate  Eisner  has  shown  by  a  father's  yoke  had  been  so  easy,  that  liis  throwing  it  off  had  been  an  act 

variety  of  convincing  instances.  Observ.  vol.  i.  p.  C48.  of  rebellion  against  God  :  and  it  showed  also  that  his  heart  was  touched 

c  However  mean  and  disagreeable  the  employment  was.l    It  is  true  with  a  sense,  not  only  of  the  foUv  but  the  guilt  of  his  conduct,  and  that 

that  among  the  ancient  Greeks,  the  chief  swineherd  was  looked  upon  as  the  fear  of  God  began  to  take  hold  of  him. 

an  otticer  of  no  inconsiderable  rank ;    as  evidently  appears   from  the       f  Make  me  as  one  of  thy  hired  servants.']    He  mentions  this,  not  be- 

tigure  which  Eumaeus  makes  in  the  Odyssey:  but  this  was  an  age  of  cause  such  servants  fared  worse  than  slaves,  but  because  he  was  himself 

greater  rehnement ;  the  unhappy  youth  was  obliged  to  attend  the  swine  an  hired  servant,  and  tlierefore  naturally  compared  his  own  condition 

himselt;  and  if  he  be  considered  as  a  ,Tew,  the  aversion  of  that  nation  with  those  of  that  rank  in  his  father's  family.  ... 

tor  this  unclean  animal  must  render  the  employment  peculiarly  odious       g  The  best  robe.]    It  is  observed  by  Ferrarius  (de  Re  lestiar.  M.  in. 

tohira;  and  probably  this  circumstance  was  chosen  by  our  Lord,  to  c«,i;.  C4.)  that  the  o-toXii.  w /ens' ro^i?,  was  a  garment  which  servants  never 

represent  him  as  reduced  to  the  most  vile  and  servile  state  that  could  be  wore  ;  so  that  his  father's  ordering  any  such  garment,  and  especially  the 

'■nfS'neu-   ,  best,  to  be  brought,  was  declaring  in  the  most  moving.manner  that  can 

d   (( uh  the  sorriest  husks.]    A  late  translation  (after  Brown,  Saubert,  be  imagined,  how  far  he  was  from  intending  to  treat  him  likeaservant. 

Grotms,  and  many  others)  renders  nepa-rMv,  carra-aays,  or  the  fruit  ot  —His  mentioning  the  ring  and  shoes  spake  the  same  language;  as  many 

the  carub-tree,  which  bore  a  mean,  though  sweetish  kind  of  fruit,  in  long  learned  writers  have  observed.    See  Wollius,  m  he. 


216  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  PRODIGAL  SON. 

SECT,  like  himself:  And  let  others  of  you  ran  to  the  stall,  and  bring  hither  the  fatted  calf  that  is     C3  And  bring  hither  the 
123.    there,  and  kill  it  ^  for  a  festival  entertainment ;  and  let  us  eat  and  be  cheerful :  For  X  esteem  \^f^  eaf  and  be  merry '  "'"* 

■ this  as  one  of  the  happiest  days  of  my  life,  and  more  joyful  than  the  fcirth-day  of  one  of    m  For  this  my  son  was 

LUKE  my  children;  since  this  nn/  son,  that  ims  so  long  considered  by  me  as  dead,  is  restored  to  waT'ios"^and'is'founcL'°Aiid 
OA  ^^^ ' '  "^^  ^^  ^'^'^  ^''"^  concluded  to  be  irrecoverably  lost,  is  found,  so  that  I  have  renewed  they  began  to  be  merry. 
"^^  hope  of  comfort  in  him.     And  the  whole  house  was  filled  with  joy,  and,  having  made  the 
entertainment  ready,  thei/  began  to  be  cheerful. 

25  Hut  while  the  younger  son  was  thus  received  into  his  father's  house,  his  elder  son  was  .  25  Now  his  elder  son  was 
abroad  in  the  field ;  and  us  on  his  return  he  approached  the  house,  he  heard  the  sound  of  Lnd^'drew  nigif  to  Ihelous"! 

26  music  and  dancing,  and  was  surprised  at  the  discovery  of  such  unusual  joy.     And  calling  he  heard  music  and  dancing- 
,  one  of  the  servants  to  come  to  him,  he  inquired  of  him  ivhat  was  the  meaning  of  these  things,  servants.lnd  aske'd' what'these 

27  and  what  could  have  occasioned  this  extraordinary  rejoicing?    And  he  said  to  him,  It  is  things  meant. 

because  thi)  younger  brother  is  come  home ;  and  thy  father  is  so  transported  with  joy  at  his  xhy  bmther  fs 'co'ine*-  ''and 
unexpected  return,  that  he  has  killed  the  fatted  caff,  and  made  a  very  splendid  entertain-  thy  father  hath  killed  the  tat- 
ment,  because  he  has  received  him  in  good  health  again,  and  found  him 'happily  recovered  to  ceived  him  safe  Ind  soti'nd!^^" 

28  a  sense  of  his  duty-     And  he  was  very  uns^ri/  at  the  kind  reception  of  his  brother,  and    28  And  he  was  angry,  and 

,       1  ^1     ^  ,  ■    7  7        .         •  J        ^  ^  I  ^  would  not  go  m: — 

resolved  that  he  ivould  not  go  in. 

His  father  therefore  hearing  he  was  there,  and  being  told  that  he  discovered  some     —Therefore  came  his  father 
uneasiness,  came  out  with  gxeat  condescension,  and  calmly  entreated  him  to  be  pacified,  °"*'  ^'^  entreated  him. 
and  to  join  with  them  in  the  festivities  of  the  day. 

29  But,  instead  of  rejoicing  on  so  happy  an  occasion,  and  running  to  embrace  his  penitent  29  And  he  answering  said 
brother,  he  was  stillfuU  of  envy  and  resentment,  and  replied  to  his  father.  Behold,  I  have  j"  ars  do"i^serve'thel^^n?t1i''*^ 
served  thee  these  manr/  years,  and  even  to  this  day  am  as  careful  of  thy  affairs  as  if  thou  transgressed  i  at  any  time  th*y 
wast  my  master  rather  than  my  father ;  nor  canst  thou  say,  I  have  at  any  time  departed  ne^^^avSt  me  Tkid  ^that° l 
from  my  duty,  or  transgressed  thy  command;  and  yet  thou  hast  never  given  me  so  much  as  might  "make  merry  with  my 

30  a  kid,  that  I  might  make  an  entertainment  with  a  few  of  my  select  friends  :  But  as  soon  as  ^'  'lo^lut  as  soon  as  this  th 
ever  this  thy  favourite  son  ivas  come,  who  has,  as  much  as  in  him  lay,  devoured  thy  substance  son  was  come,  which  hatli 
with  harlots  abroad,  in  a  long  course  of  scandalous  debaucheries,  to  his  own  ruin  and  the  ]'ots?'fhou  hlfst' kiilld'for  him 
infamy  of  the  family,  tho?t  hast  killed  for  him  the  fd  test  calf,  and  made  him  as  welcome  as  the  fatted  calf. 

if  he  had  been  the  most  dutiful  child  upon  earth. 

31  And,  though  his  father  justly  might  have  taken  offence  at  his  unbecoming  reply,  yet,  with  31  And  he  said  unto  him, 
great  gentleness,  he  said  to  him.  Son,  thou  art  ahvays  ivith  me,  and  art  every  day  receiving  and'aiuhafl  baVe'^is't'hin'e^" 
some  token  of  my  kindness  ;  yea,  all  that  I  have  is  in  a  manner  thine,  as  thou  art  heir  to 

32  the  bulk  of  my  estate : ''  B«^  surely,  on  further  consideration,  thou  must  acknowledge  that  se  It  was  meet  that  we 
it  reus  fit  ice  should  feast  and  rejoice  to-day:  for  this  thy  poor  brother,^  ivho  was  but  lately  I'/aj'.'^foT^hfsth'^b^rothe'i^w^s 
looked  upon  as  dead,  is,  as  it  were,  miraculously  made  alive  again  ;  and  he  who  was  lost  to  dead]  and  is  alive  again;  and 
us  all,  is  now  happily  found ;  and  it  will  much  better  become  thee  to  join  with  us  in  joy  ^'"^  '°^*' ''"''  '^  found. 

for  his  return,  than  thus  peevishly  to  quarrel  with  my  indulgence  to  him. 

Now  you  who  have  heard  this  parable  will  easily  see  how  indecent  this  conduct  was,  and 
how  ungTacious  a  figure  this  elder  brother  makes  in  my  story.  And  I  will  assure  you, 
that  when  you  Pharisees  murmur  at  the  kindness  shown  to  the  publicans,  or  even  the 
Gentiles  themselves,"  on  their  sincere  repentance,  you  act  with  as  ill  a  grace,  and  are  the 
objects  of  still  greater  blame,  in  proportion  to  the  degree  in  which  men's  eternal  interests 
are  more  important  than  those  that  relate  merely  to  the  present  state. 

improve:\ient. 

Let  us  here  behold,  with  all  due  attention,  the  moving  rej^resentation  which  our  gracious  Redeemer  makes  of 
the  folly  of  sinners  and  the  compassions  of  God ;  compassions,  which  he  describes  as  one  who  himself  felt  them, 
and  who,  in  this  respect,  as  well  as  others,  was  the  express  image  of  his  Father. 

^Ve  have  before  us  in  this  parable  a  lively  emblem  of  the  character  and  condition  of  sinners  in  their  fallen  state. 

Ver.  12  They  are  thus  impatient  of  the  most  necessary  restraints  ;  thus  fondly  conceited  of  their  own  wisdom  ;  and  thus, 

when  enriched  by  the  bounties  of  the  great  common  Father,  do  they  ungratefully  run  from  him,  and  say  unto  God, 

13  Depart  from  us,  for  we  desire  not  the  knowledge  of  thy  ways.  (Job  xxi.  14.)  Sensual  pleasures  are  eagerly  sought; 
ana  perhaps  all  their  earthly  possessions  and  hopes  are  quickly  paid  as  the  price  of  them.     While  the  means  of 

14  obtaining  these  pleasures  continue,  not  a  serious  thought  of  God  can  find  a  place  in  their  minds :  and  then,  per- 
haps, afl3ictions,  heavy  and  complicated  aflHictions,  come  u))on  tliem  ;  yet  even  under  that  ))ressure  they  will  often 

15,  16  make  very  hard  shifts  before  they  will  be  persuaded  to  think  of  a  return;  till  at  length  divine  grace,  working  in 

concurrence  with  Providence,  brings  them  to  a  better  temper. 

17      \Vhen  they  see  themselves  naked  and  indigent,  enslaved  and  undone;  when  they  come  to  themselves,  and 

recover  the  exercise  of  their  reason,  improving  it  to  the  only  pur|)Oses  for  which  it  would  have  been  worth  while 

to  have  received  it, — then  they  feel  the  paniis  of  penitential  remorse  :  then  they  remember  the  blessings  they  have 

18,  19  lost,  and  attend  to  the  misery  they  have  incurred.    And  hereupon  they  are  disposed  humbly  to  confess  their  folly, 

and  to  prostrate  themselves  in  the  presence  of  their  heavenly  Father :  they  put  the  resolution  immediately  into 

practice ;  they  arise,  and  go  unto  him. 

20      But  oh,  let  us  behold  with  wonder  and  pleasure  the  gracious  reception  they  find  from  divine,  injured  goodness  ! 

^  T^^  ff'"^d  calf,  and  kill  it."]     Eisner  would  render  the  word  Ovaare,  of  glory  superior  to  that  of  those  who  have  on  the  whole  made  a  greater 

sacrifice  it :  truly  urging  that  it  was  customary  to  offei  a  sacrifice  at  the  progress  in  lioliness,  and  done  him  more  constant  and  faithful  services, 
birth,  and  sometraies  at  the  unexpected  recovery,  of  a  child.  (See  Eisner,        1    I'his  ilii/hrother.']    '1  here  is  a  lovely  opposition  between  this  and  the 

Oliserv.  p.  249,  250.)    But  no  such  sacrifice  was  appointed  among  the  thirtieth  verse:  the  elder  son  had  there  indecently  said,  'riii!,  thy  son  ;  the 

Jews,  nor  could  any  have  been  lawfully  ottered  but  at  Jerusalem,  which  father  in  his  reply  tenderly  says.  This  thp  brother.    And  it  is  a  nim'ing 

does  not  appear  to  have  been  the  scene  of  this  parable  ;  so  that  I  can  see  intimation,  that  the  best  of  men  ought  to  look  on  the  most  abandoned 

no  just  reason  for  such  a  rendering.  sinners  as  in  some  respect  their  biethren  still;  and  should  especially 

i   i'hqt  was  dead,  is  restored  to  life.^    It  is  by  a  very  common  and  remember  the  relation,  when  there  appears  any  inclination  to  return, 
beautiful  emlilem  that  vicious  persons  are  represented  as  dead,  both  by       ni   Jo  the   publicans,  or  even  the  tientiles  themselves,]    Many  com- 

sacred  and  profane  authors  ;  (compare  1  Tim.  v.  6.  Kph.  ii.  1.  v.  14.  mcntators  have  considered  this  parable  in  a  view  of  peculiar  application 

and  Wolfius,  in  loc.')  and  the  natural  death  of  their  children  would  be  to  tlie  .lews  and  Gentiles;  and  have  observed  that  the  murmurs  of  the 

less  grievous  to  pious  parents,  than  to  see  them  abandoned  to  such  a  .lews  against  the  apostles  for  preaching  the  gospel  to  the  tientiles,  (see 

course  as  this  young  sinner  took. —  Hut  to  suppose  an  allusion  here  to  Acts  xfii.  42 — 50.  xxii.  21,  22.  and  1  1  hess.  ii.   16.)  are  represented  by 

that  statute  (L)eut.  xxi.  18 — 21.)  which  condcnmed  a  disobedient  and  the  conduct  of  the  elder  brother. — This  was  certainly  a  case  compre- 

rebellious  son  to  death  on  the  prosecution  of  his  parents,  would  in  this  hended  in  our  Lord's  design  :  but  he  undoubtedly  hail  something  more 

case  be  most  unnatural,  and  utterly  spoil  the  tenderness  and  grace  of  in   his  intention.    He  meant  to  show,  that  had  the  Pharisees  been  as 

this  speech.  eminently  good  as  they  themselves  pretended  to  be,  yet  if  hail  been  verv 

k  ////  that  I  have  is  thine.']   This  is  a  material  intimation,  and  suggests  unworthy  their  character  to  take  oft'ence  at  the  kiml  treatment  which 

a  strong  reason  against  murmuring  at  the  indulgence  shown  to  great  any  sincere  penitent  might  receive.    Thus  does  he  here,  and  in  many 

sinners  ;  for  as  the  joyful  welcome  that  the  father  gave  this  younger  son  parallel  texts,  condenni  their  conduct  on  their  own  principles  ;  though 

did  not  incline  him  to  disinherit  the  elder  brother,  so  neither  will  God,  elsewhere,  on  proper  occasions,  he  shows  the  falsehood  of  tho.se  princi- 

out  of  a  partial  fondness  for  remarkable  penitents,  raise  them  to  a  state  pies,  and  plainly  exposes  their  hypocrisy  and  guilt.   Thus  the  judicious 


THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  UNJUST  STEWARD.  217 

He  sees  them  afar  off;  he  pities,  he  meets,  and  embraces  them;  he  interrupts  their  complaints  and  acknowledg-  SECT, 
ments  with  tokens  of  his  returning  favour.     Is  Ep/iraim  my  dear  sun?  is  he  a  pleasant  ehiUU  for  since  I  spake    123. 


LUKE 

XV. 


amiinst  him,  I  do  earnestly  remewber  him  still :  therefore  my  bowels  are  troubled  for  him  ;  I  will  surely  have  mercy 
rnxm.  him,  suith  the  Lord.  (Jer.  xxxi.  20.)  Tlius  does  God  welcome  the  humble  penitent ;  thus  does^he  open  the 
arms  of  his  love  to  embrace  him,  and  the  treasures  of  his  bounty  to  enrich  him.  He  arrays  him  with  the  robe  of 
a  Redeemer's  righteousness,  dresses  him  in  the  ornaments  of  sanctifying  grace,  honours  him  with  the  tokens  of  22,  23 
adopting  love,  and  invests  him  with  the  glorious  privileges  and  immunities  of  his  children.  And  all  this  he  does 
with  unutterable  delight :  he  rejoices  over  him.  with  joy ;  tie  rests  in  his  love,  and,  as  it  were,  7'ejoices  over  him  with 
sinking,  (Zeph.  iii.  17.)  and  this  is  the  joyful  language  of  the  song,  My  children  that  were  dead  are  alive  again;  24 
ancl  though  they  were  lost,  they  are  found. 

Let  heaven  and  earth  unite  in  the  joy,  and  echo  back  the  song.     Let  no  elder  brother  murmur  at  the  indulgence  25-32 
with  which  these  prodigals  are  treated  ;  but  rather  welcome  them  back  into  the  family,  and  even  encourage  every 
thing  that  looks  like  a  disposition  to  return  to  it.     And  let  those  who  have  been  thus  received,  wander  no  more : 
but  rather  let  them  emulate  the  strictest  jiiety  of  those  wiio  for  many  years  have  served  their  heavenly  Father,  with- 
out having  in  any  notorious  instances  transgressed  his  commandments. 


SECTION  CXXIV. 

Christ  delivers  the  parable  of  the  unjust  steward,  and  reproves  the  Pharisees  for  their  covetousness  and  hypocrisy.    Luke  xvi.  1 — 18. 

Luke  xvi.  1. 
AND  he  said  also  unto  his  OUR  Lord  then  spake  another  parable,  by  which  he  intended  to  convince  his  hearers  of  sect. 
disciples.  There  was  a  certain  ^j^g  necessitv  of  making  a  right  usc  of  their  worldly  enjoyments;  ajul,  having  before    124. 

rich  man  which  had   a  stew-   "•  ,     '      ,     ■    •' xii       ■  ?      .1     ■  1  u      ■/\  1    \  1  -j      I       ^      j.  •      ;• 

ard ;  and  the  same  was  ac-  rebuked  the  Pharisees  for  their  envious  and  uncharitable  temper,  he  said  also  to  his  dts 

w'*-*fd"hs'  ood-"'"'  ^'^  '^^'^  ciples  that  were  about  him,   There  icas  a  certain  rich  man  who  had  a  stexvard  in  whom  he   luke 
lis  g    ( ^.  j^^^j  \ox\^  ptit  great  confidence  :  and  he  was  at  last  accused  to  him,  as  having  wasted  his  goods    ^^l- 

c  And  he  called  him,  and  which  had  been  intrusted  to  his  care.     And  calling  him,  he  said  unto  him.  What  is  this  2 
said  unto  hiin.  How  is  it  that  gtrauec  account  that  I  hear  of  thee?     Can  it  be  true  that  thou  hast  acted  so  unjust  and 

1   hear  this  ot  thee?   give   an  ,  t^  t       y.  ■  ■  ^     ^  j  ,.  i      r  ±i  ■  i     •    •  i      i-  j 

account  of  thy  stewardship ;  base  a  part?     (jive  an  immediate  and  exact  account  oj  thine  administration  and  manage- 

Seward  '""•^'^*'  ^"^  "°  '""^'"^"^  ment  in  this  office ;  for  thou  canst  be  no  longer  steward  with  any  honour  to  thyself  or 

satisfaction  to  me,  while  thou  continuest  under  such  imputations  and  suspicions  as  these. 

.3  Then  the   steward  said      And  upon  this,  as  might  be  well  imagined,  the  steward  was  much  alarmed,  and  said  3 

within  himself.  What  shall  I  ^j,(7/,j„  himself,  in  the  reasonings  of  his  own  mind.  What  shall  I  do  in  this  unhappy  situ- 

do,  tor  my  lord  taketli  away       .  •   V  •      q    /•  i       i    ■     ±    i  ■  i  j  /  ■  j        -ii     -..    t      i     ii    i 

from  me  the  stewardship?  I  ation  of  my  afiairs  .' jor  my  lord  IS  faking  away  my  stewardship,  and  with  it  i  shall  lose 

ashamed'*'"  '  '°  ^^'°    ^   ^'"  ^Y  Subsistence.     J  am  not  able  to  dig,  or  to  apply  myself  to  any  other  laborious  work  of 

husbandry  ■.'^  nor  can  I  expect,  under  this  load  of  infamy,  to  be  trusted  by  another  in  the 

business  I  have  been  accustomed  to ;  \and]  I  am  utterly  ashamed  to  beg  my  bread,  after 

4  I  am  resolved  what  to  do,  having  lived  SO  liandsomcly  in  the  world  thus  long.     And,  after  a  pause, lie  added,  I  have  4 
thp*stew^a'rdship!"they  m°a"yre-  ^^  length  bethought  myself,  and  now  know  what  1  loill  do;  an  expedient  offers  itself  to 
ceive  me  into  their  houses.      my  mind  by  which  I  may  secure  myself  friends,  so  that  when  I  am  i-emoved  from  my 

office,  they  may  receive  me  into  their  houses. 

5  So  he  called  every  one  of  '"  And,  in  pursuance  of  tliis  Scheme,  having  called  every  one  of  his  lord's  debtors  to  him  whom  5 
ami  'sa?d\mtoX*  first!  Uow  he  could  hope  to  oblige  by  so  fraudulent  a  proposal,  he  determined  to  lower  the  several 
ninch  owest  thou  unto  my  articles  in  his  liook  which  stood  chargeable  to  the  account  of  each,  and  said,  for  instance, 

°0  And  he  said.  An  hun-  '"  the  first.  How  much  oioest  thou  to  mil  lord?     And  he  said,  An  hundred  baths  of  oil.'''  6 
dred  measures  of  oil    And  Aiul  he  Said  to  him.  Take  thy  bill  in  which  thou  hast  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  it,<^  and 
bfiif^and^'sit  down  quicki'j?^  ^'^  down  directly  and  write  another,  in  which  thou  slialt  acknowledge  the  receipt  ofhnt  fifty, 
'"•r^Thei'^s'ai'fii  '  ^"^  ^  ^^^^  ^^^^''  ^^  ^ook  agreeable  to  that.     Then  he  said  to  another.  And  how  much  dost  7 

And  how  much^>wesTthou'^?  tliou  owc?    And  iic  Said,  An  hundred  homers  of  wheat.     And  he  says  to  him.  Take  thy  bill 
Andhesaid.Aiihundredmea-  back  and  Write  down  an  acknowledgment  of  but  fourscore ;  and  remember  how  easy  I 

sures  ot  wheat.     And  he  said  i  i       i  ■  ,  °  • 

unto  him.  Take  thy  bill,  and  have  made  thine  account. 

^'s  And'the'^Lord  commended      ^"'^  ^'^'^^"  ^'"^  master  heard  of  it,  though  he  could  not  but  be  sensible  that  it  was  an  act  8 

the  unjust  steward,  because  he  of  great  injustice,  yet  he  pruised  the  unjust  steward,  as  having  done  prudently  however,  and 

ciTiidrrn'of  thirlTOrid^are''if  ^ound  out  an  artfi'il  expedient  for  his' subsistence,  by  making  friends  who  might  shelter 

their  generation  wiser  than  him  for  the  present,  and  perhaps  recommend  him  to  some  new  trust,  in  hopes  of  sharing 

the  children  ot  light.  again  in  the  spoils  of  his  dishonesty.     And  thus,  said  the  blessed  Jesus,  when  he  had 

concluded  the  parable,  the  children  of  this  world  are  wiser  in  their  way  and  generation,^ 

that  is,  they  generally  act  a  more  prudent  part  with  respect  to  their  secular  interests,  than 

even  those  who  may  be  called  the  children  of  light,  or  than  good  men  themselves,  who  are 

enlightened  by  God  to  see  where  their  true  happiness  lies,  do  with  respect  to  theirs,  which 

are  so  much  more  important;  (compare  John  xii.  36.  1  Thess.  v.  5.  and  Eph.  v.  8.) 

for  they  seldom  appear  so  thoughtful  and  active  in  the  great  concerns  of  religion,  as 

worldly  men  are  in  pursuit  of  tlie  momentary  and  precarious  possessions  of  this  present  life. 

9  And  I  say  unto  you,.      And  I  also  say  to  you,  Tjude^vouv  to  make  yourselves  suTS  friends  with  thef^e  Yiches,\'vh\ch  9 

the  mammon'^cff 'mirighteo^us-  may  not  improperly  be  called  the  unrighteous  or  deceitful  mammon;^  (as  so  little  confidence 

Calvin  states  the  matter  ;  and  it  is  strange  so  many  learned  writers  homers,  which  he  allowed  the  debtor  to  deduct,  would  on  this  computa- 

should  have  puzzled  tliemselves  and  their  readers  in  so  clear  a  case.  tion  contain  170  bushels  of  wheat,  and  might  be  as  valuable  as  fifty  baths, 

a  I  am  mil  aide  to  dig,  or  to  apply  myself  to — husbandry.]   Raphelius  or  about  .378  gallons,  of  oil ;  so  that  the  obligation  conferred  on  both  these 

iAnnot.  e.r  Xen.  p.  104,  105.)  and  "Eisner  {Ohserv.  vol.  i.   p.  231.)  have  debtors  might  be  equal. 

shown  that  the  word  aamneiv  si^'nifies  in  general  to  ctiliivate  the  land,  c  Take  thy  bill  in  which  thou  hast  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  it.] 

and  especiallj'  to  prepare^  it  for  setd,  which  was  one  of  the  most  laborious  This  bill,  probably,  was  something  equivalent  to  a  note  under  his  hand, 

parts  ot  the  husbandman's  work  in  which  day-labourers  were  employed,  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  so  much  oil,  and  promising  payment  for  it. 

and  consequently  inost  fit  to  be  mentioned  by  this  steward,  who,  liaving  'J'he  alteration  of  this  plainly  shows  how  much  Dr.  Clarke  is  mistaken  in 

been  used  to  a  delicate  and   luxurious  way  of  living,  would  naturally  supposing  the  steward  did  no  wrong  to  his  master  in  this  affair,  but  only 

think  ot  such  a  change  of  life  in  the  most  discouraging  view.    'J  he  e\-  gave  the  debtors  the  value  of  what  he  set  off  out  of  his  own  stock,  he 

pression  «k  ktxi'w,  /  am  not  able,  or  strong  enough  to  do  it,  has  also  a  undertaking  to  pay  his  lord.     (See  Dr.  Claike's  ■Sermo?is,   vol.  ill.  p. 

peculiar  beauty  in  this  view,  which  is  lost  in  our  translation,  and  in  most  285.)    For,  not  to  say  how  improbable  it  is  that  this  bankrupt  should  be 

°  J'^'^^'  '''*'''  "■"  willing  to  make  such  a  considerable  present,  it  is  plain  that,  it 

.b  ^M  hundred  baths  of  oil.'\    The  Greek  word  SaTow  is  evidently  de-  lie  had  intended  it,  he  would   have  let  the  account  remain  unaltered, 

rived  from  the  Hebrew  Q'nn,  which  we  render  baths  in  the  Old   1  esta-  But  by  the  exchange  of  bills,  he  cunningly  made  each  of  the  debtors  an 

ment.    (1  Kings  vii.  26.  2  Chron.  ii.  10.    Ezra  vii.  22.)    According  to  accomplice   with   him  in  defrauding  his   lord,   and  thereby   provided 


or  actions ;  ais  Gen. 


Hishop  Cumberland,  it  contained  about  seven  gallons,  two  quarts,  and  against  a  discovery. 

Iialt  a  pint.  Compare  Joseph.  Antiq.  lib.  viii.  cap.  2.  »  9. — The  measure  d  In  their  gejieration.']  It  here  signifies  affairs, 
(ij  7Vheat,  Kopout,  mentioned  in  the  next  verse,  is  the  "IID,  f»ror  homer  of  vi.  9.  xxxvii.  2. 
tile  Hebrews,  containing  about  eight  bushels  and  an  half,  Winchester  e  Tlie  unrighteous  or  deceitful  mammon.']  Nothing  can  be  more  con- 
measure.  Ihe  word  homer  being  familiar  to  an  English  ear,  T  have  re-  trary  to  the  whole  genius  of  the  christian  religion  than  to  imagine  tnat 
tamed  it  in  the  version.  This  homer  contained  ten  ephahs  or  baths,  (Ezek.  our  Lord  would  exhort  men  to  lay  out  their  til-gotten  goods  in  w-orK»  ot 
xlv.  11,  14.)  and  each  of  these  latter  ten  omers.  (Exod.  xvi.  .36.)    Twenty  charity,  when  justice  so  evidently  required  they  should  make  restitution 


218  THE  COVETOUSNESS  AND  HYPOCRISY  OF  THE  PHARISEES  REPROVED. 

SECT,  can  be  reposed  in  them;)  that  when  you  fail,  and  die  out  of  this  world/  thei/  may  receive  ness;  that,  when  ye  fail,  ihey 
124.  you  into  everlasting  habitations,  and  you  may  for  ever  enjoy  the  reward  of  your  pious  J"^y  J^^u^'u'!  ,^°"  '°'°  *^^'*'"" 
'  charity  and  love,  in  an  everlasting  friendship  with  all  those  truly  worthy  persons  who  have     ■     •>   ^  ' 


LUKE   been  relieved  by  it. 

■^^I'q      Let  this  exhortation  be  regarded,  not  only  by  those  that  abound  in  wealth,  but  by  all     lo  He  that  is  faithful  in 
others ;  for  he  who,  actins;  on  strict  principles  of  integrity  and  piety,  is  faithful  in  the  "!^'  y^'^'^  '^  '^^^'.  '^  *?i'^A'' 

1/    J.  rj.       jt    •  1        ^    11    ■       r     ,  i      1,        J-  ui  J  I      1        ■  ■  r       -^  1  also  m  much :    and  he  that  is 

smallest  lt?-ust,j  is,  and  would  ni  fact  appear  to  be,  JaitltfuL  also  m  one  oi  7nuch  greater  unjust  in  the  least  is  unjust 
importance  if  it  were  committed  to  him ;  and  he  ivho  is  unjust  in  the  least  matter,  is,  if  he  ^^^° '"  much. 
can  attempt  it  with  views  of  impunity,  unjust  also  in  much. 

1 1  If  therefore  it  appears  that  you  have  not  been  faithful  in  the  management  of  the  unright-  ii  if  therefore  ye  have  not 
eous  or  deceitful  mammon,  as  I  before  called  those  precarious  treasures,  who  will  intr-ust  ^^^"  faithful  in  the  unright- 

12  yuu  luith  the  true  [riches?]  And  I  repeat  it  again,  if  you  have  not  been  faithful  in  what  was  mit*?o^yom°'trust  ^the  ^rue 
really  another's,  and  only  was  committed  to  your  care  and  management  for  a  little  while,  "jn^/n^  if   e  have 

ivho  do  you  think  ivill  give  you  [that  which  shall  6e]  your  own  by  an  imalienable  right  and  faitliful  in  thit  w1iich"is  ano" 
eternal  possession  ?  ?  You  cannot  sure  expect  so  high  a  reward  widiout  a  behaviour  cor-  'ig^  tJ^t'vvhich'is  ^our'ow"^ 
respondent  to  it. 

13  But,  as  I  formerly  have  said,  I  tell  you  now  again,  No  domestic  whatever  can  serve  two  13  No  servant  can  serve 
different  masters  ;  for  he  assuredly  loill  either  hate  and  despise  the  one,  and  love  the  other ;  \^^^  l^^t^'^Jh '  ^°^  ^'"'f  "^  ^^ 
or  at  least  he  ivill  adhere  to  the  commands  of  the  one  and  neglect  those  of  the  other :  so,  in  the  other ;  or^Ueli'e  \viu  hoW 
like  manner,  vou  cannot  faithfully  sene  God,  and  yet  at  the  same  time  be  the  servants  of  '"Ju*''^  ??^'  and  despise  the 

1       '  u       i.  J  u  1J1     ■■    »         <  J  i       //-<  T./r         other.    Ye  cannot  serve  God 

7nammon,  having  your  hearts  engrossed  by  worldly  interests  and  pursuits.  (Compare  Matt,  and  mammon, 
vi.  24.  p.  85.) 

14  And  the  Pharisees  also,  who  icere  extremely  covetous,  stood  by  and  heard  all  these  things  ;     u  And  the  Pharisees  also, 
and  they  contemptuously  derided  hini^^  as  a  poor  visionary,  who  did  not  understand  human  Yf^"  "j^."^  *'?'■'*'?"?• '' j*'''  f '! 
life,  or  only  appeared  to  despise  the  world,  because  (as  they  supposed)  it  was  out  of  his  him!  ""^^•''"    "^-^  ^"  * 
reach. 

15  And  he  said  to  them,  You  Pharisees  are  they  that  jnstfy  yourselves  before  men,  and  find  15  And  he  said  unto  them, 
out  a  great  many  plausible  excuses  for  possessinsr  and  pursuing;  the  world  as  vou  do;  but  ^'^  '"'f  they  which  justify 

/^    J  7  ;         J  J  1  *i     4.    i  ■  »  ?      1  t     u-       u    i.  X  1  ^1     1  yourselves   before  men;    but 

Lrod  knows  your  hearts,  and  knows  that  it  is  not  by  love  to  him  but  to  yourselves,  that  you  God  knoweth  your  hearts : 
are  animated,  even  in  the  most  specious  and  pompous  of  your  actions  :  for  that  ivhich  is  esteemed  amon"  men  Is'ltlf 
highly  esteemed  among  men  is,  in  many  instances,  an  abomination  before  God,  who  observes  mination  in  the'sight  of  God" 
the  vile  purposes  from  which  it  often  proceeds,  and  cannot  be  imposed  upon  by  any  glit- 

16  tering  misrepresentation  or  disguise.  (Compare  1  Sam.  xvi.  7.)  But  a  dispensation  is  now  le  The  law  and  the  pro- 
opening  upon  the  world  which  will  ])ut  you  to  deserved  shame;  for  the  law  and  the  pro-  phets  were  until  John:  smce 
phets  [were}  the  only  divine  revelation  among  you  until  John  the  Baptist  appeared:  but  is ''preaJfhed?  aul^'eve °/ San 
from  that  time  the  kingdom  of  God  is  publicly  and  plainly  preached,  and  every  one  forces  his  presseth  into  it. 

icay  into  it  ;i  for  considerable  numbers,  notwithstanding  all  your  sophistry,  stand  well 
disposed  to  receive  it,  and  are  willing  to  secure  its  blessings  at  any  rate.  (Compare  Matt. 

17  xi.  12,  13.  p.  111.)     Yet  I  would  not  be  understood  as  if  I  intended  by  what  1  say  to  put     17  And  it  is  easier  for  hca- 
any  slight  on  former  revelations;  for  I  rather  establish  and  vindicate  them,  and  again  ^'"".'^I'n  ^f^^  'i?  pass,  than 
declare  it  to  you  as  a  most  solemn  truth.  That  it  is  much  easier  for  heaven  and  earth  to     '^  a     o  ai . 
pass  away,  and  the  whole  system  of  created  nature  to  be  destroyed,  than  for  one  tittle  of 

the  law  of  God  to  fail,  or  the  least  precept  of  it  to  be  set  aside  as  faulty.  (See  Matt.  v.  18. 

18  p.  78.)  And,  far  from  doing  any  thing  to  lessen  or  abate  the  force  of  it,  I  rather  assert  .18  Whosoever  putteth  away 
it  in  its  utmost  extent  and  spirituality';  insomuch  that  you  know  I  have  before  declared,  {illr,"  commiueth^'^aduife''ry°i 
notwithstanding  all  your  boasted  but  dangerous  traditions,  that  ivhosoever  puts  away  his  and 'whosoever  marrieth  her 
ivif,  and  marries  another,  unless  it  be  on  account  of  a  breach  of  the  most  fundamental  t!irsUnd,''"committeth**"adul- 
article  of  the  marriage-covenant,  commits  adultery ;  and  whosoever  marries  her  that  is  put  te^y. 

away  from  her  former  husband  for  any  less  important  cause,  commits  adultery  with  her,  as 
the  first  contract  still  continues  in  force,  by  which  she  is  the  wife  of  another.  (Compare 
Matt.  V.  32.  p.  80.) 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Yqx.  8  May  the  wisdom  of  the  children  of  this  world  in  their  comparatively  trifling  concerns,  excite  a  holy  emulation 
in  the  children  of  light !  Is  it  not  much  better  worth  our  while  to  employ  all  the  attention  of  our  thoughts  in 
observing  opportunities  for  the  good  of  our  souls,  and  to  exert  all  the  force  of  our  resolutions  in  improving  them, 
9  than  to  labour  merely  for  the  meat  which  perishes, — for  that  deceitful  mammon,  that  treacherous  friend,  which 
will  jft  best  only  amuse  us  for  a  few  j'ears,  and  will  for  ever  forsake  us  in  our  greatest  extremity  ? 
1,  2  Let  us  take  occasion,  from  this  parable,  to  think  how  soon  we  must  part  with  all  our  present  possessions  :  how 
soon  we  must  give  an  account  of  our  respective  stewardships  as  those  who  must  be  no  longer  stewards.  Let  us 
therefore  manage  them  in  such  a  manner  as  may  most  effectually  promote  the  great  purposes  of  our  everlasting 
happiness.  To  this  end,  let  us  remember  how  absolutely  necessary  it  is  that  we  abound  in  works  of  charity  and 
benevolence,  and  that  we  endeavour  to  abstract  our  hearts  from  an  over-eager  attachment  to  these  lying  vanities  ; 
for  surely  the  trifles  of  earth  are  no  better.     Let  us  not  imagine  that  our  particular  address  can  find  out  the  secret 

13  oi  serving  God  and  mammon,  since  Christ  represents  it  as  an  impossibility  and  contradiction. 

10—12      May  we  be  found  faithful  in  what  God  has  committed  to  us,  whether  it  be  little  or  much  ;  and  govern  ourselves, 
not  by  the  maxims  of  this  vain  world,  but  bv  those  of  the  gospel !     And  if  the  same  temjjer  that  led  the  covetous 

14  Pharisees  to  deride  our  Lord,  engage  the  children  of  this  world  to  pour  contempt  upon  us  as  visionaries  and 
enthusiasts,  we  have  much  greater  reason  to  be  grieved  for  them  than  for  ourselves.    Their  censures  can  be  matter 

to  the  utmost  of  their  abilities.— ilfnmOTo?j,  or  wealth,  is  here  called  mi-  -r  If  you  have  not  been  faithful  in  what  was  another's,  ^■e.^   This  is  well 

righteous,  or  deceitful,  on  account  of  its  being  so  apt  to  fail  the  cxpecta-  expressed,  though  not  exactly  rendered,  in  the  version  of  I727.     If  you 

%,            owners  ;  and  in  that  view,  is  opposed  to  true  riches,  ver.  11.  have  embezzled  what  another  nave  you  iti  trust,  how  can  he  oive  you  an 

—  Ihe  mammon  of  unrighteousness,  is  plainly  such  a  Hebraism  as  the  estate  in  perpetuity?    It  probably  alludes  to  a  custom  of  rewardinir 

stcTcard  of  unrighteousness,  \-erS.  and  the  judge  of  unrighteousness,  chap,  faithful  stewards,  by  giving  them  some  part  of  the  estate  they  have 

xviii.  0.  Gr.  which  our  translators  have  with  perfect  fidelity  chanced  managed. 

mto  the  unjust  steward  and  the  unjust  judge  ;  and  had  they  taken  Ihe  h  They  derided  him.)    The  word  cfcMi-KTupifoi-  might  more  exactly 

same   liberty  m  many  other  places,  they  had  made  many  scriptures  be  rendered,   they  sneeied.    There  was  a  gravity  and  dignity  in  our 

plainer  than  they  now  appear  to  an  English  reader.— See  Eisner,  Dhserv.  Lord's  discourse,  which,  insolent  as  tliey  were,  would  not  permit  them 

vol.  1    p   252.  where  he  has  shown  that  a5iKm  signifies  unfaithfulness,  to  lauiih  out ;  but  by  some  scornful  air  they  hinted  to  each  other  their 

on  which  account  it  is  often  9Pposed  to  truth.    Compare  Rom.  1.  18.  ii.  mutual  contempt:  and  they  have,  no  doubt,  seriously  answered  for  it, 

/"/■/  ^^",*'  '^"'-  ^■'-  '^'"^-  ^''•-  ^''-  ''**""•  as  others  of  their  temper  and  character  will. 

t   J  hat  when  you  Jail,  and  die  out  of  this  world.]    Tt  is  with  apparent  i  Forces  his  way  into  it :  eit  avrnv  /Sia^erai.'i   Some  think  this  intimates 

propriety  that  our  Lord  suggests  the  thoughts  of  death  as  an  antidote  that  those  who  should  have  been  readiest  to  open   the  door,   rather  at- 

a"ainst  covetousness.    Strange  it  is,  that  so  many  on  the  very  borders  of  tempted  to  keep  them  out:  it  certainly  implies  that  there  were  strong 

the  grave  .should  be  so  wretchedly  enslaved  to  that  unreasonable  passion!  obstacles  in  the  way. 


THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  raCH  GLUTTON  AND  LAZARUS.  219 

of  but  little  account  to  us,  when  we  consider  that  the  things  which  are  hic;:hly  esteemed  by  men  are  often  an  SECT, 
abomination  in  the  sight  of  God.     His  law  is  sacred,  and  the  constitutions  of  his  kingdom  are  unalterable  :  may    124. 

the  temper  of  our  minds  be  so  altered  and  disposed  as  may  suit  it !     For  another  day,  and  another  world,  will 

show  that  real  Christianity  is  tlie  only  wisdom ;  and  that  all  the  refinements  of  human  policy  without  it,  are  but  luke 
specious  madness  and  laborious  ruin ! 


SECTION  CXXV. 

Our  Lord,  to  enforce  the  preceding  admonitions,  delivers  the  parable  of  the  rich  glutton  and  Lazarus.    Luke  xvi.  19,  to  tlie  end. 

Luke  xvi.  19. 
TiiERE^vasTcertain  rich  THAT  his  hearers  might  be  more  effectually  dissuaded  from  addicting  themselves  to  sect. 
man,  which  was  clothed  in  ^i^oridiy  pursuits  and  camal  pleasures,  Jesus  added  another  parable,  which  might  have    125. 

L^'dlumpLtlyeveTj-dTj.  been  Sufficient  to  convince  the  covetous  Pharisees  of  their  madness  m  deriding  what  he 

had  before  said.     And  he  addressed  himself  to  them  in  words  to  this  efiect :   Ihere  was  a  luke 
certain  rich  man  luho  lived  in  the  greatest  elegance  and  pomp ;  for  he  wore  robes  oi purple   xvi. 
"0  An<i  there  was  a  cer-  und  vests  of  jine  linen,  and  daily  feasted  in  a  very  splendid  and  luxurious  ?«fl)»/er.     And  20 
tahi  beggar  named  Lazarus,  ^/,p;,g  ,^,„,  \^  the  Same  place  rt  Certain  poor  man  named  Lazarus,'^  a  person  indeed  ot  eminent 
of'^lores^''"'^''*'"'^'''^'*""  piety,  but  in  the  utmost  indigence  and  distress ;  ivlio  being  unable  to  labour,  or  so  much 
as  to 'walk,  ivas  laid  down  at  his  ^«^e  to  beg  the  rich  man's  charity  ;  and  all  his  body  being 
"1  And  desiring  to  be  fed  full  of  sores  and  idccrs,  he  was  a  most  miserable  spectacle  :  And,  being  almost  famished  21 
with  the  crumbs  which  feil'-^yiti;,'  hunger  Iw  earnestly  desired  to  be  fed,  if  it  were  but  with  the  cruynbs  winch  fell  from 
nreover.  ti'e^oTcLneani  the  rich  vum's  table;  yea,  he  was  in  so" exposed  and  abandoned  a  condition,  that  the  very 
licked  his  sores.  ^(^^^^  (.„,„g  „,jf/  licked  his  sores,'^  which  lay  uncovered  in  the  open  air. 

22  And  it  came  to  pass  that     %it  SO  it  wus,  that  in  a  little  time  the  poor  beggar,  worn  out  with  the  load  of  so  great  a  22 
the  beggar  died,  and  was  car-  calamity  died  ■  and,  being  a  favourite  of  heaven,  notwithstanding  all  his  distress  on  earth, 
ha,'^s^bosonT!°'the' rich  man  he  was  carried  bii  angels  into  Abraham's  bosom,  the  abode  of  happy  spirits  in  a  separate 
also  died,  and  was  buried ;      state -c  the  rich  man  ulso  rfJtY^  quickly  after  him,  for  all  his  riches  were  not  sufficient  to 

procure  the  least  continuance  of  his  life  ;  and  he  was  buried  with  great  funeral  solemnity 

23  And  in  hell  he  lifted  up  and  pomp.     But  observe  the  difference  of  their  circumstances  beyond  the  grave.     This  23 
his  eyes,  being  in  torments,  p^^j.  ggnsual  d'cature  was  by  God's  rightcous  vengeance  condemned  to  everlasting  misery ; 
aSd  Lazarul'inhrbo^somr'  and  in  the  unseeu  xuorld,^  being  in  the  midst  of  torments,  aggravated  by  all  the  indulgence 

and  delicacy  of  his  former  life,  he  lifted  up  his  weeping  and  despairing  n/f.s,  and  saio 
Abraham  from  afar,  and  the  poor  despised  Lazarus  lying  in  his  bosom,  as  a  newly  received 
guest  at  the  heavenly  banquet,  placed  next  the  father  of  the  faithful  himself. 

24  And  he  cried  and  said.      And  calling  out  with  the  greatest  earnestness  and    importunity,  he   said,    O  father  24 
Father  Abraham,  have  mercy  Abrahu/n  have  conwassion  jinon  me,  a  poor  unhappy  descendant  of  thine,  aijd  send  Lazarus, 

«r,  m*.   niiH  ■sptiH  Lazarus,  that  *.  '  ■'^/,.,       ^,-'.'  ,.1  n         t  ,._    _  _i_    __    i.   _ 


tongue,'^  though  it  were  but  for  a  moment ;  for  I  am.  so  tormented  in  this  flame,  that  it 

excites  an  intolerable  thirst,  which  is  continually  raging  and  preying  on  my  very  soul. 

25  But  Abraham  said.  Son,      But  Abraham.  Said,  with  awful  and  inflexible  severity,  Son,  remember  the  former  days  25 

remember  that  thou  in  thy  when  thou  and  Lazarus  Were  upon  earth,  that  thou  didst  then  in  thy  lifetime  receive  fhi/ 

th\ngT,\nf  lTke^vise''Lazi°rus  good  things  wluch  tliou  wast  SO  foolish  as  to  choose  for  thy  portion,  in  the  neglect  of  Go'd 

evil  things:  but  now  he  is  ^nd  of  thy  soul ;  cmd  likewise  Lazarus  then  received  [his\  evil  things,  of  which  thou  wast 

mente'd  v/ilness ;' but  now  the  scene  is  changed,  so  that  he  in  his  turn  is  comforted,  and  thou  art 

justly  tormented  ;  and  neither  his  joy  nor  thine  anguish  can  admit  of  any  end  or  interrup- 

06  And  besides  all  this,  be-  tiou.     And  besides  all  this,  as  to  the  favour  thou  desirest  from  the  hand  of  Lazarus,  it  is  a  26 
*reat"<.uu''tixed°"so''thatthey  thing  impossible  to  be  granted  :  for  between  us  and  you  there  is  a  great  chasm  fi.red,  a  vast 
whi'ch'wouid  pass  from  hence  unmeasurable  void  is  interposed;  so  that  they  loho  ivonld  go  from  hence  to  you,  if  any 
they"  pasr'to' lis  "tilT'-Juld  should  be  SO  compassionate  as  to  desire  to  help  you,  cannot ;  neither  can  they  who  are  there 
come  from  thence.  come  uuto  US ;  but  we  are  still  to  continue  at  an  unapproachable  distance  from  each  other. 

07  Then  he  said,  I  pray      Then  the  rich  man,  as  he  perceived  that  his  own  case  was  irretrievable,  sfHC?  unto  27 
tiice   tiierefore,  father,  tiiat  Abraham,  There  may  however  be  a  passage  from  you  to  the  other  world,  as  it  is  plain 
mrfather 's  hous'e  •     '""'  '"  there  is  from  thence  to  you  :  i  beseech  thee  therefore,  O  father,  that  thou  wouldst  please  to 

send  him  to  nn/  fathers  house,  on  an  errand  of  the  utmost  importance  :   For  I  have  there  28 
28  Fori  have  five  brethren :  ^(^.g  brethren,  thoughtless  young  creatures  like  myself,  who  are  now  revelling  on  those  pos- 
'sessions  which  were  once  mine,f  and  are  likely  ere  long  to  fall  into  the  same  misery  with 

a  A  certain  poorman  named  Lasarm.]  An  exceeding  proper  name,  of  the  dead,  to  conduct  them  to  their  respective  seats.  It  is  strange  any 
which  seemsfas  Lud.  Cappellus  observes)  to  be  derived  tromTiJ?«7,  Lo  should  render  toi/  koXttov  t«  Ajipaaix,  Abraham's  bower,  or  (with  Jac. 
azer,  and  signifies  a  helpless  person;  an  etvmology  on  all  accounts  Ca.\spe\\ai)  Abraham' shaven.  Ouitranslationis  in  all  respects  much  more 
much  more  natural  than  that  so  generally  "followed,  which  derives  it  just.  It  alludes  to  the  way  of  representing  the  entertainments  rj-t  heaven, 
from  E/iexer,  God  is  my  he/per. Some  have  imagined,  from  the  name  by  sharing  a  magnificent  banquet  with  Abraham  and  the  other  patri- 
ot Lazarus,  and  the  particular  detail  of  circumstances,  that  this  was  a  archs.  (Compare  Matt.  viii.  11.  and  Luke  xxii.  30.)  And  nothing  can 
history  rather  than  a  parable  ;  but  this  must  be  a  groundless  supposition,  better  describe  the  honour  and  happiness  of  Lazarus,  who  had  lain  in  so 
as  it  is  plain  the  incidents  are  parabolical.  But  the  criticism  of  wretched  a  condition  before  the  glutton's  gate,  than  telling  us  that  he 
Lomeirus.  who  explains  it  as  a  mystical  representation  of  the  Jewish  was  placed  next  to  Abraham,  and  so  lay  in  his  bosom.  (Compare  John 
and  Gentile  church,  is  far  more  extravagant.— Dr.  Lightfoot  and  xiii.  23.  <)  170.)  'J'hus  Casaubon  and  Grotius  well  explain  it.— As  for 
others  have  shown  that  the  Jews  in  their  Gemara  have  a  parable  much  the  rich  man's  seeing  him  there,  Mr.  L'Enfant  thinks  the  Jews  borrowed 
to  the  same  purpose.  this  manner  of  speaking  from  the  Greeks,  who  described  the  seats  ot  the 

b  Yen,  the  dogs  came,  and  Ikied  his  sores.']  Had  the  connexion  in  the  blessed  as  separated  from  those  of  the  damned  by  a  great  impassable 
original  been  attended  to,  1  think  there  could  have  been  no  debate  river,  from  the  opposite  banks  of  which  they  might  converse.  Many  ot 
among  commentators  whether  this  were  mentioned  as  an  alleviation  or  them  also  expressly  speak  of  a  great  chasm  interposed.  See  Eisner, 
an  addition  to  his  calamity.     For   however  lenient   and   healing  the    Observ.  vol.  i.  p.  256,  257.  and  Grotius,  m  he.  r-  u     ^       i 

tongue  of  a  dog  may  be  in  such  cases,  the  words  aWa  Kai  should  be  d  In  the  unseen  world.]  This  seems  generally  the  sense  ot  the  Greek 
rendered  yea  ;  as  Erasmus,  Beza,  Schmidius,  and  Calvin  contend,  and  word  a(5ii9,  as  was  observed  before  in  note  f,  on  Matt.  xvi.  18.  p.  K)3.— - 
above  all,  Kaphelms  abundantly  proves.  (.Annot.ex  Xen.  p.  106,107.)  Both  the  rich  man  and  Lazarus  were  in  Hades,  though  in  ditteient 
The  circumstance   is  surely  recorded  to  show  that  his  ulcers  lay  bare,    regions  of  it.    See  Grotius's  learned  and  iudicious  note  here.  . 

and  were  not  (as  Isaiah  in  another  case  expresses  it,  chap.  i.  6.)  either  e  Dip  the  tip  of  his  finger  in  water,  At.I  Ihe  Hebrews  drank  tneii 
closed,  or  hoxmd  up,  or  mollified  with  ointment.  Some  versions  arid,  that  wine  mingled  with  water ;  and  large  quantities  ot  water,  on  one  occasion 
no  mangave  unto  him  ;  which  Grotius  thinks  is  intimated  in  his  wishing  or  other,  were  used  at  their  feasts.  (See  John  ii.  6.)  I  here  s«<'™?.,'"5\f " 
to  be  fed  with  the  crumbs  which  the  dogs  used  to  gather.  (Matt.  xv.  27-)  fore  in  this  petition  a  proper  allusion  to  that.— Archbishop  i  'I'o^™ 
It  so,  it  was  with  singular  propriety  that  he  who  denied  a  crumb  is  re-  observes,  with  his  usual  vivacity,  that  this  is  the  only  instance  we  iiieec 
presented  as  unable  to  obtain  a  drop  ;  but  as  it  is  not  expressed  In  the  with  in  Scripture,  of  any  thing  that  looks  like  a  prayer  put  "P  '°  ^ 
Greek,  either  here  or  iu  Abraham's  reply,  I  did  not  choose  to  insert  it.  glorified  saint,  (I'illotson's  Works,  vol.  u.  p.  142.)  and  e\en  nere  ine 
— Giving  alms  will  be  no  security  to  those  that  live  a  sensual  life.  application  was  in  vain,  and  no  reliet  was  the  saint  capaoie  "' >j'* '"J- 

c  Carried  by  angels  into  Abraham's  bosom.]  The  Jews  assign  this  It  is  observable,  the  rich  man  speaks  as  knowing  f  ?="""•,„':"", °rj,r;'; 
office  to  angels,  (see  Drusius,  in  loc.')  and,  no  doubt,  with  the  utmost  posing  (ver.  28.)  that  his  brethren  also  might  know  liim  on  nis  appeal  lug 
propriety,  considering  how  suitable  it  is  to  their  benevolent  nature,  and    to  them.  „  .  .•       ■    „,^<.  nf  anx- siirvivini? 

to  the  circumstances  of  a  departed  spirit.  The  Greeks  (as  Eisner,  (Mseff.  f  I  have  five  brethren,  SjC .]  As  n"  mention  is  marte  or  an>suryxinE 
vol.  i.  p.  255.  and  many  others  have  observed)  assign  guides  to  the  souls    wife  and  children,  but  his  five  brethren  are  described  as  iniug  snii 


220  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  RICH  GLUTTON  AND  LAZARUS. 

SECT,  me  :  I  earaestly  entreat  thee  therefore  that  he  inaij  be  sent  to  testify  to  them  the  reality  and  that  he  may  testify  unto  them, 
125.    importance  of  this  invisible  world,  that  they  mat/  be  awakened  to  avoid  those  evil  courses  ^^^^  they  also  come  into  this 

.1    'i  1  1  ,      1       -^  ■    ,     ^1  ■       I  A^  J.  _!  place  ot  torment. 

that  have  been  my  ruin,  and  may  not  also  come  into  this  place  of  torment. 

LUKE       But  Abraham  said  in  reply  to  him,  Tliou  knovvest  they  have  an  excellent  divine  revela-  ^  eg  Abraham  saith  unto  him, 
■^^'^-    tion  in  the  writings  of  Moses  and  the  prophets ;  let  them  but  hearken  to  the  warnings  and  prop^heb^Het'tton  hear Uiem! 

29  instructions  that  are  given  by  them,  and  they  have  means  sufficient  to  secure  them  from 
that  danger. 

30  And  when  the  poor  tormented  creature  found  this  also  was  objected  to,  he  pleaded  still  .so  And  he  said,  Nay,  father 
in  their  behalf,  and  said,  Nay,  father  Abraham,  they  will  slight  these  as  I  foolishly  did  :  but  Abraham :  but  if  one  went 

1       ■/■  ,       ,,  ,■•     •     ,/       7       I     ,,  -^    ,       -,1    ?       1  c  ^  •'  1         unto  them  trom  the  dead,  they 

surely  ij  one  go  to  them  from  the  dead,  they  cannot  withstand  so  awiul  a  messenger,  but  will  repent. 
will  undoubtedly  repent,  and  reform  their  lives. 

31  But  Abraham  put  an  end  to  the  discourse  with  an  assurance  of  the  fruitlessness  of  any  31  And  he  said  unto  him, 
such  extraordinary  means  for  their  conviction;  and  he  said  to  him.  The  evidences  of  the  \l  "'r^,^he^ts'^n°uhe^/wTi!the'* 
divine  revelation  are  such,  that  //'  they  hearken  not  to  Moses  and  the  prophets,  neither  will  be*^ persuaded  though  one  rose 
they  be  pei'suaded  to  a  thorough  repentance  and  reformation,  thoush  one  should  arise  from  f"""  "'^  ''^''''• 

the  dead  to  visit  them.s:  For  though  it  might  indeed  alarm  them  for  a  time,  the  same  pre- 
judices and  lusts  which  led  them  to  despise  those  methods  of  instruction  that  God  has 
given  them,  would  also  lead  them  ere  long  to  slight  and  forget  such  an  awful  apparition 
as  you  desire  they  might  see. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  19  Most  evidently  may  we  learn  from  this  parable,  that  it  is  impossible  to  know  either  love  or  hatred  by  any  thing 
20,  21  that  is  before  us  under  the  sun.  (Eccles.  ix.  1.)  Who  that  had  seen  the  pomp  and  plenty  of  this  rich  sinner,  and 
compared  it  with  the  indigence  and  misery  of  Lazarus,  would  have  imagined  that  the  latter  had  been  tiie  child, 
and  the  former  the  enemy,  of  God?  But  let  us  judge  nothing  before  the  time.  (1  Cor.  iv.  5.)  Our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  shows  us  the  period  of  all  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked,'and  of  all  the  calamities  with  which  good  men  may 
be  exercised. ^ — And  what  availed  the  luxuries  of  life,  or  the  magnificence  of  burial,  to  a  wretch  tormented  in 
23,  24  flames  ?  Surely  the  fierceness  of  those  flames  would  be  proportionable  to  the  luxury  in  which  he  had  formerly 
lived,  and  the  sense  of  his  torment  be  heightened  by  the  delicacy  he  had  once  indulged.  May  God  awaken  those 
unha|)py  persons,  whatever  their  rank  in  the  present  life  may  be,  who  place  their  happiness  and  glory  in  being 
clothed  in  purple  and  fine  linen,  and  faring  sumptuously  every  day  !  May  they  lift  up  their  enchanted,"deluded  eyes, 
and  see  that  pointed  sword  of  the  divine  vengeance  which  is  suspended  over  them  by  so  weak  a  thread ;  and  may 

22  they  take  this  warning  from  one  greater  than  Moses  and  the  prophets,  from  one  that  came  from  the  dead  to  enforce 
it,  that  they  pass  not  into  that  place  of  torment ! 

23  Let  poor  afflicted  saints  take  comfort  in  what  has  now  been  read,  though  they  may  be  despised  and  slighted  by 
men.  The  time  will  shortly  come,  when  those  angels  who  now  descend  in  an  invisible  form  to  minister  "to  them, 
will  appear  as  their  guard  to  convoy  them  to  the  regions  of  glory.  Abraham's  bosom  will  be  opened  to  them,  and 
tlie  dainties  of  heaven  be  set  before  multitudes  whb,  perhaps,  while  on  this  side  the  grave,  hardly  knew  how  to 
procure  even  the  necessaries  of  life. 

May  w'e  never  view  those  seats  of  glory,  as  this  wretched  sensualist  did,  at  an  unapproachable  distance  !  Let  us 

25  think  seriously  of  his  deplorable  circumstances,  when  he  asked  a  drop  of  water  from  the  tip  of  Lazarus's  finger, 
and  yet  was  denied.  Dreadful  representation !  yet  made  by  Christ  himself,  who  surely  knew  how  to  describe  "the 
case  with  the  utmost  propriety.  Behold,  O  our  souls,  this  son  of  Abraham  in  tliat  flaming  prison,  in  all  the  restless 
agonies  of  torment  and  despair ;  and  we  may  judge  what  dependence  to  place  on  a  descent  from  pious  ancestors, 
or  a  participation  of  external  privileges. 
27,  28  We  inquire  not  curiously  into  the  motives  which  engaged  him  to  request  that  so  extraordinary  a  warning  might 
be  sent  to  his  brethren  ;  whether  it  might  proceed  from  a  remainder  of  natural  affection,  from  a  fear  of  meeting  them 
in  the  same  misery,  or  from  a  mixture  of  both.     It  is  enougli  to  observe  how  and  upon  what  principles  it  was 

31  denied,  If  they  hear  not  Moses  and  the  prophets,  neither  will  they  be  persuaded  though  one  rose  from  the  dead.  Let 
none  vainly  excuse  themselves  from  believing  the  evidence  of  the  revelation  God  has  given,  on  a  pretence  that  if 

30  they  saw  signs  and  wonders  they  would  believe.  The  heart  of  man  may  be  hardened  against  the  most  sensible 
and  immediate  miracle;  but  if  that  evidence  were  irresistible,  it  would  ill  become  us  to  dictate  to  God  when  and 

29  to  whom  it  should  be  given.  Let  us  examine  and  acquiesce  in  such  as  he  has  seen  fit  to  afford  ;  and  pass  through 
our  various  scenes  of  life  as  those  that  have  eternity  in  view,  and  are  persuaded  we  must  eacli  of  us,  in  a  few 
years  at  furthest,  be  with  Lazarus  in  Abraham's  bosom,  or  with  the  rich  man  in  that  tormenting  flame. 


SECTION  CXXVI. 

nd  a   for 
selves. 

Luke  xvii.  1. 


Christ  repeats  his  exhortations  to  an  inofl'ensive  conduct  and  a  forgiving  temper  ;  and  warns  his  disciples  not  to  arrogate  any  merit  to  lliem- 

selves.    Luke  .xvii.  1 — 11. 


Luke  xvii.  l. 

SECT.  OUR  Lord  also  about  this  time  repeated  to  the  numerous  attendants  who  were  then  then  said  he  unto  the  dis- 
^'-^6.    around  him,  several  things  which  he  had  formerly  said  in  a  more  private  way  to  the  dis-  \l^}^^^f^-l\Jl  ,vilf  come*^  but 
'  ciples ;  and  particularly  addressed  them  in  terms  like  these  :  Considering  the  general  cor-  woe  ««« /»v«"through^-whom 

LUKE  ruption  of  human  nature,  the  snares  of  the  world,  and  the  temptations  of  Satan,  it  is  im-  """ycome! 
XVIL^  possible  but  one  way  or  other  offences  should  come;  many  professing  my  religion  will,  no 
doubt,  act  unworthy  of  themselves,  and  disgrace  the  holy  name  they  bear :  nevertheless, 
woe  [be  to  him]  byivhom  they  come;  and  let  me  warn  you  "therefore,  as  you  love  your  own 
2  souls,  to  guard  against  the  guilt  and  danger  of  being  a  stumbling-block  to  others.     For  I     c  It  were  better  for  him 
assure  you,  it  loere  better  for  such  a  one,  even  for  hnn  that  by  an  immoral  life  proves  a  ","'*  ^  inilistone  were  hanged 
reproach  and  scandal  to  my  cause,  that  he  should  die  by  the  hand  of  violence,  and  suffer  ' 

the  most  shocking  execution,  yea,  that  a  huge  millstone  should  be  hanged  about  his  neck,  and 

together  in  his  father's  house,  one  would  imagine  that  our  Lord  intended  Eccles.  iii.  17,  Cl.  xi.  0.  xii.  7,  13,  14.  and  Ezek.  xviii    19    "o    "1 

to  represent  this  wretched  creature  as  a  young  man,  who  (unhappily  for  F.ishop  Atterburv  has  excellently  shown  the  justice  of  Abraham's  ass'er- 

himselt,  like  manj-  niodern  rakes)  coming  early  to  the  possession  of  his  tion  here,  in  his  incomparable  discourse  on  this  text.  {See  his  Sermons 

estate,  soon  broke  his  constitution  by  debauchery,  and  so  left  his  riches  vol.  ii.  Serm.  2.)    The  impenitence  of  many  who  saw  another  Lazarus 

to  the  younger  children  ot  the  family,  having  no  other  heirs.  raised  from  the  dead,  (John  xi.  46.)  and  the  wickedness  of  the  soldiers 

g  If  they  hearken  not  to  Moses,  4c.]    It  is  true  Moses  no  where  ex-  who  were  eve-witnesses  to  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  and  yet  that  very 

pressi v  asser  s  a  Juture  state  of  rewards  and  pnuishments  ;  yet  the  facts  day  suffered  themselves  to  be  hired  to  bear  a  false  testimony  against  it 

recorded  by  him  strongly  enforce  the  natural  arguments  in  proof  of  it ;  (Matt,  xxviii.  4,  15.)  are  most  affecting  and  astonishing  illustrations  of 

and  the  prophets  speak  plainly  of  it  in  many  places.     See  Psal.  xvi.  g,  this  truth  :  for  each  of  those  miracles  was  far  more  convincing  than  such 

JO,  11.  xvii.  \o.  xxiu.  6.  xUx.  14,  15.  Ixxiii.  17,  et  seq.  Prov.  xiv.  32.  an  apparition  as  is  here  referred  to  would  have  been. 


EXHORTATIONS  TO  AN  INOFFENSIVE  CONDUCT  AND  A  FORGIVING  TEMPER.  221 

into  the  sea.  than  that  he  he  should  he  thrown  into  the  sea,  than  that  he  should  offend  and  insnare  07ie  of  these  little  SECT. 

should  oftend  one  of  these  ^nes  that  believe  in  me,  so  as  to  draw  the  meanest  of  them  into  sin  and  rum.'  (See  Matt.  126. 
''"'*  ""''^-                          xviii.  6,  7.  and  the  notes  there,  sect,  xciii.  p.  172.) 


3  Take  heed  to  yourselves :  Take  heed  to  yourselves,  tlierefore,*  that  you  may  govern  all  your  passions  aright,  and  luke 
If  thy  brother  trespass  against  particularly  your  resentments,  by  which  otherwise  much  sin  may  be  occasioned  both  to  o"^^^^' 
repent'Sve'hi^.''  yourselves  and  others.    And  if  th;i  brother  trespass  against  thee,  do  not  lay  up  a  secret  '^ 

grudge  against  him  for  it,  but  plainly  and  faithfully  rebuke  him,  endeavouring  to  convince 
him  of  the  evil  he  has  committed :"  and  if  he  appear  to  repent  of  hjs  fault  forgive  him 

4  And  if  he  trespass  against  immediately,  without  insisting  on  any  rigorous  satisfaction.     And  f  he  trespass  against  4 
thee  seven  times  in  a  day,  fj^^^  a^ain  and  again,  even  though  he  should  repeat  his  fault  seven  times  in  a  dut/,  (compare 
agaif  trth™e!M"y i'ns'^^l  "re-  Psal.  cxix.  164.)  and  Seven  times  in  a  day  return  to  thee,  seriously  saying,  I  repent  of  my 
pent;  thou  shalt  forgive  him.  foUy^  and  am  heartily  sorry  for  the  injury  I  have  done  thee, — thou  shalt  forgive  him  even 

these  repeated  offences.     (Compare  Matt,  xviii.  21,  22.  p.  175.) 

5  And  the  apostles  said  unto      Then  the  apostks  Said  unto  the  Lord,  Lord,  we  are  sensible  that  in  this  instance,  as  well  5 
the  Lord,  Increase  our  faith,   ^^g  j^  several  Others,  we  have  need  to  pray  thou  wouldst  increase  our  faith.''    Oh  quicken 

our  apprehension  of  the  realitv  and  importance  of  the  motives  by  which  all  thy  commands 
are  enforced,  and  of  the  authority  by  which  they  are  dictated  ;  that  we  may  not  scruple  to 
submit  even  to  such  precepts  as  these,  how  hard  soever  they  may  bear  upon  flesh  and 
blood ! 

6  And  the  Lord  said.  If  ye      And  the  Lord  said,  If  you  had  ever  so  little  faith,  though  it  were  but  as  a  gram  of  6 
ta^rllee^ ye*m1"ht"sHy  unt'o  mustard-seed,  yet  (as  I  formerly  told  you)  it  would  conquer  the  greatest  difficulties:  so 
this  sycamine-tree.  Be  thou  that  you  might,  as  it  were,  be  able  to  say  to  this  sycamore-tree,  Be  thou  rooted  up,  and 
t"t^V'^.t\.'t^!^^-.pl^'nkdinthesea,afitshm^^  ■        .        v,  . 
and  it  should  obey  you.             Endeavour  therefore  to  live  in  the  exercise  of  this  noble  grace,  and  in  a  series  of  such  7 
aIer^ant'pioughing,"or^t^'ed"  services  as  are  the  proper  fruits  of  it :  but  in  the  midst  of  all,  be  careful  to  maintain  the 
ing  cattle,  will  say  into  him  deepest  humility,  as  in  the  presence  of  God  your  heavenly  Master,  on  whom,  as  you  are 
from"1h'7'fidd!''Go  anT's't  his  Servants,  you  can  have  no  claim  of  merit :  for  ivho  is  there  of  you,  that  if  he  has  a  ser- 
downtomeat?'                    yant  ploughing  his  ground  or  feeding  his  flock,  will  say  imto  him,  as  soon  as  he  comes  in 

8  And  will  not  rather  say  frotn  the  field,  Come  hi^  and  sit  down  at  the  table  with  'me  >     Or  will  he  vol  rather  say  to  8 
with''i"'rna^''''su'^'''''!uid*'Td'^''"'  i^  ^^  ^^^*  ^  P^""*^  "^  ^^^^  Servant's  business  to  do  it.  Make  ready  somewhat  for  my 
thyself,  Ind^sene'me.  tifiS  Slipper,  and,  when  it  is  prepared,  gird  up  thy  garments  close  about  thee,«  and  wait  upon  me 
afterward"thou'ihau''eU  and  ^^/''^^  I  am  eating  and  drinking  ;  and  afterwards  thou  shalt  sit  down  to  eat  and  drink  thy- 
drink  >  self?    And  suppose  he  should  observe  nis  orders  with  the  greatest  diligence,  does  he  think  9 

vant^ecause  he^id  the^'thin'^gs  himself  obliged  to  thank  that  servant  because  he  hath  done  what  was  commanded  him  ?  I 
that  were  commanded  him.'^i  apprehend  he  docs  uot,  because  he  has  an  authority  over  the  servant,  and  may  justly  claim 
*™o  SoVikewise  ve,  when  ye  his  obedicnce  as  a  matter  of  debt.  Now,  to  apply  this  to  your  own  services  ;  so  likewise  10 
shall  have  done  all  those  things  ye,  ivhcn  you  httvc  faithfully  done  all  that  teas  commanded  you  in  the  exactest  manner,  yet 
^yfwrare''unjrroritabie^s°e"rl  should  Still  Say,  Surely  M-e  'are  worthless  and  unprofitable  servants,^  who  cannot  pretend"  to 
vants ;  we  have  done  that  have  merited  any  thins  from  the  hand  of  our  Master ;  for  we  have  done  no  more  than  what 
which  was  our  duty  to  do.      ^^^  ^^^^^^  ^^  virtue  of  our  relation  to  God,  and  dependence  upon  him,  indispensably 

obliged  to  do,  as  much  as  any  purchased  slave  is  obliged  to  serve  his  master.     And  assure 

yom-selves,  that  no  serviceswill  be  so  pleasing  to  God  as  those  performed  with  such  an 

humble  spirit. 
11  And  it  came  to  pass,  as      These  discourses,  and  those  above  mentioned,  happened  in  our  Lord's  journey  to  the  11 
jLred"\hrougif?hrmid5t  of  ^ast  of  the  dedication ;?  and  as  he  went  to  Jerusalem,  to  attend  it,"  he  passed  through  the 
Samaria  and  Galilee.  midst  of  Samaria  and  Galilee,  taking  those  parts  of  Samaria  in  his  way  which  lay  next  to 

Galilee. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  us  renew  our  guard  against  every  thing  in  our  conduct  which  might  give  offence  to  the  meanest  and  Ver.  1 
weakest ;  and  against  every  thing  which  might  by  a  bad  example  mislead  others,  or  furnish  the  enemies  of  religion  2 
with  matter  of  reproach  and  accusation  against  it.     Let  us  imbibe  the  forgiving  spirit  of  the  gospel,  and,  bearing  3,  4 
in  mind  the  numberless  instances  in  which  God  has  forgiven  us,  though  we  have  sinned  against  him  not  only  seven 
times,  but  seventy  times  seven, — let  us  arm  ourselves,  in  some  degree,  ^vith  the  same  mind,  and  endeavour  io  forbear 
and  forgive  one  another,  even  as  God  for  Christ's  sake  has  freely  forgiven  us.  (Eph.  iv.  32.  and  Col.  iii.  13.) 

In  a  sense  of  the  weakness  of  our  faith,  let  us  pray  to  Christ  to  increase  it ;  and  then  those  duties  will  be  dis-  5 
charged  with  ease  and  delight  which  appeared  most  difficult  in  a  distant  prospect.  Yet  when  faith  and  patience 
have  had  their  most  perfect  work,  when  our  Master's  will  has  been  borne  with  the  most  entire  submission,  and  7 — 10 
done  with  the  most  zealous  despatch,  let  us  not  pretend  to  place  any  merit  in  our  own  actions  or  sufferings  ;  but 
let  us  think  of  ourselves  as  the  servants  of  God,  yea,  as  unprofitable  servants,  whose  goodness  extendeth  not  to 
our  great  IVIaster :  and  to  the  riches  of  his  grace  let  us  ascribe  it,  that  our  feeble  powers  are  strengthened  to  the 
performance  of  our  duty ;  and  that  our  worthless  services  are  accepted,  and  the  numberless  deficiencies  of  them 
mercifully  excused. 

a  Tttlie  heed  to ymtrselves.']    This  contains  a  strong  and  important  inti  20C.— That  servants  used  to  be  girded  while  waiting  on  their  masters,  is 

niation  how  much  sin  and  scandal  is  occasioned  by  a  severe  quarrelsome  well  shown  by  Eisner,  Observ.  vol.  i.  p.  258,  259.    See  note  b,  on  Luke 

temper  in  the  disciples  of  Christ ;  as  it  not  only  stirs  up  the  corruptions  xii.  35.  p.  202. 

of  those  with  whom  they  contend,  but  leads  others  to  think  meanly  of  a  f  Unprofitable  servants.']   The  word  axpeioi  sometimes  signifies  aicked, 

profession  which  has  so  little  efficacy  to  soften  aud  sweeten  the  tempers  (Rom.  iii.  12.  Matt.  xxv.  30.)  but  in  this  connexion  it  cannot  have  that 

of  those  who  maintain  it.  sense.     1   entirely  agree  with  Ileinsius,  that  here,  aud  2  Sam.  vi.  22. 

b  Increase  our  fail  h.]    Woltzogenius  himself  acknowledges  that  their  Septuag.  it  signifies  mean  or  inconsiderable,  as  the  best  of  men  certainly 

applying  to  Christ  to  strengthen  their  faith,  sliows  that  they  believed  he  are. 

had  a  divine  influence  over  the  spirits  of  men.    See  Whitby,  iji  loc.  g  In  our  Lord's  journey  to  the  feast  of  the  dedication.]    See  note  a, 

c  You  might  say  to  this  sycamore-tree,  4f .]  '  do  not  apprehend  this  text  on  Luke  xiii.  23.  5  118.  and  note  a,  on  Luke  xiv.  1.  A  119. 

to  be  entirely  parallel  to  Matt.  xvii.  20.  p.  169.     In  this  connexion  the  h  As  he  went  to  Jerusalem.']    As  Luke  has  related  the  two  little  his- 

expression  seems  proverbial,  and  to  be  as  if  lie  had  said,  As  the  least  tories  contained  in  the  next  section  at  some  distance  from  each  other,  it 

degrees  of  miraculous  faith  will  (as  I  said  before)  produce  the  greatest  is  very  difficult  (as  the  attentive  reader  will  observe)  to  place  them 

effects,  so  the  least  degree  of  true,  sincere  piety  will  finally  bear  a  man  together  without  some  tautology.     I   have  therefore  inserted  the  mtro- 

above  all  opposition,  and  enable  liim  to  conquer  the  worUf.  duction  to  one  of  them  at  the  end  of  this  section  ;  leaving  out  the  word 

d  Come  in.]    Kaphelius  proves  that  the  word  -nape'KOwv  has  often  this  tfevtro,  it  came  to  pass,  which  js  a  mere  expletive,  or  at  most  does  only 

sense.    Compare  Luke  xii.  37.  and  Acts  xxiv.  j.    See  Kaphel.  Jhmot.  imply  that  what  is  mentioned  in  the  context  happened  in  this  journey, 

er  Nerod.  p.  263.  and  especially  Annot.  ex  Xen.  p.  108.  or  may  refer  to  the  discourses  Chiist  had  before  delivered,  as  we  have 

c  Gird  vp  t/ii/  garments  close  about  thee.]    Compare  Luke  xii.  37.  p.  observed  in  the  paraphrase. 


222  THE  INTEMPERATE  ZEAL  OF  JAMES  AND  JOHN  REBUKED. 

SECTION  CXXVII. 

Christ,  travelling  through  Samaria,  rebukes  the  intemperate  zeal  of  .Tames  and  John  arainst  tliose  who  refused  to  gTant  him  entertainment ;  and 

heals  ten  lepejs. — Luke  ix.  51 — 56.  xvii.  12 — 19. 

Luke  ix.  51.  Luke  ix.  51. 

SECT.   IT  was  observed  in  the  close  of  the  former  section,  that  our  Lord  was  now  on  his  journey  and  it  came  to  pass,  wnen 
127.    from  Galilee,  near  the  feast  of  the  dedication  •.>»  and  it  came  to  pass,  that  as  the  days  were  shoi/iTle^^rece'^h^d  ii'p.*  he 

now  almost  futjilled  in  which  he  knew  he  should  be  received  vp  to  heaven  againji"  having  stcdfastiy  set  his  facetogoto 
LUKE   despatched  the  ministry  which  he  was  to  discharge  on  earth ;  notwithstanding  all  the  J'^''"^^'"'"' 

painful  scenes  through  which  he  was  yet  to  pass,  his  heart  was  so  animated  with  a  regard 

51  to  his  Father's  honour  and  the  salvation  of  men,  and  so  cheered  with  the  views  of  his  own 
approaching  exaltation  and  glory,  that,  in  defiance  of  all  his  most  inveterate  enemies,  he 
resolutely  set  his  face  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem,  though  he  knew  it  was  the  last  journey  he 

52  should  take  froni  Galilee  thither,  and  that  tortures  and  death  awaited  him  there.  And,  as  5C  And  sent  messengers  be- 
his  way  lay  through  Samaria,  being  a  stranger  there,  he  sent  messengers  before  his  face,  who  !,°'"J  entemf  into1i*vi?[a"l"o'f 
in  their  progress  entered  into  a  villaife  of  the  Samaritans  to  prepare  enter tcdnment  for  him ;  the  Samaritans,  to  make  ready 

53  only  desiring  to  take  a  lodging  tliere,  and  to  pay  for  their  accommodation.  But  tlie  '"ss^'^nd  they  did  not  re- 
Samaritans  had  such  a  national  grudge  against  the  .Tews,  that  they  rvould  not  receive  him,  ceive  him,  because  his  face 
nor  grant  him  the  common  rites  of  hospitality  due  to  any  stranger,  because  his  face  was  to  j^r^usaUm."**  '^^  would  go 
directed  towards  Jerusalem  ;  and  tliey  concluded  from  the  season  of  the  year,  that  this  visit 

was  intended  as  a  peculiar  honour  to  the  temple  there.'^ 

54  And  when  his  disciples,  James  and  John,  who  attended  him,"!  saw  it,  they  said,  Lord,  wilt  54  And  when  his  disciples, 
thou  that  we  speak  for  fire  to  come  down  from  heaven  to  destroy  theyn,  as  Elijah  did  v/ith  i'fey^^satd ''  Lore"'  w^iu  thou 
regard  to  his  enemies,  (2  Kings  i.  10,  12.)  for  surely  one  word  in  such  a  case  will  do  it,  that  we  command' fire  tocome 
and  the  artillery  of  heaven  will  be  much  more  ready  to  avenge  such  an  affront  offered  to  f"^™  \™em''^eveu'  as''' Elm 
thee,  who  art  so  much  superior  to  any  of  the  prophets  ?  did .' 

55  But  \  Jesus]  turning  short  upon  tliem,  rebuked  them  with  a  becoming  severity,  and  said,  55  But  he  turned  and  re- 
Ye  know  not  what  kind  of  spirit  ye  are  of;  you  neither  consider  the  genius  of  the  gospel,  l^"'^*^''  them,  and  said.  Ye 

1  ii     iU        xu    i     c\\       1    •  J  ix:    •      1I      1  \1      \.       know    not   what   manner   ot 

so  much  more  gentle  than  that  01  the  law,  nor  do  you  suinciently  know  your  own  hearts ;  spirit  ye  are  of. 
and  if  you  were  more  diligently  to  examine  them,  you  would  soon  find  that  there  is  a 
great  deal  of  personal  resentment  and  ostentation  mingled  with  all  that  zeal  for  me  which 

56  you  so  warmly  express  on  this  occasion.  But  I  reject  your  motion  as  absolutely  unfit  to  56  For  the  Son  of  man  is 
be  complied  with  ;  for  the  Son  of  man  came  not  into  the  world  to  erect  his  kingdom  by  nves™uTtosavl!r/™m  "aS'iI 
military  force,  or  by  any  other  method  to  destroy  mens  lives,  but  to  save  [them  ;\  and  there-  they 'went  to  another  village, 
fore  will  exert  his  miraculous  power  in  works  of  mercy  and  benevolence,  and  not  of  terror 

and  vengeance.    And  they  departed  from  that  place,  and  went  on  till  they  came  to  another 

village. 
LUKE       And  as  he  entered  into  a  certain  neighbouring  village,  there  met  him  ten  meii  ivho  were     Luke  xvii.  12.    And  as  he 
^viL   lepers,  and  who  on  that  account  were  shut  out  from  the  towns  to  which  they  belonged  ;  fhJrrmLf lifrnTen'men'that 

and  as  in  this  miserable  state  they  could  have  no  society  with  any  but  themselves,  both  were  lepers,  which  stood  afar 

13  Jews  and  Samaritans  conversed  promiscuously  together.     And  sta7iding  afar  off]  lest  they  °  j^  ^^^j  ,1,^^  y,(^^^  ^p  n^-^ 
should  pollute  passengers  who  might  come  too  near  them,  they  lifted  up  their  voice,  voices,  and  said,  .Jcsns,  Mas- 
and  said  with  great  earnestness,  having  heard  of  the  fame  of  Christ,  Jesus,  Master,  we  '*^'^'   "^^  "'^rcy  on  us. 
beseech  thee  to  have  mercy  upon  us,  as  thou  hast  already  extended  it  to  others  in  these 

14  deplorable  circumstances.  And,  seeing  them  as  they  stood  crying  to  him,  he  said  unto  14  And  when  he  saw  </<?»;, 
them,  Go,  show  yourselves  to  the  priests ;  intimating' that  the  cure  they  desired  should  be  yourselves' ni'to™t'he'pr!es'tZ 
performed  by  the  way.  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  as  thei/  were  going  in  obedience  to  his  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  as 
word,  they  ivere  all  miraculously  cleansed  by  the  power  of  Christ,  the  efficacy  of  which  was  ed!^  ^*^'"''  ""'^  ^^"^'^  cleans- 
such  as  to  operate  at  a  distance  as  well  as  near.  j-  ^j^^,         ,.  ,  . 

15  And  one  of  them,  perceiving  he  was  healed,  was  so  affected  with  it,  that  he  immediately  he  saw  that  lie  was  healed, 
returyied  with  an  heart  full  of  gratitude  and  joy,  glorifying  God  with  a  loud  voice,  and  ^"^"1*^  I'orh'ied'r  T'-"'  *  '""^ 

16  made  a  free  and  open  acknowledgment  of  so  signal  a  rnercy.    And,  presenting  himself    16  And  fell  dow'n  on  /«> 

a  Near  the  feast  of  the  dedication.]  Taking  it  for  granted  that  the  but  might  indifferently  be  applied  to  any  other  feast. — ^Ileinsius  con- 
foUowing  word,  m/a\>ii|/eMf ,  refers  to  Christ's  ascension,  (the  reasons  tor  fonmls  it  with  vxliwat^,  and  interprets  it  of  his  being  lij'lett  up  on  the 
which  I  sliall  give  lielow,)  1  think  this  the  only  place  where  this  litth' story  cro.ss:  thouuh,  it  is  certain,  the  ideas  of  being  lifled  vp  to  a  state  of  sus- 
can  properly  come  in.  Most  harmonizers  place  it  just  before  the  feast  (if  pension,  and  taken  or  received  up,  are  extremely  different. — A  learned 
tabernacles;  of  which  we  had  an  account  in  the  seventh  and  eishtii  friend,  tor  whose  judgment  I  have  justly  a  great  regard,  observing  that 
chapters  of  .lohn,  (from  sect,  xcviii.  to  cv.)  and  chiefly  on  their  authority,  Xr)i//i9  sometimes  signifies  a  seizure,  ingeniously  conjectures  that  ava- 
without  a  critical  examination,  I  had  mentioned  it  ni  that  connexion  in  \tjiif  may  signify  Christ's  deivg  seized  nijain  ;  imagining  it  may  refer 
\ny  Sermon  against  Persecvtitm,  p.  .'?.  Hut  I  am  now  convinced  that  to  a  former  seizure  at  Nazareth,  Luke iv.  29.  urging  further,  that  uiaXau- 
could  not  be  the  time  ;  not  only  as  it  wouhl  increase  the  difficulty,  by  /iaKo  signifies  tn  take  again,  and  referring  (I  think  without  sufficient 
supposing  Luke  then  to  saj',  that  the  time  of  his  being  received  up  vas  evidence)  to  Acts  xx.  1.3,  14.  xxiii.  31.  compared  with  ver.  10.  and  Eph. 
fulfilled,  though  it  nuist  have  been  above  half  a  year  before  his  death,  vi.  13.  comjjared  with  ver.  11.  in  proof  of  it.  But  I  beg  leave,  with  all 
but  chiefly  because  tliat  was  not  the  last  journey  he  made  from  Galilee  due  deference,  to  observe,  that  avWrniftavm  is  the  word  which  Luke 
to  Jerusalem,  and  because  (as  we  observed  on  John  vii.  10.  note  h,  p.  uses  for  taking,  in  the  sense  this  worthy  person  supposes,  as  denoting 
179.)  he  made  that  journey  with  all  possible  secrecy  ;  whereas  here  he  to  seize,  (compare  Acts  i.  16.  and  Luke  xxii.  54.)  m  which  he  is  sup- 
had  a  train  of  attendants,— No  connnentators  (on  our  interpretation  of  ported  by  the  authority  of  Aristotle,  Euripides,  and  the  best  Greek 
avaKr\yilibl^^  have,  for  the  obvious  reason  hinted  above,  thought  of  plac-  classics.  And  therefore,  since  the  word  is  plainly  used  with  reference 
ing  it  higher ;  and  lower  I  think  it  cannot  be  brought :  for  though  I  was  to  Christ's  ascension,  Mark  xvi.  19.  Acts  i.  2,  11^  22.  1  Tim.  iij.  16.  as 
once  strongly  inclined  to  take  the  words  in  their  most  literal  sense,  and  also  to  that  of  Elijah,  2  Kings  ii.  10,  11,  Septitng.  aitd  since  iu  all  the 
to  conclude  this  happened  when  Christ  was  goinc  from  Galilee  to  .Icru-  places  referred  to  above,  it  may  be  rendered  by  taki7tg  up,  (see  Grotius 
Salem  just  before  his  ascension,  after  bavins  manifeste<l  his  resurrection  on  Mark  xvi.  19.)  1  scruple  not  at  all,  v/ith  the  most  ancient  versions, 
by  his  appearance  to  the  five  hundred  brethren,  1  Cor.  xv.  6.  (compare  and  tlie  generality  of  critics,  to  follow  the  usual  interpretation,  which 
Matt,  xxyiii.7,  16 — 18.)  1  have  beenobliaed  to  give  up  that  hypothesis,  refers  tivaXti')"?  *o  Christ's  ascension  ;  especially  since  no  considerable 
considering  that  he  never  after  his  resurrection  appeared  so  publicly  as  difficulty  would  be  removed  by  admitting  any  of  the  preceding  different 
in  this  story,  (compare  Acts  i.  3.  x.  40,  41 .1  and  that  he  had  then  no  interpretations. —  that  the  woril  daps  signifies  no  more  than  time,  and  is 
difficulties  to  expect  at  Jerusalem  against  which  he  should  stedfastly  set  sometimes  used  to  express  what  passes  in  an  instant,  is  very  evident 
his  face. — And  as  for  his  journey  to  Jerusalem  just  before  the  passover  from  1  Kings  ii.  1.  and  Gen.  xxv.  24.  Septnag. 

at  which  he  suffered,  he  went  from  Ephraim  near  the  wilderness,  (John  c  As  a  peculiar  honour  to  the  temple  there.]    None  of  the  feasts  ob- 

xi.  54.)  and  passed  through  Jericho,  (Luke  xix.  1.)  so  that  .Samaria  did  served  at  Jerusalem  could  be  more  remarkable  in  this  view,  as  this  was 

not  lie  in  his  way.    Nor  is  there,  that  I  can  find,  any  proof  that  he  ever  kept  in  commemoration  of  the  temple's  being  purified,  after  it  had  been 

went  back  to  Galilee,  between  the  feast  of  dedication  and  his  death;  polluted  by  Antiochus  Kpiphanes,  to  whose  idolatrous  impositions  the 

which  I  think  sufficiently  accounts  for  the  use  of  the  phrase,  of  the  days  Samarit.ans  had  willingly  offered  to  submit ;  as  was  observed  before  in 

or  time  being  fulfilled,  Sgc.  note  g,  on  John  iv.  9.  p.  63.    Josephus  observes,  i/lntiq.  lib.  xx.  cap.  6. 

b  As  the  days  rvere  fulfilled  in  which  he  should  be  received  up:  ev  tm  [al.  5^]  ^  1.  and  Bell.  Jvd.  lib.  ii.  cap.  12.  [al.  ll.]  §  3.)  that  the  Jews, 

<n//uirXfjp»CT(*ai  TO?  MMepci?  th?  avoKn^l/ew';  ouTa.]    In  all  the  reasonings  going  from  Galilee  to  Jerusalem,  at  their  public  feasts,  took  Samaria  in 

ot  the  former  note,  I  have  taken  it  for  granted  that  avaXiiitsM?  heiesisr-  their  way  ;  and  it  might  be  resented  as  something  of  an  affront,  con- 

nifies  Christ's  being  takin  up  to  heaven  :  and   tliis   is  so  generally  the  sideringthe  antipathy  of  the  two  nations. 

signification  of  the  word,  that  I  wonder  any  learned  men  should  "have  d  .James  and  John,  who  attended  him.]  That  these  disciples,  .so  re- 
interpreted it  in  a  diflTerent  manner. — Sir  Isaac  Newton,  merely  to  suit  markahly  distinguished  by  their  Lord's  favour,  should  liave  some  dis- 
with  his  hypothesis  of  preserving  the  order  of  Matthew  unvaried,  tinguished  zeal  and  faith,  may  seem  less  wonderful,  than  that  a  pei-son 
strangely  supposes  that  this  occurrence  happened  in  the  first  year  of  of  so  sweet  a  disposition  as  John  should  make  .so  severe  a  proposal. 
Christ's  preaching,  (Newton,  On  the  Prophecies,  p.  153.)  and  interprets  (Compare  ?  96.  Imp.  p.  177.) — The  afiinity  which  this  story  has  to  the 
the  passage  before  us  as  if  ai/aXn'I'ir  were  the  same  with  ava6oxri,  a  other  with  which  Luke  has  connected  it,  is  (as  Grotius  justly  observes) 
renewed  entertainment,  which  would   make   it  no  exact  date   at  all,  a  sufficient  reason  for  his  having  thus  transposed  it. 


THE  NATIONAL  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  JEWS  FORETOLD.  223 

face  at  his  feet,  giving  him  before  Jesus,  he  fill  (lown  on  his  fitce  at  his  fiet,  giving  the  most  affectionate  thanks  unto  SECT 
tha^nks:  and  he  was  a  Sama-  ^,-,„  ^g  ^}jg  immediate  Author  of  his  cure ;  and  it  "is  remarkable  that  he  was  a  Samaritan     127." 

17  And  Jesus  answering  And  Jesus  observing  it,  ansivcred  and  said,  Were  there  not  ten  lepers  cleamed^  but  where ■ 

cleansed?' but* wTere'^r.  [he  [«''el  j^/  Other  nine,  of  vvhom  it  might  have  been  expected,  as  they  were  Jews,  that  they   luke 
nine?  should  have  expressed  a  greater  sense  ot  piety,  and  have  been  more  ready  to  tliank  (;od  ^^H- 

18  There  are  not  found  that  for  their  deliverance?  How  is  it,  that  of  all  who  were  cleansed,  none  are  found  who  have  18 
saleTisstrlng^ef.'"'^^'"^"'^'  ''^turned  to  give  glon/  to  God,  but  this  poor  stranger  to  the  commonwealth'  of  Israel?  And  19 

19  And  he  said  unto  him,  he  Said  to  him,  Arise,  go  till/  wat/  ;  this  thi/  fiiith  in  my  power  has  saved  thee  and  been 
hith  mfde'therwholl*!^"  ^'''"'  happily  made  the  means  of  "thy  cure  ;  and  'from  these  grateful  sentiments  with'whicii  thy 

heart  is  filled,  thou  mayst  conclude  the  cure  thou  hast  received  is  given  thee  in  mercy. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Who  would  not  have  imagined  that  the  blessed  Jesus  should  have  been  most  cordially  welcome  wherever  he   luke 
came,  when  there  was  grace  in  all  his  words,  and  benevolence  in  all  his  actions?  Yet  these  Samaritans  would  not     IX. 
receive  him  because  he  was  a  Jew.    And  thus  do  unhappy  prejudices,  taken  up  on  imaginary  grounds,  a<^ainst  53 
men  and  things  in  the  general,  sometimes  injure  the  best  of  men,  and  prove  much  more"  hurtful  to  the  persons 
themselves  by  whom  they  are  entertained. 

The  rash  disciples  would  have  called  for  fire  from  heaven ;  and  let  us  observe  how  Christ  treated  the  proposal.  54 
He  treated  it  like  himself;  like  tlie  kind  compassionate  Friend  of  human  nature  ;  and  also  like  one  who  well  knew 
what  xvas  in  man,  (John  ii.  25.)  and  how  little  human  terrors  and  severities  can  do  towards  producing  a  real  con- 
version. Yet  fire  from  heaven  might  have  carried  along  with  it  some  rational  ground  of  conviction,  which  penal 
laws  and  sanguinary  executions  can  never  produce.  What  then  would  Christ  have  said  to  these  disciples  if  they 
had  themselves  proposed  to  smite  with  the  sword,  or  to  cast  fire-brands  into  the  houses  of  these  inhospitable  men  ? 
Little  do  they  know  their  own  spirit ;  little  do  they  understand  either  the  true  genius  or  the  true  interest  of  the  55 
gospel,  who  have  recourse  to  such  violent  methods  as  these  to  extirpate  heresy,  and  to  propagate  trath.  Let  us 
bless  C)od  that  neither  the  guilt  nor  the  misery  of  such  a  conduct  is  ours. 

Let  us  learn  to  searcli  our  own  hearts,  that  we  may  form  a  thorough  acquaintance  with  ourselves  ;  which  will 
greatly  promote  both  the  comfort  and  usefulness  of  life.  Especially  let  us  attend  to  our  aims  and  intentions,  and 
be  greatly  jealous  over  our  own  hearts,  lest  we  indulge  our  irregular  passions  under  religious  pretences,  and  set  up 
the  standards  of  malice  and  pride  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

From  the  story  of  the  ten  lepers  let  us  learn  importunately  to  seek  the  influences  of  Christ,  to  purge  us  from  that   i.uke 
far  more  odious  and  fatal  disease  which  sin  has  spread  over  our  whole  nature ;  and,  after  the  example  of  the  Sa-  xvii. 
maritan,  let  us  own  the  mercy  we  have  received.     Have  we  not  reason  to  fear  that,  of  the  multitudes  who  are  12—16 
indebted  to  the  divine  goodness,  there  is  not  one  in  ten  who  has  a  becoming  sense  of  it  ?    Let  us  labour  to  impress  17  18 
our  hearts  deeply  with  such  a  sense.     Let  us  remember  what  it  is  that  God  expects  of  us  :  and  let  us  further  con- 
sider, that  as  the  exercise  of  gratitude  towards  such  a  Benefactor  is  most  reasonable,  so  also  in  proportion  it  is  most 
delightful  to  the  soul :  it  is  indeed  (as  one  well  expresses  it)  like  the  incense  of  the  Jewish  priest,  which,  M'hile  it 
did  an  honour  to  God,  did  likewise  regale  with  its  own  fragrancy  the  person  by  whom  it  was  offered. 


SECTION  CXXVIII. 


Our  Lord  cautions  the  Jews  against  expecting  a  pompous  kingdom  of  the  Messiah,  and  warns  them  of  the  approaching  national  destruction 
which  would  be  the  consequence  ot  rejecting  him.     Luke  xvii.  20,  to  tlie  end. 

Luke  xvii.  20.  LuKE  xvii.   20. 

^^o?tiTe''p?.aHsIe?whTn^ti'''  '^^^^^  °"^  ^^'^^  ^^^^  °" '"  his  journey,  and  at  length  came  to  Jerusalem.  And  it  was  about  sect 
kingdon'fof  GoiTshoJIdcSme^  ^^i^  time  that,  being  asked  h/  some  oi  the  Pharisees'"  when  the  kingdom  of  God,  which  he  128.' 
he  answered  them  and  said   had  SO  often  mentioned  as  approaching,  should  actually  come,  he  ansivere'd  them,  and  said  ■ 

Ihe  kmgdom  or  God  cometh    m,      ,  ■       ,  /•  /--r    j  .i  .        -jj    xi     ^        ,  i      -^  i       i  •  „    '  ,  .    ,' 

not  witii  observation:  -t "^  Kingdom  Of  Uod  cometh  not  With  that  external  pomp  and  observation  of  men  which    i.uke 

LoLre1*or^o'theri'!'to7b'^'  y?*^. ^^^P^ct.     Neither  shall  they  point  to  this  or  that  remarkable  place,  and  say,  Behold,   xvii. 
hold,  the  kingdonrof  God  is  L^f  iS''\  here,  or,  behold,  [it  is]  there.     For  behold,  and  observe  it  attentively,  the  kingdom  of^^ 
within  you.  Qod  w  already  among  you  :^  though,  because  it  is  an  inward  and  spiritual  kingdom, 

erected  in  the  hearts  of  inen,  and  not  attended  with  outward  grandeur,  you  overlook  it  as 

unworthy  your  regards, 
disci  i^s 'rhe  d^a 's  wi"/"  n'^      ^'"^  ^'^  afterwards  said  to  the  disciples  apart.  Though  you  do  indeed  undergo  some  present  22 
w'h'elf  ye  shall  ''i'esiVe  tS"seI  difficulties  in  consequcncc  of  your  adherence  to  me,  yet  you  have  so  much  greater  extre- 
man^and'^  ''e^ha^l  not  se°"  "^  "cities  before  you,  that  the  time  will  come  when  you  shall  ivish  to  see  one  of  these  days  of  the 
an,  an    ye  sw    no  see  ir.  ^^^^^^  qfman,  awl  shall  not  scc  it ;  and  the  whole  Jewish  nation  having  rejected  me,  the  true 

Messiah,  shall  yet  long  for  the  appearance  of  him  whom  they  expect  under  that  character 
yo'u,  s'ee'^hiJ'eror.'see  th-Ire' :  ^"^  ""fff/  l'^**^"  ^0  eVery  One  that  pretends  to  it  And  accordingly  they  shall  say  to  you,  23 
go  not  after  McOT,  nor  follow  tiehold,  \Jie  is\  here,  or,  behold,  \he  is\  there ;  ibutj  do  not  you  go  o?/i^,  on  hearing  such 
"IT  For  as  the  lightning,  that  '"^Po^s,  tb  seek  him,  nor  join  io  fiMowXthem']  in  any  of  their  vain'delusive  schemes!  For  24 
lighteneth  out  of'the  one  part  be  will  indeed  come,  but  in  a  very  different  manner  from  what  they  expect ;  even  to  exe- 
{'h"''olheV'^r^nndl?'heav"n°  ^."*^  "P°"  "^^"^  ^  Sudden  and  unavoidable  destruction  -.for  as  the  lightning  which  lightens 
so  shall  also  the  Sou  of  manfiom  one  [part]  under  heaven,  shines  in  a  moment  with  the  greatest  swiftness  to  the  other 
be  m  his  day.  [part]  Under  heaven ;  so  also  in  as  swift  and  terrible  a  manner  shall  the  coming  of  the  Son 

of  man  be  in  his  day,  when  he  appears  to  plead  the  cause  of  that  gospel  which  has  been  so 
25  But  first  must  he  suffer  generally  dcspised".    (Compare  Matt.  xxiv.  23,  27.  sect,  clxi.)     Nevertheless,  he  must  first  25 
of^thi'sgenlratfoi?.  ^^  ^^^''""^  Suffer  many  things,  and  be  yet  more  opprobriously  and  solemnly  rejected  by  this  generation 

of  men,  who  shall  by  this  public  and  national  act  of  impiety  arid  rebellion  fill  up  the 

measure  of  their  iniquities.     (Compare  Luke  xxiii.    18 — 21.    John  xix.   15.   Acts  iii. 

13—15.) 
i»f^Noe"'so^h'ir-^'b"^V'^^^      Then  shall  impending  vengeance  fall  upon  them  at  once;  and  as  it  was  in  the  days  of  26 
the'daysof  the  Son  of  man.'°  Noah  which  preceded  the  flood,  so  also  shall  it  be  in  the  days  of  the  Son  of  man,  or  in  thos'e 

days  when  he  shall  come  in  the  manner  I  have  now  described,  for  the  destruction  of  his 
27  Theydideat,  they  drank,  enemies.     I"or,  notwithstanding  the  express  predictions  of  divine  judgments  approaching,  27 

they  went  on  with  their  usual  course  as  if  there  were  no  danger ;  they  did  eat,  they  drank, 

a  Beinff  asied  is/ some  of  tie  Pharisees.']  I  pretend  not  to  sj<y  whether  T.eza  and  Tiaphelius,  (^n?*o<.  «j  Xen.  p.  109, 110. ■)  for  a  more  particular 

tnis  was  at  .lerusalem  or  some  neighbouring  place;  nor  is  it  any  way  vindication  of  it.    It  is  certain  our  Lord  could  not  properly  say  the 

material  to  determine  it.  kingdom  of  God  was  in  the  Pharisees  to  whom  he  spoke,  whose  temper 

_  0  liie  kmfidnmof  God  is  among  yon.]    So  T  render  the  words  cvtoc  was  entirely  alienated  from  the  nature  and  design  ot  it. 
uMwi',  reternng  the  reader  to  those  exact  critics  in  the  Greek  language. 


221  THE  NATIONAL  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  JEWS  FORETOLD. 

SI  XT.  they  7narricd  ivivea,  [and]  their  daughters  were  given  in  inarriage ;  and  with  a  confident  they  married  wives,  they  were 
128.    security  they  persisted  in  the  business,  entertainments,  and  luxuries  of  life,  till  the  very  f'^^fJu'^^^tT,?,^*^'^"'!'  Ju* 

I        ■    •'     I-  L     •\T      ,         ,         1    ■    ,      ,1  I  I   ^1  .)       7  /  -.1     •         ■   .-11      ^      -^    day  that  Noe  entered  into  the 

■ (lay  in  whicfi  Jyoah  entered  into  the  ark  ;  ana  then  tlie  deluge  came  with  irresistible  fury,  ark,  and  the  Hood  came  and 

LUKE  so  that  it  overbore  and  destroyed  them  all  at  once.  (Gen.  vi.  13.  vii.  21.)     Likewise  also  '^"^^a^i'IkeihsT ah6  as  it  was 
^^  28  ^'^  '^  ^"^  ^^  Sodom  in  the  days  of  Lot ;  they  did  eat  and  drink,  they  bought  and  sold,  they  in^the  dajs  of  Lot ;  they  did 
planted  vineyards  and  built  magnificent  houses,  and  never  thought  themselves  more  secure,  ?heV'soi^,''they 'pUntecr"they 
or  their  pleasant  country  more  like  to  flourish :  Thus  did  they  carelessly  go  on,  despising  buiided ;' 

29  every  admonition  of  their  guilt  and  danger :  But  on  the  very  day  when  Lot  icent  out  of  eg  But  the  same  day  that 
Sodom,  an  horrible  tempest  of-Jire  and  brimstone  was  rained  down  by  the  J,ord /)-o;«  heaven,  ^9'  went  ojjt  '!*  Sodom  it 

30  and  with  a  sudden  overthrow  destroyed  them  all.  (Gen.  xix.  14,  24.)     Lven  so  shall  if  be  hea\^en,  Ld' destroy ed^tE 
in  the  day  when  the  Son  of  man  is  revealed,  when  he  will  sensibly  display  his  power  in  the  ^'|,jj,  j,^,^^  ^^  s  h-  ii  it  b   " 
destruction  of  this  sinful  people:  the  Jewish  nation  shall  be  as  careless  and  confident  as  the  day  w'hen^e  Son  ot  man 
if  there  was  not  the  least  danger,  indulging  themselves  in  all  kinds  of  luxury  and  extrava-  '*  revealed. 

gance,*^  till  they  shall  see  ruin  surrounding  them  on  every  side,  from  which  it  will  be  as 
impossible  for  them  to  esca})e  as  it  was  for  the  sinners  of  the  old  world,  or  the  inhabitants 
of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah.    (Compare  Matt.  xxiv.  37 — 39.  sect,  clxiii.) 

31  In  that  day,  if  any  one  shall  be  taking  the  air  on  the  house-top,  or  be  retired  thither  for  3i  in  that  day,  he  which 
any  other  ]iurpbse,  and  his  best  dress  Rnd  furniture  be  in  the  house,  let  him  not  come  down  andVis*^st"u'ff?n\*he'house'°iet 
into  the  house  to  take  it  away  ;^  but  let  him  flee  the  readiest  way  by  those  steps  which  go  iiim  not  come  down  to  take  it 
down  on  the  outside  of  the  "building  :  and  he  that  is  at  work  in  the  field,  stripped  of  his  fieid^'iet''h?m''iike^wise^ii?t  re! 
upper-garment,  let  him  likewise  not  return  back,  though  it  be  but  a  few  steps,  to  take  it.  turnback. 

32  (Compare  Matt.  xxiv.  17,  18.  sect,  clxi.)     But  remember  the  awful  example  of  Lot's  ivife,     32  Remember  Lot's  wife, 
with  the  dreadful  issue  of  her  delay  and  looking  back  ;  (Gen.  xix.  26.)  and  take  heed,  lest, 

like  her,  vou  perish  in  that  sudden  vengeance  which  shall  overtake  your  former  abode,  if 
you  allow  yourselves  to  linger  in  it,  or  turn  back  for  the  sake  of  any  thing  you  have  left 

33  there.  For  in  that  day,  he  that  shall  seek  to  preserve  his  life  by  retiring  into  some  fortified  33  whosoever  shall  seek  to 
city,  and  especially  into  that  where  it  might  seem  he  should  be  safest,  .s/(«//  lose  it ;  but  he  savehis  lite  shall  lose  it;  and 
that  shall  be  tliought  to  take  the  ready  way  to  lose  his  life,  shall  preserve  it ;  for  they  who  sha?f°pre'se/ve''it.  °^^  '*  '  ^ 
regard  my  admonitions,  and  retire,  however  their  conduct  may  be  censured  as  imprudent, 

shall  survive  the  general  ruin. 

34  1  tell  you,  in  that  night,  that  gloomy  calamitous  time,  the  providence  of  God  shall  be     34  I  tell  you.  In  that  night 
strangely  seen,  in  delivering  some  of  my  disciples,  when  others  in  the  very  same  places  bed'^^tlfe' one'shalTb*  tak^i^ 
and  circumstances  shall  perish  in  the  common  calamity  :  there  shall,  for  instance,  be  two  and  the  other  shall  be  left. 
persons  lying  in  the  same  bed ;  and  the  one  shall  be  taken  by  the  enemy ,<'  and,  the  other  dis- 

35  missed.     Two  women  shall  be  grinding  together,  atthe  same  miW  ;  the  one  shall  be  taken,  and     35  Two    women   shall  be 

36  the  other  dismissed.  And  two  men  shall  be  working  or  walking  together  in  the  field;  the  fha'u'b"e''taklf*'*'^*^'^d'  th''*  S"^ 
otie  shall  be  taken  and  the  other  dismissed.  (Compare  Matt.  xxiv.  40,  41.  sect,  clxiii.)  left. 

37  And  they  answered  and  said  to  him.  Where,  Lord,  and  to  wjiom  shall  this  destruction  field  Mhe  one  shal'i  be  taken^ 
happen  1^    And  he  said  to  them.  That  common  proverb  is  applicable  to  tlie  present  occa-  and  the  other  left. 

sion, —  Wheresoever  the  carcase  f/.?,]  there  will  the  eagles  be  gathered  together;^  wherever  safj  u^to  hln/where^Lord'? 
the  impenitent  and  unbelieving  Jews  are,  the  vengeance  of  God  will  pursue  them,  and  the  And    he    said  unto'  themi 
Roman  eagles  shall  (as  it  were)  fly  upon  them  as  a  helpless  prey ;  and  so,  where  their  t^hi','he"''^vi'i'[  ^he^  eaM^  be 
numbers  are  the  largest,  there  the  destruction  will  be  greatest  and  most  terrible.    (Com-  gathered  together, 
pare  Matt.  xxiv.  28.  sect,  clxi.) 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Var.  20  May  our  minds  be  formed  to  a  true  taste  and  relish  for  tlie  kingdom  of  God  !  and  may  we  learn  wherein  it  con- 
sists ;  not,  like  the  kingdoms  of  this  world,  in  external  pomp  and  splendour,  but  in  righteousness,  peace,  joy  in 
the  Holy  Ghost,  and  that  inward  subjection  of  soul  to  the  divine  government  which  is  the  essence  of  religion,  and 
the  grand  security  and  felicity  of  our  natures  !     Many  are,  like  the  Pharisees,  talking  of  it,  and  expecting  it,  while 

2 1  it  is  among  them,  and  they  know  it  not ;  and,  perhaps,  despise  the  humble  christians  in  whom  it  resides,  and  most 
eminently  triumphs.    IMay  they  who  think  most  lightly  of  it  never  have  cause  to  wish  at  last  for  the  return  of  those 

22  days  of  the  Son  of  man,  which  are  now  their  burden,  rather  than  their  pleasure,  while  they  hear  vital  and  inward 
religion  in  vain  recommended  and  enforced  ! 

26—30      What  our  Lord  says  of  his  coming  to  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  may  be  applied,  as  it  is  elsewhere,  to  his 
appearance  at  the  final  judgment,  of  which  the  former  was  a  figiu'e.     Thus  shall  the  men  of  that  generation  be 
immersed  in  business  and  pleasure ;  and  that  tremendous  day  shall  come  upon  them,  even  as  a  thief  in  the  night ; 
so  that  they  shall  find  themselves  overwhelmed  with  irrecoverable  ruin,  while  they  cry,  Peace  and  safety.  (1  Thess. 
V.  2,  3.)    And  thus  doth  the  awfiil  hour  of  death,  which  consigns  men  over  to  judgment,  surprise  the  generality 
of  mankind,  while  they  are  tlioughtless  of  it,  and  unprepared  for  its  approach,  amidst  all  the  solemn  warnings  of  it 
which  they  daily  receive.     jMay  we  be  always  in  a  prepared  posture,  and  daily  live  as  on  the  verge  of  eternity ! 
32      And  if  once  we  are  engaged  in  a  course  of  serious  preparation,  let  us  remember  Lot's  wife,  and  take  heed  that 
31  we  turn  not  back  again.    We  flee  as  for  our  lives ;  let  us  not  look  behind  us.    Whatever  is  to  be  left,  whatever  is  to 
be  lost,  it  is  enough  if  our  life  be  given  us  as  for  a  prey. 
34—36      If  we  have  any  just  hope  that  it  will  be  so  given  us,  we  have  a  great  deal  of  reason  to  own  and  adore  the  riches 
of  divine  grace  to  us,  of  that  distinguishing  grace  which  has  taken  us  when  others  are  left ;  some,  perhaps,  em- 
ployed in  the  same  business,  and  dwelling  in  the  same  place,  and,  may  not  I  add,  some  lying  in  the  same  bed  too  ! 
In  a  word,  let  all  seriously  bethink  themselves,  and  fire  from  the  icrath  to  come.     God  spared  not  Judea,  that 
favourite  country,  when  they  rejected  his  gospel  and  his  Son :    let  us  fear,  lest  he  also  spare  not  vs.  (Rom.  xi.  20, 
37  21.)     In  this  respect  also,  xvheresoever  the  carcase  is,  there  will  the  eagles  be  gathered  together.    The  same  causes 
will  produce  the  same  effects ;  and  when  we,  in  particular,  of  these  happy  but  sinful  nations,  consider  our  nume- 

_  c  Indulginsr  themselves  in  all  kinds  of  luxury  and  extravagance.]  It  e  T/ie  one  shall  he  taken  by  the  enemy.]  That  this  is  the  sense  of  the 
is  not  unseasonable  tor  Great  Britain  to  recollect,  that  when  a  pompous  word  iropaXii^Wiio-fTai,  and  that  ndief'iii^fTai  in  the  latter  clause  should 
and  luxurious  way  ot  livins  has  come  to  its  heiaht  in  many  of  the  most  be  rendered  ifiLnixaed,  or  let  170,  I  think  Eisner  has  abundantly  proved  ; 
considerable  ancient  and  modern  nations,  there  has  been  a  very  sudden  (Ibserv.  vol.  i.  p.  262,  263. — He  has  likewise  shown  there,  how  customary 
transition  to  the  lowest  state  ot  servitude  and  ruin.  All  histories  abound  it  was  for  women  to  grind  at  the  mill.  See  also  Bos,  Hierc.  p.  .30. 
w-ith  instances  of  this  kind  ;  and  God  grant  that  our  own  age  may  not  f  IVhere,  Lord,  ^c]  I  have  seen  few  paraphrases  which  do  not  super- 
add one  to  the  number !  sede  this  question ":  1  have  forborne  mentioning  Jerusalem  above,  that  I 

d  Let  him  iiot  come  down  in  the  house  to  tale  it  away.'\    This  shows,  misht  leave  room  for  it. 

beyond  all  controversy,  that  this  discourse  refers  not  to  the  .^naO'f'rf/?-  i  Wheresoever  the  carcase  is,  ^c]    Dr.    Clarke   has   explained  the 

ment,  from  which  there  can  be  yu>  escape  ;  but  to  the  destruction  of  .Jeru-  general  sense  of  this  proverb  with  creat  judgment.    f.See  his  Seventeen 

salem,  trom  which  it  is  well  known  that  many  christians  were  preserved  liermins,  p.  .381,  et  seq.)    It  is  as  if  it  had  been  said.  The  like  causes  u-ill 

by  this  caution.    .See  Grotius,  in  loc. — The  .lewish   houses  were  built  produce  the  like  effects.    T'lit  it  seems  to  suggest  50  proper  an  allusion  to 

with  a  fiat  roof,  and  had  stairs  on  the  outside  to  ^o  down  from  the  top.  the  Roman  standards,  and  to  the  carnase  they  made  of  tlie  Jews,  that  I 

Compare  note  e,  on  Luke  v.  19.  p.  91.  could  not  forbear  introducing  the  mention  of  it. 


PERSEVERANCE  IN  PRAYER,  AND  HUMILITY,  RECOMMENDED.  225 

ous  and  aggravated  provocations,  we  shall  see  much  greater  reason  to  wonder  that  the  judgments  of  God  have   sect. 
been  so  long  delayed,  than  that  they  should  at  last  fall  upon  us  with  an  insupportable  weight.  128. 


SECTION  CXXIX. 

e  itnporti 
uke  xviii. 

Luke  xviii.  1. 


Christ  presses  his  disciples  to  perseverance  in  prayer,  by  the  parable  of  the  importunate  widow  ;   and  recommends  humility  by  that  of  the 

Pharisee  and  publican.     Luke  xviii.  1 — 14. 


Luke  xviii.  l. 

AND  he  spake  a  parable  un-  THUS  our  Lord  discoursed  with  his  disciples  of  the  approaching  destruction  of  Jerusalem   sect. 

ougbtTlwayt'J/pray'^and'^no^  ^y  the  Romans  ;  and,  for  their  encouragement  under  those  hardships  which  they  might  in    129. 

to  faint:  '  the  mean  time  expect,  from  their  unbelieving  countrymen  or  others,  he  spake  a  parable  to 

the7)i ;  which  was  intended  to  inculcate  upon  them  this  great  truth,  f/nit,  how  distressed  luke 
soever  their  circumstances  might  be,  t/iei/  ought  always  to  pray  with  faith  and  perseverance,  ^^^i^- 
and  not  to  faint  under  their  trials. 

2  Saving,  There  was  in  a      For  this  purpose  he  discoursed  to  them  in  the  following  manner,  saying,  There  was  a  2 
Go^'^neitCr^rega^ded^  mau'-.7"^fe*^  "'  "  <^ertuin  citt/,  who  neither  feared  God,  nor  reverenced  man  ;  but  was  wicked 

"enough  to  set  light  by  all  regards  to  both,  and  to  make  his  own  humour  and  secular  inte- 

3  And  there  was  a  widow  rcst  the  ouly  rule  of  his  actions.     Atul  there  was  a  ividoiu  in  that  city  who  had  sustained  3 
irnt!!'hfm';'sa.vinT,V\''eng?ml  ^ome  injury  from  an  enemy  more  powerful  than  herself;  and,  havmg  no  other  way  to 
of  mine  adversaVy.  obtain  redress,  shc  came  to  him,  at  a  place  and  time  when  she  could  not  be  denied  access, 

and  said,  I  come  to  put  myself  under  the  protection  of  the  law,  and  to  demand  tliine  as- 
sistance as  a  magistrate,  to  do  me  justice  against  mine  adversa?\i/,'^  that  I  may  not  sink  under 

4  And  he  would  not  for  a  his  Oppressive  attempts.    This  was  her  case  and  plea;  yet  as  she  brought  no  present  in  4 
wUhfn  i^i^seirTh'o''ugh'i  ttr  ^er  hand,  he  would  not,  for  a  considerable  time,  take  any  notice  of  it :  hut,  as  she  still  per- 
not  God,  nor  regard  man ;       severed  in  her  petition,  he  afterwards  said  within  himself.  Though  indeed  J  neither  fear  God 

nor  reverence  man,  and  therefore  care  not  what  becomes  of  this  cause,  or  who  has  the  right 

5  Yet,  because  this  widow  or  the  wrong  of  it ;    Yet,  because  this  importunate  widoiv  gives  me  trouble  by  lier  continual  5 
hrr"'''iest  Ty  her'continual  application,  I  will  do  her  justice,  lest,  by  her  coming  perpetually  to  me  with  this  petition, 
coming  she  weary  me.  she  even  stun  and  ivcari/  nie  out  with  her  cries.'' 

6  And  the  Lord  said.  Hear      And  the  Lord  Said,  Hear  and  observe  ivhat  the  unjust  judge  saith  upon  this  remarkable  6 
what  the  unjust  judge  saith.     occasion,  and  how  he  owns  himself  to  be  prevailed  on  by  the  continual  cries  of  one  whom 

7  And  shall  not  God  avenge  Otherwise  he  would  not  have  regarded.     And  if  the  earnest  importunity  of  a  poor  widow  7 
and°night'unto^him  "^though  ^^^  prevailed  on  an  unrighteous  person,  shall  not  a  righteous  God  much  more  be  moved 
he  bear  long  with  them?    °    to  vindicate  his  own  elect,  his  chosen  and  dearly  beloved  people,  that  cry  to  him  day  and 

night  under  the  cruel  oppression  of  their  insulting  enemies,  even  though  he  may  seem  to 

8  I  fell  you  that  he  will  bear  long  with  them,  to  give  them  space  for  repentance  T*^     Yes,  I  say  unto  you,  he  will  8 
thei"ss  wh^n'the'.son  of' man  Certainly  vindicate  them  ;  and  when  he  once  undertakes  it,  he  will  do  it  speedily  too ;  and 
cometh,  shall  he  find  faith  on  this  generation  of  men  shall  see  and  feel  it  to  tlieir  terror.     Nevertheless,  when  the  Son  of 
the  earth .  waw,~having  been  put  in  possession  of  his  glorious  kingdom,  comes  to  appear  for  this  impor- 
tant purpose,  will  he  find  faith  in  the  land'!^     The  persecution  will  be  so  severe  as  almost 
to  bear  it  down  ;  but  let  the  remembrance  of  what  I  have  now  spoken  be  a  comfort  to  my 
people,  and  a  warning  to  those  that  injure  them. 

9  And  he  spake  this  para-       He  also  Spake  this  Other  parable  to  certain  persons  who,  like  the  proud,  self-justifying  9 
e!f  i"" '"h^emsc'iver't'hat  'they  Pharisees,  with  an  arrogant  conceit  of  their  own  merit,  trusted  in  themselves  that  they  were 
■were  righteous,  and  despised  righteous,  and  despised  others  as  reprobates.     There  were,  said  he,  two  men  who  went  vp  to  10 
"'lo'^Two  men  went  up  info  l^c  temple  to  pray  there,  choosing  to  offer  up  tlieir  particular  devotions  at  that  sacred  place  ; 
the  temple  to  pray  ;  the  one  and  the  One  of  them  was  «  Pharisee,  one  of  that  sect  so  greatly  honoured  among  you,  and 
pubtean*^'  ^"''  ^^^  ""'^'^  ^  the  other  a  piihlican,  whom  you  are  used  to  number  with  the  most  contemptible  of  man- 

11  The  Pharisee  stood  and  kind.     And  the  Fhariscc,  standing  by  himself  at  as  great  a  distance  as  he  could  from  the  11 
(JX'i  thailk  thee'tharrim  miserable  sinner  who  had  entered" the  temple  with  him,  as  if  he  feared  being  polluted  by 
not  as  other  men  are,  extor-  touching  him,  or  any  Other  person  less  holv  than  himself,'"  jrrai/ed  in  this  manner :   O  God, 
eve"uasth?fpubi'icanf^''''°'"  i  thank  thee  that  I  am  not  as  the  generality  of  other  men  are,  but  have  always  had  the 

grace  to  withstand  those  vile  temptations  which  conquer  and  enslave  them ;  so  that  I  am 
not  like  the  rapacious,  jinjust,  adulterous  generation  among  whom  I  live,  or  even  like  this 
wretched  publican  that  stands  there  at  a  distance,  who  probably  is  all  this,  and  more : 

12  I  fast  twice  in  the  week.  Thou  knowest,  O  Lord,  that  I  am  zealous  in  all  the  traditions  of  the  elders  ;  that  in  con-  12 
pos^se7s.  ^  formity  to  them  I  fast  twice  a-weekf  and  with  the  greatest  strictness  I  pay  tithes  of  all 

that  1  possess,  not  excepting  even  tlie  very  herbs  of  my  garden.  (Compare  Matt,  xxiif.  23. 
and  Luke  xi.  42.)  Thus  the  Pharisee  offered  his  devotions,  standing  as  near  as  he  could 
to  the  court  of  the  priests  ;  confident  in  his  own  distinguished  sanctity,  and  desirous  to  be 

13  And  the  publican,  stand-  observed  by  Others.     But  the  poor  humble  publican,  standing  afar  off  in  the  court  of  the  13 
sS°much"*'^s^A'j''^"veV'un"tS  Gcntiles,  as  unworthy  to  be  numbered  among  God's  people,  and  much  more  unworthy  to 
heaven,  but  smote  "upon  his  appear  in  the  presence  of  so  holy  a  Deity,  would  not  so  much  as  lift  jip  his  eyes  to  heaven, 
fSlto''mya"mi?er^  ^^  "'^'^"'  ^he  habitation  of  the  divine  holiness  and  glory  ;  b?it  smote  on  his  breast,  in  token  of  the 

bitterest  remorse  and  deepest  humiliation,  saying,  O  God,  I  entreat  thee  be  7nerciful  to  me, 
a  miserable  sinner,?  who  acknowledge  that  I  have  nothing  to  hope  but  from  the  riches  of 
thine  unmerited  and  forfeited  goodness. 

a  Do  me  justice  against  mine  adversary.]    This  is  the  undoubted  im-  in  Acts  \\\.  3,  4,  11.  and  in  numberless  other  places. — And  the  context 

port  of  the  phrase  eK&LKr\aov  ae  ;  and  rare  should  have  been  taken  in  here  limits  it  to  the  less  extensive  signitication. — The  believing  Hebrews 

the  version,  to  express  it  so  as  not  to  suggest  the  idea  of  revenge.  were  evidently  in  great  danger  of  being  wearied  out  with  thefr  persecu- 

b  S/ie  even  stun  and  7t!earp  me  out.]    The  word  i-rrwrrta^r]  is  very  em-  tions  and  distresses.    (Compare   Ileh.  iii.  I'i — 14.  x.  23 — 39.  xii.  1 — 4. 

phatical,  and  signifies  to  simi  or  6eat  down  by  violent  and  repeated  blows  Jain.  i.  1 — 4.  ii.  fi.  v.  10.  1  Pet.  ii.  20 — 25.  iii.  14 — 17.  iv.  1,  2, 12 — 19. 

on  the  head.    Compare  1  Cor.  ix.  27.  v.  9,  10.) — Mr.  Fleming  argues  from  hence,  that  deism  shall  prevail 

c  Though  he  may  seem  to  hear  long  nuh  them,  S^c]    The  learned  very  much  towards  the  conclusion  of  the  Millennium  ;  (Christol.yol.n. 

Eisner  supposes  uaKpoOvtiaiv,  with  a  small  alteration'  in  the  accent,  to  p.  .358.)  but  it  is  evident  from  the  connexion,  as  stated  above,  that  this 

correspond  to  /3omht&)i/,  and  would   render  it.  Shall  he  not  avenge  his  cannot  justly  be  inferred  from  this  text ;  nor  does  the  fact  itselt  seem  at 

e/ec?,  a.7/n  cry  ?o /li'm,  ajirf  jiioi*  pa»'fw?/i/ /or  !<,  that  is,  for  his  appearance  all  probable. 

in  their  favour  ?  (Eisner,  Uh.^erv.  vol.  i.  p.  265,  2t)rt.l    But,  as  1  cannot       e  As  if  he  feared  being  polluted  by  touching  him,  &c.]    Inus  camero 

think  the  words  will  naturally  bear  such  a  construction,  or  that  the  an-  well  explains  this  clause.    Compare  Isa.  Ixv.  5.  lajnr. 

thorities  he  produces  are  satisfactory,    I  choose  to  retain  our  version.       f  I  fast  twice  a-aeek.]    It  has  been  observed  by  most  commentators, 

Mor  can  I,  on  this  interpretation,  perceive  any  inconsistency  between  that  the  Jews,  especially  the  Pharisees,  used  generally  to  keep  P'")^* 

ver.  7  and  8.  since  it  is  plain  (iod  might  wait  long,  and  yet  at  length  fasts  on  Mondays  and  Thursdays,  as  the  primili'  e  .•'"'''*''|;'',  j  ju°:' 

execute  a  speedy  and  sudden  vengeance  hn  the  persecuting  enemies  of  his  Wednesdays  and  Fridays  :  and  our  Lord  had  '°''™|'''>U'*''\-   „,•.„' 

people.    Compare  Psal.  Ixxiii.  19.  Hab.  ii.  3.  and  especially  Rectus,  ostentatious  manner  of  doing  it.  Matt.  vi.  lo—l°-  .^ee  urusius,  in  <or. 
XXXV.  18.  to  which  words  Grotius  supposes  there  is  an  allusion  here.  g  A  miserable  sinner.]    It  is  very  apparent  that  the  ■«^f™ -"""f^  ?"«" 

d    Will  he  find  faith  in  the  land?]     It  is  evident  the  word  7n  often  sig-  signifies  an  abandoned  profligate,   or,  as   we  '""^'^^PJ^   ^''P^'^;?  ,":  'J 

nifies,  not  the  earth  in  general,  but  some  particular  tayid  or  country  ;  as  aicked  uretch  ;  and  not  merely  one  who  has  in  some  instances  vioiateu 

Q 


226  SIGHT  GIVEN  TO  A  MAN  WHO  HAD  BEEN  BORN  BLIND. 

SECT        Now,  added  our  Lord,  I  say  unto  you,  and  I  would  have  you  diligently  observe  it,  that     i4  itellyoutiiis  man  went 

129.  this  poor,  humble,  self-abasing  rnan  went  doum  to  his  home  justified  rather  than  the  other  :  °°;j^^^  than'throthir :   for 
and  would  have  been  far  more  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  God  than  the  Pharisee,  if  he  had  every  one  that  exaiteth  him- 

LUKE   indeed  been  that  moral  upright  man  he  pretended  :  even  in  that  case  his  pride  and  con-  t'hat  humbfet?!  h.His'elf  shall 
-^^'lii-  fidence  in  his  own  righteousness  would  have  blasted  all ;  for  every  one  that  exaiteth  htm-  be  exalted. 
^^  self  shall  be  abased,  but  he  that  humbleth  himself  shall  be  exalted-^  as  nothing  is  n-ore  hatead 
to  God  than  pride,  and  nothing  more  amiable  than  lowliness  of  mind. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver  2  How  hateful  is  the  character  of  this  unjust  judge,  who  neither  feared  God  nor  reverenced  man,  but  centred  all 
his  regards  in  himself!  How  hateful,  and  how  contemptible  in  any  circumstance  of  life ;  especially  in  a  magistrate,, 
the  guardian  of  the  public  interest,  in  comparison  of  which  he  ought  to  forget  his  own  !  Yet  even  he  was  prevailed 
5  f  upon  by  importunity  ;  and  our  Lord  mentions  it  to  encourage  the  fervour  of  our  addresses  to  the  throne  of  grace. 
'  6  What  then  is  the  blessed  God,  like  this  unjust  judge,  to  be  wearied  out  with  a  peal  of  words,  and  thereby  weakly 
induced  to  do  what  would  otherwise  have  been  contrary  to  his  designs  ?  Far  from  us  be  so  absurd  and  so  impious 
a  thought !  Our  condescending  Lord  only  intended  to  intimate,  that  if  the  repeated  importunate  cries  of  the 
afflicted  may  at  length  prevail  even  on  an  inhuman  heart,  they  will  be  much  more  regarded  by  a  righteous  and 
merciful  God,  who  is  always  ready  to  bestow  his  favours  when  he  sees  we  are  prepared  to  receive  them.     We  may 

7  be  sure  that  God  will  vindicate  his  elect ;  let  this  encourage  them,  though  the  rod  of  the  wicked  may  for  a  while 
rest  on  their  back ;  and  let  it  intimidate  the  proud  oppressors  of  the  earth,  who,  in  the  midst  of  all  their  pomp  and 
power,  are  so  wretched  as  to  have  the  prayers  of  God  s  people  against  them. 

9  How  instructive  is  this  parable  of  the  publican  and  Pharisee ;  and  how  well  connected  vi'ith  the  former,  to  teach 
us  that  humility  without  which  repeated  prayers  will  be  repeated  insults  and  affronts  to  heaven  !  Let  us  not  trust 
in  ourselves  that  we  are  righteous,  and  despise  others ;  but  rather  be  severe  to  our  own  faults,  and  candid  to  theirs. 

1 1  Behold  this  arrogant  Pharisee,  standing  apart  from  the  publican,  but  as  near  as  he  could  to  the  seat  of  the  divine 
majesty  !  And  hear  him  boldly  celebrating  his  own  praises  rather  than  those  of  his  Maker !  God,  I  thank  thee 
that  lam  not  as  other  men.  We  see  a  man  may  acknowledge  it  is  the  grace  of  God  which  makes  the  difference 
between  him  and  others  ;  and  yet  while  he  professes  that  humbling  doctrine  of  the  gospel,  may  be  blown  up  with 

12  pride  :  yea,  he  may  nourish  and  express  that  pride  by  the  words  in  which  he  declares  his  faith. — Mistaken  crea- 
ture !  that  imagined  this  encomium  on  himself  was  a  prayer,  and  trusted  in  this  defective  morality,  and  these  cere- 
monies of  human  device,  while  an  utter  stranger  to  real  vital  religion.  Happier,  a  thousand  times  happier,  the 
poor  publican,  when  abasing  himself  in  the  dust ;  when  smiting  on  his  breast ;  when  owning  himself  a  sinner,  and 

13  imploring  the  divine  mercy  as  his  only  hope  '.  Lord,  we  equally  need  it :  may  we  with  equal  humility  seek  it ! 
May  we  habitually  maintain  those  views  of  ourselves  which  may  promote  that  humility  so  necessary  in  order  to 
the  acceptance  of  our  addresses,  and  therefore  to  the  happiness  of  our  souls.  And  indeed,  if  in  our  approaches  to 
God  we  can  place  our  confidence  in  any  righteousness  of  our  own,  whatever  we  may  imagine  of  our  own  know- 
ledge or  holiness,  we  have  need  to  be  taught  again  the  first  principles  of  both,  and  "are  strangers  to  the  essentials 
of  religion. 

SECTION  CXXX. 

Christ  opens  the  eyes  of  a  man  who  was  born  blind  ;  and  the  sanhedrim  examine  strictly  into  the  evidence  of  the  miracle.    John  ix.  1 — 23. 

John  ix.  1.  jo.,n  ix.  i. 

SECT.  OUR  Lord  was  now  come  to  Jerusalem,  at  the  feast  of  dedication,  about  the  middle  of  and  as  J?i7w  passed  by.  he 

130.  December  ;ii  and  as  he  was  passing  along  through  the  streets  of  that  city,  he  saw  a  poor  froni^AiV^birth.*''^''  '^''^ 
'  man  who  hud  been  blind  from  his  birth,  that  sat  and  asked  relief  from  those  that  went  by. 


JOHN       j{-)j(i  fiig  disciples,  taking  notice  of  the  poor  man's  case,  applied  themselves  to  Jesus,  and     2  And  his  disciples  asked 
■'^'  2  asked  him  concerning  it,  saying,  Rabbi,  we  desire  thou  wouldst  tell  us  who  it  was  that  sin"'thf/maiifor*his'parente! 
sinned  in  so  extraordinary  and  aggravated  a  manner  as  to  occasion  such  a  judgment  ?  Had  that  he  was  born  blind; 
this  man  himself  been  guilty  of  some  heinous  crime,  as  some  of  our  doctors  suppose  he 
might  be  in  a  pre-existent  state  ?''  or  had  his  parents,  before  his  birth,  committed  some 
notorious  sin  ?  for  we  apprehend  that  he  was  born  blind  as  a  punishment  to  himself,  or 
them,  or  both. 

3  But  Jesus,  waving  the  curiosity  of  the  question,  answered.  It  is  not  because  either  this  3  Je^sus  answered.  Neither 
man  or  his  parents  have  sinned  in  such  an  extraordinary  manner  as  you  suppose;  nor  was  parents'?  buUhat'the  works  of 
the  punishment  of  either  the  chief  design  of  this  dispensation  of  Providence  ;  but  the  in-  God  should  be  made  manifest 
tent  of  it  was,  that  the  miraculous  works  of  God  mi^ht  be  remarkably  manifested  in  re- 

4  storing  him  to  sight,  as  you  will  quickly  see.  For  however  the  malice  of  the  Jews  may  4  I  must  work  the  works  of 
be  irritated  by  it,  I  must  perform  the  works  of  him  that  sent  me,  while  it  is  day,  and  the  'j''"  *'^.i'  ^"'t »'"'''  "'ll''*  'J  " 

.  p    ^  ^   ,  •   '     ••'  ^-  /■        T  11    1  ,1     .    ,1  •    I,    •  •  •     day:  the  night  cometh,  when 

opportunity  01  despatching  it  continues  ;    for  1  well  know  that  the  night  is  commg,  m  no  man  can  work. 
which  no  man  can  work  :  I  see  death  approaching,  which,  as  it  puts  a  ])eriod  in  general  to 
human  labours,  so  will  close  the  scene  of  such  miracles  as  these,  and  remove  me  from  the 

5  converse  and  society  of  men.  But  so  long  as  I  am  in  the  world,  I  am  the  light  of  the  5  As  ions  as  i  am  in  (he 
world ;  and,  as  a  proof  of  the  divine  illumination  I  am  capable  of  giving,  I  have' often  *°[:j[j'  '  '»"i  •''^  light  of  the 
restored  sight  to  the  blind,  and  I  will  do  it  in  this  instance. 

6  l^ow  when  he  had  spoken  thus,  that  he  might  exercise  the  faith  and  obedience  of  the  6  when  he  had  thus  spoken, 
patient,  and  might  show  that  he  could  command  efficacy  on  whatever  means  he  should 

the  divine  law,  which,  alas,  has  been  and  is  the  case  with  the  best  of  (lohn  viii.  nil.  (>  105.)than  that  when  Christ  was  Heeinff  out  of  the  temple 

men.    .See  Psal.  xxvi.  9.  Amos  ix.  10.  Matt.  ix.  10, 11.  xxvii.  45.  Luke  in  the  hasty  manner  described  there,  his  disciplus,  as  he  passed  -away 

vi.  32.  .S3,  vii.  .37,  39.  xix.  7.  .lohn  ix.  24,  31.  and  1  Tim.  i.  9.  from  his  enemies,  should  put  so  nice  a  question  to  him,  (as  in  ver.  2.)  or 

h  Ever;/  one  that  exaiteth  himself  shall  he  abated,  ^c.'\    This  appears  that  he  should  stand  still  to  discourse  with  them,  and  to  perform  such  a 

to  have  been  a  favourite  maxim  with  our  Lord,  since  we  find  it  repeated  cure  in  so  leisurely  a  manner  as  it  is  plain  this  was  done, 

almost  in  these  very  words  no  less  than  three  dift'erent  times;  not  to  b  In  a  pre-existent  state.]    Dr.  Lightfoot  (//or.   Ueh.  in  Inc.")  shows 

mention  a  multitude  of  expressions  in  sense  nearly  equivalent.    See  that  some  rabhies  have  wildly  fancied  a  child  might  sin  in  its  mother's 

Matt,  xxiii.  12.  and  I.uke  xiv.  11.  Compare  note  k,  5  157.  womb:  but  most  commentators,  with  juster  reason,  agree  that  this  refers 

a  About  the   middle  of  December.l    See  .lohn  x.  22.  and  the  note  to  the  notion  the  .lews  had  of  the  transmigration  of  soiils.    They  thought 

there,  4  1.34.    Notwithstanding  all  the   pains  which   Mr.  Whiston  has  that  if  a  man  behaved  himself  amiss,  he  was  afterwards  sent  into  an- 

taken  to  prove  that  the  cure  of  the  blind  man,  of  which  we  have  an  ac-  other  body,  where   he  met  with  great  calamities,  and   lived  on  much 

count  here,  happened  several  months  before  Christ  discovered  himself  worse  terms  than  before  ;  whereas  a  more  advantageous  situation  than 

to  him  in  the  temple,  and  indeed  at  the  preceding  feast  of  tabernacles,  the  former  was  supposed  the  reward  of  distinguished  virtue  :  a  notion 

I  choose,  with  the  senerality  ot  critics,  to  introduce  it  here  ;  not  merely  which  they  borrowed  from  the  Pythagoreans  ;  which  seems  to  be  hinted 

that  the  thread  of  the  story  might  not  be  interrupted,  but  because  Mr.  at  by  .losephus,  and  is  plainly  referred  to,  Wisd.  viii.  19,  20.   (Compare 

Whiston's  reasons  (in  his  Harmon!/.  P.  385.)  appear  inconclusive.    For  Matt.  xiv.  2.  xvi.  14.) — Perhaps  the  disciples  might  put  this  question  on 

I  see  not  but  all  here  recorded  might  happen  within  the  compass  of  two  purpose  to  learn  our  Lord's  sentiments  on  this  subject  of  curious  specu- 

or  three  days  at  most,  nay,  perhaps  of  one  single  day.    And  it  seems  lation ;  but  he  wisely  declined  an  express  decision  of  the  matter,  to  fix 

much  more  probable  that  irapatuiv  [as  he  passed']  might  be  used  here  on  something  more  useful, 
without  any  immediate  reference  to  •napr^tiv  in  the  preceding  verse. 


SIGHT  GIVEN  TO  A  MAN  WHO  HAD  BEEN  BORN  BLIND.  227 

he  spat  on  tiie  ground,  ami  please  to  use,  he  Spat  OTi  the  grouTid,  and  made  clay  with  the  spittle,  and  anointed  the   SECT 
L'r anointed* the" eyef'ol- ''the  <IV<^«  '.'/"  ^''^  ^^'■'^^  .''"'"  ''!'^'^  ^^^  '^h'/  '  ^"'^  then,  for  a  further  trial  of  his  resignation  and    130.' 

bHud  man  with  the  clay,        Submission,  he  said  to  him,  Go  umsh  at  the  pool  of  Siloa7n  ;'^  (which  word  Siloam   beintr 

w!sifilft1fe"'poni'°ot''siioSn,'  interpreted  from  the  Hebrew,  signifies,  Sent,  and  so  bore  some  analogy  to  the  character  of  John 
(which  is,  by  interpretation,'  Jesus,  as  Sent  of  God.)     He  tlicrefore  presently  complied  with  the  direction  and  went     ^-^• 
tife'refore^''and^'^wasii''ed,  L'15  away  and  ivashed  as  he  was  ordered,  fl?jc^  had  no  sooner  done  it,  but  he  came  from  the  pool  ^ 
came  seeing.  '         seeing ;  and  not  only  found  his  sight  given  him,  but  his  eyes  were  at  once  so  remarkably 

strengthened,  that  he  immediately  could  bear  the  light.'' 
8  The  neishbours  therefore.       The  neighbours  therefore,  and  thei/  who  had  seen  him  before,  and  known  that  he  was  al-  8 
s"en  him  timt'he  wis' blind*  ^^^^^  ^''"^'  ^'"^  °'^^  ^'^  anotlier,  I?  hot  this  he  that  sat  in  the  street,  and  asked  [charitifl  of 
said.  Is  not  this  he  that  sat  those  who  passed  by  ?  Whence  is  tliere  such  an  astonishing  alteration  in  him  ?    And' stmc  9 
""gsoirfe^iaid.  This  is  he-  *"'"^'  ^^  '*'  assuredly  he;  and  others.  It  is  indeed  very  much  like  him,  yet  it  cannot  be  the 
others  said,  He  is  like  him:  person  himself:"^  \but'\  he  Said  and  confidently  averred,  Truly  I  am  the  very  man.     Thci/  10 
*'io'^Theretore^said''they  unto  therefore  Said  to  him.  How  then  ivere  thine  eyes  opened,  which  we  know  to  have  been  blind? 
him.  How  were  thine  eyes  Could  any  medicme  have  so  strange  an  effect  ?  And  he  replied,  A  certain  ?«««,  who  is  1 1 
"ITtfe  answered  and  said,  c(djed  Jestis,  and  wlio  is  famous  for  many  otiier  extraordinary  works,  7nade  clay  by  spitting 
A  man  that  is  called  Jesus  on  the  ground,  and  having  anointed  mine  eyes  with  it,  said  to  me,  Go  to  the  pool  of  Siloam, 
eyesf  anoTsald  unto'me,  Go'to  f'"'^  ^i'"-'^'  there  :  and  accordingly  I  ivent  and  washed,  and  immediately  received  my  sight ; 
the  pool ofsiloam, and  wash:  and  this  is,  in  a  fcw  words,  a  true  and  exact  account  of  this  wonderful  fact. 
i"received  sight. ^"''^  ^' '  ^"         Then  Said  they  to  him.  Where  is  he  that  performed  this,  and  gave  thee  such  directions?  12 
1  ■^-  X^"^  ■^^''^ ,  '.''.""y  ^P*9  ^'i»d  he  said,  I  do  not  know  ;  for  I  have  never  yet  seen  him,  nor  ever  conversed  with  him, 

hull,  where  IS  he?  He  said,  I      .1  •       ^i  t   ■      ■.  *   i  i  ' 

know  not.  Otherwise  than  as  1  just  now  told  you. 

13  They  brought  to  the      And  they  brought  him  who  had  formerly  been  blind  to  the  Pharisees,  in  the  grand  sanhe-  13 
wa^bfrnd.'"'"  "'"'  ''^"'■'■''™*  drim,  that' he  might  be  examined  by  them ;  that  so,  if  there  was  any  fraud  in  the  matter, 

14  And  it  was  the  sabbath-  they  might  discover  and  expose  it.     Now  it  was  on  the  sabbath-day  when  Jesus  made  the  14 
clay  amf  ope'iied\is'eyes.  ""^  ^^".'1^  '"  t'^"^  manner  before  related,  and  opened  his  eyes ;  which  was  a  circumstance  that 

13  Then  again  the  Phari-  some  of  these  livpociitical  rulers  pretended  to  take  great  offence  at.     The  Pharisees  there-  15 
had  recei\?d''his'"s'i'gh't°"fi'e  ./'"'f?  disposed  to  find  all  the  fault  they  could,  asked  him  again,  how  or  by  what  means  he 
said  unto  them.  He  "put  clay  received  his  sight.    And  he  said  to  them,  exactly  as  he  had  before  declared  to  the  people, 
ed,°and'do  see?'  ""      "''^^    ^^'^  O'l'y  /"''  ""j/  vpon  mine  ei/es,  and  I  then,  according  to  his  command,  went  and  ivashed 
at  the  neighbouring  pool  of  Siloam,  and  behold,  I  do  now  see  perfectly  well. 
16  Therefore  said  some  of      Then  Said  some  of  the  Pharisees,  This  man,  though  apparently  possessed  of  some  extra-  10 
iio*tof  God!'beca\ise  hSTkeep-  Ordinary  power,  is' not,  to  be  sure,  a  messenger  of  God,  nor  can  he  perform  these  works 
o'l    ■'"*■  h'h   ^'''^.''''"^■''^■y-  by  a  divine  agency,  because  he  observeth  not  the  sacred  rest  of  the  sabbath,  which  the  law 
th'ar'il^a'3i'nne°r^do*such''mi-  oiP  God  SO  expresslv  enjoins.     But  others  more  wisely  said.  How  can  a  man  that  is  a  noto- 
racies?  And  there  was  a  divi-  rious  simier  and  sabbath-breaker,  as  you  suppose  this  man  to  be,  do  such  great  and  bene- 
°    '''"■  ficial  miracles,^  which  wear  all  the  marks  of  a  divine  original  that  can  be  imagined  ?    And 

there  was  a  warm  debate  and  division  among  them  on  tiiis  important  question  ;  the  few 
friends  of  Christ  among  them  not  failing  to  urge  so  great  an  advantage  against  the  rest.** 
man  J-'a^m  ^v^irt '"*''*  *th"''      •^"^'  ^'^  P^vent  the  offcnce  that  might  be  taken  at  their  dispute,  thei/  turned  and  said  17 
of  him,  th'at  he''hatli  "opened  ugain  to  the  blind  man,  (that  is,  to  him  who  had  been  blind,  and  still  was  spoken  of  by  that 
Prophet"^'  ''"  *^''*'  ^'"  '^  ^  title,)  What  sayest  thou  concerning  him,  since  he  hath,  as  thou  declarest,  opened  thine  eyes? 
And  he  freely  said,  It  is  clear  to  me  that  he  is  a  most  illustrious  Prophet ;  for  surely  other- 
wise he  would  have  been  unable  to  perform  so  great  a  miracle, 
belfev^rai'c"  ^^^J^''''^  "°'       The  Jews  therefore  of  this  great  council,  being  generally  displeased  with  his  reply,  and  18 
lie  had  been  "blind  and  re-  Y^t  unable  to  invalidate  it  if  tlie  miracle  was  allowed,  would  not  believe  concerning  him,  on 
^'^li'*^.?  .u^'^  ^'°'^!'  "."u'  ^ll^K  his  own  credit,  that  he  had  formerly  been  blind,  and  had  now  received  his  sight ;  but  renre- 

called  the  parents  of  hrni  that  ..    j   -^  /■    i  i.    ^  -^i  •  it  i  /■        i    ^  ?.i  '■ 

had  received  his  sight.  sented  it  as  a  confederacy  between  him  and  Jesus,  by  an  easy  fraud  to  get  the  reputation 

of  so  extraordinary  a  cure  :  and  in  this  view  they  went  on  roundly  to  censure  it,  till  they 
had  called  in  the  parents  of  the  man  who  maintained  that  he  had  thus  received  his  sight,  that 
saymg  "is  thiTyour"s'on"who  ^^^^  niight  Strictly  examine  them  on  this  question.    And  they  asked  them,  saying.  Is  this  in-  19 
ye  say'was  born  blind  ?  'how  deed  your  son,  of  whom  it  is  reported  tiiat  you  say  he  was  born  blind!  Give  us  an  account  of 
then  doth  he  now  see  ?  ^j^g  whole  matter ;  and  particularly  tell  us,  if  you  are  sure  that  he  was  blind  from  his  birth, 

them  and  sSd'^^We  k'nmrtifl  ^''"'^  '^""'^  '^°'''  ^'^  """'  ''^^ "''     ■^"  P^"''^''^ts  cinsweird  them,  and  said.   We  assuredly  knoiv  that  20 
this  is  our  soil,  and  that  he  this  is  oiir  son  ;  and  affirm  it  to  be  true  that  he  was  boim  blind,  and  hath  continued  so  from 
^*'oi  ''n'^,^  '/''"''  L  *  I    'lis  infancy  :  But  as  for  this  strange  fact,  how  he  now  sees,  we  know  not ;  or  who  has  opened  21 

i;i  riut  by  what  means  he   ,  •  •'     ,  ,  ^T        i       i         .    i  t  ,  i     ■  i  i  ^ 

now  seeth  we  know  not;  or  nis  eyes,  we  knoiv  not  any  more  than  he  has  told  us,  not  being  present  when  the  cure  was 
i'!!l?,.!'^!!j  .°'J,1''?5'„'l.'^  ^-^^  T  ■wrought :  he  is  himself  of  a  sufficient  age  to  answer  such  a  question  ;  if  you  please  therefore 

Know  not .    he  is  ot  age  ;   ask  ^  Pi-        j         .»i         i     • ,        n  ?     ^  •        7  .         j^.         i  ■     1  i  1  "^         H  1  • 

iiim  :  he  shall  speak  tor  him-  to  ask  him,  he  Will  undoubtedly  Speak  concerning  himself,  and  is  best  able  to  tell  you  his  own 
^^'^-  story. 

a"r"nu'T  """"^.i  ^^^j^  ^'i       These  things  his  parents  said  in  this  cautious  manner,  not  that  they  had  any  doubt  of  the  22 
the  Jews:  for  the'j^ws'had  Cure  as  wrought  by  Jesus,  but  because  they  were  afraid  of  the  Jeivs :  for  the  Jews,  in  this 
man^dd '"^"^f^'  th^t  h*^  *'-^  *^'^^'''  'I's'jest  court,  had  already  agreed,  that  if  any  one  should  show  such  regard  to  Jesus  of 
Christ,  he  should  be  put  out  Nazareth  as  to  confess  him  to  be  Christ,  he  should  immediately  be  excommunicated  and  ca.'st 
ot  the  synagogue.  ^nf  qJ  ffig  synagogue  ;^  a  censure  which  was  reckoned  very  infamous,  and  attended  with' 

,  c   JVas/i  at  the  pool  of  Siloam.']    Perhaps  by  this  conimaml,  our  Lord  f  Tt  was  on  the  sahhathday ,  &c.'\    Dr.  Lighlfont  (in  his  Hot.  lleb.  on 

intended  to  make  the  miracle  so  much  the  more  taken  notice  of;  for  a  ver.  6.)  has  shown,  that  anointing  the  eyes  on  the  sabbath-day  with  any 

crowd  of  people  would  naturally  gather  round  him,  to  observe  the  event  kind  of  medicine,  was  forbidden  to  the  Jews  by  the  tradition  ot  the  elders, 

ot  so  strange  a  prescription.     And  as  it  is  exceedingly  probable  that  the  g  Unch  great  and  beneficial  miracles.']    'ihis  seems  to  intimate  that 

blind  man  had  a  guide  to  lead  him,  especially  fhrougli  the  streets  of  so  they  thought  there  were  at  least  some  miracles  so  glorious  and  so  bene- 

populous  acitv,  he  might  naturally  mention  the  errand  they  were  going  volent,  that  no  evil  agent  would  have  either  inclination  or  power  to 

upon,  and  call  those  that  saw  him  to  a  greater  attention.    Accordingly  perform   them;   and    that   they   reckoned   this   in   that  number.    The 

this  miracle  was  afterwards  talked  of  with  particular  regard  :  John  xi.  thought  seems  both  rational  and  important,  and  is  set  in  a  very  strong 

37.  }  140. — As  for  the  pool  of  Siloam,  it  was  supplied  from  the  fountain  light  by  the  learned  Mr.  Chapman,  in  his  Eased,  cli.  ii. 

ot  that  name  which  arose  in  the  south-west  part  of  Jerusalem.    See  note  h  'Xh'e  few  friends  of  Christ  among  them,  &c.]    If  Nicodemus  and 

c-  ?"  Luke  xiii.  4.  p.  206.  and  lleland.  Palestine,  p.  853.  Joseph  of  Arimathea,  both  members  ot  the  sanhedrim,  were  now  present. 

n  Could  bear  the  light.]    This  is  strongly  intimated  in  the  phrase,  ^(?  they   would  naturally  distinguish    themselves  on  tliis  occasion;   and 

"<ne seeing.   Compare  note  b,  ^ 86.  p.  160. — Perhaps  he  had  been  taught  Gamaliel  too,  on  the  "principles  he  afterwards  avowed, (Acts  v.  38,  39.) 

by  the  example  of  Naaman  not  to  despise  the  most  improbable  means  must  have  been  on  their  side. 

when  prescribed  in  the  view  of  a  miracle.    Yet  it  is  plain  he  did  jiot  i  If  any  one  should  confess  him  to  he  Christ,  Sec]  Hence  it  appears,  that 

know  this  was  Jesus  of  Nazareth  yet,  and  so  had  no  particular  faith  in  though  our  Lord  was  cautious  of  professing  himself  to  be  the  *-n'\'st  m 

him,  (compare  ver.  IC.)  which  shows,  by  the  way,  that  such  a  faith  \vas  express  terms,  yet  many  understood  the  intimations  he  save  ;  and  that 

not  universally  required  as  a  condition  of  receiving  a  cure.  most  of  his  disciples  by  this  time  declared  their  taitli  in  him  under  that 

e  It  IS  Me  htm,  i^c]     the  circumstance  of  having  received  his  sight  character.     It  also  further  appears  from  hence,  that  the  parents,  ana 

would  give  him  an  air  of  spirit  and  cheerfulness,  which  would  render  indeed  the  sanhedrim,  knew  who  it  was  tliat  opened  this  mans  eyes, 

him  something  unlike  what  he  was  before,  and  might  occasion  a  little  though  he  himself  was  hitherto  a  stranger  to  him,  and  was  not  yet  ac- 

doubt  to  those  who  were  not  well  acquainted  with  him :  as  Bishop  Hall  quainted  with  the  dignity  of  his  person.    Compare  ver.  .o,  30. 
justlj-  observes. 


228  THE  MIRACLE  EXAMINED  BY  THE  SANHEDRIM. 

SECT,  many  civil  incapacities  and  penalties.  Not  knowing  therefore  but  such  an  interpretation  23  Therefore  said  his  pa- 
130.  might  be  put  on  their  owning  the  truth  of  this  miracle,  his  parents  declined  giving  any  par-  '"^'>'^'  ^*  '^  °*  "s*  •  '^^  '""'• 
ticular  testimony  concerning  it ;  and  rather  chose  to  refer  them  to  their  son,  and  said,  He  is 


JOHN    of  age  sufficient  to  be  heard  as  an  evidence,  and  it  will  therefore  be  most  proper  that  you 
'•^'     should  ask  the  particulars  from  him. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.3  Oh  that  the  zeal  of  our  great  Master  might  quicken  us  his  too  negligent  servants!  Still  is  he  the  light  of  the 
world,  by  his  doctrines,  precepts,  and  example.  May  our  eyes  by  divine  grace  be  opened  to  see,  and  our  hearts 
be  disposed  to  love  and  to  follow,  this  light !  It  was  a  governing  maxim  with  him,  and  he  meant  it  also  for  our 
4  admonition,  I  must  work  the  works  of  him  that  sent  me  while  it  is  day  ;  the  night  cometh,  wherein  no  wan  can  work. 
We  are  sent  into  the  world  on  an  important  errand,  to  work  out  our  own  salvation,  and  that  of  others  :  may  we 
improve  the  present  day ;  and  so  much  the  rather,  as  we  see  the  night  approachmg  !  On  some  the  shadows  of  the 
2,  3  evening  are  already  drawing  on ;  and  as  to  others,  their  sun  may  go  down  at  noon.  Let  us  therefore,  waving  the 
curiosity  of  unprofitable  speculations,  apply  ourselves  seriously  to  the  busmess  of  life,  and  zealously  seize  every  op- 
portunity of  usefulness. 

6,  7 —  Our  Lord,  as  it  should  seem,  unasked,  and,  by  the  person  on  whom  it  was  wrought,  unknown,  performed  this 
important  and  extraordinary  cure.  And  the  manner  in  which  he  did  it  is  worthy  of  notice  :  He  anointed  liis  eyes 
with  clay,  and  then  commanded  him  to  wash.  Clay  laid  on  the  eye-lids  might  almost  blind  a  man  that  had  sight ; 
but  what  could  it  do  towards  curing  blindness  ?  It  reminds  us,  that  God  is  no  further  from  the  accomplishment  of 
any  purpose  or  event,  when  he  works  with  than  without  means ;  and  that  all  the  creatures  are  only  that  which  his 
almighty  operation  makes  them. 
— 7  The  blind  man  believed,  and  received  the  immediate  benefit  of  it.  Had  he  reasoned,  like  Naaman,  on  the  im- 
propriety of  the  means,  he  had  justly  been  left  in  darkness.  Lord,  may  our  proud  hearts  be  subdued  to  the  methods 
of  thy  recovering  grace !  And  may  we  leave  it  to  thee  to  choose  how  thou  wilt  bestow  favours  which  it  is  our 
highest  interest  on  any  terms  to  receive ! 

15,  17      It  must  be  a  satisfaction  to  every  true  christian  to  observe  the  curiosity  and  exactness  with  which  these  Pharisees 

18,  19  inquired  into  the  miracles  of  Christ,  and  how  thoroughly  they  canvassed  every  circumstance  of  them.  A  truth  like 
this  need  not  fear  any  examination.    Every  new  witness  which  they  heard  confirmed  the  case,  and  confounded  the 

20,  23  obstinacy  of  their  unbelief. — But  surely  the  weakness  of  the  parents  was  very  pitiable,  who,  in  the  midst  of  the 
evidence  and  obligation  of  such  a  miracle  were  more  afraid  of  incurritig  a  human  sentence  than  of  offending  God, 
by  failing  to  own  so  great  a  favour,  and  to  confess  the  blessed  Person  by  whom  it  was  wrought.  The  fear  of  man 
bringeth  a  snare ;  (Prov.  xxix.  25.)  but  they  whose  eyes  Christ  has  opened  in  a  spiritual  sense,  will  see  a  glory  and 
excellence  in  him,  which  will  animate  J;hem  boldly  to  bear  their  testimony  to  him  in  defiance  of  all  the  censures 
which  men  can  pass,  or  of  all  the  penalties  by  which  they  can  enforce  them. 


SECTION  CXXXI. 

is  a  sec 
neets  hir 

John  ix.  24. 


llie  man  who  was  born  blind,  that  had  received  his  sight,  is  a  second  time  examined  before  the  .Sanhedrim,  who,  provoked  by  the  freedom  of  his 
replies,  excommunicate  him  ;  but  Jesus  meets  him,  and  declares  himself  to  be  the  Son  of  God.    John  ix.  24 — 38. 

John  ix.  24. 


SECT. 
131. 


NOW,  as  the  sanhedrim  were  not  able  to  discover  any  fraud  in  the  miracle  mentioned  in  then  again  called  they  the 
the  preceding  section  by  examining  the  parents,  they  therefore  culled  a  second  time  for  the  IJ{fto '  h1n7*  G^ive'^'God    the 
'      man  who  had  been  blind,  and  said  to  him,  Give  glory  to  God,  by  a  free  confession  of  the  praise :  w'e  know  that  this 
JOHN    fraud,  if  there  be  any  collusion  or  artifice  in  this  affair  ;"  or,  if  the  cure  was  really  wrought  '"*"  '^  ^  smner. 
'  24  in  the  manner  thou  affirmest,  acknowledge  the  ):)0wer,  sovereignty,  and  goodness  of  the 
Divine  Being  in  working  by  so  unworthy  an  mstrument ;  for  rve  certainly  laioiu  that  this 
Jesus  of  Nazareth,  the  man  of  whom  thou  speakest,  is  a  profligate  sinner,^  and  deserves 
public  punishment  rather  than  esteem. 

25  Then  answered  he  and  said,  Jf  he  be  a  sinner,  I  know  not  any  thing  of  it,  having  no  per-     25  He  answered  and  said, 
sonal  acquaintance  with  him  ;  'but  one  thing  I  certainly  know',  and  will  stand  to  the  truth  ^''r'l^"  '"■„!"^ "  *'""fh"'''"'i' 

„  ..     ,,  T       ,  y  >  1-     ,  /■  -     1  •    T       T  /•     .1  11  1  '     "now    not:    one    thms    1 

ot  It,  that  Whereas  I  was  bund,  even  from  my  birth,  1  now  see  perfectly  well,  and  owe  my  kriow,  that  whereas  l  was 
sight  to  tlie  very  person  whom  you  condemn.  '''""'' "°"  '  ■'''^^• 

26  But  they  again  said  to  him,  hoping  that,  in  some  minute  circumstance  at  least,  he  might     26  Then  said  they  to  him 

'•■•'"  ...  -  ...         —  -.  '         again.  What  did   he  to  thee? 


contradict  his  former  account,  and  give  them  some  advantage  against  him,  Tell  us  once  how"opened'he"thine 
more  as  particularly  as  thou  canst,  what  did  he  unto  thee  ?  and  how  did  he  open  thine  eyes  ? 


eyesf 


27  And  as  the  man  perceived  that  they  intended  only  to  insnare  him,  he  answered  them     or  He  answered  them,  r 
eagerly,  I  have  told  you  already,  and  ye  have  not  regarded  what  I  said,  nor  would  at  all  ye' riid"not^hea*'-'^Therefo"re 
believe  me  :  why  would  you  desire  to  hear  it  again  ?     Would  you  also  become  his  disciples,  would  ye  hear ;/  again .'  will 
as  many  have  lately  doiie,  and  some,  perhaps,  on  occasion  of  this  miracle  which  he  has  ye  "'^o  be  his  disciples.' 
performed  on  me  ? 

28  The  Pharisees  then  were  filled  with  indignation,  and  were  so  greatly  exasperated  at  what  C8  Then  they  reviled  hini, 
appeared  to  them  so  insolent  a  speech,  that  they  reviled  him  in  very  opjirobrious  language,  p"e!  b'ut^ve''Tre''^Ioses•''d?s- 
flnrf  said,  Thou  art  indeed  this  fellow's  disciple,  as  many  of  the  herd  of  ignorant  people  are  ;  cipies. 

but  we  would  have  thee  to  know  that  we  scorn  the  imputation,  for  rve  are  the  disciples  of 
Moses,<^  and  are  too  firmly  attached  to  that  great  and  holy  prophet,  to  regard  such  a  de- 

29  ceiveras  this.    Tf'e  well  A7(0!<,'  that  God  spake  to  Moses, '^  ^.nd  gave  tne  most  amiile  evidence  of    29  We  know  that  God  spake 
sending  him  with  a  divine  commission ;  but  us  for  this  man,  we  know  not  from  rvhence  he  is,  w"'kno"rnot"rom  whe"(^^^^^^^ 
nor  can  we  perceive  any  satisfactory  credentials  of  his  bringing  any  message  from  God  to  us.  is- 

a  Give  glory  to  God,  by  a  free  confession  of  the  fraud,  to.")    As  it  is  nounced  a  known  scandalous  sinner  by  this  high  court  of  iudicature  ! 

greatly  tor  the  honour  ot  the  divine  omniscience  and  providence,  that  An  infamy  which  has  seldom,  in  any  civilized  counUy,  fallen  on  any 

persons  who  are  guilty  ot  crimes  not  tuUy  proved  ai;ainst  them  should  person  not  legally  convicted. 

freely  confess  them,  and  not  presume,  against  the  dictates  of  conscience,  c   Ue  are  the  disciples  of  Moxes.']    Hereby  they  craftily,  but  most 

to  maintain  their  own  innocence;  there  is  a  great  propriety  in  the  phrase  maliciously  and   falsely,  insinuated  that  there  was  such  an  opposition 

taken  in  this  sense.  (Compare  Josh.  vii.  19.  and  Rev.  xi.  13.)    Yet  some  between  .Moses  and  Jesus,  that  it  was  impossible  for  the  same  persons  to 

have  taken  it  as  a  general  ad.iuration  by  the  glorious  name  of  God  ;  (as  be  the  disciples  of  both. 

]  Kings  xxii.  16.  2  Chron.  xviii.  15.  and  Matt.  xxvi.  63.)— The  words  d   We  know  that  God  spake  to  'Moses.'\    Their  partiality  here  was  in- 

also  admit  another  sense,  which  I  have  comprehended  in  ihe  paraphrase ;  excusable  ;  for,  if  they  believed  tlie  mission  of  Moses  on  the  evidence  of 

i!  V?^^           ■  '°'''T'e'".  miracles,  credibly  attested   indeed,  but  performed  two  thousand  years 

ti  Ihts  ninn  u  a  smner.]    I  cannot,  with  Mr.  Locke,  (Beasonableness  before  they  were  born,— it  was  much  more  reasonable,  on  their  own 

of  Uirtsiianiiy.  p.  28.)  imagine  this  any  proof  of  a  tradition  among  the  principles,  to  believe  the  mission  of  Jesus  on  at  least  equal  miracles, 

Jews  that  the  Mes.siah  should  be  perfectly />ce /rem  jin;  but  rather  con.  wrought  daily  among  them,  when  they  might  in  many  instances  have 

elude,  that  sKiver  here,  as  in  ver.  16.  signifies  a  notoriously  wicked  man.  been  eye- witnesses  to  the  facts  ;  and  one  of  which,  notwithstanding  all 

It  was  certain,  from  tlie  principles  of  theirsacred  writings,  that  a  person  their  malice,  they  were  here  compelleil  to  own,  or  at  least  found  tbcm- 

not  entirely  sinless  might  perform  very  illustrious  miracles.    But  how  selves  utterly  unable  to  disprove, 
•evere  an  insult  was  here  on  the  charactei-  of  our  Redeeme'",  to  be  pro- 


THE  MIRACLE  EXAMINED  BY  THE  SANHEDRIM.  229 

-.0  The  man  answered  and      But,  not  discourasjed  by  their  unjust  renections,  the  man  replied  with  a  becoming  free-   SECT, 
said  unto  them.  Why  herein  Jom  of  Spirit,  and  Said  UTito  them,  Why,  in  this  respect  it  is  strange  that  you  know  not  from     131. 

ifnow  notlrom  whence'he  fs!  lohence  he  is,  and  yet  it  is  plain  that  he  has  opened  mine  eyes.     Now  we  all  know  in  general 

and  yet  he  hath  opened  mine  ^|^^^t:  God  heareth  not  sinners,  and  that  persons  of  infamous  characters  and  immoral  lives   John 
%'rNow  we  linow  that  God  Cannot  expect  tiie  divine  acceptance  in  any  common  petition  which  they  offer,  much  less  „^^-^- 
heareth  not  sinners :  but  if  fgp  jj^g  performance  of  a  miracle ;  but  if  any  man  be  truly  devout,  and  faithfully  do  his  ivill, 
GodrrddoethTs'wXhim  him  indeed  he  heareth  with  a  favourable  regard:  when  therefore  God  is  fouiid  to  hear  a 
he  heareth.  ^^^^^  [y^  gu^.^  an  extraordinary  instance  as  this,  there  seems  the  greatest  reason  to  believe 

32  Since  the  world  began  he  is  a  person  whose  temper  and  character  are  approved  by  him.     And  this  is  plainly  an  32 
^*e1ie<i"'the '^eyes^'lrf  one  "tlia"  extraordinary  instance ;  for,  fro?n  the  beginning  of  the  world  it  was  never  heard  that  any  man 
waTborn'biind.  opened  the  eyes  of  one  w//o,'like  me,  was  born  Ulind.     It  is  surprising,  therefore,  that  you, 

who  allow  that  'Moses  was  a  prophet  on  the  authority  of  his  miracles,  should  in  this  case 

33  If  this  man  were  not  of  judge  SO  hardlv  of  my  deliverer,  whoever  he  be.     IBut  every  unprejudiced  person  may  33 
God.  he  could  do  nothing.      g^g,jy  ggg  ^^^^  if  this  man  were  not  sent  of  God,  he  could  do  nothing  of  this  kind. 

34  They  answered  and  said      And,  not  being  able  to  endure  so  plain  and  forcible  a  reproof,  which  even  stung  them  34 
unto  hiin.  J  hou  wast  alto-  ^Q  ^he  heart,  they  answered  and  said  to  him,  with  great  hatred  and  scorn.     Thou  vile  pre- 
tliou  [each  us"  Anci?hey  c^t  sumptuous  wretch,  tliou  luast  entirely  born  in  sins,  and  didst  bring  into  the  world  with  thee 
him  out.  jjjQjt  evident  tokens  of  divine  wrath  and  vengeance  ;  and  dost  thou  insolently  take  upon 

thee  to  teach  us,  the  guides  of  the  national  faith,  and  members  of  the  supreme  court  of 
ecclesiastical  judicature  ?   We  shall  find  out  a  way  to  correct  this  arrogance.    And  imme- 
diately they  cast  him  out  of  the  synagogue,  passing  a  solemn  sentence  of  excommunication 
upon  him,"^  though  there  was  no  shadow  of  proof  that  he  had  deserved  it. 
,35  .Tesus  heard  that  they  had      Now  Jesus  quickly  heard  of  their  arbitrary  proceedings,  that  they  had  thus  passed  sentence  35 
cast  him  out :  and  when  he  on  the  poor  man,  and  had  cast  him  out  for  his  sake ;  and,  finding  him  soon  after,  he  said  to 
him.'mst  thou'beiilv^'on'tt  him  privately,  Dost  thou  believe  on  the  Son  of  God,  the  great  expected  Messiah  ? 
Son  of  God  >        ,       ,     ■ ,        He  answered  and  said.  Sir,  who  is  he,  that  I  may  believe  on  him  !     I  know  that  such  a  36 
WhoishetS'that  I  m'fght  glorious  Person  is  expected  ;  and  if  he  be  already^come,  tell  me  but  who  he  is,  and  where 
believe  on  him?  \  m^y  meet  with  him,  and  I  am  ready  to  express  a  due  regard  to  him  who  shall  be  pointed 

out  to  me  under  that  honourable  and  important  character. 

37  And   Jesus  said  unto       Then  Jesus,  to  encouraffe  him  under  what  he  was  now  suffering  on  his  account,  said  to  37 
him,  Thou .  ii||st  both  seen  ^^-^^^  ^■^^^^  ^  degree  of  freedom  which  was  very  unusual,^  Thou  hast  no  need  of  going  far  to 
wTth  Thee.   '"  seek  him ;  hr'thou  hast  both  already  seen  him,  and  had  experience  of  his  power  and  good- 
ness ;  it  was  he  that  miraculously  opened  thine  eyes,  and  indeed  it  is  even  he  that  is  now 
talking  with  thee,  who  is  that  very  Person. 

38  And  he  said.  Lord,  I      Ancl,  immediately  yielding  to  that  convincing  argument  which  arose  from  what  he  had  38 
beUeve.   And  he  worshipped  hi^gelf  experienced  of  his  almighty  power,  he  said.  Lord,  I  most  readily  believe  that  thou 

art  he,  and  humbly  prostrate  myself  before  thee,  to  render  thee  due  homage  as  such.    And, 
falling  down  at  his  feet,  he  worshipped  him. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

So  little  does  truth  fear  repeated  examinations  ;  and  thus  does  it,  after  every  trial,  come  forth  like  pure  gold  out  Ver. 
of  the  furnace.     So  did  this  miracle  of  Christ  appear  to  these  subtle  adversaries ;  so  will  the  christian  cause  appear  24-'27 
to  all  who  will  diligently  search  into  its  evidence. 

Who  can  forbear  wondering  at  the  obstinacy  of  these  Pharisees ;  and,  on  the  same  principles,  at  that  of  the  pre-  28,  29 
sent  Jews,  who,  while  they  acknowledge  that  "God  spake  by  Moses  because  he  wrought  miracles,  will  not,  on  the 
evidence  of  yet  more  various  and  glorious  niiracles,f  and  those  attested  beyond  all  contradiction,  acknowledge  the 
authority  of  the  Son  of  God  himself  ?  i  •       j     o 

But  we  see  this  poor  illiterate  creature,  (for  such  he  undoubtedly  was,)  with  the  advantage  of  truth  on  his  side,  30 
baffles  all  the  sophistry  of  his  most  learned  antagonists.     Great  is  the  truth,  and  it  will  prevail.     Great  is  this  truth, 
so  fundamental  to  the  gospel,  that  Jesus  is  the  Son  of  God :  and  this  also,  which  is  so  important  to  natural  religion 
and  revealed,  that  God  heareth  not  sinners;  but  if  any  man  be  a  worshipper  of  God,  and  do  his  xvill,  him  he  hears,  31 
and  most  favourably  regards.     May  we  be  truly  devoiit,  and  add  to  our  devotion  an  obedient  regard  to  the  divme 
will,  and  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  will  be  upon  us,  and  his  ears  be  open  to  our  cry.'  (Psal.  xxxiv.  15.)    Then,  being  ,34   ^ 
favourably  owned  of  God,  we  shall  have  no  reason  to  fear  the  censures  of  men.     If  they  cast  us  out,  Christ  will  re-  35,  o7 
ceive  us,  and  perhaps  reveal  himself  to  us  with  more  freedom,  in  proportion  to  the  injuries  we  sustain  from  them. 


SECTION  CXXXII. 


;  of  their  danger  ;  and  represents  himself  as  the  door  of  the  sheepfold,  through  which  men  must  necessarily  enter 
their  own  salvation,  or  that  of  others  committed  to  their  care.   John  ix.  39,  to  the  end  ;  x.  1—10. 


Christ  admonishes  the  Pharisees 

if  they  desire  their 

John  ix.  39 

John  ix.  .39 


AND  Jesus  said.  For  jud?-  WHILE  Jesus  stood  talking  with  the  blind  man  who  had  received  his  sight,  several  people,  SECT. 
woHd  !  tha"  tTeTwhic^h  'sel  who  werc  then  entering  into  the  temple,  knowing  them  both,  and  desirous  to  hear  vvhat    132. 
not  mifht  see.  and  that  they  passed   gathered  tofether  about  them  :  and  Jesus. 'iaid,  so  that  thev  all  might  hear  him,  i  ou 
whK.h  «ee   m>ght  be  macfe  J^^^  ^^'^^^^  ^j^.^  ^^^  ^^^  .^  ^^^^^^  ^^  happened  in  relation  to  him,  an  illustration  of  the   John 
effects  which  my  appearance  is  to  produce  :  for  I  am  come  into  this  work!  for  judgment  as  ^y-  • 
well  as  mercy  ;  that,  on  the  one  hand,  they  who  see  not  might  see,  or  that  the  ignorant  souls, 
who  are  willing  to  be  instructed,  might  learn  divine  knowledge ;  and,  on  the  other  hand, 
that  they  who  see  may  be  made  blind  ;  that  such  as  are  jtroudly  conceited  of  their  own  science 
and  wisdom,  may  either  be  humbled  or  exposed  ;  and  they  who  wilfully  stand  out,  and 
harden  their  hearts  against  my  instructions,  may  bring  upon  themselves  yet  greater  darkness. 
40  And  some  of  the  Phari-       And  \soine'\  oftlieFharisees,  who  were  then  present  rvilh  him,  heard  these  things,  and  ap-  40 
sees  which  were  with  him  prehendino-  that  he  danced  at  them,  said  to  him.  Are  we  also  blind  ?  and  dost  thou  mean  to 
urto'h'm,lrl'we'bli';rd'aiso1  insinuate  any  thing  of  that  kind  ?  If  thou  dost,  speak  plainly.     Now  this  they  said,  hoping 

e  With  a  degree  of  freedom  very  unusual.]    We  have  formr-rly  ob-  after,  others  joined  the  conversation,  as  we  observe  m  the  beginnmg  ot 

served  the  wise  caution  of  Jesus  on  this  head.    .See  ^  20.  note  r,  p.  6o.—  the  next  section.         ...            •      i.,.  i     a  he?. ififul  parallel  between 

■J-he  freedom  here  used  may  be  accounted  for  by  considering  the  extra-  t  Wore  various  and  ?'or'"i;^m'raLjes.     A  DeaJtiu.M    ^^^  ^^^  ^,^^^^^ 

ordinary  circuni.stances  of  the  case  ;  this  being  the  first  instance  m  which  the  miracles  ot  Moses  and  Christ  is  drawn  ny  vj                       ^           ..^^ 

any  one  had  incurred  the  great  inconveniences  attending  a  sentence  of  and    Limhorch   on   the   other.     Li'iib.   <-''''«';•     .     .jj        151,  et  seq. 

excommunication,  out  of  zeal  for  the  honour  of  Christ.    No  doubt  this  Quest.  4.  ISo.  3.  p.  l.'Jl,  et  seq.  and  Ixesp.  ad  >>ct,p.  111.  p.  101,         v 
passed  privately  between  our  Lord  and  this  good  man,  though,  presently 


230  THE  PHARISEES  ADMONISHED  OF  THEIR  DANGER. 

SECT,  thereby  to  draw  him  into  some  dangerous  reflection  on  the  sanhedrim,  who  had  lately 
132.    passed  their  censure  on  the  man  whose  eyes  he  had  opened. 

Jesus  said  to  them,  If  you  were  indeed  blind,  and  laboured  under  unavoidable  ignorance,     4i  jesus  said  unfo  "'^m.  Jf 

JOHN  you  would  uot  then  have  any  sin  in  comparison  of  what  you  now  have  :*  hut  now  you  say,  no  TinT  buMimv  ye  say,  We 

^^A<  Surely  ive  see  much  more  clearly  than  the  rest  of  mankind  ;  therefore  your  sin  abides  upon  see ;  therefore  your  sm  re- 

you  with  greater  aggravation  :  and  this  conceit  which  you  have  of  your  own  knowledge 

hinders  conviction,  and  prevents  the  first  entrance  of  instruction  into  your  minds. 

JOHN        Nevertheless,  whether  you  will  hear  or  whether  you  will  forbear,  I  will  for  a  while  longer     John  x.  i.  Verily,^  verUy, ^l 

^-      continue  my  admonitions ;  and  therefore,  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you  who  call  yourselves  |th  not°by°t!ie  dom'IntoMi'e 

the  shepherds  of  the  people,  that  he  who  enters  not  hi/' the  door  into  the  sheepfold,  hut  climb-  sheepfoui,  but  dimbeth  up 

,,  '  ,  ■    '       '  1     ,  1       xi_        1  1       u  „       j-i  •     i     1       some  other  way,  the  same  IS  a 

eth  up  some  other  pnvate  way,  whatever  be  the  character  he  may  assume,  the  same  is  to  be  thiet  and  a  robber. 

2  looked  upon  as  no  better  than  a  thief  and  a  robber.  But  he  that  comes  in  at  the  door  of  the  2  But  he  that  entereth  in  by 
sheepfold  is  the  true  shepherd  of  thi  sheep ;  and  such  a  one  will  always  choose  to  enter  in  thejioor  is  the  shepherd  ot  the 

3  by  that  which  is  the  regular  appointed  way.  To  him,  as  soon  as  he  approaches,  the  door-  ^  To  him  tiie  porter  open- 
keeper  opens  the  fold,b  and  the  sheep  themselves  hear  his  voice  with  regard ;  and  he  is  well  ^'iceTand  h\  caife'th^Ms'^own 
acquainted  vi'ith  each  of  them,  insomuch  that  he  calls  each  of  his  own  sheep  by  name,<^  and  sheep  by  name,  and  leadetii 

4  leads  them  out  to  pasture.  And  when  he  thus  puts  forth  his  own  sheep  from  the  fold,  he  him-  "4'"And  when  he  putteth 
self  poes  before  them  to  guide  them  to  good  pastures,  and  to  defend  them  from  any  danger  for'h  his  own  sheep,  be  soeih 

,  .5  V  ,   ",        ,  ,  r  11      ^-  7;         i-  ./■      iL  11    ;  i.  ■  •         1     ■  beroie    them,  and    the  sheen 

which  may  occur,  and  the  sheep  cheeTtuWy  foil  oiu  him;  for  they  well  know  his  voice,  bemg  tbilowhim:  for  they  know  his 

5  dailv  accustomed  to  it.     But  if  o  straiiser  come  to  lead  them  out,  thei/  will  not  follow  him  ;  ™ice. 

""".7  "^-<-"jvv^'"^---'  -,,  n  !•  ;•        I  J.L        J  J.    1  j.^  ■         r     5  And  a  stranger  will  they 

hut,  on  the  contrary,  they  will  flee  aiway  J  rom  him,  because  they  do  not  know  the  voice  of  not  follow,  but  will  tiee  from 
stran"er^  '  '     ''"'"  '  '""^  "'^-^  know  not  the 

6  This  short  parable  Jesus  spake  unto  them  ;  but  they  did  not  understand  what  it  was  that  ''TThisVarabff  spake  Jesus 
he  said  to  them,  but  were  quite  at  a  loss  to  conjecture  his  meaning;  though  his  intent  in  s"('^'o''j ' n^o"}' w*?."!  thm-s""they 
describing  the  character  of  the  good  Sheplierd  was  plainly  to  show  how  far  the  Pharisees,  were  which  he  spake  unto 
who  assume  the  name,  were  from  answering  it ;  and  to  warn  the  true  sheep,  or  persons  of  "'e'"- 

real  integrity  and  simplicity,  of  the  danger  of  being  blindly  governed  and  guided  by  them. 

7  Then  Jesus,  to  clear  up  what  was  most  obscure  in  liis  former  discourse,  said  to  them  7  Then  said  Jesus . unto 
again.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  and  solemnly  assure  you,  that,  however  you  neglect  say"Lnfo^you^  Yam  th"'ii^or 
me,  I  am  the  door  of  the  sheep,^  and  it  is  only  by  authority  derived  from  me  that  the  people  of  the  sheep. ' 

8  of  God  are  to  be  taught  and  fed.  All  that  ever  came  before  me,  assuming  the  Messiah's  8  All  that  ever  came  before 
character,  or  setting  up  for  a  despotic  authority  in  the  church,  and  teaching"  other  methods  {lift  ofe'shtep  d?d  not'hear 
of  salvation  than  by  me,'^  are  thieves  and  robbers,  persons  of  very  bad  designs,  who  had  no  them. 

warrant  from  above  for  what  they  did ;  and,  whatsoever  their  pretences  were,  their  ad- 
ministration has  a  fatal  tendency  to  make  havoc  of  the  souls  they  should  watch  and  feed  ; 
but  the  true  sheep,  or  those  who  are  sincere  and  well-disposed  persons,  have  not  heard  them, 

9  so  as  to  relish  and  regard  their  doctrine.  I  therefore  repeat  it  again  as  a  most  important  o  i  am  the  door:  by  me  if 
truth.  That  I  myself  am  the  door ;  and  if  any  one  enter  in  by  me,  and  acknowledge  my  sa^^eiu'^and^'IiwU  gotn^'lnd 
authority,  he  shall  be,  like  a  sheep  in  his  fold,  safe  from  the  invasion  of  what  might  injure  out,  and  find  pasture. 

and  destroy  him  ;  and  shall  go  in  and  out  under  my  care  and  guidance,  and  shall  stWl  fnd 
good  pasture ;  that  is,  in  consequence  of  his  regard  to  me,  and  the  enjoyment  of  commu- 
nion with  me,  his  soul  shall  be  fed  and  nourished  witli  true  doctrine,  and  shall  obtain  sub- 
10  stantial  happiness.    For  whereas  the  thief  only  comes  that  he  may  steal,  and  kill,  and  destroy,  foJ^^to'^steM**  nd"\o"k"l7'-''"d 
— I  am  come  for  the  benefit  of  all  my  sheep,  that  they  may  have  true  life,  and  that  at  length  to  destroy  :'i  ani  come'  that 
they  may  have  it  yet  more  abundantly ;'  a  most  plentiful  provision  being  made  for  their  {hey™mioVt'^rave'''!v"''iiiore 
everlasting  comfort  and  happiness,  even  far  beyond  what  has  ever  been  known  before.        abundantly. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

JOHN       Let  us  hear  with  an  holy  awe  on  our  spirits,  that  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world  for  purposes  of 

^^QQ  judgment  as  well  as  of  mercy  ;  and  make  it  our  humble  prayer  that  we  may  be  enlightened  by  him,  and  not  sealed 

up  under  aggravated  darkness  as  a  punishment  for  our  obstinacy  and  impenitence ;    for  then  all  the  means  of 

knowledge  which  we  have  so  basely  perverted,  will  rise  up  to  condemn  us. 

JOHN       Let  Christ  be  regarded  by  us  as  the  door  from  whom  all  true  teachers  derive  tlieir  authority,  and  to  whom  they 

■^-  _.  direct  their  administrations  ;  and  let  it  be  our  care  that  we  enter  by  this  door.     Let  inferior  shepherds  learn  their 

duty,  so  plainly  suggested  here  :  Let  them  learn  to  know  their  sheep,  and  take  as  particular  notice  as  they  can  of 

3  each  single  person  committed  to  their  care  ;  and  let  them  go  before  them  in  all  the  paths  of  duty  :  for  what  could 

the  greatest  enemy  to  the  flock  do  worse,  than  to  lead  them  by  example  into  the  paths  of  destruction  ? 
9      Happy  souls  who  are  entered  in  by  this  gate  !    Tlieir  safety,  their  comfort,  is  secure  ;  they  enjoy  a  holy  liberty 
and  plenty,  and  going  in  and  coming  out,  they  find  pasture.     If  we  are  strangers  to  that  entertainment  and  re- 
freshment which  arises  from  ordinances,  (those  gi'een  pasttires  which  Christ  has  provided  for  his  sheep  in  the  wil- 
10  derness,)  we  liave  a  great  deal  of  reason  to  fear  that  we  belong  not  to  his  flock.     He  came  that  his  sheep  might 

a  TfyoK  7eere  indeed  blhid,  ymi  u-ould  not  have  any  sin,  <^f .]    KIsner  hence  that  the  eastern  shepherds,  at  least  those  of  Judea,  gave  particular 

Whserv.  vol.  i.  p.  326.)  understands  this  of  corporeal  hliiidness  ;  as  if  our  names  to  their  sheep,  as  most  men  do  to  their  dogs  and  horse.s. —  1  heir 

Lord  had  said,  "  It  is  a  great  assravation  of  your  perverseness,  that  custom  also  was  to  lead  the  sheep,  playing  on  some  musical  instrument, 

you  know  by  experience  the  difference  between  blindness  and  siaht,  d  /  am  the  door,  Jjc]    It  would  be  very  impertinent  to  run  a  long 

which  might  convince  you  of  the  importance  of  such  a  miracle,  and  of  parallel   here  between   Christ  and   a  door.    The  resemblance  plainly 

the  divine  power  by  which  it  is  wrought." — But  the  following  words,  centres  in  this  one  circumstance,  that  as  a  man  must  observe  and  pass 

B»f  now  you  say.  We  see,  suit  much  better  with  the  sense  given  in  the  through  the  door,  in  order  to  his  making  a  regular  and  unsuspected 

paraphrase.  entrance  into  a  sheepfold  ;  so  he  must  maintain  a  proper  regard  to  Christ, 

b  The  door-keeper  opens  the  fold.]   Grofius  does  not  attempt  the  accom-  in  order  to  his  being  a  true  teacher  in  the  church,  and  must  pass  fas  it 

modation  of  this  circumstance:  Mr.  Cradock  interprets  it  of  the  Holy  were)  through  him,  or  by  his  authority,  into  his  office.     It  is  by  a  simile 

Ghost,  and  Dr.  Whitby  of  God  the  Father,  as  giving  free  admission  to  very  near  resembling  this,  that  Christ  elsewhere  calls  himself  (Ac  way. 

those  teachers  who  maintain  a  due  regard  to  Christ :  an  interpretation  John  xiv.  6.  ^  173. 

which   seems  much  more  reasonable  than  (o  refer  it  (as  some  do)  to  e  All  that  ever  came  before  me,  4f.]    Tf  it  could   be  shown  by  any 

ministers. — It  is  suggested  by  Sir  Isaac  Newton,  that,  as  these  words  proper  authority,  that  irpo  eu«  ever  signifies  in  neglect  of  me,  or  trpo 

were  spoken  near  the  temple,  where  sheep  were  kept  in  folds  to   be  yi/pnr  passing  hy  a  door,  I  snouhl,  with  Eisner,  (Ohserv.  vol.  i.  p.  32?.) 

sold  for  sacrifices,  Christ  here  alludes  to  what  was  peculiar  in  those  prefer  that  rendering  to  any  other :  but  as  this  does  not  appear,  it  is 

folds;  that,  as  they  were  kept  locked,  they  not  only  excluded  the  thief,  evident  that  the  words  must  he  understood  with  the  limitation  added  in 

but  the  shepherd,  till  the  door-keeper  opened  them.    (.See   Newton  on  the   paraphrase  ;  for  otherwise  they  would  imply  such  a  reflection  on 

Proph.  p.  148.)    But  I  cannot  think,  whatever  occasion   Christ  might  Moses  and  the  prophets  as  we   know  our  Lord  could   never  intend, 

take,  from  the  sight  of  sheep,  to  represent  his  people  under  that  image,  Perhaps  he  might  refer  to  such  persons  as  Judas  of  Galilee,  or  Theudas, 

and  himself  as  a  Shepherd,  he  would  describe  them  like  sheep  shut  up  who  had  been  the  occasion  of  destruction  to  their  followers.   See  Acts  v. 

in  a  pen  to  be  sold  for  sacrifice  :  nor  does  the  shepherd's  leading  them  36.  .37. 

out,  i:c.  agree  with  this  circumstance.    In  countries  where  there  were  so  f  That  they  may  have  it  more  ahundatitly.']    To  refer  this  latter  clause, 

many  savage  beasts,  it  might  be  ordinarily  necessary  to  have  the  folds  at  least  ultimately,  to  the  provision  which  Christ  has  marie  for  the  future 

better  secured  than  among  us  ;  and  the  chief  shepherd  might  often  leave  and  eternal  happiness  of  all  his  people,  seems  best  to  suit  tlie  other  parts 

it  servant  to  watch  them  while  thus  shut  up,  and  come  himself  to  lead  of  this  discourse,  as  well  as  the  genius  of  the  whole  christian  dispensa- 

them  out  to  pasture  in  a  morning.  tion.    Perhaps  the  word  vepKTtrov  may  intimate  how  mucli  this  provision 

c  Calls  /lis  oieti  sheep  by  name.'i    Dr.  Hanunond  justly  infers  from  exceeded  that  made  by  Moses. 


CHRIST  DESCRIBES  HIMSELF  AS  THE  GOOD  SHEPHERD.  231 

have  life,  and  that  they  might  have  it  more  ubwiduntly ;  that  greater  provision  might  be  made  for  their  instruction  sect. 
and  consolation  now,  till  they  are  brought  to  those  better  pastures  he  intends  for  them  above.  May  his  grace  pre-  132. 
pare  us  for  them !  and  his  hand  will  certainly  conduct  us  to  them  ;  nor  need  we  fear  the  darkest  passage  in  our  way. — 

SECTION  CXXXIII. 

Christ  desciibes  himself  as  the  good  Shepherd,  who  will  lay  down  his  lite  for  the  sheep.    John  x.  H— 21. 

John  x.  11. 
1  AM  the  good  shepherd:  OUR  Lord  having  thus  represented  himself  as  the  door  of  the  sheep,  and  intimated  the  sect. 
the  good  shepherd  giveth  his  i.g„ards  to  be  maintained  towards  him,  particularly  by  those  that  professed  themselves    133. 
lite  tor  the  sheep.  teachers  of  others,  now  changed  the  similitude;  and  said,  I  may  also  very  properly  add  that 


I  urn  myself,  by  way  of  eminence,  the  good  Shepherd,''  the  Person  frequently  foretold  in   Joiix 
Scripture  under  that  character,  (Isa.  xl.  11.  Ezek.  xxxiv.  23.  xxxvii.  24.  and  Mic.  v.  4.)  ^j^^- 
and  I  most  fully  answer  it  in  all  its  branches,— especially  in  tins,  that  as  the  good  shepherd 
on  occasion  layeth  down  his  very  life  for  the  defence  of  his  sheep,  and  will  expose  himself 
to  any  danger'for  their  safety,  (compare  1  Sam.  xvii.  34,  35.)  I  not  only  expose  but  sacri- 
fice my  life  for  the  good  of  my  people. 
12  But  he  that  is  an  hireling,       The  hireling  indeed,  who  is  not  the  true  shepherd,  and  whose  own  property  the  sheep  are  12 
^'"'  th'  'hee'''"'are''n"ot  "^seeth  ""^)  ^s  soon  as  he  is  apprehensive  of  approaching  danger,  and  sees  the  ivo/j,  for  instance, 
the"woff  commg.'and  leaveth  or  some  Other  savagc  beast,  coming,  immediately  regarding  nothing  but  his  own  safety,  is 
thl  wou''catcheth"?hem   and  Only  careful  to  secure  himself,  and  leaves  the  sheep  and  fees  aivay;  and  so  the  wolf  meet- 
scattereth  the  sheep.      '         ing  with  no  resistance,  seizes  on  some  of  them,  and  disperses  the  rest  of  the  sheep.     Noiv  the  13 
ca"e^';l  is'ail"ime''hn'<J''and  hireling  flees  on  such  an  occasion  because  he  is  an  hireling,  and  is  not  concerned  about  the 
careth  not  tor  the  sheepT        safety  of  the  sheep,  but  takes  the  work  upon  him  merely  for  his  own  gain,  and  the  wages 
he  is  to  receive ;  and  thus  basely  will  those  teachers  act  in  a  time  of  danger,  who  under- 
take the  office  merely  in  regard  to  their  own  secular  advantage. 

14  I  am  the  good  siiepherd.      But  I  am  the  good  shepherd,  who  have  a  true  affection  for  my  sheep,  and  am  above  the  14 
and  know  my  s/wep,  and  am  influence  of  all  such  mean  and  selfish  views  ;  and  such  is  the  relation  that  there  is  between 

nown  o  mine.  ^^^  ^^^  ^^^^^  ^^^  ^^^^  ^^  ^^^^  ^^  ^^^  another,  that  1  know  and  acknowledge  ?ni/  [sheep,] 

and  take  the  kindest  and  most  tender  care  of  them  :  and  I  am  also  knmvn,  acknowledged, 

15  As  the  Father  knowcth  and  confided  in  bi/  mine  :  So  that  we  mutually  are  dear  unto  each  other;  and  even  as  the  15 
thlr-^  and  Tlay'ik.Jn'w  life  Father  knoiueth  me,  and  owns  his  affection  and  regard  to  me  by  the  sure  tokens  of  his 
for  the  sheep.  presence  and  approbation,  a«i  I  also  know,  or  acknowledge  and  honour,  the  Father,  in  the 

delight  with  which  I  do  his  will ;  so  the  affection  is  reciprocal  between  me  and  my  sheep  ; 
and  as  it  is  in  love  to  them,  as  well  as  with  an  ultimate  view  to  his  appointment  and  his 
glory,  that  I  lai/  doivn  my  life  for  the  sheep  he  has  given  me,  so  also  do  my  sheep  acknow- 
ledge and  confide  in  me',  alld^so  do  I  protect  and  patronize  them. 

16  And  other  sheep  I  have,      And  I  would  further  observe  to  you,  as  a  point  of  great  importance,  that  I  have  other  16 
them^rs'rf  i"?nust  bdi%^°in<i  ^^'^^P  "''^«''/'  «''^  "Oi!  of  this  fold  ;^  (meaning  thereby  the  elect  of  God  among  tlie  Gentiles  ;) 
they  shall  hear  my  voice";  and  them  ulso  tnust  I  at'  length  bring  in ;  and  I  know  that  they  ivill  hear  and  obey  my  voice, 
onTshepllerd"  "'"^  *"''''  "'"'  notwithstanding  that  ignorance,  vice,  and  misery  in  which  they  are  now  involved;  and  so, 

all  being  incorporated  into  one  society,  of  which  I  am  the  Head,  the  Governor,  and 
Guardian,  there  shall  be  one  sheepfold  [and]  one  Shepherd. 

17  Therefore  doth  my  Fa-      And  for  this  reason  more  especially  c^oes  the  Father  love  me,  and  approves  it  as  an  act  of  17 
dmvn°my'u'te''that''t  mi'^ift  eminent  duty  and  love  to  him,  because  I  am  come  with  this  design  into  the  world,  to  lay 
take  it  again.  °     down  my  life  for  the  redemption  of  my  sheep,  who  are  dear  to  him  as  well  as  to  me,  that  I 

may  take  'it  again  and  possess  it  for  ever,  to  be  employed  for  his  glory  and  for  the  happi- 

18  No  man  taketh  it  from  ness  of  my  people.     For  though  I  am  shortly  to  die  by  the  hands  of  most  cruel  enemies,  1 « 
mysei'f"  I'hive  powl^to  lay  jet  no  One  deprives  me  of  my  life,  or  takes  it  from  me  against  my  will ;  for  I  have  every 

it  down,  and  I  liave  power  to  moment  a  power  to  rescue  myself  at  pleasure,  and  could  even  with  mine  expiring  breath 
ment'hafi"i  reciu'eTormy  command  immediate  deliverance  ;  but  I  will  manifestly  show  that  Hay  it  down  of  myself 
Father.  and  voluntarily  relinquish  my  body,  sooner  than  my  soul  would  m  a  course  of  nature  have 

been  dislodged  from  it  ;=  and  this  in  me  will  be  a  very  regular  though  wonderful  act ;  for, 
as  I  have  life  in  myself,  (John  v.  26.)  I  have  full  power  and  authority  thus  to  lay  it  down 
when  I  shall  think  fit  ;<!  a?id  I  have  also  power  to  resume  it  at  pleasure,  by  entering  into 
and  quickening  my  body  again.  And  indeed  this  conmiandment  I  have  received  of  my 
Father,  and  shall  ere  long  fulfil  the  charge  in  both  its  branches. 

19  There  was  a  division      When  our  Lord  Uttered  these  remarkable  expressions,  there  lous  a  division  therefore  19 
j'wffor  thTe'sayin,™"  ''*=  again  among  the  Jews,  (as  there  had  been  before  chap.  vii.  43.  sect.  ci.  and  ix.  16  sect. 

20  And  many  of  them  said,  cxxx.)  especially  On  account  of  these  last  words.    And  tnany  of  them  said,  tie  lias  certainly  zo 
why  hearVe'iiim*"''  "  ""^"^ '  «  dei7ion  dwelling  in  him,  arid,  by  the  operation  of  that  evil  spirit,  is  apparently  distracted 

with  one  of  the  most  malignant  kinds  of  lunacy :  w/n/  then  do  you  give  yourselves  the 

21  Others  said,  These  are  trouble  to  hear  him  while  he  goes  on  in  such  extravagant  absurdities'?     But  others  much  21 
rdevil^'canadelTl  opeilThe  more  rationally  said,  These  are  not  by  any  means  the  words  of  a  demoniac  or  a  lunatic,  for 
eyes  of  the  blind  ?  there  is  the  greatest  consistence  and  energy  in  them  ;  and  besides,  could  a  demon,  that  made 

a  man  mad,  open  the  eyes  of  the  blind,  as  it  is  plain  this  man  has  often  and  very  lately  done  ? 
It  is  rather  madness  to  imagine  that  an  evil  spirit  has  such  power,  or  that  he  would  employ 
it  to  such  benevolent  purposes. 

a  I  am  the  good  Shepherd]    Lamy  (in  his  Harmony,  p.  339.)  very  deserves  our  remark,  that  they  are  here  called  '''«/V^  "/,?^'''if,'  n'^!? 

justly  supposes  that  there  might  be  some  allusion  here  to  Isa.  xl.  11.  while  they  were  yet  in  ignorance  and  idolatry,  as  he  intendea  at  leu^ui 

But  nothing  can  be  more  precarious  than  the  argument  he  seems  to  draw  to  brine  them  home.                                 c     i    ti    *       .  t  .,,.^  Hi,l  50  evi- 

from  hence,  for  placing  tliis  discourse  at  the  feast  of  tabernacles,  even  c  Voluntarily  relinquish  my  body,  frc]    That  9'"    '.^"^f^  "'.'':,  j'th 

though  it  should  be  allowed  that  the  fortieth  of  Isaiah  was  read  in  the  dently  appeared  from  the  strong  ny  he  sent  forth  .l"st  before  '''»  arm^ 

synagogue  at  that  time  of  the  vear  :  for  it  is  certain  our  Lord  does  not  with  which  the  centurion  was  reasonably  so  much  impressed,    .ee  i. 

confine  himself  to  the  lesson  for" the  day  in  his  quotations  from  .Scripture,  xxiii   46,  47.  and  Mark  xv.  .30.  §  191-                      tu;^  ih,.  vimCl  ffsaiav 

or  his  allusions  to  it.  d  Full  poster  and  authority  ^;/«i^  1/ rfra'«.<Sc.l  P'J.H'tZved  it  •  and 

b  J  have  other  sheep  which  are  not  of  this  fold.]    There  seems  no  rea-  expresses,  and  the  manner  ot  Christ  s  death  abundantly  pi>e       ^^.  ^^^ 

son,  witii  Wolfius,  to  understand  this  of  .lews  living  out  of  the  land  of  as  no  reasonable  obiection  can  be  made  to  the  «q>''';\^"."        j    gf  it  (as 

Canaan,  who  could  not  with  such  propriety  be  said  not  to  belong  to  the  divine  Being  in  giving  Christ  sucli  a  power,  so  the  use  "e.                    ^^^ 

fold  of  Israel.    The  incorporating  the  Gentiles  into  one  church  with  the  we  may  further  show  elsewhere)  is  truly  aamira  mc.    . 


232  CHRIST  IS  CHARGED  WITH  BLASPHEMY  BY  THE  JEWS. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

SECT.  There  is  not,  perhaps,  any  where  to  be  found  a  greater  instance  of  the  force  of  prejudice  than  in  these  perverse 
133.  Jews,  who  censured  Christ  as  a  lunatic  and  a  demoniac  for  one  of  the  gravest  and  most  excellent  speeches  that  was 
ever  delivered.     Let  us  review  it  with  all  due  attention  and  regard. 


JOHN        Let  us  consider  Christ  as  the  good  Shepherd,  and  humbly  commit  our  souls  to  him,  as  ever  we  desire  they 

^'      should  be  safe  and  happy.     We  have  known  his  kind  regards  to  the  flock  in  exposing  and  laying  down  his  life  for 

15  them.     And  he  hath  not  laid  it  down  m  vain.     Delightful  thought !  Our  compassionate  Shepherd,  even  when  the 

sword  of  the  Lord  was  awakened  to  smite  him,  has  not  so  fallen  as  to  rise  no  more ;  but  as  in  this  great  and  good 

18  work  he  voluntarily  laid  down,  so  he  has  also  reassumed,  his  life,  and  still  bears  in  his  heart  the  same  concern  for 

his  flock,  and  uses  his  renewed  life  and  exalted  dignity  for  their  security  and  happiness. 

15  Let  us  humbly  acknowledge  him  as  acknowledged  by  the  Father :  let  us  courageously  and  gratefully  own  him, 
and  be  ready  to  lay  down  our  lives  also  for  him.     We  are  those  other  sheep  of  whom  he  spake,  who  were  not 

16  originally  of  the  fold,  but  by  his  grace  are  now  brought  in  to  the  gi-eat  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  souls.  Let  us  pray 
that  the  boundaries  of  his  fold  may  be  still  more  extended,  and  the  whole  number  of  his  elect  accomplished,  that 
all  the  flock  may  at  length  appear  together,  and  may  be  conducted  by  him  to  the  regions  of  that  immortal  life 
which  he  determines  to  give  it. 

14  In  the  mean  time,  let  us  maintain  all  proper  regards  to  him,  and  especially  the  most  cheerful  confidence  in  his 
care ;  repeating  with  evangelical  views,  and  so  with  a  peculiar  sublimity  of  sense,  those  words  of  David  as  our 
own,  (Psal.  xxiii.  1 — 4.)  The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd ;  I  shall  not  want.  lie  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  i^reen  pastures : 
he  leadeth  me  beside  the  still  waters.  He  restoreth  my  soul :  he  leadeth  me  in  the  paths  of  rishleousness  for  his  nayne's 
sake.  Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of'  the  shadow  of  death,  1  will  fear  no  evil :  for  thou  art  with  me ;  thy 
rod  and  thy  stajf  they  comfort  me. 

SECTION  CXXXIV. 

Christ  dUcoursiog  of  his  union  with  the  Father,  is  charged  with  blasphemy  ;  and,  being  assaulted  by  the  Jews,  retires  beyond  Jordan. 

John  X.  C2,  to  the  end. 

John  x.  22.  jo„n  „.  22. 

SECT.   NO  W  it  may  be  proper  to  observe,  that  the  time  when  these  discourses  were  delivered  by  and  it  was  at  Jerusalem  the 
134.    our  Lord,  was  the  feast  of  dedication, '>■  which  was  observed  at  Jerusalem  in  memorial  of  the  u  was^wiLter.'^^'''''''''"'''  """^ 

purification  of  the  temple  after  it  had  been  polluted  by  the  idolatries  and  impieties  of  An- 

JOHN   tiochus  ;  and  consequently  it  was  winter.    j4?«f/,  to  shelter  himself  from  the  inclemencies  of    23  And  Jesus  walked  in  the 
■^20  the  weather,  Jesus  was  then  loalking  in  the  covered  walk  that  went  round  the  temple,  and  *<>"?'«• '«  Solomon's  porch. 
"^  was  now  in  that  part  of  it  which  was  called  Soloyvons  pojxh.^ 

24  Then  several  of  the  Jeivs  surrounded  him,  and  said  unto  him.  How  long  dost  thou  hold  us  24  Then  came  the  Jews 
in  an  anxious  and  uneasy  suspense?  If  thou  art  indeed  the  Messiah,  tell  im  so  plainly  and  u°,"o'^|,i'n'^''"'fjo'^' l*"!^  1*4 
expressly  :  which  they  said  with  a  malicious  design  to  insnare  and  accuse  him.  thou  make  us  to  doubt  ?  if 

25  And  Jesus  answered  them,  I  have  in  eftect  told  you  over  and  over,<=  yet  you  believe  me  not ;  ^^\!J^^\y  "'^  Christ,  tell  us 
and  had  I  offered  nothing  more,  the  works  which  I  do  in  my  Fathers  name  sufliciently  25  Jesus  answered  them,  I 
declare  it,  as  it  is  clearly  to  be  seen  that  they  bear  icitness  of  me  in  a  language  which  you  *^^^.^  ^the'works  that  'i*do''1n 

26  would  easily  understand  if  you  were  to  judge  impartially.  But  you  do  not  believe,  because  my  'Father's  name,  they  bear 
you  are  not  persons  of  such  simplicity  and  sincerity  as  I  described  under  the  character  of^'^^'^^^'f  yl^'i,f.ueve  not,  be- 

27  my  sheep.  For,  as  I  said  unto  you  but  just  now,  (ver.  4,  14,  16.)  My  sheep  hear  my  voice,  cause  ye  are  not  of  my  sheep, 
and  I  know  and  take  care  of  them;  and  they,  like  sheep  accustomed  to  their  shepherd,  "^07  My  sheep  hear  my  voice, 

28  acknowledge  and  follow  me.  And  the  consequence  of  that  will  be  such  as  would  make  it  and  i  know  them,  and  they 
well  worth  your  while  to  lay  aside  all  these  prejudices,  and  to  join  with  them :  for  I  give  %8^Amf  "l  give  unto  them 
unto  them  an  invaluable  blessing,  even  eternal  life ;  and  guard  them  with  such  almighty  eternal  lite;  and  they  shall 
power  and  constant  care,  that  they  shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any  enemy,  be  he  ever  so  pfuck  them'^ourormy^hanciY 
subtle  or  ever  so  outrageous,  be  able  to  pluck  them  out  of  nii/  hand,^  or  injure  them  while 

29  they  remain  in  it.  Nor  indeed  is  it  possible  that  any  should  ;  for  nu/  Father,  who  gave  29  My  Father,  which  gave 
[theml  to  me  on  purpose  that  I  might  redeem  and  save  them,  is  confessedly  ^reo/rr  than  atTnone'^^^bir'o^piuci^ 
all;  and  therefore  ihey  mxiatneedshe  sak,  as  none  is  able  to  pluck  [them^  out  of  my  Father  s  iiiem  out   of  my    Father's 

30  hand.  Now,  it  is  a  most  certain  truth  that  I  and  the  Father  arc  one  .•*-■  and  the  union  be-  '"sJ)  i  and  mi- Father  are  one. 
tween  us  is  so  strict  and  intimate,  in  nature  as  well  as  in  affection  and  design,  that  liis 

almighty  power  is  mine,  to  be  employed  for  the  defence  of  my  sheep ;  and  no  one  can 
deprive  them  of  eternal  life  without  prevailing  against  iiim  as  well  as  me. 

31  Then  the  Jews,  transported  with  rage,  took  up  some  of  the  stones  which  lay  in  the  court     31  Then  the  Jews  took  up 
of  the  temple,  where  they  were  still  repairing  some  of  the  buildings,  and  "armed  them-  stones  again  to  stone  him. 
selves  with  them  again,  as  they  had  formerly  done,  (John  viii.  59.  p.  190.)  in  order  to 

stone  him. 

32  But  Jesus,  with  his  usual  mildness  and  strength  of  reason,  answered  them,  I  have  showed  32  Jesus  answered  them, 
you  many  good  works  from  my  Father  ;  and  for  which  of  these  works  do  you  go  about  to  showed  ">°oufrmn  my  Fath*er; 
■^tone  me?  or  what  have  I  ever  done  among  you  but  acts' of  beneficence  and  kindness?        *"■■  ^hicli  of  those  works  do 

33  The  Jews  replying,  said  unto  him,  W'hatever  thy  other  works  have  been,  it  is  very  appa-  '^ ^33  TheTewE answered  him, 

a  Ths  feast  of  dedicatinn.']  As  it  is  expressly  said  this  feast  was  in  in  sense  equivalent  to  a  declaration  of  his  being  the  Messiah. — I  men- 
winter,  it  is  plain  it  could  not  be  observed  in  remembrance  of  the  dedi-  tion  that  discourse  as  what  had  iust  been  delivered,  because  I  think  it 
cation  ot  Solomon's  temple,  which  was  just  after  harvest,  (1  Kinss  viii.  most  natural  to  explain  the  22d  verse  as  referring  to  what  was  said 
2.)  nor  of  that  of  Nehemiah's,  which  was  in  the  sprins,  fFzra  vi.  1.5, 16.)  before,  and  not  merely  to  what  follows  :  for  else  the  evangelist  would 
but  the  feast  here  intended  mivst  be  that  instituted  by  hulas  Maccabaeus,  probably  have  said.  After  these  things  was  the  feast  of  dedication, 
on  his  having  purified  the  temple  and  altar  from  the   pollutions  and  Compare  lohn  v.  l.  vi.  4.  and  vii.  1,  2. 

idolatries  ot  Antiochus  Fpiphanes.    This  whs  celebrated  every  year  for  d  Neither  shal!  any  enemy  pluck  them,  4'c.]    This  is  the  plain  import 

eight  days  successively  in  the  month  of  December,  (1  Mac.  iv.  52,  SO.)  and  energy  of  the   original,  (»k  afiraani  t«  avra.')  which  is  greatly 

and  is  mentioned   by  losephus  as  a  festival  to  which  great  regard  was  enervated   by  ad<ling  the  word  man  in  the  translation,  as  the  authors  of 

paid  in   his  time.    See    loseph.  Antig.  Hi.  xii.  cop.  7.  [al.  11.]  ^  6,  7.  our   Fnclish  version  have   frequently   done.    (Compare   Matt.   xi.  27. 

and  Selden.  De  .Sf/ned.  lib.  iii.  cap.  13.  4  7.  Alaik  xiii.  5.  and  Jam.  1.  13.)    1  he  sheep  of  Christ  are  exposed  to  so 

b  Solomon's  porch. ^    Jnsephus  informs  us  (Antiq.  lib.  viii.  cap.  3.  [al.  great  danger  from  the  infernal  lion,  (1  Pet.  v.  8.)  that  I  doubt  not  but 

2.]  §  2,  y.  and  lih.  xx.  r-ap.  9.  [al.  8.]  ^  7.)  that  Solomon,  when  he  built  this  text  most  eminently  refers  to  the  care  of  their  Shepherd  to  guard 

the  temple,  (finding  the  area  of  mount  Zion  too  small  to  answer  his  them  from  his  assaults. 

maeniticent  plan,)  filled  up  a  part  of  the  adjacent  valley,  and  built  an  e  /  and  the  lather  are  one.']    If  we  attend,  not  only  to  the  obvious 

outward  portico  over  it  towards  the  east.    This  was  a  most  noble  struc-  meaninsr  of  these  words  in  comparison  with  other  passages  of  Scripture, 

ture,  supported  by  a  w.ill  400  cubits  hiah,  and  consisting  of  stones  of  but  to  the  connexion  of  this  celebrated  text,  it  so  plainly  demonstrates 

a  vast  bulk,  each  stone  (as  it  is  said)  being  twenty  cubits  long,  and  six  the  deity  of  our  blessed  Tiedeerner,  that  I  think  it  mav  be  left  to  speak 

cubits  high.     And  .losephus  speaks  of  it  as  continuing  even  to  the  time  for  itself,  without  anv  laboured  comment. — How  widely  different  that 

of  Albinos  and  Asrippa,  which  was  several  years  after  the  death  of  sense  is  in  which  christians  are  said  to  be  one  with  (lod,  (John  xvii.  21.) 

Christ.    This  is  called  Solomon's  porch,  Acts  iii.  11.  and  v.  12.  will  sufhciently  appear  by  considering  how  flagrantly  absunl  and  blas- 

c  /  have  in  effect  told  you  over  and  over.]    What  he  had  just  been  phemous  it  would  be,  to  draw  that  inference  from  their  union  with  God 

saying  of  himself,  in  the  preceding  verses,  as  the  great  Shepherd,  was  which  Christ  does  from  his. 


THE  JEWS  ATTEMPT  TO  DESTROY  JESUS.  233 

sayin"  For  a  good  work  we  rent,  from  what  has  just  now  passed,  that  %ce  do  not  stone  thee  for  a  good  ivork,  but  for  the  SECT, 
stone "tiiee  not;  but  for  bias-  most  detestable  blctsp/ienn/ ;  even  because  thou,  being  only  a  wretched,  mortal,  sinful  met?!,    ^34. 

betri  main  nrkes?"thys°eu  jnakest  thyself  Crod  ;  pretending  to  be  one  with  him  in  so  extraordinary  a  manner,  that  his 

God.  '  omnipotence  and  other  divme  perfections  are  thme.  john 

34  lesus  answered  them,  Is      Jesus,  not  judging  it  proper  at  that  time  to  bring  the  sublime  doctrine  of  his  deity  into  ^?^- 
it  not  written  in  jour  law,  I  further  debate,  answered  them.  Is  it  not  ivritten  in  your  km,  or  in  those  sacred  books  which 
said.  Ye  are  gods.  ^^^  ^^^  ^^  ^^  ^^  divine  Original,  (Psal.  Ixxxii.  6.)  where  it  is  plain  the  persons  tliat  are 

spoken  of  are  princes  and  magistrates,  "  I  have  said.  Ye  are  gods ;  and  all  of  you  are 

35  If  he  called  them  gods,  children  of  the  Most  High?"     Now,  if  the  Psalmist  thus  applied  this  character,  and  it  35 
unto  whom  *!'«  "-ord  ot  Gmi  appears  he  Called  them  gods  to  ivhom  the  word  of  God  then  cume,^  merely  witli  regard  to 
Sot"be  broken ;  "'''  ""^^  ''"""  that  office  which  by  divine  designation  they  bore  ;  (and  certainly  the  Scripture  cannot  be 

broken,  nor  can  yoii,  with  any  show  of  reason,  pretend  to  censure  the  propriety  of  those 

36  Say  ye  of  him,  whom  the  expressions  which  a  divinely  inspired  writer  has  used  ;)  How  is  it  then  that  you  are  so  36 
Father^  hath^  sanct^ified.^and  Q^g^ded  now  ?  or  how  do  i/ou  pretend  to  s«(/  Concerning  him  whom  the  Father  hath  so 
b*asVhem°estrbecause  I  safd"  solemnly  Sanctified,  or  set  apart  to  this  great  work  in  his  eternal  councils,  and  whom  he  at 

I  am  the  Son  of  God .'  length  has  sent  into  the  world  under  such  an  exalted  character,  Thou  blasphemest ;  because 

I  said,  1  am  the  Son  of  God?  when  you  allow  there  is  a  sense  in  which  even  oppressive 
magistrates  may  be  honoured  with  such  a  title.? 

37  If  I  do  not  the  works  of      And  when  T  claim  this  character,  and  speak  so  highly  of  myself,  I  do  not  expect  to  be  37 
my  Father,  believe  me  not.     (^^edited  merely  on  my  own  affirmation  ;  //"  I  do  not  the  works  of  my  Father,  such  glorious 

38  But  if  I  do,  thouKh  ye  works  as  could  not  be  performed  by  any  but  a  divine  agent,  lielieve  me  not.     But  if  it  be  38 
wdrke^  "hat"ye  may^'know  apparent  that  I  do  such  works,  thouc^h  you  believe  not  me,  and  are  regardless  of  my  own 
and  believe,  that  the  Father  is  testimony  in  the  casc,  yet  at  least  believe  the  mighty  ?('()/-A-.s  that  I  perform ;  and  let  the 

in  me,  and  1  in  him.  evidence  of  these  remove  the  prejudices  you  have  entertained,  that  ye  may  know  and 

believe  that  the  Father  [is]  in  me,  and  I  in  him,  by  sucli  a  union  as  abundantly  justifies 
the  expression  which  seems  to  give  you  such  peculiar  offence. 
3?  Therefore  they  sought       Then,  tliough  they  knew  not  what  to  answer  him,  the  Jews  were  so  enraged  against  30 
"""'"  d"out'of  their  iiaud'-'"^  ^™'  ^^^^  '^^"'^  sought  again  to  seize  him,  that  they  might  accuse  him  of  blasphemy  before 
escape   ou  o    leii  lau   ,      ^^  sanhedrim  :  b7it  he  withdrew  himself,  as  he  had  done  before,  in  an  extraordinary  man- 
ner, and  so  escaped  out  of  their  hands.     (Compare  Luke  iv.  30.  sect,  xxxii.  and  John  viii. 
59.  sect,  cv.) 

40  And  went  away  again      And  presently  departing  from  Jerusalem,  he  went  away  again  into  the  country  beyond  ^0 
beyond  Jordan,  into  the  place  Jordan,  to  the  place  Called  Bethabara,  where  (as  it  has  been  observed  before,  John  i.  28. 
rnd't^he°e"he''abode.  "^  ^^^  '  p.  50.)  John  was  at  frst  baptizing;  and  there  he  abode  for  a  while,  till  the  fury  of  the  mul- 

41  And  many  resorted  unto  titude  was  a  little  abated.     And^many  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  place  who  had  been  for-  41 
mi^'cre"''  but' aii'*'tiun''s''th"a't  merly  acquainted  with  the  Baptist,  and  remembered  the  strong  and  repeated  testimonies 
John'^spake^of'tiiis  man'' were  which  he  had  bome  to  Jesus,  came  to  him  there  to  attend  ui)on  his  preaching,  and  said 
''""'^-  among  themselves,  John  indeed  did  no  miracle  himself,  but  he  foretold  extraordinary  things 

of  another;  and  we  now  find  that  all  the  things  which  John  said  of  this  man  were  exactly 
true,  which  is  a  divine  attestation  to  the  mission  and  autliority  of  both. 

42  And  many  believed  ou      And  many  of  them  believed  on  him  there,  and  happily  improved  this  little  season  of  his  42 
*"'"  "^'^'"^-  recess  among  them,  as  the  means  of  their  instruction  and  establishment  in  piety. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  we  here  see  our  Lord  Jesus  at  a  festival  appointed  only  by  human  authority,  in  com-  Ver.22 
memoration  of  a  national  deliverance.     He  came  from  Galilee  to  obseiTC  it  in  the  temple,  though  it  was  winter ; 
and  brought  with  him,  as  at  all  times,  a  heart  glowing  with  the  most  ardent  and  amiable  zeal  for  the  honour  of  God 
and  the  salvation  of  men,  even  of  those  who  were  studying  to  insnare  and  destroy  him. 

What  prudence,  mingled  with  spirit  and  sweetness,  runs  through  his  answers  to  them  !   What  inestimable  bless-  24,  25 
ings  does  he  propose,  to  invite  them  to  enter  into  his  fold  !     May  we  never  forget  tliose  gracious  words  '.  May  we 
ever  be  entitled  to  all  the  comfort  of  them  !     J  give  unto  my  sheep  eternal  life ;  and  they  shall  never  perish,  neither  28 
shcdl  any  pluck  them  out  of  my  hand.     Lord,  may  we  be  found  in  the  number  of  those  secure  and  happy  souls,  even 
of  those  who  know  thee  and  who  obey  thy  voice,  and  follow  thee,  whithersoever  thou  leadest  them,  by  thine  27 
example,  thy  providence,  and  thy  Spirit!     Then  may  we  look  on  our  eternal  lite  and  happiness  as  inviolably 
secure.     Safely  indeed  may  we  trust  it  in  his  hands  who  could  say,  in  so  sublime  and  so  glorious  a  sense,  I  and  30 
the  Father  are  one.    The  enemies  of  our  salvation  must  triumph  then  over  omnipotence  itself,  before  tiiey  can  28,  29 
vn-est  the  sheep  of  Christ  out  of  his  hands ;  nor  will  his  fidelity  to  God,  or  his  love  to  them,  suffer  them  to  be 
seduced  by  fraud,  any  more  than  destroyed  by  violence. 

Blessed  situation  of  thy  little  flock  !  O  thou  faithful,  thou  compassionate,  thou  almighty  Shepherd,  gather  thou 
our  souls  with  theirs  ;  and  never  suffer  us  to  forget  of  how  great  importance  it  is  that  we  still  continue  near  thee, 
that  we  look  up  to  thee  for  our  defence  and  safety,  and  confide,  not  in  our  own  power  and  wisdom,  but  in  thine ! 

Who  could  have  imagined  that  any  heart  could  have  been  so  base  as  to  have  intended  evil,  or  any  hands  so  crviel  31 
as  to  have  armed  themselves  with  instruments  of  death,  against  such  a  Person,  while  speaking  such  words  as  these  ? 
Yet  behold,  these  Jews  do  it,  and  that  even  in  so  sacred  a  place  as  the  temple  itself;  as  the  genuine  offspring  of 
those  who  slew  the  prophet  and  priest  of  the  Lord,  even  at  his  altar.  (Compare  Matt,  xxiii.  31,  35.  and  Luke  xi.  48, 
51.)     But  his  wise  and  gentle  reply  disarmed  them  for  a  few  months  ;  and  the  divine  care  and  power  in  an  extra-  32 
ordinary  manner  provided  for  his  escape,  and  once  more  rescued  him  from  their  murderous  hands.  39 

Happy  the  inhabitants  of  the  country  about  Jordan  to  which  he  retired  !  especially  happy,  in  that  they  knew  the  40 
day  of  their  visitation  !     The  testimony  of  John  the  Baptist  is  now  recollected  to  excellent  purposes,  though  he  41,  42 
himself  was  mouldering  in  his  tomb :  nor  is  there  any  thing  which  a  faithful  minister  will  more  earnestly  desire, 
than  that,  even  while  dead,  he  may  yet  speak,  for  the  honour  of  Christ  and  the  salvation  of  souls. 

f  To  whom  the  Kord  of  God  cajiie.'i    I  apprehend  the  coming  of  the  that  every  person  wliose  office  was  typical  of  the  Messiah  nl•p^''  ^^ 

word  of  God  to  them,  which  is  here  mentioned,  refers  to  the  message  then  called  a  Kod  ;  and  on  the  other  hand,  that  a  creature's  being  called  Ijy 

delivered  to  them  in  the  name  of  God.  rather  than,  in  the  general,  to  that  name  would  intimate  that  he  was  a  typical  person:  the  consequences 

their  receiving  a  commission  from  him  :  but  the  ditference  is  not  very  of  which,  I  am  sure,  that  worthv  writer  would  abhor.    (Compare/  l^or. 

material.  iv.  4.)     I  think  myself  therefore  oblised  to  acquiesce  in  that  plain  ana 

g  \V  hen  you  allow — magistrates,  etc.]  A  late  learned  and  pious  para-  natural  sense  of  the  passage  which  the  generality  ot  commentators,  ooin 

phrast  apprehends,  that  our  Lord  here  vimlicatcs  his  claim  to  supreme  ancient  and  modern,  have  given. — .lesus  was  charged  here  by  tne  .le  vs 

divmity,  by  pleading  that  the  .Jewish  rulers  are  called  gods,  not  in  a  with  ascribinii- divinity  to  his  human  nature;  and.  in  reply  to  '"  S'  »« 

general  regard  to  their  ofhce  as  rulers,  but  as  types  of  the  Messiah,  the  shows  that  calling  himself  the  Son  of  God  did  not  imply  that ;  «"•' i"^' 

great  Sovereign  of  the  church,  who  (as  it  is  expressed  at  the  close  of  this  his  works  proved  such  a  union  of  the  human  nature  witli  '"f  "■;'"„„ 

eighty  second  psalm)  was  to  inherit  all  nations.     But,  not  to  urije  that  he  had  before  asserted,  than  which  no  answer  could  have  ueen  more 

It  seems  improbable  that  such  wicked  magistrates  as  are  there  spoken  of  wise  and  pertinent, 
should  be  described  as  types  of  Christ,  this  explication  seems  to  imply. 


234  DIVORCES  DECLARED  AGAINST,  EXCEPT  IN  CASES  OF  ADULTERY. 

SECTION  CXXXV. 

Christ  declares  against  divorces,  except  in  the  case  of  adultery  ;  and  adds  some  other  particulars  relating  to  the  married  state.    Matt.  xix.  1 — 12. 

Mark  x.  1—12. 

Matt.  XIX.  1.  Matt.  xix.  l. 

SECT.  AND,  after  the  instructions  that  were  given  by  our  Lord  to  his  disciples  at  Capernaum,  and  it  came  to  pass,  that 
135.    (which  were  recorded  above  from  sect.'xciii.  to  xcvi.)  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  Jesus  had  ^y^Cgi!Mar^ole*'from''ttfncl! 

finished  these  discourses,^  he  arose  from  thence,  [anrf]  departed  from  Galilee,  where  he  had  anrf]  departed  from  Galilee! 

MATT,  'dwelt  so  long,  and  through  which  he  had  made  such  repeated  journeys.     And  after  he  had  !(ula?be%nd°Jo%\nTwar°k 

-^^■^■^  first  been  up  at  Jerusalem,  (as  was  before  related,  John  vii.  10.  p.  179.)  and  several  other  x.  i.] ' 

things  had  happened  which  have  already  been  considered  in  their  proper  place,  he  came  at 

length  (as  was  observed  in  the  last  section,  John  x.  40.)  into  the  borders  of  Judea  beyond 

Jordan,^  where  he  spent  some  of  the  winter  months,  crossing  the  river  as  he  saw  occasion. 

2  And  his  arrival  was  no  sooner  known,  butgrefl^  multitudes  followed  him  from  all  the  neigh-  2  And  great  multitudes  fol- 
bournig  parts  ;  and,  particularly,  the  people  who  had  seen  'him  formerly  at  Bethabara  re-  J^^;^^^  ^™'  him'^a!'ain^^°and 
sorted  to  him  again,  (as  was  said,  John  x.  41.)  and,  according  to  his  usual  custom,  he  readily  as  he  was  wont,  ^he  taught 
embraced  the  opportunity  of  preaching  to  them,  and  taught  them  there  again,  as  he  had  {[J^IJJ  thlre^'^Mark'x  iT'^'* 
done  elsewhere ;  and  as  they  brought  many  sick  persons  to  him,  he  healed  thein  all  there ; 

which  could  not  but  increase  the  throng. 

3  And  the  Pharisees,  who  always  had  a  watchful  eye  on  his  motions,  and  attended  him  3  The  Pharisees  also  came 
with  the  most  malimant  designs,  being  now  more  especially  irritated  by  the  fame  of  his  late  f"if  ^'P'  tempting  him,  and 

1  1  ■    1     .1         1      1   ■  •  J  1  i  /  T   u         ••     of>     -I.T  J   -       tasked  hmi,]  saymg unto  him, 

miracles,  which  they  had  in  vam  endeavoured  to  suppress,  (see  John  vn.  32,  47.  and  ix.  is  it  lawful  for  a  man  to  put 

16,  24.)  came  hither  also  to  him,  with  the  view  of  getting  some  advantage  over  him  by  awajMi^s  wife  for  every  cause.' 

tempting  him  with  what  they  thought  a  very  artful  and  insnaring  question :  and,  that  they 

might,  if  possible,  entangle  him  in  his  talk  so  as  to  find  some  reason  to  accuse  him,  or  to 

discredit  him  at  least  among  the  people,  tliey  asked  him,  saying  unto  him,  \^'hat  thinkest 

thou.  Master,  Is  it  lawful  for  a  jnan  to  dismiss  his  wife  for  even/  slight  came  of  dislike 

which  may  be  found  in  her?"^  or  is  adultery  the  only  just  reason  for  a  divorce  ? 

4  And  he  said  to  them  in  reply.  Have  ye  not  read,  (Gen.  i.  27.)  that  God,  the  almighty  and  4  And  he  answered  and 
all-wi.s  0  Creator,  from  the  very  beginning  of  the  creation,  when  he  would  not  fail  to  consti-  ^^^^  "that"'rGod'^l^h^  "\vh"°h 
tute  human  nature  in  such  a  way  as  might  be  most  conducive  to  its  happiness,  in  forming  made  tiicm,  [from  the  begin- 
the  first  parents  of  mankind,  made  them,  male  and  female,  or  one  man  and  one  woman  ?  rh'',?,n!aii'^^„VSt,l'.°i'I';'rAi'!r? 

o  whicii  would  neither  allow  of  divorce  or  polygamy.  And  do  you  not  remember,  that  when  x.  6.] 
the  woman  was  at  first  brought  to  him,  the  man  said,  as  taught  by  an  extraordinary  revelation  shaii^"  manleavethl's'iS^lhl? 
concerning  the  ends  and  obligations  of  marriage,  which  therefore  may  in  effect  be  looked  and  mother,  and  shall  cleave 
upon  as  a  divine  testimony,<i  "  For  this  cause,  or  on  account  of  his  engaging  in  the  married  shaiPbe'one  flesh. *'TMaVk^x! 
state,  shall  a  man  leave  both  his  father  and  mother,  when  those  dear  relations  of  parental  and  7,  8.] 
filial  tenderness  shall  take  place,  and  shall  closely  adheir  to  his  wife  ;  and  they  two  shall  be 

6  joined  in  so  intimate  an  union  as  to  become  one  flesh."  (Gen.  ii.  24.)     So  that  it  appears     6  Wherefore  they  are  no 
of  persons  thus  joined  together,  that  they  are  no  longer  two,  but  one  flesh,  and  should  ac-  matthlTefoVeGodlialh  join- 
cordingly  regard  each  other  as  members  of  one  body.     What  God  therefore  has  thus  closely  *<i  '"p'"^7V,'''V  ""'  man  put 
yoked  together,  let  not  man  separate  ;  but  let  the  bond  of  marriage  be' esteemed  as  sacred,  "*""  '^'^'       "'■•''•  ^>  9-J 
and  incapable  of  being  dissolved  by  any  thing  which  does  not  make  them  cease  to  be  one 
flesh,  by  making  that  of  the  one  common  to  some  tliird  person.    (See  Whitby,  in  loc.) 

7"  They  say  nnto  him,  by  way  of  objection  against  this.  Why  then  did  Moses,  under  divine  7  They  say  unto  him.  Why 
direction  and  inspiration,  cow???««rf  "  a  man  whose  wife  found  no  favour  in  his  eyes,  because  gjve ^^1°^ wriHn"  o"^divorce? 
he  had  discovered,"  as  it  is  there  expressed,  "  some  uncleanness  in  her,"  or  (as  it  has  been  ment,  and  to  put  her  away  ? 
generally  understood)  some  cause  of  distaste  and  aversion,  "  to  give  her  a  bill  of  divorce, 
and  so  to  dismiss  her?"  (Deut.  xxiv.  1.) 
MARK  And  he  7-epl  led  and  said  unto  them.  How  is  it  that  you  take  this  matter;  or  tvhat  did  you  Mark  x.  3.  Andheanswer- 
■^-  2  allege  that  Moses  did  command  i/ou  ?  Is  there  any  thing  in  his  writings  that  recommends  did^M^'esliomma'nd'j'bu^?''*' 
divorce  and  separation  upon  light  occasions? 

4      And  upon  this  thei/  said,  If  it  mav  not  be  said  that  Moses  does  command  or  recommend     4  And   they   said,  Moses 
it  in  itself,  it  is  most  evident  from  the  passage  we  have  mentioned,  that  he  has  permitted  a  d'?\*^''rcement,  "nd^toput'her 
man,  in  some  cases,  to  write  a  bill  of  divorce,  and  to  give  it  into  his  wife's  hand,  and  dismiss  away. 
her;  on  which  foundation  thou  well  knowest  how  frequently  divorces  prevail  among  us, 
and  how  justifiable  they  are  generally  esteemed. 
^^^'       -^"^l  Jesus  answered  and  said  to  them.  You  state  the  matter  now  more  justly  than  before  ;     Matt.  xix.  8.   [And  .Tesus 
.  for  it  amounts  merely  to  a  permission  ;  but  I  must  observe  to  vou,  that  it  was  07i  account  ??^!i^r^h„^"''f^"'f'"J,''*'?*'"!^ 

>/•...,  /'■','  11  r  "^iTn-  ±  JUOjes.   because  or  the  hard- 

oj  trie  Itardness  oj  your  hearts,  and  the  perverseness  of  your  temjiers,^  that  Moses  wrote  you  ness  of  your  hearts,  [wrote 

a  When  Jesus  had  finished  these  discourses.']    The    passages   which  was  a  debate  between  the  ancient  labbies  (perhaps  as  old  as  our  Ix)rd's 

Matthew  and  Mark  have  mentioned  immediately  before  they  intro<luce  time)  concernin?  the  interpretatinn  of  the  law  relating  to  divorce,  Deut. 

this   story,  are  those  discourses  on  humility   and   the   forgiveness  of  xxiv.  1.    The  scliool  of  Sammai  rnaintained  that  the  words  "131  m"\2?, 

injuries  which   have  been  considered   above  from  sect,  xciii.  to  xcvi.  which  we  render  tome  7raf /canncii,  signified  «rf»/r«;i/;  whereas  the  school 

And   I  have  sometimes  been  inclined  to  think,  that  this  and  the  next  of  Ilillel  explained   it  of  nny  matter  of  dislike.    (See  Selden,    Uxor. 

followmg  sections  misht  have  been  introduced  there,  as  previous  to  that  Hehr.  Iih.  iii.  cnp.  22.)    Perhaps  a  medium  between   both  would  have 

■feast  of  tabernacles   which  we  have    so  ntten    mentioned.     But   most  been  a  iiister  interpretation  than  either ;  for  it  is  certain  that  the  phrase 

liarmonizers,  without  any  scruple  or  apology,  place  them  here,  being  may  with  peculiar  propriety  express  any  blemish  or  disorder  which  a 

determined,  I  suppose,  by  the  close  connexion  between  the  passages  that  woman  might  unjustly  and  foolishly  conceal  before  marriage,  that  was 

are  here  related  and  those  events  that  follow  them,  which  happened  but  afterwards   discovered.     At  least  1    think   it   plain,   from   our    Lord's 

a  I'ery  little  while  before  Christ's  death. —  It  is  of  very  little  unportance  answer,  that  the  disciples  of  Sammai  were  mistaken:   which  further 

to  us,  whether  these  discourses  were  delivered  now  or  a   few  months  appears  from  the  provision  the  Mosaic  law  made  for  punishing  acliiltery 

before.    However,  he  mielit  truly  be  said  to  arise  from  Galilee,  and  come  with  death. — The  interpretation  of  Hillel  generally  prevailed  ;  and  the 

«nM  Me.fejfarrt,  though  he  took  a  considerable  compass,  and  spent  several  Pharisees,  concluding  Christ  would,  as  he  had  done  before,   declare 

weeks  in  the  iourney.    Compare  note  o,  on  Luke  li.  3y.  p.  34.  against  divorces  for  trivial  causes,  (Matt.  v.  31,  .32.  and  Luke  xvi.  18.) 

b  Beyond  Jordan.]    Mark  has  expressed  this  with  some  little  variation,  might  hope  to  expose  him  to  popularresentment  for  retrenching  a  liberty 

dia  Tov  Trepui/  tou  \ophavov,  hy  the  farther  side  of  Jordan  ;  or,  as  the  which  the  law  allowed:  but  our  Lord  feared  not  the  consequence  of 

learned  l^eza  and  some  other  critics  choose  to  render  it,  071  the  banks  of  doing  it. 

Jordan  ;    and  this  may  seem  to  be  more  suitable  to  what  is  said  of  d  May  in  effect  be  looked  upon  as  a  divine  testimony.]    1  think  the 

Christ's  coming  to  the  coast  of  .Tudea,  which  was  bounded  by  .Jordan,  ingenious  author  of  Revelation  examined  with  Cnndimr  solidly  argues, 

smd   had  no  coasts  beyond   it.     But  it  appears  from  John  x.  40.  that  from  Adam's  pronouncing  concerning  the  oblisation  of  a  child's  relation 

Bethabara,  nhe.re  John  at  first  baptized,  (John  i.  28.)  was  the  place  to  to  its  parent,  which  had  never  then  existed,  that  he  spake  these  words  in 

■which  our  Lord  removed,  which  was  undoubtedly  beyond  Jordan,  and  consequence  of  some  extraordinary  divine  illumination  ;  which  justifies 

over  against  Jericho.    (Compare  Josh.  iii.  16.  and  Judg.  vii.  24.)    And  the  turn  given'in  the  paraphrase  :  nor  could  he  without  a  revelation  have 

this  was  so  near  to  the  coasts  of  Judea,  that  we  might  very  well  retain  known  what  had  passed  in  his  sleep,  or  ever  have  conjectured  the  oriqinal 

the  usual  version,  and  take  the  phrase  as   Matthew  hath  expressed  it;  of  woman  to  have  been  what  he  so  plainly  refers  to.  See  Revelat.  exam. 

especially  as  it  is  probable  that  Jesus,  during  his  abode  in  these  parts,  7,iith  Candour,  vol.  i.  Dis.  iii.  p.  28—33. 

might  often  cross  the  river,  and  pass  from   Bethabara  to  Judea,  which  e  <)7i  account  of  the  hardness  of  their  hearts.]    How  much  this  was  the 

lay  on  the  opposite  side.  character  of  the  Jewish  nation  is  too  apparent.    See  Exod.  xxxiii.  3. 

c  To  dismiss  his  Ktfe  for  every  cause]    It  is  well  known  that  there  .\xxiv.  0.  Deut.  ix.  6.  .\xxi.  27.  Isa.  xlviii.  4.  Ezek.  ii.  4.  and  A<;ts  vii. 


XIX. 


PARTICULARS  RELATING  TO  THE  MARRIED  STATE.  235 

you  this  precept,  and]  suffer-  this  precept,  \and'\  gave  you  such  a  permission  to  put  awai/  your  wives ;  knowing  that  other-   SECT 
wive^'s?  but  "troVlh? begin-  ^^^^  7°"  "^^S''.^  have  been  tempted  to  use  them  mtolerably  ill :  but,  as  I  just  now  told    135." 

ning  it  was  not  so.   [Mark  x.  you,  it  was  SO  from  the  beginning ;  and  the  account  which  that  writer  gives  of  the  orio-inal 

^•^  constitution  of  things,  proves  it  to  be  an  irregularity,  how  necessary  soever  he  might^find  matt. 

it  in  some  cases  to  tolerate  it,  or  rather,  by  making  it  irrevocable,  to  prevent  men's  doino-    ^i-^- 

it  without  deep  consideration.  "  ° 

Mark  x.  10.   And  in  the      And  when  the  assembly  was  dismissed,  and  Jesus  was  retired  from  the  multitude,  as  mark 
a°ai*n  of\he^same*  imtter '"'"  ^^^  ^^^'"^  sitting  together  in  the  housc  where  he  lodged,  his  disciples  asked  him  again  of  the      X. 

satne  matter,  as  not  being  able  fully  to  understand  it,  or  to  reconcile  it  with  the  precept  of  ^^ 

Moses. 

11  Andhesaith  unto  them.  And  he  saifs  to  them.  If  you  are  willing  to  receive  laws  from  me,  you  must  submit  to  a  11 
shai1^put"a°w^y"iiis  wife?tex-  greater  restraint  than  Moses  laid  on  the  Israelites  ;  for  /expressly  ieil you,  (as  I  formerly 
Fsh'^aMi  mirr '"™iotiilr"'ionf  .'  ^^^^^-  ^-  32-  sect.  xxxix.  and  Luke  xvi.  18.  sect,  cxxiv.)  Whosoever  shall  dismiss  his 
inittethTdu'ifei-.v"aaa?iist*her  ■  Wife,  except  [«'<  be'\f'or  whoredom,(  which  is  a  fundamental  breach  of  the  main  article  of  the 
ir''*i7t'' a^°!r'^'^'^dot'h'''^commi't  '^^'''''^S^  Covenant,'  by  which  they  are  one  flesh,  and  shall  marry  another,  commits  adultery 
adultery.]  [Matt.  xix.  9.]       against  her  that  was  his  former  wife,  and  who  continues  still  to  be  so  in  the  sight  of  God  ; 

and  he  that  shall  marry  her  who  is  so  dismissed  without  a  sufficient  cause,  commits  adultery. 

12  And  if  a  woman  shall  And,  on  the  Other  hand,  by  a  parity  of  reason,  if  a  woman,  not  injured  in  the  important  12 
be'rnrr?fed''To''anotiier'  "she  ^^iclc  just  now  mentioned,  shall  put  away  her  husband,  or  extort  from  him  a  bill  of 
committeth  adultery.     '         divorce,?  and  be  married  to  another  man,  she  conunits  adultery  ;  and  as  she  deserves  to  be 

abhorred  by  men,  so  must  she  expect  to  be  punished  by  God,  as  guilty  of  that  enormous 
and  detestable  crime,  if  she  do  not  from  her  very  heart  repent  of  it. 
Matt.  xix.  10.   His  disci-      Then  his  disciples  say  unto  him.  If  this  be  the  case  between  a  man  and  his  wfe,  and  the  matt. 
of\hriLn"be soTitiWwf wile!  bond  be  thus  indissoluble,  surely  it  is  not  expedient  to  marry;  since  a  man  may  by  that    xix. 
it  is  not  good  to  marry.        '  means  be  caught  in  an  inextricable  snare,  which  may  make  him  miserable  all  the  rest  of 
his  life, 
n  But  he  said  unto  them.      But  he  Said  to  them,  All  men  cannot  receive  this  saying  of  yours,  that  it  is  not  expedient  1 1 
sayiiig!"save"°/iW^to'^whom  ^0  marry ;  but  only  they  to  ivhom  it  is  given,  as  a  peculiar  gift,  to  conquer  those  inclinations 
it  is  given.  towards  that  state  which  God,  for  wise  reasons,  has  wrought  into  the  common  constitution 

12  For  there  are  some  eu-  of  human  nature.     For  there  are  [some]  eunuchs  who  were  horn  so  from  their  mothers  12 
"rom^V/r/r'^moTher's^wom™  ^omb,  and  whosc  natural  temper  and  inclination  is  in  this  respect  peculiar ;  and  there  are 
and  there  are  some  eunuchs,  \some'\  eunuclis  who  were  made  eunuchs  by  the  wickedness  of  men,  who  drive  on  that  scan- 
merf :' aTid'^'^tiiere ''be^eunuchs!  Qalous  traffic  which  the  luxury  and  effeminacy  of  the  eastern  world  has  rendered  so  coni- 
which  have  made  themselves  mon  ;  and  there  are  [.sowe]  eunuchs  who  have,  as  it  were,  made  themselves  eunuchs  on  account 
heaven's  sake.  He  that  iTabfe  of  the  kingdom  qf  heuven  ;  that  is,  who,  by  a  resolute  guard  on  their  appetites  and  passions, 
to  receive  it,  let  him  receive  have  Conquered  the  propensities  of  nature,  that,  being  free  from  the  incumbrances  of  mar- 
riage, and  devoting  themselves  to  a  life  of  more  sublime  devotion,  they  might  promote  the 
interest  of  my  gospel.  (Compare  1  Cor.  vii.  7,  37.)     He  therefore,  on  "the  whole,  that  finds 
he  is  able  to  receive  \this  saying,]  let  him  receive  it ;  or,  let  him  that  is  in  his  own  con- 
science persuaded  that  he  can  glorify  God  most  by  a  single  life,  choose  it.     Others  may, 
and  ought  to  marry ;  but  let  none  lightly  rush  into  that  state,  on  a  supposition  that  the 
bond  of  it  may  be  broken  tlirough  at  pleasure. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

From  what  we  have  been  reading,  we  may  justly  take  occasion  to  adore  the  vrisdom  and  goodness  of  divine  V^er.4 
Providence  in  creating  the  human  species  male  and  female,  and  providing  for  his  new-formed  creature  Adam  so 
suitable  and  so  amiable  a  companion,  to  enliven  every  other  object  of  delight,  and  to  crown  the  pleasures  of 
paradise  itself. 

Let  us  also  acknowledge  the  apparent  interposition  of  a  wise  and  kind  providence,  in  maintaining  such  a  pro-  7 
portion  between  the  sexes  even  to  this  day,  which  so  apparently  tends  to  the  benefit  of  both,  as  well  as  to  the 
support  of  the  race  in  future  ages ;  as  also  in  perpetuating  in  their  hearts  through  succeeding  generations  that 
mutual  tenderness  for  each  other  which  the  purest  bosoms  may  feel  and  avow,  and  which  is  the  foundation  of  such  5 
an  union  of  souls  as  no  otiier  friendship  will  admit. 

Let  those  who  are  married,  considering  the  indissoluble  bond  by  which  God  has  joined  them  together,  make  it  6 
their  constant  care  to  promote  the  comfort  and  happiness  of  each  other :  and  let  them  most  cautiously  guard 
against  every  degree  of  contention,  or  even  of  di.staste,  which  might  at  length  occasion  an  alienation  in  their 
affections,  and  render  so  close  a  bond  proportionably  grievous. 

Let  none  rashly  run  into  these  important  engagements,  nor  determine  their  choice  by  light  considerations,  of  a  n    12 
low  and  transitory  nature.     And  if  any,  on  the  whole,  prefer  the  freedom  of  a.  single  "life  to  a  state  which,  with 
its  peculiar  comforts,  must  necessarily  have  its  peculiar  cares  and  trials  too,  let  tliem  diligently  improve  that  disen- 
gagement as  an  obligation  to  seek  the  kingdom  of  God  with  greater  ardour,  and  to  pursue  its  interests  with  more 
active  zeal  and  application. 

To  conclude  :  since  it  appears  in  this  respect,  as  well  as  in  some  others,  that  the  gospel  revokes  some  indul-  mark 
gences  which  the  law  of  Moses  gave,  let  us  endeavour  to  form  our  hearts  by  divine  grace  to  a  wisdom,  serious-      X. 
ness,  and  spirituality,  which  may  suit  this  nobler  dispensation  ;  and  while  we  are  reading  the  precept  of  the  H?  ^2 
Jewish  legislator,  let  us  remember  we  have  a  sublimer  Master,  and  are  to  do  and  forbear  more  than  others. 
(Matt.  v.  47.) 

51-— Our  Lord  Cas  Grotius  well  observes)  strongly  intimates,  that  a  more  supposed  in  1  Cor.  vii.  15.  is  quite  of  a  different  nature  ;  nor  can  a  man 

tender  disposition  may  justly  be  expected  from  his  disciples.  under  such  a  calamity  be  said  to  put  away  his  wife. — Erasmus  has  a 

■*    jlf-  "  *^  ■'"'^  uhoredom  ;  ent  nopaa.'j    Though  fiirnication  com-  remarkable  note  on   Matt.  xix.  3.  which  shows  he  was  not  far  from 

iMitted  before  marriage,  and  afterwards  discovered,  might  be  supposed  to  Milton's  opinion. 

justity  a  divorce,  adnltery  must  much  more  evidently  do  it ;  and  there-  S  If  a  woman  .shall  pnt  away  her  hmhand.']  Though  it  is  certain  tliat  the 

fore  It  IS  plain  the  word  must  be  taken  in  the  extent  which  is  here  given  .Tewish  law  did  not  put  it  in  a  woman's  power  to  divorce  her  husband. 

It.    (See  note  t,  on  Matt.  v.  %1.p.  80.)    But  it  is  by  a  dangerous  latitude  it  is  plain  from  .losephus  that  it  was  done,  not  only  by  several  ladies  ot 

ot  interpretation,  that  Milton  (Prose  Works,  page  1050  would  explain  distinguished  rank,  but  even  that  his  own  wife  did  "it;  (see  Dr.  Lardners 

ttif;  word  as  signifying  aiiy  thing  which  should  he  to  the  Imshand  as  Credibility,  part  i.  vol.  ii.  p.  890.  note  d.)  having  probably  learned  ot 

grievous  and  mtolerahle  as  whoredom. —  The  case  of  obstinate  desertion,  the  Roman  women,  who,  in  this  age,  are  known  to  have  practised  it  in 

where  the  husband  cannot  by  law  recover  his  wife,  which  was  the  tele-  the  most  scandalous  manner.    See  Juv.  Sat.  vi.  ver.  222—230.    Compare 

brated  case  of  the  pious  Galeacius  Caracciolus,  and  which  we  find  to  be  1  Sam.  xxv.  44.  and  1  Cor.  vii.  13. 


236  LITTLE  CHILDREN  BROUGHT  TO  CHRIST. 

SECTION  CXXXVI. 

Christ  blesses  the  little  children  that  wese  brought  to  him,  and  rebukes  his  disciples,  who  would  have  forbid  them.    Blatt.  xix.  13—15.  Mark  x. 

13 — 16.  Luke  xviii.  l5 — 17. 

Mark  X.  13.  ^^^^^  ^  ^3 

SECT.  AND  while  Jesus  continued  here,  as  the  inhabitants  of  the  neighbouring  country  on  the  and  they  brousht  [Luke, 
136.    banks  of  Jordan  found  their  esteem  for  him  contmually  increasing  on  their  acquaintance  Jo^^im,  tTa?  h'e''shouhi''toucii 

with  him,  (John  x.  41,  42.  p.  233.)  they  brought  to  him,  not  only  the  sick,  that  they  might  them,  \or  put  /«.  hands  on 

MARK  be  healed,  (Matt.  xix.  2.  p.  234.)  but  also  several  infants  [anrf]  o\hex  yoimg  children,  who,  whenf 'ilv^d^cipte'^LLuKE: 
.,  o  though  they  could  walk  and  speak,  yet  were  not  capable  of  imderstanding  his  doctrine,  saw  it,  they]  rebuked  those 
"^  that  he  might  touch  them,  [or']  lay  his  hunch  upon  them  in  a  solemn  manner,  and  prai/  for  13!' LX°'xvurio[]^^'*"' '''''■ 
them  ;''  not  doubting  but  prayers  so  acceptable  to  God  as  his,  would  prevail  both  for  their 
present  and  future  happiness.     A7ul  when  his  disciples,  and  particularly  the  apostles,  who 
were  about  him,  saw  it,  they  rebuked  those  that  brought  them,  as  apprehending  them  too 
troublesome,  and  thinking  it  beneath  the  dignity  of  so  great  a  Prophet  to  concern  himself 
about  such  little  creatures,  who  were  incapable  of  receiving  any  instruction  from  him. 

14  But  Jesus  seeing  it,  was  greatly  displeased,  and  moved  with  some  degree  of  indignation  14  But  when  Jesus  saw  it, 
against  his  disciples :  for  he  had  a  tender  love  to  children,  and  well  knew  that  a  proper  said^^'unlo^'^t'iie'ln '^s^ff'^''  ^h** 
notice  of  these  might  turn  to  some  valuable  account  ;•>  and  therefore  he  said  to  them.  Let  little  ""i'ldren'^o  comrunto 
the  little  children  alone,  and  do  not  now,  or  at  any  other  convenient  time,  hinder  them  from  !S-^'  ^L"?  ^?^^\'^-  "^^"'  "°Ji,  ''°J 

T  1  J         .1         iU  rr      J     1     X  xi  /•         /•         I  •■     ,,      Of  such  isthekmgdom  orGori. 

coming  to  me :  I  am  pleased,  rather  than  oiiended,  to  see  them  near  me  :  jor  of  such  is  the  [Matt.  xix.  14.  Luke  xviii. 
kingdom  of  God;  persons  of  such  a  character  are  the  true  subjects  of  my  kingdom,  and  ^^'-^ 
heirs  of  eternal  glory,  to  which  many  little  children  are  received ;  and  in  token  of  it,  the 

15  children  of  believing  parents  are  to  be  admitted  into  my  church  by  baptism.*:  And  verily  15  Verily  i  say  unto  you, 
I  say  unto  you,  as  I  have  formerly  told  you,  (Matt,  xviii.  3,  4.  sect,  xciii.)  and  would  noCv  Y'^°,^°*^'i'"  ^''*'J  "ot  receive 

,        •  X       11       1        lU         •  1  ■i     T  i  -i    TI7I  I     I,        /i  11  ■         ,  ♦"«    kmgdom    of   God,    as   a 

have  you  to  attend  with  seriousness  while  1  repeat  it,  \\  hosoever  shall  not  be  willing  to  re-  little  child,  he  shall  [in  no 
ceive  the  kingdom  of  God,  or  the  gospel-dispensation  and  the  happiness  it  ])romises,  as  a  J*'^;,^^  ^^^^^'^  therem.  [Luke 
little  child,  divesting  himself  of  those  prejudices  and  those  secular  views  which  men  con- 
tract in  their  riper  years,  that  he  may  come,  as  it  were,  to  the  humility  and  meekness,  the 
simplicity  and  teachableness,  of  a  little  child,  (compare  Psal.  cxxxi  2.)  he  shall  not  in  any 
icise,  or  on  any  terms,  enter  into  it,  be  his  genius  ever  so  sublime,  or  his  circumstances  in 
life  ever  so  considerable. 

16  And  having  said  this,  he  would  no  longer  be  detained  from  showing  his  regard  unto  16  And  he  [Luke,  called 
these  little  children,  but,  having  called  them  to  him,  and  ordered  the  infants  to  be  brought,  lu^"!  ,""'?  ''i!-"'.  "'',f^  r.'"j'^ 

1        •        1     ,  1  '       1  '  11  1  •  1  •!  11  1  11  lueiii    up    ui    MIS    aiiiib,    lanuj 

he  took  them  up  in  his  arms,  tenderly  embracing  them  with  a  holy  complacency  and  love;  put  A/.v  hands  upon  them,  and 

and,  as  a  further  token  of  the  overflowing  kindness  and  benevolence  of  his  heart  towards  t'henc'e^]'['Matt ''x'i'x  15 ''Luke 

them,  he  laid  his  hands  upon  them,  and  blessed  them,  recommending  them  in  a  solemn  man-  xviii.  16. 

ner  to  the  divine    blessing  and  favour  ;    whicli  accordingly  descended  upon   them,   to 

strengthen  their  constitutions  and  to  sanctify  their  hearts.     And  after  this  he  departed  from 

thence  to  another  place  in  tlie  neighbourhood,  where  the  young  ruler  attended  mm,  as  will 

be  presently  related. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  16      Let  us  make  a  pause  here,  that  we  may  more  attentively  review  this  delightful  and  instructive  sight;  that  we 

may  see  this  compassionate  Shepherd  of  Israel,  thus  gathering  the  lambs  in  his  arms,  and  carrying  them  in  his  bosom 

14  with  all  the  tokens  of  tender  regard,  (Isa.  xl.  11.)  rebuking  his  disciples  who  forbade  their  commg,  and  laying  his 

gracious  hands  upon  them  to  bless  them.     How  condescending  and  engaging  a  behaviour!  how  encouraging  and 

amiable  an  image ! 

Let  his  ministers  view  it,  to  teach  them  a  becoming  regard  to  the  lambs  of  their  flock,  who  should  early  be  taken 
notice  of  and  instructed,  and  for  and  with  wliom  they  should  frequently  pray ;  remembering  how  often  divine 
grace  takes  possession  of  the  heart  in  the  years  of  infancy,  and  sanctifies  tlie  children  of  God  almost  from  the 
womb.  Let  every  first  impression  made  upon  their  tender  minds  be  cherished;  and  let  not  those  whom  Christ 
himself  is  ready  to  receive,  be  disregarded  by  his  servants,  who  upon  all  occasions  should  be  gentle  unto  all,  and 
apt  to  teach.  (2  Tim.  ii.  24.) 

13  Let  paesnts  view  this  sight  with  pleasure  and  thankfulness  :  let  it  encourage  them  to  bring  their  children  to  Christ 
by  faith,  and  to  commit  thein  to  him  in  baptism,  and  by  prayer.  And  if  he  who  has  the  keys  of  death  and  the  unseen 
world,  (Ilev.  i.  18.)  see  fit  to  remove  those  dear  creatures  from  us  in  their  early  days,  let  the  remembrance  of  this 
story  comfort  us,  and  teach  us  to  ho|)e,  that  he  who  so  graciously  received  these  children  has  not  forgotten  ours, 
but  that  they  are  sweetly  fallen  asleep  in  him,  and  will  be  the  everlasting  objects  of  his  care  and  love  ;  for  of  such 

14  is  the  kingdom  of  God. 

Let  children  especially  observe  this.  The  great  and  glorious  Redeemer  did  not  despise  these  little  ones  ;  nay, 
Hid.  he  was  much  dis|)leased  with  those  who  would  have  prevented  their  being  brought  to  him.  As  kindly  would  he, 
no  doubt,  have  received  you,  ye  dear  children,  who  read  or  hear  this ;  as  kindly  will  he  still  receive  you,  if  you  go 
to  him  in  the  sincerity  of  your  hearts,  and  ask  his  blessing  in  humble  and  earnest  prayer.  Though  you  see  not 
Christ,  he  sees  and  hears  you ;  he  is  now  present  with  you,  to  receive  you,  to  bless  you,  and  to  save  you.  Happy 
ihe  weakest  of  you  when  lodged  in  the  arms  of  Christ !  nothing  can  pluck  you  from  thence,  or  ever  hurt  you  there. 

15  In  a  word,  let  us  all  commit  ourselves  to  him  ;  and  let  us  be  disposed  to  become  as  little  children,  if  we  desire 
to  enter  into  his  kingdom.  Let  us  not  govern  ourselves  by  the  vain  maxims  of  a  corrupt  and  degenerate  age.  Let 
not  pride,  ambition,  lust,  or  avarice,  possess,  torment,  or  enslave  our  minds  ;  but,  with  the  amiable  simplicity  of 

n  Lai/  his  /lands  npon  them,  and  pray.']  This  was  a  rite  that  was  very  of  these  infants. — Our  Lord  nn?ht  reasonably  be  the  more  displeased 
early  used,  particularly  by  those  who  stood  in  any  superior  relation,  with  his  disciples  for  endeavourin;];  to  prevent  their  beinfi  brouaht,  as  he 
when  they  were  praying  tor  a  blessing  on  young  persons.  .See  Gen.  had  so  lately  set  a  child  among  them,  and  insisted  on  the  necessity  of 
xlviii.  14 — en.)— I  see  no  reason  to  think,  with  KIsner,  that  thev  were  their  being  made  conformable  to  it;  Matt,  xviii.  C,  3.  4  03.  p.  171. —  1  am 
brought  to  Christ  for  the  cure  of  some  malady  ;  for  in  that  case,  it  is  obliged  to'Dr.  Scott's  late  version  of  Matthew's  Gospel  (which,  accord- 
not  to  be  imagined  that  the  disciples  would  have  been  so  inhuman  as  to  ini;  to  the  manner  of  the  learned  and  insenious  author,  is  exact  to  a 
prohibit  them.  wonder)  for  the  alteration  I  have  made  here,  and  for  some  other  changes, 

b  Knew  that  a  proper  notice  of  these,  A:r.]  Christ's  showing  his  regard  which  I  take  this  opportunity  of  acknowle<lgins  with  due  gratitude, 

in  such  a  manner  to  them,  not  only  must  have  been  exceedingly  pfeas-  c  I'or  of  such  is  the  kiiitjdum  of  God.  Ac]    1  acknowledge  these  words 

ing  to  the  parents,  but  the  memory  of  this  condescension  miaht  make  will  not  of  themselves  prove  infant  baptism  to  be  an  institution  of  Christ ; 

tender  and  lasting  impressions  on  the  children  themselves :  and  the  sight  but  if  that  appears  from  other  Scriptures  to  be  the  case,  (which  I  think 

must  be  very  edifying  and  encouraffing  to  other  youns  persons  who  most  probable,)  there  will  be  iiroportionabic  reason  to  believe  that  our 

might  happen  to  be  present;  not  to  say  how  iiistrnclive  this  gentleness  Lord  might  here  intend  some  reference  to  it;  and   I  cannot  approve  of 

to  children  may  be  to  ministers,  and  how  mucli  their  usefulness  may,  renderim;  mtovruiv,  such  as  resemble,  these.     It  is  the  part  of  a  faithful 

or  might  have  been,  promoted  by  a  due  regard  to  it.    Kicephorus  tells  tianslalor  not  to  limit  the  sense  of  the  original,  nor  to  fix  what  it  leaves 

us,  that  the  celebrated  Ignatius,  afterwards  Bishop  of  Antioch,  Ma.s  one  ambiguous. 


A  RICH  YOUNG  MAN  APPLIES  TO  CHRIST  FOR  DIRECTION.  237 

children  let  us  put  ourselves  into  the  wise  and  kind  hands  of  Jesus  as  our  Guardian,  and  refer  ourselves  to  his  SECr. 
pastoral 'and  parental  care,  to  be  clothed  and  fed,  to  be  e,uided  and  disposed  of,  as  he  shall  see  fit.     For  this  pur-    136. 

pose,  O  God,  may  we  be  born  again  by  thy  Spirit,  and  formed  anew  by  thy  grace  !  since  by  this  method  alone  we 

can  be  made  'meet,  to  be  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light,  (Col.  i.  12.)  and  be  so  the  children  of 
God  as  to  be  at  length  the  children  of  the  resurrection. 


SECTION  CXXXVII. 

A  rirli  voun<'  man  apply  iiiij  himself  to  Christ  for  .lirection  in  the  way  to  eternal  life,  and  afterwards  parting  with  him  out  of  resard  to  liis  pos- 
sessions, uives  our  Lord  an  occaiion  of  cautioning  his  disciples  concerning  the  dani/er  of  riches.  Matt.  xix.  10,  to  the  end.  Mark  x.  1,-31. 
Luke  xviii.  18—30. 

Mark  x.  17. 

AND  whe^hl  was  oone  forth  AND  CIS  he  ivcnt  out  from  thence,^  into  the  way  to  some  other  place  which  he  designed  to  sect. 
into  the  way,  [behold,]  there  visit,  behold,  a  most  remarkable  occurrence  happened  ;  for  there  came  one,  even  a  certain    137. 

nli^rinnimng  and  k^ne'eTed't'd  magistrate  OX  ruler,  vvlio  was  a  young  person  in  very  plentiful  circumstances,  running  with 

him.  and  asked  him,  [Luke,  an  ea^^cr  desire  to  converse  with  Jesus  before  he  left  that  place;  fl«rf  ne  no  sooner  was  come  mark 
[»iod'thin"TshauTd;,'that  near  iiim,  but,  kneeling  clown  to  him  with  the  humblest  respect,  he  asked  him  with  great      -^• 
f  may  inherit  eternal  life  r  reverence  and  eamestness,  sai/ins.  Good  ]\Iaster,^  I  am  come  to  thee  as  a  most  wise  and 
[^Matt.  xix.  16.  Luke  xvni.     .j^^j^^g  Teacher,  and  beseech  ttiee  to  answer  me  a  question  of  the  highest  importance : 
What  good  thing  shall  I  do  that  I  men/  inherit  eternal  life  ?  for  nothing  lies  with  so  much 
weight  upon  my  mind  as  this,  and  I  am  determined  to  secure  it  at  any  rate.^ 
^H£/ JcsMs,  uiion  this,  sa/ ' 
^iod  'ZU're  f~  food  b^it  only  as  a  prophet  sent  from 

one,  i/iat  ts  God :  [but  it  thou  thou  shouldst  remember  u,  _  ,  .  „   , . 

?omnTandn,^n°ts.']^%l'aTt!V^i':  and  immutable  Being,  [even]  the  ever-blessed  and  eternal  God ;  nor  can  a^ymanoi- angel 


18  And  .Tesus  said   uuto      And  fcsus,  upon  this.  Said  to  him,  Whi/  dost  thou  call  me  good,''  whom  thou  regardest  18 
giod  Zure  S'llone  food  b^t  Only  as  a  prophet  sent  from  God,  and  dost  not  look  upon  to  be  any  more  than  a  mere  man  ? 
,  i/mt  IS  God :  [but  if  thou  thou  shouldst  remember  upon  all  occasions,  that  none  is  perfectly  good  but  one  glorious 


deserve  the  title  of  gxjod  m  any  degree  of  comparison  with  him,  from  whom  originally 
stream  forth  all  those  rays  of  goodness  which  are  but  imperfectly  reflected  from  thern.    But 
as  to  the  question  thou  hast  asked  ;  If  thou  art  resolutely  determined  to  enter  into  life,  it  is 
absolutely  necessary  thou  shouldst  keep  the  divine  commandments ;  the  perfect  observance 
of  which  alone  can  give  thee  a  legal  claim  to  it,  and  in  the  wilful  neglect  of  which  thou 
must  never  on  any  terms  expect  it. 
19  [He  saith  unto   him.      Then  the  young  ruler,  that  he  miaht  fully  understand  the  mind  of  Jesus,  eagerly  says  to  19 
ki  oivest  thf  comm-fndmen?s"  '»'"'  Which  are  thosc  Commandments  on  the  observation  of  which  my  eternal  life  depends? 
["hoifshaTt  dTiS''murder  \      Jcsus  Said,  Thou  Undoubtedly  knowest  the  commandments  which  God  gave  to  Moses, 
tVrv"Thou""sharno"  steal'"  written  on  the  tables  of  stone  at  Mount  Sinai,  among  which  those  of  the  second  table. 
Thou  Shalt  not  bear  false  wit-  however  neglected  by  the  Pharisees,  are  bv  no  means  to  be  forgotten  ;  such  as,  "  Thou 
?hT^ith'^e?'and  pLu'REThy]  ^halt  not  kill;    Thou  Shalt  not  commit  adultin/  ;   Thou  shall  not  steal ;    Thou  shall  not  bear 
mother;  [and,Thousimitiov-e  false  witness  against  thy  neighbour;   Thou  shall  not  covet  any  part  of  his  property,  or  take 
rALt"xifiri9Vke'xviii^'anv  methods  to  defraud  him;"'i  and  that  which  indeed  stands  in  the  front  of  all  these 
20.]   ■      ■    '  «  Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother."    These  are  the  six  last  commandments,  which  I 

now  recomm'eiid  to  thy  consideration ;  and  they  may  be  all  summed  up  in  that  one  com- 
prehensive precept,  "  Thou  shall  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyself."  (See  Exod.  xx.  12—17. 
and  Lev.  xix.  18.)  i  ■        r  i 

CO  And  [the  young  man]      And  the  young  man,  not  apprehending  the  large  extent  and  spiritual  meaning  of  these  20 
SeraiUhts^^[thin"gs°]  hL'^e  precepts,  replied,  with  great  cheerfulness  and  confidence,  and  said  to  him,  Master,  I  have 
T  ohservxd  from  mv  youth :  been  early  taught  these  ju'ecepts,  and  may  venture  to  say,  that  I  have  conscientiously 
Lb^''"o  'Luke^vhi  'li?^""'  observed  all  these  even  from  my  infancy,^  and  have  abstained  from  each  of  the  vices  and 
immoralities  condemned  in  them ;'  ivhdt  then  do  I  further  need,  in  order  to  secure  the 
glorious  prize  after  which  I  am  seeking  ? 
ei  Then  Jesus  beholding      And  Jesus  looking  stedfastty  upon  him,  loved  him,  and  felt  the  emotions  of  complacency  21 
wh"en''hThe*'a'rd'  tre'se'"thi.^4'  mingled  With  tender  compassion,  in  regard  to  so  young  a  person,  who  had  maintained  so 
Tei^said* unCo  him!  [LvkI.]  honourable  a  character  in  such  an  elevated  station  of  life,  and  was  under  such  concern 
tho'uTiltbe'perfec'ttgo'th^^^  Y^t  at  the  Same  time,  amidst  all  these  hopeful  circumstances,  was 

way,  sell  whatsoeCer  thou  governed  Still  by  a  sccret  fondness  for  the  possessions  he  enjoyed  in  this  :  and,  as  our  Lord 
thought  fit  to  manifest  this  fondness  to  himself  and  others,  when  he  had  heard  these  things 
which  have  been  mentioned  above,  he  was  pleased  to  call  him  forth  to  a  peculiar  trial : 
and  therefore  said  unto  him,  Thus  far  it  is  well ;  but  yet,  alas,  one  thing  thou  still  wantest,^ 
in  order  to  prove  that  integrity  of  soul  and  that  prevailing  love  to  God,  without  vvhich 
none  can  be  entitled  to  future  blessedness  :  by  me  he  now  commands  thee,  f  thou  wilt  be 
perfect,  and  determine  to  submit  to  all  that  he  requires,  to  go  thy  way  immediately  and 
se(l  all  thy  possessions,?  valuable  as  they  are,  and  to  distribute  the  money  which  arises  from 

a  As  he  went  out  from  thence.]    Both  Matthew  and  Luke  relate  this  on  the  mount;  or  he  would  not  have  pleaded  his  exact  obedience  to  if 

story  of  the  young  ruler  immediately  after  that  in  the  preceding  section ;  But  the  Jews  in  general  seein  to  have  thought  that,  it  they  abstained 

but  Mark  is  more  determinate  than  eitlier  of  them  in  the  connexion,  and  from  gross  crimes,  sacrifices  mi!;ht  atone  tor  smaller  neglects  or  ottenccs. 

more  circumstantial  in  the  narration  And  this  compound  seems  to  have  been  that  righteousness  ot  their  o\vn, 

b  Good  Master.]    Wolfius  observes  that  this  was  a  title  which  the  in  %vhich,  to  their  final  ruin,  they  trusted  tor  justification  before  God,  in 

Jewish  rabbles  afTectcd  ;  which,  if  it  were  indeed  so,  might  be  an  addi-  the  neglect  of  the  righteousness  which  is  of  God   by  faith.    Compare 

tional  reason  for  our  Lord's  remark  upon  it.  Rom.  x.  3.  and  Phil.  in.  9.     _       -      ,   ,            ,          i,„  „,„„,„j  u..^  „_. 

c   W/,!/  dost  th,m  rail  we  good .']    It  is  certain  that  some  very  ancient  f  0««  tinna  thou  wantest.]    Our  Lord  does  not  say  he  wanted  but  one 

manuscnpts  read  this  clause,  T<  we  cp^^ra.  vrep.  to.-  aT"(^ou,  Why  dost  thing  ;  so  that  nothing  can  be  concluded  from  hence  against   he  "ecessi  y 

Ihou  ask  me  what  good  thing  is  to  be  hne  >    But  neitliei'  the  number  of  of  an  acquaintance  with  some  truths,  ot  which  this  youth    hopeful  and 

copies,  nor  the  turn  of  our  Lord's  answer,  will  by  any  means  admit  of  amiable  as  he  was,  appears  to  have  been  ignorant.     B"t  it  was  to  be 

such  a  readin-  charged  on  that  want  ot  sincere  piety  which  his  conduct  present  y  dis- 

d  Thou  shall  not  defraud.]    As  Mark  seems  to  put  this  for  the  tenth  covered,  that  he  did  not  come  to  the  '<"o«'<''JsS°f.them  by  a  continued 

commandment.  Dr.  Hammond  Cm  loc.)  and  Archbishop  lillotson  (see  and  submissive  attendance  on  the  teaching  ot  Chiist.    bee  jonn  \ii.  u. 

his  Wif/tf,  vol.  ii.  p.  257.)  suppose  it  a  key  to  the  sense  of  those  words,  5  99.                                    •       i    ,,    •       .              *i„f    ,i,„    i„,rnpH    and    ar- 

Thou  Shalt  not  covet;  the  meaning  of  which,  tliey  argue,  is  as  it  it  had  g  .Sell  all  thy  possesstons]    It   is   strange   .*hat. the     earned    anrtac 

been  said,  "  Thou  shall  not  be  so  desirous  of  thy  neighbour's  possessions  curate  Dr.  Clarke  should  suppose  that  Christ  did  n^«  ''^^"'L'; '  '  ,o  his 

as  to  be  willing  to  injure  the  owner  by  depriving^hifn  of  them,  that  thou  order  to  his  being  in  a  state  ot  acceptance  with  Gfo- '^"/ J"  "™y '  j  ,,,(,1 

mayst  secure  them  to  thyself."    But  the  apostle^aul  strongly  intimates  giving  a  testimony  ot  exalted  inety  ;  or,  at  'east,  as  neccssai y  at  i 

that  the  sense  of  that  command  is  much  more  extensive,  (Rom.  vii.  7.)  time  to  his  being  a  preacher  of  the  gospel.    0"i*;0™/„ .","'„„  away 

and  as  the  preceding  commandments  had  forbid  to  invade  the  life,  the  posing  the  trial,  and  his  reflection  on  the  5'o""^^'S„arv  to  hfs  salval 

bed.  the  property,  or  reputation  of  another,  so  this  requires  a  guard  on  plainly  sho^y  that  it  \yas,  in  those  circumstanc-es,  necessary 

those  irregular  appetites  and  passions  which  miaht  by  insensible  degrees  tion.    And  indeed  it  is  most  apparent.  <n!iy"""Sb  J.!,     °  .i  so  in  effect 

lead  men  to  murder,  adultei-y ,  theft,  or  false  witness.  require  every  man  to  distribute  all  his  goof^M?  °*^'^"'t''„7his  o\vn  pos- 

e  1  have  observed  all  these  even  from  my  infancy.]    The  phrase  airo  to  become  one  ot  the  number  of  1'°^'" ''',  ^^  '^''^^^^f^j'^^a,  readiness,  not 

VEOTMTOf  may  indeed  be  very  exactly  rendered,  from  my  youth  :  but  as  sessions,  yet  sincere  virtue  and  P'^'^  5"^''l?"'l  "t  the  command  of  f;o<l ; 

lie  was  yet  but  a  wung  man,  it  is  probably  here  put  for  infancy  or  only  to  sacrifice  our  possessions,  but  our  n^^^,  ai                .„re  ,ts  this.— 

childhood.     It  is  plain  he  did  not  understand  the  spiritual  meaning  and  and  Providence  docs  in  tact  call  .^""J^  "? ''  '°,,||,y  nossessions  more  than 

extent  of  the  /aw,  according  to  our  Lord's  explication  of  it  in  his  sermon  His  refusal  plainly  showed  he  valued  his  worldly  possessions  more 


238  A  RICH  YOUWG  MAN  APPLIES  TO  CHRIST  FOR  DIRECTION. 

SECT,  the  sale  of  them  to  the  poor ;  do  this,  anrf  thou  shalt  have  an  infinitely  more  excellent  trea-  hast,  and  gre  to  the  poor; 

137.    sure  in  heaven :  and,  in  the  assured  hope  of  this,  I  call  thee  to  come  and  take  up  the  cross,  i',"''|,ea°"n'rand''coiiief^ake 
and  with  courasje  and  resolution  to  follow  me  as  mv  constant  attendant,  though  it  should  up  the  cross,  and  toiiow  me. 

MARK  be  even  at  the  expense  of  thy  life  as  well  as  thine  estate.  ^oo^f '  "'"■  "'•    ■^"''*  "''"• 

^'n.-y  But  when  the  young  man  heard  that  saying,  and  saw  that  all  his  gay  and  delightful  pros-  C2  [But  when  the  young 
pects  for  life  must  be  given  up  in  a  moment,  he  ilhis  exceedingly  concerned  and  troubled  ^|"  sad!^"^  and"  \veut°"away 
at  it,  and  he  ivent  awai/  in  great  sorrow  ;  for  he  was  very  rich,  \and'\  had  great  possessions,  [Like,  very  sorrowful ;  J  for 
which  were  lately  fallen  into  his  hands ;  'and  how  desirous  soever  he  was  of  eternal  life,  ^a\rth^"%rlll  possessions; 
he  could  not  resolve  to  secure  it  at  so  great  an  expense.  \^^'f^-  -'''^■'"-   ^"''^  ="■'"'• 

•23  And  when  Jesus  aaiv  that  though  he  ivas  very  sorrowful,  yet  he  chose  rather  to  go  away  *Vj  And  [Luke,  when  Jesus 
than  to  part  with  his  estate  in  the  views  of  eternal  happiness,  he  looked  round  on  all  that  saw  that  he  was  very  sorrow- 
were  about  him,  and  said  to  his  disciples.  Observe  this  instructive  incident,  and  learn  to  a"']'  saith'^'to''  hTs"  disciples', 
make  this  reflection  upon  it :  Hcnu  hardly  shall  they  that  possess  the  riches  of  this  world  How  hardly  shall  they  that 
e7jter  into  the  kingdom  of  God!  Dwell  lipon  the  thought,  and  repeat  it,  in  order,  if  pos-  kfilgdom  o? Go"df  [Verily  I 
sible,  to  wean  your  hearts  from  these  delusive  vanities  which  often  prove  so  fatal  to  the  Sj'>' "",'"  .>'J"'  "^^^  *  \''^^^ ""° 
soul:  for  verily  I  say  unto  you,  So  many  snares  attend  such  circumstances,  that  a  rich  kingdom  ot'^heaven.]'"[Matt'! 
77utn  will  hardly  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  or  be  brought  to  such  a  relish  for  the  ^'^-  23.  Luke  xviii.  24.] 
gospel  and  its  "future  blessings,  as"  either  to  resign  or  improve  his  worldly  possessions  in 
such  a  manner  as  the  laws  of  that  kingdom  require. 

24  And  the  disciples  were  quite  astonished  at  his  words ;  for  they  were  ready  to  imagine  that,     »4  And  the  disciples  were 
ere  long,  all  the  rich  and  great  people  of  the  country  would  appear  for  their  Lord,  and  fix  astonished  at  his  words.— 
him  on  the  throne  of  Israel. 

But  Jesus,  answering  again  to  that  surprise  which  he  saw  in  their  countenances,  says  to  jr^^^  H''*^"h  ^"^^T'"***' 
them  in  the  most  condescending  manner,  My  dear  children,  when  you  consider  what  I  cM'id'ren"  how'hard'?s  'it^tor 
said  more  attentivelv,  you  will  not  so  much  wonder  at  it ;  for  it  is  manifest  that  the  gene-  H'em  that  trust  in  riches  to 
rality  of  rich  men  place  their  chief  confidence  and  delight  in  the  things  of  this  present  gocU  ""°  """sdo'"  "f 
world  :  and  you  know  that  true  religion  requires  a  heart  abstracted  from  them,  and  placed 
on  nobler  objects  :  judge  then  for  "yourselves,  how  hard  is  it  for  them  that  tluis  trust  in 

25  their  riches,  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God  !    And  therefore  I  say  to  you  again  in  yet     Q5  [And  again  I  say  unto 
stronger  terms,  that  your  common  proverb  may  have  its  place  here,_  That /<  ^s•  f«s/tr  for  ^„°"gJ,\'i,|^J|i^'Yj%"e'^o^^^^ 
the  huge  cable  of  a  ship,  or  even  for  a  camel  to  go  through  the  eye  of  a  needle,^  than  it  is  needip,  than  for  a  rich  man 
for  a  rich  man  to  conquer  the  snares  of  his  estate  and  the  "corruptions"  of  his  heart  so  far  as  ootil'YMau.  'xfx.'^'sl^Tuke 
to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  become  the  faithful,  obedient  subject  of  his  Son.       xviii'.  25.] 

26  And  tvhen  his  disciples  heard  \this\  repetition  and  illustration  of  what  was  before  said,  ee  And  when  his  [disciples 
they  ivere  struck  into  exceeding  g/eat  and  inexpressible  amazement  at  it,  saying  one  to  another,  ^^^fy  J/,;L'edfanrfILtonUhe'd 
Arid  who  then  can  be  saved?  \\ho  that  are  rich  can  ever  get  to  heaven?  And  what  a  dis-  ou"t  of  measure,  saying  among 
couragement  will  it  be  to  others  to  see  the  rich  and  the  great  neglecting  salvation,  and  'atlTdf 'iM'au.''x°ixI'25.TuU 
turning  the  means  of  their  happiness  and  usefulness  into  the  instruments  of  their  xviii.  26.'] 
destruction  ? 

27  But  Jesus,  looking  sfedfastli/  upon  them,  saith  unto  them,  With  men  it  is  indeed  impos-  27  And  Jesus  looking  npon 
sible,  and  the  strength  of  corrupt  nature  alone  will  not  be  sufficient  to  encounter  such  dif-  men"itMs  is]  ?mpVss'i'bie,  but 
ficulties  as  these  ;  but  it  is  not  impossible  ivith  God  to  animate  their  hearts  against  them  :  ""'|^V'"'  (^^°^-  ^^r/"'/!'  ^.°'* 
for  his  grace  has  an  almighty  energy,  and  with  God  all  things  are  possible,' [ even \  the  things  ^eien  the\h'ings  which  are  iin' 
which  are  most  impossible  ivith  men,  and  seem  so  insurmountable  to  human  strength  as  to  f?*^'^'*  j^"''''  men.]  [Matt. 
be  reckoned  utterlv  impracticable  ;  to  him  therefore  let  the  rich  and  poor  unite  their  sup-  *"''  '  '  "  *  ''^"'' ' 
plications,  that  each  may  be  rendered  superior  to  the  snares  which  attend  their  respective 

circumstances. 

Then  Peter  replied,  and  with  some  warmth  and  confidence  began  to  say  unto  him,  ^^'ell,  28  Then  Peter  [answered, 
Master,  behold  we  have  done  what  this  youth,  hopeful  as  he  seemed,  had  not  tlie  resolution  i.o'!\i^e*"ha've*'iefraii!'and  hive 
to  do;  for  though  indeed  we  had  not  much,  xve  have  left  all  the  little  that  we  had  in  the  followed  thee!  [What  shall 
world,  and  have  at  all  adventures  /((//owerf  thee  with  the'siticerest  zeal  and  affection  :  what  xix.^^f\uliexvii\.'l8:]^'*^^' 
reward  shall  rce  therefore  have  ?  for  we  persuade  ourselves  thou  wilt  not  permit  us  finally 
to  be  losers  in  thy  cause. 
MARK  And  Jesus  answeriuL'  said  to  them,  You  may  depend  upon  it  that  you  shall  not,  but  will  Matt.  xix.  2B.  And  Jesus 
XIX.    be  found  upon  the  whole  to  have  acted  the  wisest  part;  for  verily  I  say  unto  you,  and  [answered    and]    said    unto 

90  ^c   ..     rrii    i  t      I  r  II         J  ■  1  1-    •■        ■    1     11     \.  1         a    1       J-       them.  Verily  I  say  unto  you, 

■^°  assure  you  or  it,  1  hat  you  ivho  have  joUoiued  me  in  my  humihation,  saall  at  length  be  di.s-  That  ye  which  have  followed 
tinguished  by  proportionable  honours:  and  in  ^Ae  great  renovation  of  all  things,"  when  all  "iJeSou'lff  man"shali'sU  in'the 
the  children  of  God  shall,  as  it  were,  be  born  anew  from  their  graves;  when  created  nature  throne  of  his  glory,  ye  also 
shall  put  on  its  fairest  forms  to  receive  them,  and  the  S(m  of  man,  jiresiding  over  that  fudJ^'in" 'tiie Vwelle*  tdbe'rof 
august  assembly,  shall  sit  on  the  throne  of  his  glory,  exalted  above  the  hir;hest  angels  of  Israel."  [Mark  x.  21).  Luke 
God,  you  also,  my  faithful  apostles,  shall  sit  around  me  upon  twelve  radiant  thrones,^  judging  ''^■'''-  ^^-l 
the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel ;  concurring  joyfully  with  me  in  the  sentence  which  sliall  then 
be  passed  on  the  Jewish  nation,  and  on  all  the  professed  members  of  my  church,  as  they 
have  been  sincere  or  faithless  in  their  profession,  and  in  the  observance  of  those  laws 
which  you,  by  authority  from  me,  their  exalted  Sovereign,  shall  have  given  them. 
And  though  some  peculiar  rewards  are  reserved  for  you  with  regard  to  your  apostolic     jiiark  x.  29.  [And]  there  is 

eternal  life  :  and  our  Lord,  with  great  wisdom,  took  this  direct  and  con-  govern  the  world  from  thence  by  my  word  and  Spirit,  ye  shall  be  to  the 

vincing  method  of  manifesting  both  to  himself  and  others,  tliat  secret  whole  christian  church  what  the  twelve  heads  of  the  tribes  were  ot  old  to 

insincerity  and  carnality  of  temper  which  prevailed  under  all  these  the  Jewish  nation:  my  followers  shall  appeal  to  your  decisions  as  the 

specious  pretences  and  promising  appearances.  rule  of  their  faith  and  practice."    (Fleming's  Christology,  vol.  i.  p.  28.) 

h  Easier  for  a  camel  to  go  through  the  eye  of  a  needle.]    Theophylact,  But  it  seems  plain  to  me.  that  our  Lord  refers  in  the  following  words  to 

and  after  him  some  other  critics,  for  Kaiin\ov  read  KaniXov,  which  they  the  time  of  final  retribution,  which  he  elsewhere  mentions  as  that  in 

explain  of  a  rahle  rope,  which  might  appear  more  fitly  to  be  mentioned  which  he  should  sit  on  the  throne  of  his  glory.  Matt.  xxv.  31,  .'}2. — Mr. 

as  what  could  not  pass  throvgh  a  needle's  eye.    Dthers  very  precaiiously  Pierce  fon  Heb.  i.  5.)  follows  Brennius  in  expounding  the  regeneration 

assert  that  there  was  near  Jerusalem  a  low  sate  called  the  Needle's  F.ye,  of  the  time  when  Christ  should  be  (as  it  were)  begotten  nijain  by  his 

throush  which  a  camel  could  not  pass  unless  his  load  were  taken  off.  resurrection  from  the  dead  ;  but  the  criticism  seems  very  unnatural,  and 

But  1  see  no  reason  for  departins  from  the  received  reading  and  inter-  the  objection   mentioned  above  lies  against  it  in  its  lull   force. — The 

pretation  :  nor  is  there  any  thing  in  this  proverbial  expression,  as  it  here  laboured  argument  which  Dr.  Thomas,Burnet  deduces  from  hence,  to 

stands,  but  what  is  very  agreeable  to  the  eastern  taste,  and  may  be  prove  the  renovation  of  the  earth  at  the  millennium,  is  very  precarious; 

paralleled  in  other  Jewish  writers.    See  Dr.  Lightfoofs  Hor.  Ilebr.  on  since  the  words  will  so  fairly  admit  of  another  sense,  referring  them  to 

Matt.  xix.  24.  where  it  is  shown  there  was  a  Jewish  proverb  to  the  same  the  general  resurrection.    See  Burnet's  Theory,  vol.  ii.  p.  229,  2.!0. 

purpose  of  the  elephant.  k  Shall  sit  upon  twehe  thrones.]    Our  Lord   well   knew  that  Judas 

i  In  the  great  retiovation  of  all  things.]    I  have  given  what  appears  to  would  fall  from   his  ofhce  and  dignity  :  but  as  Matthias  filled  his  place, 

me  the  most  natural  sense  of  this  difficult  passage.     Mr.  Fleming  agrees  and  so  stood  entitled  to  the  promise,  he  did  not  think  it  (it  to  enter  into 

with  our  translators  in  connecting  the  words  ei;  th  trnXiiifviaia  with  any  particular  distinction  ;  but  speaks  to  the  whole  body  of  the  apostles 

the  preceding  clause,  and  paraphrases  the  verse  thus:  "  Asforj-ou.my  in  words  which  he  knew  would  be  accomplished  t(j  the  far  greater  part 

apostles,  who  have  followed  me  in  this  new  state  of  the  church  which  is  of  those  to  whom  they  were  addresssd. 
to  be  brought  to  the  birtli;  when  I  am  to  ascend  to  heaven,  that  I  may 


28 


A  RICH  YOUNG  MAN  APPLIES  TO  CHRIST  FOR  DIRECTION.  239 

man,  that  hath  left  house,  character,  yet  there  is  no  man  in  any  state  or  condition  of  life,  whether  in  this  or  in  any  SECT. 

or  brethren,   or  sisters,   or  future  age  of  the  world,  who  hath  left,  or  shall  hereafter  leave,  his  home,  or  brethren,  or  137. 
dnldr^nTrandllLLiiKE.'fCr  sisters.  Or  futhcr,  Or  mother,  or  ivife",  or  children,  or  lands;  in  one  word,  none  wlio  shall 


no  man. 


the  kingciom  ot  God's  sake,  undergo  the  loss  of  any  temporal  advantages  for  the  sake  of  the  kingdom  of  God,  [that  is,l   mark 
and' ti;i  sos'^/l's°'*[ftlatt.'xix:  for  my  names  sake  and  the  gospel's,  But  he  shall  receive  manifold  more  for  it  in  the  inward  „q^- 
i29.  Luke  xyiii.  29.]  .^  'satisfaction  and  divine  consolations  attending  real  religion,  [i/ea,]  even  an  himdred-fuld  now 

'L^KE,manffold  mor^^'fa,]  in  this  present  time,  more  than  all  the  comfort  he  could  naturally  have  found  m  houses,  and 
an  hundred-fold  now  ^'n^^i^^'  brethren,  and  sisters,  and  mothers,  and  children,  and  lands ;  such  shall  be  the  delights  of  a 
and  br'ithrlntand'sht'errand  good  Conscience,  and  the  secret  manifestations  of  divme  acceptance  and  favour,  which 
mothers,  and  children,  an.j  g[    ]j  i-ninde  themselves  with  all  the  persecutions  he  shall  here  endure;'  and  when  they  are 

lands,  with  persecutions,  and   ■"'""  """"j.,'^  ,,         •    ,  ,      i         ■       .1      '         ;  j   ,  l        i     11    ■    i       -j.  1     i.-         ij-  j    1 

in  the  world  to  come  [shall  in-  over,  as  they  Will  quickly  be,  m  the  ivorld  to  come  he  shall  inherit  everlasting  life,  and  be 

«o"i.^e™v'ii'i'^3bV^^''"'  ■'''■'■  ^o''  ^^^^  enjovino-  that  liappiness  which  God  hss  f)repared  for  all  his  children,  especially  for 

*  """'■    ■  such  heroic  "souls  as  these,  when  all  earthly  relations  are  ceased,  and  the  world  itself  is 

dissolved. 

.31  But  many  that  are  first.       But  such  will  be  the  issue  and  event  of  things  under  the  gospel,  that  man;/  [who  are]  31 

[!/w/i«'ifirsV'[Matt  xiv  3^1  fi>'^t  in  the  advantages  and  privileges  they  enjoy,  shall,  notwithstanding  this,  fall  short  of 

others,  and  be  lust  in  tire  ijreat  day  of  accounts ;  and  those  who  are  the  last  shall  prove  in 

this  respect  to  be  the  first:  for  some,  from  whom  it  might  be  least  expected,  shall  embrace 
the  gospel,  and  courag;eously  endure  the  greatest  hardships  for  it ;  while  others,  with  far 
greater  advantages,  shall  reject  it,  and,  under  much  stronger  engagements,  shall  desert  it. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Who  can  behold,  without  weeping  eyes  and  a  bleedmg  heart,  this  lovely  youth  perishing  in  sin  ?">  What  could  Ver.  17 
have  appeared  more  promising  than  this  solicitous  concern  about  eternal  life,  in  a  young  man  rich  in  the  posses- 
sions and  high  in  the  honours  of  the  present  world  ?  To  see  him  running  with  such  eagerness  to  the  feet  of  a 
Redeemer,  kneeling  down  with  such  humility  before  him,  calling  upon  him  by  so  honourable  a  tide,  and  profess- 
ing so  sincere  a  desire  of  instruction,  could  "not  but  lead  us  to  conclude.  Surely  this  man  was  not  far  from  the  21 
kingdom  of  (lod  ;  nor  do  we  wonder  that  .Jesus  beholdmg  him  loved  him.  Who  would  not  have  looked  on  such 
an  object  witli  complacency  ?  Who  v/ould  not  have  expected  that  this  pleasant  plant  should  have  brought  forth 
grapes?  but  behold,  it  brought  fortli  xvild  grapes!  (Isa.  v.  2.)  So  have  we  seen,  in  the  compass  perhaps  of  our 
small  observation  and  experience,  many  a  fair  blossom  fall  withering  to  the  ground.  So  have  the  hopes  of  minis- 
ters and  parents,  and  other  religious  friends,  been  disappointed  with  respect  to  many  young  persons,  adorned  with 
a  variety  of  amiable  qualifications,  yet  lacking  one  thing,  and  parting  witii  Christ  when  put  to  the  trial,  after  all 
the  regard  they  have  shown  to  his  name,  and  all  the  pleasing  expectations  they  have  given  of  a  willingness  to 
serve  him.  O  my  young  reader,  whoever  thou  art,  I  earnestly  pray  that  thou  mayst  not  be  added  to  that 
number '. 

This  unhappy  youth  imagined  himself  in  the  certain  way  of  salvation,  because  he  was  free  from  the  stains  of  19,  20 
fraud  and  inju"sti"ce,  of  adultery  and  theft,  of  perjury  and  murder,  or  any  other  gross  and  infamous  sin.     But 
behold,  how  awful  a  method  Christ  takes  to  open  to  "him  that  insincerity  of  heart  which  he  seems  himself  not  to 
have  known  !     Observe  liow  strange  a  command  he  gives  him,  to  sell  all,  and  distribute  to  the  poor.     \Ve  cannot  21 
say  that  the  very  same  is  directly  required  of  us ;  yet,  by  this  order  that  was  given  to  him,  we  are  obliged  to  part 
with  our  all  when  it  cannot  be  preserved  with  a  good  conscience ;  and  by  the  general  rules  of  Christianity,  and  by 
its  fundamental  precepts,  we  are  in  duty  bound  conscientiously  to  use,  not  only  a  little  jiart  of  our  substance,  but 
even  the  whole  of  it,  for  God,  as  stewards  who  are  another  day  to  give  up  a  strict  account  for  all.     And  if  we  like 
not  Christ  and  glory  on  these  terms,  our  end  will  be  no  better  than  his.     Of  him  we  read,  diat  after  all  his 
morality  and  alt  his  zeal,  he  went  away  from  Christ,  (though  sorrowful,)  because  he  had  great  possessions.     O  22 
dear-bought  wealth,  which  was  the  price  of  his  soul ! 

Let  us  look  upon  him,  and  receive  instruction  ;  let  us  learn  to  be  upon  our  guard  against  this  vain  world,  that 
specious  harlot,  ivho  hath  cast  down  many  wounded ;  yea,  many  strong  men  have  been  slain  by  her.  (Prov.  vii.  26.) 
How  universally  are  riches  desired,  how  eagerly  are  they  pursued,  by  persons  in  all  stations  and  of  all  professions 
of  life  !  Yet  what  do  they  generally  prove  but  "shining  mischief  and  gilded  ruin  ?  If  we  believe  the  incarnate  wis- 
dom of  God,  they  make  our  salvation  exceeding  hazardous.  Yet  who  does  not  wish  for  them?  Who  does  not  23-25 
think  that  he  has  wisdom  and  grace  enough  to  stand  the  danger  ?  But  God  knows  otherwise,  and  therefore  he 
keeps,  or  makes,  so  many  of  his  children  poor. — Let  them  be  contented  with  their  safer  state  :  and  let  those  who 
are  rich  be  importunate  with  God  for  those  influences  of  his  grace  which  can  effect  those  things  that  are  impos-  27 
sible  with  men. 

On  the  whole,  let  us  not  think  much  of  any  thing  which  Christ  demands,  knowing  that  whatever  we  may  lose, 
or  whatever  we  may  resisn,  we  shall  gain  far  more  by  his  favour.  The  testimony  of  a  good  conscience  before  29 
him,  a  life  of  friendship  with  God,  the'consolations  of  his  Spirit,  and  the  hopes  of  his  glory,  will  yield,  even  for  the 
present,  an  hundred-fold  more  satisfaction  than  the  possession  of  the  greatest  riches,  or  die  enjoyment  of  the  most  30 
tender  and  beloved  relatives.  How  much  more  abundantly  then  will  all  be  repaid  in  the  heavenly  state !  And, 
if  we  cannot  trust  the  promise  of  our  Lord  for  it,  we  are  no  more  real  christians  than  if  we  were  publicly  to  wor- 
ship Mammon,  or  Plutus,  with  all  the  idolatrous  rites  of  the  ancient  heathens. 


SECTION  CXXXVIII. 

Christ,  by  the  parable  of  the  labourers  in  the  vineyard,  warns  the  .Tews  against  envyin?  the  Gentiles  those  equal  privileges  to  which  they  should 

be  called  in  the  Messiah's  kingdom.    Matt.  xx.  1 — 16. 

,,  ,  Matt.  xx.  1. 

Matt.  xx.  1.  .  .SECT. 
FOR,  the  kingdom  of  heaven  IN  order  to  illustrate  the  observation  which  our  Lord  had  just  been  making,  "  that  many  '  J33  ' 
13  like  unto  a  man  that  is  an  ^^^^  ^^,^^^  ^^^^  should  be  last,  and  many  last  should  be  first,"  he  added  the  following 

parable,  and  said,  This  will  be  found  to  be  the  case  in  many  instances  ;  for  the  kingdom  ^,.^.^7. 

of  heaven,  or  the  gospel-dispensation,  is  like  or  may  be  fitly  represented  by  the  similitude     ^x. 

I  S/iall  receive— an  Inmdred-fnid  now  in  this  present  time—aith  perse-  in  the^  original,  if  that  variation  were  allowed  ^  *°  ^Jj'/Lo*  K.^^insf 

anions.-]    Dr.  Massey,  in  his  Vernaenla  Hacra.  p.  18.  proposes  a  very  that  the  parallel  passages  both  m  Matthew  and  Luke  He  strongi>  aga 

<i\fftTcntvers,\on  of  th\s  period,  viz.  "  TAotiyh  Ac  nia!/ not  receive  [eav  u.n  the  version  proposed.                     •    t    t^      w-jik's  .jtrellent  Sermon  on 

Aa/3n]  an  hnndred-fold  for  a  sufficient  recom pence )«r.7tf  m  thts  time,  m  Lovely  youth  P?.V^''J!'^J?, ''":li|     I'rflbt  not    b^^  recollected   by 


240         THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  HUSBANDMAN  AND  THE  LABOURERS. 

SECT,  of  a  man^  that  was  the  master  of  a  family,  who  went  out  early  in  the  morning  to  hire  householder,  which  went  out 
138.    labourers  for  his  vineyard,  at  the  time  when  the  vintage  was  to  be  gathered  in.     ^nd  fl^lyJ^J\^^^''^{^l'>s^^l^hhe 

having  agreed  with  the  labourers  for  the  usual  price  of  a  denarius,  or  Roman  penny,  a-day,^     2  And  when  he  had  agreed 

jiATT.  he  sent^  them  into  his  vineyard,  to  be  employed  there  in  his  service.  ^  _  _^       pinny/a^dal^''h^sent'°hem 


^st, 


And  going  out  asjain  about  the  third  hour,<^  (or  at  nine  in  the  morning^,)  he  saw  others  into  his  vineyard. 
aiiding  unemployed  in  the  market,  where  it  was  customary  for  servants  to  stand  in  order  thetA?d  holrrand  sTw  others 

4  to  their  being  hired.  And  he  said  to  them.  Go  ye  also  into  the  vineyard,  and  whatsoever  is  standing  idie'm  the  market- 
the  reasonable  value  of  your  labour,"^  I  will  be  sure  to  give  you.  And  they  went  away  to  ^^l^^A^d  said  unto  them,  Go 
their  work  without  an  v  more  particular  agreement.  ye  also  into  the  vineyard;' and 

5  And  again  going  out  about  the  sixth  and  ninth  hour,  (or  at  noon,  and  at  three  in  the  J.ve'^you!"^  'Ind^  they  wTnt 
afternoon,')  he  did  the  same,  and  sent  others  to  work  on  the  same  general  promise  of  giving  their  way.  ,     ,  ^    . 

^■i  '      1  ,1  ij  11,  „,-„„„(.  °         °      5  Aa-Axn  he  went  out  about 

them  as  much  as  they  could  reasonably  expect.  the  si.xth  and  ninth  hour,  and 

6  And  once  more,  about  the  eleventh  hour,  (or  at  five  in  the  afternoon,)  going  out  of  his  d'd  '^'^'^^^'^^^^^j  jj,^  eleventh 
house,  he  returned  to  the  market,  and  fnmd  others  standing  unemployed:  and  he  says  to  hour  h"  wenrout,  and  *fo*u'nd 
them.  Why  do  ve  stand  here  and  do  nothing?    Do  you  clioose  thus  to  trifle  away  your  others  standing  idle,  and  saith 

-fc     .         '         -..^  t^  ,  ,17  I  1-3      rr<i  t      t-         AT  u    i.  '_»  _         unto    them.    Why    stana    ye 

7  time,  and  continue  the  whole  day  unemployed  f    Ihey  say  unto  him,  JNo  ;  but  we  continue  here  all  the  day  idle  ? 

here  because  no  one  has  hired  us\o  any  kitid  of  labour.  Tlien  he  says  to  them,  Go  ye  also  ^J^^^'j^^  ''^nTath  'iiir'd^*' 
into  the  vineyard,  where  you  may  be  employed  ;  and  ivhatsoever  is  fit  and  reasonable  to  be  iie'Taith  "unto  them,"Go  >'e 
given  for  your  labour,  ^yo« ../.«// 7rcm-e.        ,,,,,.,  ,  .,    ^X^^^t.^l^Xi^ 

8  Nmv  when  evening  was  come,  (or  at  six  o  clock,)  the  time  when  workmen  were  paid  oft  ye  receive. 

and  sent  home,  the  lord  of  the  vineyard  says  to  his  steward,  Call  the  labourers  who  have  8  |*°;[hen  even  was  come, 
been  working  in  the  vineyard,  and  pay  them  their  wages,  beginning  jrom  those  who  were  unto  his  steward.  Call  the  la- 
the  last  hired,  and  so  going  on  even  to  the  first.  Wre'Te^rnnin-' from'Se  itlt 

9  And  having  thus  been  ordered  to  present  themselves,  ivhen  they  accordingly  came  fore-  unto  the°  hrst. " 

most  who  [luere  hired]  about  the  eleventh  hour,  and  so  had  entered  last  into  the  vineyard,  2„i).g'l";i7about'tTie Tete'Sfh 
they  each  of  them  received  no  less  than  a  penny,  the  master  having  directed  they  should  be  hour,  they  received  every 
thus  generously  rewarded.  ^  man  a  penny. 

10  And  upon  seeing  this,  when  those  who  were  the  first,  and  had  been  working  all  the  day,  10  But  when  the  first  came, 
came  to  be  paid,  they  reckoned  with  themselves  ttiat  they  should  have  received  considerably  hk?e  received  more'; ?nd'?hey 

11  mo?e  ;  but  they  were  also  paid  the  same,  and  only  received  every  one  a  penny.  And  ivhen  likewise  received  every  man 
they  had  received  \it,'\  instead  of  being  satisfied  with  what  was  promised  them,  they  mur-  ^  n'^nd  when  they  had  re- 

12  mured  against  the  master  of  the  house^  who  had  set  them  to  work,  and  said.  Truly  these  last  ceived  ;V,  they  murmured 
have  laboured  but  one  hour,  and  thou  hast  made  them  equal,  in  the  recompence  they  have  h^SL"!  "''""  °^  "'^ 
received,  to  us,  who  have  borne  the  whole  burden,  and  gone  through  all  the  toil  and  heat  of    J2  Saying,  'i  hese  last  have 

.,      J       ^  '  •        ,         ■    ,  ,  70  o  ./    wrought  iiit   one   hour,    and 

the  day  from  morning  to  night.  thou    hast   made  them   equal 

13  But  he  calmly  answered  and  said  to  one  of  them,  who  spoke  in  the  name  of  the  rest,  unto  us,  whicii  have  borne  the 

-n  •       ,    •     •  •'  1  T     I  .    •  J  •    •  j/  f  ii  burden  and  heat  or  the  day. 

triend,  it  is  most  apparent  tiiat  I  do  not  m  any  degree  injure  thee,  or  any  01  thy  com-  1:5  Rut  he  answered  one  of 
panions:  didst  not  thou  aaree  with  me  to  labour  all  the  dav  for  a  penny,  and  hast  thou  [hem,  and  said,  iviend  i  do 

A  A  ■       1    •    1      m   I  P  .    .     •        1       .1  •  ;  J  -."i.       i  1        r         1      J'    1   i     i      thee  no  wrong:  didst  not  thou 

14  not  received  it?  Take  what  vi  justly  thine,  and  be  gone,  without  pretending  to  dictate  to  agree  with  me  for  a  penny.' 
me  in  an  affair  wherein  thou  hast  no  manner  of  concern ;  for  1  will  do  as  I  see  fit,  and  „  "Take  t/,at  thine  ii,  and 

^  r      ■        ...-I.  1  1  1  Tiiiif        i;-;jS"  '".V  way  :  I  will  give  uuto 

15  give  to  this  last  man,  who  came  in  but  an  hour  ago,  even  as  i  clo  to  thee.'     And  indeed  this  last  even  as  unto  thee. 

what  colour  hast  tliou  for  a  complaint  ?  Is  it  not  lawful  for  me  to  do  what  J  ivill  with  what  ,„'^„^t„h'  .""J'iiiT  wi.h"/^!?! 
.  I  .     r  r      i  1    ^        ■        -1  i  1       u    J  J  to  do  what  1  will  with  mine 

is  undoubtedly  mine  own  property??     What  if  I  pleased  to  give  it  to  one  who  had  done  own?  is  thine  eye  evU  be- 
nothing  at  all  for  it  ?     Is  thine  eye  evil,'^  or  dost  thou  look  on  with  an  envious  and  malig-  ^'^^^^  ^  ^"^  eood  r 
nant  countenance,  because  I  am  so  good,  that  out  of  compassion  to  these  poor  men  I  freely 
give  them  what  they  could  not  justly  have  claimed  ? 

16  And  thus  said  .lesus  at  the  conclusion  of  tliis  parable  :  You  see  (as  I  have  just  been  16  So  the  lastshall  be  first, 
telling  you.  Matt.  xix.  30.)  there  are  some  who  seemed  to  be  the  last  in  privileges  and  brUiled',' but  fe'w  chosen.*"' 
advantages,  who  shall  be  first  in  the  reward  and  happiness  that  shall  be  given  to  them  ; 

and,  on  the  other  hand,  there  are  many  in  those  respects  the  first  who  shall  be  last.  And 
this  is  a  remark  peculiarly  applicable  to  the  Jewish  nation,*  who  will  murmur  at  the  call- 
ing of  the  Gentiles  to  equal  dignities  and  privileges  with  themselves,  and  on  that  account 
will  reject  the  gospel,  and  persecute  you  the  preachers  of  it :  for  tliough  many  are  called, 
and  the  messages  of  salvation  are  sent  to  vast  multitudes,  even  to  all  the  thousands  of 
Israel,  yet  there  are  but  few  chosen;^  a  small  remnant  only  will  embrace  the  gospel  so 
universally  offered,  and  so  be  saved  according  to  the  election  of  grace,  (Rom.  xi.  5.)  while 
the  rest  will  be  justly  disowned  by  God,  as  a  punishment  for  so  obstinate  and  so  envious 
a  temper. 

a  Ts  We,  or  may  be  fitly  represented  by,  the  similitude  of  a  man.'i  See  case  of  the  .Tews,  upon  a  general  notion  of  the  Gentiles  beinf ,  accordin? 

note  i,  on   Luke  vii.  .32.  p.   112. — Those  who  are  acquainted  with  the  to  the  christian  scheme,  intended  to  be  partakers  with  them  in  the  same 

eastern  manners,  know  that  this  parable  is  exactly  suited  to  them  in  a  church-nrivileges,  is  plain  from  a  variety  of  scriptures.    See  Acts  .\i.  2, 

variety  of  circumstances,  which  many  learned  commentators  have  ob-  3.  xiii.  45 — 50.  xyii.  5, 13.  xviii.6, 13.  xxii.  21,  22.  xxviii.  29.  Rom.  xi. 

served,  but  which  it  docs  not  seem  necessary  to  enumerate  here.     See  28.  and  1  Thess.  ii.  16. 

Petav.  Dogniat.  TIteolog.  vol.  i.  p.  .305,  et  scq.  f  /  Ti'ill  give  to  this  last  even  as  to  thee.]    Since  no  murmurings  can 

b  A  denarius,  or  Koman  penny,  a  day.]    It  seems  from  hence,  that  this  happen  among  the  blesseil,  this  must  refer  to  the  unbelieving  .lews ;  but 

(which  was  in  value  about  seven-pence  haltpcnny  of  our  money)  was  as  it  is  certain  they  will  have  no  place  in  the  kingdom  ot  heaven,  we 

the  usual  price  of  a  day's  service  among  the  Sews ;  as  1  acitus  tells  us  it  plainly  see  that  it  would  be  very  absurd  to  pretend  to  draw  doctrinal 

was  among  the  Homans.  {Annal.  i.  17.)   It  is  therefore  iustly  mentioned,  consequences  from  every  incidental  circumstance  of  a  parable. 

Rev.  vi.  6.  as  a  proof  of  the  great  scarcity  of  provisions,  when  a  measure  g  Anil  indeed,  is  it  not  lawful  for  me  to  do  ichat  I  will  with  mine  own  ?] 

or  chaenix  of  wheat,  which  was  the  usual  allowance  to  one  man  for  aday ,  That  the  particle  ti  may  thus  be  rendered.  And  indeed,  has  been  observed 

and  was  about  an  English  quart,  was  sold  at  that  price.  before,  note  e,  on  Matt.  vii.  9.  p.  87.    And  as  to  what  is  here  suggested, 

c  Almit  the  third  hour.]  Dr.  Whitby  in  his  Paraphrase  explains  the  so  many  scriptures  declare  expressly,  that  God  at  the  great  day  will 
first  call,  in  the  morning,  of  the  earliest  days  of  Christ's  preaching  ;  that  render  to  every  one  according  lo  his  works,  and  intimate  that  there  shall 
of  the  third  hour,  as  referring  to  the  mission  of  the  apostles  when  thev  be  an  exact  correspondence  between  every  man's  character  and  the  re- 
were  first  sent  forth  to  preach  among  the  Jews :  those  of  the  sixth  and  ward  which  (through  the  riches  of  divine  grace)  shall  then  be  bestowed, 
ninth  hours,  ot  their  preaching  the  aospel,  attcr  the  descent  of  the  Holy  that  it  would  be  veW  unreasonable,  from  such  a  circumstance  as  this  in 
Ghost,  to  the  Jews  in  ludea,  ami  then  to  the  dispersed  in  other  parts  :  the  parable,  to  infer  the  contrary.  But  it  any  should  maintain,  that  all 
and  that  of  the  eleventh  hour,  of  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles:  but  this  the  favours  of  divine  Providence  and  grace  must  now  be  dispensed  only 
seems  an  excessive  nicety  of  distinction.— The  Jews  were  ready  to  look  in  proportion  to  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  the  person  concerned,  f 
upon  themselves  with  complacency,  as  a  people  who  had  for  many  ages  apprehend  they  would  argue  directly  contrary  to  the  whole  design  of 
adhered  to  the  worship  of  the  true  God,  and  in  some  periods  had  endured  this  parable,  and  to  what  daily  appears  to  be  fact,  which  therefore  cannot 
great  extremities  out  of  a  regard  to  it ;  and  it  seems  natural  to  interpret  give  way  to  any  hypothesis. 

what  is  said  (ver.  12.)  of  hearing  the  hnrden  and  heat  of  the  day,  with  a  h  Is  thine  eye  evil ?]    Here  is  an  evident  reference  to  that  malignant 

reference  to  this,  rather  than  to  any  peculiar  hardship  which  the  earlier  aspect  which  is  generally  the  attendant  of  a  selfish  and  envious  temper, 

converts  among  the  Jews  nii:.'ht  have  endured  moie  than  the  believing  i  Peculiarly  applicable  to  the  Jewish  nation.]    The  remark  itself  is 

Gentiles,  many  of  whom  met  with  much  the  same  treatment  on  their  far  more  extensive,  as  I   intimate  both  in  the  paraphrase  and  improve- 

embracing  Christianity.    .See  1   I'hess.  ii.  14.  nient.     But  as  this  was  a  memorable  instance  ot  it,  so  it  is  plainly  what 

d    ll'hatsoever  is  reasonable.]    So   I   think  the  word  iiKaiov  may  be  Chri'^t  had  immediately  in  his  view, 

rendered,  Phil.  i.7.  Col.  iv.  1.  and  2  Pet.  i.  13.  and  that  it  sisnifies,  not  k   Many  are  called,  hit  few  are  chosen.]    Grotius  has  a  very  learned 

only  what  a  person  may  legally  claim,  but  what  he  might  equitably  and  ingenious  note  on  this  text;  but  no  genius  or  learning  can  be  suf- 

expect  from  a  person  of  honour  and  humanity.  ficient  to  prove  what  he  seems  to  intend,  that  persons  are  called  the 

e   They  murmured  against  the  master  of  the  house.]    That  tliis  was  the  chosen  of  God,  merely  with  respect  to  the  divine  complacency  in  them 


CHRIST  HEARS  OF  THE  SICKNESS  OF  LAZARUS.  Mi 

IMPROVEMENT. 

May  we  by  divine  grace  appear  in  the  liappy  number  of  those  who  are  not  only  called,  bvit  chosen  too  !    If  we  sect. 
are  first  in  privileges  and  opportunities,  let  us  be  careful  that  our  improvement  be  proportionable  ;  otherwise  we    138. 

shall  be  last,  and  see  ourselves  another  day  exceeded,  and  perhaps  condemned,  by  those  who  stood  in  a  rank 

much  below  us.  matt. 

We  are  called  to  a  course  of  holy  labour,  even  to  work  in  our  Lord's  vineyard,  or  in  every  station,  whether  .  ^^• 
public  or  private,  to  do  our  utmost  to  promote  the  glory  of  God  and  the  happiness  of  mankind.     Let  us  not,  with 
so  many  calls  and  so  many  advantages,  stand  all  the  day  idle ;  but  let  us  be  active  and  jiatient,  and  cheerfully  6 
willing  to  bear  all  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day  in  so  good  a  cause  ;  knowing  that  ere  long  the  evening  will  12 
come,  and  that  he  who  employs  us  saith,  Behold  I  come  quickly,  and  ni>/  reward  is  with  me,  to  give  everi/  man  8 
according  as  his  work  shall  be.     (Rev.  xxii.  12.) 

Let  such  as  have  long  neglected  tlie  great  business  of  life  be  encouraged  with  this  thought,  that  some  were  6 
called  at  the  eleventh  hour ;  but  let  none  presume  on  their  havmg  such  a  call,  nor  strain  the  })arable  so  far  as  to 
imagine  that  an  equal  reward  awaits  all,  without  any  regard  to  their  characters  or  improvements  ;  which  is  most 
contrary  to  the  reason  of  things,  to  the  word  of  God,  and  to  the  great  intent  of  that  day  which  is  to  render  to  every 
man  according  to  his  deeds.     (Rom.  ii.  6.) 

nie  Gentiles  are  indeed  now  called  to  equal  privileges  vn\\\  the  Jews,  to  which  this  circumstance  of  the  parable  9 
refers  :  and  we  all  see  how  odious  a  temper  it  was  in  that  favourite  nation  to  be  offended  with  the  gospel  on  that  11,  12 
account,  which  should  rather  have  recommended  it  to  their  more  joyful  acceptance.     Let  us  be  careful  to  avoid 
every  degree  of  envy,  whoever  may  be  put  on  a  level  witli  us,  or  preferred  to  us.     Let  us  acknowledge  the  sove- 
reign right  of  God  to  do  what  he  will  with  his  own,  and  let  not  our  eye  be  evil  because  he  is  good.    To  prevent  15 
this,  let  us  labour  after  that  unfeigned  love  to  the  brethren  which  never  will  allow  us  to  repine  at  their  advance- 
ment to  the  greatest  privileges,  but  will  engage  us  to  behold  the  favours  that  are  shown  them  with  delight  and 
satisfaction,  and  to  rejoice  in  their  honour  and  happiness  as  our  own.     So  shall  we  exchange  the  basest  and  most 
uneasy  passion  of  human  nature,  for  that  which  is  of  all  others  the  noblest  and  the  most  delightful. 


SECTION  CXXXIX. 


Our  Lord,  hearing  of  the  sickness  of  his  friend  Lazarus,  and  afterwards  knowinff  that  he  was  dead,  determines  to  go  from  the  country  beyond 
Jordan  to  Judea,  though  against  the  persuasion  of  his  disciples.    John  xi.  1 — 16. 

John  xi.  1.  -Tonx  xi.  1. 

NOW  a  certain  man  was  NOW  while  Jesus  was  on  the  Other  side  Jordan,  whither  he  had  retired  when  he  left  Je-  sect. 
any,' thr^town ^ori'iaiy^and  rusalem,  (John  X.  40.  sect,  cxxxiv.)  there  was  one  Lazarus  of  Bethany,  which  was  also  the    139. 


her  sister  Martha.  towu  of  Mary  and  Martha  her  sister,  who  was  sick  of  a  very  dangerous  distemper.    And,  by 

anoint'eJthe  'tord  wfth Vint-  the  way,  it  is  to  be  observed  that  it  was  [that']  Mary  who  afterwards  at  a  public  entertain-  JOht 
ment,  and  wijjed  his  feet  with  ment,  in  testimony  of  her  high  regard  and  veneration  for  him,  anointed  the  Lord  with  a  -^'• 
rus  w*as'sick°r   ™   "^"^    *^*  most  precious  ointment, '>■  and  wiped  his  feel  with  her  hair,  whose  brother  Lazarus  was  sick. 

3  Therefore  his  sisters  sent  The  sisters  therefore,  full  of  concern  for  their  diseased  brother,  knowing  where  Jesus  was,  3 
hoi'd,  he"whom"thbuHovest'is  *^"^  ^^  '"'"'  a)id  said.  Lord,  we  beg  that  thou  would st  be  pleased  to  favour  us  with  a  visit, 
sick.  whatever  difficulties  may  lie  in  the  way ;  for,  behold,  he  whom  thou  so  tenderly  lovest,  even 

Lazarus  thy  fi-iend,  is  so  exceedingly  ill,  that,  without  thy  interposition  for  his  deliverance, 
nothing  but  death  can  be  expected. 

4  When  Jesus  heard  that.      But  when  Je.siis  heard  \it,'\  he  Said,  This  sickness  is  not  designed  by  Providence  to  end  in  4 
untrdeathl'bnt'forThe'siory  ^i^  death,  and  final  removal  out  of  this  world  ;•»  but  shall  serve /or  the  remarkable  illustra- 
of  God  that  t''^  Son  of  God  tion  of  the  glory  of  God,  and  is  suflfered  to  prevail,  chiefly  with  a  design,  that  the  Son  of 
mig      e  g  on  e     lere  y.       Qod  may  be  glorified  by  it,  and  his  divine  mission  most  signally  confirmed. 

5  Xow  Jesus  loved  Martha,      Noiv  it  was  well  known  that  Jes/is  loved  Martha,  and  her  sister  Mary,  and  this  theirs 
and  her  sister,  and  Lazarus,    brother  Lazarus,  with  a  peculiar  affection,  and  had  often  visited  them,  and  lodged  at  their 

house ;  and,  in  consequence  of  this,  he  was  determined  to  order  the  affair  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  he  knew  would  be  most  for  their  final  advantage,  though  it  might  for  a  while  be  an 
occasion  of  greater  affliction, 
forethafhe  was  sickfhe  abode       Whe7i  therefore  he  had  heard  that  he  was  sick,  he  then,  without  declaring  he  had  any  g 
*Tace''wr  ^h"  v"  "'^^  ^"'"^  thought  of  going  to  him,  abode  yet  two  days  longer  on  the  other  side  Jordan,  in  the  same 
^f^hen^a^'fte'rThat  saith  he  pl'ice  where  he  tvas  before.     And  then  after  that,  that  is,  on  the  third  day,  he  says  to  his  dis-  7 
to  j'j^'''*'^'P'''^'  ^*'  "^  8°  '"-  ciples.  Let  us  now  go  back  again  to  Judea.<^ 

8  His  disciples  say  unto       The  disdples  Say  imto  him.  Rabbi,  it  is  but  just  now  that  the  Jews  sought  to  stoiie  thee,  8 
sou<^hf  To^s'tonl  ^thel  °^  ind  ^"^^'^^  X.  31 .  sect.'  cxxxiv.)  and  dost  thou  intend  so  soon  to  go  thither  again,  as  if  it  were  to 
goest  thou  thither  again  ?  ^"    tempt  the  danger  from  which  thou  hast  so  lately  with  such  difficulty  escaped  ? 
iio^'tweK'l"hmits^in'«ie^da^'^1      '^^^^'^  cnswered.  Are  there  not  twelve  hours  in  the  day!   Now  if  any  man  take  the  ad  van-  9 
If  any  man  walk  in  the  dYy,  tage  of  them,  and  walk  in  the  day,  he  is  prepared  for  all  events,'and  does  not  stumble  at  any 
L^cfh^'he 'if-Jht^of  tMrworUi^^  obstacle  which  may  lie  in  his  way ;  because  the  sun  is  then  above  the  horizon,  and  he  sees 
10  But  if'a  man  walk  in  the  the  light  of  this  world.     But  if  any  man  will  rather  choose  to  walk  in  the  night,  it  is  no  10 

on  account  of  some  distinguished  virtue  and  excellence.  Compare  Deut.  be  there  described  as  the  action  of  a  woman  of  TsTaim,  where  Christ 

yii.  6— 8.  IX.  6.  John  .\v.  16.  Acts  ix.  13,  15.  Rom.  xi.  5,  6.  and  1  John  restored  the  widow's  son  to  life.  (Luke  vii.  .37.)    (Con\pare  note  b,  on 

IV.  19      lo  understand  the  expression  here,  oi  chosen  and  excellent  ser-  Lukeviii.  2.  p.  116.)— Besides,  the  stories  are  related  with  such  different 

ronf,f,  (as  Mr.  LeLlerc,  Dr.  Wall,  and  many  others  do,)  is  quite  to  con-  circumstances,  that  it  is  strange  they  should  be  taken  for  the  same  fact: 

tradict  the  design  ot  the  parable.    On  that  supposition  the  master  must  and  as  Luke  no  where  tells  us  that  the  person  he  speaks  of  was  named 

nave  said,       Ihese  last  have  done  as  much  in  one  hour  as  j'ou  in  many;  Marv,  so  neither  have  we  any  reason  to  suppose  that  the  same  person 

or  1  chose  them,  because  I  knew  they  were  men  remarkable  for  their  should  anoint  him  twice. 

dihsence.       ]  his  is  the  turn  which  the    Talmudists  have  given  to  the  b  This  sickness  is  not  to  death,  <Sc.]    Compare  Matt.  ix.  24.  and  Mark 

parable  in  their  insipid  imitation  of  it,  which  may  be  seen  in  Dr.  Light-  v.  39.  p.  1.36.— Our  Lord  afterwards  so  fully  explains  what  he  meant  by 

toot.  Tier.  Heb.  on  Matt.  xx.  1.  this  ambiguous  speech,  that  nothing  reasonable  can  be  objected  to  it :  but 

a  It  was  that  Mary  who  anointed  the  Lord  with  ointment.']    Some  com-  it  is  a  remarkable  instance  of  the  candour  and  fidelity  of  the  evangelists 

inentators  have  supposed  that  this  refers  to  the  story  related  by  T.uke,  here,  and  in  the  fore-cited  places,  so  exactly  to  record  the  very  words  of 

ivt^^'j^"'     ''  1'  *'^''  ^^  ^^-^  """^  ^^^'^  argued  from  thence  that  Mary  Jesus,  though  malice  might  so  easily  cavil  at  them, 

iviagclalene,  whom  they  tiiink   to  be  the  person  there  described  as  a  c  Jfter  that  he  saps  to  his  disciples,  S:c.]    Comparins-  Matt.  xx.  17. 

woman  that  was  a  sinner,  was  the  same  with  this  Marv,  the  sister  of  Mark  x.  32.  and  Luke  xviii   ,31.  (§  142.)  many  critics  infer,  that  what  is 

l-azarus.    But  it  seems  much  more  probable  that  John  himself  should  recorded  there  and  in  the  following  verses  happened  during  the  interval 

mention  the  tact  that  he  has  here  referred  to  :  which  if  he  has  done  at  of  Christ's  delay  to  go  to  Bethany,  after  he  heard  that  Lazarus  was 

all.  It  must  be  that  which  he  relates,  John  xii.  3,  et  sen.  (^  145.)  where  sick ;  but  T  do  not  find  that  Christ  went  to  Jerusalem  now  ;  and  it  he 

there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  the  person  who  performed  this  instance  of  did,  it  seems  that  those  events  happened  in  his  very  last  journey  thither, 

respect  to  Christ  was  Mary,  the  sister  of  Lazarus,  who  was  of  Bethany  and  consequently  should  not  be  introduced  he'e;  especially  as  they 

near  .lerusalcm,  and  therefore  must  be  difTerent  from  Marv  Magdalene,  break  the  thread  of  the  story,  out  of  regard  to  which,  I  tliink,  some  small 

Who  was  ot  Magdala,  a  town  of  Galilee  at  a  considerable  distance.    Nor  transpositions  may  well  be  allowed  m  other  places,  though  none  be 

IS  there  any  ground  from  Scripture  to  conclude  that  Mary  Magdalene  needful  here, 
was  the  person  who  anointed  Christ  in  Luke,  which  aptiears  rather  to 


242  CHRIST  HEARS  OF  THE  SICKNESS  OF  LAZARUS. 

SECT,  wonder  at  all  if  he  stumbles  then,  because  there  is  no  light  in  the  air  around  him.     In  like  night,  he  stumbleth  because 
139.    manner,  I  am  desirous,  as  I  lately  told  you,  to  do  the  will  of  my  heavenly  Father  while  thereisnohght  in  him. 

the  day,  or  opportunity  of  life,  lasts,  (John  ix.  4.  sect,  exxx.)  and"  I  doubt  not  but  I  shall 

JOHN   thereby  approve  myself  in  his  sight,  and  secure  his  protection  and  favour. 
^  •         These  thinm  he  said  to  silence  their  objections,  and  to  prepare  their  minds  for  what  he     n  These  things  said  he: 

11  yet  concealed  :  and  after  this,  as  he  perfectly  knew  what  had  passed  at  Bethany,  though  rhem?''our''Vrieiy"Laz^u3 
so  many  miles  distant  from  it,  he  sai/s  to  them,  Our  friend  Lazarus  is  fallen  asleep ;  but  I  sieepeth ;  but  i  go  that  i  may 
am  going  to  him,  that  I  may  awaken  him ;  thereby  referring  to  his  death,  and  to  that  raising  ^''''^^^   '"^  °"'  °^  *'^^p- 
him  from  it  which  he  intended  quickly  to  effect. 

12  His  disciples  therefore,  not  apprehendmg  his  meaning,  immediately  said,  Lord,  if  he  sleeps  12  Then  said  his  disciples, 
naturally  and  quietly,  as  thou  seemest  to  intimate,  he  will  probably  recover ;  and  there  is  ^"[f '  '^  ^'^  ^'^'p-  '•*  ^'^''''  '^'^ 
the  less  reason  for  thy  running  the  hazard  of  goin^  thither  to  heal  him. 

13  But  Jesus  spake  this  concerning  his  death,  which  for  many  apparent  reasons  he  chose  to  ,13  llowbeit  .lesus  spake  of 
represent  under  this  gentle  image ;''  but  they  thought  that  he  had  spoken  of  his  taking  rest  as  thlt'he'had''s"p'oken^ot'takmg 
a  living  man  does  in  a  common  sleep.  of  rest  i.i  sleep. 

14  Then  Jesus  therefore,  that  he  might  not  hold  them  any  longer  in  suspense,  or  leave  them     14  Then  said  .Tesus  unto 

15  under  a  mistake,  said  to  them  plainly,  Lazarus  is  indeed  dead.  And,  as  I  could  not  have  per-  ^^^^_  piamiy,  Lazarus  is 
mitted  this  to  have  happened  m  my  presence,  lam  glad  on  your  account  that  I  was  not  thei^e;  i5  And  i  am  glad  for  your 
that  you  may  more  confidently  believe  in  me,  and  may  find  your  faith  confirmed  by  a  further  to\^he  intent  ye  may'behet^e*; 
remarkable  display  of  my  divine  pcwer,  in  some  respects  exceeding  any  thing  you  have  yet  nevertheless  let  us  go  unto 
seen  :  but  let  m  now  go  directly  to  him  at  Bethany.  '"'■ 

16  Then  Thomas,  who  was  also  called  Didymus,  said  to  his  fellow-disciples  and  brethren  in  the  .  16  "iTien  said  Thomas,  which 
apostolic  office.  Since  our  dear  Master  will  expose  himself  to  so  much  danger  among  his  f|iio*w-discipfe'^!"Le't"us°aiso 
inhuman  enemies  in  Judea,  let  us  also  go,  though  it  be  only  that  we  may  die  with  him ;  for  go.  that  we  nia.\  die  with  him. 
whatsoever  he  may  suffer,  it  is  infinitely  better  we  should  take  our  portion  with  him,  even 

in  death,  than  that  we  should  desert  such  a  friend  in  an  article  of  the  extremest  danger. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
V'er.5      How  happy  was  this  family  of  Lazarus  in  which  Christ  was  so  frequent  a  guest !  how  happy  Lazams  and  his 

1.3.14  sisters,  who  were  so  peculiarly  beloved  by  him  !  Yet  sickness  and  death  invaded  that  family  ;  and  this  excellent 
man,  as  it  should  seem,  in  flourishing  circumstances,  (ver.  19.)  and  perhaps  too  in  early  youth,  was  snatched  away 
on  a  sudden,  by  what  appeared  a  very  untimely  stroke.  Tlie  friends  of  Christ  must  be  sick  and  die  as  well  as 
others  ;  and  no  yimn  knoweth  either  love  or  hatred  by  all  that  is  before  them  under  the  sun.  (Eccles.  ix.  1.)  Let  us 
therefore  judge  nothing  before  the  time.    (1  Cor.  iv.  5.)    This  sickness  and  death  of  Lazarus  was  for  the  glory  of 

4  God  :  and  may  all  our  personal  and  domestic  sufferings  be  so!  "  To  tliis,  O  Lord,  may  our  life  be  consecrated, 
and  to  this  may  our  death  be  subservient !  We  shall  not  then  feel  our  dying  pangs  in  half  their  bitterness,  when 
our  hearts  are  inflamed  witli  a  zeal  for  thy  glory,  and  when  we  see  that  even  those  pangs  are  promoting  it." 

6  Our  Lord  delayed  his  coming  to  this  dear  friend  in  his  extremity ;  and  perhaps  it  occasioned  not  only  many  an 
anxious,  but  many  a  suspicious  thought,  both  to  Lazarus  and  his  sisters  ;  yet  the  intent  of  this  delay  was  iDOth 
gracious  and  important.  Let  us  not  limit  our  divine  Master  as  to  the  time  or  manner  of  his  appearance  for  us  ; 
let  us  not  censure  him  if  it  be  for  a  while  put  off.  It  is  to  exercise  our  faith  and  patience,  and  to  make  the  mercy 
more  signal  and  more  welcome. 

7.8.15  At  length  a  resolution  is  formed  to  go  into  .ludea,  though  but  a  little  while  ago  the  Jews  had  assaulted  him, 
even  in  a  sacred  place,  with  burning  malice  in  their  hearts,  and  the  instruments  of  death  in  their  hands.  But  when 
Providence  called,  none  of  these  things  could  move  our  blessed  Redeemer,  neither  counted  he  his  life  dear  unto 
him,  that  he  might  finish  his  course  with  joy.    (Acts  xx.  24.}     May  we  show  tlie  like  intrepidity  of  soul  in  his 

9,  10  service!  walking  in  the  day,  that  we  may  not  stumble,  and  taking  all  ]noper  opportunities  of  performing  the 

duties  of  life  while  the  season  of  it  lasts  ;  and  then,  when  the  night  of  death  comes,  it  will  close  our  eves  in  peace- 

11  ful  slumbers.     The  repose  of  the  breathless  corpse,  insensible  of  alarms,  and  sorrows,  and  cares,  will  be  a  lovely 

emblem  of  the  sweeter  repose  of  the  soul  in  the  arms  of  divine  love,  till  ere  long  Christ  shall  come  to  awaken  us 

out  of  our  sleep,  by  that  general  resurrection  of  which  this  of  Lazarus  was  a  figure  and  pledge. 

Let  these  glorious  thoughts  and  expectations  animate  us  to  all  the  returns  of  affection,  duty,  and  zeal.    Let  them 
16  teach  us  the  temper  of  Tliomas,  when  he  said.  Let  us  go  and  die  with  him.    "  Blessed  Jesus  !  how  much  better 
is  it  to  die  with  and  for  thee,  who  art  the  resurrection  and  the  life,  than  to  prolong  these  wretched  days  of  absence, 
meanness,  and  affliction,  by  forsaking  thee  when  thou  art  leading  us  into  danger !" 


JOHN 
XI 


SECTION  CXL. 

Our  Lord  raises  Lazarus  from  the  dead,  after  he  had  been  buried  four  days.    John  xi.  17 — 46. 

John  xi.   17.  j„„^  ,i  j^ 

""i^^'  ^-^^-^  Jesus,  according  to  the  resolution  he  declared  to  his  disciples,  (ver.  7,  15.)  THEN  when  Jesus  came,  he 
departed  from  the  country  beyond  Jordan,  where  he  had  continued  for  some  time,  and  ^°ave  four  daj^'s^ai/rady"  "'^ 
went  towards  Bethany ;  and  when  he  came  near  the  village,  he  found  that  his  friend  Laza-  °  " 

rus  was  dead,  and  that  he  had  been  now  four  days  in  the  tomb. 

18  ^'^"'  Bethany,  the  place  where  Lazarus  had  lived,  was  very  near  to  Jerusalem,  being  but  18  Now  Bethany  was  nish 
about  fifteen  furlongs  of,  (or  somewhat  less  than  two  miles,)  so  that  he  was  well  known  fj",*,"  ^^l^"/^'.^"^  •*''<'"* '^f'^'^" 

1 J  in  the  city,  and  had  many  friends  there,  jliul  many  of  the  Jews  who  dwelt  there,"  when  i9  A"n(i  many  of  the  Jews 
the  funeral  was  over,  came  to  Martha  and  Mary,*'  that  they  might  comfort  them  concerning  comfon  "em  con^'rn'ing^hV^^^ 
the  loss  of  their  beloved  brother.'^  '  '  brother. 

_  d  For  many  apparent  reasons  he  chose  to  represent  under  this  gentle  his  critical  skill,  and  even  equal  to  that  malignity  and  baseness  of  soul 

image.]    Our    Lord  might  choose  the  expression  of  Lazarus  sleeping,  with  which  Woolston  attacked  it. 

partly  out  ot  tenderness,  as  being  least  shocking,  when  he  spoke  of  so  a  Manp  of  the  Jews,  ^c]    It  might  be  one  reason  why  Jesus  delayed 

"ear  ii  friend  ;  as  Homer,  when  he  represents  Antilochus  as  reporting  hiscoming  till  the  fourth  day,  that  he  might  meet  a  great  number  of  them, 

the  death  ot  Patroelus  to  Achilles,  used  the  word  Kcirai,  he  is  fallen,  as,  for  wise  purposes,  he  determined  to  make  this  miracle  very  public. 

mXher  t\\m  he  ts  slain  :  (lUad.Uh.  xvin.  ver.  20.)  and  it  may  also  further  b  Came  to  Martha  and  Mary.]     The   original    has  it  Trpot  xac   ittm 

he  considered  as  an  instance  of  our  Lord's  modesty  :  he  does  not  imme-  MapHar  Kai  Mapmi/;  but  the  learned  Revius,  in  his  yotes  on  Valln,  on 

diately  say,      He  is  dead,  and  I  go  by  my  almighty  power  to  burst  the  this  text,  has  produced  incontestable  authorities  to  vindicate  our  version 

bonds  ot  the  sepulchre,  and  to  command  him  back  to  life  again."  but,  here,  and  to  show  that  there  is  no  need  to  render  or  paraphrase  it,  as 

avoiding  all  parade  and  ostentation,  he  chooses  the  simplest  and  hum-  Keza  and  Wolfius  would  do,  "  That  the  men  cnme  to  join  with  those 

blest  expression  that  can  be  thought  ot.    This  tine  remark  (which  Mr.  female  friends  who  had  before  attended  the  mourning  sisters,  and  were 

HIackwall  niakes  in  his  .Haered  Classics,  vol.  i.  p.  297)  is  admirably  now  with  them."    'The  word  Waaiutv,  Jews,  to  be  sure,  includes  persons 

Illustrated,  in  a  great  variety  of  particulars  in  the  present  story,  by  the  of  both  sexes. — See  also  IJaphel.  AW.  ex  Xenoph.  p.  J.37. 

ingenious   I)r.  Lardner,  in  his  Vindication  of  it.     He  has  treated  the  c  That  i/tey  might  comfort  them,  &c.^    Many  ceremonies  nscd  by  the 

subject  with  a  candour  and  rectitude  ot  heart,  equal  to  the  accuracy  of  ancient  Jews  in  mourning  for  the  dead,  and  in  comforting  the  mourners. 


CHRIST  RAISES  LAZARUS  FROM  THE  DEAD.  240 

20  Then  Martha,  as  soon  as  And  Jesus  was  no  sooner  come  into  the  neighbourhood,  but  presently  the  news  of  his  SECT, 
she  heard'that  Jesus  was  approach  was  brought  to  the  afflicted  family  that  had  so  long  been  impatiently  desirous  140. 
blT&y'SiutmaTheho^e'.  to  866  him.     Martha  therefore,  as  soon  as  she  heard  that  Jesus  was  commg,  immediately ■ 

ivent  out  to  meet  him  :  but' Man/,  who  was  mourning  with  her  friends  in  private,  was  not   John 
as  yet  informed  of  his  approach",  and  [still]  sat  weeping  in  the  honsc.'^  -^I- 

21  Then  said  Martha  unto       Then  Martha,  being  told  where  she  might  meet  with  him,  and  having  hastened  to  the  21 
Jesus,  Lord,  if  thou  hadst  place,  Said  unto  Jcsus,  Lord,  we  have  been  much  surprised  at  thy  delay,  and  cannot  but 
nordied.'"'  '"^  '"'°"'""         be  exceedingly  troubled  at  it,  that  thou  didst  not  immediately  take  notice  of  the  message 

that  we  sent  thee  ;  for,  surely  if  thou  hadat  been  here,  mij  dear  brother  had  not  died,  but  would 
have  been  given  back  to  thy  prayers,  which  in  so  many  instances  have  been  successful  even 

22  But  I  know,  that  even  for  the  recovery  of  strangers.    But  even  nmv  I  know,  that  luhatsocver  thou  shalt  think  fit  to  ask  22 
now,  whatsoever  thou  »>!'  ask  ^j-  q^^j^  j^  ^^^\^  assuredly  be  granted ;  and  I  am  satisfied  that  God  will  give  \ji]  thee,  however 

0  0  ,uo  w.   gue  :     e  .  ^^^^^  ^^^  favour  be,  if  there  be  any  method  to  repair  the  grievous  loss  we  have  sustained. 

23  Jesus saith  untoher.Thy      Jesus,  beholding  her  distress  with  a  compassionate  concern,  says  to  her,  Martha,  do  not  23 
brother  shall  rise  again.         abandon  thyself  to  overwhelming  grief;  for  I  assure  thee  that  thy  beloved  brother  shall  rise 

again  from  the  dead. 

24  Martha  saith  unto  him.      Then  Martha,  Conceiving  some  secret  and  trembling  hope  from  these  words,  yet  desiring  24 

1  know  that  he  shall  rise  again  gome  further  Confirmation  of  it,  says  to  him,  Lord,  J  well  know,  and  stedfastly  believe,  that 
m^he  resurrection  at  the  last  ^^^  ^^^^^  ^.^^  ^^^^^.^^  .^^  ^^^^  general'?r.s«/Tec^io«  at  the  last  day ;  (compare  chap.  v.  29.  and 

Luke  xiv.  14.)  but  the  distance  of  that  leaves  me  still  under  a  load  of  sorrow. 

25  Jesus  said  unto  her,  1      Jesus  then  Said  tnito  her,  lam  the  resurrection  and  the  life;  (compare  chap.  v.  21.  and  25 
am  the  resurrection  and  the  Deut.  XXX.  20.)  by  me  the  general  resurrection  shall  be  accomplished,  and  by  me  a  most 
though   he^^were^'dead?  yet  glorious  and  happy  life  shall  be  given  to  all  my  people,  and  be  maintained  even  to  eternal 
shall  he  live :  ^^gg  .  ^g  therefore  that  believes  in  me,  though  he  be  dead,  yet  he  shall  ere  long  live  again,  and 

his  reanimated  body  shall  be  again  united  to  that  soul  which  in  its  separate  state  continues 
its  dependence  on  my  power  and  faithfulness ;  and  even  at  ])resent  I  can  loose  tlie  bonds 
of  death,  and  though  thy  brother  now  is  holden  by  it,  I  can  recall  him,  when  I  please,  to 
life :  A?id  even/  one  thai  is  now  living,  and  believes  in  me,  shall  never  die  :<'  death  shall  be  2G 


2(5   And    whosoever   liveth 


^tev^di^'\e\\evtst  thou  SO  disarmed  and  transformed,  that  it  "shall  hardly  deserve  the  name;  the  better  part  of  him 
this?  being  immediately  conveyed  to  immortal  life  and  glory,  and  the  body  only  sleeping  a 

while  in  the  dust,  till  I  "come  to  awaken  it  to  everlasting  vigour  and  joy.     Dost  thou, 

Martha,  believe  this  to  be  true  ? 

27  She  saith  unto  him.  Yea,      And  she  says  to  him,  Yes,  Lord,  I  firmly  believe  every  thing  thou  sayest;  for  I  am  fullv  27 
tlie' Chr'ist''ihe' Son' opGod'  persuaded  that  thou  art  the  Messiah,  the  Son  of  God,  who  was  to  come  into  the  world,  and 
which  siio'uld  come  into  the  has  been  SO  lono"  promised,  expected,  and  desired ;  and  that  all  power  therefore  must 
^^■"'"''*-  belong  to  thee.    ""  ^     , 

28  And  when  she  had  so      And  Martha  having  said  these  [ivords,]  and  testified  her  faith,  Jesus  inquired  for  her  28 
raiu'dl!ar;'h'er'listr^ecret''  sister ;  and  presently  she  went  away  and  called  her  sister  Alary  ^s  privately  ^s  she  could, 

ly,  saying,    The  Master  is  whispering  in  her  ear,  and  saying,  The  Master  is  hard  by,  and  callelh  for  thee.    And  as  29 
*"'i"/As"''soml''as  ^"he"'hlard  ^oon  US  she  heard  [it,]  she  immediately  arose,  and,  having  left  the  company  that  were  about 
that,  she  arose  quickly,  and  her.  Came  forward  witli  the  utmost  eagerness  to  meet  him.     Noiv  Jesiis  was  not  yet  entered  30 
'^sTNo'wjirus  was  not  yet  into  the  village,  but  still  continued  in' the  place  where  Martha  met  him,  waiting  there  for 

come  into  the  town,  but  was  Mary's  COmino'. 

met'ifim"'''''"'  '"'^^'^  ^^'"'"'^      The  Je7us  thm  ivho  were  with  her  in  the  house  attempting  to  comfort  her  under  her  sorrow,  31 

.•ii  The  Jews  then  which  geeins  that  Mary  ai-ose  np  hastily  (md  ivent  out  of  doors,  followed  her,  saying,  Surely  she  is 
aXo^nforte'dheX  whenTe'y  going  to  the  Sepulchre  of  her  brother,  that  she  may  iveep  there,^  which  will  only  aggravate 
.saw  Mary  that  she  rose  up  and  renew  her  soiTOw  ;  let  us  therefore  endeavour  to  dissuade  her  from  it.     And  thus,  by 
eTher',  sayi^g,'sh"e'gol?h  un:  their  going  after  her,  they  were  naturally  led  to  be  eye-witnesses  of  all  that  followed, 
toihe  grave  to  weep  there.  j7,g,j  Mary,  when  she  Came  to  the  place  where  Jesus  was,  and  saw  him,  was  so  far  from  32 

come  where' Jes^uswal  and  being  afraid 'to  avow  her  regards  to  him,  (compare  John  ix.  22.  sect,  cxxx.)  that  she/ell 
h?s''feet"'sa"in"''"un't°7him'  ^""'"  "^  '"'  f''^^  ^"'^  embraced  them;  with  the  greatest  respect  saying  to  him,  as  her  sister 
Lordfft'tiiotfh'adstTeenhere;  had  done  before.  Lord,  if  thou  hadst  been  here  sooner,  surely  iny  dear  brother  had  not  died. 
my  brother  had  not  died.        jt^^^  g^e  was  SO  overcome  with  grief,  that  she  could  utter  no  niiore. 

33  When   Jesus  therefore      Jesus  therefore,  when  he  suw  her  thus  iveeping,  and  the  Jews  also  iveeping  that  came  with  33 
Jews'''a'"iso"''wee"pin-""thich  ^er,  groaned' With  a  deep  concern,  as  feeling  a  strong  commotion  in  his  own  spirit ;  and 
came  with  her,  he  groaned  in  iudo-ing  it  proper  in  this  instance  to  indulge  it,  (though  he  always  had  every  passion  under 
tlie  spirit,  and  was  troubled,  '^\^^  '^^^^  ^^^^^^  command,)  he  voluntarily  afflicted  himself  hy  opening  his  mind  to  a  set  of 

3t  And  said.  Where  have  melting  and  painful  ideas.     And  looking  with  a  tender  pity  on  the  mourning  relations  of  34 
?ifm'''Lord"com'elnriee""'°  ^is  deceased  friend,  he  said,  Where  have  ye  laid  him!    They  said  unto  him.  Lord,  we  desire 
thou  wouldst  come  and  see ;  wishing  to  bring  him  to  the  sepulchre,  in  some  uncertain  hope 
of  what  was  afterwards  done.  r   u    j     j    • 

35  Jesus  wept.  And  as  they  were  going  along,  Jesus  himself  wept,  at  the  remembrance  of  the  dead,  in  35 

sympathy  with  the  livinsc,  and  in  compassion  to  the  obstinate  Jews,  whose  final  impeni- 
tence he"foresaw,  and  knew  how  much  the  guiUof  it  would  be  aggravated  in  consequence 
of  their  being  spectators  of  such  a  miracle. 

36  Then  said  \he  Jews,  Be-       The  Jews  therefore,  seeing  him  in  tears,  said.  Behold,  how  he  loved  him,  and  how  his  36 
hold  how  he  loved  him !         j^eait  Overflows  with  sorrow  for  his  death !     But  some  of  them,  who  liad  a  secret  aversion  37 
CoLi  "fot^Sis  n,an,'"vMch  to  him.  Said,  Could  not  this  man,who  is  said  to  have  opened  the  eyes  of  the  blind,  have  caused 
havrcaus'ed^thaf  evin'te  '^"^  ^^"  "'""  "'■''  -^''^"^^  ""^  ^'""'^  ^'""^^    C'ould  he  not  have  come  to  cure  him,  or,  as  it  is 
m\\? should  not  have^dfed?'^  reported  in  some  other  instances,  have  effected  it  even  at  a  distance? 

are  collected  by  Dr.  Lightfoot ;  (in  his  Hor.  Heir,  on  this  place  ;)  but  To  render  the  words  before  us,  as  Mr.  Massey  would  do,  ( ^'f^'j.''''--^^""- 

the  mention  of  them  here  would  be  tedious,  rather  than  edifjing.  p.  8.)  ''  IVIioever,  :Me  he  htes,  believes  on  me.  Ml  not  a\^f"/J\"^^\, 

d  Sat  weeping  in  the  house.]    She  probably  sat  on  the  ground,  which  eternally,     is  both  obscurmg  and  enervating  their  sense,  ana  tasi   m 

was  the  posture  of  mourners.    Compare  Job  ii.  8.  Ezek.  viii.  14.  and  shown  elsewhere,  note  1,  on  .Tohn  iv.  14..  p.. 64.  an'',"",'^*  ";  ,^r  "  witl, 

Matt,  xxvii.  61.  viii.  51,  52.  p.  190.)  is  grounded  on  a  criticism  which  '"''""^ 'Y, .  jNIatt 

e  That  is  living,  and  believes  in  me,  shall  never  die.]    The  sense  that  I  the  use  of  the  phrase  in  question  in  parallel  passages.    <-;Onipaie  i  ■      . 

have  given  in  the  paraphrase  appears  to  me  the  most  consistent  sense  xxi.  19.  *  149.— Ihe  opposition  between  this  a>?4  »«  ',  .^se  wiTo  were 

that   can   be   made   of   these  remarkable   words,    and   the   equivalent  plainly  shows  that  the  former  refers  to  t)iesp'r'f.°'  Hi,   1  think   no 

passages  :  John  v.  24.  and  viii.  51.    And  a  very  sublime  and  important  dead,  who  are  yet  spoken  of  as  believing  in  *-  ""^'f 'f  .''(ivi'tv  •  but  the 

sense  it  is,  perfectly  agreeable  to  the  height  of  sentiment  and  languaire  contemptible  proof  of  their  rennaining  in  a  s'<"<'  °' Z'^,,      -i,i  of  such 

with  which  Christ  is  said  elsewhere  to  have  abolished  death,  and  to  have  doctrine  is  so  very  plain  m  Scripture,  as  not  to  n.eu 


aestroyed  the  devil,  (2  Tim.  i.  10.  and  Heb.  ii.  14.)  and  with  whicn  consequential  arguments.                 ,   ,    ,„  „„„  „„,„  i/,ere  1    llow  cus- 

chnstians  are  said  to  be  come  to  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  to  the  general  i  She  is  going  to  the  seputehre,  tnat  5'^,^,X,.|' ^u.-rved  by  Eisner, 

assembly  and  church  of  the  first-born,  Sfc.  (Heb.  xii.  22,  23.)  and  to  be  tomary  this  \yas  among  the  ancients,  is  particuiai  ly  ou» 

raised  up  with  Christ,  and  made  to  sit  together  in  heavenly  places  in  Christ  Observ.  vol.  i.  p.  330. 

Jestis.  (Eph.  ii.  6.)    See  Vitring.  Observ.  Siicr.  lib.  ii.  cap.  7.  5  9—18. —  - 


244  CHRIST  RAISES  LAZARUS  FROM  THE  DEAD. 

SECT.       Jesus  therefore,  understanding  this  invidious  insinuation,  and  groaning  again  within     38  .Tesus    therefore,  again 
140.    himself,  as  in  great  anguish  of  heart,  comes  to  the  sepulchre.     Now  it  was  a  cave,  and  a  large  groaning  in  himself,  cometh 

, ......   ].:,]  iir_   ii_      r   ■,        T  /     .1  .1     .      .        1    1         T>  .J        .   °     to  the  grave.     It  was  a  cave. 


sto7ie  was  laid  upon  the  mouth  of  it.    Jesus  says  to  them  that  stood  by.  Remove  the  stone  and  a  stotie  'lay  upon  it. 
JOHN    which  stops  up  the  entrance  :S  but  Martha,  the  sister  of  the  deceased,  sai/s  to  him,  Lord,  he  ..•'''•^.■'""*^?i'''I''''^J^^>^F 

Xr        1         u  J      J  1  .1.7  I,  rr-       ■■  >,/•'/      I        I  ri  the  stone.    Martha,  the  sister 

-    •  p  nas  been  aead  so  long,  that  he  now  smells  m  an  ofiensive  manner;"  for  he  has  been  [«ere]  of  him  that  was  dead,  saith 
'  no  less  than  partof /bwr  days,  this  being  the  fourth  since  his  intermerit.  (Compare  ver.  17.)  l!""'.''j,"Vi,H'^''v^Vli^K'"® 

,  _    T  ,    ',         ,,.;,        1     ■/    1  1  ■     "  •  1        T    1-        ,  t       x->-  7    T        ,  ,     /   he  stmketh ;  tor  ne  hath  been 

40  Jesus  says  to  her,  Why  dost  thou  object  agamst  what  I  direct?     Did  1  not  say  unto  thee,  dead  four  da.ys. 

that  if  thou  wouldst  believe,  thou  shouldst  see  the  glory  of  God  remarkably  displayed  in  a  g^'j^  i''^^"'  unto''thee''that°if 

41  work  of  signal  power  and  mercy?  Then  they  took  away  the  stone  from  the  mouth  of  the  thou  wouidst  believe,  thou 
tomb  where  the  deceased  lay.  ''^1'^^^t!^%hllf,?2.°i^J'^l 

171  ^iT  7'/'7  7*  7.i-n7  T     t       1       1  "^l  1  htn  thcy  tooK  away  thc 

And  when  it  was  removed,  Jesus  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  said,  leather,  I  thank  thee  that  stone /romMe^foce  where  the 
thou  hast  graciously  heard  me  in  those"  secret  groanings  of  soul  which  I  have  been  pouring  ^^i'^'j  up*/«> 'eyes'^and  iald' 

42  forth  in  thy  presence  :  And  indeed  I  knew  that  thou  always  hearest  me,  and  art  most  ready  Father,  i  thank  thee  that  thou 
to  answer  all  my  petitions ;  but  I  now  speak  [thus,~\  because  of  the  multitude  that  is  standing  ''^Is  And*  T^'new  that  thou 
by,  that  they,  comparing  what  they  hear  with  what  they  are  now  to  behold,  may  have  in-  hearest  me  always:  but  be- 
creasing  and  more  effectual  engagements  to  believe  thai  thou  hast  sent  me.  staifd  by  i'said''i?,'^that''t^hey 

43  And  having  .mid  these  wo?'ds,  he  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  smta.h\e  to  the  maiestic  part  which  "'^y  believe  that  thou  hast 
he  was  now  acting,  and  the  dominion  he  had  even  in  the  empire  of  death  itself,  as  well  as  ^''43  And  when  he  thus  had 

44  that  he  might  be  heard  by  all  the  multitude  that  were  present,  iMzarits,  come  forth.  And  sp9ken  he  cned  with  a  loud 
such  an  almighty  energy  went  along  with  his  word,  that  immediately,  according  to  his  com-  ^'44*'And^1[e^th*a't"'wardead 
mand,  he  that  was  dead  came  forth,  bound  (as  the  dead  usually  were)  about  \^his'\  feet  and  j^'"^  t']["i,  bound  hand  and 
ha7ids  loith  grave-clothes,  or  with  several  rolls  and  foldings  of  linen  that  were  wrapt  about  h*is  faI4\vlIbound"ibout  with 
him,  but  which  were  so  far  loosened  by  the  power  of  Christ  as  to  permit  him  to  move  ;  and  "l '"'t'^-  ^^^"^^  ^^"^^  "J?'** 
his  face  was  also  bouiid  about  with  a  napkin.^  And  Jesus,  on  his  coming  forth  in  this  con-  go!'"'  "*'  '""•»"  e  im 
fined  posture,  says  to  them  that  stood  by,  XJiibind  him,  and  let  him  go ;"  for  nothing  more 

was  needful  to  be  done  in  a  miraculous  way,  and  he  had  strength  enough  to  walk,  his 
health  and  vigour  being  perfectly  recovered  with  his  life. 

45  Thus  was  this  illustrious  miracle  completely  and  publicly  accomplished  :  and  such  was  45  Then  many  of  the  Jews 
the  effect  of  it,  that  many  of  the  Jews  therefore,  ivho  hud  come  to  visit  Mary,  and  beheld  s'leL'''thrthin"gs'wYich°Je''sus 
what  Jesus  did,  were  so  affected  with  this  rnarvellous  instance  of  his  power,  that  they  be-  <iid.  believed  6n  him. 

46  lieved  on  him  as  the  Messiah.  But  some  of  them  were  so  obstinate  and  perverse,  that  they  46  But  some  of  them  went 
went  away  to  the  Pharisees,  and  told  them  what  things  Jesus  had  done,^  on  purpose  that  tbeir  ways  to  the  Pharisees, 
they  might  inflame  them,  and  stir  them  up  to  take  some  method  to  prevent  his  growing  jesus  had  don?.  '  ^  ^°°* 
influence  among  the  people. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

\'er.  25  Eet  us,  by  faith,  continually  regard  Jesus  (as  his  discourses  and  actions  concur  to  represent  him)  as  the  resur- 
rection and  the  life  :  believing  on  this  glorious  specimen  here  given  of  it,  that  he  can  and  will  finally  cause  all  that 
are  in  the  graves  to  hear  his  voice,  and  to  come  forth.  (.John  v.  28,  29.)  A  most  delightful  thought,  which  we 
should  often  apply  both  to  ourselves  and  to  our  pious  friends !     Let  the  consideration,  that  they  are  to  arise  in  the 

24  resurrection  at  the  last  day,  moderate  our  sorrows  for  their  removal,  and  forbid  our  mourning  as  others  that  have  no 
hope.  (1  Thess.  iv.  13.)  Were  a  resurrection  on  earth  expected,  though  at  the  distance  of  several  years,  we  should 
consider  them  only  as  persons  absent  on  a  long  journey,  and  expect  their  return  with  patience  and  cheerfulness : 
but  oh,  how  much  more  certain  is  the  resurrection  of  the  just  than  the  issue  of  any  of  our  journeys  or  expectations 
in  life ! 

31      We  often  go,  in  our  thoughts  at  least,  to  the  grave  to  weep;  but  let  us  not  forget  to  raise  our  contemplations 

35  higher,  even  to  Jesus,  who  here  expressed  such  tender  sentiments  of  compassion,  and  wept  when  he  saw  the  tears 
of  others,  though  he  knew  he  was  going  to  wipe  them  away  by  restoring  that  friend  whom  they  lamented. — He 

33  afflicted  himself,  and  it  may  be  proper  for  us  sometimes  to  do  "it,  and  to  hold  down  our  thoughts  to  those  views 
of  things  which  may  give  us  pain  and  regret;  if  that  attention  be  so  adjusted  and  attempered  as  only  to  produce 
a  sadness  of  the  countenance  that  may  improve  the  heart.  (Eccles.  vii.  3.) 

39  Let  the  modesty  with  which  our  Lord  conducted  this  grand  and  solemn  scene,  teach  us  to  avoid  all  mean 
41,  42  transports  of  self-applause,  and  all  fondness  for  ostentation  and  parade.     Like  Jesus,  let  us  in  all  our  ways  acknow- 
ledge (iod,  and  maintain  a  continual  dependence  on  his  influence,  to  be  sought  by  fervent  prayer ;  and  then  we 
may  go  forth  to  every  duty  with  a  courageous  and  cheerful  assurance  that  he  will  carrv  us  honourably  and  com- 

40  fortably  through  it.  Let  us  but  stedfastly  believe,  and  we  shall  see  the  glory  of  God  :  he  will  manifest  his  power 
for  our  help  ;  and  when  our  case  appears  to  be  remediless,  then  is  the  time  for  his  almighty  hand  to  save. 

43,  44      Let  us  adore  and  trust  in  Him  who  was  armed  with  so  divine  a  power  as  to  be  able  to  rescue  the  prisoners  of 
26  death,  and  to  recover  the  trophies  of  the  all-conquering  and  devouring  grave.     And  if  we  are  true  believers,  let  us 
39  learn  to  take  our  part  in  the  triumph,  with  a  joyful  assurance,  that  though  we  putrefy  in  the  dust,  and  after  the 
skin  worms  devour  our  bodies,  yet  in  our  flesh  we  shall  at  length  .see  God.  (Job  xix.  26.) 

Jt  was  surely  a  happy  time  that  succeeded  all  the  lamentations  of  these  affectionate  mourners.  With  what 
mutual  congratulations  and  unutterable  endearments  did  Lazarus  and  his  sisters  behold  each  otiier  !  With  what 
humble  gratitude  and  adoration  did  they  all  prostrate  themselves  at  the  feet  of  their  Almighty  Saviour !  But  who  can 
conceive  the  greater  transports  which  shall  run  through  the  whole  redeemed  world  at  the  resurrection-day,  when 
piety  and  friendship  shall  be  perfected,  and  those  who  were  dearest  to  each  other,  both  in  the  bonds  of  nature  and 
of  grace,  shall  spring  up  together  to  an  immortal  undivided  life  !  In  the  mean  time,  let  us  trust  our  friends  with 
him,  (with  whom,  if  we  ai-e  christians  indeed,  we  have  trusted  our  souls,)  believing  that  the  separations  he  appoints 
are  prudent  and  kind,  and  that  even  our  prayers  for  their  recovery  are  denied  in  mercy. 

r.w.J'^."^  '"^h  ^^."}»y^t^  ''tme,  tSc]    Our  Lord  fas  Bishop  Hall  justly  h  He  has  been  dead  so  long,  that  /le  now  smelh.  &c.]    The  word  oKei 

onsenesjcoum  with  inhnite  ease  have  commanded  thestone  to  roll  awav  has  the  same  ambiguity  with  this  which  I   have  used,  and  seems  rather 

?ii  !f^l,^                     P  ^^"i^""-^  j"'''^'^?''*''''  but  he  judiciously  avoided  more  decent  than  that  in  our  translation,  though  the  meaning  is  plainly 

IL^^Iif'^      ^""^  pomp  and  parade,  and  mingled  all  the  majesty  of  this  the  same.  -^Martha's  mind  seems  to  have   been  in  a  painful  struggle, 

Hsronisning  nuracle  with  the  most  amiable  modesty  and  simplicity.—  tossed  with  a  variety  of  passions,  which  prevented  a  perfect  consistency 

1  here  is  no  reason  to  imagine,  as  some  do,  that  the  stone  lay  on  the  top  in  her  behaviour.                                         f                    v                             J 

ot  the  cave    and   that  the  corpse  was  let  down  with  cords;    for  then  i  Hi.<  face  !oax  hound  abovt  a 

J^azarus  oould  not,  without  a  tiirther  miracle,  have  ascended  of  himself.  'Fgvptia'ns  did,  the  face  was  n 

iennlrhr^    "Mr"  m"*''"J'    M  t" ,'?«''«^';  the  entrance  was  at  the  side  of  the  the"  forehead  and  under  the  chin,  =.7  umi  »,.  „■=  .eiuimng  10  iiie,  ne  migni 

^h"^.  .1         •        c  Waundrell  tells  us  (m  his  .Immiey  to  Jerusalem,  p.  79.)  easily  see  his  way  out  of  the  sepulchre, 

that  the  ruins  qt  Lazarus  s  house  are  still  shown,  and  not  far  from  thence  k   Went  away  to  the  Pharisees,  4r.]    We  have  in  this  a  most  amazing 

„h^lP|'?)"'^\     ."'"''''' i'i'^'''HS'^"l"*,''''^"tyfi^'e  steep  stairs,  instance  of  inconigible  hardness  of  heart,  and  a  dreadful  confirmation 

^  iH  .J  1       "1      t"',"  .small  rooms,  in  the  further  ot  which  the  body  is  of  our  Lord's  remark,  //  titey  hear  not  Moses  and  the  prophets,  neither 

il„  „?,     I*    f "  -^^  ■    P"' ^""^ .*=,**"","'  '"!'<^h  depend  on  the  genuine-  tiill  Ihey  be  persuaded,  thovgh  one  rose  from  the  dead.    Luke  xvi.  31. 

ness  or  jucn  antiquities.    !see  !iands  s  J  ravels,  p.  lyC.                    ,  a  cxxv. 


aiith  a  napkin.'\  If  the  .Tews  buried  as  the 
not  covered  with  it,  but  it  only  went  round 
in,  so  that  on  his  returning  to  life,  he  might 


THE  SANHEDRIM  AGREE  THAT  JESUS  SHOULD  BE  PUT  TO  DEATH.  245 


SECTION  CXLI. 

f  Caiapl 
iding  hii 

John  xi.  47. 


The  sanhedrim  being  informed  of  the  resurrection  of  Lazarus,  by  the  advice  of  Caiaphas,  agree  that  Jesus  should  be  put  to  death.    He  retires  to 
Jiphraim,  and  they  issue  an  order  for  apprehending  him.    John  .\i.  47,  to  the  end. 


John  xi      . 

THEN  gathered  the  chief  IT  was  before  observed,  (at  the  close  of  the  last  section,)  that  some  who  had  been  present  sect 
?om?cll  ^and'Mid',''whaf  do  ^t  the  resurrection  of  Lazams,  instead  of  being  duly  wrought  upon  by  the  nuracle,  went  141. 
we '.  tor  this  man  doeth  many  away  and  made  an  invidious  report  of  it  to  the  Pharisees  :  the  chief  priests  therefore  and  ■ 


'"""'"^'^^-  the  Pharisees,  who  were  united  in  their  enmity  to  Christ,  being  exceedingly  alarmed  at  so   John 

astonishing  an  information,  convened  the  sanhedrim,  which  was  the  great  council  of  the     ^^• 
Jewish  nation,  and  said,  What  are  ^ue  doing  in  this  strange  conjuncture  of  affairs  ?  and  why  '^^ 
do  we  seem  to  be  dreaming,  when  things  are  come  to  such  a  crisis  ?     It  is  of  absolute 
necessity  that  some  effectual  method  should  immediately  be  taken  ;  for  it  is  not  to  be 
denied  that,  by  some  means  or  other,  this  man,  whom  we  have  been  so  solicitous  to  sup- 

48  If  we  let  him  thus  alone,  prcss,  does  mam/  of  the  most  surprising  miracles  that  were  ever  seen  or  heard  of:  And  ifA^ 
all  men  wiii^  beiiexje  on  him;  ,yp  .,„«.,.  /„•,;;  ^to  go  on'\  thus  uncontrolled,  all  the  populacB  ^vill  believe  on  him  as  the  pro- 
and  take  away"both  our*pl"ace  mised  Messiah,  and  will  acknowledge  him  as  the  King  of  Israel ;  and  what  can  we  expect 
and  nation.  y^[\\  ]^q  ^]-^q  consequence  of  this,  but  that  the  power  of  the  liomans,  so  vastly  superior  to 

ours,  will  be  ai'med  against  us,  and  their  legions  luill  come  and  take  awai/  both  our  place  and 
nation  1  they  will  destroy  Jerusalem,  and  this  sacred  temple  where  we  are  now  assembled, 
and  will  extirpate  all  the  people  who  are  committed  to  our  guardianship  and  care. 

49  Andoneof  them,nflOT«rf      And,  while  some  of  the  council  seemed  apprehensive  of  the  danger  of  attempting  any  49 
prilfst''thit  samf  year  S  thing  against  Jesus,  One  of  them,  [ffen]  Caiaphas,  who,  among  the  many  sudden  revolu- 
unto  them.  Ye  know  nothing  tions  whicli  happened  in  the  eovernment  about  that  time,  ivas  high  priest  that  year  in 

'^'^  ""■  which  Clirist  was  crucified,"  said  to  them,  while  they  were  thus  deliberating.  You  seem  to 

know  nothing  at  all  of  what  the  present  urgency  of  affairs  requires,  or  you  would  easily 

50  Nor  consider  that  it  is  find  out  a  remedy  in  the  death  of  this  Jesus,  who  occasions  such  an  alarm  :    Nor  is  this  50 
mrnsho"uldlheforthe'ppo"ie''  ^^  be  scrupled  bccausc  he  does  not  appear  to  have  committed  any  crime  which  is  made 
and  that  the  whole  nation  capital  by  OUT  law  ;  for  (lo  i/ou  not  Consider  that  the  extreme  danger  of  a  state  will  justify 
perish  not.  g^^l^  extraordinary  steps  as  are  necessary  for  its  preservation  ;  and  that  it  is  undoUDtedly 

much  better  for  jis  that  one  innocent  man  should  die  for  the  security  of  the  people,  than  that 
the  whole  nation  he  belongs  to  should  perish  by  our  scrupling  to  take  away  his  life? 
.51  And  this  he  spake  not  of      JV^j;?!)  this,  by  the  wav,  was  a  very  remarkaljle  saying  ;  and  it  is  to  be  observed  that  he  51 

himselr:  but  being  high  priest  „    /     •■        i  i        r  l-        ix-  i    ^  i    ■        i  ■    i         ■    x  li    P  t  n  .^ 

tbat  year,  he  prophesied,  that  ^ake  it  uot  merely  Of  himself,  but  being  high  pi'iest  that  year,  and  so  a  person  of  the  greatest 

Jesus  should  die  for  that  na-  digrnity  and  authority,  he  was  moved  by  a  secret  impulse  from  God  to  utter  these  words, 

which  might  be  esteemed  as  an  oracle,  and  were  capable  of  a  much  higher  sense  than  he 

apprehended  ;  and  by  them  he  in  effect  prophesied^  that  Jesus  should  shortli/  die  for  the 

52  And  not  for  that  nation  security,  redemption,  and  happiness  of  the  Jewish  nation  :  And  indeed  not  for  <^e  Jewish  52 
gather  togetiier  ^in"one'^the  nation  alone,  but  for  all  the  nations  of  the  earth,  even  that  he  also  might  gather  together  into 
children  of  God  that  were  07ie  glorious  and  hapjjy  society  all  the  chosen  children  of  God  that  are  dispersed  abroad  in 

the  most  distant  places  and  ages,  among  the  Gentiles  as  well  as  the  Jews. 

53  Then    from    that   day      From  that  very  dai/,  therefore,  the  members  of  the  sanhedrim  in  general,  (though  some  53 
tiierVor  to  puUi?m"to  death.^   particular  persons  were  averse  to  their  proceedings,)  having  thus  resolved  ujion  the  death 

of  Jesus,  sought  for  an  opportunity  to  execute  the  malicious  purpose  thei/  had  formed,  and 
united  their  counsels  that  they  might  find  out  some  convenient  method  to  slay  him. 

54  Jesus  therefore  walked  For  this  reason  Jesus,  who  knew  the  secret  resolution  they  had  formed  to  take  away  his  54 
jewTr'^but'weii't  ih'eiice^unto  life'  Walked  no  more  openly  among  the  Jews  in  those  parts  till  the  appointed  hour  for  his 
derlie"-*"^"  u"'^'^  1"  the  wii-  suffering  was  come  ;  hut,  instead  of  visiting  Jerusalem,  he  xvent  away  from  thence,  even 
Ephrairn.ami  there contmued  f''oni  Bethany,  where  he  now  was,  into  the  count?-!/  near  the  wilderness  of  Judea,  to  a  little 
with  his  disciples.  city  called  Ephraim,'^  which  lay  not  far  from  Bethel,  on  the  confines  of  the  tribe  of  Benja- 
min ;  and  there  he  continued  a  while  with  a  few  of  his  select  disciples,  and  afterwards  took 

a  little  journey  eastward  towards  the  banks  of  the  river  Jordan,**  from  whence  he  had 
lately  come  to  Bethany  on  account  of  Lazarus's  death. 

55  And  the  Jews'  passover      And  soon  after  this,  the  Jewish  passover  drew  near ;  and  many  went  up  from  all  parts  of  55 
went"mitof\ht"coiinto''up"to  ^^^  Country  to  Jerusalem,  some  little  time  before  the  passover,  that  they  m'ight  purify  them- 
Jerusaiem   before  the  pass-  selvcs  by  somc  preparatory  sacrifices,^  in  order  to  be  ready  for  the  celebration  of  that 
"'le'Th^n'^s'^oughT'th'e'y^f-or  Solemn  "festival.    (Compare  2  Chron.  xxx.  17.)     Then,  as  tide  people  came  together,  they  SQ 
Jesus,  and  spake'among  them-  diligently  Sought  for  Jesus  there,  some  of  them  being  desirous  to  see  and  hear  him,  and 
tempfe.'^haTthinrye^that  Others  wanting  to  discover  him  to  his  avowed  enemies  the  Pharisees  :  and  as  it  could  not 

he  will  not  come  to  the  feast?  but  be  generally  knovvn  that  the  svirprising  miracle  which  he  had  lately  wrought  had  very 

much  inflamed  the  rage  and  envy  of  his  persecutors,  they  were  suspicious  whether  he 

would  venture  to  appear  in  public,  and  said  one  to  another,  as  they  stood  in  the  temple, 

What  think  ye  of  his  coming  to  the  passover?    Do  you  suppose  that,  after  this  alarm,  he 

57  Now    both    the  chief  will  not  have  the  courage  to  come  to  the  feast  ?    But  both  the  chief  priests  aiid  the  Phari-  57 

gfven  a"comniandm'enr  tifat  ^^^^^  Concluding  that  he  would  not  fail  to  come  according  to  his  usual  custom,  no  longer 

if  any  man  knew  where  he  dissembled  their  malice,  but  published  a  mandate,  by  which  they  had  given  an  express 

they  might  "take  him"^ '''    ^   command,  that  if  any  one  hiew  where  he  wcls,  he  should  immediately  declare  \it^  to  them, 

that  they  might  apprehend  and  bring  him  to  his  trial,  as  a  disturber  of  the  public  peace, 

and  a  person  dangerous  to  the  state. 

a   IVas  high  priest  that  j/ear.]    It  is  well  known  that  the  hiffh  priest-  temple  should  quickly  succeed  the  coming  of  the  Messiah.   See  his  Hor. 

hood  among  the  Jews  was  not  annual ;  but  the  many  revolutions  about  Heir,  on  John  xi.  48,  51. 

that  time  might  justify  such  a  manner  of  speaking,  which  signifies  no  c  To  a  city  called  F.phraim.'\    This  city  (which   is  mentioned  with 

more  than  in  those  days,  or  at  that  time.    (Compare  Dent.  xxvi.  %.  .losh.  Bethel.  2  Chron.  xiii.  19.)  is  by  some  called  Ephiem,  and  is  generally 

XX.  6.  Ezek.  xxxviii.  8.  and  Mai.  iii.  4.)    See  Ur.  Lardner's  Credibility,  supposed   to  have  lain  in   the  "north-east  part  of  the  lot  of  Benjamin. 

part  1.  vol.  ii.  p.  878,  879.  See  Reland's  Palestine,  p.  376.  and  compare  note  a,  on  Luke  xii.  CJ. 

u  Being  high  priest  that  year,  he  prophesied.]    The  Jewish  high  priests  p.  208. 

had  in  former  ages   been  often  under  the  inspiration  of  a   prophetic  d  Took  a  little  .journey  eastward,  dtc]  This  we  have  reason  to  suppose, 

spirit:   there   was  therefore  some  peculiar   congruity  in    putting   this  or  Jericho  would  not  have  lain  in  his  way  to  Jerusalem,  which  vet  we 

oracle  into  his  mouth,  and  the  dignity  of  his  ottice  would  add  some  find  that  Jesus  passed  tliroush  in  his  return.    See  Luke  xix.  1.  «  14.i. 

peculiar  weight  and  regard  to  what  he  said. — It  is  a  strange  fancy  of  e  That  they  might  piirify  the?nselves  by  some  preparatory  sacrihces.) 

^•".Lightfoot,  that  Caiaphas  knew  lesus  to  be  the  Messiah,  and  that  the  Dr.  Lightfoot  (in  his  Hor.  Hehr.  on  this  place)  has  sho«n,  that  as  a 

sanhedrim  founded  their  apprehension  of  danger  from  the  Romans,  in  variety  of  circumstances  might   happen    to   mul'itudes  which   would 

consequence  of  the  regard  shown  to  him.  on  a  ridiculous  interpretation  require  purification,  so  some' sort  of  cleansing  required  no  less  than 

ot  Isa.  X.  ult.  and  xi.  1.  whence  they  inferred  that  the  destruction  of  (he  seven  days, 


246  CHRIST  PROPHESIES  OF  HIS  SUFFERINGS  AT  JERUSALEM. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

SECT.       Where  shall  we  find  such  restless,  such  causeless,  such  incon'igible  malice,  as  was  in  the  hearts  of  these  rulers 
141.    against  our  blessed  Saviour?     What  but  divine  grace  can  reclaim  men,  when  to  have  heard  of  the  resurrection  of 

Lazarus  from  their  own  friends  and  confidents,  who  had  just  been  eye-witnesses  of  it,  instead  of  conquering  their 

JOHN   hearts,  served  only  to  inflame  their  murderous  rage ! 
^^-         This  is  an  instance  wliere  we  evidently  see  the  place  of  judgment,  that  wickedness  was  thei-e ;  and  the  place  of 

4Q— 50  righteousness,  that  itiiquity  was  there.  (Eccles.  iii.  16.)  The  high-priest  lays  down  a  most  dangerous,  though 
plausible,  maxim,  which  is  in  effect  no  other  than  this,  "  That  the  murder  of  an  innocent  person  by  forms  of  law," 
(which,  as  a  noble  sufferer  observed,  is  surely  the  worst  kind  of  murder,)  "  nay,  even  of  a  person  who  by  miracles 
demonstrated  that  he  was  an  ambassador  from  God,  was  to  be  chosen,  rather  tlian,  by  protecting  and  obeying  him, 
to  give  umbrage  to  an  earthly  power  which  seemed  superior  to  their  own."  When  will  the  politicians  of  this 
earth  learn  to  trust  God  in  his  own  ways,  rather  than  to  trust  themselves,  and  their  own  wisdom,  in  violation  of 
all  the  rules  of  truth,  honour,  and  conscience  ?  Till  then,  like  this  foolish  ruler,  they  will  be  caught  in  their  own 
craftiness ;  and  it  is  more  than  possible,  that  they  may,  in  many  instances,  hasten  the  very  distress  they  are  con- 
triving to  avoid.  For  this  was  here  the  event :  the  Romans  (called  therefore  the  people  of  Messiah  the  Prince, 
Dan.  ix.  26.)  were  sent  as  executioners  of  the  divine  vengeance,  and  the  Jews  were  given  up  to  a  spirit  of  discord 
and  madness,  the  terrible  effects  of  which  were  such  as  cannot  be  read  without  horror,  till  their  place  and  nation 
were  taken  away ;  nor  could  even  the  Roman  general  forbear  declaring  that  the  hand  of  God  was  apparent  in 
their  destruction. 

Ver.  Let  us  attend  to  this  divine  oracle  which  God  saw  fit  to  put  into  the  mouth  of  so  wicked  a  man.    Jesus  has 

51,  52  actually  died  for  the  people,  even  for  all  the  children  of  God  that  are  scattered  abroad.  His  death  is  substituted 
instead  of  theirs,  and  by  it  they  are  redeemed  and  delivered,  and  shall  ere  long  be  incorporated  together,  and  all 
the  happy  colony  be  raised  to  an  abode  of  eternal  glory.     Blessed  harvest,  which  springs  up  from  redeeming  blood  ! 

56,  57  Heroic  love  of  the  dear  Redeemer,  which  at  the  proper  time  brought  him  to  Jerusalem,  where  he  knew  that  evil 
was  determined  against  him  !  Let  us  follow  him,  in  a  courageous  adherence  to  God  and  our  duty,  in  the  midst 
of  danger  and  opposition ;  and  not  wonder  if  we  are  set  up  as  the  marks  of  infamy  and  reproach,  when  we  see 
Jesus  marked  out  by  a  public  mandate,  as  if  he  had  been  a  robber  or  a  murderer ;  and  find  so  numerous  and 
grand  a  court  of  judicature,  recjuiring  their  subjects  to  seize  this  most  generous  Friend  of  the  whole  world,  as  the 
grand  enemy  of  God  and  his  country. 


SECTION  CXLII. 

ipsies  of 
Matt,  x: 

Mark  x.  32. 


Christ,  setting  out  on  his  last  journey  to  Jerusalem,  prophesies  of  his  sufferings  there  ;  rebukes  the  ambition  of  .lames  and  John  ;  and  renews  his 
exhortations  to  humility.     Matt.  xx.  17 — 28.  Mark  x.  32—46.  Luke  xviii.  31 — 34. 


Mark  x.  32. 

SECT.  AT  length  our  Lord  departed  from  tlie  place  of  his  retreat,  and  though  he  knew  the  reso-  and  they  were  in  the  way 
142.    lution  that  his  enemies  had  formed  against  him,  yet  he  set  out  with  his  disciples,  and,  ^°'",?  "Ll^Kifll^^Vif"^ '  ""IJ 

.^_^^__  /.    ,  •         T      ■   1       ■      1  •  1  \  11  11-  •        1  '^  1  ,    '    'esus  went  before  them  ;  and 

(taking  .lericho  in  his  road,)  was  determined  to  make  his  appearance  in  the  temple  at  the  they  were  amazed,  and  as 
MARK  approaching  passover  :  and  as,  in  pursuance  of  this  design,  thei/  were  in  the  way  going  up  to  afraid.  *°AnTlie  'took  a^ain 

32  •''S^'wsw'ew,  Jesus,  to  show  his  readiness  to  meet  sufferings  and  death  in  such  a  cause,  went  [Luke,  unto  him]  the  twelve 
before  them;  and  thei/  were  exceedingly  amazed  at  the  spirit  and  ardour  which  lie  dis-  a\Vd'^'begL^'trtei"thcm^what 
covered  in  so  dangerous  an  expedition  :  and  as  they  folknccd  him,  thei/  were  afraid,  both  thinss  "should  happen  unto 
for  themselves  and  him.  And  while  their  hearts  were  thus  impressed,  he  took  the  twelve  [Mat't.  xT.'i7^.''Luke"xviii'^S!] 
disciples  again  apart  to  himself,  into  a  convenient  retirement  which  tliey  met  with  by  the 

way,  and  began  particularly  to  tell  them  what  things  should  befall  him  in  that  important 
journey,  that  he  might  thus  prepare  them  for  the  sufferings  he  should  undergo,  and  that 
the  accomplishment  of  his  predictions  might  be  some  confirmation  to  their  faith,  during 
a  series  of  events  which  he  knew  would  so  severely  try  it.     And  he  said  to  them, 

33  Behold,  and  observe  what  I  say.  We  are  now  going  up  to  Jerusalem,  and  it  is  the  last  33  Behold,  we  go  up  to  Je- 
joumey  of  this  kind  we  shall  ever  take ;  for  now  all  things  which  are  written  by  the  ancient  thfnlsThat  Lre' wri' tten"by  thl 
prophets  concerning  the  sufferings  of  the  Son  of  man,  shall  be  exnct\y  fulfilled ;  a?id  the  Son  prophets  concerning  the  Son 
of  man  shall  he  betrayed  by  one  of  his  own  company,  who  has  professed  the  greatest  duty  "d  ;Tand1ifJ'sonot'^m™i'shaii 
and  affection  to  him,  [and]  shall  be  ungratefully  delivered  to  the  chief  priests  and  the  scribes,'^  be  [betrayed  an<f]  delivered 
particularly  to  those  who  constitute  the  sanhedrim,  and  who  have  already  published  so  ""to  thi  s'tHbes^  and'  they 
severe  an  edict  against  him;  (John  xi.  37.  sect,  cxli.)  and  when  they  have  him  thus  in  shall  condemn  him  to  death : 
their  power,  they  shall,  with  great  formality,  condemn  him  to  death  as  a  public  enemy  and  ^         ""■  ^^'  ^"'"'^  "''"'■  ^^'^ 

34  disturber.  And,  as  they  have  not  now  the  power  of  capital  executions  in  their  own  hands,  34  And  shall  deliver  him 
they  shall  deliver  him  up  to  the  Gentiles,  even  to  tlie  Roman  governor  and  his  soldiers;  and  'haiTm-Kk^pi  u'^ke  and  s*^*/ 
they,  instigated  by  the  malice  of  the  Jews,  and  utterly  ignorant  of  tlie  dignity  and  glory  fully  entreat]  him' and  Thalf 
of  his  person,  shall  mock  and  spite fulli/  entreat  him  in  the  most  contumelious  and  reproach-  ^?",Ti,.!'''"'  i^JI'^ti^lmi'  i^}} 

p  -I         '  1     1     11  11    '       ■        ■     »  ■  1  I     •  1  1       '1     -    !        tipon  nnn,  and  shall  kill  him» 

lul  manner,  and  shall  cruelly  scourge  him,  and  carrv  their  rude  outrage  to  such  a  height,  [and  crucify  him.]  and  the 
that  they  shall  even  spit  upon  him :  and,  when  tiiis  scene  of  mockery  is'over,  they  shall  put  [Mau!'xl'i9.^  Luke'xviiras; 
him  to  a  most  ignominious  and  painfid  death ;  and,  as  if  he  was  a  common  slave,  shall  33.] 
even  crucify  him,^  and  leave  him  to  expire  in  the  gradual  agonies  of  the  cross  :  and  yet  all 
their  malice  shall  not  be  able  to  triumph  over  him  :  for  on  the  third  day  he  shall  rise  again 
victorious  over  the  powers  of  darkness,  and  take  possession  of  that  glorious  and  universal 
kingdom  which  the  prophets  assign  to  the  Messiah.  (Compare  Matt.  xvi.  21.  sect.  Ixxxix. 
and  Matt.  xvii.  22.  sect,  xcii.) 
^^KE       jlnd^  plain  as  this  declaration  was,  their  prejudices  were  so  great,  that  they  did  not  under-     Luke  xviii.  34.   And  they 
34  *^'^"^  "Vy  ".f  ^^^-"^  things  thoroughly,  being  at  a  loss  to  reconcile  his  being  slain,  with  the  {h"n^sl'°^d  "h^^avin  "w*^ 
possession  of  that  kingdom  which  he  was  to  inherit ;  and  this  matter  was  hid  from  them  hid"?romThem,'nertiie'r4inew 
to  50  great  a  degree,  that,  af^er  all  our  Lord  had  said,  they  knew  not  the  meaning  of  the  *^^J^.^^^  "''"s^  ^hich  were 
things  which  were  spoken.  (Compare  Luke  ix.  44,  45.  p.  170.) 

a  S/ia/i  be  betraj/ed  and  delivered,  &<•.]   The  word  Trapa^o^/rjireTai  is  the  some  zealous  transport  of  popular  fury,  than  that  he  should  have  been 

same  both  in  Matthew  and  Mark  ;  but  plainly  includes   both   his  beimr  thus  solemnly  condemned,  and  delivered  up  to  crucifixion  ;  a  Roman 

treacherously  discovered  by  Judas,  and  given,  up  into  the  hands  of  his  punishment,  with  which  we  do  not  find  he  had  ever  been  threatened, 

enemies.    I   have  therefore  retained  the  diflerent  words  by  which  our  Indeed,  when  the  Jews  condemned   him  for  blasphemy,  for  which  the 

translators  render  if,  in  the  one  place  and  the  other.  punishment  appointed  in  the  law  was  stonin?,  and  Pilate  at  last  iravc 

b  They  shall — xconrr/c  him,  and  spit  vpon  him, — and  crucify  him.]  This  them  a  general  permission  to  take  him  anfl  judge  him  according  to  their 

prediction  is  a  remarkable  proof  of  the  prophetic  spirit  which  dwelt  in  own  law,  (Matt.  xxvi.  65. 66.  John  xviii.  31.  and  xix.  7.)  it  is  wonderful 

Christ ;  for  humanly  speakui!.',  it  was  much  more  probable  that  he  should  they  did  not  choose  to  stone  him  ;  but  nil  this  7Vas  done  that  the  Scrip- 

have  been  privately  as>as.tinaled,  or  stoned  (as  was  before  attempted)  by  Inrcs  might  be  fulfilled.    (Compare  Matt.  xxvi.  56.  and  John  xix.  36.) 


THE  AMBITIOUS  REQUEST  OF  THE  SONS  OF  ZEBEDEE.  247 

MM  XX  CO  Then  came  to  Nevertheless  they  apprehended  thus  much,  that  whatever  difficulties  lay  in  the  way,  they  SECT. 
him  the  motlieV  of  Zebedee's  should  certainly  end  in  his  triumph  and  glory.  And  upon  this  presumption,  then,  the  142. 
fiHmer^nd^'iohn  l'"worsh"pl  mother  of  Zeheclees  children  came  at  their  instigation  to  him,  with  her  sons  James  and  John, 

)U 

er 

'■"'  general  promise  to''f/o  yoi^'us  whatsoever  we  shall  request  of  thee ;  for  it  would  be  a  very 
great  grief  to  us  if  we  should  not  succeed  in  the  important  petition  we  have  to  present. 
Mark  X  36    And  he  said      And  he  Said  to  her  [and]  to  them,  You  cannot  expect  that,  whatsoever  kmdness  I  have   mark 
hinto  her!  and]  unto  them,  for  you,  I  should  at  all  adventures  enter  myself  into  SO  rash  an  engagement ;  tell  me  there-  ^  X- 
S  ye"thari- shLirdo  fore  particularly,  What  wouldst  thou  have?  [or\  What  would  you  so  earnestly  desire  that  I  ■^'^ 
for  >ou .'  [Matt.  xx.  21.]        should  do  for  y'oii,  if  I  was  fuUv  disposed  to  grant  your  request '. 

37  [She  saith  unto  him.  She  says  unto  him,  I  entreat  thee  to  grant  that  these  my  two  dear  sons,  to  whom  thou  hast  37 
Grant  that  these  my  two  sons,]  shown  SO  much  regard  and  who  are  so  zealous  for  thy  cause  and  mterest,  may  be  preferred 
fh;VwYmiylu;'ll"one  on  to  Stations  of  the  highest  dignity,  trust,  and  profit ;  [and]  they  joined  with  her  in  the  same 
thy  risht  hand,  and  the  other  request  and  said  Grant  us,  that  when  thou  art  established  m  thy  glorious  kingdom,  which, 
SomL'rfi'glory'.'^MatL'xl:  as  we  apprehend.  Will  shortly  be  erected  in  the  world,  we  7nay  not  only  have  a  place  there, 
21.]  but  may  be  fixed  near  thv  throne,  and  sit  in  distinguished  honour  and  authority,  the  one  at 

thy  right  hand,  and  the  other  at  thy  left,  as  thy  chief  ministers  of  state.' 
Matt.  XX.  11.   But  Jesus     '  Jiut  Jcsus  Said  to  them  in  reply,  Alas !  you  are  under  the  force  of  such  carnal  prejudices  matt. 
answered    and    said    [unto  ^^^^  mistaken  views,  that  you  hiow  not  lohat  you  ask,  or  you  would  be  ashamed  of  so  ^X. 
Lr  Are%e"abie"to  drink  o'  unseasonable  a  petition.    This  is  not  a  time  to  think  of  temporal  grandeur  and  authority ;  ^^ 
•.rfdto'U''1>VUze!i  tiliNil;  hut  it  is  much  more  proper  that  I  should  ask  you,  and  that  you  should  put  the  question 
baptism  that  1  am  baptized  to  yourselvcs.  Are  you  able  to  drink  of  the  bitter  cup  oj  xvhich  I  am  now  about  to  drink  so 
h\^  we'^are  able  fMarfx"  deep,-"  and  to  be  baptized  with  the  baptism,  and  plunged  into  that  sea  of  sufferings  with 
38,39.]  .  ■  which  I  am  shortly  \to  be']  baptized,  and,  as  it  were,  overwhelmed  for  a  time  (    And  they 

say  to  him,  with  a  self-coniident  assurance,  Yes,  Lord,  we  doubt  not  but  that  for  thy  sake 
we  «?-e  «We  to  undergo  all  this.  ,     ^  ■  •  /•.it 

23  And  [.resus]  saith  unto  And  Jesus  says  unto  them,  You  shall  indeed  both  of  you  drink  of  this  my  cup,  of  which  1  23 
them,  Ye  shall  drink  indeed  ^^^  ^^  drink,  uhd  be  baptized  with  the  baptism  of  extreme  sufferings  ivith  which  I  am  to  be 
and"be'b"Hptiz«iwithXba,;-  baptized;"  for  you  shall  endure  great  extremities  for  the  sake  of  my  gospel,  and  hazard 
b'uUo''sit'oTm''^ri'»h? hand'  YOur  lives  in  its  defence:  but  as  to  what  you  have  now  desired,  to  sit  on  my  right  hand, 
andon  myTeft'Ti's  notmineto  and  on  my  left,  in  my  kingdom  of  glory,  this  is  not  a  privilege  which  is  mine  to  give  by 
fS  tbr^'hom'i'/isVepared  partial  friendship,  or  to  the  first  and  most  importunate  asker,  nor  can  I  dispose  of  it  to  any 

of  my  Father.  [.Mark  x.  39,  but  \to  thosc]  for  whom  it  is  prepared  by  my  Father,  who  has  appointed  that  the  exaltation 
40J  and  happiness  of  the  other  world  shall  be  proportioned  to  the  degrees  of  piety  and  holiness 

which  are  attained  in  this.  .       ,     .  ,     ,  • 

24  And  when  the  fen  heard      And  when  the  ten  Other  apostles  heard  [of  it,]  and  were  acquainted  with  this  motion  24 
di'sptaid^S]  wer^e"  moved  which  the  sons  of  Zebedee  had  made,  they  began  to  be  much  displeased  that  they  should 
with  mdienation  against  the  aspire  to  a  Superiority  to  which  each  of  them  imagined  he  had  himself  an  equal  claim ; 
john.]^'"!Mar"k  x.^ii!]'    ^'"^  [and]  as  they  were  moved  ivith  indignation  against  the  two  brethren  James  and  John,  they 

were  going  to  expostulate  the  matter  with  some  seventy. 

25  But  Jesus  called  them      But  to  prevent  the  evil  consequences  which  might  arise  from  such  an  ill-judged  debate,  25 
"h"em  ]''"Ye  know''"that"?he  and  to'root  out  that  envy  and  ambition  which  prevailed  among  them,  Jesus  called  themaW 
princes  of  the  Gentiles  exer-  (o  him,  and  Said  wito  them,  You  well  know  that  the  princes  of  the  heathen  nations  f  lord  it 
Ft\?e^J''™eTone''sfTxirdse  over  them  in  a  very  imperious  manner;  and  their  great  men,  in  stations  of  subordinate 
authority  upon  them.  [Mark  government,  imitate  their  tyrannical  masters,  and  exercise  an  arbitrary  authority  upon  them 

"■  ^"-^  that  are  more  immediately  subject  to  their  command ;  and  that  ambition  which  is  so 

natural  to  the  depraved  heart  of  man,  engages  them  eagerly  to  pursue  such  distniguished 
£6  But  it  shall  not  be  so  Stations,  which  may  give  them  an  opportunity  to  gratify  it.     But  my  kingdom  is  of  another  26 
"Tirb^e  gre"ai  arnon* 'you'Tet  "ature,  and  it  shull  not  be  SO  among  you  ;  for,  instead  of  appointing  any  one  among  you  as 
iiim  be  yourminister.  [Mark  the  chief  who  should  govem  the  rest,s  I  tell  you  plainly,  that  you  are  to  look  on  each  other 
"•  *^-^  as  brethren  and  equals,  or  rather,  each  to  esteem  others  as  worthier  of  regard  than  himself; 

indulge  not  therefore  an  ambitious  temper,  but  whosoever  ivould  indeed  be  great  among  you, 
let  him,  instead  of  aiming  at  power  and  authority,  choose  to  be  your  minister,  and  attend 
27  And  whosoever  will  be  on  the  rest  with  all  the  humblest  offices  of  condescension  and  love.     And  whosoever  ivould  27 
yoursenant  IZ'  Ih'e se'r'^ant  be  chief  among  you,  or  first  in  my  esteem,  and  in  future  honour  and  happiness,  let  him  be 
of  all.]  [Mark  x.'  44.]  ready  'to  behave  himself  on  all  occasions  as  your  servant ;  1  yea,]  let  him  be  the  servant,  not 

only  of  your  little  fraternity,  but  of  all  that  are  about  him :"'  with  all  humility  submitting  to 
the  meanest  services,  by  which  he  may  promote  the  spiritual  interest  and  benefit  of  others. 
Mark  X.  45.   For  even  the      And  wonder  not  that  this  should  be  required  of  you,  when  you  consider  how  great  an   mark 
Son  ot  man  came  not  to  be  example  you  have  of  this  temper  in  him  who  is  so  far  your  superior ;  for  even  the  Son  of  -^'-  ^^• 

c  We  map  sit,  the  m,e  at  ihy  rinht  hnml.  and  the  other  at  thy  left.']  venom  is  ridiculously  re  presented,  as  rornins  out  of  the  cup  in  the  form 
There  may  perhaps  be  an  allusion  in  these  words  to  a  circumstance  of  a  serpent,  to  signify  that  the  poison  did  not  take  eltect. 
which  the  Talmudical  writers  relate  concerning  the  sanhedrim:  that  f  The  princes  of  the  heathen  nations.]  Mark  expresses  it  by  oi  (Iokbi/- 
there  were  two  officers  of  peculiar  distinclion,  who  sat  on  each  side  of  rec  apx^'"  tmv  effvayv,  which  we  rentier,  they  which  are  accounted  to 
the  Nasi,  or  president  of  the  court :  the  one  called  Ab  Beth  Pin,  or  the  rule  over  the  iientiles  ;  but  this  (^ylth  Ga  aker,  Cmn  lih.t  cap.  3.)  I 
father  of  the  justiciary,  who  sat  on  the  right  hand  of  the  president;  the  take  to  be  a  pleonasm,  and  think  it  should  be  translated,  Ihey  wnonile 
other  Chacham,  or  the  sage,  who  sat  oii  the  left.  See,  amonsr  many  over  the  Gentiles;  and  so  it  coincides  with  the  clause  inserted  from  Mat- 
other  writers  on  this  head,  Whist.  Miscell.  ^acr.  vol.  i.  lib.  ii.  Dissert,  thew.  (Compare  1  Cor.  xi.  16.  xii.  23.  xi;'.  37.  and  1  hil.  in.  4.  Gr.) 
3  ^  46  47.  Instances  are  produced  ot  the  like  use  ot  the  phrase  in  th.-  best  l-'eek 
'd  To  drink- of  the  cup,  &c.]  It  was  customary  anions  the  ancients  to  authors,  by  Mr.  Blackwall,  in  h\s  Sacred  Classics,  vol.  i  p.  7*.  to  whic_h 
assign  to  each  guest  at  a  feast  a  particular  cup,  as  well  as  dish  ;  and  by  mav  be  added,  t»9  hiiKavrai  ahxtty,  tov  aitKHv-rm,  t'oliih.  Iity.  i.  cap.  .•>. 
the  kind  and  quantity  of  the  liquor  contained  in  it,  the  respect  of  the  and  ran  ev  vnepoxn .fiojinvToov,  Lpictet.  Kiichmd.  cap.  M.  ..  u. 
entertainer  was  expressed.    Hence  cvp  came  in  general   to  signify  a  g  Instead  of  appointing  any  one  among  you  as  the  chiet.^<\x.J  ^J}^« 


portion  assianed,  (Psal.  xvi.  5.  xxiii.  5.)  whether  of  pleasure  or  sorrow  ;  request  of  these  two  brethren  plainly  showed  that  'hey  'id  not  unaer- 

anl  many  instances  occur  in  which   it  refers  to  the  letter.    Compare  stand  our  Lonl's  words  to  Peter,  (Matt.  xvi.  18,  19..^  P'  i,^!„   .IT  !h. 

Psal.  xi.  6.  Ixxiii.  10.  Isa.  li.  17,  22.  Jer.  xxv.  15,  17.  Zech.  xii.  2.  to  invest  him  with  any  awMonry  over  the  rest  of  his  bretliren.  so  ine 

John  xviii.  11.  and  Matt.  xxvi.  39,  42.  answer  which  Christ  here  gives  them,  tar  from  intimating  any  thing  ot 


n  xviii.  11.  and  Matt.  xxvi.  39,  42.  answer  which  Christ  here  gives  them,  tar  fom  iniimat  iik  .."j'  ";'"^."; 

e  You  shall  indeed  drink  of  my  cup,  Ixc]    Accordingly  it  is  observable,  that  kind,  concludes  as  strongly  against  any  such  authoitii  3S  Anegaiiie 

that  this  James  was  the  first  of  all  the  apostles  who  suffered  martyrdom  argument  can  be  supposed  to  do,  and  seems  abundantly  lo  jusu.y  uk 

for  Christ:  (Acts  xii.  2.-)    And  John  was  scourged  bvthe  Jews, (Acts  v.  turn  given  in  the  paraphrase.                                                 rommonlv  ob- 

40.)  and  afterwards  banished  by  Domitian  into  the  isle  of  Patmos,  where  h  The  servant  of  all.]    There  is  a  gradation  here  not  '"^'^""'^^'^ 

bespeaks  of  himself  as  a  companion  of  Christ's  tribulation:  (Rev.  i.  9.)  served.     1  he  word  5,aKoi/or  m  the  former  y^.'^se,  «hirh.  tor  wan^or  a 

>--ot  to  mention  Terfullian's  tradition,  that  at   Rome  he  was  plunged  better  word,  we  render  minister,  is  a  name  *Xh,  ^enmloved  to  render 

into  boiling  oil ;  by  whidi,  it  is  said,  instead  of  being  destroyed,  he  was  who  occasionaly  attended  others.,  or  was  ■^'»'«i'^,j;"^„7si  '"fi^^^^^ 

.sensibly  refreshed;  riertull.  Prd;jcr/>/.  cap.  .36.)  nor  what  the  pretended  them  any  particular  kind  of  service;  ^ut  ^«^OT|Jf™''"'•^'^^^^^^ 

Prochorus  says  of  the  attempt  made  by  some  heretics  to  poison  him  ;  whose  whole  business  it  is  to  serve,  and  ."^,"°  '^'V"  „  adatioii 

which  IS  generally  referred  to  in  the  pictures  of  this  apostle,  where  the  another,     the  words,  of  all,  do  likewi..e  increase  me  „.auai  u  i. 


248  TWO  BLIND  MEN  FROM  JERICHO  CURED. 

SECT,  man  himself,  though  a  person  of  such  illustrious  digrnity,  and  constituted  to  so  glorious  and  ministered  unto,  but  tominis- 

14.9       i„„i-;        „ij  ,,i  -.1  iXj  ii  J  ..  1-1      ter,  and  togive  his  lite  aran- 

^^■^-    iHstnig  a  kingdom,  came  not  to  be  waited  upon,  but  to  serve  others  ;  and  was  not  sent  mto  som  tor  many.  [Matt.  xx.  28.] 

~  the  world  to  exercise  a  temporal  dominion,  and  in  a  lordly  way  to  rule  over  men,  but  to 
MARK  take  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and  not  only  to  labour  but  to  die  for  their  good,  and 

45  ^'^  ^'^'^  ^^^  ^^'^  ''^  ^s  (''  ransom  for  mam/  who  had  forfeited  theirs  to  the  justice  of  an 
offended  God.  Tliink  not,  therefore,  that  the  disciples  of  such  a  self-denying  Master  are 
to  dream  of  secular  power,  dominion,  and  grandeur ;  but  rather  study  to  mortify  these  very 
unbecoming  desires  after  it. 

46  And,  quickly  after  this,  thex/  came  to  Jericho,  where  two  blind  men  were  cured  by  Christ,  46  And  they  came  to  Jeri- 
which  was  soon  after  followed  with  the  remarkable  conversion  of  Zaccheus,  as  will  be  seen  ^^o.— 

in  the  next  section. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
Ver.33      Astonishing  grace  and  compassion  of  the  Son  of  God  in  going  up  to  Jemsalem  at  this  passover,  when  he  so 

34  circumstantially  knew  all  the  thmgs  which  were  to  befall  him  there !  not  only  that  he  should  be  put  to  death,  but 
in  what  manner  he  should  suffer,  and  what  cruelty  and  what  scorn  should  introduce  the  last  scene  of  his  agonies  ! 
Yet,  with  so  sad  a  prospect  in  his  eye,  he  marched  on  with  distinguished  alacrity,  leading  the  company,  as  if  he 

32  longed  to  encounter  what  they  could  not  bear  to  see,  or  even  to  hear  of.     Glorious  Captain  of  our  salvation !  give 

us  the  like  alacrity  in  all  the  sufferings  we  are  called  to  bear  for  thee! 

33—37      Who  would  not  grieve  to  see  these  good  apostles  still  so  much  possessed  with  the  spirit  of  this  world,  and  still 

dreaming  of  preferment  in  a  temporal  kingdom  ?     Who  would  not  especially  lament  it,  that  his  most  intimate 

friends,  James,  and  John  the  beloved  disciple,  should  be  the  persons  who  should  come  to  him  with  this  strange 

38  request  ?  Justly  did  our  Lord  answer  them.  You  know  not  what  you  ask.  And  may  not  the  same  answer  often 
be  made  to  us  ?  When,  therefore,  he  denies  us  the  great  things  that  we  are  seeking  for  ourselves,  let  us  be  satisfied 
with  the  denial  he  sees  fit  to  give  us ;  believing  that  it  is  wisdom  and  love,  and  not  unkindness,  that  produces  it. 

38  Let  us  often  ask  ourselves.  Can  we  share  the  sufferings  which  our  Lord  endured  ?  If  we  do  not  desire  to  do  it 
so  far  as  he  shall  appoint,  we  are  not  worthy  to  be  called  his  disciples.  Let  us  then  sird  up  the  loins  of  our  minds, 
and  wait  our  Master's  signal  to  go  forth  to  any  suffering  or  service  that  he  shall  require ;  ever  ready  to  make  our- 
44,  45  selves  the  servants  of  all,  and  therein  to  imitate  the  humility  of  the  Son  of  man,  who  came  not  to  be  ministered  unto, 
but  to  minister :  yet,  after  all  we  can  do  or  bear  for  him,  let  our  trust  still  be  in  the  merits  of  his  righteousness  and 
blood,  who  gave  his  life  a  ransom  for  many.  So  shall  we  be  fitted  for  those  distinguished  honours  in  the  heavenly 
world,  in  comparison  with  which,  thrones  and  sceptres  on  earth  are  but  empty  pageants  and  childish  toys. 


SECTION  CXLIII. 


Our  Lord,  passing  through  Jericho  in  his  way  to  .Jerusalem,  cures  two  blind  men  as  he  came  out  from  thence,  and  converts  Zaccheus  the  publican. 
Matt.  XX.  29,  to  the  end.    Mark  x.  46,  to  the  end.    Luke  xviii.  35,  to  the  end  ;  xix.  1 — 10. 

„p™  Mark  x.  46.  Mark  x.  46. 

j^Q  ■  AND  Jesus,  being  come  to  Jericho,  ])roceeded  on  his  journey  towards  Jemsalem;  and  and   as   he  went  out  of 

'_  being  observed  by  many  as  he  was  passing  through  the  city,  they  were  all  ready  to  run  preat'"'muHitude^'^7oi'lowed 

MARK  ^^^^"^  ^™  '  ""'^  accordingly,  as  he  went  out  of  Jericho  with  his  disciples  in  his  train,  a  great  him.]  [Matt.  xx.  29.] 
X.  46.    multitude  of  other  ])eop\e  followed  him. 

MATT.       And,  behold,  an  occasion  offered  for  a  remarkable  display  of  his  power  and  grace  at  his     Matt.  xx.  30.  And  behold, 

XX.     departure  thence;  for  it  came  to  pass,  that  Providence  so  ordered  it,  as  he  was  yet  nigh  L^'^heVaVco'me°ms?f'unto 

^^  7into  Jericho,^  that  tnw  blind  men  sat  begging  bi/  the  wai/  side,  as  beggars  use  to  do  in  places  Jericho,]  two  blind  nien,  [:/ie 

that  are  much  frequented  ;  [the  one']  of  whom"  was  well  known  by  the  name  of  Bartimcus,  Tfmeus,'^s'at  bT^he^hisfh-way 

that  is,  the  son  of  Timeus.*'    And  hearing  the  noise  of  a  gi-eat  multitude  pa.ssing  hi/,  he,  to-  s'de,  begsing.j  [Mark"  x.  46. 

LUKE   gether  with  his  companion,  asked  what  that  unusual  concourse  of  people  meant,  and  how     Luke^xviii^  36.   And  hear- 

XVIII.  jt;  ^^5  occasioned.     And  they  told  him  that  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  that  celebrated  Prophet,  ing  the  multitude  pass  by,  he 

36,  37  who  had  performed  so  many  miracles,  was  coming  bi/,  and  a  vast  number  of  the  people  of  ^37'A^d*they"ou'i  him,  that 

the  town  were  with  him.     jhid  when  he  heard  that  it  was  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  as  he  had  fre-  -^^li',^"/  Nazareth  passeth  by. 

MARK  quentlybeen  told  v/hat  remarkable  cures  of  this  kind  he  had  performed  in  other  places,  he  heard'^tiJat  it  was^ilsu"  of 

X-      could  not  but  look  upon  it  as  a  happy  circumstance,  that  he  was  now  passin"  by  the  very  Nazareth  [passed  by,]  he  be- 

47     1  1  1  X  1   •  1-    .   1      ;      I  ±  .t        aU       1       J        ■  J        .u  "1  gan  to  cry  out,  and  say,  Jesus, 

place  where  he  sat ;  and  immediately /(C  began  to  cry  out  with  a  loud  voice,  and  with  great  thou  Son  of  Daviii,  have 
eagerness  to  say,  Jesus,  thou  Son  of  "David,  thou  great  and  glorious  Messiah,  pity  my  sad  mercy  on  me:  [yea, they  both 

=  j.  .  ,^:  '  ./p  ,11    i,n        -J        P  ■  ..I         '  I     .'        -  cried  out,  saynig,  Have  mercy 

condition,  and  have  merry  on  me  I  \_yea,  they  both]  cried  out,  saying,  in  the  same  manner,  on  us,  o  Lord,  thou  Son  of 
and  with  one  voice.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord,  thou  illustrious  Son  of  David,  and  exert  ^^jj"'^  j'^^^"'  ^"^  ^'  ^"''^ 
thy  almighty  power  to  deliver  us  from  this  deplorable  darkness  and  distress ! 

And  some  of  the  multitude  ivho  ivcnt  before  Jesus  rebuked  them  for  their  making  such  a  .  Matt.  xx.  31.  And  the  mul- 
clamour;  and  as  the  voice  of  Bartimeus' distinguished  itself  on  this  occasion,  many  par-  befbre,]'"rebuk^e'dThem;  fand 
ticularly  charged  him  that  he  should  be  silent,  and  not  be  so  importunate  and  troublesome:  nianv  charsed  him,  that  he 
hut  they,  knowing  that  if  such  an  opportunity  as  this  was  lost  it  might  never  return,  re-  theycried  the  mo'rr'tV  great 
garded  nothing  but  the  success  of  their  petition,  and  therefore  cried  out  a  greal  deal  the  deal,]  saving,  Have  mercy 
more  earnestly,  saying,  as  before,  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  I^ord,  thou  Son  of  David!  and  n'avid :  [ihouSon°of  David, 
Bartimeus  especially  repeated  it  again  and  again,  saying.  Thou  Son  of  David,  have  mercy  ^^'■''^^l^^y 9". me.]  [Mark x! 
on  me,  and  help  me!  '"'"'•  ^^■■' 

MARK  And  Jesus,  as  he  was  advancing  forwards  in  his  way,  observed  how  earnestly  they  cried ;  Mark  x.  49.  And  Jesus 
and  as  they  still  repeated  their  request,  he  graciously  stood  still,  and  ordered  'them  both  to  [^'hem]'t'o''be^cllied"["LuKE'! 
he  called  [cind']  brought  to  him,  that  they  might  tell  him  what  it  was  they  so  earnestly  a'ld  brought  unio  him :]  nnd 
desired.  And  upon  this  the  people  had  their  expectations  raised,  and  as  they  now  con-  In^unto  iilm,' Be"'ot"'go^d" 
eluded  that  they  should  see  him  work  a  miracle,  they  ran  immediately  to  call  the  blind  vum  ™{"f'""''  ''s^-  hecalleth  thee, 
and  his  companion,  saying  to  him,  as  also  to  the  other.  Be  of  good  courage,  and  rise  up,  for  ^'  att.xx.32.  u  exviu.40.] 
he  calleth  thee  to  him,  ancl  you  may  therefore  hope  that  he  intends  to  grant  your  request. 

a  As  he  71'ax  yet  nigh  unto  Jericho.']    In  our  translation  it  is  rendered,  stored  sight  to  one  blind  man  as  he  entered  in,  and  to  another  as  he 

as  he  was  come  nigh  vnio  Jericho:  but  the  original,  eii  tm  e77ifeii/,  only  came  out,  (see  Lightfoot's   Harmony,  %  Ixix.)  but  this  is  improbable, 

signifies  aAc7i.  ora'/«7(;, //e-iw.5  7jear  (>.•  compare  Luke  xix.  29  ; — to  which  especially  considering  how  the  multitude  rehuked  Bartimeus  for  his 

may  be  added  [in  confirmation  of  the  justice  of  this  remark,  which  lias  importunity,  which  surely  they  would  never  have  done  it'  such  a  cure 

been  called  in  question  by  a  writer  of  great  eminence  in  the  learned  as  this  had  but  just  now  been  wrought  at  the  other  end  of  the  same 

M'orld,]   Luke  x.  9.  xv.  1.  xviii.  40.  Kom.  xiii.  12.  and  the  .Septuaaint  town. 

version  of  Isa.  I.  8.  Jer.  xxiii.  23. — And  it  is  necessary  to  understand  it  b  'I'hc  son  of  Timeus.']    It  is  very  probable  Timeus  might  have  been  a 

thus,  in  order  to  reconcile  Luke's  account  of  this  miracle  with  that  of  person  of  some  note  in  that  neighbourhood,  whose  son,  by  a  coniplica- 

Matthew  and  Mark,  who  both  expressly  say,  it  was  performed  as  he  tion  of  calamities,  fell  both  into  poverty  and  blindness. 
departed  or  went  out  of  Jericho,    Some  have  indeed  fancied,  that  he  re- 


MATT. 
XX. 
31 


X. 

49 


THE  CONVERSION  OF  ZACCHEUS.  249 

50  And  he  castin-away  his  And  Bartimeus  joyfully  received  the  message,  aud,  throwing  aside  his  upper  garment,  that  SECT, 
gannent?  rose,  and  came  to  it  mic^ht  not  hinder  him  a  moment,  he  arose,  and  came  to  Jcsiis  with  all  possible  haste  and    14vJ. 

■'^M 'a       ri  iiKE   when  he  eagerness  ;  the  other  blind  man  also  following  as  fast  as  he  could.     And  when  he  luas  come 

was  come  near,] 'Jesus  an-  „gfir,  Jesus,  to  try  his  faith,  and  to  encourage  his  dependence  on  his  power  and  goodness,  mark 
WhLfwfit1hou';'ha"tTshoaid  answercd  and  said  unto  him,  What  is  the  mercy  you  so  earnesdy  entreat  ?  or  what  dost  thou  5^^- 
do  unto  thee  f  The  blind  man  d^gire  I  should  do  for  thee  1  And  the  blind  man  said  unto  him,  Rubboni,  that  is,  my  Master 
m,lt'""r°ceil'"e'  ^my'  si-ht:  and  my  Lord,  the  favour  which  I  beg  is  obvious  from  the  circumstance  in  which  thou 
[They  say.  Lord,  that  our  ggggj  ^g  g^g^  n^^t  J  jrmy  be  SO  happy  as  to  recover  my  sight,"  the  loss  of  which  I  cannot 
x^'^S'^ss'  LulT'xviii^'40;  but  lament  as  a  great  calamity  to  me,  from  which  I  know  that  thou  art  able  to  deliver  me. 
4i;]    '      ■  Tlie  other  likewise  by  this  time  came  up,  making  the  same  request ;  and  they  both  joined 

to  sail.  Lord,  we  beseecli  thee  that  our  eyes  might  he  opened. 

Matt  XX  34  So  Jesus  had       Then  Jcsus  had  compassion  on  them  both,  and  touched  their  eyes ;  and,  as  a  testimony  of  matt. 
compassion   on    them,  and  ^jg  approbation  of  that  eminent  deoree  of  faith  winch  they  had  each  ot  them  expressed,    ax. 
Ind  sli^uTto'^hnn,  LVce'ive  and  Bartimeus  in  particular  in  the  strongest  terms,  he  said  to  him  and  his  companion,  Be'^'^ 
thy  sight.]  [a«rf  go  thy  way  ;  jj  ^jj^q  jj^gg  ^s  thou  hast  dcsired  ;  receive  thy  sifht,  \and\  go  thy  way  ;  thy  faith  has  saved 
w^oie'l'^iatk*  x"^t  hull  thee  from  the  sad  condition  thou  wast  in  ;  and  if  thou  continuest  to  exercise  it  m  a  reliance 
xviii.  42.]  upon  me,  thy  eternal  salvation  and  happiness  will  be  secure. 

Luke  xviii.  4.3.   And  im-      And  immediately  their  eyes  were  opened,  and  received  sight,  so  that  they  now  could  see   luke 
mediately  [their  eyes  received  distinctly  and  With  a  grateful  sense  of  their  deliverance,  they  joined  the  company,  and  aviu. 
[i{iARK?".fesus7h'  the'w^yj  followed  Jesus  in  the  xvay  to  Jerusalem,  glorifying  God  for  this  amazing  instance  of  his  ^-i 
gloritymg  God :  and  all  ^'e'croodness  to  them:  and  all  the  people  likewise,  ivhen  they  saw  \it,\  gave  praise  unto  Uod, 
gave  prabe  u"nto  God!TMau:  who,  in  remembrance  of  his  mercy,  had  sent  them  so  great  a  Prophet,  to  appear  and  act 
XX.  34.  Mark  x.  52.]  amono-  them  under  the  character  of  the  Son  of  David. 

Luke  xix.  1.  And  Jes^.s  And  presently  the  news  of  this  surprising  miracle  was  spread  abroad;  and^  [Jesvs]  luk-e 
entered  and  passed  through  /^(jvinir  entered  (as  was  said  before)  into  the  city,  and  having /)as.vec<  throvgh  Jericho,  a  vast  XIX. 
•'^"'^''°'  numljer  of  people  had  followed  him  from  thence  ;  and  this  new  instance  he  had  given  of  ^ 

his  miraculous  power  increased  his  fame  through  all  the  neighbourhood,  and  drew  the 
multitude,  as  he  passed  along,  in  crowds  about  him. 

2  And,  behold,  there  vias      And  as  he  thus  proceeded  "on  his  journey,  behold,  another  most  remarkable  occurrence  2 
a  man  named  Zaccheus,  which  happened,  in  which  the  efficacy  of  his  grace  was  signally  displayed  ;  for  {^Ihere  was\  a  man 
li^nV,\arhe''w^?ich!  ^"  "  in  that  country  tvhose  name  was  Zaccheus,  who  ivas  the  chief  among  the  publicans,  or  head 

collector  of  the  customs  in  those  parts  ;  and,  having  heaped  up  abundance  of  wealth  by 

3  And   he  sought  to  see  his  gainful  employment,  he  was  very  rich.     And  the  great  things  which  he  had  heard  of  3 
Jesus  who  he  was;  and  could  jggus  made  such  a  powerful  impression  on  his  mind,  that  when  he  was  informed  that  he 
wi  littu y'stSire!'"''"'"    '  was  coming  by  that  wav,  he  diligently  sought  an  opportunity  to  see  this  celebrated  Jesus, 

what  sort  of  a  person  he\cas ;  hut  he  could  not  compass  his  desis;n  because  of  the  crowd  about 

4  And  he  ran  before,  and  him  ;  for  he  himself  was  very  little  of  stature.    And  running  therefore  before  the  rest  of  the  4 
climbed  up  into  *  ^ycamore-  company.  Without  regarding  what  tliev  might  thiitk  or  say  of  him,  he  got  up  into  a  syca- 
to  pass  thlt  Ls,:  more-tree,  that  he  might  see'him  there  distinctly  ;  for  he  perceived  he  was  to  pass  that  way, 

5  And  when  Jesus  came  to  and  the  tree  stood  SO  near  the  road  that  he  must  go  close  by  it.     And  Jesus,  when  he  came  5 
saw'hfm 'a'lid'^aid'linto  htm   ^"  ^f"'  P^"'^^  where  he  was,  looked  up  and  saw  him  ;  and  knowing  his  disposition,  character, 
Zacchells,^  make"  haste,  and  and  circumstanccs,  he  immediately  said  to  him,  Zaccheus,  make  haste  and  come  down ;  for 
m.Ts?abidraithy  ho'u;f^  '  <"-^«V  I  design  thee  a  visit,  and  inrnt  abide  for  a  while  at  thine  house;  and  fully  satisfied 

6  And  he  matfe  haste',  and  that  1  shall  be  a  welcome  guest,  I  take  the  liberty  to  invite  myself  thither.    And  Zaccheus  Q 
joXllr"' '^'^ '"^"'''*'"'''"  was  so  overjoyed  that  .Testis  should  distinguish  him  in  such  a  manner,  that  he  came  down 

with  all  the  speed  he  could,  and  gladly  entertained  him  at  his  house,  thinking  himself  highly 
^honoured  by  the  presence  of  so  excellent  a  Person. 

7  And  when  they  saw  it.      And  the  Pharisees,  and  other  self-conceited  persons  who  .W7o   [it,]  were  very  much  7 
Thathe  w'^s™neVo'be''gu"est  offcuded  at  the  particular  regard  that  Jesus  showed  him  ;  and  they  all  murmured,  saying, 
with  a  man  tiiat  is  a  sinner.     _He  is  gone  in  to  refresh  himself  at  a  maris  house*  ivho  is  certainly  a  notorious  sinner,  since 

he  follows  the  scandalous  employment  of  a  publican. 

8  And  Zaccheus  stood,  and      But  as  Zuccheus  now  was  quite  another  man  than  he  had  been  before,  and  divine  grace  8 
L(ird7he  half  ormy  goods^'  ^^^  changed  his  heart,  that  he  might  fully  obviate  these  reflections,  and  manifest  the  truth 
give  to  the  poor ;  and  if  I  of  his  conversion,  he  stood  forth  in  the  face  of  all  the  company,  and  said  to  the  Lord  with 
any^ma^n  by  f^ise  accusati™   g^cat  reverence  and  affection.  Behold,  O  Lord,  I  acknowledge  the  sins  of  my  past  life, 

I  restore  /«>»  four-fold.  '  and  desire  to  testify  my  repentance  for  them  by  an  entire  and  immediate  reformation  ;  as 
the  first-fruits  of  which",  I  openly  declare  that  the  half  of  my  goods  I  give  to  the  poor;  and 
out  of  the  remainder,  if  I  wrongfully  have  taken  any  thing  from  any  man  by  injurious 
charges  or  oppressive  claims,^  I  am  ready,  not  only  to  restore  a  fifth  part  more  than  the 
principal,  (which  is  all  that  the  law  requires  in  such  cases  besides  the  trespass-offering, 
Lev.  vi.  2 — 5.  and  Numb.  v.  7,  8)  but  even  to  return  [him]  four-fold.' 

9  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.      And  Jesus  Said  to  Zaccheus,  and  to  them  that  were  about  him,  'Surely  to-day  is  salvation  9 
iSiii^hoiTsi^  fora'^'mucrS^he  ^^""^  ^'^  this  house ;  and  it  is  evidently  to  be  seen  that  spiritual  blessings  are  imparted  to 
alw  is^tife  son  of  Abraham."'  it,  and  designed  for  it,  when  such  a  penitent  and  religious  temper  is  expres.sed  :  since,  not- 
withstanding all  the  sins  he  has  committed,  it  is  now  manifest  that  even  this  man  also  is  a 
true  son  of  Abraham,  not  only  descended  lineally  from  him,?  but  of  a  character  in  some 

c  TTial  I  map  recover  my  sight.']  This  the  word  ava/3\€>!ju>  exactly  the  phrase  of  restoring  seven-fold  (Prov.  vi.  SI.). seems  only  proverbial, 
signifies,  and  seems  to  import  that  he  was  not  iom  hlind.  but  lost  his  to  express  makmg  abundant  satisfaction.  But  it  a  man  not  legally  con- 
sight  by  some  disease  or  accident,  which  made  him  so  much  the  more    victed   or  accused  voluntarily  discovered  a  fraud  he  had  committee!, 

— "         -  .  t     •  .      .  :-  — ""-=-,  he  was  to  add  to  the  principal  only  a  tilth 

therefore  shows  the  sincerity  of  his  repent- 
ne  commentators  (with  Salmasius,  de  lam. 
Tiw,  properly  signihes  to  bait  at  a  persons  house  on  a  jmmiey .  rerernng  p.  ^a-z.)  nave  remarKeo,  iiiat  oppressive  publicans  were,  by  '^e  Roman 
to  the  laying  down  their  own  burdens,  or  loosening  them  from  their  law,  required  to  restore  four  told  ;  but  this  was  only  alter  J™?™"" 
beasts  at  such  times  and  places.     See  Wolfius,  vol.  i.  p.  733.  obtained,   where  they  had  been  guilty  ot  extorting  by  toice  ;   «"<jreas 

e  If  1  wrormfnlly  have  taken  any  thing,  Ac]  The  word  tnvKoikav-tnaa  before  conviction  it  was  enough  to  make  restitution  ot  "'"^  "^"  ^rer 
(as  Ileinsius  has  abundantly  shown)  may  properly  signify  any  kind  ot    taken  :  and  even  after  it,  in  common  cases,  all  that  the    '*J,^rM"'    Jt 


a'jiiiciiiiii:;  ot  a  rormai  iriai,  ami  deience  or  ine  party  accuseu  -,   wmrica;!    uccu  uujuauj'  ^micu,  nc  .,uui.i  m...  ...v.j.  .^^^ ■- ,  .  even 

many  frauds  and  oppressions  might  be  practised  by  sucli  a  tax-gatherer  tion,  after  having  given  away  lia  t  ot  what  he  now  han  t"  '"^  1        j     ... 

wheiu  nothing  of  this  sort  occurred.  though    he   had   stripped  himself  ot    all.    lillo^ons  Horhs,  \oi.   in. 

t  I  restore  him  fimr-rold.]     1  his  was  the  utmost  that  the  .lewish  law  p.  86.                               .     ,          ,  ■      i    nu       o,„o  nf  Zaccheus  (which  is 

required,  even  in  cases  of  a  fraudulent  concealment  and  conviction,  g  Descended  lineally  from  him.]    ^  he  name  of   /accneus  <  wnicn  ^^^ 

(unless  where  an  ox  had  been  killed  or  sold,  and  soils  labour  lost  to  the  the  same  with  Zaccai,  Ezra  ii.. 9.)  shows  he  wa.sajew.    aet  i..„miuui, 

owner,  and  the  discovery  rendered  more  difficult,  Exod.  xxii.  1.)  for  Hor.  Heir,  in  loi.  and  Salmasius,  de  l(fn.  p.  ooo. 


250  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  TEN  POUNDS. 

SECT,  measure  worthy  of  so  honourable  a  descent.     And  therefore,  notwithstanding  all  your     lo  For  the  Son  of  man  is 
143.    murmurings,  I  rejoice  in  the  consequences  of  this  happy  visit  to  him,  as  answering  the  whkVwarlosT'^ '"  ^'^''^  "'*' 

great  purposes  of  my  life  ;  for  the  Son  of  man,  as  I  have  formerly  declared,  (Matt,  xviii. 

LUKE   11.  sect,  xciv.)  is  come  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which  was  lost ;  and  it  is  the  grand  design 
'^Q  of  his  abode  on  earth  to  recover  those  who,  like  this  poor  Zaccheus  in  his  unconverted 
state,  were  wandering  in  the  way  to  everlasting  ruin. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Thus  did  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  wheresoever  he  came,  scatter  blessings  around  him,  both  to  the  souls  and  the 

Ver.2  bodies  of  men.     Who  can  wonder  that  Zaccheus  had  a  curiosity  to  see  such  a  person !     And  how  happily  did 

3  that  curiosity  end  !     Christ  graciously  observed  him,  and,  with  an  amiable  frankness  and  openness  of  heart,  invited 

5  himself  to  be  a  guest  at  his  house :  choosing  to  accept  the  entertainment  of  a  publican,  and  to  distinguish  with  a 

particular  regard  one  that  was  so  desirous  to  see  him.  •  And  let  us  diligently  observe  how  happy  a  change  this 

9  visit  produced  in  the  master  of  the  family.     O  Zaccheus,  well  wast  thou  repaid  for  thine  hospitality  when  salvation 

came  to  thine  house,  and  the  Saviour  himself  bore  witness  to  thee  as  a  son  of  Abraham  ! 

What  cannot  the  grace  of  God  effect  ?  Tliis  publican  was  in  the  morning  contriving  only  how  he  might  increase 
8  his  estate  by  all  possible  methods  of  gain  ;  and,  before  evening,  he  cries  out.  Lord,  the  half  of  mi/  goods  I  give  to 
the  poor.  Thus  does  the  Spirit  of  Christ  operate  on  the  soul,  producing  in  it  the  fruits  of  righteousness  and  charity 
to  our  fellow-creatures,  as  well  as  of  love  to  God  and  faith  in  the  Redeemer.  And  surely  the  miracle  by  which 
the  walls  of  Jericho  were  many  ages  before  thrown  down  by  the  sound  of  rams'  horns,  was  not  greater  in  its  kind 
than  that  which  now  triumphed  over  the  heart  of  Zaccheus,  and  threw  down  all  the  obstacles  which  corrupt  nature 
had  formed  against  the  entrance  of  Christ  into  it. 

Now  were  his  eyes  opened,  and  he  saw  in  a  moment  how  much  more  valuable  the  pearl  of  price  was  than  all 

the  riches  he  could  part  with  to  procure  it.     And  he  judged  rightly  of  religion  when  he  saw  the  necessity  not  only 

of  faith,  but  of  charity  too  ;  and  not  only  of  charity,  but  of  restitution  also  to  those  whom  he  had  injured,  without 

which  the  highest  pretences  to  charity  are  but  presenting  to  God  robbery  for  a  burnt-offering. 

MARK       Our  Lord's  progress  is  marked  with  another  work  of  divine  power  and  beneficence  in  opening  the  eyes  of  the 

^e*feo  ^^•"'i-     With  what  importunity  was  the  cure  desired  !     And  when  the  petitioner  was  for  a  while  discouraged,  with 

48  what  eagerness  was  that  importunity  repeated,  Thou  Son  of  David,  have  mercy  on  me  !  Thus  will  the  sinner  cry 
to  Jesus  when  he  sees  how  much  he  needs  him.  But  alas  !  men  are  not  aware  of  their  spiritual  indigence  and 
distress :  they  say  they  are  rich,  and  increased  in  goods,  and  have  need  of  nothing ;  and  know  not  that  they  are 
wretched,  and  miserable,  and  poor,  and  blind,  and  naked.  (Rev.  iii.  17.) 

When  once  they  come  to  be  awakened  to  a  just  sense  of  their  case,  there  is  then  room  for  hope,  and  great 

49  encouragement  for  their  address.  We  may  In  such  circumstances  say  to  them,  as  was  said  to  Bartimeus,  Be  of 
good  courage,  rise,  he  calleth  thee.     With  pleasure  should  we  deliver  such  a  message ;  with  pleasure  should  we 

LUKE  lead  on  the  lame  and  the  blind,  the  weak  and  the  trembling,  in  their  application  of  Clirist ;  and  in  all  the  instances 
"  ^'  '/o  in  which  his  victorious  grace  is  exercised,  should  join  with  those  who  have  received  it,  in  glorifying  God,  and  in 
celebrating  the  praise  of  this  Deliverer  whom  he  has  mercifully  raised  up  for  his  people. 


SECTION  CXLIV. 

Christ  delivers  the  parable  of  the  ten  pounds  committed  by  a  prince  to  his  servants,  and  represents  the  vengeance  taken  by  him  on  his  rebellious 

subjects.     Luke  xi.x.  11 — 28. 

LuKExix.  IL  LuKExix.  n. 

•''ECT.  J\rO  Tf'^  Jesus,  on  occasion  of  Zaccheus's  conversion,  having  expressly  said  that  he  was  come  AND  as  they  heard  these 

^^'*-    to  be  a  Saviour,  the  people,  as  thcxf  heard  these  things,  were  ready  to  conclude  that  at  his  parlfbie',' b^rause  heVa'^^ifgh 

coming  to  Jerusalem  he  would  openly  declare  himself  to  be  the  promised  Messiah  ;  but  he  '"  Jerusalem,    and   because 

Xix^  <-on<«»Mec/  {his  discourse,]  and  spake  a  Very  useful  and  instructive  parable,  becaus^e  he  was  now  ofT/ocrslfoVw  S'nmSel™ 

11  ^'■^w'"?  near  to  Jenmdem,^  and   he  perceived  they  thought   that  the  kingdom  of  God  appear. 
would  immediately  be  revealed  among  them,  and  that  he,  as  the  Messiah,  would  assume  the 
government,  and  not  only  free  Israel  from  the  Roman  yoke,  but  spread  his  triumphs  over 

12  all  the  heathen  nations.  In  order  ^/fe/v/o/'e  to  rectify  their  notions  on  this  head,  and  to  warn  12  He  said  therefore,  A 
them  of  the  danger  they  would  incur  by  rejecting  him  when  they  saw  those  secular  views  rr'^'comi'trvTo" recTive'fw 
disappointed,  he  offered  to  their  consideration  this  similitude  ;  and  said,  himself  a  kmgdom,  and  tore- 

A  certain  person  of  a  noble  birth  went  to  a  distant  country,  in  order  to  receive,  from  a  '"™' 
superior  prince  there,  an  investiture  to  a  kingdom  which  was'then  fallen  to  himself,  and  of 
which  the  place  where  he  dwelt  made  a  part,''  intending  afterwards  to  return,  arid  fix  his 

13  residence  in  his  own  country.  And  before  he  set  out  on  his  journey,  having  called  ten  of  13  And  he  called  his  ten 
his  servants,  he  delivered  to  them  ten  pounds,'^  lodging  one  pound  in  the  hands  of  each,  and  ,^en' %"ound "''  fnd'safd  "'^r 
said  unto  them.  Trade  with  this  money  till  I  come  back  to  take  an  account  of  your  im-  themroccupy  Wl  I'^come""  ° 
provement.  (Compare  Matt.  xxv.  14,  V/  seq.  sect,  clxv.) 

14  But  in  the  mean  time,  some  of  his  citizens,  among  whom  he  had  before  lived  in  a  more     14  But  his  citizens  hated 
private  character  and  station,  hated  him,  and  sent  an  embassy  after  him,^  to  prevent  his  }ji;jJ's''a"''in^"wew1nno*tha" 
establishment  in  his  kingdom  ;  expressly  saying.  We  are  at  all"  adventures  determined  that  this 'man' tf'reig*n*o've?°us.^^* 
we  %viU  not  have  this  man  to  reign  over  us,  and  will  endure  all  extremities  rather  than  sub- 
mit to  his  authority.     And  during  his  absence,  which  continued  for  some  time,  they 

thought  themselves  very  secure  in  their  insults. 

15  But,  notwithstanding  all  the  confidence  of  these  rebellious  citizens,  they  were  unable  to     is  And  it  came  to  pass, 

a  Becmise  he  was  near  to  Jerusalem.']     The  following   parable,  con-    tend  that  this  is  an  historical  narration,  that  Archelaus  is  the  nobleman 
siflered  m  this  view,  as  suited  to  the  circunisfante  of  lime,  and  to  the  case    referred  to,  &c. 

ot  those  to  whom  it  was  delivered,  will  appear  a  most  wise  and  season-  c  Ht  delivered  to  them  ten  poimds.']  The  yva,  or  mina,  a-s  it  is  com- 
apie  afimonnion  ;  and  by  neeleclins  the  instruction  it  was  designed  to  monly  called,  contained  sixty  shekels  ;  (F.zek.  xlv.  12  )  and  therefore, 
give  ttiem,  the  lews  deservedly  brought  rum  on  themselves.  acconiinc  to  the  common  calculation  of  the  worth  of  a  shekel,  placine 

D  Went  to  a  distant  country  to  receive  a  kingdom.  cVc]  The  parable  it  at  half-a  crown  of  our  monev,  it  was  seven  pounds  ten  shillinss:  but 
aeems  to  suppose  this  noble  person  to  be  the  son  of  a  prince,  who,  on  according  to  Ur.  Prideaux,  who  sets  the  shekel  at  three  shillings,  the 
some  domestic  or  public  revolution  was  to  enter  upon  the  possession  of  mina  was  nine  pounds  sterling.-Our  Lord  probably  chose  to  mention 
nis  dominions,  and  to  be  coiihrmed  in  the  government  of  them  bv  the  this  small  sum  to  illustrate  the  munificence  of  the  rhaster  in  bestowing 
approbation  ot  some  more  potent  state  ;  as  the  kings  of  Judea,  and  other  on  the  faithful  servant  so  great  and  noble  a  reward.  Compare  ver.  17 
neighbouring  states,  trequently  were  by  the  Komans:  ispe  loseph.  d  Sent  an  emhasiy  after  him.^  This  is  expressed  in  such  a  manner  as 
■  .V'  c  ^r''  ''"F'  }  I*'- .""J  >>  ■»•  5.  et  li/i.  xvii.  rap.  9.  [al.  11.])  He  may  intimate  their  sending  ambassadors  to  the  superior  court,  to  enter 
la  therefore  described  a.s  settinir  out  with  the  view  of  being  owned,  at  his  their  protest  against  his  being  admitted  to  the  regal  power,  and  to  de- 
'j^"r°'-r^  undoubted  sovereign.    (See   Le  C\erc's  Harmon;/,  p.    clare  their  resolution  to  oppose  his  accession.    And  so  it  well  represents 

;.^j  I?  ['^presentation  ot  the  matter  is  so  natural,  that  one  would  the  solemn  manner  in  which  the  .lews  renounced  Christ,  acting  as  in  the 
wonder  what  room  there  could  be  for  the  controversy  between  Malle-  name  of  the  Lord,  and  with  a  pretended  zeal  for  his  autlloritv  and 
mansius  and  Athanasius  de  Paris  about  it.    It  is  qrnte  needless  to  pre-  glory. 


THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  TEN  POUNDS.  251 

that  when  he  was  returned,  prevent  his  exaltation  to  the  throne,  or  to  deprive  him  of  the  right  he  had  of  reip;ning;  over  SECT, 
imving  received  the  kingdom,  them.     And  it  came  to  poss,  that  when  he  had  received  the  kingdom,  undwas  come  buck  with     144. 

then    he     commanded     these     ,-,,  ,^         r'        ^j.i-  .  jj^/^u-  i  <""i-  i/ui/^  yyilh 

servantsto  be  called  unto  him,  the  fulI  powers  that  Were  granted  to  him,  he  commanded  these  his  servants  to  whom  he  hud 


money'"'that^hrnii|h7know  delivered  the  money,  to  be  called  to  him,  that  he  might  knoiv  what  improvement  each  of  them    luke 

how   much    every   inau   had  had  Viade.  XIX. 

'''"is'^Tiiencatne'tfie  first,  say-      ^"'^  ^''^  A'''*"^  Servant,  who  had  gained  the  most,  ccime  near,  and  said,  Sir,  the  improve-  16 
iug.  Lord,  thy  pound  'hath  ment  I  have  made  of  thi/  pound  is  such  that  it  has  gained  ten  pounds  more.    And  when  his  17 
^"17  Amrh^e°"aui'unto  him.  lord  had  heard  how  dihgent  and  careful  he  had  been,  he  said  to  him,  Well  done,  [thou] 
Well,  thou  good  servant :  be-  good  sei'vant ;  since  thou  hust  thus  been  faithful  in  a  very  little,  I  will  amply  reward  it ;  for 
iS"r'!l°y'h«le'',''h"ave'thou  I  will  not  only  give  thee,  for  thine  owii,  this  treasure  of  which  thou  hast  "been  giving  me 
authority  over  ten  cities.        so  good  an  account,  but  as  my  dominion  is  now  enlarged,  and  many  towns  and  tracts  of 
land  are  subject  to  me,  I  will  advance  thee  to  a  most  honourable  station  under  me,  and 
be  thou  governor  over  ten  cities. 
18  And  the  second  came,      A?id  the  sccond  cume  and  delivered  in  his  account,  sai/ing,  Sir,  thy  pound  which  was  18 
^Imedfife'^'^ouuds"'""'^  '"*"'  Committed  to  me  has  been  improved  in  such  a  manner  that  it  has  gained  jive  pounds.    And  19 
^''i9^Ancrhe"a'id "likewise  to  the  improvement  he  iiad  made  was  pleasing  to  his  lord,  and  he  said  likewise  unto  this,  Thou 
citTe's^*  "'°"  ^^^°  """"^  '''^'^  l^^**^  approved  thyself  a  good  and  faithful' servant,  and  I  am  pleased  with  thy  diligence, 
and  will  reward  it  proportionably :  be  thou  also  governor  over  five  cities.^ 
20  And  another  came,  say-      And  after  him  another  servant,  who  had  been  negligent  and  slothful,  came  and  said,  Sir,  20 
plfunVwhichTht'v'etepUa'id  ^c'"^>^^^  \M''c  '*']  ^^'t  pound  ivhich  was  put  into  my  hands ;  it  is  not  at  all  diminished,  but  I 
up  in  'a.  napkin  :  have  Carefully  kept  it  laid  up  in  a  napkin  :    For  I  feared  thee,  because  I  knew  thou  art  an  21 

cause*  thou  *a?t"ln"'austere'  «"''"'e/r  man,'\wlto\  takest  itp  wluit  thou  didst  not  lay  down,  arul  reapest,  or  expectest  to  reap, 
man:  thou  takest  up  that  what  tlwu  didst  not  SOW.  and  therefore,  apprehending  I  might  incur  thy  severity  if  any 
reapest%1i'!a  thou'^didst  nol  accident  sliould  befall  this  money  in  trade,  I  was  determined  not  to  venture  it  out  "of  mine 
sow :  hands,  and  now  return  it  just  as  I  received  it.     But  when  his  lord  heard  him  offer  such  a  22 

OuLf  itidi)eVwn''nio"'tii  wui  ^ilc  and  groundless  charge  against  himself  as  an  excuse  for  his  own  negligence,  he  was 
1  judge  thee,  thou  wicked  filled  with  indignation,  and  says  to  him.  Out  of  thine  own  mouth  will  I  condemn  thee,  O 
wl^^an  aTistTre'"mrn,^'taktng  {thou]  wiclced  Servant :  thou  hast  taken  upon  thee  to  affirm  thou  knewest  that  I  am  an 
up  that  I  laid  not  down,  and  austcre  man,  taking  up,  as  thou  expresses!  it,  what  I  did  7iot  lay  down,  and  reupiyin  what  I 
reapmg  that  I  did  not  sow :  ^-^^  ^^^^  ^^^^^^ ,  (  g^j^^f  f^o^  miahtest  therefore,  on  thine  own  princijiles,  conclude  that  I  should 
expect  to  gather  where  I  had  deposited  such  a  sum  of  money,  and  to  reap  where  I  had 
!!3  Wherefore  then  gavest  thus  sown  :  And  if  it  had  been  so,  and  I  had  really  been  as  severe  as  thou  wouldst  basely  23 
b"nk?'that"at"rny''coming'''!  insinuate,  wliy  didst  thou  not  {then,]  for  thine  own  security,  give  my  money  into  the  bank, 
might  have  required  mineown  that  when  I  came  to  call  for  it  at  my  return,  I  might  at  least  have  received  it  with  the  com- 
with  usury  .  ^^^^  interest,  if  not  with  the  extraordinary  improvement  which  might  have  attended  a  suc- 

cessful trade? 
C4  And  he  said  unto  them      And,  further  to  testify  his  displeasure,  he  said  to  some  of  them  that  stood  by.  Take  away  24 
theVounl''an/gi've'«Tto  him  ^^^  pound  that  was  intrusted  with  him,//'OOT  that  idle,  suspicious,  unfaithful  creature,  who 
that  hath  ten  pounds.  might  Otherwise  have  had  that,  and  much  more,  allotted  him  for  his  own  property,  and  give 

05(And  they  said  unto  him,  if  to  him  that  has  ten  pounds.     But  they  were  much  surprised  at  his  assigning  it  to  one  25 
Lord,  he  hath  ten  pounds.)     ^^.[^^  ,^^^  j^^^^^.^  ^g^^giygji  g^  ^mple  a  reward  ;  ajid  they  said  to  him.  Sir,  he  hath  already  no 
less  than  ten  pounds,?  which,  with  t!ie  honour  and  preferment  thou  hast  further  added,  is 
56  For  I  say  unto  you.  That  surely  an  abundant  recom  pence.     Nevertheless,  the  prince  stood  by  his  former  award,  and  26 
"h°aYlbTBwen"and'from  h^m  bestowed  the  Other  pound  likewise  upon  him;  declaring  that  his  faithfulness  and  diligence 
that  hath  not,  even  that  lie  was  fit  to  be  distinguished  with  the  most  favourable  and  repeated  notice.     And  in  this 
fromhi'm.'   ^^  '''''^°    '"''''^  way  it  is,  continued  he,  that  I  resolve  to  act;  /or  I  assure  you,^'  That  to  every  one  that 
hath,  or  tliat  improves  what  he  hath,  [it]  shall  he  given,  and  he  shall  have  yet  more  abun- 
dantly ;  but  from  him  that  hath  not,  or  that  acts  as  if  he  had  nothing  intrusted  to  his  care, 
even  that  which  he  hath,  and  neglects  to  improve,  shall  be  taken  away  from  him.  (Compare 
Matt.  xiii.  12.  xxv.  29.  Mark  iv.  25.  and  Luke  viii.  18.) 
27  But  those  mine  enemies      And  having  thus  inquired  into  the  conduct  of  his  servants,  and  treated  them  according  27 
r*igfoTer"lhem!brmgh';ttre'r'!  *»  the  different  usc  they  made  of  what  had  been  intrusted  with  them,  he  then  proceeded 
and  slay  ihe/n  before  me.      '  to  pass  Sentence  on  his  rebellious  citizens  who  had  refused  to  have  liim  for  their  king :  and, 
with  a  just  resentment  of  their  base  ingratitude,  he  said.  But  as  for  those  mine  enemies  who 
were  determined  to  oppose  my  government,  and  would  not  have  me  to  reign  over  them, 
bring  them  hither  immediately,  and  slay  [them]  with  the  sword  in  my  presence,^  that  others 
mav  learn  a  more  dutiful  submission  by  the  execution  of  these  rebels. 

Now  all  this  was  as  if  our  Lord  had  said.  Thus  shall  I  at  length  appear,  not  as  a  tem- 
poral sovereign,  but  as  the  great  eternal  Judge  and  victorious  Ruler  over  all,  when,  having 
received  power  and  dominion  from  my  Father,  I  shall  bring  all  to  their  final  account,  and 
with  infinite  ease  triumph  over  those  who  reject  and  affront  my  authority  :  take  heed  there- 
fore that  you  be  not  found  in  their  wretched  number,  as  many  will  be  who  pretend  most 
eagerly  to  desire  the  Messiah's  appearance. 
2B  And  when  he  had  thus  And  when  he  hail  spoken  these  things,  he  continued  his  journey,  and  leading  the  way,  28 
cend^ng  up  to  Jerusalem .'  "^  """"^  °"  before  his  disciples,  ascending  to  Jerusalem,  being  determined  to  appear  there  at 
the  apjiroachina:  passover,  though  he  well  knew  that  he  was  to  encounter  persecution  and 
death  there.    (Compare  Mark  x.  32.  sect,  cxlii.) 

c  Be  thou  also  governor  over  five  cities.]    Tt  is  obser\'able,  that  in  Matt,  express  any  thln§;  of  envy  in  the  fellow-servants,  it  is  not  to  be  regarded 

XXV.  30 — 2.3.  §  165.  where  the  servants  are  represented  as  doubling  the  as  a  significant  circumstance  ;  but  only  as  an  incidental  one,  to  intimate 

dmerent  sums  intrusted  to  each,  the  reward  is  spoken  of  as  the  same  ;  to  us.  that  his  lord  gave  to  the  diligent  servant  what  he  had  gained  for 

out  here  the  sums  intrusted  being  the  same,  and  the  improvement  de-  himself. 

'^k-  u     ^."'."^'■^"*'  there  is  a  proportionable  difference  in  the  reward  ;        li  I  assure  yw.]    This  seems  to  be  the  import  of  that  phrase  which  so 

which,  as  it  IS  a  beautiful  circumstance,  was,  no  doubt,  intended  tor  our  often  occurs,  /  say  vnio  you  ;  as  if  he  should  have  said,  Vou  may  take 

'"|truction.  it  on  my  authority. 

f  Ihouknen'cst  that  I  am  an  austere  man.  Sec]    This  is  not  an  acknov,--        i  .S/air  ?/(«m  with  the  sword  in  mi/  prexettce.]    This  is  the  exact  import 

IwlgTTient  ot  the  vile  and  detestable  charce  of  God's  deman<ling  of  men  of  the  word  Kmaadtafan.     Ttdoes  indeed  properly  express  thedreadtul 

■  I,  T'  y  "y^'=  ■"<*"  expresses  if)  more  difficult  services  than  he  luis  fur-  slaughter  of  the  irnpe'nitent  .lews,  by  the  sword  of  each  other,  and  ot  the 

rushed  them  for,  or  would  assist  them  in,  which  is,  as  that  pious  writer  liomans;  but  that  does  not  seem  the  chief  design  of  the  passage,  which 

truly  observes,  a  most  unrighteous  thought  of  God  :  but  his  lord  only  plainly  relates  to  the  far  more  terrible  execution  which  shall  be  done  nn 

argues  with  him  on  his  own  h.'ise  principles,  and  shows  that  even  on  them  all  impenitent  sinners  in  the  great  day  when  the  faithful  servants  ot 

tie  would  be  justly  condemned  for  his  negligence.  Christ  shall  be  rewarded. 

g  iiiey  said  to  htm,  iir,  he  hath  ten  pounds.]    So  far  as  this  seems  to 


252  THE  FEET  OF  CHRIST  ANOINTED  BY  MARY  AT  BETHANY. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

SECT.  Let  us  also  bear  and  fear.  Our  Lord  is  gone,  and  has  received  his  kingdom.  He  has  delivered  to  us  our  stock 
144.  to  be  improved  in  his  service :  let  us  be  animated  to  diligence  in  it;  for  proportionable  to  that  diligence  will  be 
•  our  reward.     Let  us  remember  we  labour  for  ourselves  while  we  labour  for  him ;  as  all  the  progress  we  make  in 


LUKE  wisdom  and  in  goodness,  renders  our  own  souls  so  much  the  happier,  and  will  render  them  so  to  all  eternity. 
XIX-    Blessed  servants  that  have  the  applause  of  such  a  Master,  and  share  a  reward  as  liberal  as  that  conferred  on  a 
17,  19  faithful  steward,  who  should  be  made  governor  of  a  province  containing  ten  cities ! 
20,  21      Let  us  beware  of  a  slothful  neglect  of  our  stock  :  let  us  beware  of  those  hard  thoughts  of  God  which  would 

discourage  us  from  pursuing  his  service.     Above  all,  let  us  take  heed  that  we  do  not  proudly  and  insolently  reject 
14  the  government  of  his  anointed  Son,  and  either  say  with  our  tongues,  or  declare  by  our  actions,  We  will  not  have 

this  man  to  reign  over  us :  for  if  we  do,  we  speak  a  word  against  our  own  lives.     He  will  be  glorified  by  us,  or 


27  upon  us.  And  oh,  what  shall  we  do  if  in  that  dreadful  day  he  should  bring  us  forth  as  the  helpless  prisoners  of 
his  justice,  and  command  us  to  be  slain  in  his  presence !  How  can  we  withstand  his  power?  or  to  the  horns  of 
what  altar  shall  we  flee  for  sanctuary  ?  O  Lord,  our  flesh  tremhleth  for  fear  of  thee,  and  we  are  afraid  of  thy  judg- 
ments. (Psal.  cxix.  120.)  May  we  never  be  the  miserable  objects  of  theni :  but,  having  faithfully  served  thee 
here,  may  that  be  to  us  a  day  of  honour,  reward,  and  triumph,  which  shall  be  to  every  presumptuous  rebel  a  day 
of  shame  and  terror,  of  dreadful  execution  and  eternal  destruction  ! 


SECTION  CXLV. 

Christ  is  entertained  at  Bethany,  and  his  feet  anointed  by  Mary.    The  Jewish  rulers  contrive  to  kill  Lazarus,  Matt,  xxvi.  6—13.  Mark  xiv.  3—9. 

John  xii.  1 — 11. 

J0«^^   '^ii-    1-  John  xii.  1. 

SECT.   THEN  Jesus  came  six  days  before  the  passover  to  Bethany,  which  was  a  village  (as  was  then  Jesus  six  days  be- 
^^5-    said  before,  John  xi.  18.  sect  cxl.)  that  lay  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Jerusalem,  where  the  Bethany,  Xre'LazamfwIi^ 
abode  of  Lazarus  was  who  had  been  dead  and  buried,  [and]  whom  he  lately,  by  an  amazing  which  hid  been  dead,  whom 
^^T^-  miracle,  had  raised  from  the  dead.  '  he  raised  from  the  dead. 

Now  at  this  timej  when  Jesus  %va.s  in  Bethaiii/,^  where,  by  his  frequently  resorting  thither,     Matt.  xxvi.  6.   Now  when 
6  he  was  well  known,  and  had  many  friends  that  very  much  rejoiced  to  see  him,  as  he  was  hou^l^o?  simon'^'the'  leper! 
JOHN   in  the  house  of  Simon  the  leper,^  In  testimony  of  their  high  respect  and  great  affection  for  [Mark  xiv.  s.] 
Xir.    him,  they  made  a  handsome  supper  for  him  there,  and  treated  him  in  the  evening  ;  which  made"  h\m   a  sJpper,  'and 

2  was  the  usual  time  for  entertainments  with  the  Jews,  especially  on  the  evening  of  their  Martha  served :  but  Lazarus 
sabbath-days,  which  was  the  season  when  this  feast  was  made:"^  and  Martha,  who  had  Xe'taWe  with  h'i'm."'^'  ""  "' 
formerly  distinguished  her  care  on  a  like  occasion,  (Luke  x.  40.  sect,  cviii.)  having  seen 

that  all  things  should  be  rightly  ordered,  waited  on  Christ  at  supper;  but  Lazarus  was  one 
of  them  that  sat  at  the  table  with  him. 

3  Then  Mary,  the  otlier  sister  of  Lazarus,  being  deeply  affected  with  the  many  instances  3  Then  took  Mary  [an 
that  Christ  had  given  her  of  his  love,  and  especially  with  his  late  mercy  to  her  family  in  pou,?d'of'o°intnfe"nt"orspL* 
recovering  so  dear  a  brother  from  the  grave,  was  solicitous  to  give  some  uncommon  token  nard,  very  costly ;  [Mark, 
of  her  gratitude  and  respect  to  so  excellent  a  guest;  she  therefore  took  an  elegant  alabaster  poured*!v''on''his'headH'as'he 
pot,  or  vase,  [containiitg']  about  a  pound  weight  of  tmadulterated  ointfnent  of  spikenard,^  sat  at  »iea/,'\  and  anointed  the 
[rvhich  Jtv/.s]  exceeding  valuable  ;  and,  having  broke  the  top  of  the  vessel,  or  sfiook  the  per-  feet  with'^^hlr  li'airT'and  the 
fumed  balsam  whicli  was  in  it,  that  it  might  be  the  better  liquified,  and  flow  forth  the  f^ouse  was  filled  with  the 
easier,"  she  came  behind  him,  and  poured  out  the  greater  part  of  it  on  his  head  as  he  sat  at  xxvI'.'^t'.  Mark'xiv'.'^s.]  ^  " 
meat,  and  anointed  the  feet  of  Je.ms  with  the  remainder;  and,  when  she  had  done  this,  she, 

like  the  humble  penitent  mentioned  above,  (Luke  vii.  38.  p.  114.)  iviped  his  feet  with  the 
long  flowing  tresses  of  her  hair  ;  and  the  whole  house  tvas  filled  with  the  fragrant  and  deli- 
cious odour  of  the  ointment.  Matt.  xxvi.  8.    But  when 
MATT.       But  when  his  disciples  observed  it,  there  were  some  that  were  moved  with  inward  displeasure  were''some'tharhad"indi!!n^* 
XXVL  at  what  appeared  to  them  so  great  an  extravagance,  and  .said  with  a  low  voice  to  each  other,  tion  within  themselves,  "and 
8  Why  was  this  waste  of  the  ointment  made,  and  such  a  quantity  of  tliis  rich  balsam  poured  ^h"''  o^mmenrrnade^— Ami 
out  to  so  little  purpose?     And  they  secretly  murmured  against  her,^  and  could  hardly  they  murmured  against  her. 
JOHN   refrain  fi-om  rebuking  her  for  it.     One  of  his  disciples  therefore,  {even]  Judas  Iscariot,  the  ^'^jo'im^xii.'''4^'-' Then  saith 
XIL    son  of  Simon,  that  wretched  person  ivho  ivas  about  to  betray  him,  as  if  lie  knew  not  how  to  ""«  pf  his  disciples,  Judas 
5  bear  such  waste,  expressed  a  peculiar  emotion,  and  said  aloud,  ll7(i/  toas  not  this  fine  oint-  shouVd  betrHy°hirnr°'  ^''"*^'' 
7nent  sold  for  a  great  deal  of  money  :  for  it  must  have  been  worth  [ewH]  more  than  three     5  why  was  not  this  oint- 
hundred  pence ;?  and  thus  it  might  have  served  for  the  relief  of  many,  if  the  price  of  it  had  I^r"[MTRK,  more"than']  three 
been  given  to  the  poor?    This  would  surely  have  been  approved  of  by  our  Master  as  a  hundred  pence,  and  given  to 
much  wiser  and  better  way  of  disposing  of  it,  than  thus  to  lavish  it  away  on  the  luxurious  Mark'' xiv.' s.j  ""'  '"'^'' 

a  When  .Tesus  was  in  Bethany.']    Few  passaffes  in  (he  Harmony  have  lem,  which  John  has  fixed  to  the  next  day,  (John  xii.  12.  §  146.)  must 

perplexed  me  more  than  this.     1  was  lona  ot  opinion,  with  Urisen  and  have  been  on  the  first  day  of  the  week,  this  entertainment,  therefore, 

rheophylact,  defended  by  I.e  Clerc  and  Dr.  Whithy ,  ami  ps|)C'cidlly  by  was  on  the  evening  of  the  day  before,  when  the  Jewish  sabbath  was  over. 

Dr.  Lighttoot  ( //nr?«(in.  N.  'lest.  5  "1,  80.)  and   i\'lr.   Wbiston,  (in  his  d    Vnadiilierated  ointment  nf  spikenard.l     I  cannot  take  upon  me  abso- 

Vtew  of  llarmovy,   p.  1C8,  1C9.)  that  the  story  recorded    by  Matthew  lutely  to  determine  whether  the  word  Trto-TiKn?  signifies  that  the  cwKwen* 

fchap.  xxvi.  (, — ]:j.)  and  Mark  (chap.  xiv.  3 — t).)  was  different  from  that  was  quite  genuine  and  pure,  (as  Casaubon  and  L.  Capellus  assert,)  or 

in  John;  but,  on  maturer  consi<ieratioi),  it  appears  to  me  more  probable,  whether  (as  Grotius  and    Erasmus  think)  it  be  put  for  o-wiKoTiir,  and 

—that  Matthew  and  Mark  should  have  introiluced  this  story  a  little  out  of  refers  to  the  particular  part  of  the  fragrant  shrub  nardiis,  of  which  the 

its  place, — that  Lazarus,  if  he  made  this  entertainment,  (which  is  not  ointment  was  made.     (See  Plin.  Nat.  Hist.  lih.  xii.  cap.  lO— Tf  the 

expressly  said  by  .lohu,)  should    have  made  use  of   Simon's  house,  as  latter  be  the  meaning  of  it,  what  is  said  of  its  great  value  must  justify 

more  convenient  for  it,— and  that  Mary  should  have  poured  this  oint-  our  calling  it  unadidterated. 

ment  on  Christ's  head  and  body,  as  well'as  on  his  feet, — than  that  within  e  Having  broke  the  top  of  the  vessel,  or  shook  the  perfumed  balsam, 

the  compass  ot  tour  days  Christ  should  have  been  twice  anointed  with  &c.]    .Sir  Norton  KnatchbuU  and  Dr.   Hammond  maintain  that   mv- 

so  costly  a  perfume,  and  that  the  same  fault  .should  be  found  with  the  TpW/ao-a  does  not  signify  that  she  brake  the  vessel,  which  they  think  an 

action,  and    the  same  value  set  on  the  ointment,  and  the  same  words  improbable  circumstance  ;  but  only  that  she  shook  it  so  as  to  break  the 

used  in  defence  ot  the  woman :  and  all  this  in  the  presence  of  many  of  coagidated  parts  of  the  rich  balsam,  and  brins  it  to  such  a  liquidity  that 

the  same  persons :  all  which  improbable  particulars  must  be  admitted,  it  might  be  fit  to  pour  out.    Yet  I  must  own  that  the  original  does  not 

It   the  stories  be  considered  as  difl^erent. — But,  after  all,  1  can   assert  so  naturally  express  this. 

nothing  confidently  ;   for  there  is  no  impossibility  in  the  thing  taken  f  And  they  murmvred  against  her.]    Whether  this  relates  to  more  than 

either  way.  Judas  cannot  certainly  be  said  ;  since  it  is  well  known  that  the  plural 

b  In  the  home  of  Simon  the  leper.]    It  is  not  to  be  thousht  that  he  was  number  is  sometimes  put  for  the  singular.     See  Gen.  viii.  4  ;  xix.  C9. 

now  a  leper ;  for  in  this  case  he  would  not  have  been  suffered  to  live  in  Judg.  xii.  7.  and  Matt,  xxvii.  44.— .Some  have  thought  .ludas  Iscaiiot 

a  town,  nor  would  the  Jews  have  come  to  an  entertainment  at  his  house  :  was  the  son  of  that  Simon  in  whose  house  the  feast  was  made  ;  but  the 

but  either  he  was  once  a  leper,  and  had  been  cmed  by  Jesus,  or  else  the  name  was  so  common,  that  it  cannot  be  concluded  with  any  certainty, 

name  was  given  to  the  family,  as  some  considerable   person  in  it  had  g  More  than  three  hundred  pence.]    It  is  to  be  remembered  that  these 

been  formerly  a  leper.  were  Roman  pence,  and  consequently  amounted  to  nine  pounds,  seven 

c  When  this  feast  was  made.]    Though  Matthew  and  Mark  relate  the  shillings,  and  sixpence  ;  the  expression  only  intimates  a  general  guess 

story  where  they  are  speaking  of  what  happened  but  two  days  before  the  at  the  value  by  a  round  sum,  (tor  such   three  liumlred  denarii   were, 

passover,  it  is  more   probable  (as  we  have  just  now  shown)  that  it  is  thoush  the  correspondent  value  with  us  is  not  so,)  as  if  we  should  say 

pl^ed  by  .lohn  in  its  due  order  ;  and  as  the  following  days  appear  to  be  on  a  like  occasion,  it  must  have  been  worth  above  ten  pounds, 
suthciently  distinguished,  and  Christ's  triumphant  entrance  into  Jerusa- 


THE  FEET  OF  CHRIST  ANOINTED  BY  MARY  AT  BETHANY.  253 

6  This  he  said,  not  that  he  entertainment  of  a  few  minutes.     Now  this  he  said,  not  because  he  at  all  regarded  the  poor,  SFXT. 

cared  for  the_^poor^  a^nd  had  ^"'^  because  he  was,  notwithstanding  all  his  pretended  piety  and  zeal,  a  subtle  thief;  and  145. 
the'bag,^aird''ba1-e  what  was  put  as  he  kept  the  bag  which  contained  their  little  stock,  and  carried  what  was  put  into'  it, ^'  he 


"'«'■«>"•  thought  if  so  large  a  sum  had  come  in  just  before  he  went  off  with  it,  (which  he  was  now  matt. 

preparing  to  do,)  he  should  thus  have  had  a  fine  opportunity  of  enrichmg  himself.  XXVI. 

Matt.  xxvi.  10.   When  Je-      But  Jesus  knowing  the  design  of  Judas,  and  perceiving  that  others  were  secretly  joining  10 
to^th"emrwhy'^troubie^  ye  the  With  him  in  this  Severe  and  uncharitable  censure,  without  taking  any  notice  of  that  vile 
woman?  [let  her  alone;]  for  principle  fi'om  which  he  knew  [it\  proceeded  in  him,  directed  his  discourse  to  his  dis- 
u'pon''me*Ma?k'x'i\r6!  Tohn  ciplcs,  and  suid  to  them,  Whi/  do  you  give  such  trouble  and  uneasiness  to  the  good  woman, 
xii.  7-]  of  whose  piety  and  friendship  we  have  had  so  long  an  experience  ?    Let  her  alone  in  what 

she  is  about ;  for  what  she  has  now  performed  is  a  good  work,  and  she  deserves  to  be  com- 

11  For  ye  have  the  poor  mended  for  the  great  respect  she  has  been  showing  toimrds  me.     For  as  to  what  has  been  11 

ahvays  w^ith  you,  [and^whe^i-  suggested  now  in  favour  of  the  poor,  you  have  them  always  with  you ;  and  providence  will 

them  good:]  but  me  ye  have  continually  SO  Order  it,  that  some  compassionable  objects  shall  be  still  among  you,  that 

John  xii^^s]    ^^'^^^  ^'^'  ^'  whenever  you  please  you  may  have-an  opportunity  to  do  them  good ;  but  me  you  have  not 

ahvays  with  you ;  for  I  am  soon  to  leave  you,  and  to  be  placed  beyond  the  reach  of  your 

John  xii.  7.    Against  the  kindness.     And  indeed  my  departure  out  of  the  world  is  so  near,  that  with  respect  to  this   johx 
day  of  my  burying  hath  she  action  of  our  friend  Mary  whicli  you  are  ready  to  condemn,  I  may  say  that  she  has  reserved  Xll.  7. 

^Markxiv.  8.  She  hatii  done  this  ointment /(W  the  day  of  my  burial}     And  not  knowing  whether  she  may  have  an  op-  mark 
T^^i^  !t''  ™"''li'.k  l""^  "J  ""**  portunitv  of  assisting  iii  those  last  offices,  she  has  now  done  xvhut  she  could;  for  in  that  she    XI V. 

she  hath  poured  this  ointment  i  J  ,  .     ■^.  i      i         /      i        •  i    r  \       ..•  i  .     R 

on  my  body,]  she  is  come  hus  poured  out  this  Ointment  on  my  body,  she  has  in  a  manner  come  before  the  time  thus  to  ° 
toTh^e''bury^n"""[Matt^xxvf  dnomt  and  to  embalm  my  body  for  the' burial;  so  you  may  almost  look  upon  it  as  a  work 
12.]  "  of  piety  and  love  to  a  dead  friend,  where  a  generous  heart  will  not  be  sparing.     And,  on  9 

w^heTesoever  tM^go"!^"!  siwii  ^^c  whole,  though  you  have  such  hard  tlioughts  of  what  she  has  been  doing,  it  shall  not 
be  preached  throughout  the  finally  tum  to  her  reproach  or  damage ;  but  as  I  graciously  accept  it,  so  /  assuredly  say 
[Thb  womani'hath  done',  shall  "'"^'^  iV^'h  That  ivheresoevcr  this  gospel  of  mine  is  preached,  and  it  in  time  shall  have  its 
be  spoken  of  for  a  memorial  triumph  over  the  whole  woi^d,  this  very  action  also  which  this  pious  and  affectionate  ivomun 
ot  her.   [Matt.  xxvi.  13.]       ^^^^  ^^^  performed,  shall  be  inserted  in  the  history  of  my  life,  and  be  spoken  of  with  honour 
for  a  memorial  of  her  friendship  and  affection  to  me;  so  that  her  name  shall  be  embalmed 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  far  more  fragrant  than  the  perfume  which  she  has  poured  forth 
on  my  head  and  my  feet.  (Compare  Eccles.  vii.  1.) 
John  xii.  9.   Much  people      Now  thesc  things  passed  at  a  public  entertainment :  a  great  midt'itude  of  the  Jews  there-   john 
of  the  Jews  therefore  knew  fgre,  who  had  been  dubious  whether  Jesus  would  come  up  to  the  iiassover  or  not,  (com-    Xll. 

that  he  was  there:    and  they.'        '.,,  -.-^  i-v         -ii  •        n-  p-  i?  i        j  i  ■      Q 

came,  not  for  Jesus' sake  only,  pare  Johu  XI.  56.  scct.  cxM.)  quickly  got  intelUgence  of  it,  and  knew  that  he  was  there  in  ^ 
ri's  1*150 'wifom'he'ha*d  r^LTd  Bethany  ;  and  they  came  thither  in  crowds  from  Jerusalem,  and  that  indeed  not  only  on 
from  the  dead.  accouut  of  Jcsus,  who  had  been  retired  for  some  time,  but  also  out  of  curiosity  that  they 

might  see  Lazarus,  whom  he  had  lately  raised  from  the  dead,  who  now  appeared  publicly 

with  him.'' 

10  But   the  chief  priests      But  the  chief  priests  and  other  members  of  the  sanhedrim  were  filled  on  this  occasion  10 
ITzmusi'iloto'death''^'''''"'  '^'^^^^  ^"^^^  ^^S^  ^^^  ^'^^Ji  that,  as  they  had  already  resolved  on  the  death  of  Jesus,  they 

consulted  also  how  they  might  find  some  method  to  kill  Lazarus,  either  by  public  prose- 

11  Because  that  by  reason  cution  OF  private  assassination  :   For  they  well  knew  that  many  of  the  Jews  deserted  them,  11 
of  him  many  of  the  .lews  and  Went  awau  to  Bethany  on  his  account,  and  were  so  powerfully  struck  with  the  con- 
went  away,  and  believed  on     •      •  •  ,    •'  „  ^      •  i  ■  •       i      ^i    ,.  u         i   r       j  t  i       ui  u 
Jesus.                                vincing  evidence  of  so  astonishing  a  miracle,  that  they  believed  on  Jesus ;  and  while  such 

a  monument  of  his  power  and  goodness  continued  they  were  afraid  lest  more  should  revolt 
to  him. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

We  see  how  happily  Mary  improved  by  sitting  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and  what  evidence  she  gave  of  her  having 
chosen  the  better  part.    (Compare  Luke  x.  39,  42.)     Like  her,  let  us  with  humble  thankfulness  bestow  our  very  Ver.  3 
best  on  him  who  has  given  us  that  and  every  thing  else.     She  gladly  poured  out  her  choicest  ointment  on  him 
whose  name  is  to  every  true  believer  far  more  fragrant  than  ointment  poured  forth.    (Cant.  i.  3.)     How  does  her 
generous  love  shame  those  who  grudge  every  expense  in  the  cause  of  Christ ! 

When  we  are  relieving  the  pious  poor,  we  are,  as  it  were,  anointing  the  feet  of  Jesus  :  we  are  indeed  performing 
a  service  far  more  acceptable  than  any  thing  of  this  kind  could  in  itself  be.  Let  us  remember  that  we  have  the  8 
poor  always  with  us  ;  and  that  they  are  permitted  to  continue  among  us,  that  we  may  do  them  good  whenever  we 
please.  Far  be  it  from  us  to  imagine  that  what  we  so  spend  is  waste.  Let  all,  who  would  not  share  in  the  guilt  4 — 6 
and  punishment  of  Judas,  abhor  the  vile  hypocrisy  of  making  a  prrtended  concern  for  the  poor  a  cloak  for  an 
opportunity  of  enriching  themselves  with  their  spoils  ;  than  which  nothing  can  be  more  infamous,  or  can  have  a 
directer  tendency  to  mingle  the  consuming  curse  of  a  righteous  and  almighty  God  with  all  that  a  man  possesses. 

The  Pharisees  conspired  to  kill  Lazarus.     What  a  mixture  was  this  of  cruelty  and  folly !    What  was  his  crime?  10 
or  what  could  their  hope  be  ?     From  what  death  could  not  Christ  have  delivered  him  ?  or  from  what  tomb  could 
he  not  again  have  recalled  him  ?     Y^et  something  like  this  is  the  madness  of  all  who  hate  and  persecute  others  for 
being  the  trophies  of  the  Redeemer's  victory  and  grace. 

But  let  not  his  servants  fear  ;  the'ir  Redeemer  is  strong,  the  T^ord  of  Hosts  is  his  name.  (Jer.  1.  34.)  His  work  is 
perfect ;  and  the  day  and  hour  is  approaching,  in  which  his  triumph  over  all  his  enemies  shall  be  so  complete,  that 
nis  friends  shall  be  for  ever  secure,  not  only  from  being  destroyed,  but  from  being  alarmed  by  them. 

h  Carried  what  was  pnt  into  it.]    The   learned  Eisner  (I  suppose  to  But  besides  the  general  reasons  against  believing  the  action  repeated, 

avoid  the  seeming  tautology)  would  render  e/3acrTafei/,  /le  took  away,  or  which  have  been  mentioned  in  note  a,  it  is  unnatural  to  suppose  that,  m 

carried  off,  that  is,  for  his  own  use,  what  was  put  into  the  purse  or  bag.  the  transport  of  her  loveand  gratitude,  she  would  use  this  little  manage- 

He  refers  to  John  xx.  15.  and  Matt.  iii.  11.  viii.  17.  as  instances  of  such  ment  of  keeping  back  most  that  was  in  the  vessel;  or  that,  ir  she  had, 

a  use  of  it;  to  which  he  adds  others  from  Poly  bius,  Athenasus,  and  other  John  would  have  mentioned  the  quantity  she  took,  which  was  no  way 

good  autliors.    (RIsn.  Ohserv.  vol.   i.  p.   3.1.'?.)    Put  the  meaning  here  to  his  purpose,  or  have  taken  notice  of  the  room's  beina  filled  with  the 

may  be,  that  he  had  not  only  the  keeping  of  the  bag  at  that  time,  but  odour  of  it :  not  to  say  that  the  prediction  which  Mr.  Winston  supposes 

that  it  was  his  stated  oftice  to  take  care  of  "it  and  manage  its  stock  ;  and  our  Lord  to  utter,  is  quite  trifling,  and  would  seem  to  bespeak  its  own 

therefore  I  choose  not  to  follow  Eisner's  version,  since  e/3a(na^e  never  accomplishment  in  a  manner  which  he  never  would  '"'^'<',.f'°°P™.,?'.r 
signifies  to  carry  of  a  part  privately,  which  would  have  been  expressed        k  Who  now  appeared  publicly  with  him.]    P'''''"*''^,  *"'^',^°h^''„,f"i;I 

by  €iioa(pt<raro,  as  it  is  Acts  v.  C.  dinary  a  series  ot  •providences  as  Lazarus  had  passed  ti'.™"'^"',"f, '"•|f,;" 

,  i  S/ie  has  reserved  this  for  the  day  of  my  burial^    Mr.  Whiston  (in  his  choose  to  spend  some  time  in  retirement  and  e>'t™ordinarv  aevoiiou 

View  of  the  Harmony,  p.  129.)  thinks  this  is  as  if  our  Lord  had  said,  and  it  is  natural  to  suppose  he  would  endeavour  to  a\oia  J"^  iinpm- 

She  has  spent  but  a  little  of  this  ointment  now  ;  but  has  reserved  the  tunity  of  crowds  who  out  of  curiosity  would  be  pressing  in  upon  lum, 

main  part  of  it  to  pour  upon  my  head  some  days  hence,  which  shall  be  perhaps  with  some  impertinent  inquiries 
so  near  my  death,  that  it  may  be  considered  as  a  kind  of  embalming." 


254  CHRIST  RIDES  IN  TRIUMPH  TO  JERUSALEM. 

SECTION  CXLVI. 

Christ  rides  in  triumph  to  Jerusalem  on  an  ass's  colt.    Matt.  xxi.  1 — 9.  Mark  ,\i.  1 — 10.  Luke  x\x.  29 — 40.  John  .\ii.  12 — 19. 

Matt.  xxi.  1.  Matt.  xxi.i. 

SECT.  ^iVD  after  Jesus  had  been  anointed  by  Mary  in  the  manner  related  in  the  preceding  sec-  AND[LuKE.itcanietopass] 
I'lS.    tion,  it  came  to  pasK  on  the  next  day,  which  was  the  first  day  of  the  week,  that  he  proceeded  wi"en'''they  drew"ntgh  unto 

on  his  journey  with  his  disciples ;  and  when  they  drew  riig/i  to  Jerusalem,  and  wei-e  come  to  ^^'^'^^^l^™'  ^",''  J^^^  '^^^^  '9 

MATT.  Bethphage  and  Bethany,  or  to  the  outward  boundaries  of  these  two  places,"  at  the  foot  of  unto''tire"''Mount  of'^orives. 
^^^-    the  mount  of  Oliver,  which  lay  to  the  east  of  the  city,  then  Jesus,  as  the  time  appointed  for  Jhen  sent  .Jesus  '^Y"  ^t°*j^[jjj=] 
his  sufferings  was  just  at  hand,  being  resolved  that  he  would  make  a  public  entry  into  xix';'29!*iohn''xii.'i2.] ' 

2  Jerusalem,  sent  out  two  of  his  disciples,  Snying  to  them.  Go  your  wai/  into  the  village  which  .  2  Saying   unto  them,  Go 

,.  '  .         ■'  ,'.       '     ,■-',    P  •  ,     •  •    .       ..  'P  i;  .1  [your   WHv]   nito  tlie  village 

lies  yonder  over  against  you ;  and  immediateli/,  as  soon  as  you  enter  into  it,  you  shall  there  over  a?ainst  you  ;  and 
find  a  she-ass  standing  tied  at  a  door,  and  a  young  foal  tied  also  ivith  her,  on  which  no  wan  l^a^^f^d'into^in^""" h^ifl^d 
'ever  yet  sat :  lav  hold  of  the  foal,  and  untie  him  direc*ly,  without  any  scruple  or  concern  an  ass  ti'e"i,°and  ^^  coll  [tied] 

3  about  the  owner's  leave,  and  bring  [him]  hither  to  me.  And  if  any  man  should  take  notice  ['i;{j\E''''.^g"i';trt''']"o"oseYh'i'm'i 
of  what  you  are  doing,  and  sai/  to  you.  Why  do  you  offer  to  untie  the  foal,  and  lead  [hhn\  and  bring[LuK'E,/»m  hither] 
away?  you  -fa  replv  shall  say  thus  to  him.  Because  Jesus  the  Lord  has  need  of  him  :  and,  in  ""^'".JJ^^-  ^^^'"'^  "'•  -■  ^'^^^ 
regard  to  the  authority  of  my  name  and  character,  he  will  immediateli/  send  him  hither  with  '  s'And  if  any  man  say  unto 
the  dam,  that  I  may  use  either  of  them  as  I  shall  choose,  to  ride  into  the  city  :  so  that  you  >'""•  k\-}iV\y'^lM°J^^ 
may  bring  them  both  hither  without  any  apprehension  of  accusation  or  scandal.  [Luke,  thus  unto  him,  Be- 

MARK       And  the  two  disciples  that  were  sent  on  this  errand  presumed  not  to  debate  the  reason-  htm  ^]  and  s't?afghtway"h\^wi'lf 

-**•     ableness  of  the  orders  he  had  given  them  ;  but  presently  «'e)?<  their  way,  and  found,  just  as  send  [him  hither.]  [Mark  xi. 

"*  he  had  said  unto  them,^  the  colt  with  its  dam  tied  abroad  at  the  door  of  a'house,  whicK  stood  ^■Ma"'k''x'i!4.^Ald  [thcdisci- 

in  a  very  open  place  at  the  entrance  of  the  village,  where  two  roads  met :  and,  as  Jesus  pies]  [Luke,  that  were  sent] 

commanded  them,  they  immediately  began  to  untieWiQ  colt,  that  they  might  lead  him  away.  [L"Kp!|'ei!en"'as"hfh1id%'?.d 

LUKE        But  as  they  were  thus  untying  the  colt.  Providence  so  ordered  it,  effectually  to  prevent  unto  them,]  the  colt  tied  by 

XIX.    any  clamour' or  reflection,<:  that  the  owners  of  it  were  near  at  hand,  with  several  other  per-  *vhere°°two' ways'  me^t'^and 

^^  sons.     And  some  of  them  that  stood  by  there,  and  particularly  the  owners  of  it,  said  unto  they  loose  him,  [as  Jesus  com- 

them,  What  are  y'oa  doing  there?    Why  do  ye  offer  to  untie  the  colt,  which  you  know  is  L.'Jke l-lx'^sJi^  [Matt. xxi. e. 

MARK   none  of  your  own?     And  they  said  to  them,  even  as  Jesus  had  ordered,  \A"e  mean  no  injury     Luke  xix.  .33.    And  as  they 

XI.     to  you,  or  to  the  colt;  but  Jesus,  the  Messenger  of  the  blessed  God,  the  great  Lord  md  ^"tLm  that  stood  thi^^^^^^ 

^  Proprietor  of  all,  has  need  of  him,  and  would  borrow  him  for  a  little  while  to  ride  into  the  owners    thereof,    said  unto 

city;  and  his  character  is  too  well  known  to  give  you  any  reason  to  fear  you  shall  lose  looS'ye  tiie'*co'it°.'YMark  xk 

any  thiny^  by  your  readiness  to  accommodate  him  in  this  little  instance.     And  on  this  they  ^\^^^  x'  6    A  d  i 

were  thoroughly  satisfied,  and  let  them  go  away  with  \\.A  ^lnto^'^hem','  even  "s  Jesus  W 

7  And  thus  they  brought  the  colt  to  Jesus,  and  the  ass  its  dam  went  with  it :  and,  as  they  f,°eJ|'^o"'h'i ili  V ""and^thl.  ''Te't 
liad  neither  of  them  any  saddle,  they  threw  their  loose  mantles  upon  the  backs  of  them  both,  I'lfem  ^o.  ['Luke''xix.  340 
that  Jesus  might  take  his  choice  which  he  would  ride,  and  might  sit  the  more  easily  and     ?.r'^'"l.u""'-*'n.'"'?"^''^'  "'^ 

,  ,  ?,  1         ,         ,  1  1.     ,1  u    /  ■      X  jx   -i  1      1  colt  [and  the  ass]  to  Jesus,  and 

decently  on  either:  and  as  he  chose  the  colt,  though  (as  was  just  now  said)  it  had  never  cast  their  narmentsLon  them;] 
been  broke  or  backed  before,  they  set  Jesus  thereon.^  there'^on']TMatt'^Yxi^'7  Luke 

8  And  inany,  [even]  a  very  greaf  multitude,  who  now  surrounded  him  as  he  sat  on  the  young  xix.  35.'] 

ass,'  [and']  went  on  to  thecity,  in  token  of  their  respect  to  him,  spread  their  mantles  in  the  „^.J^'l^,,u^!^^iA"n"^ul^'^.K 

way,  that  he  might  ride  as  upon  one  continued  carpet;  aud  others  cut  doicn  little  branches  he  [John,  sat  on  the  youns 

from  the  trees  that  stood  by  the  side  of  the  road,  and  gathered  flowers  which  grew  near  it,  ?h|ir "g"annentT'in''"hVway : 

and  strewed  them  in  the  way  ;  according  to  the  usual  custom  of  expressing  the  public  joy  and  others  cut  down  branches 

on  the  arrival  of  any  illustrious  prince.  (Compare  1  Mac.  xiii.  51.  and  2  Mac.  x.  7.)  id")"J,f  ill'lhrway"'' [Mati: 

MATT.       Noiv  all  this  was  done  and  permitted  by  Jesus,  that  what  was  propliesied  of  old  concern-  xxi.  8.  Luke  xix.  36.  John xii! 

XXL    ing  the  Messiah  might  be  fulfilled  in  him  ;   and  that  by  this  occurrence  it  might  be  hte-  ^^^an.  xxi.  4.    All  this  was 

"*  rally  accomplished  ivhich  was  spoken  by  the  prophet  Zechariah,?  saying,  (as  it  is  xvritten,  done,  that  it  might  be  fuitii- 

5  Zech.  ix.  9.)  "  Say  ye  to  the  daughter  of  Zion,  rejoice  greatly  and  shout,  O  daughter  or  {fr'^^h':',';'' sav1nr\'a" ''ft  "i! 

inhabitant  of  Jerusalem,  and  fear  not  any  of  thine  enemies :  for  behold,  v/ith  pleasing  written,]  [John  xii  i4.] 

amazement,  thy  King,  the  great  expected  Messiah,  cometh  unto  thee,  meek  and  having  sal-  si^,  f Fear'^noro^be"  oidTthy^ 

vation  ;  and,  iii  token  of  the  gentleness  of  his  administration,  and  his  strict  observance  of  king  cometh  unto  thee,  meek, 

the  divine  law,""  he  shall  make  his  public  entrance  into  thy  city,  not  as  other  princes  affect 

a  Were  come  to  Bethphage  and  Bethany.']    As  Bethany  was  the  town  both  to  Jesus,  and  puttinc  on  them  their  clothes,  and  setting  him  thereon, 

from  which  our  Lord  set  out,  some  have  supposed  tliere  were  two  places  Cthough  it  be  spoken  in  the  plural  number,)  implies  no  more  than  setting 

of  this  name  ;  of  which  the  one  was  fifteen  furlongs  from  Jerusalem,  (as  him  upon  the  mantles  thrown  on  that  which  he  made  choice  of,  and  is 

it  is  said,  John  xi.  18.1  and  the  other  that  he  now  was  come  to,  joined  to  no  intimation  of  his  riding  upon  both. 

the  mount  of  Olives,  and  was  but  a  sabbath-day's  journey,  or  but  eight  f  As  he  fat  on  the  Vimiig  a'.t.]  John  says,  that  .Tf.o/r,  uhen  he  hadfmnd 
fiirloiiL'S,  distant  from  the  city.  (Compare  Luke  xxiv.  SO.  and  Acts  i.  a  j/nwip  ass,  sat  thereon :  but  as  the  larger  arcounts  given  by  the  other 
IC.)  Hut  it  is  hardly  probable  there  were  two  places  of  the  snme  nanje  evangelists  in  a  great  measure  supersede  this.  (  could  only  bring  in  a 
within  a  mile  of  each  other  ;  ami  it  is  much  more  natural  to  suppose  part  of  that  clause  here  ;  though  in  the  whole  of  this  work  f  am  as  care- 
that  the  limits  of  Bethany  might  extend  to  the  mount  of  Olives,  and  be  ful  as  possible  to  omit  no  one  circumstance  that  any  of  the  sacred  writers 
contiguous  to  the  boundaries  of    Bethphage,   which   was    part  of  the  mention. 

suburbsof  Jerusalem,  and  reached  from  the  mount  of  Olives  to  the  walls  g  It  might  he  literally  accomplished  which  was  spoken,  <Sc.]    I  shall 

of  thecity.    See  Lightfoot,  Harm.  N.  V.  ^'1.  and  Whitby  on  Mark  xi.  1.  not  enter  on  a  particular  tletail  of  the  reasons  which  induce  me  to  believe 

b  .fust  as  he  had  said  nnlo  them.']     Ihe  exact  knowledge  which   our  that  the  prophecy  of  Zechariah  is  here  quoted  aiioiding  to  its  primary 

Lord  showed  of  so  many  minute  and  most  fortuitous  particulars,  must  anil  literal  sense  ;  but  content  myself  with  reierrinL-  the  reader  to  Bishop 

surely  impress  the  minds  of  these  messengers  greatly,  and  establish  the  Clian<ller's   Defence  nf  Christianity,  p.   1U2— 107.  and   Mr.    Bullocks 

faith  of  his  followers.    It  is  observable  that  many  such  things  occurred  Vindication,  p.  175,  176. 

a  little  before  his  death,  which,  considered  in  this  view,  have  a  peculiar  h  His  strict  observance  of  the  divine  law.]    1  he  learned  and  ingenious 

beauty.    (Compare  Matt.  xxvi.   31—35.   Mark  xiv.   15,  16.  and  Luke  Bishop  Sherlock  has  set  this  fact  in  a  most  just  and  beautiful  light,  in 

xxii.  10 — 13.)  his  Fourth  Dissertatimi  annexed  to  the  last  edition  of  his  Discourse  on 

c  Effectually  to  prevent  any  clamour  or  reflection.]    Perhaps,  had  not  Prophecy.    Ood,  that  he  might  keep  the  people  of  Israel  in  a  more  sen- 

the  owners  of  the  beasts  happened  to  be  by,  and  had  not  Luke  expresslv  sible  dependence  on  himself,  forbade  the  use  of  that  strong,  generous, 

mentioned  them,  the  malice  of  ancient  or  motlern  infidels  would  have  and  majestic  animal,  the  horse,  (job  xxxix.  19 — 25.)  in  tlieir  armies,  as 

found  some  occasion  for  raising  an  outcry  on  the  ambiguity  of  the  words,  also  of  chariots,  Deut.  xvii.  10.    (Compare  Josh.  xi.  6.  Judges  v.  15.) 

The  Lord  has  need  of  him.     Its  being  a  weak  and  contemptible  cavil  David  therefore,  who  rode  himself  on  a  mule,  ami  ordered  Solomon  to 

would  not  have  prevented  their  using  it,  as  we  learn  by  abundant  ex-  do  so  on  his  coronation-day,  (1  Kings  i    33,  34.)  burnt  ihp  chariots  he 

perience.  took  from  the  enemies,  and  ham-strung  their  horses,  to  make  theni  unfit 

d  They  let  them  go."]  If  these  people  were  not  (as  they  possibly  might  for  war.  (2  .Sam.  viii.  4.)  And  afterwards,  when  Solomon  (1  Kings  iv. 
be)  the  acquaintance  of  Christ,  they  might  easily  meet  with  "him  at  26.)  and  succeeding  princes  multiplied  horses,  they  were  rebuked  by  the 
Jerusalem,  if  they  had  a  mind  to  inquire  after  the  a?fe  and  colt ;  or  they  prophets,  and  chastised  by  God  for  it.  (See  Isa.  ii.  6,  7.  xxxi.  1.  and 
might  be  left,  according  to  their  direction,  at  some  house  in  the  city,  or  Hos.  xiv.  3.)  And  the  removal  of  them  is  spoken  of  as  matter  of  pro- 
be sent  back  by  some  of  our  Lord's  attendants  ;  though  the  evangelists  mise  in  the  days  of  the  Messiah,  JIos.  i.  7.  Mic.  v.  10,  11.  and  Zech.  ix. 
do  not  descend  to  such  minute  particulars.  There  is  no  appearance  of  10. — It  is  therefore  with  great  propriety  that  Christ,  in  bus  most  public 
Christ's  intending  to  show  his  sovereignty  in  transferring  the  property  triumph,  chose,  according  to  the  prophecy  before  us,  to  ride  on  an  ass. 
of  these  creatures;  and  though,  no  doubt,  he  had  a  power  to  do  it,  his  — Nor  are  we  to  imagine  there  was  any  thing  mean  and  ridiculous  in 
usual  prudence  would  probably  direct  him  to  wave  it  at  a  time  when  so  it;  for  the  Eastern  asses  are  a  much  larger  and  more  beautiful  animal 
many  eyes  were  upon  him  for  evil.  than  ours,  and  it  plainly  appears  the  patriarchs  and  judges  of  the  Jew  isli 

e  They  .(e/  Jesus  thereon.']    As  all  the  evangelists  but  Matthew  speak  nation  thought  it  no  disgrace  to  ride  upon  them  ;  of  which  Abraham, 

expressly  of  his  riding  on  the  colt,  what  Matthew  says  of  bringing  them  (Gen.  xxii.  3.)  Moses,  (Exod.  iv.  20.)  and  Jair's  family,  (Judges  x.  4.) 


CHRIST  RIDES  IN  TRIUMPH  TO  JERUSALEM.  255 

^"^  \V!u"P  ""FT  ""^  ^"'r-,^!!'*  ^°  fPPe^'"'  i"  a  proud  triumphal  chariot,  or  riding  on  a  stately  manao-ed  horsp  dprkpd   srrr 
...luhetoaio.  auass.  [John      ^    ^  f  3^,^^^,^  Ornaments,  and  attended  with  a  pompoms  ^cavalcade     but  he    Ue.' 

shall  appear  like  one  of  thine  ancient  patriarchs  or  judges,  in  the  earliest  and  best  a^es  of 

thy  common vvealth,6i//'«?g  upon  an  ass;  yea  he  shall  come  upon  n  colt,  the  foal  of  an  ass    matt. 
which,  though  it  had  never  been  backed  before,  shall  in  his  miraculous  hands  be  tractable    '"^-"^l- 

und°e'rl1!i-^o'ihiTdiscipilfa?  ,;.^"^  l' jf  ^f  ^^  observed,  that  Ais  apostles  and  other  disciples  did  not  understand  these  john 
thetirst:  but  when  Jesus  was  """jgs  at  Jirst,  nor  recollcct  the  Correspondence  between  the  preceding  prophecy  and  the    Xii 
fhef.llt  ttTe  tinn^T'rere  T!^ '  ^"^"^l"  ^^^'f  """'  ^^^^^  from  the  dead,  and  glorified  at  the  right  hand  of  the  16 
written  of  him,  and  that  they  I'ather,  trorti  whence  he  sent  down  his  Spirit,  to  instruct  them  in  the  mysteries  of  his  word 
had  done  these  things  unto  and  kingdom,  Mp«  tlm/  remembered  that  these  things  xcere  written  concerning  him  as  the 
Messiah ;  and  [that]  they  had  done  these  things  unto  him  without  any  designed  reference 
to  the  prophecy,  which,  at  the  time  of  its  accomplishment,  they  did  not  so  much  as 
think  of. 

he^vi'come^^i.h^eventw     Af  "'''^'\^^}^''J','"'^^  '«^\  to  the  city,  [and  ivas]  now  at  the  lower  part  of  the  descent   luke 
at  the  descentoMhe  mountof  ^/  '"e  mount  Of  Ulives,  which  lay,  as  was  said  before,  to  the  east  of  Jerusalem,  and  was-Xix.  37 

John  xii.  12.  Much  people  T  ^  ^^'^  furlongs  from  it,  A  great  multitude  of  people,  who  were  come  from  Galilee  and  john 
that  were  come  to  the  feast.  Other  parts  to  celebrate  the  feast  of  tiie  passover,  having  heard,  by  some  who  had  run  xtl. 
wircomi^g'toTerusatm''"'  ^efore  the  rest  of  the  company,  that  Jesus  teas  coming  in^this  solemn  pomp  to  Jerusalem,  12 

13  Took  brandies  of  palm-  immediately  resolved  to  go  and  usher  him  in  with  alt  possible  respect :    And  accordino-ly  13 
h>m!' ami  Tied?' Hos°anna'f  ^^'%to"''.  branches  (>f  palm-trees,  which  were  commonly  carried  before  those  who  rode^in 
blessed  lithe  King  of  Israel,  public  triumph,  and  went  forth  to  meet  him,  and  cried,  Hosanna  !    May  God  save  and 
Ihe  LoTd'i'^  '"  ""'  "*■"'  "'  P''osper  him  !'     Blessed  [be]  the  King  of  Israel,  who  comes  in  the  name  and  by  the  autho- 
rity 0/  the  Lord  our  God,  to  redeem  us,  and  to  rule  over  us.     (Compare  Psal.  cxviii. 


25,  26.) 


wL^Ii;'h'h?m''\vKTaiied  r  ^^"''^  ''''  ^'^™'?^  ^^''"^  "\^'^  ^!"^  PO™P'  ">^  P^"P''^  ''^^o  were  with  him^  when  he  called  17       x 
JLazarus  outof  his  grave,  and  yi~urus  Out  of  his  grave,  and  hy  that  almighty  voice  raised  him  from  the  dead,  amono-  whom  \ 

barc'record  *™'"  "''  '*'"'''  ^^  ^^'^  ^^'"  P^"^'  ^^  ^o"i'  ^^ys,  testified  [it]  to  the  Strangers' who  were  come  up"  out  of  ' 

,-  „     ^.  *;"e  country,  and  told  them  what  a  glorious  miracle  they  had  been  eye-witnesses  to 

also^ne^hi,n';"for't'hTt°^ey  t^^"^^]  ./'f.  ^^'^  f««-?e  among  Others,  and  indeed  with  a  peculiar  regard  to  tins,  the  people  18 
heard  that  he  had  done  this  «'«'  met  him  trom  the  City  in  the  manner  which  has  been  described  above,  because  then 
'""'''  '"'"'■f^  ij'"^  ^e  fx'd  done  this  astonishing  miracle,  which,  in  some  circumstances,  exceedeH 

any  which  he  had  wrought  before. 

wh^ofe  multitude  of  «,"'^disd'  ,,  ^'"^  ^^^  l"¥^  multitude  of  the  disciples  that  had  attended  him  from  Bethany,  both  they  luke 
pies  [that  went  before,  and  fhcii  went  before  him,  and  they  that  followed  after,  «|  his  triumphant  procession,  bemn    XIX. 
joicVaLd  p,tL  Go"l  w?th'*a  "'^^^^  '"  '■?'"''"^'  ^"'^  ^^  W^i^^  God  With  «  loud  voice  /fr  all  the  might  1/  ivorks  and  glorious  ^^ 
wnr'l'"irv'''^!;''"L''^.."''=*"-^  miracles  ivhich  they  had  seen  performed  by  him  on  a  great  variety  of  occasions,  and  wliich 
[Aiatt  xxL'g*  iv/ark  xi.  IT ''  ^'^^^  "T  P^^icularly  called  to  mind.     [And]  as  they  now  were  met  by  a  vast  concourse  38 
sa^Pnalo'^the'sAl'Tif'^^?!  ot  people  from  Jerusalem,  they  joined  together  in  their  triumphs  and  congratulations,  and 
blessed  [is  he. .°"«]  the  king  '^'''^'^  ^'^'^  ^^l  their  might.  Saying,  "  Hosanna  to  the  great  illustrious  Son  of  David  who 
thf  iS'rd'"'niaceT  T""^  °*  "*^^^  vouclisafes  to  make  his  public  appearance  among  us !    Blessed  be  he,  [even]  the  lono-- 
and  glory  Tn    the  Wghlst  e^pected  King  and  Sovereign  of  God's  people,  who  now  comes  to  us  in  the  name  of  the 
[Matt.  XXI.  9.  Mark  xi.  9.]      Lord/   May  the  most  exalted  honours  be  paid  to  him  !    May  continued  prosperity  attend 
mm  !  Let  there  be  peace  in  heaven,  and  a  rich  variety  of  divine  favours  be  dispensed  from 
Mark  xi  10  RU«»H  ,  ,1    1  5 "n*^  l  ^'^.'^  ',"  ^^"^"^  ^""^  ^'^*^™'  '^^  s'^rv  ^6  given  to  God  in  the  most  exalted  strains,  and 
kingdom  of  ou'r  father  David   f-     J  ^^  ^'#f«^  Orders  of  augels  joiu  in  his  praises  !  Blessed  and  prosperous  be  the  sacred  m\rk 
the' £orT"'Ho  ""^  "■'"'Vh^'  '""(^T"  of  our fither  David!     May  it  speedily  be  established,  and  may  it  long  flourish  •     xi. 
highest.   [Matt'xxi.^'g.T        ^^^"^  ^^^^  kingdom  which  is  not  gained  by  the  alarms  of  war,  and  garments  rolled  in  blood'  10 
but  which  comes  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  renders  itself,  by  that  powerful  influence  on 
men  s  spirits  which  we  now  feel,  victorious  over  whatsoever  w'ould  oppose  it !    Hosannah, 
therefore,  m  the  highest  strains  !    Repeat  again  and  again  your  songs  and  your  congratula- 
tions.     Thus  they  expressed  their  joyful  and  rapturous  expectations  of  his  assumino-  the 
royal  dignity,  and  vindicating  Israel  from  the  Roman  oppression  ;  and,  imboldeneH  by 
the  display  of  his  power  in  the  resurrection  of  Lazarus,  they  feared  not  the  resentment  of 
Luke  xi    -io    A  A  *     f  P""^^^"*  masters,  for  declaring  themselves  thus  openly  in  his  favour, 

the  Pharise'es  from  amonrthe      ^^d  someof  the  proud  and  envious  Pharisees,  who  were  among  the  multitude  as  spies   luke 
M^'te"''r'ebuki^hv  Hu,''!™'  '"^t'?.^^.  t"^^"  fiends,  were  much  offended  at  the  high  honours  that  Were  paid  to  Jesus,  and    xix. 
thy  discpies.  malicious  y  scud  to  him,  with  an  intent  to  embarrass  and  expose  him,  Alaster,  canst  thou  39 
wvf  T      7^^^  ^'^  ^''"^  "°'^^  •  °^  ^^^  ^^  ^^  consistent  with  thy  great  humility  to  sufl'er  it  ? 
Why  dost  thou  not  rebuke  thy  disciples  for  such  dangerous  acclamations  as  these  ?     Dost 
thou  intend  to  give  encouragement  to  such  seditious  speeches,  and  to  stand  by  the  conse- 
_j^  ^^^  ^  quences  which  may  follow  them  '.' 

said  unto  th1.m?'rte!f  yo"u'!  ,    ^f^  J^^"^'  '^^'^o  was  now  determined  to  lay  aside  that  reserve  which  for  wise  reasons  he  40 
peaU'.  't'hTstones'wouki'im'  had  formerly  used,  ansrvered  and  said  unto  them,  I  tell  you,  that  the  reason  for  these  accla- 
mediately  cry  out.  mations  IS  SO  plain,  and  the  evidences  of  it  so  strong,  that  it  must  be  great  stupidity  not 

to  see,  and  great  obstinacy  not  to  own  it :  so  that  f  these  should  be  silent^,  one  miAt  almost 
expect  that  the  very  stones  should  inimediate.li/  cry  out  to  proclaim  my  kingdom  :  yea  God 
would  even  animate  the  stones  on  such  an  occasion,  rather  than  he  would  suffer  me  to 
John  3,-  10  Th  P  ""^'^^         triumph,  so  evidently  marked  out  by  his  prophets. 

therefore"said  amongTem!      "^'^f  Pharisees  then,  turning  from  him  with  envy  and  rage,  said  to  each  other,  Perceive  john 
pre\^u  nothw'  ^h^hn^H^  ,r  "^^  "     thctt  you  gamvo  manner  of  advantage  by  all  your  consultations,  and  the  decrees  of    Xll. 
world  is^gonelfte?  mm'-  '*"  y^""'  Sanhedrim  ?     Behold,  the  whole  luoi^d  is  gone  after  him,  till  he  has  now  thrown  off  19 
the  mask,  and  taken  upon  him  to  declare  his  pretences ;  which,  if  the  people  thus  fall  in 
with  them,  must  necessarily  end  in  our  ruin,  and  perhaps  in  that  of  the  whole  nation. 

W?SV::^^^^^^^^  ^^^r:"''^"^'^  '"^'"'^  Hebrew  word  Hosanna  signifies,  Sa.e.  .. 

fallen  ontiiispassage'must  ■to''sn"e«k'wifh°a1l''n„^i'i*i''''  ["''."''e  *l"cli  I'a^  k  Now  the  people  7,ho  u^eie  tcith  him.}    It  is  impossible  that  their  not 

on  the  ^VT^nln^S(^^"^l•Xo^^,t.Jll  n    Possible  chanty,  beretor  ed  understanding  the  prophecy  of  Zechariah  now,  or  recollecting  it  afler- 

they  did  not  understand                               "  "^"'"  """"  '°  «"s"'e  "hat  wards,  (which  are  the  things  mentioned  in  the  preceding  verse.  John  xii. 

i  Hosanna  !  May  God'save  an,)  r,iv,=,,=r  i,™  n    i                 i             ,  l"'-"  5"°"'^,  be  the  reason  of  what  follows  here.     It  appears  then  trom 

y  uoasa\eand  piosper  him!]    I  suppose  tew  readers  hence,  (and  it  is  very  material  to  observe  it,)  that  oi/./ [Merc/ore]  is  some- 


k 


256  CHRIST'S  ENTRY  INTO  JERUSALEM. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

SECT.  Let  us  behold  this  meek  triumph  of  the  great  Redeemer  with  pleasure !  He  entered  the  capital  of  his  kingdom 
146.  riding  upon  an  ass  ;  a  circumstance  in  which  he  made,  though  by  no  means  a  ridiculous,  yet  to  be  sure  a  very 
■  humble  figure ;  yea,  he  appeared  exactly  as  the  prophet  described  him,  upon  a  colt,  the  foal  of  an  ass—not  yet 


JOHN   grown  up^to  i'ts  best  form,  nor  adorned  with  any  sumptuous  or  elegant  furniture,  but  only  covered  with  the 
■^^h.  mantles  of  his  poor  attendants,  and  perhaps  with'nothmg  better  for  a  bridle  than  a  cord  which  might  have  tied 
the  foal  at  the  door. 

Let  us  imagine  that  we  saw  the  Son  of  God,  and  the  King  of  Israel,  tlms  proceeding  towards  Jerusalem,  and 

13  the  people  meeting  him,  and  surrounding  him  with  their  acclamations  :   Hosanna  !    Blessed  be  he  that  cometh  in 

the  name  of  the  Lord  !     Do  not  our  hearts  spring  at  the  sound  ?     Do  we  not,  as  it  were  in  spirit,  go  forth  with 

MAEK  them,  and"  join  in  their  sublime  though  simple  song  ?     Tlius  let  us  welcome  him  "into  our  hearts  !     Let  us  echo  it 

XI-     back'i   Blessed  be  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  with  divine  authority,  and  divine  blessings  in  his  hands ! 

^^  And  blessed  be  the  kingdom  he  hath  erected  !     May  perpetual  prosjierity  attend  it !     May  the  north  give  up  a 

swarm  of  subjects  to  it,  and  may  not  the  south  keep  back  her  swarthy  sons?    May  nations  be  born  at  once,  and 

LUKE  thousands  together  made  willing  in  the  day  of  his  power  !   Surely  if  these  are  not  our  affectionate  wishes,  the  warm 

XIX.    and  zealous  sentiments  of  our  very  hearts,  it  may  almost  be  expected  that  the  very  stones  should  cry  out,  to  accuse 

40  and  condemn  our  ungrateful  stupidity.  ,        . ,  ,  ,      ■       j    ,         , 

JOHN  Unhappy  Pharisees,  who  looked  on  these  triumphs  with  envy  and  rage,  and  grieved  that  the  world  was  gone 
XII.  after  him  !  Yet  less  unhappy,  had  they  not  renewed  their  attempts  against  him,  those  fatal  attempts  which  ended 
^9  in  their  ruin  !  But  who  that  had  seen  the  procession,  and  heard  the  shouts  of  the  transported  multitude,  could 
have  imagined  or  believed,  that  before  the  end  of  the  week  they  should  have  turned  their  voices  against  him,  and 
instead  of  Kosanna,  should  have  cried  out.  Crucifix  him  '(  Yet  so  it  was  :  and  Christ  knew  it  would  be  so.  Such 
is  the  uncertainty  of  popular  applause !  Who  wdiild  then  purchase  it  at  the  expense  of  his  conscience,  or  even  of 
his  ease?  . 

/lARK      These  transports  were  raised  by  the  hopes  of  a  temporal  kingdom  ;  and  when  those  hopes  were  disappointed, 
/k  XI.     these  transports  were  turned  into  rage.     Oh  that  there  may  be  none,  under  all  the  engagements  of  a  christian,  and 
5i^.    10  gygn  of  a  ministerial  profession,  who  proclaim  Christ  with  great  appearances  of  zeal,  only  that  they  may  exalt  theni- 
^^  :     selves ;  and  wish  prosperity  to  his  kingdom,  only  as  it  may  promote  their  own  interest  in  a  world  from  which  it 
was  the  great  design  bf  his  death  to  redeem  his  servants. 


SECTION  CXLVII. 

Christ  havin"  weot  over  Jerusalem   enters  iulD  it,  and  vindicates  the  temple  a  second  time  from  the  profanation  of  the  traders.    Matt.  .xxi.  10— 
'  "       ^  ^16.    Mark  xi.  11.    Luke  xix.  41,  to  the  end. 

Luke  xix.  41.  Luke  xix.  4i. 

SECT    THUS  our  Lord  went  on  in  his  triumphant  progress  toward  Jerusalem  ;  and  when  he  was  and  when  he  was  come 
147.'  come  near  it,  and  had  now  the  view  of  it  before  him,  (the  place  where  he  was  command-  IJfept  o^Vit^  '^  *  "  ^'  *" 

ing  an  extensive  prospect  of  it,)  beholding  the  city  in  all  its  present  beauty  and  glorv,  and 

LUKE  considerino-  the  calamities  which  would  shortly  be  its  ruin,  he  tenderly  wept  over  it,  Sayiyjg,  4y  Saying,  If  thou  hadst 
XIX.  Oh  that  thou  hadst  knoum,'^  even  thou,  unhappy  city,  which  art  now  on  the  very  pomt  of  tMsTh"j;dIy?the°"hiny^'A,r!4 
'^2  being  devoted  to  final  destruction  !  Oh  that  at  length,  though  with  the  greatest  obstinacy  belong  unto  thy  peace!  but 
thou  hast  despised  the  messages  of  all  thy  prophets,  thou  hadst  but  known  and  seriously  ^^e^'s.^^  ^'*  t'omthme 
regarded,  at  least  in  this  thy  latest  day  and  opportunity  of  grace,  the  important  things  which 
belong  to  thy  peace,  and  oh  which  thy  final  happiness  depends !  But  now,  alas,  thei/  are 
hid  from  thine  eyes,  and  God  will  leave  thee,  in  his  righteous  judgment,  to  this  aftected 

43  ignorance  and  obstinate  perverseness  till  it  end  in  thine  utter  rum  For  the  time  hastens  „p«  ^^^'^.^hat^ine'enemTe! 
on,  and  in  a  little  while  the  days  shall  come  upon  thee,  when  thou  Shalt  sutler  all  tlie  Hard-  ^^M  cast  a  trench  about  thee, 
ships  of  the  closest  siege,  and  thine  enemies  shall  draw  a  trench  about  thee,  and  compass  thee  l'l'^'^^^^f^^^Z'eTy"'\d^^ 
round,  and  press  thee  in  on  every  side,^  so  that  with  all  thy  numerous  inhabitants  thou 

44  neither  shalt  be  able  to  resist  nor  "to  escape  them  :  And  tiny  shall  level  thee  with  the  ground  J^  And  shail_iay  thee  even 
on  which  thou  standest,  and  crush  thy  children  within  thee  under  thy  ruins  ;  and  shall  not  children  within  'thee  -,  and 
leave  so  much  as  one  stone  upon  another  in  thee  of  all  thy  splendid  and  sacred  structures  :  ^';,7,fo^n^^' ^'p^o'n' anoH.er ;' be! 
and  all  these  terrible  calamities  shall  overwhelm  thee  because  thou  didst  not  know  and  con-  cause  thou  knewest  not  the 
sider  the  appointed  season  of  thy  merciful  visitation,  nor  attend  to  those  overtures  of  grace  ''■"«  °f  'hy  visitation, 
which  I  have  so  often  mad"e  in  "person  to  thee,  and  have  still  urged  with  so  much  serious- 
ness and  tenderness. 

MATT       And  Jesus  entered  into  Jerusalem  with  great  solemnitv,  amidst  the  joyful  acclamations     Matt.  xxi.  lo.  [And  Jesus 

XXt.    of  the  people  ;  and  as  he  made  his  entrances  such  a  public  and  remarkable  way,  the  whole  ^"Jen  he"  was'^'comraii  the 

^^  city  was  in  a  great  commotion  at  so  uncommon  an  appearance,  saying.  Who  is  <Ai.s  that  city  was  moved,  saying,  Who 

11  comes  in  all  this  pomp,  and  is  attended  with  these  high  congratulations?    And  the  multi-  "/{"^nh' {iJe  m^uititude  said, 
tilde  that  came  with  him,  said.  This  is  Jesus  the  great  Prophet,  who  is  of  Nazareth  m  This  is  Jesus,  the  Propliet,  of 
Galilee,  even  he  that  is  so  celebrated  all  over  the  country  for  the  fame  of  his  doctrine  and  ^^^^-^reth  ot  i^auiee. 
miracles. 

12  And  Jesus,  having  come  into  the  city  by  the  eastern  gate,  alighted  from  the  colt,  and  temple  of  God"rd"[^^h^n*he 
went  direcdv  into  the  temple  of  God,  whither  the  people  followed  him  :  and  when  he  had  ^aj  looked  round  about  upon 
looked  round  about,  and  made  his  observation  upon  all  things  there,*^  as  he  perceived  those  ail  things,]  [Luke,  began  toj 

times  used  in  a  looser  sense,  so  as  to  answer  to  and  or  now  in  eur  lau-  furlongs  in  circumference  with  thirteen  castles  in  jts  circuit ;  and  ^y  this 

„g  means  all  hope  was  cut  off  that  any  ot  the  Jews  withm  tlie  city  should 

n'o'/t  that  ihoH  hadst  knowv.-\    It  is  certain  (as  we  have  observed  else-  escape.    iBeJl.  Jiid.  hh    v.  cap.^l.  [al.  13.]  $  1.  2.)— He  also  teHs  us, 

where,  note  a,  on  Luke  xii.  50.  p.  204.)  that  the  particle  e<  is  sometimes  that  when  1  itus  had  taken  the  cit.v   and,  contrary  to  his  wil  .  the  temp  e 

used  to  express  an  ardent  wiVi,  (compare  Numb.  xxii.  29.  and  Josh.  vii.  was  consumed  with  iire,  he  caused  the  foundations  both  o    the  temple 

7    .^"pfuao.)  and  the  connexion  here  will  very  well  bear  it.— If  ourtrans-  and  the  city  to  be  dug  up  and  levelled  with  the  ground,  leaving  only 

lation  be  "retained,  it  must  be  acknowledged  that  the  broken  manner  of  three  towers  and  part  of  the  wall  to  be  a  specimen  of  its  tormeT  strength 

speaking  is  very  emphatical  :  our   Lord  will  then  seem  to  pause   in  a  and  grandeur:    CBell.  Jud.  lib    \n.  cap.  1.  Lai-  18.)  «  1.)     Ana  atter- 

silent  reflection  on  the  happy  consequences  that  would   have  attended  wards  the  whole  was  so  entirely  destroyed,  that  not  one  xtone  was  Icje 

their  obedient  regard  to  his  invitations  and  addresses.— Rut  to  add  the  vpon  another  ;  as  Socrates  relates.  Hist.  heel.  Ith.  in.  cap.  2().— In  short, 

words  [it  had  been  wellA  which  some  have  proposed,  would  rather  ener-  the  accomplishment  of  every  part  ot  this  prediction  is  recorded  by  Jose- 

vate  than  help  the  sense  ;  as  I  think  it  would  do  in  most  of  the  passages  phus  in  so  affecting  and  particular  a  manner,  especially  in  the   sixth 

which  learned  critics  have  produced  from  the  Greek  writers  as  instances  hook  of  his  Jewish  War,  that  I  cannot  but  recommend  the  perusal  ot  it 

of  a  like  figure  of  speech.    See  Mr.  Hallet,  On  Script,  vol.  i.  p.  11.  to  every  christian  who  has  an  opportunity  of  reading  it. 

b  Thine  enemies  shall— compass  thee  round.  Hfc.]     Josephus  says  ex-  c   llten  he  had  looked  round  ahout  npori  all  things  \    It  is  plain  from 

presslv    that  though  it  was  thought  a  great  and  almost  impracticable  this  expression  ot  St.  Mark,  that  lesus,  when  he  %yent  into  the  temple  on 

work  to  encompass'  the  city  with  a  wall,  yet  Titus  animating  his  soldic-is  the  day  of  his  public  entiy,  took  particular  notice  o    all  things  there  ; 

to  attempt  it  they  in  three  days  surrounded  it  with  a  wall  of  thirty-nine  whiclnt  is  hardly  probable  that  he  would  do  without retoiming  the  abuses 


CHRIST  DRIVES  OUT  THE  BUYERS  AND  SELLERS  FROM  THE  TEMPLE.  257 

casfoutailthemthatsoid.and  profanations  were  again  renewed  which  he  had  formerly  so  solemnly  chastised  soon  after  SECT. 
[Luke,  them  that]  boui'iit  in  }jg  entered  on  his  public  ministry,  he  began  with  a  holy  indignation  to  animadvert  upon  147. 
thi  tables'' or''the°''n?one7,  them,  as  he  had  done  three  years  before,''  and  to  drive  out  all  them  that  sold  and  bought  in- 


the    tables     ot     tne    mouej'-   mem,  t»o  ..v^  ..i.vi  ^^.^^  t....^,^  _,^„.^ ,     — --  -  ,     Vi      ^i  i ^^e'.      .        ,,.^~ 

changers,  and  the  seats  ot  ^]^g  outer  court  of  the  temple,  which  was  appointed  lor  the  Lientile  proselytes  to  worship  in,  matt. 

?■!  n''Luk«  xii?  45.]  but  was  made  use  of  by  the  Jews  as  if  it  were  a  common  market-place ;  and  with  an  irre-  .-^-'^^• 

sistible  authority  he  overthrew  the  tables  of  the  exchangers  of  foreign  mnnei/  into  the  current 
coin,  which  those  that  came  from  distant  parts  might  want  to  offer  for  the  service  of  the 
sanctuary,  (see  Exod.  xxx.  13,  14.)  and  likewise  overturned  the  seats  of  them  that  sold  doves 
i:?  And  said  unto  them,  Tt  for  Sacrifices.     Ajid  he  said  to  the?ti  as  he  turned  them  out.  Such  practices  as  these  profane  13 

is  written,  My  house  [is  and]  the  housc  of  God,  and  shamefully  pervert  the  use  for  which  it  was  designed  ;  for  it  is  writ- 

shall  be  called   the  house  ot   "•   ^  .   '     __     .  .■!.•:  ,,    ,  ,  /-  c ii   1.    . 1  •   i    .1 


prayer 


!  but  ye  have  made  u  ten,  (Isa.  Ivi.  7.)  "  My  house  shall  be  called  an  house  of  prayer  for  all  people,  to  wliich  they 


a  den  o'f  thieves.   [Luke  xix.  gjj^jj  j-esort  for  the  performance  of  religious  worship :"  but  you  have  turned  it  into  an  house  of 

^^•^  merchandise,  and  ynade  it  (as  the  prophet  speaks,  Jer.  vii.  11.)  a  den  of  robbers,^  a  place 

where  traffic  is  carried  on  by  persons  of  the  most  infamous  character,  who  live  by  deceit 

and  oppression,  and  practise  the  vilest  extortion  even  in  the  house  of  the  righteous  and 

blessed  God.     (Compare  John  ii.  14—16.  sect.  xxi.  and  Mark  xi.  15,  17.  sect,  cl.) 

14  And  the  blind  and  the      And  there  were  manv  of  the  blind  and  lame,^  who  had  no  sooner  heard  of  his  arrival  in  14 
ir*aud  lie  heil^d  them*""'  the  City  but  they  immediately  desired  to  be  led  to  the  place  where  he  was ;  and  they  came 

'to  him  in  the  temple,  and  he  graciously  healed  them  in  the  presence  of  all  the  people. 

15  And   when   the    chief      But  when  the  chief  priests  and  scribes  beheld  the  wonders  he  performed,  and  observed  how  15 


\ 


, .      V,.  .,„...o,  open  v„  ,  -  -^     -  -  , 

Hlar«uhouw1,at"th«es:??  Said  to  him,  Dost  thou  hear  what  these  children  s«v.?  and  judge  it  proper  to  encourage 
And  Jesus  saith  unto  them,  these  unthinkino-  crcatures  in  such  language  as  this  r  And  Jesus  sai/s  unto  them,  les,  1  am 
ou?  o^the  ?nou?h''of  bab^s  Sensible  enough  of  what  they  say,  nor  is  it  needful  or  fit  I  should  reprove  them  for  it. 
and  sucklings  thou  hast  per-  ^re  you  unacquainted  with  the  Scriptures ;  you  that  would  have  the  people  to  regard  you 
fected  praise?  ^^  ^j^^  ^^^^^  teachers  of  the  law?  or  have  you  never  read  what  David  says,  (Psal.  viii.  2.) 

"  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and  sucklings  thou  hast  ordained  that  strength  whereby  thou 
hast  perfected  thine  own  praise,  by  the  weakness  of  the  instruments  made  use  of  in  thy 
service?"?  You  cannot  but  have  read  it,  and  I  assure  you,  that  as  God  in  many  instances 
has  used,  and  in  a  little  while  will  eminently  use,  some  of  the  weakest  and  meanest  of 
mankind  to  accomplish  his  great  and  glorious  purposes,  so  this  event  is  a  most  signal 
illustration  of  those  words ;  and  it  is  by  a  secret  influence  of  God  on  the  minds  of  these 
little  ones,  that  they  are  led,  as  it  were,  to  upbraid  ^our  silence  and  insensibility,  by  so 
remarkable  and  suitable  an  exclamation. 
Luke  xix.  47.     And  he      And  thus  he  was  till  the  time  of  the  passover,  which  was  celebrated  within  five  days  luke 
taught  daily  in  the  temple,  ^ffg^  this,^  teaching  daily  in  the  temple:  but  the  chief  priests  and  the  scribes,  and  others  of   -^iX. 
Ses!  and  th''e"chfef  of  the  the  rulers  of  the  people',  who  had  before  decreed  his  death,  according  to  the  resolution'*' 
people,  sought  to  destroy  hmi;  ^^^^ich  the  sanhedrim  had  come  to  by  the  advice  of  Caiaphas,  (John  xi.  53.  sect,  cxli.)  were 
still  contriving  how  they  might  execute  their  horrid  design,  and  diligently  sought  an  oppor- 
48  And  could  not  find  what  tunity  to  destroy  him  :  But  they  kn5w  not  how  to  effect  it,  and  could  not  immediately  find  48 
peo'^letfreve^auenule  to  out  what  they  might  do  for  that  purpose,  or  what  safe  method  they  might  take  to  seize 
hear  him.  him  :  for  all  the  common  people  listened  to  him  with  so  great  attention  and  pleasure,  that 

they  hung,  as  it  were,  on  his  lips  while  he  spake,*  and  pressed  upon  each  other  for  an 
opportunity  of  hearing  him.  Tlie  magistrates  therefore  feared  lest  the  populace  should 
tumultuously  rise  in  his  defence,  if  they  offered  any  public  violence  to  him,  and  that  thus 
they  might  endanger  themselves  while  they  sought  to  destroy  Jesus. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Next  to  the  sight  of  a  bleeding  and  dying  Redeemer,  there  can  surely  be  none  in  the  whole  world  more  affect-  Ver.41 
ing  than  this  which  is  here  represented,  even  the  Son  of  God  weeping  over  perishing  sinners,  yea,  over  the  sinners 
of  Jerusalem.  We  might  perhaps  have  been  ready  to  think,  that,  foreseeing  so  circumstantially  as  we  know  he 
did,  all  the  ungrateful  and  inhuman  treatment  he  was  to  meet  with  in  this  nest  of  murderers,  with  the  scene  of  his 
sufferings,  and  the  very  house  of  Caiaphas  in  his  full  view,''  he  should  rather  have  taken  up  a  proverb  against  it, 
and  have  anticipated  the  triumphs  of  that  awful  day  when  God  would  plead  his  cause  with  irresistible  terror,  and 
avenge  the  quarrel  of  his  sacred  blood.  But,  behold,  he  seems  to  forget  himself  and  all  his  wrongs,  great  and 
cruel  as  they  were,  and,  in  the  midst  of  a  procession  intended  for  his  honour,  he  melts  into  tears,  as  if  it  were  for 
the  calamity  of  a  friend  or  a  brother,  and  says,  in  the  most  genuine  language  of  undissembled  grief,  Oh  that  thou  42 
hadst  known,  even  thou,  at  least  in  this  thy  day,  the  things  which  belong  to  thy  peace  ! 

with  which  the  Jews  so  shamefully  profaned  it;   and  Matthew  so  ex-  be  such  a  vast  concourse  of  people  :  and  there  seems  a  peculiar  propriety 

pressly  joins  his  driving  out  the  traders  with  the  transactions  of  this  day,  in  our  Lord's  multiplying  these  astonishing  miracles,  both  to  vindicate 

that  howsoever  it  appears  from  several  instances  that  the  evangelists  are  the  extraordinary  act  ot  authority  he  had  just  been  pertormmg,  and  to 

not  always  exact  in  observing  the  order  of  time,  it  is  highly  reasonable  make  this  his  last  visit  to  Jerusalem  as  convincing  as  possible,  that  those 

to  suppose  that  Jesus  purged  the  temple  on  this  day.    Yet  it  appears  so  who  would  not  submit  to  him  might  be  leit  so  much  the  more  me.xcusable. 

evident  from  Mark's  account  (ver.  12—17.)  that  the  traders  were  driven  g  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes,  4c.]     lo  ordain  strettgin,  winch  is  the 

out  on  the  next  day,  when  Christ  returned  from  Bethany  to  the  temple,  phrase  the  Psalmist  uses  in  the  passage  here  referred  to,  was  in  ettect(as 

after  he  had  cursed  the  fig-tree,  that  I  cannot  but  suppose,  with  Mr.  the  Seventy  render  it)  to  perfect  praise;  so  that  there  is  no  need  to  be 

Whiston,  (in  his  View  of  the  Harmon!/,  p.  130, 131.)  that  this  occurrence  solicitous  about  that  little  variation  in  the  quotation.— Ihis  general  oo- 

happened  twice:  and  therefore  I  have  only  given  here  what  Matthew  servation  of  David  was  greatly  illustrated  by  the   Hosannas  or  tnese 

and   Luke  relate  of  this  matter,  reserving  Mark's  account  to  the  next  children ;  and  yet  much  more  by  the  triumph  ot  the  apostles,  weaK  as  m 

day :  (see  §  150.  note  a,  on   Mark  xi.  15.)  though,  after  all,  I  dare  not  many  respects  they  were,  over  all  the  opposition  ot  Jews  and  trentiies 

be  confident  in  a  case  where  the  greatest  critics  are  so  much  divided  in  h  Celebrated  within  five  days  after  this.]     I  his  was  the  first  aay  or  me 

their  sentiments.  week,  or  our  Lord's  day;  in  commemoration  ot  which  Falm-suiiaay 

d  As  he  had  done  three  years  before.]    1  see  no  reason  to  wonder  at  was  long  agodenominated,  and  asceremonies  increased,  was  P^^'^'i'JJJ'J 

the  repetition  of  such  an  action  as  this,  or  to  imagine  that  John  would  observed.     The  passover  was  celebrated   by  Christ  on  tne   ^^nH'^^'J:. 

have  placed  this  stoi-y  so  early  in  his  history  as  he  does,  if  it  had  not  night  following,  and  he  was  crucified  on  Friday,    home  transaciiuus  ui 

happened  then  as  well  as  now.    (See  Johnii.  14— 16.  p,  "  "     "         "  --u  ;_. :-._  j ,..,...,  .u_  f.,,i „  h.^.nrv 

observed  a  greater  severity  in  our  Lord's  treatment 

doves  now  than  before,  as  he  now  overthrew  their  seats, 

merly  contented  himself  with  ordering  the  owners  to  t< 

(John  ii.  16.)  but  I  will  njot  answer  for  the  solidity  of  the  remark.  tne  run  sense.                         ..,,,.       ,    ,^        „,„  ..roHit  thp  best  ac- 

e  A  den  of  robbers.]    Bishop  Smallbroke  well  observes,  (in  his  Answer  k  House  of  Caiaphas  in  his  full  view.]    If  we  "^»y  c™"'^  '^j  ^^nnot 

tff  IVuolston,  vol.  i.  p.  168.)  that  our  Lord  in  this  expression  seems  to  counts  ot  Jerusalem  which  remain,  this, was  ^''^"y ',.„■:•:•     entitled 

allude  to  the  custom  which  robbers  in  these  parts  had  of  sheltering  them-  forbear  referring  my  reader  to  Mr.  Howe  s  .exceleni  "^flJ"^'       ^f  ^j^ 

selves  in  dens  and  caves  in  the  wilderness,  where  great  multitudes  of  The  Redeemer's  Tears  wept  over  lostjiouls ;  '"  ,^^'V^,' "*.'    ijes  of  true, 

theni  otten  joined  in  sharing  their  plunder.  practical   works,  there  are  such  sub  ime  and  pathetic  "X  ,anguage 

f  The  blind  and  lame.]    Many  such  would,  no  doubt,  be  waiting  in  the  manly,  and  christian  eloquence,  as  do  a  great  honour  lo  oic  m  b     t 

several  avenues  of  tlie  temple,  to  ask  alms  at  a  time  when  there  would  and  age  in  which  they  were  written. 

S 


258  CERTAIN  GREEKS  INTRODUCED  TO  CHRIST. 

sFf  r       Behold,  O  our  souls,  with  wonder  and  with  awe,  at  once  tlie  soodness  and  severity  of  God!  (Rom.  xi.  22.)    The 
■l47.'  sinners  of  Jerusalem  went  over,  and  yet  abandoned  to  ruin  !    We  have  our  part  m  all  this  :  the  tidmgs  of  the 

gospel  are  the  things  which  belong  to  our  peace,  the  things  on  which  our  everlasting  happiness  depends.    1^  us 

LUKE  remember  that  the  time  will  come  in  which,  if  we  do  not  attend  to  them,  they  will  be  hid  from  our  eyes.     Ihere 
XIX.    is  a  limited  day  of  mercy  and  grace ;  and  therefore  to-day,  while  it  is  called  to-day,  let  us  hear  Ins  voice,  and  not 
42  harden  our  hearts,  (Ileb.  lii.  15.)  lest  slighted  mercy  at  "length  retire,  and  vengeance  take  its  turn  ;  a  vengeance 
which  will  fall  the  heavier,  and  pierce  the  deeper,  in  proportion  to  all  the  long-suffering  and  goodness  which  have 
been  exercised  towards  us  in  vain.     Let  all,  and  especially  the  ministers  of  Christ,  learn  compassion  to  souls  by 
such  an  example ;  and  when  the  strongest  efforts  of  love  prove  ineffectual  for  their  recovery,  let  us  at  least  be 
mourning  for  them  before  the  Lord,  and  weeping  over  the  ruin  which  we  cannot  prevent. 
MATT       Thouo^h  Christ  had  cleared  the  temple  from  the  profanations  of  these  traders  at  the  beginning  of  his  ministry,  he 
XXI.'  found  the  same  pollutions  returned  at  the  close  of  it.     And,  alas,  how  often  do  we  find  it  thus  with  respect  to  our 
12  hearts  '    How  soon  do  those  weeds  spring  up  again  which  we  had  been  endeavouring  with  a  resolute  hand  to  root 
up  •  and  how  often  are  efforts  for  reformation  forgotten,  even  when  the  attempt  appeared  at  first  to  be  most  neces- 
sary !    Let  us  learn  of  Christ  not  to  be  weary  of  well-doing,  but  with  continued  zeal  renew  our  endeavours  again 

15  '   The'scribes  and  Pharisees  envied  Christ,  but  the  children  surrounded  him  with  their  Hosannas;  and  he  gra- 

16  ciously  accepts  their  feeble  accents  of  praise,  as  ordained  by  God  out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and  sucklings.    Nor 
will  he  now  despise  the  day  of  small  things.    Oh  that  we  might  have  the  pleasure  to  see  little  children  pronounc- 


•^ 


SECTION  CXLVIII. 


Some  Greeks  that  came  to  celebrate  the  passover  at  Jerusalem  are  introduced  to  Christ,  who  enters  on  an  excellent  discourse  particularly  suited 
to  their  circumstances :  and  retires  in  the  evening  to  Bethany.    John  xii.  20—36.  Matt.  xxi.  17.  Mark  xi.  tl. 

John  xii.  20.  john  xii.  ao. 

SECT.  ANT)  among  those  that  came  up  to  Jerusalem  from  different  countries  to  worship  at  the  and   there    were   certain 
148.   feast,  there  were  some  Greeks,  or  persons  who  were  descended  from  Grecian  parents,  and  upTo  wol^Crp  It  th'e  feMt.^™* 

'used  that  language,  but  had  forsaken  the  idolatry  of  their  ancestors,  and  devoted  themselves 

JOHN   to  the  God  of  Israel  :='   These  therefore  came  to  Philip,  who  was  of  Bethsaida,  a  city  of    21  The  same  came  therefore 
''^^\-     Galilee,^  and  asked  it  as  a  favour  of  him  to  introduce  them  to  his  Master,  sai/ing,  in  a  very  'aida  ot^Galilee,  a^d  dS" 
respectful  manner.  Sir,  we  earnestly  desire  to  see  and  hear  this  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  of  whom  him,  saying,  sir,  we  would 
we  have  been  told  such  extraordinary  things,  and  who  has  now  been  received  into  the  city  ^""^  ^^"^^ 
witli  such  unusual  regard. 
22      Upon  this  Philip  conies  and  tells  what  their  request  was  to  Andrew,  who  likewise  was     22  Philip  cometh  and  teii- 
of  Bethsaida,  and  had  been  first  acquainted  with  Christ;  (John  i.  40,  44.  sect.  xxi.  xxii.)  drewand*Ph\lip°tof(f  j"si^"' 
and  then  Andrew  and  Philip,  having  agreed  upon  it,  went  and  told  Jesus  that  some  Greeks 
who  were  come  to  the  feast  desired  admittance  to  him. 
2.3      And  Jesus  immediately  ordered  them  to  be  brought  to  him  ;  and  as  they  were  approach-    23  And    Jesus    answered 
ing  him,  he  answered  them,  saying,"  At  length  the  hour  is  come,  and  the  appointed  time  is  ^'^^'  tf,a't'"tfe  ion  ot"'"^  '^ 


man 


just  at  hand,  that  the  Son  of 'man  must  he  glorified;  and  I  would  have  you  look  on  the  should  be  glorified. 

24  approach  of  these  Greeks  as'  an  earnest  of  the  flowing  in  of  all  the  Gentiles  to  me.  But  24  Veriiy,  verily,  i  say 
wonder  not  if  my  death  is  to  precede  it ;  for  verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  and  assure  you  ^"'"at^ "fail  ''kito^the  ^^o"un'd 
of  it  as  a  most  solemn  and  important  truth.  That  unless  a  grain  of  wheat  fall  to  the  ground  and  die,  it  abideth  alone; 
and  die  and  waste  away  there,  it  remains  single  and  alone^but  if  it  seem  to  die  and  wither  ^"J^iJ  I'^if^'  "  '"'"gc"'  forth 
after  it  is  sown,  such  is  the  principle  of  vegetation  which  it  contains,  that  a  new  produc- 
tion of  the  like  kind  arises,  and  it  brings  jorth  fnuch  fi-uit.    And  so  it  is  that  I  myself 

shall  fall,  and  a  new  scene  be  opened,  in  which  my  kingdom  shall  seem  to  be  utterly  lost 
and  gone ;  yet,  like  the  spring  corn,  it  shall  assuredly  revive,  and  appear  beautiful  and 
fruitful. 

25  But  in  the  mean  time,  such  difficulties  are  also  to  be  expected  by  my  faithful  ser^'ants,  35  He  that  loveth  his  life 
tliat  it  is  but  fit  I  should  inform  these  strangers  of  what  I  have  once  and  again  told  you,  E'^?'L'?^*  .'V  -^"f,  ^  *?J 
that  lie  who  loves  his  own  life  too  well  to  part  with  it  for  my  sake,  shall  lose  it,  and  expose  shall  keep  it  unto  life  eternal, 
himself  to  death  in  the  worst  and  most  dreadful  sense  of  the  word  ;  hut  he  that  acts  as  if 

be  hates  his  Ufe  in  this  world,  by  exposing  it  to  the  greatest  dangers  in  the  cause  of  my 
gospel,  shall  preserve  it  even  to  everlasting  life,  and  secure  a  state  of  immortal  glory  and 
happiness.    (Compare  Matt.  x.  39.  sect.  Ixxvi.  Mark  viii.  35.  sect.  Ixxxix.  and  Luke  xvii. 

26  33.  sect,  cxxviii.)  If  any  man  therefore  would  engage  to  serve  me  as  one  of  my  loyal  26  Tf  any  man  serve  me, 
people,  let  him  resolve  to  follow  me  whithersoever  Ishall  lead  him,  whatever  dangers  and  i^'am?fherT''^a(l^ai'so''my 
difficulties  may  lie  in  the  way  :  and  let  him  know,  for  his  encouragement,  that  ivhere  I  am,  servant  be:  if  any  man  serve 
or  where  I  shortly  am  to  take  up  mine  abode,  there  shall  also  my  faithful  servant  be;  for  JTonourl'"  """  ""^  *'^"'" 
I  will  assign  him  an  inheritance  in  that  blessed  world  where  I  am"  for  ever  to  rest  and  reign 

after  all  the  sufferings  I  have  endured  here :  and  I  assure  you  that,  among  all  that  follow 
me,  if  any  man,  of  whatever  nation  he  be,  or  whatever  his  religious  profession  may  before 
have  been,  will  faithfully  serve  me  here,"!  him  ivill  [???7/]  Father  also  honour,  and  confer  such 
rich  rewards  upon  him  as  to  make  him  for  ever  both  great  and  happy. 

A  Some  Gre«*.t— who  had  devoted  themselves  to  the  God  of  Israel.]  It  law ;    (compare  Acts  ii.  5.  viii.  27.  xiii.  43.)    Yet  I  will  not  venture 

IS  strange  that  such  learned  critics  as  Isaac  Vossius  and  Salmasius  should  confidently  to  affirm  it. 

imagine  these  worshippers  to  have  been  idolatrous  Gentiles.  Dr.  Whitby  b  Bethsaida  of  Galilee.}  This  town  lay  on  the  borders  of  Syro-Phre- 
andseveralotherconsiderable  writers  have  indeed  thought  that  they  were  nicia,  from  whence  (as  Grotius  thinks)  these  Greeks  mightcome-  so  that 
such  as  are  commonly  cMed  proselytes  of  the  gate,  that  is,  (as  most  they  might  perhaps  be  acquainted  with  Philip  as  a  neighbour;  or  other- 
readers  well  know,)  persons  who,  having  renounced  idolatry,  and  being  wise  we  cannot  say  why  this  circumstance  relating  to  hiin  is  here  men- 
worshippers  ot  the  Crod  of  Israel,  might,  according  to  the  law  of  Moses,  tioned.— The  learned  Keland  argues.that  there  were  two  Bethsaidas  of 
be  permitted  to  dwell  in  Judea  and  to  converse  among  the  Jews,  though  which  this  lay  most  to  the  nortli.  See  Reland,  Pafe^irec  p  653 
not  with  entn-e  freedom.  And  it  has  likewise  been  thought,  that  the  c  Jesus  answered  thetti,  saying.}.  The  phrase  here  intimates  the  suit- 
regard  which  Jesus  showed  to  such,  m  vindicating  the  court  of  the  Gen-  ablenessof  the  following  discourse  to  this  particular  occasion  bv  attend- 
tiles  (where  they  assembled  for  religious  worship)  from  the  contemptu-  ing  to  which,  many  of  the  beauties  of  it  will  be  discovered  (inr  lord 
ous  prolanations  ot  the  Jews,  (Matt.  xxi.  12,  13.  p.  257.)  might  dispose  might  perhaps  enlarge  on  some  of  these  hints  ;  and  if  his  hJarers  took  a 
these  pious  persons  to  address  themselves  to  him.— But  their  attending  due  notice  of  them,  and  made  a  proper  report  on  their  return  home  it 
at  the  passover  leads  me  rather  to  imagine  (with  ;Arndius.  Miscel.  Sac.  might  prepare  the  way  for  the  apostles,  when  thev  came  bv  their  preach- 
j).  6.)  that  they  were  what  the  Ta.bb,esnmvcM  proselytes  of  rtyhteousness.  ing  more  fully  to  unfold  and  illustrate  these  important  doctrines 
that  is,  such  as  by  circumcision  obliged  themselves  to  observe  the  whole  d  //  any  man  serve  me.}     Our  Lord,  by  this  indefinite  expression 


nnme. — 


CHRIST'S  DISCOURSE  TO  THE  GREEKS.  259 

27  Now  is  my  soul  trou-      Having  Said  this,  our  Lord  paused  for  a  while,  and  entered  on  a  deep  contemplation  of  SECT 
Father  "live'' me"' from 'this  ^^e  very  different  views  of  things  which  lay  before  him.    And  then  he  added  aloud,  Now    148.' 

hour?  but  for  this  cause  came  is  my  very  soul  distressed  and  troubled  in  an  affecting  view  of  my  approaching  sufferings; 

1  unto  this  hour.  ^,,2^  ,^/,f,^  ^|^^^l[  J  g^fy  7     What  petition  shall  I  offer  to  God  on  this  occasion  ?    Shall  I  say'    John 

Father,  save  me  from  this  dreadful  hour,  and  from  all  the  agonies  which  I  am  to  endure  in     -^^^• 
the  gloomy  season  before  me?<^    Nay,  hut  for  this  cause  was  I  born  into  the  world  and  for  ^^ 
this  end  t  came  even  to  this  present  hour,  that  I  might  bear  the  sufferings  on  which  I  am 
entering,  and  might  redeem  my  people  by  them.     And  far  be  it  from  me  to  draw  back 

28  Fatiier,    glorify    thy  from  suf  h  engagements  and  undertakings  :  1  will  therefore  much  rather  say,  Father,  glorifi/  28 
""" "  thine  owk  name,  and  dispose  of  me  and  all  my  concerns  in  such  a  way  as  may  most  effec- 
tually answer  that  great  end. 

—Then  came  there  a  voice  Then,  at  that  very  instant,  while  he  was  speaking,  there  came  a  voice  from  heaven  [which 
boT  gSed'1f'"and  wll!  ^"^^0  ^  ^'^^  ^"''''  a\vea.dy  glorified  [it]  by  the  whole  of  thy  ministry  thus  far;  and  I  will 
glorify  »>  again.  '  g^orify  \it'\  yet  again  in  a  more  signal  manner  by  what  further  remains  before  thee. 

29  The    people    therefore       T/w  multitude  therefore  who  stood  bi/  and  heard  \jt,\  though  not  all  in  a  manner  equally  29 
safd  th'at°ft  thundered  rotliers  distinct,  were  perfectly  astonished  at  "the  awful  souna  ;  and  some  among  them  said  that  it 
said.  An  angel  spake  to  him.  thundered,^  while  others  who  were  nearer,  said  that  an  angel  spake  to  him  from  heaven. 

30  Jesus  answered  and  said.      But  Jcsus  answered  and  Said  to  his  disciples,  who  stood  near  and  distinctly  heard  it,  30 
of'me\°but  for  your  sa'kes'."*'^  This  voicc  from  heaven  came  not  chiefly_/br  my  sake,  who  was  before  assured  of  tiie  affec- 
tion of  my  Father,  and  knew  the  purpose  he  had  formed  to  glorify  himself  by  me ;  but  it 
was  uttered  for  yours,  that  you  may  not  be  offended  at  the  treatment  I  shall  meet  with, 
and  quit  your  hope  in  me,  and  regard  for  me,  on  account  of  any  of  the  sufferings  which 

.31  Now  is  the  judgment  of  are  coming  upon  me.     This  indeed  is  a  very  critical  and  important  time  :  for  7iow  is  the  31 
princrof''this 'world  be  ca'st^"^»'"^"^  of  this  world,?  which  I  am  going  to  conquer  and  condemn,  that  by  my  death  my 
out.  followers  may  both  be  taught  and  enabled  to  triumph  over  it,  and  those  may  be  convinced 

of  sin  that  believe  not  in  me.    (Compare  Gal.  i.  4.  and  John  xvi.  8,  9.)     Yea,  now  shall 
Satan,  the  ruler  and  god  of  this  world,  be  cast  out  from  that  empire  which  he  has  so  long 
usurped  over  the  minus  of  men,  and  especially  over  the  heathen  nations.    (Compare  Eph. 
.32  And  T,  if  I  be  lifted  up  ii.  2.  and  2  Cor.  iv.  4.)    And  when  I  am  lifted  tip  from  the  earth,^  though  I  may  seem  32 
mS("unto  me'.'''        ^'"""^  ""  thereby  to  be  made  the  trophy  of  mine  enernies,  yet  such  shall  be  the  effect  of  that  im- 
portant event,  that  I  shall  thereby  draw  all  men  to  me ;  that  is,  I  shall  lay  a  foundation  for 
conquering  the  most  stubborn  hearts  by  so  rich  a  display  of  my  love ;  and  shall,  by  a 
secret  but  powerful  influence  on  their  minds,  persuade  multitudes  of  all  ranks  and  all 
nations  to  list  themselves  under  the  banner  I  raise.     (Compare  John  iii.  14,  15.  p.  59.) 
33  This  he  said,  signifying      Nolo  tliis  he  spake  of  his  being  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  as  signifying  by  what  death  he  33 
what  death  he  should  die.       should  die,  even  by  crucifixion,  in  which  the  person  suffering  was  lifted  up  on  high,  and 
hung  as  it  were  between  heaven  and  earth:    And  in  general  it  was  understood  "by  the 
.34  The  people   answered  people  as  implying  some  violent  death  shortly  to  come  upon  him.     The  multitude  there-  34 
t'™'ia^w*that'chrrst'*ab?det'h  ^^^^  answered  him,  We  have  heard  it  taught  as"  a  certain  truth  out  of  the  law,  or  out  of  the 
for  ever :  and  how  sayest  volume  of  our  sacrcd  writings,  that  the  Messiah  is  immortal  and  abides  for  ever ;  "  that  his 
beTifted''upfwho'istois's''on  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  kingdom,  and  his  dominion  continues  unto  all  generations;" 
"t  man?  (2  Sam.  vii.  16.  Psal.  Ixxxix.  29.  ex.  4.  Isa.  ix.  7.  Ezek.  xxxvii.  25.  Dan.  ii.  44.  vii.  14.) 

and  how  then  dost  thou,  who  now  plainly  professest  thyself  to  be  the  Messiah,  sat/  that  the 
Son  of  man  must  be  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  and  die  a  violent  death  ?  Who  is  this  Son  of 
vianh  Is  he,  as  such  language  as  this  might  seem  to  intimate,  a  different  person  from  tKe 
Messiah,  whom  we  have  been  taught  to  expect  under  the  title  of  the  Son  of  man  ?  This 
was  said  by  some  of  the  multitude  who  were  ill-affected  towards  him,  and  desired  to  find 
something  to  object  against  him. 
35  Then  Jesus  said  unto  Then  Jesus  Said  to  them,  Do  not  cavil  at  what  I  now  say ;  but  remember  how  short  this  35 
lifeOn'wiu' you  Walk  whi'ie  Opportunity  is  which,  through  the  divine  goodness,  you  now  enjoy:  yet  a  little  while  is 
ye  have  the  light,  lest  dark-  the  light  xcitk  you  which  you  may  derive  from  me,  or  my  servants  who  shall  come  to  vou 

ness  come  upon  you:    tor  he  ■  "t    ,,.,.'„  ,.'.,  ,  .,,.'..'..,.  .  J 

that    walketh      in     dark 
kuoweth  not  whither  he 


rkne.ss  '"  ^7  "aine.  Walk  therefore  while  you  have  the  light ;  comply  with  the  gracious  purposes 
goetii.  of  God  in  making  these  discoveries  to  you,  and  regulate  your  temper  and  conduct  by 
them ;  that  darkness  may  not  overtake  you,  that  you  may  not  be  deprived  of  the  gospel, 
and  left  in  a  night  of  ignorance  and  misery :  for  you  know  it  is  a  most  uncomfortable 
thing  for  a  traveller  to  be  benighted  in  his  way,  as  he  that  walks  in  darkness  wanders  from 
place  to  place,  and  knotvs  not  whither  he  goes,  or  into  what  dangers  he  may  fall  the  very 
next  step  he  takes ;  and  much  more  dreadful  will  it  be  for  you  to  be  deserted  of  God, 
and  left  to  the  darkness  and  folly  of  your  own  hearts.  (Compare  John  xi.  9,  10.  sect. 
36  While  ye  have  light,  cxxxix.)  Let  me  therefore  once  more  seriously  and  kindly  exhort  you,  that  tvhile  you  have  36 
miybethechild'renof  IHit-  ^^^  ^^^^'^  ^^^"^  clearly  shining  around  you,  you  believe  in  the  light, 'and  honestly  follow  it, 
that  you  tnat/  be  the  children  of  light,  who,  being  now  truly  wise  and  good,  shall  be  the 
heirs  of  holiness,  glory,  and  joy  everlasting. 

'?!i°.u'^  intimates  that  his  kingdom  was  to  be  of  a  very  extensive  nature  ;  Vernac.  Sacra,  p.  8,  9.)  Now  is  the  world  come  to  its  crisis :  and  Grotius 

and  that  not  only  the  proselytes  of  righteousness,  but  those  of  the  gate,  and  More  (in  his  Theological  Works,  p.  207.)  explain  it  of  the  redemp- 

ii^r,;L    f.      ''^''^"  1    u  'dolatrous  Gentiles  themselves,  might,  on  their  be-  tion  of  the  world,  or  its  vindication  from  the  bondage  of  Satan.    But  this 

,IPI,    f°;;  r '  "^6  ^nutted  into  it.  is  so  unusual  a  sense  of  the  word,  that  I  choose,  with  Dr.  Whitby,  to 

n  Ji  I  h    /  fj  lif  .  it'^     rather,  save  me  from  this  hour  ?]    I  suppose  few  understand  it  of  the  condemtiatioti  of  the  world,  or  of  the  jndgment  passed 

than  .h    ?         li  ■      PO'"ti»-g  of  the  New  Testament  is  far  less  ancient  upon  its  wicked  principles  and  practices,  and  of  the  vir'tory  which  chris- 

r.^„„^^  k             •'*  agreeable  to  observe  how  many  difficulties  may  be  tians  were  to  gain  over  it  in  consequence  of  the  death  of  Christ.     See 

removed  by  varying  it,  and  departing  from  the  common  punctuation  :  John  iii.  18, 19.  xvi,  8,  11. 

tho^'i^l.';  J            {'";;,*<'  ^e  one  ot  the  most  remarkable  instances.     For  as  li   When  1  am  lifted  up  from  the  earth.]    I  think  Dr.  Whitby's  note  on 

r,,,r  t^,,?»,i°i?*  ",^  *" ''•■'''"'^s  not  seem  natural  to  suppose  that  this  text  sufficiently  vindicates  this  version  of  eav  ixtw^to.    See  the 

it  L  •       ^""""y  ottered  tins  petition,  and  then  immediately  retracted  Greek  version  of  Deut.  vii.  1.  Judges  vi.  .3.  xxi.  21.  2  Sam.  vii.  12.  1 

t-\w,i„-,i     J      J,     .,.,        ,        ,■                ,    ,  Kings  xiii.  31.  Job  vii.  4.  Prov.  iii.  24.  iv.  12.  Jer.  iii.  16.  and  compare 

^«L«  r;i2      •      ,2    ,„    I   Thunder  often  attended  a  voice  from  heaven.  John  xiv.  3.  1  John  iii.  2.  and  3  John  ver.   10.  where  eav  e\0o>  may 

(••^ec  1-xod.  XIX.  16,  19.  Rev.  iv.  5.  vi.  1.  x.  3.)    In  allusion  to  which,  signify,  when  I  come. 

J*J  rf  ?^'a,      "c";"      -^  1^*^  ^*"*"'*  ^y  "^'^  ancient  Jews,  Bath  Kol,  or  i  Who  is  this  Son  of  man  ?]    A  writer  of  great  note  interprets  this  as  if 

nrnH M^f ;3  f  "■'    -f  ""^''f'  ''^'"-  "shered  in  with  thunder,  and,  as  it  were,  they  had  said,  "  Who  is  this  that  so  absurdly,  and  inconsistently  with 

i  ,HH^„  *i,     j""  it.— Llsner  has  shown  that  the  heathens  reckoned  that  the  prophets,speaksof  himself  as  the  Sonofman,vih\\e  he  talks  ot  being 

?i.-^,?roKi             T"^^  o  ^'Sn  that  a  prayer  then  offered  met  with  the  most  lifted  up,  and  dying  ? "    (See  Dr.  Sykes  Of  Christianity,  p.  110.)     But 

fnnt  nh«l„  ™^?     •  ^^^^  Elsiier,  Observ.  vol.  i.  p.  334,  335.)— Dr.  Light-  the  sense  siven  in  the  paraphrase  appeals  to  me  more  natural,  and  I  am 

n  onv  nf          l^ererHnr    Heir,  in  loci  that  Christ  had  thrice  the  testi-  pleased  to  find  it  in  Grotius.     ihis  was  a  real  and  important  difficulty ; 

inimltr\;  L^ru^ii'"?',/'^''^^"'   ''''^'>  ^'^^"   ''«  entered  on  his'public  but  it  was  (it  some  obscurity  should  for  the  present  be  left  upon  it,  lest 

iii   17  1  a'„  I  fl,          "     Priest  ot  our  profession,  at  his  baptism;  (Matt,  the  plainness  of  the  prediction  should   have  prevented  its  accomplish- 

!iv!'«hV.  o-     V  D  "  a  second  time,  when  a  command  was  given  to  hear  him,  ment.    Our  Lord  therefore  gave  the  discourse  a  useful  turn,  and  a  tew 

51  and  n^      *^™.P"''tC)t  the  church,  at  his  transfiguration;  (Matt.  xvii.  days  more  proclaimed  the  mystery  which  he  had  before  revealed  to  his 

^.  a  k-ii"  "'  ^^^™'  when  he  had  made  his  public  entry  into  Jerusalem,  apostles  in  private,  when  he" set  out  on  his  last  journey  to  Jerusalem. 

»  A^n-^Vo  ,t    •  J             .  ,  •  (See  Matt.  xx.  18,  19.  §  142,  p  246.) 
.    S  ISo.a  n  the  judgment  of  thi.t  world.]    Mr.  Massev  renders  this,  (in  his 

S  2 


260  JOHN'S  REFLECTION  ON  THE  INFIDELITY  OF  THE  JEWS. 

SECT.       These  things  Jesus  spake,  when  the  Greeks  applied  themselves  to  him  ;  and  as  the  un-  —These  things  spake  Jesus. 
148.    believing  Jews  were  greatly  irritated  by  the  actions  and  discourses  of  the  day,  and  would  fp\"4ci'f  [Mark?  an^d  now 

■ not  be  awakened  to  conviction,  he  left  them  and  departed  thence  to  a  retired  place  :  and  the  even-tide  was  come,  he 

JOHN   when  now  it  was  late  in  the  evening,  he  privately  ivent  out  of  the  city  to  Bethany,  with  none  Betitlnyf  \mark,  '^wfth^the 
^^hf,  to  attend  him  but  the  twelve  apostles  ;  and,  knowing  that  his  enemies  were  watching  to  twelve ;]   [and    he    lodged 
""^  destroy  him,  and  might  have  attempted  to  seize  him  by  night  if  he  had  tarried  at  Jerusalem,  l?^™'ihem    [Matt  xx^T?. 
he  lodged  there  at  Bethany,  and  concealed  himself  from  them,  to  avoid  the  assaults  of  their  Mark  xi.  ii.] 
deliberate  malice  till  his  hour  was  come. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.20     Who  can  wonder  at  the  desire  these  Greeks  expressed  to  see  so  celebrated  a  Person  as  Jesus  was  !    We  hope 

21,  23  there  was  something  more  than  mere  curiosity  m  it,  and  that  at  length  they  saw  him  with  believing  eyes,  and, 

22  according  to  his  prediction,  glorified  him  by  a  cordial  acceptance  of  his  gospel. — His  disciples,  we  see,  were  ready 

to  introduce  them  :  and  surely  every  faithful  minister  of  Christ  will  undertake  the  task  with  pleasure,  when  he  sees 

souls  awakened  by  divine  grace,  and  inquiring  after  Jesus  with  affectionate  concern. 

24      Blessed  be  God,  it  lias  already,  in  many  instances,  been  seen  that  by  the  death  of  Christ  an  immortal  seed  was 

sown  which  has  multiplied  in  all  ages,  and  is  still  multiplying.    Oh  that  it  might  have  a  greater  increase !     One 

would  think  that  words  so  graciousas  tliese  should  promote  that  increase,  and  operate  upon  every  heart  to  produce 

a  love  to  him  sufficient  to  conquer  every  danger  and  opposition  which  may  be  met  with  in  his  cause  :  behold  the 

26  promise  which  he  has  left  upon  record ;  "  If  any  man,  be  he  ever  so  mean  and  unworthy,  will  but  faithfully  serve 
and  folloiv  me,  whatever  his  former  wanderings  and  rebellions  may  have  been,  where  I  am,  there  shall  also  my  ser- 
vant be."  Happy  state  indeed  !  not  only,  like  these  Greeks,  to  have  a  transient  sight  of  Christ,  but  to  be  for  ever 
with  him ! 

How  admirable  is  the  love  and  stedfastness  of  our  Redeemer,  who  procured  so  great  a  happiness  for  us  at  so 

27  dear  an  expense  !  and  even  when  his  innocent  soul  was  troubled  in  the  view  of  his  sufferings,  mstead  of  declining 
them,  met  them  with  joy  !     How  should  it  animate  us  to  renew  that  general  comprehensive  petition,  than  which 

28  none  can  be  more  suitable  to  us  with  regard  to  all  the  divine  dispensations :  Father,  glorify  thine  own  name  ! 
Glorify  thyself,  O  Lord !  and  to  that  great  end  dispose  of  us  as  thou  pleasest ;  for  we  should  abhor  ourselves  if 
we  had  any  interest  separate  from  thine  ! 

W^e  may  be  assured,  as  certainly  as  by  a  voice  from  heaven,  that  this  great  end  shall  be  answered ;  and  in  this 
31,  32  we  should  rejoice.  Behold,  the  prince  of  this  world  is  cast  out  /  Behold,  Satan  is  vanquished  by  Christ !  and  Jesus 
is  lifted  up  on  the  cross  for  a  standard  to  all  the  nations.  Behold  the  attractive  magnet  by  which  all  men  are  to  be 
drawn,  by  which  all  his  chosen  people  shall  be  brought  to  him,  and  so  raised  up  to  heaven  itself !  Let  us  look 
unto  him  from  the  ends  of  the  earth,  and  labour  with  our  cold  hearts  to  awaken  them  to  that  lively  and  ardent  affec- 
tion which  we  owe  to  him  who  was  crucified  for  us. 
35,  36  For  ever  adored  be  divine  grace  for  this  gospel-light  which  discovers  to  us  so  excellent  an  object !  May  vve  use 
it  to  saving  purposes,  and  so  walk  in  it,  as  that  we  may  appear  to  be  the  children  of  light !  Let  us  think  of  that  last 
distribution  of  mankind,  when  the  children  and  heirs  of  light  and  darkness  are  once  for  all  to  be  separated.  Let 
us  think  of  the  gloom  of  eternal  night,  which  will  shortly  overtake  those  by  whom  the  gospel  is  now  despised ; 
and  remember  how  much  it  will  be  aggravated  by  the  light  we  have  so  long  seen.  Do  thou,  O  God,  at  whose 
word  light  arose  out  of  darkness,  send  forth,  by  thine  influences  on  our  hearts,  thy  light  and  thy  truth,  that  they  may 
lead  and  bring  us  to  thine  holy  hill ;  (Psal.  xliii.  3.)  and  that  we  may  have  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  whither  we 
go,  even  when  we  walk  through  the  dark  valley  of  the  shadow  (f  death  !    (Psal.  xxiii.  4.) 


SECTION  CXLIX. 

was  retu 
Matt,  -x 

John  xii.  37. 


John's  reflection  on  the  infidelity  of  the  Jews.    As  Christ  was  returnins  the  next  morning  to  Jerusalem,  he  curses  the  barren  fig-tree.    John  xii, 

37—43.    Matt.  xxi.  18,  10.    Mark  xi.  12- 14. 


John  xii.  37. 

SECT.  JVO  W  such  was  the  perverseness  of  the  Jews,  and  such  the  prejudice  they  had  conceived  but  though  he  had  done  so 
^'^Q-    against  our  Lord,  that  though  he  had  sufficiently  declared  himself  to  be  the  true  Messiah,  ye^Ly'beiil^^d^nXn'hfnT; 

and  though  he  had  done  so  many  undeniable  and  glorious  miracles  at  this  and  other  times 

^X™   ^f'/'"'^  them,  in  their  most  public  places  and  most  numerous  assemblies,  yet  the  gi'eater 

2^  part  of  them  were  hardened  in  their  infidelity,  and,  notwithstanding  all  that  he  had  said 

and  done,  tliey  were  in  general  so  obstinate  that  they  did  not  believe  on  him  as  the  Messiah. 

38  So  that  the  saying  of  Isaiah  the  prophet  was  plainly  fulfilled  and  verified  in  them,''  which  he  38  That  the  saying  of  Esaias 
SDuke  in  the  name  of  Christ  and  of  his  servants,  referring  expressly  to  the  gospel  times,  vvhi'ch°'?,e'''5"like*  Lor"d^'who 
(Isa.  liii.  1.)  "  Loi-d,  who  hath  believed  our  report?  and  to  whom  hath  the  arm  of  the  Lord  hath^believeS  our  report 'and 
been  so  effectually  revealed  or  made  bare^  as  to  conquer  those  strong  prejudices  which  Lonuiren'reveaied  ?""  °^  "'* 
men  have  entertained  against  thine  appointed  method  of  salvation  ?" 

39  And  /or  this  reason  they  were  now  in  a  manner  utterly  incapable  of  believing,  because  %')  Therefore  thev  could  not 
many  of  them  having  long  wilfully  opposed  the  most  sufficient  and  proper  methods  of  ^lij^^a^^^in'^''''"'^^  '  "'  ^^'''''* 
conviction,  were  at  length  given  up"by  God  to  a  judicial  hardness  and  blindness  ;  [«.?]  the     40  He  hath  blinded  their 

40  same  prophet  Isaiah  says  elsewhere,  (Isa.  vi.  10.)  "  Having  refused  to  hearken  to  the  eyes,  and  hardened  their 
voice  of  God,  he  has  in  righteous  judgment  blinded  their  eyes  and  hardened  their  heart  ;<^  s^*ewiih?i'4*eyes,'norlmder- 
lest  they  should  (as  he  adds  in  the  name  of  God)  see  with  their  eyes,  and  understand  with  stand  with  their  'heart,  and 
their  heart,  and  be  converted,  and  I  should  heal  and  save  them,  which,  after  such  obstinate  heaf  them"".'"*'  ^"''  ^  '^""''^ 

.  a  &i  rfa<|/;ciff^'n^()/IsajaA  aiaifo//i7fcrf.]Tt  is  apparent  (as  the  late  c  He  has  blinded  tlieir  eyes,  and  hardened  their  heart.']    As  God  is  said 

judicious  Mr.  .lettery  has  observed  in  his  True  Grounds,  .Jr.  p.  110.)  to  harden  the  heart  of  Pharaoh  in  one  place,  while  in  another  it  is  said 

mat  the  accomplishment  of  this  prophecy  could  not  be  the  end  they  pro-  he  hardened  his  mm  heart  ;  (Exod.  ix.  12.  and  viii.  15,  ."iC  >  and  as  we 

posed  to  themselves  in  their  unbelief ;  and  consequently  that  theexpres-  ouglit  to  be  very  tender  of  ascribing  to  God  any  thing  that  looks  like  a 

sion  ii/a  TrXnpMt'ii  must  be  rendered  as  it  is  here  :  which  may  be  applied  necessitating  influence  to  impel  men  to  sin.  1  apprehend  that  all  we  are 

to  several  other  passages :  and  shows,  by  the  way,  how  precarious  that  here  to  understand  by  God's  blinding  and  hardening  these  Jews  is,  that 

1  emark  ot  Mr.  Pierce  is,  by  which  he  would  make  that  phrase  an  arcu-  he  permitted  them  to  grow  more  and  more  prejudiced  against  the  gospel 

mentthat  the  scripture  introduced  by  it  is  quoted  not  in  any  instance  by  and,  for  wise  reasons,  acted  in  sucli  a  manner  as  he  knew  would  in  fact 

way  ot  accommodation,  but  always  according  to  its  original  design  and  be  abused  by  them  to  an  increase  of  those  prejudices.    The  learned    by 

h   ffi?/?'!;™";     .e.i     T    ji  ,  j.,n    T  ,      J.,-       ,  consulting  the  originals  of  the  places  below,  may  see  instances  of  a 

°  "?'"''f'^\"' y  [he  i^™  been  revealed?]    1  apprehend  this  plirase  phraseology  nearly  resembling  and   illustrating   this.    Compare  Lev 

may  allude  to  the  habit  generally  worn  by  the  easterns,  and  especially  xiii.  3.  Ezek.  xiii.  19,  CC.   xiv.   9.   xx.  05.  Gen.  xii   13    Jer   i   10   iv' 

Dy  personsot  rank,  which  was  a  long  robe  without  sleeves  ;  so  that  when  20.  and  Acts  x.  15.  where  a  person  is  said  to  do  what  lie   permits'  or 

trie  arrn  was  stretched  out  to  perform  any  action  which  required  strength,  what  he  declares  or  foretells.— The  evangelist  in  this  quotation  has 'not 

u  would  appear  uncovered.    (Compare  Isa.  lii.  10.)    In  this  connexion  confined  himself  exactly  to  the  words  of  the  prophet?  but  the  sense  is 

T,inH"'if  !r?„"r^  *°  '^jP'^i  that  whenever  true  faith  is  produced  in  the  plainly  the  same  ;  and  "nothing  was  more  usual  with  the  Jews  than  to 

i  19 %nd  Col   •■'^1°^       *    ^^  ^       '"'^  energy.    See  Eph.  quote  Scripture  in  this  way.    See  Surenhusius,  De  Formulis  Allegandi, 


CHRIST  CURSES  THE  BARREN  FIG-TREE.  20 1 

41  These  things  said  Esaias,  perverseness,  I  am  determined  that  I  never  will."    (Compare  Matt.  xiii.  14,  15.  p.  123,  sect. 
■when  he  saw  his  slory,  and  |24.  and  Acts  xxviii.  27.)     Tkese  t/ilngs  Isaiah  spake  toheii  he  saw  his  glon/,'^  even  the  glory    149. 

spake  ot  him.  ^^  Christ,  who  was  then  the  medium  of  the  divme  manifestation,  and  spake  of  him  and  of 

his  times  in  the  awful  words  mentioned  above,  which  had  their  terrible  accomplishment  in  john 
the  men  of  this  generation.  ^^l- 

4"  Nevertheless  amons  flie      Nevertheless,  at  this  very  time  there  were  many  even  of  the  rulers  themselves  who  were  42 
chief  rulers  also  many  be-  inwardly  Convinced  that  he  was  the  Messiah,  and  believed  on  him  as  such,  still  expecting 
orthe  Pim'lseU  they  dlf  no"t  that  he  would  by  somc  surprising  providence  be  raised  to  the  throne  of  Israel ;  hut  they 
confess  him,  lost  they  should  ^ij^  j^gf  think  it  convenient  as  yet  to  confess  tlie  convictions  of  their  own  hearts  concerning 
be  put  out  ot  the  synagogue:  ^j"  ^^  ^^^^^^^^  ^^.  ^^^  declared  enmity  of  the  Pharisees  against  him,  lest  by  them  theij 
should  be  cast  out  of  the  sipiagogue,  and  be  exposed  to  the  great  ignominy  and  secular 
43  For  they  loved  the  praise  detriment  which  necessarily  aUended  such  a  sentence.     For  they  were  such  thoughtless  43 
of  men  more  than  the  praise  g^^^  mean-Spirited  creatures,  that  they  loved  the  praise  of  men  more  than  the  praise  of  God; 
'  and  durst  not  face  the  contempt  of  their  fellow-mortal's,  even  to  secure  the  approbation  of 

their  Maker.    (Compare  John  v.  44.  p.  98.)    This  was  the  state  of  things  at  Jerusalem, 
and  this  the  effect  of  Christ's  entrance  into  it,  as  related  above. 
Mark  xi.  12.   And  on  the      But  though  the  malicc  of  his  enemies  was  known  to  Jesus,  and  he  was  sensible  they  mark 
morrow,  [in  the  morning,]  vvere  contriving  to  destroy  him,  yet  07i  the  morrow  morning  he  again  set  out  with  his  dis-     xi. 
BeoTany^fasTe'retZld in'to  ciples  for  Jerusalem  :  and  when  'they  were  come  from  Bethany,  as  he  returned  into  the  city,  12 
the  city,]  he   was  hungry.  /,g  „,fj,  yery  hungry  ;  having  come  out  early  without  eating,  that  he  might  neither  incom- 
'•'l3"And''se^ing  a  fig-tree  [in  mode  his  friends,  nor  break  in  upon  his  secret  or  public  devotions.*    And  as  he  was  now  13 
the  way]   afar   off,  having  ^^^  ff^g  ,^„^^  scei7ig  a  single  fig-tree^  at  a  considerable  distance,  ivhich  had  a  fine  spread  of 
HMy  he  misw'find  anythinK  leaves  upon  it,  and  therefore  appeared  to  be  one  of  the  earlier  kind,  he  went  up  to  it,  [to 
thereon:  and  when  he  came  jggT  ^-^ /,g  coiild  find  any  thing  upou  it  to  Satisfy  his  hunger;  and  when  he  came  to  it,  he 
on]  bune"aves[oniy  •]"  orThe  foun(l  nothing  thereon  but  leaves  only  ;  for  there  was  not  so  much  as  any  fruit  m  the  bud; 
f\i^t"*'  "ig  ^"'^  "°*  J'^'-'by  which  it  plainly  appeared  that,  though  it  looked  so  beautiful,  it  was  a  barren  tree.    Now 
*  ■  '""■  it  is  to  be  observed,  that  our  Lord  turned  out  of  the  way  because,  as  it  was  yet  but  early 

in  the  summer,  the  time  of  gathering  fe  was  not  [yet}  come  ;s  so  that  had  this  tree  pro- 
14  And  Jesus  answered  and  duced  any,  it  might  have  been  expected  they  would  be  growing  still  upon  it.    And  Jesus,  14 


— :iple  ,    ,. 

away.]  [Matt.  xxi.  19.]  spoken  them,  (though  his  disciples,  as  they  were  passing  on,  did  not  observe  it  at  that 

time,)  the  fig-tree  immediately  withered  away ;  Christ  intending  by  that  significant  action 
to  intimate  'that  the  curse  of  God  should'  thus  wither  and  destroy  the  Jewish  nation, 
which  he  had  before  compared  to  an  unfruitful  fig-tree.  (See  Luke  xiii.  6—9.  sect, 
cxvi.  p.  206.) 

IMPROVEMENT. 

IIow  evidently  necessary  is  the  operation  of  divine  grace  to  conquer  the  prejudices  of  a  sinful  heart,  since  even   john 
the  preaching  of  Christ  liimself,  enforced  by  all  his  stupendous  miracles,  could  not  overcome  those  prejudices     xii. 
without  it !  And  how  cautious  should  sinners  be,  that  they  do  not  stop  their  ears  to  the  joyful  sound  of  the  gospel,  37 
and  shut  their  eyes  against  its  glorious  light ;  lest  God  should  leave  them  to  their  own  delusions,  and  in  his  38—40 
righteous  judgment  seal  them  up  under  final  blindness  and  impenitence  !    Then  will  they  never  be  converted 
and  healed,  but  die  with  that  poison  in  all  the  faculties  of  their  souls,  which  will  make  them  for  ever  restless 
and  miserable. 

Can  we  find  words  sufficient  to  express  the  madness  of  these  Pharisees,  who,  while  they  were  in  their  con-  42 
sciences  convinced  that  Jesus  was  the  Christ,  would  not  confess  that  conviction,  and  publicly  pay  their  homage 
to  him,  because  they  loved  the  praise  of  men  more  than  the  praise  of  God  1    Strange  infatuation  of  the  human  mind !  43 
that  it  should  be  capable  of  believing  there  is  a  God,  and  yet  of  preferring  the  creatures  before  him  ;  and  should 
sometimes  imagine  tlie  vain  breath  of  popular  applause  or  popular  censure  so  considerable,  as  that  God  should 
be  offended  to  please  man ;  and  all  the  honours  and  rewards  of  his  heavenly  presence  lost,  to  secure  a  little  regard 

d   When  he  saw  his  glory.']    Tliese  words  seem  so  plainly  to  refer  to  but  in  IMarch  and  April ;  (in  which  last  this  passover  probably  fell :) 

Christ,  that  I  cannot  but  approve  the  argument  which  the  learned  Bishop  compare  .losh .  iii.  15.  iv.  19.  v.  10,  11.  and  1  Chron.  xn.  15.    (See  also 

Pearson  draws  from  Isa.  vi.  1.  to  pro%'e  that  Christ  was  the  Jehovah  Lev.  xxiii.  15 — 17.  compared  with  Exod.  ix.  ^\,  32.  and  Ruth  ii.  23.) 

that  spoke  to  the  prophet.    (Pearson  On  the  Creed,  p.  125.)    Dr.  Clarke  Xow  it  is  equally  certain  that  one,  and  that  the  most  delicate  kmd  ot 

indeed  explains  it  o(  seei7ig  the  Father's  glory.  (.Script.  Doct.  of  the  'I'rin.  figs,  was  ripe  in  Judea  at  the  beginnmg  ot  summer;  (as  we  have  a  tine 

p.  58.)     But  it  is  difficult  to  say,  on  that  supposition,  what  the  evangelist  sort  in  England  which  are  ripe  before  our  harvest,  having  put  out  the 

intended  by  adding  that  clause,  [and  spake  of  him:]  and  it  would   be  autumn  before,  and  stood  the  whole  winter:)  see  Hos.  ix.  10.  Mich,  vii 

quite  unexampled  to  suppose  that  avTov  has  two  such  different  significa-  1.  Nah.  iii.  12.  Jer.  xxiv.  2.  Cant.  ii.  11 — 1:5.  and  Isa.  xxvm.  4.    And 

tions  in  the  same  line,  as  that  the  meaning  should  be,  he  saw  the  Father's  the  fig-tree  opening  its  leaves,  which  every  body  knows  do  not  appear 

glory,  and  spake  of  the  Son.    Sec  Vitringa  on  Isa.  vi.  1.  p.  142,  et  seq.  till  after  the  fruit,  is  spoken  of  as  a  sign  ot  approachmg  summer,  Matt. 

e  Might  neither  incommode  his  friends,  nor  break  in  upon  his  devo-  xxiv.  32.    Our  Lord  therefore  at  this  time  might  well   expect  to  find 

tions.]    I'liis  must  certainly  have  been  the  reason  of  our  lord's  hunger:  fruit  on  this  tree,  since  the  time  of  gathering  even  these  early  figs  was 

for  none  can  imagine  that  the  hospitable  and  most  sensibly  obliged  not  yet  come,  which  if  it  had,  there  would  have  been  no  room   tor  the 

family  of  Lazarus  would  otherwise  have  suffered  Jesus  to  come  out  expectation,  or  the  curse  which  followed   it.    That  natpo^  avKov  does 

without  eating;  or  that,  if  he  had  eaten  that  morning,  he  would  have  not  signify,  as  some  have  fancied,  a  kindiv  season  tor  figs,  but  the 

been  so  hungry,  before  he  had  walked  two  miles,  as  to  go  out  of  the  way  lime  of  gathering  them  in,  I  think  the  learned  Bishop  Kidder  has  abun- 

to  gather  figs.    'I'o  me  there  appears  an  inexpressible  charm   in  this  dantly  proved.    (See  his  Denumstration  of  the  Messiah,  (s  li.  p.  .38,  .39.) 

oblique  hint;  it  shows  how  little  the  evangelists  were  inclined  to  enter  — Compare  Matt.  xxi.  34.  Mark  xii.  2.  and  Numb.  xiii.  2.3. — It  is  true 

into  panegyrics  or  reflections  on  the  excellent  character  of  their  Master ;  this  interpretation  of  the  story,  though   incomparably  easier  than  any 

and  is  a  specimen  of  that  simplicity  and  modesty  which  might,  independ-  other  I  know,  will  require  a  transposition  of  the  clause  before  us  ;  as  it 

ent  of  other  arguments,  almost  (ompel  the  assent  of  persons  of  a  like  it  had  been  said.  He  came,  if  haply  he  might  find  any  thing  thereon ;  for 

temper,  to  the  wonderful  story  which  they  relate  in  so  genuine  and  un-  the  time  of  figs  was  not  yet ;  and  when  he  came  to  it,  he  found  nothing  but 

affected  a  manner.  leaves.    But  no  interpretation  whatever  can  make  the  last  clause,  as  we 

f  Seeing  a  single  fig-tree.]    Though  in  the  first  edition  I  had  only  fol-  read  it,  a  reason  for   what  stands  immediately  before  it,  that  he  found 

lowed  Mark,  and  rendered  it,  seeing  a  fig-tree,  I  think,  upon  further  nothing  but  leaves;   for  it  is  well  known,  that  if  our  cominnn  fig-trees 

consideration,  that  avKnv  mav,  which  is  the  expression   Matthew  uses  have  no  young  figs  on  them  in  March  or  April,  they  can  produce  none 

here, (though  our  translators  make  no  difference,) should  have  been  ren-  that  year.    None  can  deny  another  transposition  of  the  like  kind  in  the 

dered,  a  single  fig-tree,  which  I  have  now  inserted  in  the  version.  same  evangelist,  Mark,  (xvi.  3,  4.  §  194.)  both  of  them  probably  being 

g  The  time  of  figs  was  not  [yet]  come.]    I  shall  not  trouble  the  reader  occasioned  by  an  accidental  interlineation  in  the  original,  ana  a  mistaKe 

with  an  account  of  all  the  strange  allusions  which  have  been  "iven  to  the  of  some  earlier  transcriber,  who  did  not  bring  in  the  interlined  clause 

difficulty  which  immediately  arises  in  the  mind  on  reading  tTiis  clause  ;  exactly  in  its  due  place.    8ee  instances  of  the  like  kind,  (.en.  xiii.  w. 

nor  with  the  particular  reasons  which  may  be  offered  against  each.     I  he  and  Josh.  xxii.  22^— And  if  with  Heinsius,  Knatchbull,  and  oaWKer,  we 

best  view  of  them  all,  that  1  can  recollect,  may  be  had  by  consulting  should  here  read  f,  instead  of  h,  and  render  it,  where  he  was  it  was  rne 

Witsiiis,  in  his  Meletemata  ;  and  I  think  the  best  solution  may  be  seen  season  of  figs,  we  must  admit  of  the  same  transposition,  and  consequenio 

in  Mr.  llallet's  Notes  and  Discourses,  vol.  ii.  p.  114—124.    It  iscertain,  should  gain  no  advantage  at  all,  by  a  version  w  hich  (as  all  learned  men 

as  he  lias  there  proved  from  incontestable  authority,  and  we  have  ob-  know)  is  very  harsh,  and  attended  with  an  melegancy  and  impropriety 

served   elsewhere,  (note  b,  on  Luke  vi.  1.  p.  98.)  that  the  climate  of  which  this  would  be  no  proper  place  to  examine.       .    ,,..,,.      , 
Judea  being  abundantly  wanner  than  ours,  the  passover,  though  never       h  A.'id  Jesvs  said  to  it  upon  this  occasion.]    It  is  plain  mat  in  tnis  Piace 

later  than  April,  commonly  fell  at  the  beginning  of  their  harvest,  that  this  must  be  the  sense  of  that  phrase,  Jesus  answered  and  said,    compare 

is,  of  their  summer,  which  is  there  vehemently  hot,  not  only  in  May,  note  f,  on  Matt.  xi.  25.  p.  113. 


262  CHRIST  VISITS  THE  TEMPLE  AGAIN. 

SECT,  from  those  who  are  perishing  in  their  crimes,  and  will  ere  long  be  themselves  the  objects  of  everlasting  shame  and 
149.    contempt. 

— ^ ■     May  none  of  us  ever  indulge  such  a  temper,  or  ever  rest  in  an  empty  profession  ;  lest,  being  like  the  fig-tree 

MARK  before  us,  which  had  leaves  but  no  fruit,  the  curse  of  Christ  should  be  pronounced  upon  us,  which  would  imme- 

^''•.   diately  wither  us  amidst  all  our  verdure!     Let  us  remember  that  this  was  intended  as  one  of  those  significant 

'        actions  by  which  the  holy  messengers  of  God  fi-equently  intimated  approaching  judgments.     Happy  would  it  have 

\Kl\'9  ^^^"  'f  some,  instead  of  searching  out  objections  against  it,  had  seriously  considered  its  design,  and  the  sad  aspect 

with  which  it  looks  on  those  who,  like  them,  receive  the  grace  of  God  in  vain  ! 


SECTION  CL. 

Christ  arriving  at  Jerusalem,  visits  the  temple  again ;   and,  after  a  repeated  effort  to  reform  the  continued  abuses  there,  discourses  with  the 
people  in  a  manner  wliich  further  exasperates  the  priests ;  and  in  the  evening  goes  out  of  the  city.    Mark  xi.  15^19.  John  xii.  44,  to  the  end. 


Mark  xi.  15.  Mark  xi.  is. 

SECT.  AND,  soon  after  the  fig-tree  had  been  cursed,  thei/  come  to  Jerusalem ;  and  Jesus  enter-  and  they  come  to  jerusa- 

150.    ing,  as  he  had  done  the  day  before,  into  the  temple,  observed,  as  he  vyas  passing  through  }empie,"and''be|^^to  cast  out 

'  the  court  of  the  Gentiles,  that  the  people  who  had  polluted  it  by  their  traffic  were  seated  them  tiiat  sold  and  bought  in 

MARK  there  again ;  and  being  displeased  to  see  that  sacred  place  so  shamefully  profaned,  he  pre-  tables' oF^hV^money-chanle'i^! 

"'^^•^  -  sently  renewed  his  testimony  against  them,  and  began  to  drive  out  them  that  sold  f/?jrf  and  the.seats  of  them  that  sold 

bought  in  the  limits  of  the  temple,^  and  overthrew  the  tables  of  the  money-changers,  and  also    °^'^^' 

16  the  seats  of  them  that  sold  doves:  And  he  permitted  not  that  any  one,  for  the  sake  of  16  And  would' not  suffer 
shortening"  his  way,  should  carry  any  burden  or  any  kind  of  vessel  through  the  courts  of  the  Ly/ vessel  through  theleiifple! 
temple ;  but  strictly  insisted  on  a  due  reverence  to  it,  as  a  place  that  was  entirely  set  apart 

17  to  God's  immediate  service.  And  he  taught  them  at  large  the  evil  of  such  practices ;  saying  n  And  he  taught,  saying 
to  them.  Is  it  not  written,  (as  I  observed  but  yesterday,)  "  My  house  shall  be  called  an  house  My°hou"'  shaU  be'calVed^of 
of  prayer,  and  that  not  only  for  the  Jews  themselves,  but  (as  the  prophet  says)  Jbr  the  sons  all  nations  the  house  of  pray- 
of  the' stranger  that  join  themselves  to  the  Lord,  or  for  those  pious  proselytes  who  from  all  «r?^|^^^t^yehavemadeitaden 
the  neighbouring  nations  shall  resort  to  it?"     (Isa.  Ivi.  6,  7.)     But  you  have  turned  it  to 

another  use,  and  7nade  it  in  effect  a  den  of  robbers,  by  suffering  people  here  to  carry  on 
their  trades,  and  to  profane  the  place  in  which  the  Gentiles  are  to  worship  God,  by  scan- 
dalous extortion  and  unlawful  gain.    (Compare  Matt.  xxi.  12,  13.  and  Luke  xix.  45,  46. 
p.  257.) 
JOHN       And  then,  as  considerable  numbers  of  people  were  now  gathered  about  him,  Jesus  cried,     John  xii.  44.   Jesus  cried 
-^ii-    or  proclaimed  with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  Be  it  known  unto  you  all,  that  in  these  extra-  on'!iil^'beii^veth''not"^oirrne^ 
ordinary  steps  which  I  take  for  the  reformation  of  abuses  and  the  vindication  of  God's  but  on' him  that  sent  me. 
house,  I  act  by  his  own  immediate  direction  and  authority ;  and  he  that  cordially  believes 
in  me,  believeth  not  in  me  alone,  but  in  him  that  sent  me,  and  thereby  does  an  honour  to  the 

45  Father  himself.     And  he  that  sees  me,  and  regards  me  with  a  lively  faith,  docs  also  in  effect     45  And  he  that  seeth  me, 
see  him  that  sent  me,  as  the  perfections  of  the  Father  are  displayed  in  me ;  whereas,  he  that  ^^'="'  '^""  "'^^  ^^"'  "^*- 
shuts  his  eyes  against  me,  excludes  the  only  means  of  being  brought  to  the  true  knowledge 

46  of  him.  For,  full  of  the  inspiration  of  his  blessed  Spirit,  I  am  come  a  light  into  the  world,  46  i  am  come  a  light  into 
that  every  one  who  really  believes  in  me  might  not  any  longer  abide  in  darkness,  but  might  the^ world,  that  whoso^v-er  be- 
attain  to  the  knowledge  of  all  necessary  truth,  and  the  enjoyment  of  the  most  solid  and  abide  in  darkness.*  °" 

47  excellent  happiness.     And  if  any  one  of  you  hear  my  words  which  I  am  so  frequently  and     47  And  if  any  man  hear 
freely  speaking,  and  will  not  believe  in  me,  /  do  not  now  condemn  him,  or  immediately  V^X  words,  and  believe  not,  r 
execute  judgment  upon  him ;  for  (as  I  formerly  declared,  John  iii.  17.  sect,  xxvi.)  I  am  iioMo  judge X'woHdIb'ift'to 
not  come  at  present  to  condemn  the  world,  or  to  perform  any  work  of  wrath  and  terror,  ^'-^^^  ""^  world, 
whatever  ill  usage  I  may  meet  with  in  it;  but  the  design  of  my  appearance  is  mild  and 

gentle,  and  I  am  come  to  save  the  world,  and  to  make  its  inhabitants  happy  for  time  and 

48  for  eternity,  if  they  will  be  so  wise  as  to  hearken  to  the  proposals  I  offer.  Nevertheless,  48  Hethatrejectethme.and 
though  I  do  not  immediately  judge  any,  yet  he  that  rejects  me,  and  does  not  receive  my  on™'\h!!t "  ad-ith"'him  ■ ''t'h'' 
words,  will  not  escape  final  condemnation,  but  will  find,  to  his  surprise  and  confusion,  word  th'lt  i"hfve  spXn,  the 
that  he  has  one  that  judges  him :  for  the  word  that  I  have  spoken,  thougli  heard  with  in-  f^sT^ti^'''''^  ^"''^'^ ''''"  '"  ""^ 
difference  from  day  to  day,  is  recorded  in  the  book  of  God  s  remembrance  ;  and  as  the  "'    ^^' 

time  will  come  when  the  proposals  I  have  made  shall  be  reviewed,  [even]  that  very  word 
shall  judge  him  in  the  last  awful  day,^  as  the  tenor  of  it  is  so  excellent,  that  to  have  rejected 
It  will  prove  a  man  ignorant  of  God,  and  alienated  from  true  religion  and  goodness.     For    49  For  I  have  not  spoken 

4J  i  have  not  spoken  of  myself ,  either  on  my  own  motion,  or  on  anv  precarious  conclusions  "f  "|yself:  but  the  Father 
drawn  from  principles  divinely  taught;  but  the  Father  who  sent  me,  he  gave  me  ample  cUmandmllJft;  wliat'^FsiIIJuid 
instructions  and  a  particular  commandment  what  I  should  say,  and  what  I  shall  yet  speak  in  ^^>''  ^"'^  "^''"^  '^  =''°"'^  ^p'=''''- 

50  that  part  of  my  work  which  is  still  before  me.    And  I  will  faithfully  conform  myself  to  his     5o  And  I  know  that  his 
instructions  whether  men  be  pleased  or  offended  with  me ;  for  I  Imow  that  his  commands  fas"t]n|"''whatloever^i  sS" 
ment  is  of  the  greatest  consequence,  and  that  eternal  life  depends  upon  the  knowledge  and  therefore,  even  as  the  Father 
obsei-vance  of  it;  and  therefore  I  would  by  no  means  vary  in  a  matter  of  so  much  import-  said  unto  me,  sol  speak, 
ance ;  but  whatever  I  say  unto  you,  I  speak  it  just  as  the  Father  has  given  it  me  in  charge, 
and  alter  nothing  in  the  message  he  has  sent  ine  to  deliver.    So  that  the  doctrine  which  I 

f hfs  wls^rioni"  U  Hvf/(f,f  M '^  f'l'^  ^u"^i'  ™  'J'^  temple.-]  The  time  when  Matthew  or  Luke  in  their  account  of  the  transactions  of  the  preceding 

entrv  ^nto Tr,  L  W     l)^^}  '°  *'"'  1^^  ''^'i'L  •'?=""  "^^f**^  ^is  public  day.  (See  ^  147.)-But  I  see  no  foundation  at  all  for  Mr.  Whiston's  con- 

xxi  ^"   r>  olfi  I  tl  U  m.wf  i,lv  ^  K  "^"^  observed  before,  note  c,  on  Matt,  jecturc,  that  on  the  former  day  Christ  drove  them  out  of  the  Jewscmrt, 

StJiew   whirh  hp  ^».  infr^H       !5*'''Tr'^"'  f^ct  from  that  related  by  and  now  out  of  that  of  the  Gentiles  :   for  it  is  no  way  probable  that  the 

Stints' ottlu,h1lHr»lw''"^^^^         ^^^  preceding.day,  before  the  traders  were  ever  allowed  to  introduce  their  wares  into  the  iniierK:ourt! 

edbv  our  Lord  -for^siV  i^imn'inh  M^'^^h''?  i'  therefore  to  be  repeat-  for  which  the  Jews  had  a  peculiar  reverence.    See  Mr.  Whiston's  Viei 

temole  on  the  ri';,v  nf^i^  *^f„J,V^f    f      'i  "''^'  Y^  T,"''?  "°'  P"'"g«  "'«  »/  '''«  Harmony,  p.  131.  and  Dr.  Whitby's  note  on  Mark  xi.  17. 
that  1 P  InJ^Ltf^A    K     .  ♦^i"™P)i,a"t.  cntiy,  when  Mark  expressly  says       b  That  very  word  shall  judge  him,  <Sc.    6  Aoto?  6v  iXaMaa  eKetvof 

ht     e  did  it  after  his  retu?nfron/te'n'°  "  '^.Pl^'nly jntimateS  here  Kp.vei  avroj  Our  Lord,  by  this  m'anner  of  s?eakin;,\epi-e"ents"«^ 

a   al   unlike  'v  that  ^fter  Ip.m.  wSl  1,  lr?^r„"'l"l^S'^'"-f^''yu   ^  °'' "'  ''  ^'"■'^  «''*  >"  P"'""'  "'^^  ^^ould  sit  in  judgment  upon  unbelievers  at  the  last 

K  nponip  pr,n,ih  ■;?  if  J^^  departed  Out  ot  the  city,  there  would  day.  (Compare  Heb.  iv.  K.)  But  I  can  see  no  ground  for  Mr.  Fleming's 

be  reX  toenro,',;Lp  thp  tr  "l'^  T  "^  opposi  ion  to  h  m,  who  would  interpretation.  (Christoloffv.Voh  L  p.  136.)  Ao  wouM  render T 'Ae 

newcomprOMrptMrFJ^?v.r^h'^'^''i'"'=  °^  whom  might,  perhaps,  be  Logos,  which  I  have  spoken  of ,  shall  indge   him;  as    if  he   had    said 

(^M?  Wh  ston  has  obs"^^^^^^^^  "  ''"'  therefore  seems  ".  Though  it  is  not  my  present  business  to  do  it, 'yet  I  have  a  commis: 

*o  fhetemnVp  nnw   L^th  J^^£\         7  asserted  the  regard  that  was  due  sion  from  my  Father,  which  is  hereafter  to  take  place  when  1  shall  ap- 

the  (LvSre    not  s nffe^f.w  »n v'l^p^".''  ^'^^•jta^s^tl'^"  he  had  done  pear  worthy  of  that  great  name."     I  do  not  recollect  that  our  Lc^rd  Imd 

t "rouK^  the  temolp  ■  wMch    f  r^frp.?^.t2„?'"''\'"  •"  •'^^''rj  ?  vessel  given  himself  the  title  of  Logos  in  any  of  his  discourses  with  the  Jews; 

Ti.rougn  ttie  temple  ,  which  is  a  circumstance  not  mentioned  either  by  and  therefore  can  see  no  reason  to  suppose  such  a  reference  to  it 


THE  DISCIPLES  OBSERVE  THE  WITHERED  EIG-TREE.  2G.J 

preach  should  be  received  as  coming  from  die  Father,  and  by  rejecting  it  you  will  be  SECT, 
guilty  of  despising  his  authority.  150. 

Markxi.  18.  And  the  scribes      Thus  did  our  Eord  Continue  to  reform  abuses,  and  to  teach  the  people  with  the  utmost 


sought'^L'w'''trey^mi'ght''de^-  seriousness  and  earnestness,  on  the  second  day  of  that  week  in  which  he  suffered.     And  mark 
stroy  him:  for  thiey "feared  the  scrihes  arid  chief  priests  were  much  offended  when  they  heard  \of  it,'\  and  dilio-ently     -^•'• 
t'a"'  ^'tonilhed"at''hirdoc!  Sought  how  thei/  might  find  out  some  expedient  to  destroT/  him,  for  they  not  only  envied  but  ^^ 
trine.  dreaded  him,  became  all  the  people  were  visibly  struck  into  attention  and  wonder  at  hia  doc- 

trine, and  seemed  disposed  to  receive  it  with  a  respect  proportionable  to  its  importance 
and  solemnity. 
come''h'e'wen^t'oat oTuie  cit^      ^"^'  ^^^^  ^^  might  give  them  no  unseasonable  advantages  against  him,  when  the  evening  19 
was  come,  he  went  out  of  the  city,  and  spent  the  night,  as  he  had  done  before,  in  a  retired 
place  with  his  disciples. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  hard  is  it  to  purge  a  carnal  heart,  and  disentangle  it  from  the  snares  of  a  deceitful  world  !  No  sooner  were  Ver. 
these  traders  driven  from  the  temple  but  they  return  to  it  again,  and  are  as  busy  the  next  day  in  the  pursuit  of  15— 17 
their  unlawful  gain  as  they  had  been  before.  And  thus  how  often  are  convictions  stifled  by  the  love  of  this  world  \ 
And  if  the  voice  of  conscience,  or  the  word  of  God,  may  interrupt  us  for  a  while  in  our  unlawful  courses,  yet 
where  it  may  affect  our  worldly  interest,  how  ready  are  we  to  return  to  them  again  :  and  with  what  difficulty  are 
we  brought  so  far  to  lay  aside  our  earthly  projects,  as  not  to  take  them  with  us  into  the  house  of  God  !  Purge  us, 
O  Lord,  from  every  irregular  desire ;  pursue  and  perfect  thine  own  work ;  and  incline  our  hearts  unto  thy  testi- 
monies, and  not  unto  covetousness  !  (Psal.  cxix.  36.) 

Most  important  is  that  proclamation  which  our  Lord  made  in  the  temple,  and  is  still  making  to  us  in  his  ^vord  :   john 
believing  in  him,  we  believe  in  the  Father;  and  seeing  him,  we  see  the  Father.     Let  us  be  ready  therefore  to    ^^i- 
receive  him  out  of  regard  to  his  cli\dne  authority,  as  well  as  with  a  view  to  our  own  happiness  ;  for  without  him  '^'^j  ^^ 
we  can  have  no  access  unto  tiie  Father,  nor  can  we  ever  see  him  as  a  reconciled  God.     The  sacred  light  which  he 
diffuses  around  him  is  not  intended  merely  to  amuse  our  eyes  with  yjleasing  speculations,  but  to  animate  our  hearts  46 
with  holy  affections,  and  to  guide  our  feet  into  the  way  of  peace.    (Luke  i.  79.)     If  we  desire  therefore  to  escape 
an  abode  in  eternal  darkness,  and  to  see  light  everlasting,  let  us  faithfully  follow  him  :  otherwise  we  are  condemned  48 
already,  and  that  word  which  he  spake  will  become  to  us  a  mvour  of  death  unto  death,  (2  Cor.  ii.  16.)  and  will 
judge  us  in  the  last  solemn  and  dreadful  day,  when  it  shall  sentence  those  who  would  not  be  saved  by  it. 

Let  us  now  make  that  word  the  rule  of  our  life,  which  shall  then  be  the  rule  of  our  judgment.     Vv  e  may  most 
comfortably  venture  our  eternal  all  on  the  exact  veracity  of  it.     Christ  has  perfectly  fulfilled  the  commission  he 
received  from  his  Father,  as  one  that  was  faithful  to  him  that  appointed  him  ;  and  stands  so  completely  approved  49,  50 
in  his  sight,  that  our  only  hope  is,  that  we  also  may  be  accepted  in  him,  and  find  mercy  and  grace  for  his  sake. 


SECTION  CLI. 

Jesus  returning  to  the  city  in  the  morning,  his  disciples  observe  that  the  fig-tree  was  withered  away  :  being  come  into  the  temple,  he  confounds 
the  members  of  the  sanhedrim,  who  questioned  his  authority,  and  reproves  them  by  the  parable  of  the  complaisant  but  disobedient  son.  Matt. 
xxi.  20 — 32.    Mark  xi.  20,  to  the  end  ;  xii.  1.    Luke  xx.  1  —9. 

Mark  xi.  20.  Mark  xi.  20. 

AND  in  the  morning  as  they  NOW  Jesus,  having  Spent  the  night  with  his  disciples  in  a  retired  place  without  the  city,  .sect. 
pfesisaw^t'he^fig-'treed'i-iedTp  returned  again  to  Jerusalem  on  the  third  day  of  the  weelv  in  which  he  suffered  ;  and  in  the    151 . 

from  the  roots,  [tiiey  marvel-  morning,  CIS  they  were  passing  by  the  spot  of  ground  where  he  had  cursed  the  barren  fig- 

the'fig-^tree"withered  a\vay !]  tree  On  the  day  before,  when  the  disciples  saw  the  fig-tree^  dried  up  from  the  very  roots,  and  mark 
[Matt.  xxi.  CO.]  so  entirely  stripped  of  its  leaves,  that,  though  it  stood  at  some  distance  from  the  road,  they  ^q^^' 

easily  discerned  the  change,  they  were  greatl)^  struck  at  the  sight,  and  luondered,  saying. 
How  soon  is  the  fig-tree  that  stands  yonder  withered  away,  though  yesterday  it  seemed  so 
21  And  Peter  calling  to  flourishing !     And  Peter,  recollecting  what  had  passed,  took  notice  of  it  to  Jesus,  and  2 1 
MastS,  behoid!'the"°fig-'trTe  *"f^  *'"^°  ^^'"j  Rid)hi,  behold  the  fig-tree  which  thou  cursedst  but  yesterday  is  now  quite 

■which  thou  cursedst,  is  wither-  withered  UWay. 

^cs^^And   Jesus  answering      ^"^  -^^sus  answering,  says  unto  them,  See  that  you  have  a  stedfast  /rt/^A  in  God,  and  a  2? 
in'o  d"'fM''tt'"'  ^^^/''''^  ^^^^1  confidence  in  his  power  and  fidelity,  Avhen  you" feel  him  secretly  moving  on  your  spirits 
'"23°For  veHiy^T'say  unto  ^o  Stir  you  up  to  any  miraculous  operation.^     For  I  assuredly  sat/  unto  you.  That  if  you  23 
doublnoV''^e*shan^uo?'oni'^  ^"'^  "^  ^^^^  ^  ^^"^  ^"^  stedfast  /rtii^A,  and  do  not  doubt  of  God's  being  ready^to  stand  by  you, 
dTthis^w/tilh  i's  ^donTto'lhe  .V^u  shall  not  Only  do  such  miracles  as  this  of  the  fig-tree,  but  also  shall  perform  far  greater 
iig-tree ;  but  also]  whosoever  things ;  yea,  whosocver,  under  such  an  im'pulse,'  and  with  such  a  believing  temper,  shall 

shall  say  unto  this  mountam.      ,.     -     ,  ■'        .,  •  ^-rc      i^        j        ^  i'  -^i  ,      ,7.     ^  ,'.'>■, 

Be  thou  removed,  and  be  thou  attempt  any  tiling  as  difhcult  and  extraordinary  as  if  he  were  to  say  to  this  viountam  which 
«ot'  doubt'^^n  'hfs'  heart  ^  bllt  ^^^  ^^^  "^^  crossing,  Be  thou  removed  from  hence,  and  thrown  into  the  distant  sea  ;  and 
shall  believe  that  those  things  shall  not  at  all  (loubt  in  his  mind,  but  stedfastly  believe  that  what  he  says  shall  come  to  pass, 
Pilss'^l'  ['it%h'au'be*'don*e°"ili']  "^  ^^^^^  accordingly  be  done,  [fmrf]  shall  be  to  him  just  as  he  says.  And  for  this  reason,  to  24 
he  shall  have  vyhatsoeveVhe  cncourage  you  boldly  to  act  as  God  shall  direct  and  instigate  you,  I  say  unto  you.  That 
^''24 "cAiid"' therefore  I  say  ''whatsoever  things  you  shall  desire  [and]  ask  of  God  in  prayer,  to  make  it  manifest  that  you 
unto  you,  What  things  soever  are  Sent  of  him,  and  to  confirm  your  doctrine ;  if  you  believe  that  you  shall  actually  receive 
vrayl*',T'beUeve^'that  y^e  re"  ^''^'"'  however  difficult  the  things  may  be  that  you  request,  yet  in  such  circumstances  they 
ceive  </(e»i,and  ye  shall  have  shall  certainly  be  done,  and  you  shall  have  them. 

"'25 "And ^ when'  ye''  stand     ^^^  ^^'^^  ^  would  Subjoin  one  caution  ;  that  if  you  expect  your  prayers  should  prevail  2.5 
praying,  forgive,  if  ye  have  with  God,  you  must  take  carc  to  offer  them  in  love  as  well  as  in  faith;  and  when  you  stand 
praying,<^  in  the  presence  of  that  Majesty  of  heaven  whom  you  have  offended  by  so  many 

^.^  W^'^"- '^^ '^.'J"'p!^' ^f""  i/'e  fy-lree.]    Blatthew  relates  this  story  of  speaking  pawned   all  his  credit  as   a  messenger  from  God,  and  conse- 

JIJ^  "S-tree,  as  if  the  notice  that  the  disciples  took  of  it,  and  the  account  quently  all  the  honour  and  usefulness  of  his  future  life,  on  the  imme- 

that  Jesus  gave  them  of  the  power  of  faith,  followed  immediately  upon  diate  miraculous  energy  to  attend  his  words,  and  to  be  visibly  exerted 

nis  cursmg  it.    But  Mark  has  so  expressly  referred  these  circumstances  on  his  uttering  them.    And  hence  it  is  that  such  a  firm  courageous  faith 

I    »  J"  j"*  rnorning,  and  so  particularly  mentions  Peter's  recollecting  is  so  often  urged  on  those  to  whom  such  miraculous  powers  were  given. 

k-i   A?  P?^^*'' '"^*'"^^' *''''''' '^  P'^'" '''' "'■'l*'' '""^'^''*' f''"''"'*^'^  *''^''^'  — '^'"'  "hat  kind  of  intimation  of  God's  intended  miraculous  inter- 

wnich  Matthew  has  neglected,  that  he  might  give  us  the  whole  of  the  position  the  apostles  in  such  cases  felt  on  their  minds,  it  is  impossible 

story  together  for  any,  without  having  experienced  it,  to  know.     It  is  therefore  an  in- 

0  uavejatth  in  God,  Sfc]    It  is  certain  that  the  attempt  of  perform-  stance  of  their  wisdom,  that  they  never  pretend  to  describe  it  since  no 

ing  miracles  in  public,  was  a  remarkable  instance  of  faith  in  tlte  divine  words  could  have  conveyed  the  idea. 

power  and  hdelity  ;  for  they  were  generally  introduced  by  some  solemn       c   When  you  stand  praying.]    There  is  no  room  to  doubt  that  standing 

aeciaration  of  what  was  intended,  which  was  in  effect  a  prediction  of  was  their  usual  posture  when  they  prayed  ;   as  Pr.  Lightfoot  observes 

immediate  success.    (So  Peter  says.  Acts  iii.  6.    In  the  name  of  Jesus  with  respect  to  the  Jews,  iHor.  Hebr.  on  Matt.  vi.  5.)  and  the  learned 

cz/njc,  Kise  up  and  walk:  ix.  34.  Bneas,  Jesus  Christ  maketh  thee  whole  :  author  of  the  Inquiry  into  the  Worship  of  the  Primnive  Church,  (chap, 

ana  again  ver.  40.  labttha,  arise.')    And  in  pronouncing  this,  the  person  ii.  ^  1.)  has  shown  it  to  be  the  practice  of  the  tirst  ages  ot  the  christian 


264  THE  CHIEF  PRIESTS  AND  SCRIBES  QUESTION  CHRIST'S  AUTHORITY. 

SECT    provocations,  you  should  forgive,  if  you  have  any  matter  of  complaint  against  any  ;  that  ought  against  any ;  that  your 
151 .'  your  Father  in  heaven  may  also  forgive  you  your  trespasses.     But  if  you  do  not  forgive  even  J^^y  "fo'l-gTvr  you  Vour  freT- 

your  most  cruel  enemies,  and  much  more  your  offendmg  brethren,  neither  will  your  Father  passes^ 

MARK  in  heaven  forgive  you  your  trespasses.   (Compare  Matt.  vi.  14,  15.  xviii.  35.)    And  if  your  neither    wi?i    your    rlthe; 

^^-     trespasses  be  not  forgiven,  you  have  little  reason  to  hope  for  such  extraordinary  inter-  which  is  in  heaven  forgive 

^^  positions  in  answer  to  your  prayers  ;  or  if  those  interpositions  were  to  be  granted,  you  ypu'' trespasses. 

would  receive  no  manner  of  advantage  from  them,  while,  amidst  all  the  glory  of  working 

the  most  amazing  miracles,  you  lay  under  the  load  of  guilt  and  condemnation. 

27      And  after  Jesus  had  been  "thus  discoursing  with  his  disciples  by  the  way,  they  come  again     27  And  they  come  again  to 

to  Jerusalem ;  and  when  he  was  come  into  the  temple,  it  came  to  pass  that  as  he  was  walking  i^s"  rafi^  'into  the \emplef] 

there,<'  while  he  taught  the  people  who  flocked  around  him,  and  zealously  preached  the  gas-  [Luke,  it  came  to  pass,  that] 

pel  of  the  kingdom  to  all  that  were  desirous  to  be  instructed  in  it,  the  chief  priests,  and  the  1^  he%r^hrthe' p'e'opl^yand 

scribes,  and  the  elders  of  the  people,^  who  were  contriving  his  destruction,  came  upon  him  in  preached  the  gospel,]  there 

LUKE  a  body,  with  a  strong  desire  to  confound  and  overbear  him:  And  they  spake  to  him  in  chiet^pdeTtT^linrthe's^ibes^ 

XX.    such  a  manner  as  to  express  their  high  displeasure  at  what  had  lately  passed,  saying.  Thou  ''"''./'"p./'ji^''^  S^^^o^^^^^' 

^  hast  here  taken  upon  thee  to  reform^he  temple,  which  is  our  province  alone,  and  hast  in  ^x.i.y    *  '  ""'■  "  '     "  * 

a  tumultuous  manner  driven  out  those  who  had  our  permission  to  traffic  in  the  outer  y^^^^l^^^^^jg  q;^„  ^^j^jj,  ^p^^^ 

court ;  we  insist  upon  it,  therefore,  that  thou  tell  us  roundly  and  plainly  hy  what  authority  "Ut  auTh'omy  dost  thou"hese 

thou  dost  all  these  extraordinary  things  ?  and  who  he  is  that  gave  thee  this  authority  on  whicli  'h^e^lhif  authority  '[IVUrk? 

thou  presumest  to  do  them?  to  do  these   things?]    [Matt! 

3  And  Jesus,  that  he  might  at  once  reprove  the  impropriety  of  the  question  in  those  cir-  ""g'indfjesusianfwLedan.i 
cumstances,  and  in  effect  return  an  unexceptionable,  though  oblique,  answer  to  it,  said  to  said  unto  them,  i  will  also 
them  in  reply,  I  will  also  ask  you  one  plain  question  on  this  occasion  :  and  pray  ansiver  me  ^on,]^and'-a'i^wer  me^  teven 
this  one  thing,  which  if  you  tell  me,  I  will  likewise  give  you  all  the  satisfaction  you  can  one 'thing,  which  if  ye  tell 
desire,  and  d'lrectly  fell  you,  if  you  do  yet  indeed  need  to  be  told,  by  what  authority  1  do  C^'w^i"  authOTity'i'do'ti^e''se 

4  these  things.  You  all  remember  the  baptism  of  John,  which  was  attended  by  such  multi-  things.]  [Matt.  xxi.  24.  Mark 
tudes  of  people,  and  even  by  many  of  your  leading  men.  (Compare  Matt.  iii.  7.  sect,  xvi.)  "'i^f.^^g  baptism  of  John, 
Now  I  would  gladly  know  what  you  think  of  its  original :  from  whence  was  it  that  he  [whence  was  it?]  from  heaven! 
had  his  commission  ?  was  \ifrom  heaven,  as  he  openly  professed  ?  or  was  it  merely  a  con-  °^^°-^  "lullt.  '■xxt.''23.''Sk 
trivance  of  men?    Answer  me  this,  and  then  I  will  immediately  resolve  your  question.        xi.  30.] 

5  And  they  were  perfectly  confounded  at  so  unexpected  a  demand,  and  reasoned  among  5  And  they  reasoned  with 
themselves,  as  it  was  natural  to  do,  after  this  manner,  saying,  If  we  shall  say  that  John's  sh|u^say*'^'From'hfAvin-  le 
baptism  was  from  heaven,  he  will  say  to  us.  Why  therefore  did  ye  not  believe  him,  and  yield  win    say   [unto  us,]  ^hy 

6  to  his  well-known  and  repeated  testimony  of  me  ?  '  But  if  we  shall  say  that  his  baptism  [jf "ttJ'xlTss  Aiark'^i  "si  ] 
had  no  divine  warrant,  but  was  merely  the  device  ofsome  wicked  and  designing  men,  who  6  Butaiid'if  we  [shall]  say. 
by  that  grave  solemnity  endeavoured  to  introduce  their  own  ambitious  schemes,  we  have  peo[!ic  w'iii'^stone^us^]  tbr'they 
reason  to  fear  that  all  the  populace  who  are  here  assembled  xvill  rise  up  and  stone  zis ;  for  be  [all]  persuaded  that  John 
they  are  all  firmly  persuaded  that  John  was  really  a  prophet  sent  of  God;  and  as  vast  ^^^^^^  fMat'tfxxi^'ee!  M^rk" 
numbers  of  them  were  baptized  by  him,  they  will  never  bear  to  hear  him  vilified,  either  xi.  32.] 

7  as  an  enthusiast  or  impostor.  And  therefore  they  declined  to  tell  him  what  were  7  And  they  answered 
their  real  sentiments,  and  ansivered  Jesus  by  saying.  We  cannot  yet  certainly  tell  whence  \it  ^we*rannot"tem  whence  //w" V 
was ;]  for  it  is  a  question  which  still  lies  before  the  sanhedrim,  and  which  they  have  not  yet  [Matt.  xxi.  27.  Mark  xi.  33.] 
expressly  determined. 

8  And  Jesm  immediately  replied  and  said  iinto  them.  Neither  do  I  think  it  at'all  necessary  8  And  .Tesus  [Mark,  an- 
to  tell  you  by  what  authority  I  do  these  things ;  for  the  other  question  naturally  requires  to  Ne'jfheT^  teff't  you'by'wiwt 
be  determined  first,''  and  when  you  think  proper  to  decide  that,  you  may  easily  perceive  authority  i  do  these  things. 
that  tlie  same  answer  will  serve  for  both.?  [Matt.  xxi.  27.  Mark  xi.  33.] 

MARK       A?id  having  thus  silenced  the  members  of  the  great  council,  who  had  taken  upon  them     Mark  xii.  1.  And  he  began 
XI.     to  examine  him  far  his  late  proceedings,  he  began  to  speak  unto  them,  [and]  to  the  people  '»  speak  unto  them  [and  to 

who  were  now  assembled,  by  several  parables,  of  which  we  shall  give  a  more  particular  [Uike^'xxf  9.]     ^    *'"'^"  ^^' 

account. 
MATT.      And  first,  he  said  to  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  with  whom  he  had  been  discoursing,     Matt.  xvi.  cs.    But  what 
■^^00  You  have  evaded  a  direct  answer  to  my  question,  hut  what  think  you  of  your  own  conduct  \^''"^  >'«  ■  ^  ecr'ain  man  had 

2o  ;„  ii,„„„     •        .  J      r    11  ii       1  ■    1  r       ■  1         /■  ^  T  two  sons ;  and  he  came  to  the 

in  these  circumstances,  and  ot  all  tiie  high  professions  you  make  of  an  extraordinary  rever-  first,  and  said.  Son,  go  work 
ence  for  God,  and  zeal  in  his  service  ?  t  will  plainly  tell  you  my  thoughts  of  it,  which  are  ^"■'^^y  '"  '"^  vineyard, 
very  naturally  connected  with  the  present  subject. 

There  was  a  man  who  had  two  sons :  and  coming  to  the  first,  he  said.  Son,  go  directly 
away  and  wo?'k  to-day  in  my  vineyard,  where,  thou  knowest,  there  is  business  to  do  that 

29  requires  thine  attendance.  And  he  ansivered  in  a  very  rude  and  undutiful  manner,  and  09  He  answered  and  said, 
said,  I  will  not :  hut  aftenvards  considering  better  of  it,  he  repented  that  he  had  used  his  I  "ill  not;  but  afterward  he 
father  so  ill;  and,  to" make  the  best  amends  he  could,  lie  went  into  the  vineyard,  and  '"«Pe°'«'*> ""f^ "'e"'' 

30  laboured  diligently  there.  And  when  the  first  had  given  so  undutiful  an  answer  to  his  30  And  he  came  to  the 
father,  he  came  to  the  second,  and  said  to  him  in  the  same  maimer  as  he  had  done  to  his  ^|'^°P^'  """^  ^^i'*  'i''*V'Jse- 
brother  :  and  he,  being  a  smooth,  plausible  lad,  answered  with  great  submission  and  readi-  ^„;  sir ;  andTent  not. ''^   ' 

church.    (Compare  Matt.  vi.  5.  and  Luke  xviii.  ii.l    But  as  the  word  representatives  whowere  called  Viri  Stationarii,fliat  were  appointed  to 

l«aMrf  J  has  no  particular  significancy  here,  I  might  have  omitted  it  in  attend  in  their  courses  at  the  hours  of  morning  and  evening  sacritice  in 

tne  translation    as  thePrussian  editors  have  frequently  done,  but  that  I  the  name  of  the  whole  Israelitish  nation  ;  but  1  rather  suppose  it  may 

ao  not  choose  to  multiply  expletives  m  the  sacred  writings.  signify  the  members  of  the  grand  sanhedrim,  to  whom  that  title  most 

a  jt  came  to  pass  that  as  he  was  walkmg.']    Luke,  who  tells  this,  as  he  eminently  and  properly  belonged  ;  which  is  the  more  probable,  as  they 

aoes  several  other  stories,  in  a  less  circumstantial  manner,  sajs  it  was  were  the  persons  under  whose  cognizance  the  late  action  of  Christ  in 

m  one  oj  tliose  days ;   hui  the  insertion  ot  that  clause  here  would  have  purging  the  temple  would  most  naturally  fall.    'Jhese,  with  the  persons 

h     M™iP™''//:,^°"^'   J  '"°,'^''TjP?'''"^"'^'''y"'<=f*ateofthis  factisfixed  above  mentioned,    probably  appeared   in  a  considerable  company,  on 

Dy  Mark,— It  the  reader  should  happen  elsewhere   to  meet  with  the  purpose  to  daunt  him,  and  to  bear  an  united  testimony  against  him,  if 

omission  ot  a  word  or  two  in  any  ot  the   Evangelists,  (which  he  very  any  thing  exceptionable  should  fall  from  him  on  this  occasion, 

seldom  will,)  I  hope  he  will   not  condemn  it,  till  he  reflect  whether  it  f  The  other  question  naturally  requires  to  be  determined  first.]    That 

may  not  he  accounted  tor  in  the  same  manner.  singular  turn  which  the  reader  will  observe  to  be  given  to  this  answer 

frL„!.'^,f     -'  ^"L  7^?'-"'  'H  ^''iers<>f 'he  people.-^    These  are  titles  that  of  oui-  Lord  in  the  paraphrase,  by  which  I  think  the  propriety  of  it  to 

ptSh..     f  r""^'  ^"S'U*^  1°'  ^^^y  '°  '■"J'  determinate  idea  to  them.—  be  much  illustrated,  I  owe  to  that  very  accurate  and  learned  friend  who 

Ky  the  chief  priests    \  think  we  may  understand  any  peculiar  distinc-  suggested  the  substance  of  note  g,  on  John  vii.  22.  p.  181. 

tion  in  the  Aaronic  family  :  so  that  it  may  mclurle  the  high  priest,  his  g  The  same  answer  will  serve  for  both.]    This  was  plain! 


r«»  ?lf  ?  f  4^     P°  fi'^Tj"""^^/-^?  '^''"  /"  I^«'''"d.  Jlnnq.Jleh.  part  ii.    an  impostor,  would  imply  a  like  censure  on  the  character  of  Je 
cap.  111.  ^  4,  5.— By  the  elders  of  the  people,  some  would  understand  those 


THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  VINEYARD  LET  TO  HUSBANDMEN.  265 

ness,  and  said,  Sir,  I  [«???  goi»g]  this  moment  to  obey  your  commands  :  >>  and  i/et,  after  all,  SECT. 
/le  went  not  to  the  vineyard,  but  spent  the  whole  day  elsewhere.  151. 

31  Whether  of  them  twain      Now  I  would  leave  it  to  yourselves  to  judge  w/iich  of  the  two  youths  I  have  been  speak- 

fhey''say''unto  'him^^'xhe  i"?  ^f  rfirf  the  will  of  {his^  father,  and  with  which  of  them  he  would,  on  the  whole,  be  best  matt. 
first.—  '  pleased.     And  without  any  hesitation  iAey  saj/ ^t»  A»»,  Undoubtedly  i/^e/rs^  of  them.  ^^'• 

— Tesus  saith  onto  them.      Then  JcHus,  upon  this,  says  to  them,  Tlie  application  of  this  parable'  is  very  easy ;  for  31 
t^hrjlubUcTu^s  and^hrhariots  thus  It  is,  that  notwithstanding  your  professions  of  a  regard  to  God,  yet  in  y6ur  practice 
po  into  the  isingdom  of  God  you  are  disobedient  children,  and  reject  his  gospel ;  and  verily  I  say  unto  you,  That  even 


before  you.  ^j^g  Yno?,i  abandoned  sinners  of  the  age,  such  as  the  publicans  and  common  prostitutes,  are 

much  more  open  to  conviction,  and  more  likely  to  be  wrought  upon  than  you ;  and  so 

many  of  them  have  already  been  awakened  to  repentance,  that  their  example  might  lead 

you  the  way  into  the  kingdom  of  God ;  but,  with  all  your  pretences  to  sanctity,  you  will 

32  For  John  came  unto  you  not  follow  them.     For,  though'  you  have  not  integrity  enough  freely  to  own  it,  you  know  32 

i°^"'*<.K"iw.,?*^'^J,°lJ^,?."/"h^^;  in  your  own  consciences  that  John  came  not  iinto  you  in  a  suspicious  manner,  but  in  the 

ana  ye uelievea  nmi  not,  nut  .'       .     .    ,  i    i-  i     -         n    i  •  •    *    ■        i  -c  i  c 

the  publicans  and  the  harlots  way  qf  righteousness ;  and  did,  in  all  his  ministry,  maintain  the  unitorm  character  oi  an 
yl'had'ieeiri'trre1)ented''no't  Upright  and  pious  man,  as  well  as  of  a  plain  and  awakening  preacher,  yeXyou  believed  him 
afterward,  that'  ye  might  be-  not ;  but  the  pubUcuns  and  hurlots,  of  whom  I  spake,  believed  him:  and  you  were  still  so 
heve  him.  obstinate,  that  even  when  you  saiv  [it,']  and  perceived  a  growing  reformation  among  the 

most  abandoned  of  mankind,  yet  you  did  not  aftenvards  repent  {so  as'\  to  believe  him. 
(Compare  Luke  vii.  29,  30.  p.  111.)  And  therefore  I  solemnly  warn  you,  that  your  con- 
dition will  another  day  be  worse  than  theirs ;  and  that  you  shall  see  those  whom  you  now 
despise  and  abhor,  entering  into  the  glory  from  which  you  shall  be  excluded. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  little  do  the  most  specious  pretences  of  piety  signify,  if  they  are  not  animated  by  the  heart,  and  confirmed  Ver. 
by  the  life!  How  wim  are  all  the  complimental  forms  of  religion,  when  addressed  to  that  God  who  penetrates  all  28—31 
llie  secrets  of  the  soul,  and  can  liave  complacency  in  nothing  but  real  and  solid  goodness  !    Yet  how  many  are 
there  who  are  free  of  their  promises  both  to  God  and  man,  but  always  fail  when  the  time  of  performance  comes ! 
And  how  many,  with  tliese  unhappy  rulers  in  Israel,  go  on  to  pride  themselves  in  a  kind  of  external  nearness  to  32 
God,  and  perhaps  in  a  boasted  commission  from  him,  who  are  themselves  so  far  from  his  kingdom,  that  even  pub- 
licans and  harlots,  who  did  not  pretend  to  any  religion,  are  more  like  to  be  brought  into  it  than  they,  as  being 
more  open  to  a  conviction  of  their  sin  and  danger,  and  so  more  ready  to  embrace  an  offered  Saviour !  Let  us  dread 
the  guilt  of  receiving  the  grace  of  God  in  vain,  lest,  by  rejecting  the  calls  of  the  gospel,  and  abusing  the  privileges 
we  enjoy,  our  hearts  be  hardened  through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin,  so  as  to  perish  in  impenitence  and  unbelief. 

In  vain  do  we,  like  these  Pharisees,  inquire  into  the  evidences  of  Christ's  authority,  if  we  are  not  heartily  23 
resolved  to  submit  to  it.     Yet  with  such  cavillers  and  hypocrites  must  his  ministers  expect  to  meet.     May  they 
learn,  by  the  example  of  their  great  Master,  to  answer  them  with  the  meekness  of  wisdom,  and  to  join  the  sagacity  24—27 
of  the  serpent  with  the  gentleness  and  innocence  of  the  dove  ! 

The  promises  which  are  made  to  a  miraculous  faith  in  prayer,  are  not  indeed  our  immediate  concern;  but  we  mark 
may  truly  infer  from  them  some  encouragement  in  favour  of  the  prayer  of  faith,  on  whatever  account  and  in  what-     xi. 
ever  circumstances  it  be  offered  :  At  least  we  may  infer  the  necessity  of  forgiving  injuries,  if  we  desire  that  our  23,  24 
petitions  should  be  received  with  favour.     Let  us  remember  it,  and  labour  to  approach  the  throne  of  a  forgiving  25,  26 
God  with  hearts  not  only  clear  of  every  malignant  passion,  but  full  of  that  cordial  and  universal  benevolence  which 
may  engage  us  to  pray  for  all  men,  and  particularly  for  those  who  have  least  deserved  our  kindness,  and  seem 
least  disposed  to  requite  it. 


SECTION  CLII. 

Christ  utters  the  parable  of  the  vineyard  let  out  to  unfaithful  husbandmen  ;  from  Tyhich  he  takes  occasion  plainly  to  admonish  the  Jewish  rulers 
of  the  danger  and  ruin  they  would  incur  by  the  schemes  they  were  forming  against  him.  Matt.  xxi.  33,  to  tlie  end.  Mark  xii.  1 — 12.  Luke 
XX.  9—19. 

Matt.  xxi.  33.  Matt.  xxi.  33. 

HEAR  another  parable:  OUR  Lord  having  thus  reproved  the  priests  and  elders  in  the  temple  who  had  been  sect. 
ifoide^r,  whfch  pUifted  a^°ine-  questioning  his  authority,  and  shown  how  inexcusable  they  were  in  not  believing  John,  152. 
yard,  and  hedged  it  round  though  they  could  not  deny  him  to  be  sent  of  God,  continued  his  discourse,  and  said  to 


press''in^'it'!  [ar^a"^ pfacr'fa'r  ^^em  and  to  the  people.  Hear  now  another  parable,  in  which  you  are  very  nearly  concerned,  matt. 
the  wine-fat,]  and    built   a  as  your  Own  consciences  must  quickly  tell  you  :    There  ivas  a  certain  man,  a  master  of  a    XXI. 
i-andmeT,  and  "went  'into"  a  Considerable  family  and  estate,  who  planted  a  vineyard,  and  spared  no  cost  to  render  it  ^'^ 
far  country  rXr.KE,  tor  a  long  fruitful;  for  he  made  a  strong  hedge  round  it,  to  presei"ve  it  from  the  incursion  of  men  or    • 
^me.j      ar   xn.  1.    u  e  xx.  ^gj^^fg^  ^„f/  digged  \a  place  for']  a  loine-press  in  it,  \or\  a  large  cavity  which  might  serve  as 
a  fat  for  the  wine,  to  receive  the  liquor  when  pressed  from  the  grapes  ;=!  and  he  also  built  a 
tower  in  it  for  the  accommodation  and  defence  of  the  labourers ;  and  then  he  let  it  out  to 
husbandmen,  who  were  to  pay  him  a  certain  acknowledgment  out  of  the  produce  of  it ;  and 
he  himself  departed  thence,  and  took  a  journey  for  a  long  time  into  a  distant  country. 
34  And  [at  the  season,!  when      -And  at  the  proper  sraso7?,  when  the  time  o/"  gathering  in  the  fruit  approached,  and  a  return  34 
hn'Il!f°K;'i^^'^''"'''*.'"'''y"''.^'''  '^^'as  to  be  made  him  from  the  profits  of  it,  he  sent  his  servants  to  the  husbandmen  who  had 

ne  sent   his   servants   to   the   /■  i-j/.i  ■    i  ,  ■  '      /•  i      j      i        i  i  •  /.,.•,., 

husbandmen,  that  they  might  farmed  It,  that  he  might  rcceive  from  the  husbandynen  that  proportion  of  the  Jruit  of  the 
oM1l^fruTt'"of^*he"vlw!^Td"^  ^'^'KV^''^^  vvhich  was  due  to  him  for  the  rent.  A7id  the  husbandmen,  wickedly  conspiring  to  35 
(Mark  xii.  c.  Luke  xx.  19.] '  keep  the  vineyard  to  themselves,  instead  of  receiving  them  with  due  respect,  and  returning 
[caugM]'hisservan'ts''andb'eTt  ^^^  appointed  payment.  Seized  his  servants,  and  beat  one  of  the  chief  of  those  who  arrived 
one,  [and  sent  /n'm  away  first,  and  Sent  him  away  empty  ;  and  as  the  demand  grew  more  pressing,  they  took  up  tlie 
airj''stoned''another.''°[aTa'rk  '^^^apons  with  which  their  lofd  himself  had  furnished  them  for  very  different  purposes,  and 
xii.  3.   Luke  xx.  10.']    '        slciu  another,  and  stoned  another  till  they  had  driven  him  away. 

.36  [And]  again  he  sent[un-      And  when  their  lord  heard  the  report  of  this  their  injustice,  lie  did  not  immediately  arm  36 
than  t'he  "fi^stVand  th^Hid  hi"^self  against  them,  but  sent  again  other  servants  to  treat  with  them,  more  in  number  and 
unto  them  likewise;  [and  at  higher  in  office  than  the  first :  but,  still  persisting  in  their  wickedness,  they  did  the  same 
him  :./,«  uas  the  chief  they  ,<„jfo  ^/,g,„  .  „„^  particularly,  at  him  \who  was  the  chief]  person  employed  to  account  with 

tK.  ^J^l^  amgohw.']    This  was  a  proper  emblem  of  the  hypocrisy  of  viov.    The  former  signifies  the  wine-press,  the  other  the  cavity  vnder  it, 

Im.  .-.i       "    I  Pharisees,  who  addressed  God  under  the  most  honour-  in  which  the  vessel  Wiis  fixed  which   received  the  liquor  pressed  trom 

while  tl^'  ^"v,  ,P''?.'^5^^f'  *«  greatest  readiness  and  zeal  in  his  service,  the  grapes.    The  one  of  tliese  naturally  implies  tlie  other;  but  our  Lord 

wniie  iiieir  whole  lives  were  a  series  of  disobedience  and  rebellion.  might  without  any  impropriety  mention  both. 
a  AjatfortUevime.^  Matthew  uses  the  word  X^rai,  and  Mark  v^Io\r^- 


2QQ  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  VINEYARD  LET  TO  HUSBANDMEN. 

SECT   them,  thei/  threio  stonea,  and  ivounded  him  dangerously  in  the  head,  and  sent  him  away  not  cast  stones,  and  wounded  hhn 
152/  only  m/^i^j/,  but  very  dishonourably  rm^sW^^^^^^^  ,,-,,,      away%&:ii:^  "addled" 

— And  again  the  third  {time}  he  sent  another  of  his  principal  servants;  and  him  also  they  [Lukk,  and  empty.]  [Mark 

MARK  wounded,  as  they  had  done  the  former,  and  even  were  so  outrageous,  that  they  cast  him  oiit  ^'ivjtri^xif  s'^AiVd  a-ainhe 

■^^^- ,  of  tlie  vineyard,  [and]  killed  him  :  and  in  like  manner  they  assaulted  mamj  others  who  came  sent  another  tthe  third "«•«« ,-] 

^  with  or  after  him  on  the  same  errand,  beating  some  of  them,  and  killing  others  outright.        l^'^ cSi/nZl77,"Jfkinid' 

LUKE       Then  the  Lord  of  the  vineyard,  being  still  unwilling  to  proceed  to  the  last  extremity  and   many   others,    beating 

XX.  with  them,  though  'they  had  been  so  very  wicked  and  ungrateful  in  the  treatment  of  his  [f^^  ,.1%-^  '''""'s    some. 
■^^  servants,  said  to" them  "that  were  about  him,  What  shall  I  do  further  to  reclaim  them  ?     I     Luke  xx.  is.  Then  said  the 

will  send  mi/  own  son  to  them.^     Having  yet  therefore  one  son,  who  was  his  well-beloved,  and  shall  f  do'?''i\i'iFfs''e'^^d  my- 

the  heir  of  the  family,  he  sent  him  also  last  of  all  to  them,  as  the  only  gentle  expedient  that  son.   [Mark,    Having    yet 

remained,  sai/ing,  Perhaps  they  xvill  reverence  my  son  when  they  see  liim  :<^  for  surely  they  MofeTheTenf  him''i1so''lllit 

MATT,  must  needs  have  some  respect  for  him,  and  will  not  presume  to  offer  him  any  injury.    But  [uf  ^"^,  ""'«  "'«"•  saying,] 

XXI.  when  the  husbandmen  saw  the  son  come  into  the  vineyard,  instead  of  paying  any  due  regard  [my  ton]  when  the/ tif  Mm! 
^°  to  him,  theij  grew  yet  more  outrageous  in  their  wickedness,  and  reasoned  among  themselves,  [Matt.  xxi.  37.  Mark  xii.  6.] 

saying,  This  is  the 'only  heir  of  the  whole  estate ;  come,  let  m  kill  him,  and  seize  on  his  in-  the  hisba^ndmen'saw^the^son" 
heritance,^  that  [it]  may  be  ours  from  generation  to  generation,  and  no  descendants  of  our  [Luke,  they  reasoned  among 
master  may  remain  to' give  any  disturbance  to  us  or  our  children  in  the  possession  of  it.  thl"hlirT'com'^',"1et  us'l-ili 

39  And  with  malignant  hearts  and  cruel  hands  they  fell  upon  their  master's  son,  and  seized  ^^^^^■^'^^^  ^^*^.^  seize  on  his 
him  ;  and,  fearing  neither  God  nor  man,  they  cast  him  out  of  the  vineyard,  and  slew  him,<'  may"be"ours.]  FMarit  xfi.  7! 
exposing  his  dead  body  in  a  most  contemptuous  and  insolent,  as  well  as  inhuman  manner,  -"""g^  jj^ j  "^^g    ^.^u  ^^  ,,j,„ 

40  When  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  vineyard  himself  cometh,  armed  with  a  power  which  they  and  cast  Aim^  jit'o  "the  vi™- 
will  be  utterly  unable  to  re'sist,  what  will  he  do,  think  you,  to  those  treacherous  and  cruel  ^'j^""*^^  Tuke  xJ  15T'  '"'^^"'^'^ 
husbandmen,  when  he  has  them  entirely  at  his  disposal?  40  when  the  Lord  therefore 

41  And,  as  the  .Jewish  rulers  did  not  understand  that  they  themselves  were  these  unfaithful  °!iu''Ve'"drunto°Those  'hus- 
husbandmen,  they  say  unto  him.  There  is  no  doubt  but  he  luill  wretchedly  destroy  those  bandmen  r  [Mark  ii.  9.  Luke 
wicked  and  incoi-rigible  ivretches,  nor  is  the  most  tormenting  death  too  severe  for  t'hem  to  "^'/xLy  say  unto  iiim,  He 
expect ;  and  he  rvill  then  let  out  the  vineyard  to  other  husbandmen,  who  shall  faithfully  render  will  miserably  destroy  those 
him  the  fruits  of  it  in  their  proper  seasons.  If  ^.!n'eya?d  ^u'l'o^ile'r^VTs^ 

LUKE       Ihus  did  they,  before  they  were  aware,  condemn  themselves;  and  [Jesus  added,]  lou  bandmen,  which  shall  render 
XX.    have  answered  right :  he  shall  indeed  quickly  come  and  destroy  these  husbandmen  of  whom  '''Luke  xx.'']6°"[Je'iM'?a<!rfti 
I  speak,  whoever  they  shall  appear  to  be,  with  terrible  severity,  a7id  will  give  the  vineyard  He  shall  come  and  destroy 
to  others.     Now  all  this  was  as  if  he  had  said.  Consider  your"  own  concern  in  what  you  giv|%he  vhi"y'^rd^o"othere! 
have  heard  :  God  has  planted  a  church  among  you,  and  given  you  an  excellent  revelation  [Mark  xii.  9.] 
of  his  will ;  abundant  provision  has  been  made,  both  for  your  protection  and  your  improve- 
ment too  :  but  you  have  ungratefully  refused  the  fruits  of  obedience  which  were  so  justly 
his  due;  and  when  he  has  frequently  sent  his  servants  the  prophets,  with  one  message  and 
demand  after  another,  you,  the  rulers  and  teachers  of  Israel,  to  whom  the  cultivation  of  the 
vineyard  has  been  committed,  have  treated  them  in  a  most  ungrateful  and  barbarous  man- 
ner ;  and  now  at  last  he  has  sent  his  Son,  and  you  are  going  to  seize  on  him,  and  to  add 
that  murder  which  you  are  now  contriving  to  the  guilt  of  all  your  other  crimes.     I  leave 

MATT,  it  therefore  to  your  own  consciences  to  judge  what  the  event  must  be.     And  for  this  reason     Jiatt.  xxi.  4.3.    Therefore 

"^'^43  ^^^^  ^  '''"■''  '^"^^"  -'"^  plainly,  That  the  kingdom  of  God,  which  you  have  thus  vilely  and  o?God'lha^il'"be^ taken^tvCn' 
ungratefully  abused,  shall  be  taken  away  from  you,  and  given  to  a  nation  which  shall  bring  you,  and  given  to  a  nation 
forth  the  fruits  thereof;  that  is,  his'gosp'el  shall  be  taken  from  you,  and  be  carried  to  the  th^"|^"^    """"'    *'''    ^'""''■^ 
Gentiles ;  who  will  have  more  regard  to  the  favour  shown  them,  and  improve  it  much 
better  than  you  have  done. 

^^^^       ^'"^^  ■"^'''^"  "'<*.?/  beard  this  sad  denunciation  with  which  the  parable  concluded,  and     Luke  xx.  16.   And  when 

16  ^°""^  ^^^^  I'H  was  aimed  at  them,  they  said,  God  forbid  that  this  should  be  the  case  with  they  heard  i<,tiiey  said,  God 
"  regard  to  us,  nor  can  we  ever  believe  that  it  will. 

17  And  Jesus  looked  upon  them  with  great  seriousness  and  solemnity  in  his  countenance,  17  And  [Jesus]  beheld  them 
and  said  unto  them.  What  is  this  then  that  iswritten  1  (Psal.  cxviii.  22,  23.)  Did  you  never  f"'Jhf3''\1,iu"'?at'Ts"writte''n  ? 
read,  or  never  reflect  upon  this  remarkable  passage  in  the  Scriptures,  "  The  stone\rhich  the  [Did  ye  neverrea'd  [Mark, 
builders  refused,  the  same  is  become  the  head-stone  of  the  corner  .-f  This  is  the  Lord's  doing,  ".''^^  '"  ^K^V'^l'"'-^^-'^'  '^''« 

rin/i   if    I'o  n„n„^„  ^  7    ■  o  i>      ttt       i         i  •   i       i  i      i  •    i  i  "     stoue  which  the   builders  re- 

una  it  IS  wonderful  m  our  eyes?  Words  which,  though  they  might  seem  to  be  accom-  jected,  the  same  is  become 
plished  in  the  exaltation  of  David  to  the  .Jewish  throne,  are  in  their  liighest  sense  applicable  Islhe  L^^d-fdo^u^^Ind'-Ttls 
to  the  Messiah,?  who,  though  disdainfully  rejected  bv  you  scribes  and  Pharisees  and  marvellous  in  ouV  eyes  ?] 
rulers  of  the  people,  whose  office  it  is  to  builcl  up  the 'church,  is  nevertheless  chosen  by  [\^-f-  '=■'''■  ^--  ^^^"^  ''"•  ^^' 
1»  God  to  be  its  great  support  and  ornament.  A7id  therefore  let  me  plainly  tell  you,  That  m  [And]  whosoever  shall 
whosoever  shall  full  upon  this  stone,  that  is,  whosoever  shall  stumble  at  me  and  my  doctrine  broVen°"  bu'l'm' Tho.ns^ler 
while  1  am  here  on  earth  in  this  humble  form,  he  shall  be  broken  and  damaged  by  it;  it  shall 'fall,  it  will  grind  him 
but  on  whomsoever  it  shall  frdl,  when  raised  up  to  so  elorious  an  eminence,  itshall'even  »" ■^""'der.  [Matt.  xxi.  44.] 
grind  him  to  powder,^  like  a  brittle  potsherd  crushed  by  the  weight  of  some  huge  stone 

ing  defiance  of 

'"  exconunuyticn- 
al  sentence,  do 
nlt.rc Tho~o,co""  TiT"")"'^^  .^uuuim  lu  Ills  glory  ana   nappmess,  quite    not  onserve  tne  proper  import  or  tne  vineyard.    See  below,  note  i. 
wickf.Hn«s  nf 'thi   i.,.ff  1"  lu  *"  ^l'?'''  "'?  patience  of  God,  and  the       f  The  /lead-stone  of  the  corner.-]    This  I  take  to  be  the  meaning  of  the 
more  expressive  ^         emblem,  than  which  nothing  could  be    words  Ke^aX.,9  TMvm?,  rather  than  the  chief  cornerstone,  as  it  (foes  not 

c  Perhunt  thci,  „-in  rt,.^T.„.  ,  t.     i    -.t       ,      ,  appear  exactly  to  answer  to  aKpo7a)ymioi/,  (Tph.  ii.  20.  and  1  Pet.  ii.  C.) 

thlo\dl^A-^ZTfj.%J^^.^  ™y"'u'  *^J  ^ J? umberless predictions  in  which,  as  the  connexion  in  those  places  shows,  (as  well  as  the  use  of  i 
^  a  certain  event  Tf/,  P'fmly  show  that  God  foresaw  Christ's  death  in  other  authors.)  signifies  that  great  corner-stone  which  lay  at  file  bot- 
mental  ctrcumstance   whir^  is  merely  an  orna-    torn  of  the  building  as  its  support.    What  is  mentioned  afterwards  of 

i^t  erpretationf  the  n?^^^^^^^^  '*'"''°"'  absurdity  be  applied  in  the    this  head  stone  falling  on  a  person.seems  not  tosuit  with  the  supposition 

dComeht  Tis  kllFfim    K- 1  if       v.  ,  .  <>*■  ''« ''^'"S  '»'<'  <>"  O""  ""^er  the  ground.    Compare  Zcch.  iv.  7. 

heicrht  of 'f  fllv  as  wel    ».;  tl.L.J^  ''  ^}'^^°^^}  \'^'^^'^  ^^^^  been  the       g  Though  they  might  seem  to  be  accomplished   in  the  exalfalion  of 

much  the  mor^  proper  trrenresenTTll'L**''*^  husbandmen,  it  was  so  David,  &c.]  Mr.  .leffery  has  justly  observed,  (in  his  Revku:.  p.  IIU.) 
hrmurdei  of  cK   w-hiHt'ilf»J  w^    ^    ^  the  Jewish  rulers  a<ted  in    that  on  the  principles  of  analogy  this  passage  will  be  much  to  the  present 

•ner. 
lere  is 

;    the 
other, 

latter 

prXS7^'ertV/b^''i;^n'fiZtr^,irt  'hS°V.l'?h"c  "^^^l  ^^^l^^^i^^'^  '^^'^  -°""^  '^  '"  '^  ^'•-'  -—  '-'"^  -'^ 


THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  WEDDING-GARMENT.  267 

falling  upon  it  from  on  high.    (Compare  Dan.  ii.  44.)     So,  whoever  shall  oppose  me  after  SECT. 

my  exaltation  to  glory,  and  the  pouring  out  of  my  Spirit  for  the  full  revelation  of  my  gospel  152. 
arid  proof  of  my  mission,  he  will  bring  upon  himself  aggravated  guilt,  and  dreadful,  un- 


avoidable destruction.  luke 

19  And  [when]  the  chief      And  iclien  the  chief  priests  and  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  had  heard  his  parables  which  he  .  ^^• 
priests  and  tiie  scjibes  [and  y^^^  ^^^  delivered,  'thei/  were  so  provoked  at  what  he  had  said,  that  even  in  that  very  hour 
Mes"\''iievf  the^same  To'ur  they  Sought  to  1(11/  their  hands  on  him,  that  they  might  prosecute  him  even  to  death ;  for 
sousht  '°"'^?'>*[j'{|°t\^'i,'!Jj  they  plainly  perceived  that  he  had  spoken  this  parable  of  the  wicked  husbandmen  that  should 
spoken^  this'^^plrabie''  aglinst  be  destroyecf,  against  them,"-  and  had  in  effect  set  them  all  at  defiance  by  the  application 
them.^  [Matt.  xxi.  45.  Mark  ^f  g^  signal  a  prophecy  to  himself.     But  they  frared  the  people  who  were  then  present  in  matt. 
""iviatt.  xxi.  46.   But— they  the  temple,  became  they  esteemed  him  as  a  Prophet  sent  from  God,  and  would  not  have    xxi. 
they  took%Tm  foV"t%rophet^  bome  that  immediate  "assault  upon  him  whinh  the  rage  of  these  rulers  would  otherwise  4t) 
[and  they  left  him,  and  went  have  engaged  them  to  make.    And  therefore,  not  daring  for  the  present  to  attempt  to  seize 
Luke^^Q]'''^^"''  ""■  ^''  1"™  ^vith  an  open  violence,  they  left  him,  and  went  awayio  take  counsel  in  private  against 

him,  and  to  lay  a  plot  for  his  life,  which  they  might  execute  with  less  hazard  to  themselves. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

When  we  read  this  parable,  and  consider  it  as  levelled  at  the  Jews,  we  applaud  the  righteous  judgment  of  God 
in  revenging  so  severely  upon  them  the  quarrel  of  his  covenant  and  the  blood  of  his  Son ;  but  let  us  take  heed  to 
ourselves,  lest  we  also  fall  after  the  same  example  of  unbelief.    (Heb.  iv.  11.) 

God  has  given  to  every  man  some  part  of  his  Vineyard"  to  cultivate  and'improve,  or  some  advantages  to  know  Ver.33 
and  serve  him.     And  as  for  us  who  enjoy  the  christian  dispensation,  we  have  particular  reason  to  say.  The  lines 
are  fallen  to  us  in  pleasant  places.     (Ps.  xvi.  6.)     What  could  he  have  done  more  for  this  part  of  his  vineyard? 
How  ungrateful  therefore  shall  we  be,  and  how  miserable  too,  if  we  withhold  the  fruits  he  so  reasonably  expects ;  34,  36 
if  we  slight  the  messengers  by  whom  he  so  frequently  and  so  pathetically  demands  them ;  yea,  if  by  wilful  im- 
penitence and  unbelief  we  in  effect  renew  the  slaughter  of  his  beloved  Son,  after  that  amazing  favour  he  has  done  37,  39 
us,  m  charging  him  witii  an  embassy  of  peace  to  us,  whose  aggravated  crimes  had  long  since  deserved  that  he  41 
should  have  sent  amongst  us  the  messengers  of  his  vengeance.     Oh  that  we  may  never  be  condemned  out  of  our 
own  mouths  in  the  censures  we  pass  on  the  guilty  Jews  ! 

We  cannot  surely  think  of  the  awful  threatening  of  our  Lord  without  some  secret  terror  for  ourselves,  when  we  43 
consider  how  shamefully  we  of  this  nation  have  abused  our  privileges.     The  kingdom  of  God,  said  he,  shall  be 
taken  from  you,  and  given  to  a  nation  bringing  forth  the  fruits  thereof.     God  had  been  just,  had  he  long  since 
executed  such  a  judgment  upon  us  :  may  he  be  merciful  to  us  all  in  suspending  and  averting  it !     May  his  com- 
passion particulariy  extend  to  those  amongst  us  who  reject  Christianity  :  for  the  passage  before  us  has  a  dreadful 
aspect  upon  such  !     Whether  they  will  hear  or  whether  they  will  forbear ;  whether  they  will  submit  or  whether 
thev  will  oppose,  Christ  is  made  the  Head  of  the  corner,  and  God  will  for  ever  establish  him  as  such.     Woe  to  42 
them  who,  instead  of  joining  with  him,  and  'fixing  the  stress  of  their  souls  upon  him,  deliberately  set  themselves  to 
oppose  his  cause  and  interest !     On  such  undoubtedly  will  he  fall  like  a  mighty  rock  of  adamant,  and  miserably  44 
crush  them  in  pieces,  and  grind  them  to  powder. 

Thus  did  our  Lord  warn  his  enemies,  most  wisely  and  most  graciously  ;  but  they  despised  the  admonition,  and 
hated  him  for  what  was  so  kindly  intended.     They  sought  to  lay  hands  on  him,  because  he  had  spoken  this  parable   luke 
against  them.     High  provocation  indeed,  to  set  their  danger  faithfully  before  them,  that  if  by  any  means  it  were     XX. 
possible  they  might  be  awakened  to  escape  it!     But,  alas,  what  can  save  those  whose  spiritual  distempers  are  ^^ 
exasperated  by  the  most  proper  remedies  prescribed  for  their  cure  ! 


SECTION  CLIII. 

ting  the 
ing-garm 

Matt.  xxii.  1. 


Christ  further  warns  the  Jews  of  the  danger  which  would  attend  their  rejecting  the  gospel,  or  resting  in  an  insincere  profession  of  it,  by  the 
parable  of  the  marriage-feast  and  the  wedding-garment.    Matt.  xxii.  1 — 14. 


1\Iatt.  xxii.  1. 

AND  Jesus  answered  and  AND  when  the  priests  and  scribes  were  retired,  Jesus,  being  still  surrounded  with  the   sect. 
^arables"mid'said  ^"^'"  ^^  multitude,  answered  and  spake  to  them  again  in  parables  suited  to  the  present  circumstances    153. 


'*2  The^'klngd^om 'of  heaven  of  affairs,  Saying,  The  kingdom,  of  heaven,  or  the  dispensation  of  the  gospel,  is  like,  and  may 
is  like  unto  a  certain  king,  j^g  ^gi|  compared  to  that  which  happened  in  the  case  of  a  man  \that  was]  a  king,^  who  matt. 

which  made  a  marriage  for   "^   ,  "^'^   i,uiii[«i.v,t.   vw  ,.,,.,-''  ^      7      i  n  -     j    i.  *  z.-,^™,„^*,    XXII 

his  son,  made  a  splendid  marriage-jeast  for  his  son  :  And  when  all  was  prepared,  he  sent  hit.  servants  o 

vaml^Sfclfif  them'\h'lt%v'er'e"  ^^  Call  those  wlio  had  been  before  invited,  that  they  might  come  immediately  to  the  nuptial 
hidden  to  the  wedding:  and  banquet.^  But  they  were  so  rude  and  foolish,  that  thev  loould  not  come  upon  the  summons. 
^''fA^L'iJf  he  sent'^ofth  other  ^g«"'  ^'^  Sent  Other  of  his  servants,  saying.  Go  and  tell  them  that  were  invited,  that  I  4 
scrvante,  saying;  Tell  them  must  insist  upon  their  coming  immediately ;  for  behold,  I  have  prepared  my  dinner ;  my 
iTa''ve%%pared'my^dSneV^  oxcri  and  my  o\h&x  fitted  beasts  are  slain  and  dressed,<=  and  all  things  are  just  ready  to 
mv  oxen  and  my  fallings  are  be  Served  up  to  the  table,  therefore  come  to  the  marriage-feast  without  any  further  delay, 
ready:  come llnto'^lbf  mtr-  ^ut  such  was  the  perverscness of  the  guests,  that,  notwithstanding  this  repeated  invitation,  5 
riage.  they  refused  to  come,  and,  not  regarding  [it,]  they  went  away,  one  of  them  to  his  field  in 

»,\nd  wenfth'^i'^'waytone  the  Country,  a7id  another  to  his  merchandise  in  the  city.     And' the  rest  were  so  brutish,  that,  6 
to  his  farm,  another  to  his  laying  hold  on  his  servants  who  came  with  the  message,  they  shamefully  insidted  them  in 
"'e'' And'the  remnant  took  his  a  very  outragcous  manner,  and  even  carried  their  ingratitude  so  far,  that  they  slew  some  of 
servants,  and  entreated  them  them      And  when  the  king  heard  \,of  it,]  he  was  gveatly  provoked ;  and,  not  Ions  after,  having  7 
'Tbu"  whTn'^the  kintTeard  «£"«  his  armies,  he  destroyed  those  murderers,  and  even  burnt  their  city  where  they  dwelt,d 

thereof,  he  was  wroth :  "and  he  sent  forth  his  armies,  and  destroyed  those  murderers,  and  burned  up  their  city. 

i  They  perceived  that  he  had  spoten  this  parable  ar/ainst  them.']    One  7aHsr  here   properly  signifies  a  nuptial  banquet,  in  which  sense  it  is 

would  think  they  could  be  at  no  loss  for  the  interpretation  of  it,  consider-  often  used  by  other  writers.     (See  Raphel.  Annul .  ei  Polyh.  p.  93,  and 

ing  how  nearly  it  resembles  that  in  isa.  v.  1 — 7.  with  which  they  were,  Wolfius,  in  loc.)    It  was  sometimes  customary  to  send  two  messages,  as 

no  doubt,  well  acquainted.    Only  it  is  to  be  observed,  that  there  Israel  in  the  case  here  supposed;    which  represented  the  condescensioii  tne 

is  the  vineyard,  here  the  true  religion  is  represented  under  that  figure  :  greater,  and  suited  the  repeated  invitations  given  to  the  Jews  by  v^iiiist 

accordingly,  there  it  is  threatened  that  the  vineyard  should  be  destroyed,  himself  during  his  life,  and  by  the  apostles  after  his  death, 

but  here  that  it  should  be  let  out  to  other  husbandmen  ;  each  event  suiting  c  My  oxen  and  my  fatted  beasts  are  slain.]    It  was  ^sr^^*"'^'"  f  „ 

its  connexion.  simplicity  of  the  ancient  ages,  to  mention  these  as  the  chiet  pans  ui  a 

a  'I'he  kinndom  of  heaven  is  like  a  king.]    See  note  i,  on  Luke  vii.  32.  royal  entertainment.    Thus  in  Homer  and  otlier  ancient  '"''''Jf^*' ^.tf^^ 

p.  112.— It  is  observable,  that  Luke  does  not  relate  this  parable  here,  princes  of  the  first  rank   and  dignity  feasting  each  other  ivitn  notning 

because  he  had  given  us  one  very  much  like  it  before,  which  was  spoken  but  the  flesh  of  oxen,  slieep,  and  swine. — Compare  l^^i,"-"^'!   '    ,  rnust 

on  a  ditferent  occasion  :  f  Luke  xiv.  ](j— 24.  §  120.1    lor  the  same  reason  d  And,  not  long  after,  having  sent  hts  armies,  <^c.l     \  "%.r,)r  f^.    i  ;, 

he  omits  theqiestionof  the  lawyer.  Matt.  xxii.  35.  most  of  the  discourse  be  supposed  to  come   in  by  way  of  prolepsis  or  «""'\'P''"''°'arI,l  wa« 

against  the  Pharisees,  Matt,  xxiii.  and  the  parable  of  the  talents,  Matt,  plain  there  could  not  be  time,  before  the  teast  J'''"'*,?.W  PJ^lP^V^^.-nrp 

XXV.  U.etseq.  served  up,  to  attempt  an  execution  of  this  kind.— 1  his  circumsiance 

b  I'o  call  those  who  had  been  invited  to  the  nuptial  banquet.]  The  word  seems  to  point  at  the  slaughter  of  the  Jews,  and  the  burning  or  jerusa- 


2gg  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  WEDDING  GARMENT. 

SECT,  which,  being  disaffected  to  him,  had  joined  with  these  wicked  men  in  concerting  this  gross 
153.    and  intolerable  affront.  _  .      .  ....      ,       ,    ,      - 

jjj  j[jg  mean  time  then,  upon  the  king  s  receivmg  mtelligence  ot  ttieir  insolent  behaviour,     8  Then  saith  he  to  his  ser- 

MATT.  he  says  to  his  servants.  The  marriage-feast  is  prepared,  but  they  who  were  first  invited  were  bu?\'hey 'which''wfrf  b'dde^n 
XXII.  ^Qf  worthy  of  any  part  in  it,  or  indeed  of  anv  invitation  to  it :  Yet  let  not  the  provisions  I  were  not  worthy, 

^  have  made  be  lost :  go  ye  therefore  to  the  most  public  luays,  and  particularly  to  the  places  highwa/s";'  and  aTmany  as 
where  several  streets  and  roads  meet,<^  and  invite  as  many  as  you  find  there  to  the  wedding-  ye  jihali  find,  bid  to  the  mar- 

10  banquet.  And  accordingly  these  servants  went  out,  as  their  lord  had  commanded  them,  "\l%o  those  servants  went 
into  the  streets  and  other  lpublic\  ways,  and  assembled  all  that  they  met  with,  ivhether  bad  °"' J?ed  to^l^ther  aiP'^'many 
or  good,  without  any  regard  to  their  characters  or  circumstances  :  and  the  feast  was  abun-  %^  they  found,  hoth'had  anH 

dantly  supplied  with  guests.  ,  ■  ^  ,  •  ,       fuTnisheS'Vith  'uestf "°  '"^ 

U      Btd  that,  whatever  habits  they  had  on  before,  they  might  appear  worthy  to  sit  at  such  a     n  And  when°the  kin? came 
table,  the  king  had  ordered  clean  white  garments  to  be  delivered  to  each  of  them,  and  ap-  {1;^^°  a  man  whi"  h'had^tot  on 
pointed  servants  whose  province  it  was  to  see  that  they  were  decently  dressed ;  after  which,  a  weddmg  garment : 
coming  in  to  vieiv  the  guests,  he  saxu  a  man  there  who,  though  such  habits  were  provided, 
yet  was  not  clothed  with  a  wedding  garment  ;f  but  either  in  contempt  of  the  feast,  or  pre- 
suming his  own  habit  might  do  as  well  as  that  wliich  was  offered  him,  had  refused  to 

12  accept  it.  And  he  said  to  twn,  Friend,  how  earnest  hou  in  hither,  not  having  on  a  wedding  12  And  he  saith  unto  him, 
garment  suited  to  the  occasion?  Was  it  not  offered  to  thee?  or  hadst  thou  so  little  sense  jfiJ^rfniTLvrngf  wedding 
of  decency  and  gratitude  as  to  refuse  to  accept  it  in  compliance  with  the  order  of  my  feast?  garment?  And  he  wasspeech- 
And  he  was  presently  struck  speechless,^  bemg  confounded  with  the  majesty  of  the  royal   "=• 

13  presence,  and  conscious  of  his  ovm  insolence  and  folly.  Then  the  king,  being  justly  in-  the^en'Hnts'^'Bind'him'ifand 
censed  at  so  great  an  affront,  resolved  to  punish  it  by  a  severe  imprisonment :  and  there-  and  toot,  and  take  him  awav, 
foresaid  to  [hl.t]  servants.  Bind  his  hands  and  feet,  and  take  him  away  hence  from  all  the  ^"^3  ^''there^haU  be"  wee  kill- 
joy and  splendour  of  the  guest-chamber,  and  cast  him  out  into  the  darkness  ^vhich  is  with-  and  gnashing  of  tee^ti*^^'""" 
mit  ;h  and  there,  instead  of  the  mirth  and  delight  of  my  banquet,  there  shall  be  nothing  but 

weeping  and  gnashing  of  the  teeth  for  anguish  and  despair.  (Compare  Matt.  viii.  12.  p.  108.) 

14  Nor  imagine,  said  our  Lord  in  the  conclusion  and  improvement  of  the  parable,  that  this  14  For  many  are  called, 
will  be  tlie  case  of  one  alone  ;  for  though  it  be  a  dreadful  truth,  yet  I  must  say,  that  even  ''"t  f^w  or« chosen. 

the  greatest  part  of  those  to  whom  the  gospel  is  offered,  will  either  openly  reject  or  secretly 
disobey  it ;  and  while  many  indeed  are  called  to  the  gospel-feast,  it  will  be  manifest,  by 
their  disregarding  it,  there  are  but  few  chosen  in  such  a  sense  as  finally  to  partake  of  its 
blessings.     (Compare  Matt.  xx.  16.  p.  240.) 

Thus  did  he  strongly  intimate  to  the  Jews,  that  since  they  despised  the  rich  provisions 
of  his  gospel-grace,  incomparably  more  valuable  than  those  of  a  royal  feast,  and  since  they 
used  the  messengers  whom  God  had  sent  to  them  in  so  ungrateful  and  barbarous  a  man- 
ner, they  must  expect  to  be  cut  off  and  destroyed  by  those  hostile  armies  which  Divine 
Providence  would  speedily  bring  upon  them  :  but  that  the  gospel  should  be  embraced  by 
the  Gentiles,  and  vast  numbers  of  them  be  converted  and  saved  by  it.  And  he  further 
intended  to  insinuate,  by  the  circumstance  of  the  wedding  garment,  that  as  God  had  made 
provision  in  his  gospel  for  the  sanctification  of  men's  hearts,  and  die  reformation  of  their 
lives,  he  expected  true  holiness  and  cordial  obedience  from  all  who  professed  to  embrace 
it ;  and  would  another  day  take  a  strict  review  of  all  its  professors,  that  he  might  separate 
habitual  sinners  from  the  number  and  the  blessings  of  his  people,  and  deliver  them  over  to 
perpetual  darkness  and  misery. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.2      How  rich  are  the  provisions  of  the  gospel!  a  feast  indeed  becoming  the  bounty  and  majesty  of  the  King  of 

heaven,  and  1 
9,  10      How  wonc 

nersofthe  Gentiles, 

Yet  has  he  graciously  sent  his  messengers  to  us,  and  invited  us  to  his  house,  yea,  to  his  table,  with  the  additional 
4 — 6  hope  of  yet  nobler  entertainments  in  reserve.     May  none  of  us  reject  so  condescending  a  call,  lest  we  turn  his 

goodness  into  righteous  indignation,  and  treasure  up  to  ourselves  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath!    (Rom.  ii.  5.) 
Let  us  also  remember,  that  it  is  not  every  one  who  professes  to  accent  tlie  entertainment,  not  every  one  who  talks 

of  gospel-blessings,  and  seems  to  desire  a  share  in  them,  that  will  be  admitted  to  it.     No  :  in  order  to  our  partaking 

of  an  inheritance  among  the  saints  in  light,  it  is  necessary  that  we  be  made  meet  for  it  by  the  holiness  both  of  our 

11  hearts  and  lives.  (Col.  i.  12.)  This  is  the  wedding  garment,  wrought  by  the  Spirit  of  God  himself,  and  offered 
to  us  by  the  freedom  of  his  grace.     And  it  is  so  necessary,  that  without  it  we  must  be  separated  from  the  number 

1 3  of  his  guests  and  friends,  and  even,  though  we  had  eaten  and  drank  in  his  presence,  must  be  cast  out  into  outer 
darkness.    (Luke  xiii.  26.) 

Frequently  let  us  think  of  that  awful  day  when  the  King  will  come  in  to  see  his  guests ;  when  God  will  take  a 

12  most  exact  survey  of  every  soul  under  a  christian  profession.     Let  us  think  of  that  speechless  confusion  which  will 

13  seize  such  as  have  not  on  the  wedding  garment,  and  of  that  inexorable  severity  with  which  they  will  be  consigned 

lem  and  the  other  chief  cities  of  theircountry  by  the  Romans  ;  who  are  parations,  to  which  we  must  suppose  the  wardrobe  of  the  prince  cor- 

here  considered  as  the  armies  of  their  affronted  prince,  whose  ambassa-  responded,  but  likewise  from  the  following  circumstance  of  resentment 

^■^^rj.,  -^  "*'"  mdeed  most  cruelly  and  ungratefully  murdered.  agHinst  this  guest,  that  a  robe  was  offered,  but  refused   by  him.    And 

e   I/te  most  public  uays,  Ac]    The  phrase  Sief  o6sf  tmv  ohaxi,  signifies  this  is  a  circumstance  which  (as  C;alvin  observes)  is  admirably  suited  to 

the  ways  which  were  moit  frequented :    wliich  must  be  such  as  are  men-  the  method  of  God's  dealing  with  us  ;  who  indeed  requires  holiness  in 

tioned  m  the  paraphrase.    (See  Boisius,  CcOTpar.  i«  foe.)    This  intimates  order  to  our  receiving  the  benefits  of  the  gospel,  but  is  graciously 

that  the  Cientiles  had  as  little  reason  to  expect  the  call  of  the  gospel,  as  pleased  to  work  it  in  us  by  his  Holy  Spirit ;  and  therefore  may  justly 

common  passengers  and  travellers  to  expect  an  invitation  to  a  royal  resent  and  punish  our  neglect  of  so  great  a  favour. 

iP^.Vu''    u       1         1.  u  S  ^'^  "'"-^  strnck  speec/dcss.]    I  render  it  [struct  speechless,']  because 

t  Who,  though  such  habits  were  provided,  yet  was  not  clothed  with  the  word  ^(binwDn  is  in  the  passive  form,  and  is  very  expressive.     It  is 

a  weddtng-garment.]    Ihat  persons  making  an  entertainment  sometimes  applied  to  the  muzzling  of  cattle,  1  Cor.  ix.  9.    Compare  1  lim.  v.  18. 

turnished  the  habits  in  which  the  guests  should  appear,  is  evident  from  and  1  Pet.  ii.  15. 

what  Homer  says  of  Ulysses  being  thus  furnished   by  the  Pha;acians,  h  Cast  him  out  into  the  darkness  which  is  ruit/iout.]    The   mention  of 

(Udyss.lii.  \ni.  yer.  402.)  and  from  the  account  which   Diodorus  gives  this  circumstance  in  this  connexion  would  incline  one  to  think,  either 

ot  the  great  hospitality  ot  Gellias  tlie  Sicilian,  who  readily  received  all  that  the  word  apio-rov  (in  ver.  4.)  may  signify  supper  as  well  as  dinner, 

strangers,  and  at  once  supplied  50()  horsemen  with  clothes,  who  by  a  (which  some  critics  have  thought,)  or  that  the  king  is  represented  as 

violent  stoj-m  were  driven  to  take  shelter  with  him.   (I)iod.  Sic.  lib.  xiii.  visitingthe  guests  in  the  evening.     But,  not  to  insist  on  this,  which  is  of 

p.  375.  Ldit.  Steph.)    Now  it  was  usual,  more  especially  at  marriage-  little  moment,  it  is  well  known  that  banquets  of  this  kind  were  generally 

feasts,  tor  persons  to  appear  in  a  sumptuous  dress,  adorned,  as  some  celebrated  in  rooms  that  were  finely  illuminated  and  richly  adorned, 

writers  tell  us.  with  florid  embroidery  ;  (Dr.  Hammond,  in  foe.)  though  (See  note  g,  on  Matt.  viii.  12.  p.  K)8.)    And,  considering  how  splendid 

many  times  white  garments  seem  to  have  been  used  on  such  occasions,  and  magnificent  the  entertainments  of  the  Eastern  princes'were,  it  cannot 

(L-ompare  Kev.  xix.  8,  y  )    But  as  it  could  not  be  expected  that  travel-  be  thought  an  unnatural  circumstance,  that  such  an  affront  as  this,  of- 

lers  thus  pressed  m  should  themselves  be  provided  with  a  suitable  habit,  tered  to  the  king,  his  son,  his  bride,  and  the  rest  of  the  company,  should 

we  musUheretore  conclude,  not  only  from  the  magnificence  of  the  pre-  be  punished  with  such  bonds,  and  thrown  into  a  dungeon. 


CHRIST  QUESTIONED  AS  TO  THE  LAWFULNESS  OF  PAYING  TRIBUTE.  269 

to  weeping  and  gnashing  of  teeth.    To  have  seen  for  a  while  the  light  of  the  gospel,  and  the  fair  heaniings  of  an  SECT, 
eternal  hope,  will  add  deeper  and  more  sensible  horror  to  those  gloomy  caverns ;  to  have  heard  those  glad  tidings    153. 

of  great  joy,  and  to  hear  them,  as  it  were,  echoed  back  in  accents  of  final  despair,  how  will  it  wound  the  ear,  and 

pierce  the  very  heart !     May  God  prevent  it,  hyfulfiUivg  in  lis  all  the  good  pleasure  of  his  modness,  and  the  work  of  matt. 
faith  with  power  ;  that  the  name  oj  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  may  he  glorified  in  us,  and  iue  in  him,  (2  Thess.  i.  1 1,  12.)  XXII. 
'when  the  marriage-supper  of  the  Lamb  shall  be  celebrated,  and  all  the  harmony,  pomp,  and  beauty  of  heaven 
shall  aid  its  solemnity,  its  magnificence,  and  its  joy  1 


SECTION  CLIV. 

insnar 
lark  xii 

Matt.  xxii.  15. 


Our  Lord  confounds  the  Pharisees  and  Herodians,  when  tliey  hoped  to  have  insnared  him  by  their  question  relating  to  the  lawfulness  of  paying 
the  Roman  tribute.    Matt.  xxii.  15 — 22.    Mark  xii.  13  —17.    Luke  xx.  20 — 26. 


Matt.  xxii.  15.  .... 

THEN  went  the  Pharisees,  THEN  the  Pharisees,  stung  with  the  severe  but  just  rebukes  he  had  been  giving  them  in  sect. 
mi^hr°entansie*^him°\"'lz^  the  foregoing  parables,  went  out  fi-om  his  presence,  and  retiring,  took  counsel  together  how    154. 

tall.    ^   ""  ^  (figy  might  insnare  him  in  [his]  discourse,  and  find  something  on  which  they  might  ground 

Luke  XX.  20.    And  they  an  accusatioH  or  complaint  against  him.     And  they  narrowly  Watched  him  in  all  his  motions   luke 
watciied  /lim,  and  sent  forth  ^^^^  ^r^y^  f„,f/  jg„^  „j^^  gpigg  fg  try  if  they  could  take  him  at  an  advantage,  who  should  pre-  .20     * 
Ki"mthen?s''e'kes'' just' men,  tetul  themselves  to  be  righteous  men,  that  were  come,  for  the  ease  of  their  consciences,  to 
I.Mark,  «e»  certain  [disci-  panose  a  scruple  to  him  on  an  affair  of  great  importance.     Now  those  that  were  sent  on 

pies]  ot  the  Pharisees  and  ot  r  .  1  ,  '  „  .  ^^      p  -[  r..i        7-     •    ;         r  4.\  „  ^ j; ,„« 

the   Herodians,]   that   they  this  errand  were  persons  of  opposite  sects  ;  \even\  some  ot  the  disciples  of  the  leading  men 
that''U^'the^"'m'i"ht'de'i[ver  among  the  Pharisees,  who  were  very  solicitous  for  the  freedom  of  their  country  from  every 
him  unto  the  power  and'au-  mark  of  slavery;  uiid  [so}ne~\  of  the  sect  ()/■  the  Herodians,  a  party  of  men  (as  was  before 
xSi' w" 'ivi'arrxifTs^i'''^^''"'  observed)  peculiarly  attached  to  the  faniily  of  Herod,  and  consequently  zealous  in  the 
interest  of  the  Roman  government,  which  was  the  main  support  of  the  dignity  and  royalty 
of  that  family.    (See  note  f,  on  Mark  iii.  6.  p.  101.)   And  these,  different  as  their  principles 
were,  combined  together  in  an  attempt  upon  Jesus,  that,  if  an  opportunity  offered,  they 
might  lay  hold  on  his  words,^  either  to  render  him  obnoxious  to  the  people  as  an  enemy  to 
their  liberties,  or  to  deliver  him  up  as  a  seditious  person  to  the  power  and  authority  of 
Pontius  Pilate,  who  was  then  the  Roman  governor  of  that  province. 
21  And  [Mark,  when  they      And  when  they  were  come  to  him,  in  order  to  accomplish  their  design,  they  craftily  ac-21 
rH''?n'°M'a!s\er''wJ'k'now'tiI^t  costed  him  with  an  air  of  great  respect,  and  with  flattering  expressions  of  the  highest 
thoi"1'art  true,  and]  sayest  esteem  ;  and  asked  him,  saying.  Master,  we  hiow  and  are  well  satisfied  that  thou  art  true 
caV'ls'*tho\?fo'^'lny^maT!'for  ^nd  upright,  and  as  thou  comest  as  a  messenger  from  God,  so,  after  the  example  of  those 
iiiou  reirardest  not  the  person  faithful  and  courageous  prophets  who  were  in  Israel  in  its  better  ages,  thou  sayest  and 
elt'th'e'iiy^o't'God'in'tr*"^!^*:!  t^^'^^^^t  lightly,  anci  art  impartial  and  sincere  in  every  thing  that  thou  declarest ;  neither 
[Matt.  xxii.  16.  Mark  xii.  14.]  carest  thou  for  the  censure  or  applause  of  any  man ;  j'or  thou  regardest  not  the  person  of 
men,  so  as  to  be  influenced  by  complaisance  or  fear,  or  any  private  views  whatever,  to 
deviate  from  the  strictest  integrity  and  veracity  ;  but  plainly  teachest  the  ivay  of  God  and 
Matt.  xxii.   17.    Tell  us  the  path  of  duty  in  truth.     We  are  come  therefore  to  propose  a  question  to  thee,  about  matt. 
I'I^'t1awt■lld  [LuKE''for  usTto  ^hich  thou  knowest  that  we  Pharisees  and  Herodians  are  divided,  and  to  which  an  ^xu 
give  tribute  unto  Csesar,  or  interested  man  who  was  governed  by  principles  of  human  policy  might,  perhaps,  be  un- 
not^?  [Mark  xii.  14.  Luke  xx.  ^i^iij,g  to  answer  :  tell  us,  we  pray  thee,  (for  we  have  determined  to  submit  our  judgment 
and  practice  to  thy  sentiments  in  the  matter,)  What  thinkest  thou  1  Is  it  lawful  for  us 
Jews,  who  are  the  peculiar  people  of  God,  and  are  many  of  us  in  conscience  tender  of 
acknowledging  any  king  but  him,  or  one  of  our  brethren  appointed  by  his  immediate  dele- 
gation,'' to  pay  the  usual  tribute  to  Casar,  the  Roman  emperor,  or  not  ?     What  dost  thou 

iviarK   XII.    10.     snail    we ....  ,     .      n.    .1  .       •.  .      .1  n  _    ^ —     .     .111  —    __i 

gi 

hyr. 

ness  "and'j^said  unto^' them^  retum  no  answer  which  would  "not  expose  him  to  the  severe  resentment  either  of  the 
hypocriteTP]'  viilti  "Txu  is"  Jewish  people  or  of  the  Roman  officers. 

Luke  XX.  2'!.]  '     '      But  Jesus,  knowing  their  hypocrisy,  which  was  indeed  their  reigning  character,  perceived 

the^Vr'ibute"money^'^°[bii'^g  ^^'^"'  Craftiness  [(md\  wickedness  in  this  address,  however  pious  and  respectful  it  appeared, 
me  a  penny,  that  1 'may  sel  and  therefore  Said  to  them,  Ye  hypocrites,  why  do  ye  tempt  me  by  such  an  insnaring  ques- 
«^]^  [Mark  xii.  15.  Luke  xx.  ^j^^^^  ^^^  g^g]^  ^^  ^^^^^  ^^  j^^^  danger  and  destruction  by  it '?     Is  this  a  proof  of  your 

Mark  xii.  16.  And  they  regard  and  friendship  to  a  faithful  and  impartial  Teacher  ?  But,  that  I  may  retum  a  pro-  matt. 
And*^''he""s'a°ith''^nVXm^  per  answer  to  your  question,  whatever  be  the  view  that  you  may  have  in  asking' it,  shoiv  ?g^"- 
"Whose  Vi  this  image  and  su-  me  the  tribute  money  which  is  demanded  of  you  ;  and  bring  me  hither  a  penny  or  denarius. 


17  And    jesus  answering  answered  and  said  to  him.  It  is  Ccesar's:  thereby  in  effect  acknowledging  that  they  were 
fore]"to  Cs3^r\^^thingl^^hat  Under  his  dominion,  by  their  admitting  his  coin  as  current  among  them.     And  Jesus  17 
are  Csesar's,  and  to  God  the  answering,  said  unto  them.  Render  therefore  to  Ccesar  the  things  xuhich  are  Casars,  and  to 
xxuf  21  Luklxx  25.]  God  the^things  which  are  God's  i^  and  labour  so  to  adjust  your  regards  and  duties  to  both, 

a  That  they  might  lay  hold  on  his  words.']    They  hoped  to  have  in-  xvii.  15.    And  Grotius  (in  his  note  on  Matt.  xxii.  16.)  seems  to  think  it 

snared  him  by  the  question  they  came  to  propose,  whatever  answer  he  was  this  that  formerly  engaged  them  so  vigorously  to  oppose  the  Chal- 

could  have  returned.    If  he  asserted,  on  the  one  hand,  that  tribute  was  deans,  and  to  refuse  submitting  to  their  government  till  Jerusalem  was 

to  be  paid  to  Cassar,  the  Pharisees,  who  generally  maintained,  (as  Judas  destroyed.    See  note  a,  on  Luke  xiii.  1.  p.  205.                                 r    w 

Gaulonites  had  done,)  that  sucli  a  subjection  to  a  foreign  power  was  in-  c   ll'hose  is  this  image  and  inscriptimi  ?]    Dr.  Ligntfoot  tells  us  (m  ms 

consistent  with  the  privileges  of  God's  peculiar  people,   would   have  Hor.  Behr.  on  Matt.  xxii.  20.)  that  the  Jews  have  a  tradition  among 

endeavoured  to  expose  him  to   popular  resentment,  as  betraying  the  them,  that  to  admit  of  the  title  of  any  prince  on  their  current  coin,  was 

liberties  of  his  country.    On  the  other  hand,  had  he  denied  the  lawful-  an  acknowledgment  of  subjection  to  him.     It  is  certain  theirnot  daring 

nessofthis  tribute,  the  Herodians  would  have  had  a  very  plausible  to  refuse  this  coin,  when  offered  them  in  payment,  was  in  ettect  a  con- 

prttence  of  accusing  him  to  the   Koman  power  as  a  seditious  person,  fession  that  they  were  conquered   by  the  Romans,  and  consequenuy 

which  his  persecutors  had  afterward  the  assurance  to  do  :  Luke  xxiii.  2.  that  the  emperor  had  a  right  to  their  tribute. 

§186.    (Compare  Acts  xvii.  7.)    Nav,  perhaps!  '        ■     -  - 

taking  upon  him  to  determine  such  a  question 

inquirers,  be  construed  as  a  pretence  to  sovereit,—., .    ---     

jEroKff.  p.  54,  55.  (they  say)  li«u  ^^ktwiicu  n  ■.j  1.....^,,...     *^"-  ■"'-'-■ -rijh     ■             oainct 

b  One  of  our  brethren,  etc.]    We  are  fold  that  the  grand  argument  more  extensive  view  ;    and  that,  as  he  cautions  '"«/ "^,"^  ^^^Jf,  ,i,„ 

which  the  followers  of  Judas  Gaulonites,  and  others  inclined  to  their  using  religion  as  a  pretence  to  justify  sedition,  so    '.^jJ'ff.^Xl,  T= 

party,  urged  as  decisive  against  the  autliority  of  the  Romans,  was  that  Herodians  that  they  should  not,  as  they  were  too  "«i''"?^;^J°  °i?|L  Vj-nc! 

text  wluch  prohibited  Vatxx  setting  a  stranaer  to  be  king  over  them,  Deut.  a  compliment  of  their  religion  to  the  Romans,  by  complying  wun  uiose 


270  OUR  LORD  PROVES  THE  RESURRECTION  TO  THE  SADDUCEES. 

SECT    that  you  may  not,  on  the  one  hand,  under  pretence  of  religion,  do  any  injury  to  Ceesar, 

154.  nor  on  the  other  hand,  under  pretence  of  duty  to  Caesar,  violate  any  of  the  commands  of 
, Qod  or  fail  of  that  respect  to  him  which  he  requires  :  whereby  he  plainly  intimated  that 

LUKE  tribute  was  to  be  paid  to  Csesar  as  due  to  his  government ;   yet  did  it  in  such  a  manner, 
-^^-    and  with  such  restrictions,  as  prevented  the  inconvenience  of  a  more  express  declaration. 

26      And  tvlien  they  had  heard  [his]  wise  and  unexceptionable  \(msiver,'\  ther/  plainly  found     Luke  xx.  S6.   And  [when 
that  they  could  not  take  hold  of  his  words  before  the  people,  so  as  to  incense  and  stir  them  ^^l^.  cotld^nol  take^hofd'^of 
up  against  him  as  no  friend  to  their  liberties  :  and  they  were  equally  unable  to  accuse  him  iiis  words  before  the  people: 
to  the  Romans  of  sedition,  on  account  of  any  thing  he  had  then  said  as  derogating  from  IJ^swerfand'heilf'their  peace! 
the  rio-hts  of  Ccesar.     They  tlierefore  ivondered  at  the  prudence  and  address  of  his  reply,  [and  lett  him,  and  went  their 
by  which  he  had  effectually  disentangled  himself  from  what  they  thought  must  unavoid-  ITit.  i?.}"''"' """''  "^' 
ably  have  insnared  him ;    and  were  so  perfectly  confounded,  that  they  held  their  peace, 
and  left  him;  and,  deeply  sensible  of  the  disgrace  as  well  as  disappointment  they  had  met 
with,  they  went  away  amazed  and  ashamed. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.         Agaix  does  our  Lord  renew  the  repeated  lesson  he  had  before  given  us,  both  by  precept  and  example,  of  unit- 

25   26  ing  wisdom  and  innocence.     How  admirable  was  this  mixture  of  prudence  and  integrity  with  which  he  confounded 

'  20  these  Pharisees  and  Herodians,  who,  contrary  as  their  principles  and  interests  were,  conspired  against  him  !     For 

of  a  truth  O  Lord,  against  thine  holy  Child  Jesus,  both  Herod  and  Pontius  Pilate,  and  the  people  of  Israel,  were 

sathered  together!  (Acts  iv.  27.)  and  their  words  were  softer  than  oil,  when  war  and  murder  was  in  their  hearts. 

fPsal.  Iv.  21.) 
21      Let  us  not,  with  the  simple,  believe  every  flattering  word,  (Prov.  xiv.  15.)  since  sometimes  the  highest  encomiums 
may  be  designed  as  the  instruments  of  mischief:  and  too  often  they  prove  so  when  they  ai-e  not  treacherously 

intended.  ,  .       ,        .,     i  i  .      ,  „ 

MATT.      Our  Lord  was  indeed  the  Person  whom  these  artful  hypocrites  described;  and  was  m  that  respect  an  excellent 
xxu'.  pattern  to  all  his  followers,  and  especially  to  his  ministers.     He  knew  no  man  in  the  discharge  of  his  office :  but, 
16  without  regarding  the  persons  of  any,  neither  seeking  their  favour  nor  fearing  their  resentment,  he  taught  the  way 

of  God  in  truth,  and  declared  the  whole  of  his  counsel. 
21  Let  us  particularly  attend  to  his  decision  in  the  present  case,  and  learn  with  the  utmost  readiness  to  render  unto 
Casar  the  things  which  are  Cesar's,  and  unto  God  the  things  which  arc  God's.  Our  civil  magistrates,  by  virtue  of 
their  oflBce,  justly  claim  our  reverent  regard ;  and  tribute  is  most  reasonably  due  to  those  who  attend  continually  to 
the  services  of  the  pubhc,  and  are,  under  God,  the  pillars  of  our  common  tranquillity  and  happiness.  (Rom.  xiii. 
6,  7.)  Let  that  tribute  therefore  be  justly  and- freely  rendered,  with  honour  and  with  cheerfulness  ;  as  he  is  surely 
unworthy  to  share  in  the  benefits  of  government,  who  will  not  contribute  his  part  towards  its  necessary  expense. 
But  let  it  also  be  remembered,  that  the  rights  of  God  are  sacred  and  inviolable :  he,  and  he  alone,  is  the  Lord  of 
conscience  ;  and  when  that  is  invaded,  it  is  easy  to  judge  whether  man  or  God  is  to  be  obeyed.  (Acts  iv.  19.) 
Let  us  be  daily  thankful,  that  in  our  own  age  and  country  these  rights  are  so  happily  united.  May  a  guardian 
Providence  continue  to  watch  over  both !  and  may  we  seriously  consider  how  impossible  it  is,  under  such  a 
government,  to  be  good  christians  without  being  obedient  subjects,  or  io  fear  God,  if  we  do  not  honour  the  king  ! 
(1  Pet.  ii.  17.) 

SECTION  CLV. 

Our  Lord  proves  the  resurrection  to  the  Sadducees,  and  answers  their  foolish  objection  against  it.    Matt.  xxii.    23—33.   Mark  xii.  16—27. 

Luke  XX.  27—40. 

Luke  xx.  27.  L^^^,  „^.  07. 

SECT.   THEN,  on  that  day  in  which  our  Lord  had  thus  confounded  the  Pharisees  and  the  thf.n  [the  same  day]  came 

155.  Herodians,  some  of  the  Sadducees  came  to  him,  ivho  (as  it  was  before  observed)  were  a  set  'eel' whfcVi^deny  that  there  b 
of  pretended  freethinkers  among  the  Jews,  that  deny  there  is  any  resurrection  of  the  dead,*  any  resurrection ;  and  they 

LUKE   or  any  future  state  in  which  the'soul  exists  after  deaths  to  receive  the  reward  of  its  actions.  ^1//,!  xi^is  ]     ''  """'"  "^' 

^^-     And  they  applied  themselves  to  Jesus,  and  asked  him  a  question,  in  which  they  put  a  case  rsf^^^Yrfi'wro^'''unto^us*^lf 

which  they  used  often  to  urge  against  those  who  were  of  a  different  opinion  from  them-  ^^^y    "man'^™ bro"ther  "die, 

28  selves,  and  with  which  they  also  hoped  to  puzzle  him  :  Saying,  Master,  if  there  be,  as  we  ^fghind^'him"'  ind'^leave^'no 

know  thou  teachest,  a  resurrection  of  the  dead,  how  can  this  difficulty  which  we  are  going  chiidren,]'"that''"his^broth'er 

to  propose  be  adjusted?     Moses,  as  thou  well  knowest,  said,  \and'\  wrote  to  m  this  pre-  should  take  his  wife,  and  raise 

„     '.     /-r\      ,  ''^  \  ,f  m;     .   •/■  >     I        I         T  7  1  '■/•-'      I  I  ■!  I  1   J  •    J  "P    seed     unto    his    brother. 

cept,  (Deut.  xxv.  5.)  "  Thut  fa  mans  brother  die,  and  leave  a  wfe  and  no  children  behind  [Matt.  xxii.  24.  Mark  xii.  19.] 

him,  his  surviving  brother  should  take  his  wife,  and  raise  up  seed' to  his  brother ;"  the  first  .^ve'*fe^''■th■\',ss"e^v'en^?»lhm[^ 

child  of  this  second  marriage  being  esteemed  the  child  of  the  deceased,  so  as  to  inherit  his  and  the  fii'st.^when  he  had 

MATT,  whole  estate,  and  bear  up  his  name.     Now  it  so  happened  that  there  were  with  us,  in  a  h'av7ng1ir[U.'KE?dUid'ren,'] 

■^^^^'ir  certain  family  in  our  neighbourhood,  seven  brethren  ;  and  the  first  of  these  brethren,  ivhen  left  his  wife  unto  his  brother. 

^^  he  had  married  a  wife,  died  quickly  after,  and,  having  had  no  children,  left  his  tvife  of  course  ^•'^Luke'"xx."3b ^  And 'the^sl 

LUKE   to  be  married  to  his  brother.    And  upon  this,  the  second  followed  the  direction  of  the  law,  cond  took  her'  to  wife,  and 

XX.  30.  and  took  her  to  ivfe ;  and  he  likewise,  after  he  had  been  some  time  man-ied,  died  childless,  ^^^^^ZTk'^'yLrtxn^"?] 

31  as  his  elder  brother  did.     And  then  the  third  took  her,  and  he  also  died,  as  the  others  had   '31  And  th'e  third  took  hV; 
done,  without  issue:    and  in  like  wanner  also  all  the  rest  went  on,  till  every  one  of  the  arsV[i\l'A''RK'"1>"a'd'her';nnd 

32  f^even  brothers  had  married  her  ;  and  they  all  died,  and  left  no  children  behind  "them.     And  they  lett  no  children,  and 
last  of  all,  the  woman  herself  w/so  died,  without  any  issue,  not  having  married  into  any  other  ^••''01  loo''"-  """■  "^-  ^^^'^ 

33  family  but  this.     The  question  therefore  is,  When  they  shall  rise,  as  you  say  they  all  will,     32 '[And]  last  of  all,,  the 
in  the  general  resurrection,  whose  wife  shall  she  be  of  the  seven  ?  for  all  the  seven  had  her  to  ^xTIr?.  sfal-k  xif  22.1 
wife :  and  as  they  stood  in  an  equal  relation  to  her  in  this  world,  they  all  seem  to  have     .^^  Therefore  in  the  resur- 
exactly  an  equal  claim  to  her  in  the  next.  rection.  [M.^rk,  when  thev 

Thus  they  attempted  in  a  sneering  manner  to  overthrow  all  the  arguments  for  a  fiiture  she  be"?the*seven  n'tbrl:aii] 

[Mark,  the]  seven  had  her  to  wife.    [Matt.  xxii.  28.  Mark  xii.  23.] 

things  which  were  forbidden  by  the  divine  law,  that  they  might  ingra-  story  which  they  mention  here,  seems  to  have  been  a  kind  of  comnion- 

tiate  themselves  with  Caesar  s  party.    See  Prideaux's  Connexion,  Vol.  place   objection,  as  we  meet  with  it  in  the  old  Jewish  writers.    See 

Va    J    ^^'z                                    .      ,    ,     .  lisbtioot,  Hor.Heb.  in  loc. 

a   l\ ho  demj  there  n  any  remTrectton:\    It  is  generally  known  that  b  Or  any  future  state,  &c.]    As  it  is  expressly   said.  Acts  xxiii.  8. 

their  master,  Sadoc,  from  whom  the  Sadducees  took  their  name,  taught  that  they  Henied  any  spirit,  and  consequently  the  existence  of  tlie  soul  in 

that  Cod  was  not  to  be  served  from  mercenary  principles,  that  is,Tas  a  separate  state  ;  so  our  Lord's  answer  here,  and  much  of  St.   Paul's 

he  crudely  explained  it,5  from  hope  of  reward  or  tear  of  punishment,  reasoning  in  1  Cor.  xv.  goes  on  the  supposition  of  such  a  denial  on  their 

His  followers  interpreted  this  as  an  implicit  denial  of  a  future  state,  part.    See  2  Mac.  xii.  42 — 44.  where  the  author  proves  that  .ludas  be- 

and,so  imbibed  that  pernicious  notion  ot  the  utter  destruction  of  the  soul  lieved  a  resurrection,  from  his  offering  sacrifices  for  the  souls  of  the 

at  death,  equally  uncomfortable  and  absurd.    See  Drusius,  in  fcc— The  slain. 


OUR  LORD  PROVES  THE  RESURRECTION  TO  THE  SADDUCEES.  '271 

Matt,  xxi!  29.  [And]  Jesus  State  which  might  be  advanced  either  from  reason  or  from  Scripture.     And  Jfi,i<i  thpr^forp   epr-r 
?IXfrr.?<^"k?oi;'i';;.'^"fe  ^r^'r^d  and  mid  to  than,  It  plainly  appears,  from  your  manner  of  stat.n/the  question      155'. 

GoT'TMarrxii^'-fTukl  ^  ""'  T" /"'^  f'^^^^^^  wiStoA'CK,  and  go  entirely  on  a  wrong  supposition ;  not  knowinL  on  the ■ 

x^.  34.]  one  hand,  what  is  so  plainly  intimated  in  the  Scriptures  of  a  resurrection,  which  if  well   matt. 

understood,  implies  no  contradiction  at  all ;  nor  attending,  on  the  other  hand,  to  the  poiuer  ^^^i- 
of  God,  which  is  able  with  infinite  ease  to  effect  what  to  man  seems  most  'difficult  and  ^^ 
improbable. 
Luke  XX.  34.   The  ciiildren      And  as  to  this  particular  difficulty  which  you  now  object,  it  ought  to  be  considered  that    t  t,..,. 

Or  this  world  marrv.  and  are   ^t        l  '  /  i  j.*j^/'  j  i  ji      •     j       j  i  •  -  .~  ^'-'ii'^n»-4»:;n^u  iiidi     Li  U  KE 

given  in  marriage ;  '"<^  ihUdren  of  t/iis  rvorld  do  indeed  marnj  and  are  given  in  marriage,  according  to  the  wise     -X-\. 

provision  which  God  has  made  by  that  institution  for  repau-ing  the  wastes  of  mortality  by  34 
account"d'^%r^y'?o"ow'ain  I'f  Production  of  nevv  generations.     But  theij  who  shall  be  counted  ivorthi,  to  obtain  that  35 
that  world,  and  the  resurrec-  D'essed  world  which  dod  has  prepared  for  his  people  above,  and  to  be  admitted  to  the 
whenXV'sifaU  Hse  ]  ne'iJi.er  "^^^r-fading  honours  that  will  succeed  the  resurrection  of  good  mQXi  from  the  dead,  will  be 
marry,  nor  are  given  in  mar-  '"  very  different  circumstanccs  luheu  they  shall  rise,  and  neither  marry  nor  are  given  in 
xi1°25  j*^''"'  '"'"■  ^°"  ^^""^^  marriage  :  For  thci/  can  die  no  more,  and  "therefore  the  rise  of  new  generations  is  no  longer  36 

36N'either  can  they  die  any  necessary,  since  in  this  respect  they  arc  equal  to  the  angels  of  God  in  heaven,'^  and  are  the 
SX^angeis'[^f^God''in'hea:  <^\MrenofGod,  and  heirs  of  immortality  and  glory,  being  the  children  of  the  resurrection,^ 
van,]  and  are  the  children  of  "which  shall  instate  them  in  a  Complete  felicity,  answerable  to  so  near  a  relation  to  the 
tVifr'esurrection'  iumI^i  ^"''"^  ^^'"^5  ^"^  Consequently  all  such  difficulties  as  you  have  now  been  urging  are 
30.  Mark  xii.  25.]  entirely  superseded  by  the  ha|)piness  and  perfection  of  so  exalted  a  state. 

su?Jectm"n,]1hat'?he"feid'are  ^'"^  ^^^J'^l  ^^^  evidence  of  the  rcsurrcction  in  general,  not  to  insist  on  many  plainer  37 
raised,  even  Moses  shewed  at  passages  in  the  Other  books  of  Scripture,  for  which  you  do  not  profess  so  great  Jt  reo-ard  « 
Lo'rdli';;  Go'dof  Abrah'am'  ^  ^^y  ^^^  ^hat  even  Moses  in  effect  showed  that  the  dead  are  to  be  rcdsed,  when,  speaking  of 
and  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  what  happened  at  the  burning  bush,  (Exod.  iii.  6.)  he  calls  the  Lord,  from  whom  he  there 
ye  no!  read  in  the'^book^'of  received  his  Commission,  "  the  God  of  Abraham,  and  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of 
Moses,  how  in  the  bush  God  Jacob.  And  he  had  tiie  highest  authority  for  the  expression  ;  for,  have  ye  not  read  in  the 
wa'lispoTenuntoVouby  God'i  ^'^"'^  'f  Moscs,  how  God  Spake  to  him  hi  the  bush  by  this  title  ?  and  have  ye  not  observed 
AK'm^  ^""d^  th""  c^d  °f  "^"^'"^  '""^  ^'^^"  '"  '^^^^^  spoken  to  you  by  God,  saying  in  express  terms,  "  J  am  the  God  of 
Isaac,  and  the"God  of  .j'^fcob*?]  ^oraluim,  and  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob  ?" '  Now  certainly  God  is  not  to  he  38 
[Matt.  xxii.  31,  30.  Marie  xii.  called  the  God  of  them  who  are  entirely  destroyed,  and  left  to  continue  in  the  state  of  the 
38  For  [God  is  not  a  God  ^ead,  but  the  God  of  tliose  who  may  be  yet  considered  as  the  living :  nor  would  he  ever 
God]'of"th;'iivin^^-*''fo;  all  ""^.^'^^  '"g*^  relation  of  a  God  to  those  whom  he  finally  abandons,  and  suffers  to  sink  into 
live  unto  him:  [Mark,  Ye  nothing;  much  less  would  what  he  did  for  the  holy  patriarchs,  whose  names  he  com- 
[Ma«°'xxif°  s?'" Mark's^  memorated  with  so  much  honour,  answer  such  a  title,  since  he  left  them  exposed  to  so 
-7.]  "  ■  many  trials  and  calamities,  which  multitudes  escape  of  whom  he  has  never  spoken  in  such 

language :  so  that  those  good  men  must  be  considered  as  still  in  existence ;  and  therefore 
it  may  be  concluded,  by  a  strong  train  of  consequences,  that  all  the  faithful  live  unto  him;? 
for  he,  on  the  foot  of  Abraham's  covenant,  owns  himself  the  God  of  all  such  ;  and  conse- 
quently he  must  be  an  everlasting  patron  and  friend  to  them,  even  to  their  whole  persons, 
so  as  to  recover  their  mortal  part  from  the  ruin  and  desolation  of  the  grave.  And  therefore, 
on  the  whole,  you  greatly  err  in  denying  this  doctrine ;  and  your  error  tends  to  bring  a 
disgrace  on  the  whole  series  of  divine  revelation,  and  to  weaken  one  of  the  strongest 
motives  to  a  life  of  holiness  and  obedience. 
aSi>?g"  afd?RSr.' thou  ,  P^'*  '""^^  •?("  ^^^  f '''*^«  ^ho  were  present  being  of  the  sect  of  the  Pharisees,  were  pleased  39 
hast  well  said.  to  hear  a  doctrine  of  their  own  so  judiciously  defended,  and  said  in  reply.  Master,  thou 

^         •■■!■,     A    I    u     ^T*  spoken  so  ivell  upon  this  subject,  that  nothing  solid  can  be  objected  to  thy  discourse 
fiiemuituude  heard  Ml.lhly  -^"f  ^^'^^ed  when  all  the  multitude  that  was  present  m  the  temple  at  that  time,  heard  [this]  matt. 
were  astonished  at  his  doc-  unthought-of  yet  Convincing  argument,  together  with  so  clear  an  answer  to  a  cavil  in  which  XXII. 
the  Sadducees  used  to  triumph  as  invincible,  they  were  greatlv  astonished  at  his  doctrine,  33 
and  plainly  testified  the  admiration  and  delight  with  which  theyhad  attended  his  discourse    luke 
that^they'durs'J-  not  ask  tm  "V?    f  ^^f  ^ajlducees  had  nothing  to  reply,  they  were  ashamed  and  disappointed  ;  and     XX. 
any  question  at  all.  "jf^>'  that  they  durst  not  any  more  presume  to  ask  him  any  thins  at  all,^  but  retired  in  silence  40 

and  confusion. 


be  sufficient  to  induce  our  Lord  to 

~„,x       i.i,..itK  /        ,  ,  ,-  "  ■        uirection  from  what  Moses  had  said. 

all  arguments  drawn  from  nnce'as  nrn!in^  fr^^S'^        theangeh  yet  and  to  confirm  it  by  that  part  of  Scripture  which  was  most  regarded  by 

fied  saints  with  ^^4'{°^nr!!p:L':Zsh^^  the  Sadducees,  and  upon  which  they  now  had  grounded  their  objectio^ 

incorporlte  angefs  ancf  slufite  ilto  one  htr.^nl\^k?'^^^'^^^r}r''i  *"  ^  ^  """  "",  ??<f  Abraham,  *c.]  Tt  is  surprising  to  me  to  find  learned 

their  commoriS^Fili   in    hnt?h»ri^.'^.^  IV%  "'1^'^'"  T^^rist  as  rnen  so  much  divided  in  tlieir  sentiments  on  this  easy  text.    The  force  of 

_    v.%j..ii»iY'»  -,^9y-  !  \.  J>pii.  I.  HI.)  DUt  there  are  .-^  ihorHinafmnt;  in  iimforl    the  'irmim£i«f  ooi-.r.rt+  f.,^.r.i.r  ^«^*  «,,  ♦! 1  r .-^  c ,i  i    ■ .  . 


sTcieteTTAdrtLi'iSli•f\"h•i^"L^'aTe^^^•1-f^^  theargnment;knnoTsu7eir;esTonre*^Vd[„^^ 

like  a  vacancy  in  the  celestial  W,lrlf^h      ^  ^^a  "'"'^^"'''^^  ^ny  thing  in  the  Greek,  it  is  not  in  the  Hebrew,  where  the  words  may  possibly  sig- 

mi"ht  brfi  led  im  tVnm  !,.,„   ^  ^rarchy,  it  would  seem  most  probable  it  iiify,  I  [have  heenl  the  God  of  Abraham,  &c.  and  the  possiliility  of'such  a 

bl  preferred  to  "he  fa  k  their  riL'P'"'t°h^"M'"*"r'".°"'<='"'  '"'^°  '"/*^'''  ^'^'"^'''"  ^^^"''^  ''^'"'^  '^e  conclusion  on  that  supposition      Buoi?r  Lord't 

their  approved  fideU  y   to  God  °  Rnf  ft '^Sp^n;^'i'°"\^'  h^  reward  tor  argument  is  equally  forcible  either  way  ;  for'^S  is  evident  that  it  canno? 

modest T,  our  con iecti^rei  o?°»n;h^=l;i*..'''^T.lL"^        ^^^L^^^^'I}S  Pl^^^^P  be  said  that  God  either  actually  is  or   hath  been  the  God  of 


cZ^eS,ZrXf„1Z%TnafSh.!):'^rLf^^^^^^^  an/whom^eh^  suffered  finally 

d  A7id  aretheciaUrlr,  of  rL  i\'  "'f/'«^f  ««  «"'•     Col.  ii.  18.  intimates)  he  would,  humanly  speaking,  be  ashamed,  or  th  nk  it  infinitely 

This  plain  ;  infima  es    ha{  g^od  men^'are  <  allerf  rn^fC'chilT'"'"'.?'-^  ''"^r"'  ''''"•/?  °^°  "^^^  ■"*'^"<'"  '°  ?"y  f"--  ^^"om  he  had  not  piovidS 

view  to  the  inheritamp  to  Jv?;,.?,  ?h  J    1  9°''  ^  ^ihildreii,  with  a  a  city,  or  a  state  of  moie  permanent  happ  ness  than  any  which  could  be 

sionof  w    ch  ?hey  en  er  at  the  resnrr^rHnn '"'r?,*^'^'  ""  u^  ^"^'  P-^'^*!"  ^"J"-^^*^  '"  ^"^'^  '"°'"'*'  "*«•.    ^^ee  Heb.  xl.  16.)    So  that  the  argurnent  by 

Gal.  iv.  7.  1  Jo?n        2   and  Rom   vi  i  "a     w%?  r'""""'  T,'-  -^^  "".  '""•?"'  '""^"^  *^'  Archbishop  Tillotson  and  Grotius  suppose)  on  the 

DupenJiions,v  %  6  °"-  '^"'-  -*■    ^*^  ""^  ^''"^  "»  ^""'^  <-alamitous  circumstances  in   which  these  patriarchs  often  were:   but 

e  Other  books  of  Scripture   for  which  von  Hn  nr,t  „r^f.=.  .„  „     f  i^""        ^y*^.  ^l'^#?°'!'  ''^'^  ^"  ""^""  ''\*^.*  °«<^"  as  prosperous  and  glo- 

regaid.]    The  SadduceeVare\hV>u^t  hv^i^v  f^h.^^^  ^2  ^m^L*^  "ous  as  that  of  Abral,am  seems  generally,  notwithstanding  his   plre- 

Saniaritans  in   rejectiDfalf  the  other  n^rS  o/ H.iS  «.?'T''''  T"  ft*^  ?""'Jl!.°?1-  K^r,  l*^".--I  <=aiinot,  as  modern  writers  of  note  do"  fall 

five  booksof  Moses     which  k  oarticular  v  .niJ^HZ.^fn.'Ph"'^?  ''"'■*'"'  '"f''''"j  ^',''-  ^^^^^  notion,  (in  his  Work,,  p.  801,  802.)  that  our  Wd 

(  Trihares,  lib.  ^  cap  o"    and  ffi^rW  ^,A  ?l    1„    ^I^  by  Seirarius,  refers  to   he  necessity  ot  Abraham's  being  raised  from  the  dead  to  inherit 

questioned  by  Drusms   (mTrUTsicL  lib  Ti'i   rl'.  ^q\^  ,  Jl"  n*'!"  Jf  ?''"''^i''l"  e^"^""^ '°  t"'"  accomplishment  of  God's  promise  to  give  it  to 

Ulntiq.  HeA.partH   fin   liiandSc^wVm^/iV  Reland  him;  both  because  I   can  see  no  such   necessity,  and  because  then  I 

shows  that  the  p"ssa^rfrom  Wnhn«   /fL?^   /"^'°-"'*  '^°'?^'"T^'  ?;?1  think  it  would   have   been  much  more  to  our  Lord's  purpose  to  have 

<>  6.)  which  is  cSSnlvanpieHfnH;fl£li?-,f,'*;  ""■'•  ''"^-  ^^{  tal.  18.]  quoted  the  promise  of  the  land  of  Canaan,  than  these  general  words, 

to  their  rejecti^niTtrJitfons'fi'wIr^^^^^         °P";j??'  T'/''^^*?"  ^,  "  '^?  that  all Ji,^  faithful  live  unto  him.]    It  is  evident  that  ^a?  must 

as  it  appears  from    hfTahnud  tht/  oVhl   nf  rff'.7^v  ^^niA?'^  l"''^^'^'  ^ere  have  the  force  of  an  illative  particle,  and  may  be  rendered '^^</«re- 

were  ohen  quoted  bv  the  Saddnceef  «nH  LS^r?    I  ^'^  °'k    Testament  fore]  or  [.m  that  ;   for  what  it  introduces  is  plainly  the  main  proposition 

tlience  agaiSst  them  bv  t,fe  Ph^iles  ?n  n,f^I"J'i?'^  ^"^  '";•"''"  ^l"^"^  *t"  ^e  proved,  and  not  an  argument  for  what  imniediately  went  before, 

they  endlavouredTnlVto  evade  wit^^^^^  In  this  connexion  the  consequence  is  apparently- just :    for  as  all  the 

though  they  were  not  UerfromthP^^wnK'^i^  the  authority  of  texts,  faithful  are  the  children  of  Abraham,  and  the  divilne  promise,  of  being  a 

to  believe,  wiUiDr    T  i^htfoot   fin  l,  f  h       w  f '  '*  '?  '?*"'^  reasonable  God  to  htm  and  his  seed,  is  entailed  upon  them,  it  will  prove  their  con- 

they  did  not  r^ect  the  other  bo'okf  of  ^hpOM^V''"  ■'"i"!'  '7'  ^P'^  ''''''  t'nued  existence  and  happiness  in  a  future  state   as  much  as  Abraham's, 

a  great  preference  to  the  five  hooUnfMo^^^^^^  but  only  gave  And  as  the  body  as  wefl  as  the  soul  makes  an  essential  part  of  man,  it 

principle,  to  receive  nothinlr  «^°/Jir*\=  f^^i'  '''^■"!°  "  1°.'''"  ^\*  ^t",  P™^'^  both  its  resurrection  and  theirs,  and  entirely  overthrow  (he 

brove<5  from  the  law  ^f  anv^thfn^^I^  "^  *  A^ l^'^^  11*"'^''  '^'^"'^.  ?.'"  >«  ^*'''°'«'  Sadducean  doctrine  on  this  head. 

ture  that  cou  d  not  be  deriLpH  I^^m'^"^''  «°"'  "^^"^  Par's  o^.  S^nP-       li  After  that  they  dnrst  not  ask  him  any  thinf,  at  all.]     It  is  evident 

.oi  couia  not  be  deduced  from  Moses,  they  would  explain  it  in  that  this  is  meant  of  the  Sadducees,  and  must  be  understood  as  limited 


272 


CHRIST  DISCOURSES  OF  THE  FIRST  COMMAND  OF  THE  LAW. 

IMPROVEMENT. 


SECT.  With  what  satisfaction  should  we  read  this  vindication  of  so  important  an  article  of  our  faith  and  hope  !  Easily 
155.    was  this  boasted  argument  of  the  Sadducees  unravelled  and  exposed,  and  all  the  pride  of  those  bold  wits,  who 

■ valued  diemselves  so  much  on  that  imaginary  penetration  which  laid  men  almost  on  a  level  with  brutes,  covered 

MATT,  with  just  confusion.  Indeed,  objections  against  the  resurrection,  much  more  plausible  than  this  of  theirs,  may  be 
xxii.  answered  in  that  one  saying  of  our  Lord's,  Ye  knoiv  not  the  Scriptures  nor  the  poiver  of  God.  Were  the  Scripture 
23—28  doctrine  of  the  resurrection  considered  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  omnipotence  of  the  Creator  on  the  other,  it  could 

29  not  seem  incredible  to  any,  that  God  should  raise  the  dead.    (Acts  xxvi.  8.) 
LUKE       How  sublime  an  idea  does  our  Lord  give  us  of  the  happiness  of  those  who  shall  be  thought  worthy  to  attain  it ! 
XX.     Thei/  shall  be  equal  to  the  aniiels  !    Adored  be  the  riches  of  that  grace  which  redeems  us  from  this  degenerate  and 
35   36  miserable  state,  in  which  we  had  made  ourselves  so  much  like  the  beasts  that  perish,  (Psal.  xlix.  12.)  to  raise  us  to 
'       so  high  a  dignity,  and  marshal  us  with  the  armies  of  heaven  ! 
34      Let  us  esteem  so  glorious  a  hope  aright,  and  with  the  greatest  intenseness  of  soul  pursue  and  insure  it.    And  as 
for  those  enjoyments  of  this  present  world  which  are  suited  only  to  the  mortality  and  imperfection  of  it,  let  us 
moderate  our  regards  to  them,  and  cultivate  those  higher  entertainments  with  the  most  solicitous  care,  which  will 
be  transplanted  into  the  paradise  of  God,  and  ever  flourish  for  the  delight  of  his  immortal  children. 

37  Christ,  we  see,  argues  a  very  important  point  of  doctrine  from  premises  in  which,  perhaps,  we  might  not  have 
been  able  to  have  discovered  it  without  such  a  hint.  Let  us  learn  to  judge  of  Scripture  arguments  not  merely  by 
the  sound,  but  by  the  sense  of  the  words.  And  as  our  Lord  chose  a  passage  from  the  Pentateuch,  rather  than 
from  the  prophets,  for  the  conviction  of  the  Sadducees,  let  us  be  engaged  to  study  the  tempers  and  even  the  pre- 
judices of  those  with  whom  we  converse  ;  that  we  may,  if  possible,  let  in  the  light  of  divine  truth  on  their 
hearts,  on  that  side  by  which  they  seem  most  capable  of  receiving  it. 

MARK       In  a  word,  let  us  with  pleasure  think  of  the  blessed  God  under  that  gracious  title  by  which  he  manifested  him- 

XII.    self  to  Moses  at  the  bush.     Still  he  is  the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God  of'  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob ;  the  God  of 

26  our  pious  ancestors,  the  God  of  all  our  departed  friends  who  are  now  sleeping  in  Jesus :  for  all  their  souls  now 

LUKE  live  unto  him,  and  their  bodies  ere  long  shall  be  awakened  by  him.  In  like  manner,  if  we  are  follorvers  of  them 
XX.    ivho  through  faith  and  patience  are  now  inheriting  the  promises,  when  we  are  gathered  to  our  fathers,  and  our  names, 

38  perhaps,  forgotten  among  succeeding  generations,  he  will  still  be  our  God.  He  will  show  us,  by  the  blessed  expe- 
rience of  eternity,  that  when  he  treated  with  us  by  that  title,  and  admitted  us  into  the  covenant  by  which  he  bears 
it,  he  intended  for  us  something  far  nobler  and  better  than  the  transient  scenes  of  earth  and  of  time  could  admit. 


SECTION  CLVI. 

Christ  discourses  of  the  first  and  great  command  of  the  law,  and  confounds  the  Pharisees  with  a  question  relating  to  David's  calling  the  Messiah 
his  Lord.    Matt.  xxii.  34,  to  the  end.    Mark  xii.  CB — 37.    Luke  xx.  41 — 44. 

Matt.  xxii.  34.  ^^^^^^  ^^ii  3^ 

SECT.  THUS  Jesus  defended  the  great  doctrine  of  the  resurrection  from  the  vain  cavils  which  but  when  the  Pharisees  had 
156.    were  brought  against  it.     But  the  debates  of  the  day  ended  not  here;  for  ivhen  the  Pha-  sSducees'  to*  sn''eme,"'they 

risees  heard  that  he  had  thus  silenced  and  confounded  the  Sadducees,  they  were  soon  gathered  were  gathered  together'. 

MATT,  together  again,  with  a  malicious  view  of  carrying  on  the  same  design,  to  try  if  they  could 
XXII.  any  way  expose  him  to  the  people,  and  to  make  their  remarks  upon  what  he  might  say. 

35  And  one  of  the  learned  scribes,  \who  was]  also  a  doctor  of  the  law,  came  with  the  rest;  35  Then  one  [of  the  scribes,] 
and  having  attended  to  the  discourse  between  Jesus  and  the  Sadducees,  and  heard  them  ^j'^'haWn""  hear^*them*rea- 
reasoning  together,  perceiving  that  he  had  answered  them  well,  asked  him  a  further  question,  sonini;  together,  and  perceiv- 
intending  to  make  another  trial  of  him  as  to  his  understanding  in  the  sacred  books;  and  ih|m"'wein  asked  Thi^mra 

36  suid  to  him,  Master,  I  desire  thou  wouldst  inform  me  which  is  the  first  \and^  great  com-  question,  tempting  him,  and 
mandment  of  all  that  are  contained  in  the  whole  lawl'^  Is  it  a  ceremonial  or  a  moral  pre-  ^^36"Mas'ter[''wh'ich*''ns]  the 
cept  that  is  the  most  important,  and  deserves  the  preference?  [first  oMrf]  'creat  command- 

mark      And  Jesus  answered  him,  The  question  thou  hast  put  may  easily  be  resolved;  for  sureli/  [Ri"fk^xi'i.C8.l  '°  ""^  '"* ' 
^^  oa  ^^^fi'^^t^  that  is,  the  most  comprehensive  and  important,  of  all  the  commandments  of  the  law,     Mark  xii.  29.   And  .Tesus 

29  [isUhat  which  is  contained  in  Deut.  vi.  4,  5.  x.  12.     ""Hra/-,  O  Israel/  Jehovah  our  God  aiTX'^commaJdmenJI'  h, 

30  is  the  one  great  and  onlv  Lord:  And  upon  all  occasions  thou  shall  regard  and  honour  him  Hear,  o  Israel;  The  Lord  our 
as  such,  and  love  the  L'ord  thy  God  with  all  thine  heart,  and  luith  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  xxd.  .37.1  °"*  ''^^''"' 
thy  mind,  and  luith  all  thy  strength  ;'  that  is.  thou  shalt  consecrate  to' him  all  the  united  3o  And  thou  shalt  love  the 
powers  and  faculties  of  thy  nature;  and  thy  understanding  and  will,  thine  affections  and  hfart,a,fd  wfth  Til  thy  souf! 
executive  powers,  shall  be  all  in  the  most  vigorous  manner  employed  in  his  service.  (See  ^"l"'l'|'\|f''.tr''^„^".''''i,'l"1 
note  c,  on  Luke  x.  27.  p.  192.)  This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment,  the  principal  and  thefirtt[and  gr?at] command- 
fundamental  precept  of  the  law,  and  there  is  no  other  which  may  not  be  considered  in  its  ™ent.  [Matt."xxii.  37,  38.] 

31  degree  as  subordinate  to  this,  and  reducible  to  it.  And  the  second,  in  its  sublime  and  3i  And  the  second  is  like 
comprehensive  nature,  [is]  much  like  unto  it,  as  well  as  given  by  the  same  aulhoritv,"  ^^^^  love'ThT neigi'fbou^r'as 
[even]  this  contained  in  Lev.  xix.  18.  "  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyself:"  for  all  thyself:  there  is  none  other 
tjie  duties  you  owe  to  your  fellow-creatures  may  be  reduced  to  this ;  and  "where  this  un-  thSe"."[&i^tt!'xx^i?39.'i  """ 
dissembled  and  generous  principle  of  love  is,  the  rest  will  easily  and  naturally  follow.    On 

MATT,  the  whole,  therefore,  there  is  no  other  commandment  greater  than  these.    And  indeed  I  may     Matt.  xxii.  40.   On  these 
XXII    say,  that  all  the  law  and  the  prophets  depend  upon  these  two  commandments ;  that  is,  it  is  the  *th'e°iarrnd"ui'^*pr1phlu^  *" 
"  design  of  the  whole  revelation,  in  its  different  periods  and  circumstances,  to  promote  that 
virtuous  and  holy  temper  which  may  be  expressed  by  the  love  of  God  and  our  neighbour. 
MARK       And  the  scribe,  who  had  proposed  the  question  with  a  design  to  try  him,  was  struck     Mark  xii.  .32.     And  the 
XII      with  the  solidity  and  spirit  of  his  answer,  and  said  to  him,  Tndy  thou  deser\'est  to  be  Mi'ter'''thou°has'l''"sai7'the 
■5^  owned  as  a  Master  m  Israel ;  for  thou  hast  spoken  to  this  important  question  excellently 

to  them  ;  because  in  the  very  next  section  we  read  of  a  question  which  in  the  phylacteries,  in  which  he  avoided  all  occasion  of  offence,  and 

one  or  tiie  scnnes  put  to  him.  plainly  showed  (as  the  scribe  afterwards  observes,  Mark  xii.  33.)thatthe 

.1,?.  if.        "    J?  ^"^  fir  fu*",'  <:<'!"mandment,  Ac]    This  was  a  point  observance  of  the  moral  law  was  more  acceptable  to  God  than  all  the 

that  often  was  disputed  by  the  Jewish  doctors  ;  some  contending  for  the  sacrifices  they  could  offer  to  him. 

law  ot  circumcision,  others  for  that  of  sacrifices,  and  others  for  that  of  b  The  second  is  like  unto  iV.]    By  quoting  this  with  the   former,  he 

the  phylacteries.     And  though  it  was  a  rule  among  them,  that  the  law  sufficiently  guarded  against  a  foolish  notion  which  some  say  the  Pharisees 

or  me  sabhath  was  to  give  place  to  that  ot  circumcision,  yet  they  were  had,  that  the  observation  of  one  excellent  precept  of  the  law  would  ex- 

not  agreca  as  to  the  rest,  which  was  the  principal  and  most  important  cuse  the  transsression  of  many  others.    It  is  certain  the  Pharisees  were 

S,f  .  nl.V,""-^!  '"  'i^'^^Ul^   T  ^^u?^^''!  inclined  to  give  the  preference  to  ready  to  magnify  duties  of  the  first  table,  to  the  neelect  of  those  of  the 

V  f  rR™,T'J'?-lf-^r~'^''-  ^i-*^'*^"-?*  ""emarks,  (in  his  f/or.  Hei.onMark  second  ;  on  which  account  it  was  exceedingly  proper  to  use  such  lan- 

-Mi. ',8.)that  Christ  answersthescribeoutot  asentence  which  waswritten  gua"e  as  this 


THE  PHARISEES  CONFOUNDED  BY  A  QUESTION  CONCERNING  THE  MESSIAH.         273 

truth ;  for  there  is  one  God ;  well  :<=  for  there  is  indeed  one  God,  and  there  is  no  other  besides  him :  And  to  love  him,  as  SECT. 

and  there  is  none  other  but  thou  liast  Said,  with  all  the  heart,  and  with  all  the  understanding,  and  with  all  the  soul,  and  156. 

33  And  to  love  him  with  all  ivith  all  the  Strength,  to  consecrate  all  the  intellectual  and  active  powers  of  our  whole  nature 


undersranding'!  and^wtth  all  ^^  ^^^  '  ""<^  ^^'^  ^  "^^^  ^°  ^"^?  U'^^}  neighbour  US  himself,  from  a  sense  of  piety  to  (Jod  as  mark 
the  soul,  and'  with  all  the  well  as  benevolence  to  man,  is  far  more  important  than  all  the  burnt-offerings  and  sacri-  q?^^' 
neTs^hlJoural'himseif^^s^nioreT^f^'  which  the  greatest  prince  could  present  at  his  altar;  nor  could  the  most  exact  and 
than  all  whole  burnt  btterings  pompous  ritual  observances  be  acceptable  without  such  virtues  and  graces  as  these. 
^'sVAnd^'^when  Jesus  saw      ^'id  Jesus,  Seeing  that  he  answered  thus  wiseh/,  said  unto  him.  It  appears  from  these  just  34 
that  he  answered  discreetly,  sentiments  of  thine  On  this  important  head,  tliat  thou  art  not  fur  from  the  kingdom  of  God; 
not ^fri^trom° th^ kingdom ^of  ^nd  such  views  of  religion  as  these  may  be  the  happy  means  cyf  jireparing  thee  to  receive 
God.  the  gospel  in  that  fuller  manifestation  of  it  which  is  now  approachmg. 

Matt.  xxii.4i.  [And]  while      And  while  the  Pharisees  were  gathered  together  during  this  conference,  expecting  to  have  matt. 
the  Pharisees  were  gathered  found  an  Opportunity  to  insuare  him,  as  he  was  still  teadung  the  people  in  the  temple,  Jesus  xxii. 

together,  [whde  he  taught  m   ,  ,  f"  .,     ■'  i     j       .  r  ^i        i  i,  S         A        i      i  41  ■         41 

thetenn'ie,].iesusasked'them,  turned  to  the  scribes  and  doctors  01  the  law  who  were  present,  and  uskea  tlieni,  saying,^'- 
tlwt"(?hn'sns  theSono/'oal  ^'^^"  ^^^  ^^'^  scribes  SO  commonly  as  diey  do,  that  the  Messiah  is  the  Son  of  David?    Let  42 
vid  >  [Mark  xii.  35.  Lukexx!  me  ask  you  of  that  profession  who  are  now  here.  What  think  ye  concerning  the  Messiah  in 
"*  42  What  think  ye  of  Christ?  ^^^^  respcct?    Whose  Sou  is  he?  They  say  unto  him.  Nothing  can  be  plainer  than  what  thou 
whose  son  is  he  ?  They  say  representest  as  the  general  opinion ;  he  is  undoubtedly  to  be  [the  Son']  of  David.    He  saith  43 
"4*3  He"'sIi'th*u"°o  ^them  "'*'"  ^^*'">  ^""^  ^^^"  '^"'^^  David  himself ,  speaking  by  the  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in 
How  then  doth  David  [him-  the  book  of  Psalnis,  acknowledge  him  to  be  superior  to  himself,  and  call  him  Lord?<^  for 
Ghoitj  [liuKLTin^the^oik  JO"  Cannot  but  know  that  there  is  a  passage  expressly  to  this  purpose,  (Psal.  ex.  1.)  which 
of  Psalms,]  call  him  Lord,  you  readily  allow  to  refer  to  the  Messiah,  in  which  you  find  David  saying,  "  The  Lord  4^ 
xx^'42".]  ^^^""'^  ""'■  ^^'  '""'"'  s«ic?  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  on  i?iy  right  hand  in  exalted  power  and  glory,  with  all  the 

44  The  Lord  said  unto  my  majesty  and  honour  of  a  King,  till  I  make  all  thine  enemies  thy  footstool,  and  cause  thee 
i^nd,'  fiu  'f^make  th\ne"ue-  to  trample  upon  them  at  pleasure."     If  David  himself  therefore  call  him  Lord,  and  speak  45 
miesthy  footstool?  [Mark  xii.  of  him  as  hls  superior,  as  you  see  he  doth,  how  is  he  then  his  Son?^ 

^^45^i't''Dlvi(u"hinfself]  then  Now  as  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  were  ignorant  of  the  great  doctrine  of  the  divine  nature 
call  him  Lord,  how  is  he  of  the  Messiah,  with  respcct  to  which,  even  before  his  incarnation,  he  was  the  Lord  of 
the^comnlon'peopie heard  hi"m  David  and  of  the  whole  church,  they  wore  quite  confounded  with  the  question.  A7id  the 
gladly.]  [Mark  xii.  3?.  Luke  yast  crowd  oi  comniou  people  that  was  about  him,  heard  him  with  great  pleasure.    And  all  46 

46  And  no  man  was  able  his  adversaries  were  at  such  a  loss,  that  no  man  could  answer  him  so  much  as  a  word ; 
th  r d^TsTa'il'^m^ira'rom  thh.  "^'^^^''  '^"^  ^^^V  ""^  presume,  from  that  day  fonvard,  to  ask  him  any  more  such  insnaring 
day  fonh)  ask 'hi'm  any"more  questions^  as  those  by  whicK  they  had  now  contrived  to  assault,  and,  if  possible,  to  con- 
questions.    [Mark  xii.  34.]      found  him. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Whatever  might  be  the  design  of  the  scribe  in  putting  this  question  to  Christ  again,  (which  was  in  eflfect  the  mark' 
same  with  what  another  had  proposed  before,  Luke  x.  25.  sect,  cvii.)  we  have  reason  to  rejoice  in  the  repetition  of    XU. 
so  important  an  answer.     Oh  that  it  might  be  inscribed  on  our  hearts  as  with  the  point  of  a  diamond  !  28 

The  first  and  great  commandment  requires  us  to  love  the  Lord  our  God  ivith  all  our  heart,  and  soul,  and  mind,  29 
and  strength  ;  and  the  second,  which  is  like  unto  it,  to  love  our  neighbour  as  ourselves.     But  alas,  what  reason  have 
we  to  complain  of  our  own  deficiency  on  both  these  heads  !  and  how  much  need  of  being  taught  again  even  these 
first  principles  of  the  oracles  of  God!   (Heb.  v.  12.) 

Can  we  say,' with  regard  to  the  first,  that  the  blessed  God  has  the  whole  of  our  hearts  ?    Is  the  utmost  vigour  of  30 
our  faculties  exerted  in  his  service  ?  Do  we  make  him  the  end  of  all  our  actions,  of  all  our  wishes,  of  all  our  pur- 
suits?— Or  are  we  indeed  such  equitable  judges  between  ourselves  and  others,  as  the  second  of  these  great  com-  31 
mandments  would  require ;  so  as  to  seek  our  own  particular  interests  no  further  than  they  may  be  subservient  to, 
or  at  least  consistent  with,  the  good  of  the  whole  ?   Do  we  make  all  those  allowances  for  others,  which  we  expect 
or  desire  they  should  make  for  us  ? — Surely  we  must  own  we  are  far  from  having  yet  attained,  or  from  being  already 
perfect.  (Phil.  iii.  12.) — But  if  this  be  not  in  the  main  the  prevailing  and  governing  temper  of  our  minds,  in  vain  33 
are  our  burnt-offerings  and  our  sacrifices;  in  vain  are  all  the  solemnities  of  public  worship,  or  the  forms  of 
domestic  and  secret  devotion  ;  and  by  all  our  most  pathetic  expressions  of  duty  to  God,  and  friendship  to  men, 
we  do  but  add  one  degree  of  guilt  to  another.    Let  us  then  most  earnestly  entreat  that  God  would  have  mercy 
upon  us,  and  by  his  Holy  Spirit  write  these  laws  in  our  hearts. 

On  these  subjects  let  scribes  instructed  to  the  kingdom  of  heaven  insist,  lest  they  be  condemned  by  this  expo-  32 
sitor  of  the  Jewish  law.    And  let  those  whose  notions  are  thus  wisely  regulated,  take  heed,  lest,  while  they  seem  34 
near  to  the  kingdom  of  God,  by  resting  in  mere  notions,  they  come  short  of  it,  and  sink  into  a  ruin  aggravated  by 
their  near  approach  to  the  confines  of  salvation  and  glory. 

As  for  the  question  of  Christ  with  which  the  Pharisees  were  perplexed,  the  gospel  has  given  us  a  key  to  it.    Well  matt. 
might  David  in  Spirit  call  him  Lord,  who,  according  to  the  flesh,  was  to  descend  from  his  loins  :  for  before  David  xxii. 
or  Abraham  was,  he  is.  (John  viii.  58.)     Let  us  adore  this  mysterious  union  of  the  divine  and  human  natures  in  41—43 
the  person  of  our  glorious  Emmanuel ;  and  be  very  careful  that  we  do  not  oppose  him,  if  we  would  not  be  found  44 
fighters  against  God.     Already  is  he  exalted  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Father:  let  his  friends  rejoice  in  his  dignity 
and  glory,  and  with  pleasure  wait  the  day  of  his  complete  triumph,  when  all  his  enemies  shall  be  put  under  his  feet, 
and  even  the  last  of  them  be  swallowed  up  in  victory  !  (1  Cor.  xv.  25,  54.) 

c  Excellently  roe//.]    It  is  in  the  original  koXmc,  fe^J/^i/w//^,  or  ./fwe/i/,  removed  by  death:   Else,  how  great  a  Monarch   soever   the  Messiah 

which  expresses  his  high  satisfaction  in  the  reply  much  more  strongly  might  have  been,  he  could  not  have  been  properly  called  David's  Lord, 

than  the  word  well.  any  more  than  Julius  Caesar  could  have  been  called  the  lord  of  Romu- 

d  How  then  does  David  himself  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  iSr.]    Our  Lord,  lus,  because  he  reigned  in  Rome  7(X)  years  after  his  death,  and  vastly 

we  see,  always  takes  it  for  granted  in  his  arguments  with  the  Jews,  tliat  extended  the  hounds  of  that  empire  which  Romulus  founded. — Munster's 

the  writers  of  the  Old  Testament  were  under  such  an  extraordinary  Note  on  this  text  shows,  in  a  very  forcible  manner,  the  wretched  expe- 

guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  to  express  themselves  with  the  strictest  dients  of  some  modern  Jews  to  evade  the  force  of  that  interpretation  of 

proprietj'  on  all  occasions.    (Compare  John  x.  35.  5  134.)    And  I  look  the  110th  Psalm  which  refers  it  to  the  Messiah. 

on  this  as  no  contemptible  argument  for  the  inspiration  of  the  Mew  Tes-  f  Presume  from  that  day  forward  to  ask  hint  any  more  guestioTis.]    jhe 

tament;  for  we  can  never  thfnk  the  apostles  of  Christ  to  have  been  less  plain  meaning  is,  they  asked  him  no  more  such  captious  questions  ;  for 

assisted  by  the  Divine  Spirit  in  their  writings,  when  they  were  in  other  the  memory  of  this  confusion  impressed  their  minds  during  the  short 

respects  so  much  more  powerfully  endowed  with  it.  remainder  of  Christ's  continuance  amrins  them  ;   anti  he  was  soon  re- 

e  If  David  himself  therefore  call  him   Tjird.  how  is  he  then  his  .SVui.']  moved  from  them,  so  that  they  had  uo  further  opportunities  ot  uomg  it 

This  implies  both  the  existence  of  David  in  a  future  state,  and  the  autho-  when  that  impression  wore  off. 
nty  ot  the  Messiah  over  that  invisible  world  into  which  that  prince  was 


2^^  CHRIST  DISCOURSES  WITH  THE  PHARISEES  IN  THE  TEMPLE. 

SECTION  CLVII. 

riikt  ilkrourses  with  the  Pharisees  in  the  temple,  repeating  the  charges  and  cautions  which  he  had  formerly  advanced  at  the  house  of  one  of 
^  that  sect.    Matt,  xxiii.  1—22.    Marl<  xii.  3a — 40.     Luke  xx.  45,  to  the  end. 

Matt.   Xxiii.   1.  Matt,  xxiii.  l. 

SECT.   THEN  Jesus,  in  the  progress  of  his  doctrine  and  discourse,  spake  to  his  disciples  in  the  THEN  spake  Jesus  [in  his 
157.    audience  of  all  the  people^who  were  present,  and  took  occasion  (as  he  had  done  formerly,  audfenc^e  of  ai'i'^t'iie  peopi'^ 

■ Luke  xi.  39,  et  seq.  sect,  ex.)  to  expose  and  caution  them  against  the  pride  and  hypocrisy  unto  his discipies,][Mark xii! 

MATT,  of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  Saying  openly  and  freely  to  them,  The  scribes  and  the  Pha-  "%  Saying^'The  scrihes  and 

XXIII.  ^jjjpg,  g^f  j,j  ;/jg  f/ialr  of  Mosesj^  and  are  the  public  teachers  and  expounders  of  his  law:  the  Piiarisees  sit  in  Moses' 

3  All  therefore  whatsoever  they  shall  charge  you  to  observe  in  virtue  of  that  law,!*  pay  a  ^""s  All  therefore  whatsoever 

beromins-  deference  and  regard  to,  and  be  ready  to  observe  and  do  accordingly;  but  prac-  ^^^y  t*'*^  >'""  observe,  that 

ucuuiiiuig  ^ac;lv,l^-il^-v-  "  ^,-         .       ,1    •  1         J-      j^i  11    •  °-     \  '    7     ,   observe  and  do;    but  do  not 

tlse  not  by  any  means  according  to  their  works ;  for  they  say  well  in  many  instances,  but  ye  after  their  works :  for  they 
do  not  themselves  practise  according  to  what  they  teach.  say,  and  do  not. 

MARK       I  therefore  repeat  it  again,  Ue?t'«re  of  imitating  the  hypocrisy  and  following  the  example     Mark  xii.  as.    Beware  of 
XII.  .w.  of  f/fg  scribes  ;<^  Fo?-,  by  virtue  of  the  traditions  which  in  conjunction  with  the  Pharisees  "^*  scribes :  [Luke  xx.  46.] 
'^''^"'  they  have  added  to  the  law,  they  bind  together  grievous  and  insupportable  burdens,  and  i,-^d^'*(, '"''"'  k'  i^"'^  "'^'^ 
'^■''''4  without  the  least  remorse  lay  them  on  men's  shoulders,  urging  them  by  the  heaviest  penal-  gdevous^toie  bo"rne!"and  Uy 
ties  to  conform  to  all  their  injunctions ;  but  theii  dispense  with  \ themselves']  in  the  neglect  ''"?'"  °"-  "^en's  shouideis ;  but 

Ilea  Lu  v^vjijiyn.i  ,,v^  J  ',  ,1  -tj.        j:  r  J.L    ■  rr^  thev /fe«(«/Ke*  will  not  move 

of  many  of  them,  and  wdl  not  so  much  as  move  them  with  a  piger  of  theirs.     (Compare  them  with  one  of  their  fingers. 
Luke  xi.  46.  sect,  ex.) 
5      And  even  when  they  do  conform  in  other  instances  to  their  own  rules,  it  is  generally     5  But  ail  their  works  they 
from  a  bad  principle  ;  for  there  is  none  of  all  their  luorks  but  what  they  chiefly  do  with  'a  ^°J°;-  *b°ro|f  ^tj^e'ir  "if "yiacte^ 
design  to  be  viewed  and  taken  notice  of  by  men,  as  examples  of  extraordinary  piety.     For  rics,  arid  enlarge  the  borders 
this  purpose,  in  particular,  they  make  their  phylacteries  remarkably  broad,^  that  it  may  be  °^  their  garments. 
thought  they  write  more  of  the  law  on  those  scrolls  of  parchment  than  others  do,  or  desire 
to  be" more  frequently  reminded  of  divine  things  by  the  size  of  them  ;  and,  for  the  same 
reason  likewise,  they  make  the  fringes  and  tassels  which  the  law  requires  them  to  wear  on 
the  borders  of  their  garments,  as  large  as  may  be,  that  they  may  seem  peculiarly  desirous 
to  remember  the  divine  commandments,  whenever  they  look  upon  them.    (Compare 
Numb.  XV.  38—40.) 
LUKE      Tliese  are  the  self-conceited  and  vain-glorious  men  ivho  affect  to  walk  in  long  garments,     Luke  xx.  46.  which  desire 
XX.  46.  that  they  may  appear  with  an  air  of  distinguished  gravity  and  stateliness;  A7id  love  the  t^.^ai^k^m  long  robes ;— [Mark 
xxm  '>'Ppe>^"><JSl  places  at  feasts,  where  guests  of  the  first  quality  are  used  to  sit ;  and  are  ambi-  '  Riatt.  xxiii.  6.   And  love 
(5  tious  to  secure  the  'highest  seats  even  in  the  very  synagogues,"  where  they  should  meet  to  lnd^hr[U°KV,°hiTh^*]Teats 

7  prostrate  themselves  in  the  divine  presence  with  the  lowest  abasement  of  soul :  And,  on  in  the  synagogues  ;''[Mark  xii. 
the  same  principle  of  vain-glory  and  ostentation,  they  desire  to  receive  salutations  in  the  ^^j  ^"j^  [sli'iutations]  in  the 
markets  and  other  places  of  common  concourse,  (compare  Luke  xi.  43.  sect,  ex.)  and  to  be  markets,  and  to  be  called  of 
called  by  men.  Rabbi,  llabbi  ;f  a  title  of  honour  which  they  are  fond  of  having  repeated  in  !at'38!*Luke  xx'!'46.']  ''*'"''' 
every  sentence,  and  almost  at  every  word. 

8  But  as  for  you,  my  disciples,  be  not  you  called  Rabbi,  nor  value  yourselves  on  the  name,  8  But  be  not  ye  called 
if  it  should  ever  happen  to  be  given  you  ;  for  one  is  your  Master,  \even^  Christ ;  and  ye  fer^^eVel^hnttf  iad\\l'yk 
are  all  brethren,?  and  as  such  should  treat  each  other  with  a  loving  freedom  and  fami-  are  brethren. 

10  liarity.  And  call  not  [any  one]  on  earth  your  father,''^  nor  be  fond  of  receiving  this  title  9  And  call  no  man  your 
from  men  who  may  be  ready  to  speak  of  themselves  as  but  children  in  comparison  of  you,  [s''vou"r'' rUher*^wii\ch°is''in 
and  implicitly  to  follow  all  your  dictates  ;  for  one  is  your  Father,  and  that  of  the  whole  heaven. 

family,  [eren]  he  who  dwells  in  the  highest  heaven,  and  before  whom  all  the  most  distin- 
guished honours  of  the  children  of  men  disappear,  as  less  than  nothing  and  vanity.   Neither  be     lO  Neither   be    ye    called 
ye  called  masters  and  guides  ;/(>;'  one  is  your  great  Master  and  Instructor,  [teew]  Christ,^  whose  "g"*'///„'  ch'rfsT  '^  ^°^  ^^^ 
dictates  you  are  ever  to  receive,  and  in  whose  name  and  authority  alone  you  are  to  teach 

11  others.  But,  on  the  contrary,  he  that  is,  and  would  appear  in  the  eyes  of  God  to  be,  the  11  But  he  that  is  greatest 
greatest  among  you,  shall  be  most  eminent  for  condescension  and  humility,  and  will  be  am^e  you,  shall  be  your  ser- 
ready  to  wait  on  the  rest,  and  to  behave  himself  on  all  occasions  as  your  servant.     (Com- 

12  pare  Matt.  xx.  26,  27.  p.  247.)    And  what  I  have  often  told  you  will  assuredly  be  found     12  And  whosoever   shall 

a  S/t  in  the  chair  of  Moses.']    Some  think  here  is  an  allusion  to  those  rally  supposed  they  were  called  phylacteries  in  Greek,  as  being  looked 

pulpits  which  Ezra  made  for  the  expounders  of  the  law  ;  (Neh.  viii.  4.)  upon  as  a  kiud  of  amulet  to   keep  them  from  danger.     See  Serrar. 

and  which  were  afterwards  continued  in  the  synagogue,  from  whence  Trihar.  p.  ."iB.  and  Drus.  De  Triitu  Sectis,  p.  263,  266. 

M    '^''.'''"^s  delivered  their  discourses  sitting.     It   is    probably  called  f  The  highest  seats  in  the  synagoques.]    The  doctors  had  seats  by  them- 

Moses  chair,  because  it  was  that  from  whence  the  books  of  Moses  were  selves,  with  their  backs  towards  tlie  pulpit  in  which  the  law  was  read, 

read  and  explained  ;  so  that  he  seemed  to  dictate  from  thence.     It  is  and  their  faces  towards  the  people.    These  were  accounted  the  most 

sti;*"?.^  mat  Lightfoot  THnr.  Heb.  in  he.)  and  Gussatns  should  explain  honourable,  and  therefore   these  ambitious  scribes  and  Pharisees  con- 

this  ot  a  legislative  authority  ;  since  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  as  such,  tended  for  them.    See   Reland.  Antiq.  Heb.  p.  61.  Vitring.  De  Hynag. 

had  no  peculiifr  authority  of  that  kind.  Vet.  p.  191,  et  seq.  and  WoU.  in  he. 

'".J'.'J't^.s  01  that  law.]    If  this  limitation  be  not  supposed,  this  pas-  f  To  he  called  ha  men,  Rahhi,  liabhi.]    Many  learned  men  have  ob- 

^  f^»h^      h  •"insistent  with  all  those  in  which  he  condemns  the  doctrines  served,  that  an  extravagant  notion  of  respect  went  along  with  this  title, 

ot  the  scribes  and  Pharisees.    Had  he  meant  (as  Orobio  and  some  popish  which  was  derived  from  nil,  a  word  w  hich  sienifies  both  magnitude  and 

writers  have  unaccountably  pretended)  to  assert  their  infallibility,  and  multitude,  and  seems  intended  very  emphaticallv  to  express  both  the 

to  require  an  absolute  submission  to  their  dictates,  he  must  have  con-  greatness  and  the  variety  of  that  learning  which  they  who  bore  it  were 

aemned  himself,  as  it  was  known  he  was  rejected  by  them.    See  Lim-  supposed  to  be  possessed  of.    (L'Enfant's  Introd.  p.  98.)— Dr.  Lightfoot 

borch,  Collat   Amtc.p.  58,  114.                                     •  tslls  us  C Hor.  Heh.  in  loc. )  that  the  words  of  the  scribes  are  declared  to 

cMewareoj  the  scribes  A  1  he  word  fcnfe  in  general  signifies  any  one  con-  be  more  amiable  and  weight  v  than  those  of  the  prophets,  and  equal  to 

versant  about  books  and  writings  ;  and  is  sometimes  put  for  a  civil  ofhcer  those  of  the  law :  so  that  Gam'aliel  advised  to  get  a  rabbi,  that  one  might 

Whose  Dusmess  probably  resembled  that  of  a  Secretary  of  State  :  (2  Sam.  no  longer  doubt  of  any  thing.     More  passages  to  this  purpose  may  be 

viii.  17.  1  Aings  IV.  3.  2  Kings  xix.  2.)  at  other  times  it  is  used  at  large  seen  in  Dr.  Gale's  Sermons,  vol.  i.  p.  80.  and  in  Vv'hitby  and  Eisner,  in 

TOT  a  riianot  learning  and  ability,  a  Chron.  xxvii   32.  Jer.  xxxvi.  26.  loc.    They  fully  show  the  necessity  there  was  for  such  repeated  cautions 

Jtzra  VII.  0.  Matt,  xxui   34.  1  Cor.  i.  20.)    But  as  Biblical  learning  was  as  our  Lord  gives,  and  are  an  abundant  answer  to  what  Orobio  obiects 

most  esteemed  among  the  Jews,  the  word  in  the  New  Testament  seems  to  our  Lord's  conduct  in  this  respect ;  (see  Limborch.  Collat.  p.  119.)  for, 

lo  oe  cnieny  appropriated  to  those  that  applied  themselves  to  the  study  considering  their  inveterate  prejudices  against  Christ,  it  could  never  be 

i)-\    r>(?iT'  'P<;™aps  including  those  whose  business  it  was  to  transcribe  supposed  that  the  common   people  would  receive  the  gospel  till  such 

11  yL     .    *"       I  ?""'"=  professors,  who  read  lectures  upon  it,  were  corrupt  teachers  as  these  were  brought  into  a  just  disgrace. 

cailea  doctors  or  lawyers;  and,  probably,  they  who  were  invested  with  g   ie  are  all  hrelhren.}    It  is  observable  that  not  one  word  is  said  of 

some  public  offices  in  the  saiihedrim  or  other  courts,  scribes  of  the  peo-  Peter's  authority  over  the  rest,  either  here  or  on  the  application  made 

?n"   i    ,-    ,"■  '••>~"'^"t 'nat  the  scribes,  as  Irigland  labours  to  prove,  by  Zebedee's  children ;  though,  had  such  an  authority  been  intended, 

tit,fo  ..''  r.-  „i''^''u-  E' .1   •-'1,^'^'"?  'Karaites  or  textuaries,   who   rejected  nothing  could  have  been  more  natural  or  necessary,  than  to  have  men- 

Psn»!.;,nv,?Hf, ],;„.,    K  ki        o^^  mcu  cated,  seems,  from  this  text  tioned  and  adjusted  it     Compare  note  g.  Matt.  xx.  26.  p.  247. 

especially,  utteily  improbable.    Our  Lord  commonly  joins  them  with  h  Call  not  [any  one]  on  earth  your  father.]    The  Pharisees,  no  doubt, 

the  Pharisees,  and  probably  most  of  them  were  of  that  sect.  had  this  title  given  them  ;  and  Bishop  Wilkins  observes,  that  it  is  a  title 

a  J  hey  mate  their  phylacteries  remarkably  broad.]     1  doubt  not  but  which  assuming  priests  of  all  religions  have  greatly  affected, 

l^il^   n   1!?^  '^^'k''*  .^'^■'y  ^-    ,0  ^^  that  the  .lews  (understanding  Exod.  i  One  is  your  Master,  [even]  Christ.]    It  is  remarkable  that  this  occurs 

XI  1.  9,  lp..and  Ueut.  vi  8.  xi.  18  which  commanded  them  to  bind  the  twice  in  the  very  same  words,  (here,  and  in  ver.  8.)    Our  I.^rd  knew 

vZ.ZJli\    /\',        *"   1I.I'  '"'  as  frontlets  between  their  eyes,  in  a  how  requisite  it  would  be  to  attend  to  it,  and  how  read  v  even  his  miois- 

literal  sense)  used  to  wear  little  s<to11s  of  parchment,  on  which  those  ters  would  be  to  forget  it. 
passages  were  written,  bound  to  their  foreheads  and  wrists.    It  is  gene- 


CHRIST  DISCOURSES  WITH  THE  PHARISEES  IN  THE  TEMPLE.  275 

exalt  himself  shall  be  abased;  to  be  a  Certain  trutli,  That  wliosoever  s/iu/l  attempt  in  an  ambitious  way  to  exalt  himself,  SECT. 

Tif ''p  uV 'exai'teii^'''^  *"''"  ^^'"'^j  sooner  or  later,  by  one  method  or  another,  he  abased  ;  and  whosoever,  on  the  other  157. 
hand,  shall  humble  himself,  shall  be  exulted  to  the  highest  honour. i< 


13  But  woe  unto  you,  scribes      Then  Jesus,  turning  from  his  disciples,  to  whom  he  had  hitherto  been  speaking,  addressed  matt. 
fo"'' e^huUiTtiie  k^ngdom^^   himself  boldly  to  those  crafty  enemies  who  stood  around  him  waiting  for  notliing  hut  an  .^„^^"- 
heaven' against  men  :  for  ye  Opportunity  of  mischief,  and  Said,  Woe  unto  you,  ye  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites ."  for, 
neither  suffer 'ye  ^tiiTrn'thmt  ^^y  the  prejudices  you  are  so  zealous  to  jtropagate  among  the  people,  ?/<)«  shut  np  theliius,- 

are  entering  to  go  in.  dom.  of  heaven  against  7nen,  and  do  all  you  can  to  prevent  their  regarding  it ;  Jo/-  you  neithir 

go  in  yourselves,  nor  permit  them  that  are  awakened  to  a  desire  of  entering,  to  go  in ;  and 
thus  you  make  yourselves  in  some  degree  chargeable  with  their  destruction  as  well  as  with 
your  own,  by  the  false  notions  you  instil  into  their  minds,  and  the  prejudices  you  raise 
against  me  and  my  doctrine.     (Compare  Luke  xi.  52.  sect,  ex.) 

14  Woe  unto  you,  scribes       Woc  wito  you,  ye  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites,  that  impose  upon  men  by  specious  14 
for'y-e^evoTrwidows^^h'^^^^^^     forms  of  devotion"!  but  these  forms  cannot ^nnpose  upon  God,  nor  prevent  his  vengeance 
and  tor  a  pretence  make  Ions  from  falling  heavy  upon  you :  for,  by  your  cruel  extortions,  you  devour  the  houses  of  widows 
remve  ^he'^^^reater  ^damna-  ^^^  Orphans,  whosc  iielplcss  circumstances,  if  vou  had  any  remains  of  humanity  and  gene- 
tion.  LMarkxti.  40.  Luke  xx.  rosity,  might  rather  engage  you  to  protect  and  vindicate  tjiem ;  and  it  is  only  /or  a  pre- 

'^''  tence  to  cover  these  crying  immoralities,  that  you  make  such  long  and  seemingly  earnest 

prayers,  hoping  thereby  to  engage  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  others,  that  you  may  have 
the  greater  opportunity  to  injure  and  defraiid  them :  but  this  complicated  wickedness  shall 
cost  you  dear ;  for  therefore  shall  you  receive  greater  and  more  dreadful  damnation  than  if 
you  had  never  prayed  at  all,  nor  made  any  pretences  to  religion. 

15  Woe  unto  you,  scribes       Woe  unto  you,  ye  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites  as  you  are!  for  with  indefatigable  15 
for^ye^TOmpass'sea^and'fami  'ndustry  you  3o,  as  it  were,  compass  the  sea  and  the  land,  to  make  one  proselyte  to  your  own 

to  make  one  proselyte ;  and  |)articuiar  sect  and  party ;  and  when  he  is  become  [so,]  you  often  make  him  even  doubly  more 
iTim'tw'olfoM^more  ^e  dfild  '^  ^'"^^^  of  hell  than  you  yourselves  are ;  while,  in  order  to  approve  the  sincerity  of  his  con- 
ofheii  tiian  yourselves.  version  to  you,  he  is  obliged  to  vie  with  you  in  all  the  excesses  of  your  superstition  and 

bigotry. 

16  Woe  unto  you,  ^<;  blind       Woe  unto  you,  ye  blind  guides,  who  have  invented  so  many  nice  distinctions  to  make  16 
fver'^sliairswear^by'the't'em-  1"^^^  ^^sy  in  their  sins,  and  subscrvient  to  your  secular  interests  !  who  say,  for  instance, 
pie,  it  is  nothing;  but  whoso-  Whosoever  shall  swear  only  by  the  temple,  it  is  nothing;"^  but  whoever  shall  swear  by  the 

of ^the^  tempi" ^Ife  ifajfebtor.  j?"/^  of  the  temple,  whether  by  that  with  which  a  part  of  it  is  overlaid,  or  by  that  which  is 

17  I'e  fools  and  blind !  for  laid  up  in  its  treasures,  he  is  obliged  hy  it.     Ye  foolish  and  blind  [creatures,]  is  not  the  17 
oVthe''[empfe*that'sanctffi'eth  stupid  sophistry  of  this  distinction  apparent  to  the  weakest  understanding  ?  /or  m;/»'cA  of 
t''«  gold  ?  these  is  greater,  the  gold,  or  the  temple  that  sanctifies  the  gold,  which  without  its  relation  to 

18  And,  Whosoever  shall  the  temple  would  have  nothing  in  it  more  sacred  than  any  common  metal  ?     And  ye  also  18 
f hif,?,'^  'hM/'l?,i,^l:',f,f,'.or' c.L'l?"  say,  just  with  the  same  degree  of  sense  and  piety  as  before,  Whosoever  shall  swear  only  by 
eth  by  the  gift  that  is  upon  it,  the  altar  01  (jod,  it  IS  nothing  ;  but  whoever  shall  swear  by  the  gift  ivhich  is  upon  it,  he  is 
''^9^'V  fools  and  blind!  for  obliged  to  the  performance  of  his  oath.     Ye  foolish  and  blind  \ivretches,'\  what  an  idle  and  19 
whether  is  greater,  the  gift,  scnsclcss  distinction  is  this  !  for  wlucli  caii  you  suppose  is  greater,  the  gift,  or  the  altar 
or^th^e  altar  that  sanctifieth  the  ^^^^  sanctifies  the  gift,  which, 'before  it  was  brought  thither,  was  only  a  com"mon  thing,  and 

CO  Whoso,  therefore,  shall  might  be  uscd  to  any  of  the  ordinary  purposes  of  human  life  ?    The  truth  of  the  case  is  20 
by^it^an^  byali  thingstoere-  therefore  plain  and  obvious  ;  he  that  sweai's  by  the  altar,  siuears  in  effect  by  it,  and  by  all 
o"^-    .    ,    I        ,  ,.  the  things  that  are  offered  upon  it  to  him  whose  altar  it  is.     And  he  that  swears  hy  the  21 

by  the  temple,  swear^eth^by^ft"!  temple,  swears  by  it,  and  hy  him  also  that  dwells  in  it,  even  the  eternal  and  ever-blessed 
and  by  him  that  dweiieth  Jehovah,  wlio  honours  it  in  a  Special  manner  with  the  tokens  of  his  presence.     And  he  22 

22  Aiid  he  that  shall  swear  that  swears  by  heaven,  which  some  of  you  are  foolish  enough  to  think  a  little  oath,  swears 

tifron'e''o7God'''and'b*''^h\m  ^^  ^^^  throne  qf  the  most  high  God,  and  by  him  who  sits  upon  it,  and  fills  all  the  train  of 

that"uteth  thereon"'     ^    ""  attendant  angels  with  the  humblest  reverence  and  prostration  of  mind.    Now,  did  you  and 

your  disciples  consider  this,  that  every  oath  by  a  creature  is  an  implicit  appeal  to  God, 

you  could  not  surely  talk  of  such  expressions  in  so  light  and  dangerous  a  manner  as  you 

commonly  do 

IMPROVEMENT. 

As  an  ear-ring  of  gold,  and  an  ornament  offoie  gold,  so  is  a  wise  reprover  upon  an  obedient  ear.    (Prov.  xxv.  12.)  Ver.l, 
Christ  was  indeed  a  wise  and  faithful  Reprover  ;  but  the  ears  of  these  Pharisees  were  disobedient  and  uncircum-  et  seq. 
cised.     Let  us,  however,  who  are  his  disciples,  attend  to  these  instructions  of  our  heavenly  Master,  and  avoid 
every  thing  which  has  the  remotest  tendency  to  what  he  here  condemns  with  so  just  a  severity. 

Let  not  our  zeal  spend  itself  upon  the  externals  of  religion.    Let  vis  not  impose  heavy  burdens  upon  each  other ;  5,  4 
nor  lay  down  rules  for  the  conduct  of  others,  by  which  we  do  not  in  like  circumstances  think  fit  to  govern  our- 
selves.    Let  us  not  impose  our  own  decisions  in  a  magisterial  manner  on  our  fellow-christians,  nor  affect  to  be 
called  fathers,  masters,  and  teachers  ;  remembering  that  Christ  alone  is  our  Master,  and  God  our  Father,  and  that  8—10 
it  is  a  dangerous  presumption  and  folly  to  set  ourselves  in  the  place  of  either.     Let  us  be  upon  our  guard  against  6,  7 
that  vain  ostentation  that  would  lead  us  to  place  any  part  of  our  happiness  in  precedence,  and  to  value  ourselves 
upon  our  rank,  or  upon  any  airy  titles  of  honour  by  winch,  perhaps  rather  by  accident  than  merit,  we  are  distin-  7 
guished  from  others ;  and  which  to  a  truly  wise  man,  and  especially  to  an  humble  follower  of  Jesus,  will  appear 
to  be  a  very  little  matter.     Let  us  desire  that  honour  which  arises  from  condescending  to  others,  and  serving  them  11,  12 
in  love;  that  lionour  which  springs  from  the  divine  approbation,  which  it  will  be  impossible  to  secure  without  un- 
affected piety.     (John  v.  44.) 

God  forbid  that  our  devotions  should  ever  be  intended  as  a  cloak  of  maliciousness,  or  as  the  instrument  of  14 
serving  any  mean  and  vile  jjurpose !   Such  prayers  would  return  in  curses  on  our  own  heads,  and  drav/  down  on  15 
them  aggravated  damnation.     God  forbid  that  we  should  spend  that  time,  and  that  ardency  of  spirit,  in  making 
proselytes  to  our  own  peculiar  notions  and  party,  which  ought  to  be  laid  out  in  making  them  the  servants  of  God  1 6 

k   Whosoever  shall  exalt  himself,  ^c]     Christ  seems  by  the  frequent  who,  according  to  the  unnatural  custom  of  the  ancients,  acted  a  part 

repetitionof  this  maxim,  to  intimate  that  he  intended  it  not  only  for  those  under  a  mask.    Move's  Theolog.  Works,  p.  1<i3.       , .      ,    ,.               .u 

who  were  to  be  teachers  of  others,  but  for  all  bis  disciples  without  ex-  m   Whosoever  shall  swear  by  the  temple,  it  is  nothing.)    it  seems  me 

ception.    And  it  is  well  worthyof  our  observation,  that  no  one  sentence  Pharisees  taught,  that  oaths  by  the  creatures  mij;ht  be  used  on  trining 

of  our  Lord's  is  so  frequently  repeated  as  this ;    which  occurs  at  least  occasions,  and  violated  without  any  great  guilt.  (See  note  h,  on  ftiaii.  \ . 

ten  times  m  the  Evangelists.    Compare  .Matt,  xviii.  4.  xx.  26,  27.  xxiii.  34.  p.  80.)    But  they  excepted  oaths  by  the  corban,  and  by  sacrinces ,  in 

10,  11.   Mark  ix.  .35.  x.  43,  44.   Luke  xiv.  11.  xviii.  14.  xxii.  26.  and  which  it  is  plain,  that  without  any  regard  to  common  sense  or  decency, 

John  xiii.  14.  they  were  influenced  merely  by  a  view  to  their  own  interest ;  and  theie- 

1  Hypocrites.']    Dr.  More  with  great  propriety  observes,  that  the  word  fore  represented  these  to  the  people  as  things  ot  more  eminent  sanctiiy 

hypct rites,  ivitoKpnai,']  in  its  most  exact  application,  signifies  players,  than  even  the  temple  or  altar  itself. 

T    2 


276  CHRIST  DISCOURSES  WITH  THE  PHARISEES  IN  THE  TEMPLE. 

SECT,  through  Christ !  God  forbid  that  we  should  delude  ourselves  or  others  by  such  idle  distinctions  in  matters  of  con- 
157.    science,  as  these  which  our  blessed  Redeemer  has  with  so  much  reason  and  spirit  exposed  ! 

Let  us  retain  the  greatest  reverence  for  an  oath,  and  not  accustom  ourselves  to  trifle  with'any  thin?  which  looks 

J^'^"-  I'ke  It.     Let  us  consider  heaven  as  the  throne  of  God,  and  often  think  of  the  majesty  and  glory  of  that  illustrious 
17-22  ■^*^'"?  ^^'^  ^'*^  thereon ;  for  a  sense  of  his  contmual  presence  will  form  us  to  a  better  temper,  and  engage  us,  with 
a  righteousness  far  exceeding  that  of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  to  walk  before  him  in  all  his  commandments  and 
ordinances  blameless. 


SECTION  CLVIII. 

ng  them  f( 
xxiii. 

Matt,  xxiii.  23. 


Christ  continues  liis  discourse  with  the  Pliarisees,  reproving  them  for  their  hypocrisy,  and  threatening  them  with  approaching  judgments.    Matt. 

xxiii.  23,  to  the  end. 


Matt,  xxiii.  23. 

SECT.  OUR  Lord  further  proceeded  in  his  discourse,  and  said.  Woe  iinto  you,  ye  scribes  and  woe  unto  you,  scribes  and 

158.    Pharisees,  hi/pocrites  !  you  may  justly  expect  the  severest  vengeance  ;  for  ye  are  careful  to  pa^'^thh'e  of'mnit"and  a°ni3^e* 

tithe  mint,  and  anise,  and  cummin,  and  every  other  common  herb  vvhich  grows  in  your  and  cummin,  and'iiave  omlt- 

xxm   S^^*^^"^'  Z'"*^  >'^t  ^""^"^  wholly  neglected  the  weightier  matters  of  the  law,  justice,  and  mercy,  J^^  'iaw,''1udgment!"merey! 

23  "^"/.J^^^t'/«Y'/ '■  *  these  should  chiefly  have  been  regarded  by  you  as  what  ye  oxight  more  espe-  =»nd  taitii :"  these  ought  ye  to 
daily  to  have  practised,  and  indeed  not  to  have  omitted  the  other,  as  a  reverent  observance  t'lL'  other"u'iidone"°*  *° 

24  is  due  even  to  the  least  of  God's  commandments.  (Compare  Luke  xi.  42.  sect,  ex.)  Ye  -*  i«  blind  guides!  which 
blind  guides  of  blind  and  wretched  followers,  who  do  (as  it  is  proverbially  said)  carefully  |«™^at  *  gnat,  and  swallow 
strain  out  a  gnat  from  the  liquor  you  are  going  to  drink,  and  yet  can  sioallow  down  a  camel  ;^ 

you  affect  to  scruple  little  things,  and  disregard  those  of  the  greatest  moment. 

25  Woe  ujito  you,  ye  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites  !  for  ye  cleanse  the  outside  of  the  cup  C5  Woe  unto  you,  scribes 
and  of  the  dish,  and  are  mighty  exact  in  the  obsen-ance  of  external  rites  and  wa'shings  of  forVe^mlke\Te'an''theo'i[tefdi 
the  body,  but  are  regardless  of  the  inner  parts,  and  unconcerned  about  your  hearts  and  of  the  cup  and  of  the  platter* 
consciences,  which  are  full  of  uncleanness,  and  of  all  kinds  of  rapine  and  intemperance.  extorTion'and'excSs''  '^""  "^ 

26  (Compare  Luke  xi.  39.  sect,  ex.)  Thou  blind  and  senseless  Pharisee,  first  begin  with  the  ee  T/im  blind  Vhaiisee ! 
heart,  and  therebv,  as  it  were,  cleanse  the  inside  of  the  cup,  and  of  the  disli,  that  thiis  the  outside  ti'rcup  "ami  pbtttr^thli'lhe 
of  them  may  be  clean  also :  for  the  life  will  of  course  be  reformed  when  the  heart  is  purified,  outside  of  tiiem  may' be  clean 

27  Woe  unto  you,  ye  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites  !  for  ye  resemble  whited  sepulchres,  '""%-  woe  unto  you,  scribes 
which  indeed  appear  fair  and  beautiful  without,'^  but  within  are  full  of  the  bones  of  the  dead,  and   Pharisees,  "hypocrites! 

28  and  of  all  that  uncleanness  vvhich  irises  from  their  putrefying  todies.  Even  so  you  also  do  sepukhr^es"  whfc"'il!deTd  a'f- 
mdeed  oulnuu-dli/  appear  righteous  unto  men,  who  view  nothing  more  than  the  external  part  pear  beautiful  outward,  but 
of  your  cliaracter;  /»/^  in  the  sight  of  a  heart-searching  God,  who  has  a  clear  and  perfect  bonel'andif  aifuSanness" 
view  of  all  that  lies  within,  you  are  full  of  that  himocrisy  and  iniquiti/  which  is  infinitely  -^  Even  so  ye  also  outward- 
more  loatiisome  to  him  than" the  most  disagreeable" objects  can  be  to  the  human  eye.  but"^virhin^yl°'are"f°ri''ot 

29  Woe  unto  you,  ye  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites  !  for,  under  a  pretence  of  your  regard  hypocrisy  and  iniquity. 
and  veneration  for  their  characters,  you  surnptuously'6?///f/  up  the  sepulchres  of  the  ancient  and*  Pharisee",  ^hypocrites! 
prophets,  and  adorn  the  numuments  of  the  other  righteous  men  of  former  generations,  as  de-  {«cause  ve  buiui  the  tombs  of 

30  sirous  to  presm-e  and  honour  their  memories.-i  And  ye  sai/,  If  we  had  been  living  in  the  sepu'lch?efo^?he  Sous!"* 
days  of  our  fathers,  we  would  not  have  been  partakers  with  them  in  the  blood  of  the  holy  .  3"  And  say,  if  we  had  been 
prophets  which  they  shed,  but  would  liave  treated  them  in  another  manner  than  bur  fathers  would  iwt   haTebeeri.a?- 

31  did.  .So  that  you  really  bear  witness  to  yourselves,  that  you  are  the  sons  of  those  that  mur-  onhe^  Tro '.hets"" '"  "'^  '''""'^ 
dered  the  prophets ;  and  indeed  your  present  temper  and  conduct  more  certainly  speaks  3i  Wherefore  j'e  l.e  wit- 
you  to  be  their  genuine  offspring",  and  to  be  full  of  that  very  maHgnity  which  you  pretend  "fa%  "the'' ciiridrfn'ot' them 

32  to  condemn  in  them.  (Compare  Luke  xi.  47,  48.  sect,  ex.)  Arid  do' you  \then]jiu  up,  as  ihich^kiiiedVhe  prophets.""'" 
soon  as  you  think  tit,  what  yet  remains  to  be  completed  of  the  mecisure  of  your  fathers'  su?e  JfyduMathers"  "'*'"*''" 
sins,^  that  wrath  may  come  upon  this  guilty  land  to  the  uttermost. 

o3      le  painted  and  deceitful  serpents,  ye  brood  o/' specious,  but  venomous  and  mischievous,     33  Ye  serpents,  ye  genera- 
mpers,  how  artfully  soever  you  may  evade  human  censures,  how  can  you  so  much  as  hope  eicane^hl'd\'mnat?on  ot^'hen^ 
by  any  of  these  vain  pretences  to  escape  what  is  infinitely  more  dreadful,  that  righteous 
sentence  of  the  unerring  Judge  which  will  consign  you  over  to  the  damnation  of  hell?'' 
(Compare  Matt.  iii.  7.  p.  43.) 

•  -^'^^''^/''''C''^  behold  I  send  unto  you  prophets,  and  wise  men,  and  scribes  instructed  to  the  34  Wherefore,  behold,  T 
kingdom  of  heaven,  to  try  you  once  more,  and  to  give  you  the  last  call  to  repentance  and  ^^^^  '^l^  ^„°S  scrlel*^'  and 
reformation  which  vou  must  ever  expect:  but  I  know  that  this  last  attempt  wilt,  with  wweof  them  ye  shall  kiii  and 
regard  to  the  generality  of  you,  be  entirely  in  vain  ;  and  that  [.sow*]  of  them  ye  xvill  kill,  shall y^e'scourgeTyour syn™ 
arm  carry  your  malice  so  far  as  to  crucify  them  like  common  slaves :  and  when  ye  cannot  eogues,  and  persecute  them 
effect  that,  [some]  of  them  ye  will  scouige  in  your  synagogues,  and  persecute  [tliem]  from  ""om  city  to  city : 

CO  city  to  city.    For  thus  will  God  in  rigliteous  judgment^permit  you  to  act,  that  ye'  may    35Thatupon  you  may  come 
become  the  distinguished  trophies  of  his  displeasure,  as  if  he  were  reckoning  with  "you  for 
the  guilt  of  all  former  ages ;  so  that  upon  you  may  seem  to  come  the  vengeance  due  for  all 

mil  -v'   ,"'^-l    The  word  Trio-Tic  has  undoubtedlj'  this  signification  in  d   You  kuild  the  sepulchres  of  the  prophets,  <Sc.]    I  can  by  no  means 

Ihfr.    P""^''^-    ^Lompare  lit.  u.  10.  Gal.  v.  22.  and  Rom.  iii.  3.)    But  think,  with  Markius,  (£Tcrr!>.  p.  220.)  many  of 'whose  criticisms  are  very 

tiZl    *'e  "i.jny  '"f"'«  in  which  It  signifies  the  confidence  reposed  in  ano-  low  and  fanciful,  that  Christ  here  blames  the  building  the  sepulchres  of 

1  Pet  ?  oi     '^       ^^^^^  importance  to  observe  this.    See  Col.  i.  4.  and  those  holy  men  ;  which  as  Eisner  (vol.  i.  p.  16(1.)  and  RapheliusC/Jjzno^ 

ret.  1.  ^1.  ex  Xen.  p.  48.)  show,  was  a  piece  of  respect  which  most  nations  have 

!.=  «„;,-.''  "'    °ii'"u    ""    ■™"''P''' do;cn  a  camel.]  In  those  hotcountries,  paid  to  persons  of  distinguished  merit,  especially  to  those  who  fell  in  a 

iritil    f  -V"             observes  ( Tn/jffirei,  p.  51.)  gnats  were  apt  to  fall  into  good  cause.     What  Vitringa  CDe  Smag.  p.  221.)  tells  us  of  the  extra- 

7,ri  I     ,h%^^         carefully  covered  ;  and  passing  the  liquor  through  a  ordinary  honours  paid  to  the  sepulchre  of  Mordecai.  is  an  agreeable 

pvartn  c       h  "",  "vf/i '"'  ^"Jl'  "^  ""^»"f ««  remain,  grew  into  a  proierh  for  illustration  of  tliese  words.    Josephus  also,  from  Nicolans  Damasrenus. 

ii/hioi!         anout   little  matters.— Could  any  authority  be  produced  in  mentions  Herod's  repairing  in  a  very  splendid  manner  the  sepulchre  of 

W   ♦i'"'f "     i"5'°"    5M£2''^^  »wf/  I  should  with  great  pleasure  fol-  David,  (Joseph.  Antig.  lib.  xvi.  cap.  7.  [al.  11.]  »  1.)  Compare  Acts  ii. 

beetle       translation  ot   1(27,   m  rendermg  the  latter  clause,  swallow  a  2y.— Grotius  is  certainly  right  in  saying,  that  the  four  verses  in  this 

_  lin:,  J          ,  r           II,.  paragraph  are  to  be  considered  as  one  sentence  ;  of  which  perhaps  ver. 

thp  fiLf   nf  ■''■P"'"'"-"- "!'"<■!'  ""feed  appear  heavtiful  uithmt.]— Though  31.  may  be  a  parenthesis. 

^V,.  "':s' 'nteition  ot  wliitening  sepulchres  might  be  only  to  mark  them  e  //«w  can  you  hope  by  any  of  these  vain  pretences  to  escape  that  sen- 

Ti^rlil-.i  .1    ^m"^'*^      -i*  u    ^°'u^°'^^P*^''*  some  .lewish  writers,  and  fence,  cfec.l    Raphelius   has  abundantly  proved  that  a-no<bvtiiv  Kotua. 

Jrrl.Vf  ^^    ^1  iVlaimonides,  have  observed)  a  heap  of  lime  laid  upon  the  (which  is  the  same  in  sense  with  the  oriarinal)  properly  sigriifies  to  evade 

fltr-  cH^^     i^lT^""    .   "^  I    '   -J^  evidentthey  were  sometimes  adorned,  conviction  in  a  court  of  judicature,  which  is  often  done  by  the  artifice  of 

„,!!rKr^-'  probably  not  only  with  plastering  and  whitewashing,  but  with  the  criminal.    Jmwt.  er  Xen.  p.  50,  51. 

marble  and  other  stone  monuments :   and,  notwithstanding  all  the  ap-  f  Therefore.]    Though   fJlearius  here  would  render  6m  thto,  in  the 

;,„..•  ^^"'<^,".  Y  tV°°i'*-  u.r  ''f;  ;,'■'' VV,-   '■  V-  -O^-^  ?'^«5  *»  ttie  i"ter-  mean  time,  the  version  is  so  unexampled  that  I  cannot  acquiesce  in  it : 

pretation  which  Ur.Lighttoot  (Hor./ZeA.  ,n  loc.)  and  Dr.  Pocock  (.Port,  and  if  the  connexinn,  as  it  stands,  could  not  be  accounted  for,  1  should 

Mos.  caf.v.  p.  73.)  Have  advanced,  I  conclude  that  such  ornaments  were  think  it  better  to  connect  this   phrase  with  the  close  of  the  preceding 

«r,,  li^h       u      Vc  for  I  ca""Ot  think  Christ  would  have  called  these  verse,  Ilo-w  can  ye  escape  the  damnation  of  hell  for  this?  or  avoid  the 

sepulchres  beautiful,  if  they  had  been  nothing  but  heaps  of  earth  covered  judgment  of  God  for  this  mixture  of  injustice,  cruelty,  and  hypocrisy  ? 

with  grass.    Compare  note  e,  on  Luke  xi.  44.  ^  110.  j          •           .  •           .  t         j 


CHRIST  DISCOURSES  WITH  THE  PHARISEES  IN  THE  TEMPLE.  277 

all  the  righteous  blood  shed  the  rigliteous  blood  luhlc/i  hus  been  poured  forth  on  the  earth  from  the  beginning  of  the  world ;  SECT. 
uyontheearth,  from  the  blood  even  /ro/H  the  blood  of  Abel,  that  eminently  riiihteous  »utn,  whom  his  brother  Cain  then    158. 

bioo'f''of"zar'hadHs.'"son'if  slew,  to  the  blood  of 'Zechuriah,  the  son  (f  Baruc/iiah,  one  of  the  last  of  the  prophets,  whom 

BHiach  as,   whom  ye  slew  ^g  murdered  while  he  was  ministering  hetween  the  temple  and  the  altar  ;s  impiously  pre-  matt. 
between  the  temp  c  an    tie  -g^^j^^jj^jg  ^^  intrude  into  the  court  of  the  priests,  to  perpetrate  that  most  horrible  murder  as  ^-^m- 

m  Verily  I  say  unto  yon,  near  as  possible  to  God's  most  immediate  presence.     Verilj/  I  say  unto  you.  That  even  the  36 
All  these  jhingssiiail  come  g^^|^  Qf  yW  this  rlghteous  blood,  and  all  these  things  that  are  inchided  in  the  woes  I  have 
upon  t  us  genera  ion.  denounced,  shull  come  on  this  generation  of  men ;  so  dreadful  are  the  calamities  which  God 

will  shortly  bring  upon  it.     (Compare  Luke  xi.  49,  50,  51.  sect,  ex.) 
37 OJerusalem,. Jerusalem,       O  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  [thou']  that  killest  the  prophets,  and  stonest  them  that  are  sent  37 
t/iou  that  kiiiest  the  prophets,  y„^(,  ^/,fg  by  (jod  for  thy  couvcrsion  and  salvation  ;  diou  unhappy  city,  who  hast  so  often 
^nt'umo'  tiieeT'  how  ott'e'^^  been  stained  with  the  blood  of  the  martyrs,  that  it  is  grown  into  a  proverb,  That  a  prophet 
would  I  have  gathered  thy  ^^j^  hardly  perish  any  where  else,  (Luke  xiii.  33.)  how  often  would  I  have  gathered  l/u/ 
her,  e^'the'reth  ""her^Xckens  children  together  unto  me,  even  with  as  much  tenderness  as  a  hen  gathereth  her  chickens 
"«'"l'jr  /'«'■,  wings,  and   ye  fggg/;/igr  under  her  luings  to  protect  them  from  the  assaults  of  any  bird  of  prey,  or  whatever 
else  might  threaten  their  safety ;  and  yet  ye  would  not  hearken  to  my  compassionate  calls, 
but  have  hardened  your  hearts  against  my  love,  and  repaid  me  with  contempt,  hatred,  and 
38  Behold,  your  house  is  persecution  !  Behold,  the  time  is  coming  when  you  will  see  your  folly,  though  too  late';  for  38 
left  unto  you  desolate.  ygur  sacred  house,  in  which  you  vainly  trust,  even  this  magnificent  temple  in  which  you 

"now  stand,  is  so  near  being  litterly  destroyed,  that  it  may  be  said  to  be  even  already  left 
desolate  to  you,  so  that  the  few  who  survive  the  general  carnage  shall  be  forced  to  sit  down 
3y  For  I  say  unto  you.  Ye  and  weep  Over  its  ruins.     For  I  am  now  making  my  last  visit  here  ;  and  J  say  unto  you,  39 
shall  not  see  me  henceforth,  -j^^^t  henceforth,  since  you  treat  me  so  ill,  ye  shall  not  see  me  any  more  fill  even  ye  shall 
lieth^a^tcomtthinthenameof  i«(/,  as  the  multitudes  lately  did,  but  with  sublimer  passions  and  nobler  views.  Blessed 
f'e  Lord.  [j;,]  ^g  f/iaf  conieth  in  the  name  of' the  Lord.'^  that  is,  till  your  calamities  have  taught  you 

eagerly  to  wish  for  the  Messiah,  and  divine  grace  shall  have  inclined  you,  as  a  nation, 
gladly  to  receive  me  under  that  character ;  but  you  little  think  through  what  scenes  of 
desolation,  exile,  and  misery,  you  must  pass  for  succeeding  ages,  before  that  happy  time 
comes.  (Compare  Luke  xiii.  34,  35.  p.  209.)  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken,  he  went 
out  of  the  temple. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

May  we  ever  remember  how  necessary  it  is  that  our  righteousness  should  exceed  that  of  the  scribes  and  Phari-Vei.23 
sees,  if  we  desire  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  !    (Matt.  v.  20.)     May  our  zeal  be  employed  on  the  great 
essentials  of  religion,  justice,  mercy,  and  fidelity,  and  not  be  laid  out  merely  or  chiefly  on  the  circumstantials 
of  it! 

May  we  be  concerned  about  the  purity  of  our  hearts,  and  not  merely  attend  to  the  decency  of  our  external  25,  26 
behaviour !  May  we  be,  not  like  painted  sepulchres,  fair  and  beautiful  without,  and  full  of  all  uncleanness  within,  27,  28 
but  rather  like  the  vessel  laid  up  before  the  Lord,  whose  outside  shone  with  polished  gold,  while  within  it  was 
replenished  with  heavenly  manna  !     (Heb.  ix.  4.) 

Hovv  many,  like  these  Pharisees,  condemn  persecution,  and  yet  themselves  are  chargeable  with  the  guilt  of  it !  29—32 
INIay  that  never  be  our  character,  lest  we  be  judged  out  of  our  own  mouths,  and  lest  we  thereby  fill  up  the  mea- 
sure of  our  iniquities ! 

Behold  the  repeated  tenderness  of  our  compassionate  Redeemer,  even  towards  that  gyiilty  city  that  killed  the  37—39 
prophets,  and  stoned  the  messengers  of  God !  He  would,  with  the  gentlest  and  most  solicitous  care,  have  gathered 
Iheni,  even  as  a  hen  gathers  her  chickens  under  her  wings !  Thus  does  he  still  call  and  invite  perishing  sinners.  Oh 
that  the  obstinacy  of  their  own  perverse  and  rebellious  wills  may  not  finally  withstand  all  the  overtures  of  his 
gra«e,  lest  eternal  desolation  be  their  portion,  and  they  in  vain  wish  for  the  repetition  of  those  calls  which  they 
once  so  wantonly  despised  ! 


SECTION  CLIX. 

Christ  applauds  the  liberality  of  the  poor  widow  whom  he  saw  casting  her  two  mites  into  the  treasury.    Mark  -\ii.  41,  to  the  end. 

Luke  xxi.  1 — 4. 

MARKxii.4i.  Mark  xii.  41. 

AND  Jesus  sat  over  against  AND  Jesus,  having  made  an  end  of  his  discourse  to  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  as  he  was  SECT. 
m3,fai?^d1)d4lKw''thl°p''e'i^-  ?"in?C  out  of  the  temple,  sat  down  at  a  little  distance,  over  against  that  part  of  it  which  was    159. 

pie  cast  money  [and  their  called  the  treasury,^  because  there  the  chests  for  collecting  the  contributions  of  the  people 

many  thS  wei-rrich^cast "in  stood,  and  in  the'chambei's  over  that  cloister  the  sacred  stores  were  kept ;  and  he  looked  up,  mark 
much.   [Luke  xxi.  1.]  and  beheld,  with  attentive  observation,  hoiv  the  people  cast  their  money,  [and]  brought  their  a?^^' 

offerings  and  free  gifts  into  the  treasury,  at  this  public  time ;  and  many  rich  men  cast  in 

g  To  the  blood  of  Zechariah,  the  son  of  Barachiah,  4(".]    Though  very  of  the  temple,  just  before  the  Romans  besieged  the  city.    Had  we  more 

learned  men  have  interpreted  this  of  four  different  persons,  1  do  not,  evidence  of  his  being  a  righteous  man,  it  would   be  harsh   to  suppose 

with  the  learned  and  candid  Witsius,{MM«/.  vol.  i.  p.  269.')  think  it  an  Christ,  in  such  a  connexion,  to  speak  of  a  future  fact  as  what  was  already 

inexplicable  ditticulty  which  of  these  is  referred  to.    1  scruple  not,  with  done  ;   or  to  charge  that  deed  on  the  whole  Jewish  nation  which   was 

Grotius,  Drusius,  Casaubon,  Erasmus,  and  many  more,  to  explain  it  of  done,  contrary  to  the  decree  of  the  sanhedrim,  by  two  resolute  villains. 

that  Zechariah  who  is  expressly  said  to  have  been  slain  in  that  remark-  All  the  martyrs  from  Abel  to  Zechariah,  seems  to  have  been  a  proverb; 

able  manner  between  the  temple  and  the  altar,  (2  Chron.  xxiv.  20,  21.)  and  it  misiht  naturally  arise  from  observing  that  Abel  was  the  first,  and 

(hough  1  take  not  upon  me  to  cfetermine  whether  (as  Chrysostom  asserts)  Zechariah  in  Chronicles  the  last,  eminently  good  man  of  whose  murder 

Jehoiada  his  father  was  also  called  Barachiah,  which  signifies  (me  that  the  Scripture  speaks. 

blesses  the  Lord,  as  Jehoiada  does  07ie  that  confesses  him  ;  or  whether  the  h  Till  ye  shall  sny.  Blessed  is  he  that  cometh,  iSr.]  This  was  doubtless 
original  reading  was  different  from  ours,  as  Jerome  says  he  found  in  spokenafter  Christ's  triumphant  entrance  into  lerusalem,  (though  Hcin- 
the  gospel  of  the  Nazarenes,  orthe  Hebrew  version  of  Matthew. — It  is  by  sius  most  unnaturally  supposes  it  transplaced,)  which  shows  the  ncces- 
no  means  necessary,  with  Capellus,  to  allow  that  it  was  a  slip  in  the  sity  of  giving  the  words  some  such  turn  as  they  have  in  the  paraphrase. 
Evangelist's  memory  ;  but  much  more  decent  to  suppose  it  an  officious  — If  we  might  be  allowed,  with  Grotius,  to  translate  ew9  av  enrtiye,  till 
addition  of  some  early  transcriber,  who  might  confound  this  martyr  with  i/e  would  be  glad  to  say,  or  -vish  yon  had  said.  Blessed  is  he  that  cometh, 
Zechariah,  one  of  the  twelve  minor  prophets,  who  was  indeed  the  son  of  Sic.  this  would  give  a  very  plain  and  easy  sense,  nearly  parallel  to 
Barachiah,  but  who  does  not  by  any  means  ap])ear  to  have  been  mur-  Matt.  xxvi.  64.  where  ott'  upri  is  perhaps  used  in  the  same  sense.  And 
dered  ;  nor  is  there  any  reason  to  imagine  the  Jews,  so  soon  after  their  thus  the  words  might  be  explained  as  if  our  Lord  had  said,  "  i'rom  the 
return  from  captivity,  would  have  attempted  so  flagitious  an  act. —  time  of  mv  present  appearance  at  this  passover,  you  shall  not  see  rne 
Though  Theophylact  understands  the  text  of  Zacharias  the  father  of  any  more  till  that  awful  hour  of  iudgment,  in  which  'shall  appear  in 
John  the  Baptist,  on  the  credit  of  an  idle  tale  of  Oriuen's,  confuted  by  such  pomp  and  power,  that  the  proudest  of  you  all  shall  have  reason  to 
Jerome,  in  which  he  tells  us  that  this  good  man  was"  murdered  in  the  wish  you  had  cordially  joined  in  those  Uosann^s  which  you  lately  re- 
temple,  (see  Erasmus,  in  loc.)  he  has  had  few  followers;  and  indeed  the  buked."  This  interpretation,  could  the  version  be  justified,  1  should 
story  seems  to  have  been  made  on  the  mistaken  authority  of  the  text  in  vastly  prefer  to  any  other.  .  . 
question. — Vet  after  all,  it  seems  still  more  unreasonable,  with  Arch-  a  The  treasury.'}  This  treasury  received  the  voluntary  contri buttons  ot 
bishop  Tillotson,  (vol.  i.  p.  197,  198.)  to  understand  these  words  as  a  the  worshippers  who  came  up  to  the  feasts  ;  and  the  money  thrown  into 
prophecy  of  that  Zechariah,  tlie  son  of  Baiuch,  who,  as  Josephus  says,  it  was  employed  to  buy  wood  for  the  altar,  salt,  and  other  necessanes 
(.Bell.  Jud.  lib.  iv.  cap.  v.  [al.  v.  1.]  5  4.)  was  assassinated  in  the  middle  not  proviiied  tor  in  any  other  way. 


278  CHRIST  FORETELLS  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  JERUSALEM. 

SECT.  7nuch ;  tliere  being  still  this  remainder  of  national  goodness  among  them,  though  true 

159.    religion  was  sunk  to  so  very  low  an  ebb. 

jlnd  there  came  among  the  rest  a  certain  poor  widow,  whose  character  and  circumstances     42  And  there  came  a  cer- 

MARK  he  well  knew;  and  she  cast  in  there  two  of  the  smallest  pieces  of  brass  coin  then  in  use,  lhrew'in°[thitherTVv"mifes! 

-^'^-    called  mites,  which,  both  taken  together,  only  make  a  farthing  of  the  Roman  money.  which  make  a  farthing.  [Luke 

43  And  our  Lord  was  so  pleased  with  this  generous  action  of  hers,  that  he  took  particular  ^''43  And  he  called  unto  him 
notice  of  it,  and  even  culled  his  disciples  to  him  to  hear  his  remarks  upon  it ;  and  as  they  his  disciples,  and  saith  unto 
stood  about  him,  he  says  to  them.  Look  upon  yonder  woman,  and  obsei-ve  the  greatness  of  {ha™  thil"poor^  widow"  ham 
her  piety  and  zeal ;  for  assuredly  I  say  unto  you,  That  this  poor  widoiv,  however  she  may  cast  more  in  than  all  they 
seem  to  men  to  have  given  but  a  very  little,  inconsiderable  matter,  has  appeared  in  the  tre^ury.  YLukTxxi.'s.? 
si^ht  of  God  to  have  cast  in  more  than  all  they  loho  have  thrown  such  sumptuous  gifts  into 

44  the  treasury.  And,  in  proportion  to  her  circumstances,  it  is  much  more ;  for  all  these  who  .  44  For  all  [these]  did  cast 
have  presented  such  large  sums,  threw  in,  comparatively,  but  a  little  part  out  of  their  }heofferingsof"God"rbut"she 
superfluity  and  redundanci/  of  possessions  irito  the  offerings  of  God:  hut  she,  in  the  midst  of  her  [penury]  did  cast  in  all 
of  her  poverty  and  the  daily  straits  to  which  she  is'exposed,  has  cast  in  all  the  little  stock  living. '^LuLe  .xxf."4.]' 

of  money  thai  she  hcul,  [even]  all  that  she  had  by  her  for  her  living  ;  not  knowing  where 
she  should  get  the  next  mite  for  herself,  to  furnish  out  the  necessary  supports  for  her 
humble  andindigent  life. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
Ver.41      Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  had  his  eye  on  those  who  were  bringing  their  gifts  into  the  sacred  treasury.    Let  us 
remember  his  eye  is  also  upon  us,  to  observe  in  what  degree  we  are  ready,  on  proper  occasions,  to  contribute  for 
the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  mankind  ;  and  in  what  proportion  to  the  ability  which  God  has  given  us.     Let 

42  not  die  poorest  be  discouraged  from  doing  something  for  these  good  purposes,  however  little  they  may  have  it  in 
their  power  to  perform ;  since  Christ  may  acknowledge  the  noblest  charity  in  the  smallest  gift ;  as  wherever  there 
is  a  icilling  mind,  it  is  accepted  according  to  what  a  man  hath,  and  not  according  to  what  he  hath  not.  (2  Cor. 
viii.  12.) 

43  Let  us  imitate  the  candour  of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  and  be  ready  to  be  pleased  with  little  services.  The  cir- 
cumstances of  mankind  are  such,  that  few  have  it  in  their  power  to  do  great  matters  frequently  for  the  service  of 
others  :  but  the  desire  of  a  man  is  his  kindness ;  (Prov.  xix.  22.)  the  principles  and  circumstances  of  an  action  re- 
commend it  more  than  the  appearance  it  may  make ;  and  a  multiplicity  of  little  kind  offices,  in  persons  frequently 
conversant  with  each  other,  are  the  bands  of  society  and  friendship.  We  ought  therefore  to  preserve  an  habitual 
tenderness  and  generosity  of  mind,  and  be  mutually  willing  to  oblige  and  be  obliged  by  them. 

44  To  conclude  :  let  us  not  despise  the  poor,  since  there  are  many  of  them  who  will,  in  Christ's  computation,  be 
found  eminently  rich  in  good  works ;  many  whose  mite  will,  in  the  treasury  of  God,  have  the  value  of  a  talent, 
and  will  condemn  the  sordid  parsimony  with  which  many  of  the  rich  and  great  have  cast  their  presents  into  it ; 
while  what  the  latter  part  with  out  of  their  abundance  bears  no  proportion,  in  the  account  of  God,  to  what  the 
former  freely  spare  from  their  necessity.  Happy  is  it  for  every  truly  pious  and  benevolent  mind,  that  it  is  to  give 
up  its  final  "account  to  him  who  searches  the  heart,  and  who  is  witness  to  those  devout  and  charitable  purposes 
which  will  always  stretch  themselves  out  beyond  the  limit  of  actions,  and  engage  the  charitable  soul  to  wish  more 
good  than  the  power  and  revenues  even  of  kingdoms  could  effect. 


SECTION  CLX. 

Our  Lord  foretells  the  approaching  destruction  of  .Jerusalem,  and  here  insists  on  the  remoter  signs  of  its  approach.    Watt.  xxiv.  1—14.    Maik 

xiii.  1—13.    Luke  xxi.  5—19. 

Matt.  xxiv.  1.  Matt.  xxiv.  1. 

SECT,  AND  when  Jesus  had  thus  confounded  his  adversaries,  and  had  foretold  the  desolation  and  Jesus  went  out,  and 
160.    that  their  aggravated  sins  would  shortly  bring  both  on  the  city  and  the  temple,  (Matt,  xxiii.  anS^his  dis'cTpjes'caml^to^fro 
-  38.  p.  277.)  he  left  the  place  ;  and  going  out  from  thence,  departed  from  the  temple,  where  for  to  shew  him  the  buildings 

xxT^v  ''*^  '^^*^  ^^^'^  discoursing  to  them.  And  as  he  was  going  away,  his  disciples  came  to  [him,]  "omrsplTke  how  it^was'adorn^ 
■^  j  and  took  that  occasion  to  show  him  the  splendid  buildings  and  magnificent  decorations  of  ed  w'th  goodly  stones  and 
the  temple :  and  some,  observing  what  a  noble  structure  it  was,  and  speaking  how  it  ivas  unto'  him°"Ma'ster,  "ee  what 
adorned  with  beautiful  stones  of  a  prodigious  size,^  ami  with  costly  gifts,  which  many  per-  P^^J*"  °*  r""/f';  i"*rM— k 
sons,  in  accomplishment  of  their  vows  for  deliverances  received,  liad'hung  up  on  the  walls  xlil.  i"?uke^xxif5.] 
and  pillars  of  it,  besides  what  was  laid  up  in  its  treasuries ;''  one  of  \them'\  says  unto  him, 
Master,  behold  what  vastly  large  and  curious  stones,  and  what  stately  edipcrs  {are  these.'\ 

2  And  Jesus  replying,  said  nnto  them,  \As  fof\  these  things  which  ye  behold  with  so  much  c  And  Jesus  [answering] 
admiration,  do  you.  not  see  the  splendour  and  magnificence  oi  all  these  great  and  pompous  /^Mhese"thi'n,S'wh\ch''ye  he- 
buildings,  which  are  the  pride  of  the  Jewish  nation,  and  the  wonder  of  all  the  rest  of  man-  hold,]  see  ye  not  all  these 
kind?  Yet,  notwithstanding  all  the  present  grandeur  of  this  stately  temple,  verily  I  say  say''''L.to'yo"f  [Li7ke'.  the 
imto  you,  That  the  days  will  quickly  come  in' which  a  victorious  enemy  shall  profane  its  days  will  come, in  the  which] 
sanctity  and  deface  its  beauty,  insomuch  that  there  shall  not  be  left  one  single  stone  upon  stonruponTnoti.er,  thatlhail 
another  here,  that  shall  not  be  entirely  demolished,''  till  no  remains  of  any  part  of  it  shall  be  np.t  ^'^  thrown  down.  [Mark 
preserved.  j  j  j  r  „„i.  2.  Luke  xxi.  6.] 

3  And  when  he  was  retired  from  the  city,  a.<i  he  sat  down  upon  the  mount  of  Olives,  which  mount  of  oiiv''el,[o've"^a°gains1 
was  over  against  the  temple,  and  commanded  the  finest  prospect  of  it  from  the  east,  the  the  temple,]  the  discii)ies, 
dhciples,  Fcter,and  James,  and  John,  ami  Andrew,  who  were  favoured  with  a  peculiar  Lnd'Anrew,]'?ame''l5ntohim 
share  of  his  intimacy  and  confidence,  came  to  him  privateli/,  saying.  Master,  we  entreat  privately,  saying,  [(.oki:. 
thee  that  thou  wouldst  tell  us  when  these  awful  things  shall  happen  ?  and  what  [shall  be]  the  ihese'things  b^'?  and  what 

a  Beautiful  stones  of  a  prodigious  size.]    Josephus  says  that  some  of  Josephus  likewise  asserts,  (ibid.  ^  6.)  that  the  marble  of  the  temple  was 

them  were  forty  hve  cubits  long,  five  high,  and  six  broad.    (Bell.  Jud.  so  white,  that  it  appeared  to  one  at  a  distance  like  a  mountain  of  snow  ; 

f     ^"i  '^"t^'  ^'  ^       ^■'"  ^'^  ^  ^'^    ^^^  '''*  large  and  beautiful  description  of  and  the  gilding  of  several  of  its  external  parts,  which  he  there  mentions, 

the  whole  temple  in  that  chapter,  which  is  one  of  the  most  entertain-  must,  especially  when  the  sun  shone  upon  it,  render  it  a  most  splendid 

mg  passages  of  such  a  kmd  I  ever  met  with.  and  beautiful  spectacle. 

b  Costly  gifts,  4:c.]     Hanging  up  such  ai/aflnuara,  or  consecrated       c  There  shall  not  be  left  one  stone  -upon  another  here,  Ac]    It  seemed 

gtjts,  was  common  m  most  ot  the  ancient  temples.— lacitus  speaks  of  exceedingly  improbable  that  this  should  happen  in  that  age,  considering 

the  immense  opulence  of  the  temple  at  Jerusalem.  ( liisior.  lib.  v.  5  8.)  the  peace  of  the  Jews  with  the  Romans,  and  the  strength  of  their  citadel, 

Amongst  others  of  its  treasures,  there  was  a  golden  table  given  by  Pom-  which  forced  Titus  himself  to  acknowledge  that  it  was  the  singular  hand 

pey,  and  several  golden  vmes,  of  exquisite  workmanship,  as  well  as  of  God   which  compelled  them   to   relinquish   fortifications   which   no 

'"fimense  size  ;  {tor  Josephus  tells  us,  in  the  chapter  cited  above,  %  4.  human  power  could  have  conquered.    (Joseph.  Bell.  Jud.  lib.  vi.  cap. 

that  they  had  clusters  [ai/i5po/i»)Kei9]  as  tall  as  a  man ;)  which  some  have  0.  [al.  vii.  16.]  %  1.    Compare  note  b,  on  Luke  xix.  4.1.  p,  CSe.)- Kishop 

thouL'ht  referred   to  God's  representing  the  Jewish    nation  under  the  Chandler  justly  observes,  that  no  impostor  would  have  foretold  an  event 

emblem  of  a  vine  ;  Isa.  v.  1,  7.  Psal.  Ix.xx.  8.  Ezek.  xv.  2,  6.— And  so  unlikely,  ami  so  disagreeable.    Defence  of  Christianity,  p.  472,  473. 


CHRIST  FORETELLS  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  JERUSALEM.  279 

,*a//A.thesignoFthycomins,  sign  of  thi,  sccond  commg,  when  thou  wilt  execute  thy  vengeance  on  these  thine  enemies  :   sect. 
"ud  ot  tiie  end  of  the  world,  ^,„(/  (,/*  ^^g  g„(j,  of  the  present  age  and  dispensation/  iclien  all  tliese.  thiiigi  shall  be  accom-    loO- 
im'iiedff'TMarl'"Si!''t' 4':p/!«A€rf,  to  make  way  for  the  brighter  glories  of  that  kingdom  which  thou  wilt  establish • 


'l^["^fKK'1ll*lse  these  things  must  first  come  to  pass,  and  be  the  gradual  openings  of  it ;  (nd  the  end  of  them, 
t  [Ll'ke,'  first]  in  the  utter  destruction  of  the  Jewish  state,  is  not  yet :  nay,  some  of  you,  my  disciples, 


[w 

Luke  xxi^  tV]""'"  " '  "  when  all  thy  sufferings  are  over,  and  every  thing  which  opposes  thy  triumph  subdued? 

4  And   Jesus    [answering      And  Jesus  ansicering  them,  began  to  sat/,  with  an  air  of  solemnity  agreeable  to  the  im-  ^^l^- 
them,  began  to  say,!  Take  portance  of  the  Subject  on  which  he  was  going  to  discourse.  As  to  the  event  concerning 
[Wark^'fi.l'TLulfe'xM.^™'  which  you  uow  inquire,  let  me  in  the  t^rst  place  caution  you,  that  you  see  [to  if\  in  the 

most  solicitous  manner,  that  no  man  deceive  you  with  false  pretences  to  a  divine  revelation 

5  For  many  shall  come  in  and  commission.     For  many  shall  come  in  my  name,  and  with  the  title  peculiar  to  me,  5 
my    name,    saying,   I   am  gai/ing,  I  am  the  Messiah ,"«  a7id  the  time  of  deliverance,  so  long  promised  and  so  long  ex- 
drITcVh.rear']'andsh'ail'de!  pected  by  the  Jewish  people,  is  now  come,f  when  the  yoke  is  to  he  broken  off  from  their 
ceive  many :  [Luke,  ko  ye  ^^^^^^  ^^^  jl-,gjj.  enemies  are  to  be  subdued  under  them  ;  and  by  these  plausible  pretences 
[Mark  xi'fi.'e.^Luke^xxi.  a]     they  shall  deceive  many ;  but  do  not  ye  therefore  go  after  them  ;  for  all  their  promises  and 

hopes  will  be  in  vaiii'  and  sudden  destruction  will  overtake  them  and  their  followers. 

6  [Luke,  But  when]   ye      Bat  when  ye  shall  hear  of  wars,  and  rumours  if  ivars,  among  the  Jews,  and  seditions  6 
Shalt  hear^of^wars,  ami  _ruj  pj^jsg^}  ^y  theiTi  in  several  pkces  against  the  Romans,  sec  that  you  be  not  troubled,  \and] 
co?nmotim7sTsee  that*'ye'"be  terrified,  as  if  the  great  event  that  I  have  now  foretold  would  immediately  happen  ;/(>/•  all 

not  troubled  f  ^  •■  ■""    — -"  *"'  '  ~  ^   ,         i  i       i  :      __r    .l.    /     i  j;  _  — j  _r  ii 

rihed  :]  tor  a 

thin2s]    must  

not"yet°  Twark''xiii*''7  'Luke'  will  have  Several  important  services  to  perform  here  after  these  alarms  are  begun ;  services 
xxi.  y.]'    '  '   '  which,  even  by  means  of  these  alarms,  you  may  pursue  with  some  peculiar  advantages. 

7  [Luke,  Then  said  he  nn-  And  then  he  further  added  and  said  to  them,  Judea  shall  not  be  the  only  seat  of  war  at  7 
to  them,]  Nation  shall  rise  ^\y^^  time"  for  in  the  neighbouring  countries  nation  shall  rise  up  against  jiation,  and  kmg- 
ala'nlt  kins"dom:  andlere  dom  aguinst  kingdom :«  and,  partly  as  the  consequence  of  these  ravages  and  slaughters,  and 
shall  be  famines,  and  pesti-  partly  l)y  the  immediate  hand  of  Providence  on  sinful  men  who  have  rejected  the  gospel, 
earthquakes  in  dh^ers  pflc2s]  as  also  to  exercise  the  faidi  and  charity  of  its  professors,  there  shall  be  severe  famines  and 
5'earfu*rsi"'i!t'''^aLi'ireaf'si-n'  ^oxiTiX  pestUenccs ;  and  there  shall  also  iiappen  great  and  terrible  earthquakes  in  various 
shHnVer*e'be''t>on?'heavem]  places,  and  troubles  and  anguish  of  mind  in  the  apprehension  of  yet  greater  calamities. 
[Markxiii.  8.  Luke  xxi.  10,  jjg^g  ^t  home  there  shall  also  be  dreadful  sights,  and  great  signs  from  heaven,  particularly 

a  comet  like  a  flaming  sword  waving  over  Jerusalem,  and  the  appearance  of  contending 

8  All  these  are  the  [begin-  armies  in  the  air.*"     But  all  these  things  [wz-e]  only  the  beginnings  (/those  sorroius  and  8 
nings]  of  sorrows.  [Markxiii.  alarms  that  will  issue  in  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem. 

Mark  xiii.  9.  Buttakeheed       But  take  ye  heed  to  yourselves,  and  be  cautious  how  you  behave;  and  though  you  meet  mark 
betmeau'the^Sth"^^^  with  the  Severest  persecutions,  be  not  discouraged  from  persisting  in  the  truth,  ami  from    Xin. 

shall  lay  their 'hands  on  you!  continuing  faithful  in  your  regards  to  me:  for  before  all  these  things  shall  happen,  they  ^ 
defiver'"y^'u"up'"to"councul'  sha/l  Icii/  their  violent  ha7ids  upon  you,  and  persecute  you  widi  the  greatest  cruelty  and  rage  ; 
[LuKi!,  a«rf  to  the  syna-  [and!  'shall  deliver  some  o(  you  up  to  the  greater  councils;  [and~\  cite  others  ot  you  to 
be]"reatl^"'[««rf°altiirte"d 'Ind  appear  before  the  inferior  courts  in  the  synagogues,  and  shall  cast  some  of  you  into  prisons, 
shall  kill  you :]  and  ye  [siiaii  fo  be  Severely  scourged,  [and]  otherwise  afflicted  by  confinement  and  a  variety  of  hardships 
shal^bf  bright  MbreVule'^rs  there  ;i  «Hd  "indeed  they  shall  go  so  far  as  to  kill  some  of  you  in  a  few  years  ;  aiid  as  for 
and  kings  for  my  [name's]  the  rest,  ye  shall  be  generally  hated,  not  only  by  the  Jews  here  at  home,  but  by  those 
them.'°[Mau.'xSv°9."^uke  abroad,  and  bi/  all  the  Gentile  7iatio7is  to  wjiom  you  go;  [ayid]  shall  be  brought  before 
xxi.  12.]  rulers  and  kings  for  my  name's  sake,  and  for  a  testimony  against  them  that  the  gospel  has 

been  offered  to  them  in  the  most  public  manner,  even  to  the  greatest  of  men,  to  whom  you 

Luke  xxi.  !.•?.  And  it  shall  might  Otherwise  have  had  no  access.  (Compare  Matt.  x.  17,  18.  sect.  Ixxv.)    And  it  shall  luke 
turn  to  you  for  a  testimony,    j^j^^  ^^^^^  .^  ^p^^  ^;,^  „  public  and  honourable  testimony  of  the  innocence  of  your  cause,  XXL  12 
however  it  may  IJe  misrepresented,  and  of  the  integrity  and  uprightness  of  your  conduct. 

Mark  xiii.  10.  And  thegos-  Aiul  indeed,  notwithstanding  this  early  and  violent  opposition,  yet  before  the  destruc-  mauk 
amon""ali  nations  ^"'"''^'^'"^  tion  of  Jerusalem  the  gospel  must  first  he  preached  among  all  the  heathen  nations  which  are  X'll.  ' 
among  a    na  ions.  subjected  to  the  Roman  empire,  (see  note  n,)  and  there  also  you  will  be  followed  with  the  ^^ 

u  But  when  they  shall  lead  like  assaults  and  persecutions.     But  when  they  shall  bring  you  before  governors  and  kings,  1 1 
j/uM,  and  deliver  you  up,  [set-  ^^^j  deliver  you  up  to  the  officers  of  justice,  to  be  prosecuted  as  criminals  in  their  most 

d  The  end  of  the  present  age.']  So  <Ti>i/TeXeia  rov  aioji/oc  may  well  be  a  particular  detail  of  those  cirrnmstanoes,  T  must  content  myself  with 
rendered.  Compare  Matt.  xii.  .'52.  Kom.  xii.  2.  1  Cor.  x.  11.  Kph.  ii.2,  reterring  to  Dr.  Whitby's  excellent  notes  on  the  twenty-tourth  ot  Mat- 
7.  Hcb.  vi.  5.  ix.  26.  in  all  which  places  aiwi/  may  be  rendered  age. —  thew,  and  to  Archbishop  'I'illotson's  large  and  accurate  discourse  on  the 
Archbishop  Tillotson  and  many  other  excellent  writers  would  retain  our  same  subject,  in  the  second  volume  of  liis  Posthumous  JVorks,  Her.  183 
translation,  and  suppose  here  are  two  distinct  questions;  JMiat  xlwuld  he  — \S^.  y>.  bVt,  et.  seq.  -c  ■  u 
the  sirm  of  his  coming  to  punish  the  ungrateful  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  ?  f  The  time  is  come.]  The  word  ^yjiKe  may  signify  either  the  approach 
and  What  the  sign  of  his  final  apiiearance  to  the  universal  ludgmeni  ?  or  arrival  of  the  time,  and  inay  with  great  propriety  express  the  first 
And  that  Christ  answers  the  first  question  in  the  former  and  the  second  opening  of  a  scene  to  be  gradual  ly  disclosed  ;  in  which  sense  it  is  applieil 
in  the  latter  part  of  the  chapter  :  though  where  the  transition  is  made,  to  Christ's  kingdom,  as  preached  by  himself  and  his  apostles  during  the 
has  been,  among  those  that  embrace  this  interpretation,  matter  of  much  time  of  his  personal  ministry. — Such  pretended  Messiahs  did  indeed 
debate.— Others  have  supposed  the  apostles  took  it  for  granted  that  the  arise  towards  the  cose  of  the  Jewish  state.  (See  1  John  iv.  1.  Acts  v. 
world  was  to  be  at  an  end  when  Jerusalem  was  destroyed  ;  and  that  36,  37-  and  Joseph.  Antiq.  lib.  xx.  cap.  8.  [al.  6,  7.]  J  6,  10.)— The 
Christ  was  not  solicitous  to  undeceive  them,  as  their  error  might  make  Khemish  Jesuits,  as  much  as  they  triumph  in  their  infallible  guide  to 
them  so  much  the  more  watchful  ;  and  therefore  answers  in  ambiguous  the  interpretation  of  Scripture,  ridiculously  explain  this  as  a  prophecy 
terms,  which  might  suit  either  of  these  events. —  But  it  seems  much  more  of  Luther  and  Calvin  ;  which  1  mention  only  as  one  instance,  among 
natural  to  conclude,  that  they  expected  the  wicked  persecutors  of  Christ  many  more,  of  their  contemptible  ignorance  or  wicked  prevarication, 
(in  which  number  most  of  the  magistrates  and  priests  were)  would  bv  g  Nation  shall  rise  up  against  nation,  Sec]  Grotius  gives  us  a  par- 
some  signal  judgment  be  destroyed  ;  and  that  hereupon  he  would  erect  ticular  account  of  several  wars  of  the  Jews  among  themselves,  and  of 
a  most  illustrious  kingdom,  ana  probably  a  more  magnificent  temple,  the  Romans  with  the  Syrians,  Samaritans,  and  other  neighbouring  na- 
which  thev  might  think  described  in  Ezekiel :  an  expectation  which  thev  tions,  before  Jerusalem  was  destroyed.— There  were  also  earthquakes  at 
did  not  eiitirelv  quit  even  to  the  day  of  his  ascension.  (See  Acts  i.  6.)  this  time  in  Apamea,  Laodicea,  and  Campania.  (See  lacit.  Amial.  Ith. 
Our  Lord,  with  perfect  integrity  and  consummate  wisdom,  gives  them  xii.  §  43.  58.  //*.  xiv.  %  27.  Hh.  xv.  i,  22.  Sueton.  Nero,  cap  4S.  Lialb. 
an  account  of  the  prognosticating  and  concomitant  signs  of  the  destruc-  cap.  18.)— The  famine  in  the  days  of  Claudius  is  mentioned.  Acts  -xi. 
lion  of  Jerusalem  ;  and  then,  without  saying  one  word  of  any  temporal  28.  as  well  as  recorded  in  history  ;  (Sueton.  Claud,  cap.  18.  and  Euseb. 
kin/jdom  to  be  erected,  raises  their  thoughts  to  the  final  judgment,  (to  Hist.  Eccl.  lib.  ii.  cap.  8.)  and  many  perished  by  it  in  Judea.  See 
which  the  figures  used  in  the  former  description  might  many  of  them  be  Joseph.  Antiq.  lib.  xx.  cap.  2.  *  6. 

literally  applied,)  and  sets  before  them  an  heavenly  kingdom,  and  h  Dreadful  sights,  and  great  signs  from  heaven,  &c.]  Of  theseappear- 
eternal  life,  as  the  great  object  of  their  pursuit.  Matt.  xxv.  .34,  46. —  ances,  see  Joseph.  Bell.  Jnd.  lib.  vi.  cap.  5.  [al.  vii.  12.]  §  3.  and  lacit. 
This  I  take  to  be  the'key  to  this  whole  discourse  ;  the  particular  parts  of  Histor.  lib.  v.  ^  13. —  I  cannot  here  but  add  an  excellent  observation  ot 
which  have  been  admirably  illustrated  by  many  learned  commentators:  Mr.  West,  relating  to  the  authors  by  whom  this  prophecy,  which  15  ex- 
but  the  whole  scope  and  connexion  of  it,  so  far  as  I  can  recollect,  fully  pressed  in  terms  so  very  plain  and  circumstantial,  is  recorded,  tnat 
explained  by  none.  Matthew  and  Mark  were  in.ontcstably  dead  before  the  event,  as  l-uKe 

e  Alatiy  shall  come  in  my  name,  ^c]     See  Joseph.  Bell.  Jvd.  lib.  ii.  also  probably  might  be;  and  as  for  John,  tlie  only  Kvangelist  who  sur- 

cap.  13.  [al.  12.]  §  4,  5. — Christian  writers  have  always  with  great  reason  vived  it,  it  is  remarkable  that  he  says  nothing  of  it,  lest  any  shoum  say 

represented  Josephus's  History  of  the  Jewish  ff'aras  the  best  commentary  the  prophecy  was  forged  after  the  event  happened. — See  West,  c/«  tite 

on  this  chapter  ;  and  many  have  justly  remarked  it  as  a  wonderful  in-  Resurrection  of  Christ,  p.  393.  ,. 

stance  of  the  care  of  Providence  for  the  christian  church,  that  he,  an       ;  iihall  deliver  you  up  to  the  cmmctls,  J(r.]      All  this  was  e.xaciiy  at- 

eyewitness,  and,  in  these  things,  of  so  great  credit,  should  (especially  complished  ;  for  Peter  and  John  were  called  before  the  sannecn  im,  (^cis 

in  such  an  extraordinary  manner)  be  preserved  to  transmit  to  us  a  col-  iv.  6,  7.)  James  and  Peter  before  Herod,  (Acts  xii.  -,  .1.)  ana  raui 

lection  ot  important  facts,  which  so  exactly  illustrate  this  noble  prophecy  before   Nero  the  emperor,  as  well  as    before  the    Komaii   governors, 

lU  almost  every  circumstance.    (Compare  Joseph.   Belt.  Jud.  lib.   iii.  Gallic,  Felix,  and  Festus,  (Acts  xviiL  12.  sxiv.  xxv.  xxMii.) 
cap.  8.  [al.  11.])    But  as  it  would  swell  my  notes  too  much  to  enter  into 


280  REMOTER  SIGNS  OF  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  JERUSALEM. 

SECT    solemn  courts,  settle  it  at  such  times  in  your  hearts  as  a  constant  rule,  not  to  draw  up  any  Ue  it  in  your  hearts,  not  to 
IGO.'  formal  speech,  nor  to  premeditate  what  armver  or  apology  you  shall  make;  [aniV\  be  not  ™^swl'l-t««rf]tare'nothou'g'ht 

anxiously  solicitous  before-hand  ivhat  you  shall  speak  in  your  defence,  to  vindicate  your-  before-h'aud    what  ye  shall 

MARK  selves  and  your  religion  fi-om  the  unrighteous  charges  and  aspersions  of  your  enemies ;  but  hf^'l^n'^'you'tnThat  houil 
^'"-    whatsoever  shall  he  given  in  to  you,  and  be  strongly  suggested  to  your  minds  in  that  hour,  that-speak  ye :  for  it  is  not  ye 
^^  that  speak  boldly  arid  resolutely ;  for  it  is  not  you  that  speak,  but  the  Holy  Spirit  himself,  Ghostf^Luke  xxi.  uJ]  ^^^ 
■who  shall  assist  and  dictate  to  you.     (Compare  Matt.  x.  19,  20.  sect.  IxxV.  and  Luke  xii. 
LUKE   11,  12.  sect,  cxi.)     For  it  is  really  my  cause  in  which  you  are  engaged;  and  therefore,    .Luke  xxi.  15.    For  I  will 
XXI.    though  you  are  ignorant  and  unlearned  men,  and  so  may  be  apprehensive  you  shall  be  fvhTcr"afi"your '"advTrsl^i^s 
^^  confounded  in  the  presence  of  persons  who  are  in  rank  and  education  so  much  your  supe-  shall  not  be  able  to  gainsay, 
riors,  vet  depend  upon  it,  that  I  will  give  you  a  mouth  to  plead,  and  wisdom,  to  answer  """^  '^^*'^'' 
whatever  they  allege  against  you,  which  all  your  adversaries  shall  not  be  able  to  contradict  or 
withstand,  but  shall  be  even  astonished  at  the  freedom  and  propriety  with  which  you  shall 
express  yourselves,  according  to  the  various  occasions  which  arise.     (Compare  Acts  iv. 
13,  14.) 
MATT.       And  many  that  have  owned  themselves  my  foUov/ers  shall  then  be  offended,  and  give  up     Matt.  xxiv.  10.  And  then 
XXIV.  all  regard  to  the  gospel,  when  they  see  the  profession  of  it  must  cost  them  so  dear ;  and  |K^j}  bXy  oL  another;  !nd 
■^^  having  proved  apostates,  they  shall  become  persecutors  too,  and  shall  betray  one  another,  shall  hate  one  another. 
and  kite  one  another,  as  being  in  their  consciences  secretly  galled  at  the  greater  fidelity  of 
MARK  their  companions.    And  this  wretched  temper  shall  rise  to  such  a  height  as  to  break  through     Mark  xiii    iq.    Now  the 
XIII.    all  the  bonds  of  nature,  insomuch  that  one  brother  shall  betray  another,  not  only  to  impri-  ther  to  death,  anlfThetaA^ 
12  sonment  but  to  death:  and  the  father,  on  the  one  hand,  shall  betray  \his\  own  son;  and  the^  s^on :  and  children  shall 
children,  on  the  other  hand,  shall  rise  up  as  witnesses  against  [their]  aged  parents,  and  cause  "nd  s"  aiilaus^e  them  t^bl put 
LUKE   them  to  be  put  to  death  without  compassion  or  remorse.     And  these  scenes,  monstrous  as  *"  jj^f^'^-^^i  jg  ^^^^    ^  ^^ 
XXI.    they  may  seem,  shall  pass  in  your  days,  and  before  your  eyes ;  nay,  you  yourselves  shall  be  betrayed  both  by  parlnte, 
^6  have  a  painful  share  in  them :    For  you,  my  apostles  and  servants,  shall  be  betrayed  and  ^ud  fr[e^ndr"knd  wi'^of"'''^' 
persecuted  even  by  parents,  and  brethren,  and  kindred,  and  those  that  pretend  to  be  the  most  shall  theyVause  toTe  pu^°» 
faithful  and  affectionate  friends;  and  [.?o?»e]  of  you  shall  they  cause  to  be  slain  by  the  hand  '^^'^'h. 

17  of  public  and  oppressive  violence.  And  indeed  this  temper  shall  so  generally  prevail,  that  17  And  ye  shall  be  hated 
ye  shall  be  hated  by  almost  all  ranks  and  orders  as  well  as  nations  of  men,  for  the  sake  of  "^ke  [MaTk  xik  Tl]  "'""*'* 
OT!/  7mme  and  gospel,''  though  they  can  find  nothing  else  to  object  to  your  character,  or 

accuse  in  yourconduct ;  and  they  shall  treat  you  as  public  enemies,  while  you  are  acting 

18  the  most  generous  and  benevolent  part.     (Compare  Matt.  x.  22.  sect.  Ixxv.)     But  in  the     is  But  there  shall  not  an 
midst  of  all  your  sufferings  be  courageous  and  cheerful,  as  knowing  you  are  the  care  of  a  ''axot  yourheadpensh. 
peculiar  and  most  gracious  Providence ;  so  that,  on  the  whole,  you  shall  be  safe,  and  not 

1 9  an  hair  of  your  head  shall  utterly  perish,^  or  fall  to  the  ground  unregarded.    In  your  patience     i9  In  your  patience  possess 
therefore  possess  ye  your  souls,"'  and  be  calm  and  serene,  the  masters  of  yourselves,  and  ^^  ^'°"'"  '"'"'*• 
above  the  agitation  of  any  irrational  or  disquieting  passion. 

For  though  your  discouragements  are  great,  and  particularly  on  this  account,  that  (as  I  f^f^^^^-^.  •'"j'''- 1' •  ,'f^".'^  ""^"^ 
hinted  before,  ver.  5.)  7na7iy  false  prophets  shall  arise,  and  shall  deceive  many ;  which  some  shaTldeceivl  many.  "^^'  ^ 

12  will  urge  as  a  further  excuse  for  suspecting  and  abusing  you  :  And  though,  because  iniquity  ^^12  And^^beca^usj.-  i'^'^q^">^ 
shall  thus  abound  under  such  a  variety  of  forms,  the  love  of  many  professing  christians,  who  many  s1iaU  wax  co^ld. 
should  be  your  protectors  and  comforters,  will  grow  cool ;  so  that  they  shall  be  afraid  or 
ashamed  to  entertain  vou,  and  shall  be  ready  to  throw  up  the  cause  which  you  so  zeal- 

13  ously  defend  :  Yet  sink  not  under  the  burden ;  but  remember  this,  and  let  it  animate  you   ^^13  But  hethaUimlUndm-e 
amidst  all  your  difficulties.  That  he  who  resolutely  endures  all  these  extremities,  and  per-  be  s°aved.*"[Mark xliiriaf]'^ 
severes  to  the  end,  shall  finally  be  saved,  and  have  his  life  given  him  as  a  prey.    (Compare 
Matt.  X.  22.) 

14  And  know,  for  your  further  encouragement,  that  all  their  rage  shall  not  be  able  to  ^^jj^tdom'sh^an  be°'reached'^n 
destroy  the  interest  in  which  you  are  embarked,  and  to  which  you  sacrifice  so  much  ;  for  aiT"the"wori<i,  for'^a^'wUnes" 
I  assure  you,  that  this  glorious  gospel  of  the  kingdom  of  heav-^n  shall  first  be  preached  in  all  ^mto  M  JJ^'j,o'J^y  and  then 
the  Ivor  Id,  for  a  witness  to  all  its  most  distant  nations ;"  and  then  shall  the  end  of  the  Jewish  ^  ** 
state  come,  and  God,  having  thus  gathered  for  himself  a  people  from  among  the  Gentiles, 
shall  destroy  even  this  temple  itself,  in  which  they  have  trusted  so  much,  and  which  they 
have  foolishly  looked  upon  as  an  inviolable  pledge  of  his  favour. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

The  whole  of  this  prophecy  most  evidently  shows  us  how  vain  and  dangerous  it  is  to  trust  in  external  privileges, 
and  to  cry  out,  as  these  foolish  and  wretched  Jews  did,  The  temple  of  the  Lord,  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  the  temple 

k  Ye  shall  he  haled  by  all  men  for  the  sake  of  my  name.]    That  not  only  expression.    See  1  .Sam.  xiv.  45.  2  Sam.  xiv.  11.  ]  Kings  i.  52.  and  Acts 

the  apostles  but  all  the  primitive  christians,  were  in  general  more  hated  xxvii.  .34. 

and  persecuted  than  any  other  religious  sect  of  men,  is  most  notorious  m  In  your  patience  possess  ye  pour  sotils.]  Though  the  word  KTairHai 
to  all  who  are  at  all  acquainted  with  ecclesiastical  history  :  a  fact  which  does  often  signify  to  acquire  or  procure,  (see  Matt.  x.  9.  Acts  i.  18.  viij. 
miehf  seem  unaccountable,  when  we  consider  liow  inoffensive  and  bene-  20.  xxii,  28.)  yet  1  cannot  suppose,  with  Breunius,  that  our  Lord  intends 
volent  their  temper  and  conduct  was,  and  how  friendly  an  aspect  their  here  chieHy  to  intimate  that  fortitude  and  composure  of  spirit  might  have 
tenets  had  on  the  security  of  any  government  under  which  they  lived,  a  tendency  to  secure  their  lives,  as  it  would  enable  them  calmly  to 
We  are  not  to  imagine  (as  Mons.  St.  Real  weakly  insinuates,  in  his  ill-  deliberate  on  the  several  circumstances  which  might  arise.  1  cannot 
digested  though  elegant  History  of  the  Life  of  Jesus,  p.  264.)  that  they  but  think,  that  the  sense  which  the  accurate  and  pious  Dr.  Wright  gives 
had  any  peculiar  aversion  to  the  name  of  Christ,  fhe  learned  Dr.  of  this  passage,  in  that  excellent  piece  of  christian  philosophy,  his  Dts- 
Warburton  has  shown,  beyond  all  contradiction,  in  his  masterly  man-  cotuse  mi  Self- Possession,  (p.  4,  5.)  is  much  more  natural,  as  well  as  more 
ner,  that  the  true  reason  of  this  opposition  was,  tliat  while  the  different  noble ;  as  it  our  Lord  had  said,  "  By  keening  the  government  of  your 
pagan  religions,  like  the  cotifederated  demons  honoured  by  them,  own  spirits  in  these  awful  scenes,  which  will  bear  down  so  many  others, 
spciafily  agreed  with  each  other,  the  gospel  taught  christians,  not  only,  you  will  secure  the  most  valuable  self-enjoyment,  as  well  as  be  able 
like  the  Jews,  to  bear  their  testimony  to  the  falsehood  of  them  all,  but  most  prudently  to  guard  against  the  dangers  which  will  surround  you." 
also  with  the  most  fervent  zeal  to  urge  the  renunciation  of  them  as  a  n  This  gospel— shall  lie  preached  in  all  the  world,  Sic.]  The  accomplish- 
point  of  absolute  necessity  ;  requiring  all  men,  on  the  most  tremendous  ment  of  this  extraordinary  prophecy  is  admirably  illustrated  by  Dr. 
penalties,  to  believe  in  Christ,  and  in  all  things  to  submit  themselves  to  Arthur  Young,  On  Idolatry,  vol.  ii.  p.  216— C.Sl.  It  appears  from  the 
his  authority.  (See  Dr.  Warburton's  Divine  Legation  of  Moses,  vol.  i.  most  credible  records,  that  the  gospel  was  preached  in  Idumea,  Syria, 
book  11.  ^  6.  p.  278 — 2i)5.)  A  demand  which  bore  so  hard,  especially  on  and  Mesopota\nia,  by  Jude;  in  Egypt,  Marmorica,  Mauritania,  and 
the  pride  and  licentiousness  of  their  princes,  and  the  secular  interests  of  other  parts  of  Africa,  by  Mark,  Simon,  and  .lude  ;  in  Kthiopia,  by 
their  priests,  that  it  is  no  wonder  they  raised  so  violent  a  storm  against  Candace's  Eunuch,  and  Matthias  ;  in  Pontus,  Galatia,  and  the  neigh- 
it ;  which,  considering  the  character  and  prejudices  of  the  populace,  it  bouring  parts  of  Asii^,  by  Peter ;  in  the  territories  of  the  Seven  Asiatic 
must  be  very  easy  to  do.  Churches  by  .lohn  ;  in  Parthia,  by  Matthew  ;  in  Scythia,  by  Philip  and 

1  Not  an  hair  of  your  head  shall  perish."]    Our  Tyird  had  foretold  but  Andrew  ;  in  the  northern  and  western  parts  of  Asia,  by  Bartholomew  ; 

just  before,  (ver.  16.)  that  several  of  them  should  he  put  to  death  ;  he  in  Persia,  by  Simon  and  .lude  ;  in  Media,  Carmauia,  and  several  eastern 

must  therefore  here  intend  to  assure  them,  that  when  they  came  on  the  parts,  by  Thomas  ;  through  the  vast  tract  from  .lerusalem  round  about 

whole  to  balance  their  accounts,  they  should  find   they  had   not  been  unto  lllyricum,  bv  Paul  ;'as  also  in  Italy,  and  probably  in  Spain,  Gaul, 

lo.sers  in  any  the  least  instance  ;  but  that  whatever  damage  they  had  sus-  and  Britain  :  in  niost  of  which  places  christian  churches"  were  planted  in 

tamed,  it  should  be  amply  made  up,  and  they  at  length  placed  in  a  less  than  tliirty  years  after  the  death  of  Christ,  which  was  before  fhe 

state  of  entire  security.     This  is  plainly  the  import  of  this  proverbial  destruction  of  Jerusalem. 


MATT. 
XXIV. 


NEARER  SIGNS  OF  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  JERUSALEM.  281 

of  the  Lord,  are  these  buildings;  when  of  this  stately  and  magnificent  structure,  within  less  than  half  a  century  sect. 
after  it  was  finished,  not  one  stone  was  left  on  another  undemolished.  160. 

So  particular  a  prediction,  when  compared  with  the  event,  must  surely  confirm  our  faith  in  Christ,  as  the  great  • 


Prophet  which  was  to  come  into  the  world.     And  we  shall  see  reason  to  admire  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  matt. 
divme  Providence  in  giving  us,  almost  by  a  miraculous  preservation  of  the  author,  such  a  commentary  on  this  ^-'^l'^'- 
prophecy  as  is  delivered  down  to  us  in  the  works  of  Josephus,  the  Jewish  historian,  which  throw  a  much  stronger 
light  upon  it  than  if  they  had  been  written  by  a  christian  on  purpose  to  illustrate  it. 

Let  us  bless  God  that  our  own  eyes  have  not  seen  such  desolations  and  ruins,  such  commotions  in  the  natural  i-uke 
and  moral  world,  such  dissensions  in  civil  life,  such  persecutions  and  hatreds  amongst  the  nearest  relatives,  under  xxi. 
the  pretence  of  propagating  religion:  which,  however  propagated,  is  nothing  without  that  love  which  is  so  often  ^'^^  ^^ 
made  the  first  victim  to  it. 

Yet  too  plainly  do  we  see,  in  one  form  or  another,  iniquity  abounding,  and  the  love  of  many  waxing  cold.  Let  matt. 
us  endeavour  to  revive  on  our  own  hearts  a  deep  and  lasting  impression  of  divine  things ;  and  remember,  when-  xxiv. 
ever  we  are  tempted  to  let  go  our  integrity,  that  it  is  he  alone  who  endures  to  the  end  that  shall  be  saved.  13 

Whatever  our  trials  are,  let  us  cheerfully  confide  in  the  protection  of  divine  Providence  ;  nor  let  us  despair  of  luke 
those  continued  influences  of  the  blessed  Spirit  which  may  animate  us  to  the  most  difficult  services,  and  su])port  xxi.  i4 
us  under  the  most  painful  sufferings.     Let  us  therefore  in  patience  possess  our  own  souls,  and  maintain  that  com-  18,  19 
posuve  and  steadiness  of  spirit,  as  those  that  know  how  much  more  valuable  it  is  than  any  enjoyment  which  can 
be  taken  away,  or  any  temporal  interest  which  can  be  brought  into  question. 


SECTION  CLXI. 

\  of  Jer 
-28.     ] 

Luke  xxi.  20. 


Our  Lord  proceeds  to  describe  the  nearer  prognostications  of  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  and  the  extreme  severity  of  tliose  calamities  wliicli 
sliould  then  fall  on  the  Jewish  nation.    Matt.  xxiv.  15—28.    Mark  xiii.  14—23.     Luke  xxi.  20—24. 


Luke  xxi.  20. 

AND  when  ye  shall  see  Jeru-  OUR  Lord  having  proceeded  thus  far  in  his  discourse,  added  some  more  immediate  signs  SECT. 
[«'fJ'ti^TSnltTon''o't'de'lo-  ^J  which  the  near  approach  of  this  terrible  destruction  might  be  determined ;  and  said,    16  L 

lation,  spoken  of  by  Daniel   When  you  shall  See  Jerusalem  encompassed  on  every  side  ivith  the  Roman  armies,  [fwrf]  the 

ingX''re'iVoight\"o^f[Tn?he  abomination  of  desolation  spoken  of  by  Daniel  the  prophet,  (Dan.  ix.  27.)  standing  where  it   luke 
holy  place,  f  whoso  readeth,  ought  not,  and  displayed  in  an  holy  place ;  that  is,  when  the  standards  of  their  desolating  r,A^^* 
know'''that    thl'''"d'isL*tmn  legions,  on  which  they  bear  the  detestable  images  of  their  idols,  are  planted  on  holy 
thereof  is  nigh.  [Matt.  xxiv.  ground  :"  then  know  that  the  desolation  thereof  is  just  approaching.     And  by  the  way,  now 
1  .      ar  ■  xiii.  14.]  J  jjjgntJQjj  t|ja.t  remarkable  prophecy,  let  every  one  that  reads  it  pause  seriously  upon  it, 

that  he  may  understand  its  meaning ;  for  it  contains  one  of  the  most  eminent  predictions 

which  can  any  where  be  found,  of  the  time,  purposes,  and  consequences  of  my  appearing; 
21  Then  let  them  which  are  and  the  whole  context  is  of  great  importance.'^  Now  I  say,  when  you  see  this  signal,  then  21 
tains"  and  let 'them  whi'ch  ^^^  '''^'"  ^^"^  ^rc  in  Judea  flee,  as  fast  as  they  can,  from  the  fortified  cities  and  populous 
are  in  the  midst  of  it,  depart  towns,  to  the  mountains  and  the  wilderness,  where  they  will  be  secure  ;  and  especially,  let 
fn  the*  count "ieL'enTert^he're^-  ^^^"^  ^^'(^1  tire  in  the  midst  qf  it,  where  Jemsalem  stands,  depart  immediately  out  of  it, 
into.   [Matt.  xxiv.  16.  Mark  before  their  retreat  is  cut  off  by  the  union  of  the  enemy's  forces  near  that  centre  ;  and  let 

not  them  that  are  in  the  adjacent  countries,  by  any  means  attempt  to  enter  into  it  as  a  place 
Jiark  xiii.  15.  And  let  him  of  Safety ;  for  all  its  Strength,  and  all  its  sanctity,  will  not  secure  its  inhabitants.    Let  every  mark 
Ko^'doirinto  the  "house'',' nel-  o"^  therefore  retreat  as  fast  as  possible,  and  let  not  him  that  is  taking  the  air  on  the  battle-  .-^"l- 
ther  enter  therein,  to  take  any  ments  at  the  top  of  the  house,  go  doivn  info  the  house,  nor  enter  into  it  to  take  awai/  any 
xxi""  I?"]  "*^'       "■  thing,  though  ever  so  precious,  out  of  his  house ;  but  let  him  go  down  by  the  outer  stairs, 

thefi.4d**nou^n'\"'k*  '^  '"  ^^  ^^^  shortest  way,  lest  he  should  linger  to  his  own  destruction.     And  let  not  him  that  is  16 
for  to  tik"  up" his  "garment"  ^^  work  in  the  field,  and  hath  laid  aside  his  upper  garment  as  an  encumbrance,  go  back,  so 
[Matt.  xxiv.  18.]  much  as  a  few  steps,  to  take  his  clothes,'^  lest  the  enemy  should  surprise  him  before  he  can 

Luke  xxi.  22.  For  these  be  recovcr  them.  (Compare  Luke  xvii.  31.  p.  224.)  In  a  word,  let  every  one  flee  for  his  luke 
I'lf  thinls^wMch'lrrwriuen  ^'^^'  ^"^  reckon  himself  sufficiently  happy  if  he  can  escape  with  it,  though  in  the  most  oo"^^' 
may  be '"fulfilled.  naked  and  destitute  circumstances  -.for  these  are  days  o/'most  terrible  vengeance,  to  which 

most  of  the  threatenings  of  the  prophets,  even  from  the  days  of  Moses,  do  ultimately  refer; 

and  they  shall  be  so  full  of  distress  and  misery,  that  all  the  most  dreadful  things  which  are 

written  in  them  may  then  be  said  to  be  completely  fulfilled.'^ 
Mark  xiii.  17.    But  woe  to      But  more  especially  there  will  be  woe  and  iextox  to  them  that  are  with  child,  and  to  them,  mark 
anTto'them  that  gTve^ulk'i'n  ^^"^  S}^'^  ■''■"''^'  >n  tlwse  days ;  as  their  encumbrances  will  be  peculiarly  great,  and  they  that  ^^"1- 
those  days^  [Matt.  xxiv.  19.  are  with  them  will  be  driven  in  a  wild  consternation  to  consult  their  own  safety,  to  the 

e  XXI.  23.]  neglect  of  those  whom  common  humanity  might  teach  them  to  guard  and  assist. 

fli'LA!"*  ''I^^  ^fx  that.your      And  therefore  pray  that  no  additional  circumstances  of  difficulty  may  attend  you:  as,  18 

night  be  not  m  the   wniter,  /•       ■      .  .1     .   .u-  ■    ■.    .      /t    1  ,  .   1      •  •    ,  1  1  ,  ,      , 

[neither  on  the  sabbath-day.]  'O"^  instance,  that  this  your  \)Tec\\)\idAe  flight  may  not  be  m  winter,  when  the  roads  are  bad, 

[Matt.  xxiv.  20.]  and  tlie  days  short  and  dark  ;  nor  fall  out  on  a  sabbath-day ;  for  a  short  journey  may  not 

be  sufficient ;  and  the  regard  which  most  of  the  christians  in  these  parts  will  have  for  that 

day,  may  make  them  scrupulous  of  violating  a  rest  they  think  so  sacred,  by  a  longer 

march,  even  in  a  case  of  so  much  extremity. 

a  Planted  on  holy  ground.]    Not  only  the  temple,  and  the  mountain  ings  were  published.     But  that  the  period  is  long  since  elapsed  is  certain, 

on  w Inch  it  stood,  but  the  whole  city  ot  Jerusalem,  and  several  furlongs  however  it  might  be  reckoned  ;  as  Dr.   Bullock  has  excellently  shown. 

01  laiw  round  about  it,  were  accounted  holy.    (>See  note  g,  on  Matt.  iv.  See  his  Vindicalion.  book  ii.  chap.  4.  §  6.  p.  216—218.  and  Di .  Sykes, 

»h  ^i>             '*  remarkable,  that,  by  the  special  providence  of  God,  after  Of  Christianity,  chap.  16.  p.  297 — 301. 

the   Homans  under  Cestius  Gallus  made   their  first  advance  towards  c  Go //srXM^a/e/u'jffo/Ae.s.]   these  are  as  strong  expressions  as  one  can 

Jerusalem,  they  suddenly  withdrew  again,  in  a  most  unexpected  and  imagine  to  urge  the  speediest  retreat.     It  is  indeed  observable,  that  this 

inaeea  impolitic  manner  ;  at  which  Josephus  testifies  his  surprise,  since  whole  discourse  abounds  with  very  lively  figures  of  oratory,  and  is 

ine  city  might  then  have  been  easily  taken.     By  this  means  they  gave  as  heightened  with  the  noblest  beauties  of  description.    Were  it  necessary 

H  were  a  signal  to  the  christians  to  retire  ;  which,  in  regard  to  this  ad-  to  produce  authorities  to  prove  that  husbandmen  laid  aside  their  upper 


monition,  they  did,  some  to  Pella,  and  others  to  Mount  Lihanus,  and  garment  when  at  work,  they  might  be  found  in  Eisner,  iOhserv.  vol.  1. 

r?P  M  1  F^served  their  lives.    See  Joseph.  Bell.  Jud.  lib.  ii.  cap.  19.  P.  109,  110.)  but  that  learned  critic  has  impaired  the  beauty  of  the  text, 

^f^M  I  ;  1'  • "  1u    f;"*'^''-  -""'•  Eccles.  hh.  lii.  cap.  5.— Of  the  idolatrous  by  interpreting  it  as  a  caution  iwt  to  go  home  to  fetch  them.     'Sot  to  turn 

ivivr    A     '"         Konian  armies,  see  Grotius's  excellent  note  on  Matt,  hack,  implies  Heeing  directly  without  going  back  (as  we  speak  in  the 

h   ruo     V,  1          L       ■      ,■             ■  country)  JO  miicAaf  a /aWj  /eMx7</(,  to  take  them  up :  and  so  It  rises  on 

D  iiie  whole  context  IS  ot  great  importance.]    If  any  wonder  that  so  the  former  verse. 

'r«t°1''"  »    P™P'',<*<;y  'S  not  more  frequently  insisted  upon  in  the  ^'ew  rl  May  then  be  said  to  he  completely /"//fZ/frf.]    Among  many  adinir- 

.1,0  .1,    ,1      ;        '^  ^'^  ""^y  justly  answer,  that  it  was  not  proper  for  able  things  to  be  found  in  that  great  original,  Dr.  Jackson  s  Credthility 

ine  apostles  to  urge  it,  as  the  exact  conmiencement  and  termination  of  of  the  Scriptures,  I  cannot  but  reckon  that  part  of  it  in  which  he  shows 

J.a,,.!hu„/k^^'''^\?  ,7^,^  ""=^  controversy  out  of  their  way.  and  not  how  exactly  the  prophecies  of  Moses  were  accomplished  in  the  slaughter 

-hi  H           "eing  fully  cleared  up  to  the  populace,  with  whom  they  were  aud  dispersion  of  the  Jews  in,  and  quickly  alter,  tliis  tatal  war  with  the 

fhiir^™  .  V*.™^    '  """,.32  several  of  the  events  referred  to  in  it  had  not  Romans.    See  the  passages  quoted  below,  in  note  in,  p.  283. 

uieir  complete  accomplishment  till  some  years  after  most  of  their  writ-  r     -6     m 


282  NEARER  SIGNS  OF  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  JERUSALEM. 

SECT       And  a  case  of  extremity  it  will  indeed  be  \  for  in  those  days  there  shall  be  a  scene  o?  great     19  For  in  those  days  [Luke, 
161.'  tribulation  \and\  distress' in  the  land  of  .Judea,  and  of  dreadful  wrath  from  heaven  upon  all  Ji'o;''„,frf"]''[Lnfrdist7e'^s'rn 

, ffilg  people,  isuch  as  the  like  has  not  been  known  before,  either  here  or  elsewhere,  even  from  the  land,  and  wrath  upon  this 

MARK  the  beginning  of  the  creation  ivhich  God  has  made,  unto  this  time;  nor  ever  shall  the  like  be  tife°  beginning  oVthe  "^lltrJlJ 

XIII.  19  heard  of  any  more  :  <=  as  no  people  ever  have  been,  or  ever  shall  be,  guilty  of  so  aggravated  which^God  cl-eated,  uotp  this 

LUKE  a  crime,  and  so  inexcusable  a  series  of  impenitence  and  infidelity.     And  therefore  thei/  ['iiM^Txiv^uLnke  xxIqI'] 

■  XXI.    shall  fall  by  the  edge  of  the  srvord  in  multitudes,  both  within  and  without  the  city ;  and  the   .^y'*.'^,,-'''''-  "*•   .-^'"^  j^^ 

24  consequence  of  alfshall  be,  that  the  miserable  remnant  which  survives  the  general  carnage  Iw^ordrand^hali  be  lid  away 

<thall  be  carried  awav  captive  into  all  the  most  distant  nations  of  the  world,'  and  continue  taptive  into  all  nations:  and 

„  Z        '       ..    ■    r  „        i„.„'4.  J  4    J    ■      A.  1-  Jerusalem    shall    be   trodden 

for  many  ages  under  great  infamy,  calamity,  and  oppression.     And,  in  the  mean  time,  downofthe  Gentiles,  until  the 
Jerusalem  itself  shall  be  trampled  down  and  kept  in  possession  In/  the  Gentiles,?  till  the  times  ''"les  of  the  Gentiles  be  ful- 
appointed  for  these  triumphs  and  insults  of  the  Gentiles  shall  be  fulfilled,  and  the  day  come      ^  ' 
when  God  shall  remember  his  ancient  people  in  mercy .•> 
MARK       And  durino-  the  wars  which  are  to  bring  on  this  sad  catastrophe,  except  the  Lord  had    Mark  xiii.  so.  And  except 
XIII.   shortened  those  days,  no  flesh  could  be  saved;  the  whole  nation  would  be  utterly  extermi-  IJi^'^e' d1,>^°no  S  f  Kd'be 
■^^  nated  from  the  earth,  ana  the  name  of  Israel  no  longer  be  had  in  remembrance  : '  but  for  saved;    hut  for   the  elect's 
the  elecfs  sake,  whom  he  has  graciously  chosen  to  be  at  length  partakers  of  the  blessings  of  ^;'^';«J•g'2JJ;l'J'j;^^''|;^'^3'=J^ff^^ 
his  gospel,  God  will  so  order  it  in  his  providence,  that  those  dai/s  shall  be  shortened ;  for  he  ed.]  [Matt.  xxiv.  22.] 
hath  still  purposes  of  love  toward  the  seed  of  Abraham,  which  shall  at  length  take  place ; 
(Rom.  xi.  26.)  and,  in  the  mean  time,  he  will  make  their  continuing  a  distinct  people,  a 
means  of  confirming  the  faith  of  christians  in  succeeding  ages.'' 

21  As  these  then  are  the  counsels  of  the  divhie  wisdom  concerning  this  people,  do  not  ex-  21  And  then  if  any  man 
pect  that  when  calamities  begin  to  threaten  them,  any  miraculous  deliverer  should  be  raised  citrist^or?o,^A«"«i^th'ere''rbe- 
up  for  tliem  :  and  if  any  one  shall  then  sai/  to  you,  Behold  the  Messiah  [is]  here,  or,  be-  lieve  /lim  not.  [Matt.  xxiv. 
hold  [he  is]  their,  do  not  believe  [it,]  or  show  the  least  regard  to  any  such  report.     (Com-  -^-^ 

22  pare  Luke  xvii.  23.  p.  223.)  For  as  this  unhappy  people,  who  are  now  so  obstinately  22  For  false  Christs  and 
rejecting  me,  will  to  the  last  support  themselves  with  vain  hopes  of  that  kind,  and  be  [^'^^,«|  shew'n-e^atl" si'^'ns  and 
ready  eagerly  to  hearken  to  every  bold  impostor,  false  Messiahs  and  false  prophets  shall  wun(ler's,^''[iusomuch'^t"iatr"if 
arise,  and  shall  pretend  to  show  great  signs  and  prodigies}  managed  with  .so  much  art,  as  decefve  timt4ry'electT[Mattl 
might,  if  [it  were]  possible,  be  sufficient  to  deceive  even  the  very  elect,  and  to  pervert  my  xxiv.  24.] 

sincere  followers  and  disciples  themselves ;  though  indeed  their  hearts  shall  be  so  estab- 

23  lished  by  divine  grace  as  finally  to  be  secured  from  the  danger.  But  be  ye  cautiously  t/pon  o."?  But  take  ye  heed :  be- 
vour  puard  against  so  dangerous  an  imposition  ;  for  behold,  I  have  expresslv  foretold  you  •',''.'''•  ^  have  toretoid  you  all 

.',,    -f^  1  •  "        ,  °  ■  1       '  ,        ii     ,1  J-    1-  r    ii   "  1-  .1      tinngs.    [Matt.  xxiv.  25. J 

all  these  things,  that  on  comparing  the  event  with  the  prediction,  your  taith  may  be  estab- 
lished by  those  very  circumstances  which  in  another  view  might  have  a  tendency  to  shake 


in  the  secret  apartments  of  some  particular  friend,  where  he  is  waiting  to  give  satisfaction  ^«'-"'''^'  chambers,  believe  it 
to  those  that  desire  it,  do  7iot  believe  [it,]  nor  give  yourselves  the  trouble  so  much  as  to 
27  inquire  into  the  affair.     For  you  know  there  is  and  can  lie  no  other  Messiah  but  me ;  and     27  For   as   the    lightnine 
when  I  appear,  it  will  be  in  a  sudden,  amazing,  and  irresistible  manner;  and  as  the  light-  shi",^eth even unto'the^vVstTso 
fling  breaks  forth  from  the  east,  and  shines  in  a  moment  even  to  the  west  part  of  the  horizon,  shall  also  the  coming  of  "tiie 
$0  sudden  and  conspicuous  also  shall  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man  be,  both  in  his  appear-  Son  of  man  be. 
ance  to  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  and  to  the  final  judgment.    (Compare  Luke  xvii. 
24.  p.  223.)    And  very  extensive  also  will  the  desolation  be;  /or,  as  I  formerly  told  you,     28  For  wheresoever  the  car- 

e  ?mch  as  the  Hlce  has  not  been — nor  ever  shall  he.']    This  Josephus  ex-  which  this  very  plirase,  and  others   nearly  parallel   to  it,  frequently 

prcssly  asserts  to  have  been  fact:  and  whoever  reads  his  account,  or  occur  in  the  Old  Testament;  as  Piiennius  justly  observes.    (Compare 

even  that  judicious  abstract  from  him  which   I'usehius  has  given  us,  Ezek.  xxx.  S.  as  also  Jer.  xxvii.  7.  1.  27.   Kzek.  xxi.  25,  29.  xxii.  3,  4.) 

(.Hist.  Ecclcs.  lib.  iii.  cap.  5,  6.)  will  see  a  sad  illustration  of  all  this  ;  And,  if  this  be  the  sense  of  it,  it  seems  an  intimation  that  the  Turks,  or 

and,  criminal  and  detestable  as  the  Jewish  nation  now  was,  will  hardly  some  other  anti-christian  power,  may  continue  possessed  of  the  Holy 

be  able  to  forbear  weeping  over  those  complicated  miseries  brought  upon  Land  till  the  restoration  of  the  .lews  ;  for  one  can  hardly  suppose  their 

them  by  plagues,  and  famine,  and  tires  occasioned  by  the  siege,  and  by  way  into  it  should  then  be  opened  by  the  conquest  of  a  christian  nation, 

the  carnage  made,  not  imly  by  the   Komans,  but  by  the  yet  greater  i  Except  l/ie  Lord  had  shoiieitcd  llmse  days, no  flesh  could  be  saved,  Hfc.'] 

cruelties  of  the  seditious  and  zealots  within  the  city,  who  really  acted  Such  were  the  quarrels  that  prevailed  amon;.'  the  lews,  that  numbers  of 

the  part  of  so  many  incarnate  fiends  rather  than  of  men.  them  were  destroyed  by  one  another  ;  and  the  whole  country  was  become 

t   They  shall  fall  by  the  edge  of  the  sword,  ayid  shall  be  carried  captive,  a  scene  of  such  desolati<in  and  bloodshed,  tint  not  only  those  who  were 

«f.]    It  appears  from  Josephus  that  eleven  hundred  thousand  Jews  were  shut  up  in  Jerusalem,  but  the  whole  Jewish  nation,  would  have  suffered 

destroyed  in  this  war,  and  near  an  hundred  thousand  taken  prisoners,  much  moie   by  the    longer  continuance  of  the  siege,  considering  how 

and  (according  to  Deut.  xxviii.  68.)  sold  for  slaves  at  the  vilest  prices,  much   the  same  spirit  prevailed    among  them   in   other   places. — Mr. 

See  Joseph.  Hell.  Jud.  lib.  vi.  cap.  9,  [al.  vii.  17.]  »  3.  Heading,  in  his  Life  of  Christ,  p.  31)9,  understands  the  days  being  short- 

e  Jerusalem  shall  be  trampled  down  by  the  Gentiles.]    Their  land  was  ened  for  the  elect's  sake,  of  the  preservation  of  the  christians  at  Pella, 

sold,  and  no  Jew  was  allowed  to  inhabit  there  :  (a  rigour  never  used,  whose  safety  he  supposes  to  have  depended  on   the  shortening  of  the 

that  1  know  of,  towards  any  other  people  conquered  by  the  Romans  :)  siege,  and  whom  he  takes  to  be  the  elect  intended  here.   (See  Ur.  Whitby, 

nay,  they  might  not  come  within  sight  of  Jerusalem,  or  rather  of  Flia,  on  Mark  xiii.  20.) — Of  the  special  providences  by  which  the  siege  was 

the  name  given  to  the  new  city,  which  was  built  without  tiie  circuit  of  shortened,  see  Grotius,  on  Matt.  xxiv.  22. 

the   former,  when  the  foundations  of  the  old  were    rjlouched  up.  'A  k  Their  continuing  a  distinct  people,  a  means  of  confirming  the  faith 

lieathen  temple  was  afterwards  built  where  that  of  God  had  stood  ;   and  of  christians,  &c.]    This  I  have  shown  at  large  in  my  Ten  Sermons,  Ser. 

a    1  urkish  mosque  pollutes   it  to  this   day  :    so  remarkably  was  the  x.  p.  277 — 279.  and  the  reader  may  see  the  remark  further  illustrated 

hand  of  God  upon  them.    And  it  is  well  known,  by  the  testimony  of  a  by  Mr.  Addison,  Spectat.  vol.  vii.  Is'o.  495.  and   in  Bishop   Burnet's 

heathen  writer,  (who  ridiculously  ascribes  it  to  a  fatal  resistance  in  the  l-'our  Disconnes,  p.  R— 10. 

element,)  that  Julian  s  impious  attempt  to  rebuild   their  temple,  and  1  False  prophets  shall  arise,  and  show  ureal  signs  and  prodiyies.}    This 

settle  them  in  Jerusalem  again,  in  professed  contempt  of  this  prophecy,  is  not  a  mere  repetition  of  what  was  said  before.  Matt.  xxiv.  5.  (p.  279.) 
was  several   times  miraculously  defeated   by  the  irruption  of  balls  of   but  relates  to  those  impostors  who  appeared  during  the  time  of  the  siege : 

Jire,  which  consumed  the  workmen.    See  Ammian.  Alarcel.  lib.  xxiii.  of  which  see  Joseph.  Bell.  Jud.  lib.  vi.  cap.  5.  [al.  vii.  11.]  i  2.  and 

fflf  •  }■.  p.  28b.  Kuseb.  Hi.^t.  Eccles.  lib.  iv.  cap.  6.     Sec  also  Grotius,  on  Matt.  xxiv. 

h  Itll  the  times  of  the  Gentiles  be  fulfilled.']    It  is  much  easier  to  vin-  24. — As  for  the  objection  which  is  urged  from  this  text,  againstailmltting 

dicate  the  authority  of  the  words  Kaipoi  eWi-wi/  from  the  objection  of  Dr.  miracles  as  a  proof  of  doctrines,  I  would  here  transiently  observe  two 

Mill,  (Pro/eff.  p.  13.1.)  chiefly  founded  on  their  being  omitted  in  the  things:  I.  That  it  cannot  certainly  be  proved  that  the  works  here  referred 

t-ambridge  Manuscript,  than  to  determine  the  signification  of  them.     I  to  were  true  miracles  ;  they  might  be  like  the  lyinir  powers,  signs,  and 

cannot  suppose,  with  Messrs.  Le  Clerc  and  L'linfant,  that  by  the  ac-  wonders,  mentioned  2  Thess.  ii.  9.    Or,  2.  That  if  we  should,  for  argu- 

complishment  of  the  times  of  the  Gentilps.  we  are  to  understand  the  ment's  sake,  grant  them  to  be  real  miracles,  yet  thcv  are  supposed  to  be 

tinie  when  Constantine  put  an  end  to  the  Gentile  idolatry  in  Jerusalem,  wrought  at  a  time  when  there  were  in  tlie  christian  church  teachers,  sub- 

and  established  the  christian  worship  there.    (I'useb.  Vit.  Const,  lib.  iii.  sistinL'  with  superior  miraculous  powers.     Rut  it  can  never  he  inferred 

cop.  26.)     It  seems  reasonable  to  suppose  that  here,  as  in  most  other  from  such  a  supposition  in  that  case,  that  God  will  suiter  miracles  to  be 

places,  the  Gentiles  are  opposed  to  the  Jews  ;  and,  consequently,  that  wrought  in  proof  of  falsehood,  when  there  are  none  of  his  servants  to 

all  the  perioil  between  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  and  the  restoration  perform  greater  miracles  on  the  side  of  truth.    And  when  such  superior 

ot  the  Jews  to  tlieir  own  land,  so  expressly  foretold  in  Scripture,  is  here  miracles  on  the  side  of  truth  do  exist,  the  opi)osite  miracles  at  most  can 

intended.    (See  Isa.  xxvn.  12,  13.   Ezek.  xi.  17.  xx.  40,  42.  xxxiv.  13.  only  prove  that  some  invisible  beings  of  great  power,  who  are  the  abet- 

??^^'"j"i'  "?■  ^'"'^'"-  21— 28.  xxxix.  28,  29.  IIos.  iii.  5.  Amos.  ix.  14,  tors  of  falsehood,  are  strongly  engaged  to  support  the  contrary  doctrine  ; 

15.  and  Zech.  xiv.  10,  11.)    With  this  indeed  is  connected  the  bringing  the  consideration  of  which  m'ust  excite  all  wise  and  good  men  to  receive 

in  what  St.  Paul  calls  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles,  Rom.  xi.  25,  26.     But  a  truth  so  opposed  with  greater  readiness,  and  to  endeavour  to  promote 

unle.ssit  coulil  be  proved  (which  I  do  not  recollect)  that  the  inhabitants  it  with  greater  zeal,  as  they  may  be  sure  the  excellence  and  importance 

ot  1  alestine  shall  then  peaceably  surrender  it  to  the  returning  Jews,  it  of  it  is  proportionable  to  the  solicitude  of  these  malignant  spirits  to  pre- 

seems  most  natural  to  suppose  the  time  of  the  Gentiles  here  signifies  the  vent  its  progress, 
time  when  they  shall   be   visited  and  punished ;   which  is  the  sense  in 


CHRIST  DESCRIBES  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  JEWISH  STATE.  283 

case  is,  there  ivili  the  eagles  (Luke  xvii.  37.  p.  224.)  wheresoever  the  dead  carcase  is,  there  will  the  eagles  naturally  be  SECT. 
be  gathered  together.  gathered  together ;  and  wherever  the  obstinate  enemies  of  my  kingdom  are,  they  shall  be    162.' 

sought  out  and  destroyed  ;  and  here  in  particular  I  will  send  the  Roman 'ea-^les  ao-ainst 

them,  who  shall  consume  and  devour  them  as  a  helpless  prey,  not  only  at  Jerusalem  but  matt. 

over  the  face  of  the  whole  country ;  and  afterwards  in  some  more  distant  reo-ions  where  ^^^v. 

the  greatest  numbers  of  Jews  are  settled."  °       ' 

IMPROVEMENT. 

If  our  Lord  urges  his  disciples,  with  such  speedy  and  solicitous  haste,  to  flee  from  the  sword  of  God's  temporal  luke 
judgments,  how  much  greater  diligence  should  we  give  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come  !  What  are  any  of  the  little  xxi.  21 
mterests  of  life,  that  out  of  regard  to  them  we  should  be  willing  to  continue  one  moment  longer  exposed  to  a  dan-  mark 
ger  which  may  sink  us  into  everlasting  perdition  and  despair  ?  15^  Vs 

We  have  here  a  lively  description  of  that. aggravated  ruin  which  was  brought  upon  the  Jews  for  neglecting  ^j^.^j, 
Christ, — even  great  tribulation,  such  as  had  never,  from  the  very  beginning  of  the  world,  fallen  upon  any  other  xxiv. 
nation,  nor  shall  ever  be  equalled.    Thus  was  his  blood  upon  them,  and  their  children.    (Matt,  xxvii.  25.)     May  we  21 
never  know  what  it  is  to  have  this  blood  crying  against  us,  for  trampling  it  under  foot  as  an  unholt/  thing!    (Heb. 
X.  29.)     For  surely  to  the  Jews,  who  thus  rejected  the  counsel  of  God  against  themselves,  all  these  things  which  7,  8 
they  suffered  were  but  the  beginning  of  sorrows  ;  and  the  famine  and  sedition,  pestilence  and  slaughter,  by  which 
so  "many  thousands  perished,  served  only  to  consign  them  over  to  infinitely  more  terrible  indignation  and  wrath, 
tribulation  and  anguish,  which  will  at  last  fall  on  every  soul  of  man  that  doth  evil,  whether  Jew  or  Gentile.    (Rom. 
ii.  8,  9.) 

These  unhappy  creatures  eagerly  listened  to  the  very  name  of  a  Messiah,  by  whomsoever  it  was  assumed,  while  mark 
they  rejected  liim  whom  God  had  sent  them,  and  who"  had  so  long,  and  with  so  much  importunity,  been  renewing  ^^^l- 
to  them  the  offers  of  life  and  salvation.  May  none  of  us  ever  know  the  sad  impatience  with  which  condemned  "I,  22 
sinners  will  wish,  and  wish  in  vain,  for  those  overtures  and  messages  of  grace  which  they  now  despise !  In  that  matt. 
sense  wheresoever  the  carcase  is,  there  will  the  eagles  be  gathered  together :  wherever  there  is  the  like  unbelief  and  -'^^^^• 
impenitence,  there  will  be  in  its  degree  the  like  ruin.  L.hrist  has  graciously  told  us  these  things  before  :  may  we  2° 
humbly  attend  to  the  warning,  that  none  of  this  terror  and  destmction  may  ever  come  upon  us ! 


SECTION  CLXII. 

Christ  describes  the  total  destruction  of  the  Jewish  state  by  strong  figures,  many  of  them  literally  suiting  the  day  of  judgment;  to  the  mention 
of  which  he  proceeds,  declaring  the  particular  tiu-.e  of  it  unknown.    Watt.  xxiv.  £9 — 36.    IVIark  xiii.  24 — 32.    Luke  xxi.  25 — 33. 

.   ,.  Luke  xxi.  25. 

LUKZ  XXI.  „3. 

AND  there  shall  be  signs  in  OUR  Lord  proceeded  in  the  awful  representation  of  the  judgments  that  were  coming  on   sect. 
ia%hT'st"rt!''and'"upoA'the  Jerusalem,  and  said.  Before  this  desolation  shall  be  completely  come,  there  shall  be  (as  I     162. 

earth  distress  of  nations,  with  told  you,  ver.  11.)  some  extraordinary  sig?is  in  the  snn,  and  in  the  rnoon,  and  in  the  stars— • 

H.ITjf '^l!^,-'!,,'!'^  ^^^'  '^"'^  ^^^  eclipses,  comets,  and  surprising  meteors  ;  ajid  on  the  earth  there  shall  be  anguish  and  dis-   euke 
tress  oj  nations ;  the  sea  and  the  proud  waves  thereof  roaring,  and  breaking  in  upon  the    -^^'■ 
26  Men's  hearts  failing  them  land  with  an  irresistible  inundation;    While  men  shall  be  almost  expiring  with  fear,^  ami  26 
those^^hin'!l''whici°arecoming  Overwhelmed  with  the  sad  expectation  of  those  calamitous  things  lohich  are  coming  upon  the 
on  the  earth.—  land :  for  this  sliall  not  be  like  former  invasions  or  captivities,  which  only  produced  some 

transient  disorders  in  the  state,  or,  at  most,  an  interruption  in  the  government  for  a  few 
years  ;  but  it  shall  be  attended  with  such  a  total  subversion  of  it,  and  with  such  vast,  ex- 
tensive, and  lasting  ruin,  that  it  shall  be  a  most  lively  emblem  of  the  desolation  of  the 
whole  world  at  the  last  day. 
Malt.  xxiv.  29.  Immediate-      Y OX,  immediatehj  after  the  affliction  of  those  rfr/j/s  which  I  have  now  been  describing,^'  matt. 
tLse"tavs"'s^hau''thl;^'sun  be  ^''^  ^""  shall,  as  it  w'cre,  be  darkened,  and  the  moon  shall  not  seem  to  give  her  usual  light ;  ]^^^^'- 
darkened,  and  the  moon  shall  Mid  the  Stars  shall  fall  from  heaven,  and  the  powers  of  the  heavens,  all  the  mighty  machines  ^^ 
staj-s^'shlii'faii'ri'om  heavl'jf  ^"^  Strong  movements  above,  shall  be  shaken  and  broken  in  pieces  :<=  that  is,  according  to 
and  the  powersof  the  heavens  the  Sublimity  of  that  prophetic  language  to  which  you  have  been  accustomed,  the  whole 
24?25!"'Luke''xxi.46.^f'^'^^"''  ^^i'vi'  ^nd  ecclcsiastical  constitution  of  the  nation  shall  not  only  be  shocked,  but  totally 

.30  And  then  shall  appear  dissolved.  And  then  shcdl  there  evidently  appear  such  a  remarkable  hand  of  Providence  30 
heaven"  °aiid'^  th"n  'siial?"ai'i  '"  avenging  my  quarrel  upon  this  sinful  people,  that  it  shall  be  like  the  sign  of  the  So7j  of 
the  tribes  of  the  earth  mourn.  w«w  in  heaven  at  the  last  day ;  and  all  the  tribes  of  the  land  shall  then  mourn,  and  they  shall 
maii'comin'g^'in  ^he*  Houds  of  ^^'^  ^^^  ^^^  of  man  coming  as  it  were  in  the  clouds  of  heaven,'^  with  power  and  great  glory ; 
heaven,  with  power  and  great  for  that  celestial  army  which  shall  appear  in  the  air  marshalled  round  the  city,  shall  be  a 
x°Uij^^^'^^^  "'"■  ^^'  ^"''^  sure  token  to  them  that  the  angels  of  God,  and  the  great  Lord  of  those  heavenly  hosts,  are 

31  And  [tiieni  he  shall  send  set  as  it  were  in  array  against  them.     And  to  pursue  the  allusion — as  at  the  great  day  the  31 
of  a*'"r1fmpet!  and^'ttTeVshaU  angels  shall  in  a  literal  sense  assemble  all  his  saints  together,  so  also  he  shall  then  send 
forth  his  messengers^  with  the  great  sound  of  his  gospel  as  of  a  loud  trumpet,  and  they  shall 

m  In  some  more  distant  regions,  &c.]  There  may  perhaps  be  an  ob-  used  in  such  a  strange  latitude.  What  is  said  below,  (in  Matt.  xxiv. 
lique  intimation  in  this  passage,  of  the  slaughter  afterwards  made  on  the  34.  Mark  xiii.  30.  and  Luke  xxi.  32.  p.  284.)  seems  also  an  unanswerable 
Jews  elsewhere,  and  particularly  under  Adrian  and  Trajan  ;  when  what  objection  against  such  an  interpretation. — I  am  obliged  therefore  to  ex- 
had  been  foretold  by  Moses  (Deut.  xxviii.  49,  et  seq.)  was  remarkably  plain  this  section  as  in  the  paraphrase  ;  though,  I  acknowledge,  many 
fulfilled,  and  as  an  eagle  flies  upon  its  prey,  their  enemies  pursued  them  of  the  figures  used  may  with  more  literal  propriety  be  applied  to  the 
to  destruction :  and  the  calamities  they  underwent  were  such,  that  (as  last  day,  to  which  there  may  be  a  remote,  though  not  an  immediate, 
Dio  Cassius  informs  us.  Hist.  lib.  69.)  50,lHX)  were  slain,  500  of  their  reference. 

forti'esses  were  demolished,  and  900  of  their  chief  towns  in  Egy  pt,  Crete,  c   The  sun  shall  he  darkened,  *c]    It  was  customary  with  the  prophets, 

&c.  were  plundered  and  burnt  to  the  ground  :  not  to  mention  the  ter-  as  it  still  is  with  the  K.astern  writers,  to  describe  the  utter  ruin  of  states 

rible  things  they  afterwards  suffered  in  France,  Italy,  .Spain,  and  other  and  kingdoms,  not  only  in  general  by  an  universal  darkness,  but  also  by 

parts  of  Europe,  in  the  decline  of  the  Roman  empire  ;  of  all  which,  see  such  strong  figures  as  those  here  used,  which  all  have  their  foundation 

Dr.  Jackson's  Eternal  Truth  of  the  Scriptures,  book  i.  part  2.  sect.  3.  in  that  way  of  speaking.     Compare  isa.  xiii.  10.  xxxiv.  4,  10.  Ix.  20. 

chap.  6,  10—13.  Jer.  xv.  9.  Ezek.  xxxii.  7,  8.  Joel  ii.  .io,  31.  lii.  15.  and  Amos  vm.  9. 

a  Expiring  with  fear.]    This  is  the  literal  rendering  of  aTro\/'i'xo"TMi/  d  Coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven.']    Sudden  and  irresistible  (lestructioii, 

nrro  ^o/3oii. — The  sigyis  here  spoken  of  seem  to  be  some  of  the  latest  of  in  which  much  of  the  hand  of  nod  evidently  appears,  is  (as  Dr.  NVhitby 

tliose  mentioned  in  the  writers  referred  to  above,  in  notes  g  and  h,  on  justly  observesl  often  expressed  by  God's  coming  in  the  clouds.    (Coni- 

ver.  10,  11.  p.  279.  pare  Psal.  xviii.  9.  1.  3,  4.  xcvii.  2,  3.  civ.  3.  Isa.  xix.  1.  xxvi.  21.  Jxvi. 

i>  Immediately  after  the  a.ffliction  of  those  days.]  Archbishop  TiUotson  15.)  But  I  think  the  celestial  appearances  described  by  Josephus  (as 
and  Brennius,  with  many  other  learned  interpreters,  imagine  that  our  above,  note  h,  on  Luke  xxi.  11.  p.  270.)  lead  us  into  the  esactest  mter- 
Lord  here  makes  the  transition  from  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  which  pretation  of  this  text,  and  greatly  illustrate  the  propriety  ot  these  ex- 
had  been  the  subject  of  his  discourse  thus  far,  to  the  general  judgment :  pressions  here.  .. 
but  I  thmk,  as  it  would,  on  the  one  hand,  be  very  harsh  to  suppose  all  e  Send  forth  his  messengers.]  Most  translations,  as  well  aa  our  own, 
the  sufferings  of  the  Jewish  nation  in  all  ages,  to  he  called  the  tribula-  greatly  obscure  this  text,  by  rendering  the  word  a77«A.oi/f,  ««»"/;  ]°^ 
tion  ot  those  days,  so  it  would,  on  the  other  hand,  be  equally  so  to  say  though  it  generally  signifies  those  celestial  spirits  who  are  on  greai  oc- 
that  the  general  judgment,  which  probably  will  not  commence  till  at  casions  the  messengers  of  (iod  to  our  world,  it  is  well  known  mat  ine 
least  a  thousand  years  after  their  restoration,  will  happen  immediately  word  refers  not  to  their  nature  but  to  their  otiice;  ana  it  'sorteu  appiieu 
after  their  sutferings  •  nor  can  I  find  any  cue  instance  in  which  et>yctt)t  IS  to  men,  and  rendered  messengers.     See  Mark  i.  -.  l-uKe  vii.  .4,  4/. 


284  THE  PARTICULAR  TIME  OF  THE  DAY  OF  JUDGMENT  UNKNOWN. 

SECT,  assemble  his  elect  from  the  four  winds,  %\ en  from  one  end  of  the  heavens  to  the  other,  ov  from  gather  together  his  elect  from 
162.'  the  uttermost  part  of  the  'earth  one  way,  to  those  climates  which  lie  under  the  uttermost  ^oi" llllZ'told^ot^t°^l(nm 

part  of  heaven  the  other  way;  and  multitudes  of  all  nations  shall  obey  the  summons,  the  uttermost  partof  the  earth 

LUKE  thouoh  the  Jews  have  ungratefully  and  foolishly  despised  it;  and  the  Son  of  man  shall  be  '?en  i*"  nia'r'k'xfii!t7!]°^ '"'''' 
■^^^-    honoured  and  trusted  by  millions  now  unborn,  when  this  wicked  and  perverse  nation  has 

28  perished  in  their  rebellion  and  infidelity.     And  ivhen  these  things  begin  to  come  to  pass,  be     Luke  xxi.  28.   And  when 
not  you  terrified  and  dismayed,  but  rather  cheerfully  look  upwards,^  and  lift  up  your  heads  ^^l^l  t*hen°1oo'if 'Cp?  and*lift 
with  joy  and  assurance;  for,  whatever  happens,  you  will  be  secure  ;  and  as  soon  as  you  up  your  heads ;  tor  your  re- 
see  the  first  appearance  of  these  signs,  you  may  comfortably  conclude  that  your  complete  '''^'"p"o"  draweth  mgh. 
redemption  and  deliverance  draws  nigh  ;  s  for  many  of  you  will  be  safely  brought  home  to 

the  haven  of  eternal  peace  before  these  storms  are  ended,  and  the  rest  of  you  will  not  long 
survive  them. 

29  And,  further  to  illustrate  what  he  had  been  saying,  he  spake  to  them  a  very  easy  and  29  And  he  spake  to  tiiem  a 
familiar  parable,  saying.  Behold  now,  [rmrf]  learn  a  parable  from  the  example  of  the  fig-  feanf'a'  [.a  "abl  ^otftlie^  fi""! 

30  tree,  and  all  the  other  trees  that  drop  their  leaves  in  the  winter :  When  buds  appear  upon  tree,  and  all  tiie  trees :  [Mat't' 
the  fig-tree,  and  its  brunch  is  now  become  tender,  and  the  sap  rising  in  the  other  trees,  they  ''"'iVwhen'rhU  branch'isyet 
shoot  forth  their  younsr  leaves,  and  begin  to  open  and  spread,  you  see  and  know  of  your  own  tender,  and]  they  now  shoot 
selves,  by  the  observation  you  have  often  made,  that  summer  is  now  near  at  haiid,  as  these  knowof  y*o'ur'ow^fsefvls,th"a't 

31  are  certain  prognostications  of  it :  So  likewise  you,  when  you  shall  see  all  these  things  come  summer  is  now  nigh  at  hand: 
to  pass,  may  assuredly  know  that  the  destruction  of  the  Jewish  state,  and  the  advancement  o^f "  '''^'^''  ^"'  ^^^'^^  ""'" 
of  the  kingdom  of  God  in  all  its  glory,  is  just  at  hand,  [even]  at  the  doors ;  or  that  the  time  'ii  So  likewise  ye,  when  ye 
is  coming  when  the  desolation  I  have  been  speaking  of  shall  come  upon  Jerusalem,  and  come\o''pass,"know%e''thlt 
the  gospel  shall  be  propagated  all  abroad,  and  take  such  root  in  the  world,  that  you  may  the  kingdom  of  God  is  nigh 
assure  ^ourselves  it  shall  never  be  destroyed.  rMat't^^iifrsat'Marf^xi.i^ 

32  And  verilii  I  say  unto  you,  and  urge  you  to  observe  it,  as  absolutely  necessary  in  order  29.] 

to  understand  what  I  have  been  saying.  That  this  generation  of  men  now  living,  shall  not  This generation^sLu  not ^pa"s 
pass  away  until  all  these  things  be  fulfilled  ;^  for  what  I  have  foretold  concerning  the  away,tiilaii[these  things]  be 
destruction  of  the  Jewish  state  is  so  near  at  hand,  that  some  of  you  shall  live  to  see  it  all  jjark^i'ii.  30.]""'  ^'"^"   ^^' 

33  accomplished  with  a  dreadful  exactness.    And  tlie  rest  may  die  in  the  assurance  of  it;  for     3?  Heaven  and  earth  shall 
another  and  yet  more  awful  day  shall  come,  when,  in  a  literal  sense,  heaven  and  earth  shall  p^^^.  away ;  but  my  words 
pass  away,  and  the  whole  fabric  of  this  visible  world  shall  be  dissolved  before  my  majestic  xxtv.  35.  Mark  xm^'si.] 
presence  :  but  my  words  shall  not  pass  a^vay  till  they  are  perfectly  fulfilled,  and  tbe  efficacy 

of  them  shall  remain  in  the  eternal  world  which  shall  succeed  these  transitory  scenes. 

MARK       But  though  Jerusalem  shall  be  destroyed  before  this  generation  disappear,  yet  of  that  ,}}^^^  "''}•  •''-•   ^"' "''  *''^' 

XIII.   great  decisive  day  which  is  appointed  for  the  dissolution  and  the  judgment  of  tlie  world,  no'^ntan,  no,  not"the"°iiKeis 

^^  a'dd  of  the  hour  or  season  when  it  shall  open  upon  men,  and  shall  bring  on  their  final  sen-  };''i'<'J'  are  in  heaven;  neifiier 

.  ■  17  .1  •       1  i        •  i  t       J ;  II  t"*^  Son,  [but  my  Father  on- 

tence,  there  is  no  one  who  kmnus  the  precise  time,"  neither  the  angels  m  heaven,  nor  even  ly.]  [Matt.  xxiv.  36.] 

the  Son  of  man  himself,''  with  respect  to  his  human  nature,  or  as  a  part  of  what  he  is  com- 
missioned to  reveal ;  for  though  it  be  determined  by  the  divine  decree,  it  is  not  known  to 
any  but  my  Father  alone,  or  the  indwelling  Godhead  from  whom  nothing  can  be  con- 
cealed ;  and  as  he  does  not  think  fit  to  disclose  it,  let  it  be  your  care  to  improve  this  un- 
certainty as  an  engagement  to  the  most  diligent  and  constant  preparation  for  its  coming. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  us  now  raise  our  contemplations  to  that  awful  day,  when  all  that  was  figuratively  spoken  of  the  destruclion 
of  Jerusalem  shall  be  literally  accomplished  ;  and  let  us  consider  our  own  intimate  concern  in  it.  Where  will  our 
MATT,  hope  and  comfort,  our  light  and  our  safety,  be,  when  the  sun  shall  be  darkened  and  the  moon  shall  not  give  her  light, 
^■^■y-  when  the  stars  shall  fidl  from  heaven,  and  the  powers  of  the  heavens  shall  be  shaken  1  where,  indeed,  unless  the 
^^  almighty  God,  the  everlasting  Jehovah,  by  whose  voice  tliey  were  created,  and  by  whose  hand  they  shall  be  dashed 
LUKE  in  pieces  again,  shall  condescend  to  be  our  light  and  our  salvation!  (Psal.  xxvii.  1.)  And  if  he  indeed  be  so, 
"^^oQ  ^^^"^  ^^  '^'^y  1'^*^  ^'P  our  heads  with  joy,  as  knowing  that  our  complete  redemption  draweth  nigh,  even  that  long- 

^^  expected  day,  which,  witli  all  its  solemn  horrors,  has  still  been  the  brightest  object  of  our  faith  and  our  hopes. 

MATT.       Then  shall  the  Son  of  man  indeed  come  in  the  clouds  of  heaven  with  power  and  great  glory,  and  send  his 

^^l^-  angels  to  summon  his  elect,  and  to  assemble  them  from  one  end  of  heaven  to  the  other:  /or  the  Lord,  liimself  shall 

60,  61  descend  from  heaven  with  a  shout,  with  the  voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with  the  trump  of  God.     (1  Thess.  i'v.  16.) 

MARK   May  we  hear  the  summons  with  joy,  and  stand  in  our  lot  among  his  chosen  ones !     What  though  the  day  and 

^^^^'9  ^^^^^"^  ^^  unknown  ?   It  is  enough  for  us  that  we  know  that  all  these  interposing  days  and  years,  be  they  ever  so 

numerous,  will  at  length  be  past ;  for  the  |iromise  of  the  great  Redeemer  is  our  security,  and  he  ivill  hasten  it  in 

its  time!  (Isa.  Ix.  22.) 

31      These  visible  heavens  shall  be  rolled  together  as  a  scroll,  and  the  earth  .shall  be  removed  out  of  its  place ;  but 

the  sure  word  of  his  promise  shall  never  pass  away  ;  even  that  promise  which  is  engaged  for  the  salvation  of  his 

IX.  52.  2  Cor.  viii.  23.  Phil.  ii.  25.  and  Jam.  ii.  25.    Tn  some  of  which  some  standing  here  which  shall  not  taste  of  death  till  they  see  the  Son  of 

places  It  signifies,  as  here,  preachers  nf  the  gospel,  who  were  sent  forth  man  cnminq  in  his  kinridom.    See  note  i,  on  that  text,  p.  165. 

to  carry  on  God  s  great  design  of  unitinir  all  his  chosen  people   in  one  i  Of  that  day  and  hour  no  one  tnojt'x.'j    1  cannot  agree  with  Dr.  Clarke 

society  miller  C'iinst  as  their  common  head.    Eph.  i.  10.  in  referring  this  verse  to  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  the  particularday 

■t    th    yP'K'"'f^.  ■'  a>'aKv\l/aTe.'\     This  is  an  expression  which  admirably  of  which  was  not  a  matter  of  great  importance  ;  and  as  for  the  season  cjf 

suits  the  load  or  labmir  and  sufferings  under  which  the  apostles  would  be  it,  I  see  not  how  it  could  properly  be  said  to  be  entirely  unknown,  after 

depressed  in  this  afflicted  state.     See  Raphel.  Annot.  ex  Herod,  p.  270.  such  an  express  declaration,  that  "it  should  be  in  that  generation,  and  yet 

g  loiir  redemption  draws  nigh.']    As  the  resurrection  is  the  time  when  at  some  considerable  distance  ;  for  otherwise  there  would  not  have  been 

we  shall  in  tact  be  tully  redeemed,  or  delivered  from  all  the  sad  conse-  room  for  the  gradual  accomplishment  of  the  many  predictions  uttered 

quences  of  sm,  and  therefore  is  called  the   redemption  of  our  bodies:  above.     It  seems  therefore  much  fitter,  with  Dr.  Whitby,  faffertirotius.) 

IKom.  viii.  23.  compare  Eph.  iv.  30.  and  Hos.  xiii.  14.)  so,  in  a  less  to  explain  it  of  the  last  day,  when  heaven  and  eartli  shall  pass  away, 

proper  sense,  the  deliverance  from  the  toils  and  sorrows,  temptations  which  is  sometimes  called  that  day  with  a  peculiar  emphasis;  a  phrase 

and  intirmities,  ot  this  sintul  and  calamitous  life,  may,  on  the  like  prin-  answering  to  the  great  or  remarkable  day.    Compare  2  Tim.  i.  12,  m. 

ciples.  be  called  redemption.    And  it  we  may  iudge  of  the  length  of  the  and  iv.  8. 

apostles    lives  by  the  extent  of  their  labours,  though  we  know  not  the  k  Nor  even  the  Son  of  man  himself.]    There  is  not  any  thing  in  this 

time  when  many  ot  them  died,  there  is  reason  to  conjecture  it  was  not  assertion  of  our  Lord,  if  we  consider  the  two  natures  in  him,  that  is  in- 

till  about  this  period  ;  which,  by  the  way,  would  be  an  arsument  they  consistent  with  his  true  divinity.     Tor  what  is  applicable  only  to  one 

were  now  most  ot  them  young  men.                     '                    "  nature  is  frequently  cxpressfd  "in  terms  inclusive  of  his  whole  person. 

h   1  Ins  generation  shall  m>t  pas.^  away  nnttl  all  these  things  be  fulfilled.]  Thus,  as  the  endowments  of  his  human  nature  were  communicated  in  a 

1  hough  Brennius  and  Mede  (in  his  r^or^-,f,  p.  752.-)  have  here  the  honour  gradual  manner  to  him,  Jesus  is  said  to  have  increased  in  wisdom; 

to  be  followed  by  so  great  an  authority  as  Dr.  .Sykes,  (O/  Christianity,  (Luke  ii.  52.)  and  even  while  he  was  on  earth,  as  he  was  present  every 

p.  60.)  yet  1  must  beg  leave  to  say,  that  I  cannot  think  the  texts  they  where  with  respect  to  his  divine  nature,  he  speaks  of  himself  as  the  Son 

collect  sutticient  to  prove,  that  by  tins  generation  [i,  ^ei/ea  ai/r^]  we  are  of  man  who  is  in  heaven.    (John  iii.  13.)    Nor  is  it  at  all  more  strange 

here  to  understand  the  Jewish  nation  through  all  ages;  as  if  our  Lord  in-  that  he  should  here  be  said  not  to  know  the  day  appointed  for  the  final 

tended  to  sav,  they  should  continue  a  distinct  people  to  the  judgment-  ju-igment.  than  that  it  should  be  elsewhere  said  that  the  Lord  of  glory 

(lay.     What  I  have  expressed  in  the  paraphrase,  is  plainly  the   most  was  crucified,  (I  Cor.  ii.  5.)  and  thatOod  purchased  the  church  with  Ills 

obvious  sense  of  the  words,  and  seems  to  me  an  evident  key  to  the  own  blood.    (Acts  xx.  28.) 
whole  context,  especially  when  compared  with  Matt.  xvi.  28.     There  be 


THE  SUDDENNESS  OF  THE  APPEARANCE  OF  THE  SON  OF  MAN.  285 

people.     Let  us  often  review  it;  let  us  firmly  realize  it  to  our  souls  ;  and,  seeing  we  look  for  such  things,  let  us  sect. 
seriously  consider  what  manner  of  persons  we  ought  to  be  in  all  holy  conversation  and  godliness.  (2  Pet.  iii.  11,  14.)    162. 


SECTION  CLXIII. 

nstant  watc 
flark  xiii.  3: 

Matt.  xxiv.  37. 


Our  Lord  urges  the  suddenness  of  his  appearance  as  an  engagement  to  constant  watclifulness  ;  repeating  several  things  which  he  had  formerly 
^  said  ou  that  subject.    Matt.  xxiv.  37,  to  tlie  end.    Marl;  xui.  33,  to  the  end.    Luke  xxi.  34—30. 


BUTasthedaysof  Noerrfrf,  OUR  Lord  having  told  them  in  the  preceding  words,  that  though  the  tmie  of  his  appear-  sect. 
so  shall  also  the  coming  of  ^^^^  ^^  ^\^q  general  judgment  was  uncertain,  •,  et  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  should  happen  163. 
the  boil  of  man   e.  before  that  generation  of  men  was  passed  away,  went  on  with  his  discourse,  and  added, ■ 

Bid  this  I  will  in  general  inform  vou,  that,  us  sudden  and  unthought-of  as  the  deluge  was  matt. 

which  came  upon  "the  world  in  the  days  of  Noah,  so  unexpected  and  surprising  also  shall  xxiv. 
.18  For  as  in  the  days  that  the  cominii  of  the  Son  of  man,  to  execute  his  vengeance,  be.     For  as  in  the  days  which  were  38 
were  before  the  Hood  they  ^f/ore  ^At" universal  dcliige,  tliei/ were  so  inconsiderate  and  secure,  that  they  went  on  with 
marryin^g'and  |"ving7n  marl  all  their  usual  busiucss,  and  Spent  their  time  in  entertainments,  eating  and  drinking,  mar- 
ria^e,  until  the  day  that  Noe  ,.^/„ct  wives  and  giving  their  dau2;hters  in  jnarriage,  thinking  of  nothing  but  present  indul- 
entered  into  the  ark,  ^^^^^  ^^^  ^^^^^^  Settlements  in  the  world  ;^  and  went  on  thus  in  contempt  of  every  serious 

39  And  knewnot,  until  the  admonition,  even  until  the  very  day  that  Noah  entered  into  the  ark  ;  And  kneio  not  nor  39 
flood  ^^JJ^j'jj^||'!^,'°j,°|j,*'j.^^i^'i  suspected  that  any  evil  was  approaching,  till  the  deluge  came  with  an  irresistible  violence, 
ortte'lonotman  be!™""""  and  bore  them  all  away  with  a  torrent  of  destruction  :  so  also  shall  the  coming  of  the  Son  of 

man  be  :  and,  notwithstanding  men  have  been  so  frequently  and  plainly  warned  of  it,  yet 
multitudes  shall  be  surprised  in  an  unprepared  state.   (Compare  Luke  xvii.  26,  27.  p.  223.) 

40  Then  shall  two  be  m  the      I  formerly  told  you,  with  relation  to  the  temporal  desolation  of  your  country,  and  I  now  40 
^*''u'h*'lf  hTr'^ieft''"  ^^  '^''^"'  repeat  it.  That  of  tiuo  men  who  shall  then  be  at  work  together  in  the  field,  the  one  shall  be 
""ii  Two  "uome'n   shall  he  Seized  and  the  other  dismissed;^  And  of  two  women  who" shall  be  grinding  corn  at  the  same  41 
.shiff  b'^aken*  ^d' ii.e'othe?  '""'''  '^'^  ""^  ^^'"^^  ^^  *'''"^^  "^^  '^^  °*^^''  '^'«»"''*«'''^-     (Compare  Luke  xvii.  35,  36.  p.  224.) 
left.    *  "  ^  '  ^       '"  And  I  may  say  the  like  with  respect  to  that  important  event  of  the  final  judgment :  many 

who  have  been  engaged  in  the  same  station  and  employments,  and  who  were  intimately 
conversant  with  each  other,  shall  then  be  found  exceedingly  difterent  in  their  characters  and 
states  ;  and  some  of  them  shall  be  made  the  prisoners  of  divine  justice,  while  others  shall 
not  only  be  spared,  but  be  signally  favoured  by  God. 
Luke  xxi.  34.    And  take      And  therefore,  that  no  calamities  of  life  or  solemnities  of  judgment  may  be  dreadful  to  luke 
anytime  your  hl'arts  be^over*  J^w,  take  heed  to  yourselvcs,  lest  at  any  time  your  hearts  he  overloaded,'^  and  your  rational    xXL 
charfjeci  with  surfeiting,  and  powers  depressed  and  stupified  by  gluttony  and  drunkenness,  or  distracted  with  worldly  •^^ 
iifran"d°*''''^that''darcome  «"^  secidar  carcs ;  and  by  this  means  that  awful  and  important  day  of  which  I  have  been 
upon  :>ou  unawares.  Speaking,  shotild  come  unexpected  upon  you.    For  the  character  of  the  generality  of  mankind  3o 

come  on'^atuhemXt^'d well  at  that  time  will  be  such,  that  it  shall  come  on  the  greatest  part  of  all  them  that  dwell  on  the 
on  the  face  of  the  whole  earth,  face  of  the  whole  earth,^  OS  a  snare  upon  a  thoughtless  bird  which,  in  the  midst  of  its  secu- 

36  Watch    ye     therefore 'rity,  finds  itself  inextricably  taken.     (Compare  Eccles.  ix.  12.)     Let  me  therefore  address  36 
^^a*''arw'^'^s-'^Thar''''e^m"^  "-'^'^  "'^^'^  serious  exhortation  to  you  with  an  earnestness  proportionable  to  its  importance: 
beticcount''ed'wo.  thy  trescap^  Wutch  ye  against  every  temptation  to  negligence  and  sin  ;  take  heed  of  every  thing  which 
all  these  things  that  shall  mig-ht  lull  VOU  into  a  dauo-erous  security,  and  pray  always,  with  the  most  fervent  importu- 

come  to   pass,  and  to  stand      .  ^       ^         -J  ,      ,.    .        ^  -^ ' ,  ■'       '  ,     ,      '    li      j.  n  si !.,,„:*.„    „ 

before  the  Son  of  man:  [for  nitv,  that  through  divine  grace  i/ou  may  be  accounted  worthy  to  escape  all  these  calamitous 
the''t'im'^  If]  ^""Nvh'at 'hou?  ^""^  destructive'^/(i"gs  ivhich  shall  assuredly  come  to  pass  just  in  the  manner  I  have  de- 
your  l!x3rd  doth  come.KMaa  scribed  them,  and  may  be  happily  enabled,  even  in  the  day  of  his  universal  judgment,  to 
xxiv.  42.   Mark  xiii.  33.1       ^f^^jj  f^^jj^  ,^jjj^  courage  and  acceptance  before  the  Son  of  man  ;«  for  you  know  not  when 

the  time  of  his  appearance  is,  [or]  at  what  hour  your  'Lord  doe's  come  to  summon  you 

before  him. 
Matt.  xxiv.  43.   But  know      But  this  you  knoxo,  and  would  do  well  to  consider  it,  that  if  the  master  of  a  house  that  matt. 
the^'housl  had  known  Tnlwit  ^'^^  ^^  ^"Y  ^'^6  been  plundered  by  robbers,  hud  known  exactly  in  what  watch  of  the  night  ^^^"^^ 
watch  the  thief  would  come,  the  thief  ivould  have  come,  he  would  undoubtedly  have  watched  then,  and  taking  care  to  be 
wo*id"not''have''^fl^rfd\"i's  provided  for  him,  would  not  have  suffered  his  house  to  be  broken  open,  or  have  left  the  thief 
house  to  be  broken  up.  to  make  his  advantage  by  coming  at  an  unexpected  time.     And  therefore,  as  it  is  of  so  44 

ready  :''fo7in'such\n^h'our'S  "i"ch  greater  couscquence  on  this  occasion  that  you  should  be  prepared  against  an  unsea- 
ye  think  not  the  Son  of  man  sonable  Surprise,  be  ye  also  ready,  and  learn,  from  such  a  common  occuiTcnce,  to  be  upon 
*^°""="^-  your  guard  :  for  I  tell  you  again.  That  at  an  hour  when  you  think  not  of  it,  the  Son  of  man 

'cometh ;  and  multitudes  of  people  will  be  as  much  surprised  as  if  they  had  never  heard  in 

their  whole  lives  that  he  would  come  at  all.     (Compare  Luke  xii.  39,  40.  p.  202.) 

a  T/iei/  mere  eating  and  drinking,  Sjcl    Dr.  Woodward  (in  his  Theory  them,  would  also  secure  them  from  any  unwelcome  surprise  by  a  call 

of  the  Earth,  p.  QR.)  thinks  these  were  modest  expressions  to  signify  to  the  tribunal  of  God.                                                                    ,      ■       c 

their  giving  themselves  up  to  all  the  extravagances  of  riot  and  lust ;  and  c   Your  hearts  be  overloaded.']    The  word  ^apvvdcoa-iv  properly  signihes 

"Wolfius  Cin  loc.J  has  most   learnedly  proved   that  yauei(r6ai  is  often  hardened,  or  pressed  down  ;  and  so  very  elegantly  and  strongly  expresses 

used  in  a  very  criminal  sense.     But  how  great  reason  soever  there  may  the  hateful  consequences  of  intemperance,  and  the  load  \vhich  it  bnngs 

be  to  believe'  that  the  antediluvian  sinners  did  so,  these  words  may  be  on  those  rational  faculties  which  are  the  glory  of  the  human  nature. — 

intended  to  express  no  more  than  the  security  and  gaiety  with  which  The  reader  will  observe,  that  Luke's  account  of  this  discourse  is  very 

they  pursued  the  usual  employments  and  amusements  of  life,  when  they  short,  in  comparison  with  that  of  Matthew  and  Mark,  for  this  obvious 

were  on  the  very  brink  of  utter  destruction.  reason,  that  he  had  given  the  chief  heads  of  it  before,  partly  in  a  dis- 

b  Tuo  men  shall  then  he  in  the  field,  ixc.]  Though  in  the  paraphrase,  course  of  our  Lord's  last  coming,  which  was  delivered  to  a  very  numer- 
for  its  better  connexion,  I  have  introduced  these  words  incidentally,  and  ous  assembly  in  Galilee,  (Luke  xii.  35 — 48.  4  114.)  and  partly  in  another 
hinted  how  they  may  allusively  be  accommodated  to  the  day  ot  judg-  discourse,  relating  only  to  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  which  was  de- 
ment, yet  I  doubt  not  they  orig'inally  refer  to  the  destruction  of  Jerusa-  livered  in  his  journey  thither  at  the  feast  of  dedication,  Luke  xyii. 
lem,  to  which  alone  they  are  properly  applicable.  After  this  paragraph  20 — .37.  ^  128.  Here  therefore  he  chooses  to  omit  what  had  been  inserted 
there  is  not  a  word  peculiar  to  that ;  but  many  circumstances  are  intro-  on  either  of  those  occasions  ;  as  John,  who  probably  w-rote  alter  the  ac- 
duced  which  refer  to  the  day  of  jud'gment,  (and  of  death,  as  transmitting  complishment  of  this  prophecy,  entirely  omits  it,  as  already  so  largely 
to  it,)  and  which  can  only  be  thus  understood.  I  therefore  humbly  con-  recorded  by  the  former  three  ;  from  whom,  considering  '"<',5""'^M'"^"'°Sf 
ceive,  that  the  grand  transition,  about  which  commentators  are  so  much  of  time,  it  came  with  infinitely  better  grace  than  it  could  atter«aras 
divided,  and  so  generally  mistaken,  is  made  precisely  after  these  two  have  done  from  him.  ,  .  .•  ,  ti,^f  or» 
veries.— Our  Loi^d,  in  the  following  verses  of  Matthew  and  Mark,  d  It  shall  come  on  all  them  that  duell.  See.]  The  exhortations  tnar  are 
directs  their  thoughts  to  that  final  solemnity  in  which  tliey  are  so  highly  connected  with  this  clause  limit  the  extent  of  the  word  la«  J  ™|  j  /t"" 
concerned,  by  repeating,  almost  in  the  same  words,  the  cautions  and  siderable  number;  for  were  it  to  be  taken  otherwise,  tneie  couiu  nave 
advices  he  had  formerly  given,  Luke  xii.  35,  et  seq.  %  114.  in  which  whole  been  no  room  to  offer  them.  ,  ,  ...  ,l  •  • 
context  (as  I  thoi  c  obser\'ed,  note  f,  p.  COC.)  there  is  no  reference  to  those  e  To  stand  before  the  Son  of  man.]  I  do  not  •'PP''^"?'?''f '  .„ '  ''1,0,! 
temporal  calamities  that  were  coming  on  the  Jews,  which  have  been  here  merely  the  counterpart  of  escaping  the  things  spoken  or  neioie.jec 
the  subject  of  almost  the  whole  preceding  discourse.  And  the  remem-  were  thousands  of  the  Jews  that,  by  one  providence  or  ?no'"er,  escapeu 
brance  of  what  had  passed  on  the  former  occasion  might  more  easily  temporal  destruction,  who  could  with  no  proPi"'f>:  ™  ^.'l' ,nhrWsed  this 
lead  them  into  the  distinct  understanding  of  what  was  now  added,  fore  the  Son  of  man  at  his  coming.  I  have  therefore  parapnraseu  111  is 
{hough  it  may  not  be  improper  to  recollect,  that  the  same  pious  care  in  latter  clause  as  an  advance  upon  the  former,  ^V"'^"  ?';^^'"'*  A"'!"'"  » 
their  temper  and  conduct,  which  would  be  a  preparative  against  national  greater  connexion  and  juster  distinction,  than  tne  oraer  in  wuit.i  iiiu=i. 
judgments,  and  entitle  therm  to  the  special  protection  of  Providence  in  Harmonies  place  these  verses. 


286  THE  SUDDENNESS  OF  THE  APPEARANCE  OF  THE  SON  OF  MAN. 

SECT.       [Fo?'  the  Son  of  man  «]  in  this  respect  as  a  man  travelling  to  a  distant  country,  who,  as     Mark  xiii.  34.   For  the  Son 
163.'  he  was  leaving  his  house,  gave  authority  to  his  hedid-servants  to  direct  and  oversee  the  rest  "{.."'"oJrneyr  Xo" 'feft '^iiis 

—  in  their  business,  and  assigned  to  every  man  in  the  family  his  proper  work,  and  particularly  house,  and  gave  authority  to 

MARK  commanded  the  porter  to  watch,  and  to  see  to  it  that  the  doors  were  properly  secured,  and  mLliT wort,  and  command 
XI11.34  ready  to  be  opened  to  him  at  his  return.  ed  the  porter  to  watch. 

MATT.       And  ivho  now  do  you,  my  apostles,  suppose  is  the  faithful  and  prudkni  servant,  of  whom     Matt.  xxiv.  45.    who  then 
XXIV.  fiis  lord  has  so  good  an  opinion  as  to  have  appointed  him  ruler  over  the  rest  of  his  house-  ^vi?om'"h'is'  iwd  "'hl^h'^'made 
^^  hold,  to  give  them  [their'j  proper  portion  o{ food  in  due  season?  You  must  easily  apprehend  ruler  over  his  household,  to 
that  the  expression  may  with  the  utmost  propriety  be  applied  to  that  high  office  with  lan'}^^"^  ""^^'  "'  '^"'^  °^'^' 

46  which  you  are  invested,  and  to  the  confidence  placed  in  your  integrity  and  wisdom.  And,  46  Blessed  is  that  servant 
to  excite  you  to  discharge  this  office  with  the  greatest  fi'delity,  let  me  add,  Happy  mdeed  rome"th,  shall  find  so'dofug.''' 
is  that  servant  whom  his  lord,  when  he  cometh,  shall  find  thus  employed  in  the  proper  duties 

47  of  his  important  office,  distributing  to  each  his  portion  in  a  proper  manner.f  Verily  I  say  47  Verily  I  say  unto  you, 
unto  you  again,  as  I  formerly  did,  that  he  ivill  prefer  him  as  highly  as  if  a  man  shoufd  make  over  aluL'gTOds!*  *""  '^"'*'" 
his  domestic  steward,  who  had  served  him  faithfully,  ruler  or  director  of  all  his  estate,  as  a 

reward  for  his  care  in  the  due  management  of  his  office.,    (Compare  Luke  xii.  42 — 44.  p. 
203.) 

48  But,  on  the  other  hand,  the  faithless  wretch  that  is  dishonest  in  tlie  execution  of  so  high  48  But  and  if  that  evil 
a  charge  shall  be  severely  punished  :  and  if  that  wicked  servant  shall  presume  to  say  in  his  1^/"'?"'/!?^"  say  in  his  heart, 

"  "-"^'C'^J'   ,       ,    ,  ,  ,..'    J  ,      ,     ,.'„  ^,     ^  .         7     '•      .      ;      X        •?     1  My  lord  delayeth  his  coming: 

49  heart.  My  lord  delays  his  coming ;  And  shall  on  that  presumption  begin  to  beat  and  abuse  49  And  shall  begin  to  smite 
those  of  his  fellow-servants  who  are  more  faithful  than  himself,  and  to  eat  and  drink  in  a  and  dr^kTith°the  dmnkelf- 
riotous  and  extravagant  manner  with  the  debauched  and  drunken  part  of  them,  or  with  ' 

50  other  dissolute  persons  ;  he  will  do  it  at  his  peril :  For  the  lord  of  that  servant  shall  cer-  so  The  lord  of  that  servant 
tainly  come  in  a  day  when  he  does  not  expect  [him,]  and  in  an  hour  when  he  is  not  at  all  fookit'h''not"for  1»m,^and  in 
aivare,  and  cannot  have  time  to  put  on  a  face  of  better  order,  or  to  provide  and  invent  an  hour  that  he  is  not  aware 

51  artful  excuses ;  And,  seeing  him  in  the  midst  of  his  revels  and  usurpations,  he  shall  scourge  °^^j  ^j,d  shaiicut  him  asun- 
him  so  severely,  that  he  shall  even  cut  him  asunder,^  and  appoint  [//»«]  his  portion  with  der,  and  appoint /«»;  his  por- 
hypocrites,  the  most  odious  kind  of  sinners  in  the  sight  of  God  ;  ••  with  these  shall  this  false  {{°°g  '^^^^^^  ^^^  ■weepin'g' and 
creature  be  righteously  doomed  to  dwell  for  ever  in  those  doleful  regions  where  there  shall  gnashing  of  teeth. 

he  nothing  but  weeping  and  gnashing  of  teeth,  proportionable  to  his  former  indulgence  and 

luxury,  and  to  the  importance  of  that  trust  which  he  so  wickedly  betrayed.     (Compare 

Luke  xii.  45,  46.  p.  203.) 
MARK       Let  me  then  caution  you,  O  my  apostles  and  ministers,  never  to  suffer  this  important     Mark  xiii.  35.   Watch  ye 
XIII.    exhortation  which  I  have  now  been  giving  you,  to  be  forgot  in  any  circumstance  of  life ;  *vi'Jen'tht'ma°s'ter'of  "the^ouse 
35  but  watch  ye  therefore  continually,  for  ye  know  not  when  the  muster  of  the  house  cometh,  cometh,  at  even,  or  at  niid- 

whether  in  the  efCHiVjg-watch,  or  at  midnight,  or  at  the  cock-crowing,  or  in  the  morning :  "r^'n  the  momln"^'"™"''"^' 
35  Early  and  late  hold  yourselves  in  a  prepared  posture,  lest  coming  suddenly,  he  find  you  30  Lest  coming  suddenly 
37  sleeping  and  negligent  of  your  proper  duty.     And  what  I  say  to  you  in  public  characters,  '"'s^^Aud^whlft^'f^say  unto 

I  say  to  all  my  disciples,  in  every  station  of  life  and  in  every  age.  Watch ;  for  in  every  age  you  I  say  unto  all,  Watch. 

and  station  you  will  have  need  to  do  it,  and  security  may  be  attended  with  the  most  fatal 

consequences. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

LUKE  What  slothful  hearts  must  we  have  if  these  repeated  admonitions  do  not  awaken  us, — even  line  upon  line,  and 
XXI. 36  precept  upon  precept.'  The  patience  of  God  is  waiting  upon  us,  as  it  did  on  the  old  world,  tvhile  the  ark  was  pre- 
paring. (1  Pet.  iii.  20.)  May  we  take  the  warning,  and  seek  shelter  before  the  door  be  sluit  against  us !  Let  us 
34  therefore  take  heed,  lest  sensuality  and  secular  cares  overcharge  and  depress  our  hearts,  and  amuse  us  with  vain 
delusions,  till  sudden  and  unavoidable  destruction  come  upon  us.     (1  Thess.  v.  3.) 

MARK  ^Ve  3re  by  profession  the  domestics  of  Christ.  Let  us  attend  to  the  offices  he  has  assigned  us,  though  he  seem 
XIII. 34  at  a  distance.     Let  us  diligently  wait  his  coming,  at  whatever  season.     Let  his  ministers  especially  wait  it;  and 

matt,  be  solicitous  that  they  may  be  found  so  doing,  conducting  themselves  like  wise  stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  God, 

'^^2X7  dispensing  to  every  one  his  portion  of  food  in  due  season.  Then  will  our  account  be  honourable,  and  our  reward 
glorious. 

48,  49  May  God  deliver  us  from  the  guilt  and  condemnation  of  the  cruel,  the  imperious,  and  the  luxurious  servant, 
who  began  to  beat  his  fellows,  and  to  eat  and  drink  with  the  drunken,  since  we  are  expressly  told  his  dreadful  doom  ! 
51  Justly  does  our  Lord  declare  that  to  such  a  one  he  will  appoint  a  portion  with  hypocrites,  terrible  as  their  portion 
must  be ;  for  no  hypocrisy  can  be  baser  than  to  call  ourselves  the  servants  and  ministers  of  Christ,  while  we  are 
the  slaves  of  ambition,  avarice,  and  intemperance.  Wherever  such  are  found,  under  whatever  mask  and  form,  may 
he  reform  them  by  his  grace,  or  disarm  them  of  that  power  and  influence  which  they  continually  abuse  to  his 
dishonour,  and  to  their  own  aggravated  damnation !  Let  us  in  the  mean  time  be  exhorting  each  other  daily,  while 
it  is  called  to  day,  lest  any  by  insensible  degrees  be  hardened  through  the  deceit  fulness  of  sin;  (Heb.  iii.  13.)  and 
let  us  always  remember,  that  every  exhortation  which  wo  give  to  others  returns  with  redoubled  weight  upon 
ourselves. 


SECTION  CLXIV. 

,  SECT.  Christ  enforces  his  exhortation  to  watchfulness,  by  the  parable  of  the  ten  virgins.    Matt.  xxv.  1—13. 

164. 

Matt.   xxv.    1.  Matt.  xxv.  1. 

matt,  our  Lord,  in  order  to  impress  upon  the  minds  of  his  hearers  a  concern  about  the  great  then  shall  the  kingdom  of 
XXV.   and  awful  day  of  future  judgment,  to  which  the  latter  part  of  his  preceding  discourse  had  ^"^'•'^'^  ^^  ''''«"^''  "."'^  '«" 

i  Happp  is  that  servant  rehom  his  Lord  when  he  cometh,  ^c.'\    As  no  consigned  over  to  7ifl(7(«(7«nrf/7nffj/i»n(7or^m/i  after  it  had  been  inflicted, 

pecuhar  resvards  were  conterred  on  any  ot  the  apostles,  or  other  faith-  I  therefore,  as  before,  (Luke  xii.  46.)  must  understand  itof  bein?  severely 

rm  ministers,  at  the  time  ot  Christ  s  coming  to  destroy  .Jerusalem,  this  scourged,  after  which  idle  slaves  were  often  thrown  into  a  prison,  where 

clause  sufticiently  proves   a  reference  to  the   hnal  .iurfgment ;  and  will  they  lived  miserably  in  every  respect.    To  this  our  Lord  a  ludes  with  a 

??'  'Jf/T-'A'  "SN^'tfi  Dr.  Hammond,  to  understand  the  Gnostics,  or,  with  most  obvious  propriety.    See  i,  114.  p.  10?.,  note  1. 

i)r.  Whitby,  the  apostate  Jews,  as  particularly  intended  by  the  wicked  h  His  portion  with  hypocrites.]    Mahomet  in   his  Alcoran   mentions 

servant  mentioned  afterwards  ;    which   seems   plainly  to  refer  to  a  de-  Seven  Caverns  in  Hell,  the  deepest  and  most  wretched  of  which  is  to  be 

bauched  and  persecuting  clergy,  hypocritically  pretending  to  a  distin-  inhabited  bv  hypocrites.    (Snr.  iv.  v.  144.)    Eisner,  who  takes  this  for 

guished  zeal  for  christian  forms  and  institutions.  a  .Tewish  nrition,  by  a  very  singular  criticism,  supposes  it.  or  something 

K  t>hatlcut  him  asunder.]    I  hat  tearing  and  cutting  persons  into  seve-  analogous  to  it,  referred  to  heri,  and  Pev.  xxi   8    where  he  thinks  liars 

I^L.^"!?!)  *'■".!  ^  cruel    punishment  used   among   the  ancients,    none  are  the  same  with  hypocrites;    and  observes  very  precariously,  that. 

f„^,^.    l*"^  •r""'""''"'^S*".u""'"'  aniWolfiusonthistexthasde-  taking  the  fearful  and  unbelieving,  or  those  that  through  cowardice 

Is  thi^rf^"  V^o'-e  copiously  than  any  other  crit  c  I  have  seen.    Yet,  apostatize,  for  the  first  sort  of  criminals,  liars  are  the  seve.Uh  cl^s. 

rfS  the  criminal  is  here  represented  as  surviving  this  punishment,  and  .              <=  uic  ^c  cxmi  y.,a,,. 


THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  TEN  VIRGINS.  287 

virgins,   which    took    their  SO  plainly  referred,  went  on  to  represent  it  under  a  variety  of  most  lively  figures,  and  par-  SECT. 

lamps '  and   went   forth  to  ticularlyby  the  following  parable;  saying,  Theii,  or  in  that  day  of  final  account  when  the    164. 

meet  the  bridegroom.  faithful  servant  shall  be  rewarded  and  the  treacherous  hypocrite  so  severely  punished, 

shall  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  or  the  state  of  things  under  tlie  gospel-dispensation,  appear  to   matt. 
he  like  the  case  of  Ve«  virgins,'-  who,  being  invited  to  a  marriage-feast,  (which,  according  to   ■^^'^'• 
the  custom  of  this  country,  was  to  be  celebrated  in  the  night,)  took  their  lamps  as  soon  as 
it  began  to  grow  dark,  and  went  out  together  to  meet  the  biidegroom,  and  to  light  him  to 
the  house  where  the  banquet  was  to  be  kept. 

2  And  five  of  them  were      And  it  appeared  by  their  conduct  that  j'/ue  of  them  were  prudent  persons,  and  five  of  2 
wise,  and  five  were  foolish.     ^^^^  ^^.^^^  foolish  and  inconsiderate,  who  made  no  provision  against  an  accident  which 

3  They  that  were  foolish  misht  verv'  naturally  happen.     Thei/  that  were  foolish,  when  they  took  their  lamps,  went  3 
tooMheir  lamps,  and  took  110  f^^jj  with" them  lighted,  but  did  not  take  any  oil  withihem  beside  that  which  was  at  first 
"'4  b'ui  the'wise  took  oil  in  poured  in  :    Whereas  the  prudent  maidens,  considering  that  they  might  perhaps  be  obliged  4 
their  vessels  with  their  lamps.  ^^  ^^^^^  gpj^g  hours,  took  a  reserve  oi  oU  with  them  in  their  vessels  which  they  carried  ivith 

their  lamps,  to  feed  the  flame  when  the  former  stock  should  be  wasted. 

5  While   the   bridegroom       But  white  the  bridegroom  for  a  long  time  delayed  his  coming,  as  they  were  sitting  near  5 
Inci'lfept"'^^  ""  ^'"'"'^'''''''*  the  (Mace  from  whence  they  expected  him  to  come,  they  all  of  them  slumbered,  and  at 

6  And  'at  midnight  there  length  fell  fast  aslcep.    And' in  the  very  tniddle  of  the  night,*>  there  was  a  loud  cry  made  m  6 
bHdegro'"oVcome^hl'°go  %  the'street.  Behold,  the  bridegroom  is  coming!  go  ye  out  immediately  to  meet  him,  and  arise 
out  to  meet  him.      '  to  attend  the  procession  according  to  order. 

7  Then   all   those  virgins      Then  all  those  virgins  presently  arose,  and,  to  prepare  for  his  reception,  dressed  their  7 
famps  "'"^    tri'nmed    their  /„„,^5^  ^hat  they  might  shine  as  bright  and  appear  as  clear  as  possible.     And  the  foolish  8 

*8  Aiid  the  foolish  said  unto  damsels  in  great  surprise  said  to  the  prudent,  Give  us  some  of  your  oil,  for  you  seem  to 
foroLV'^mps%"rrgo?;eou°:''  have  a  great  stock  with  jou ;  whereas  our  lamps  are  gone  out,  and  all  our  oil  i.,  spent. 

9  Hut  the  wise  answered.  But  the  prudent  replied,  I  We  cannot  do  it,\  lest  there  should  not  be  enough  for  us  and  you,  9 
no^'em;n»h'  tbVu's'and'you'  and  SO  we  should  all  be  left  on  a  sudden  without  light,  and  the  bridegroom  te  disappomted 
but  go  ye  rather  to  them  that  and  affronted  ;  but  rather  go  ye  to  them  that  sell  oil  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  buy  some 
leli,  and  buy  for  yourselves,  j^^^  yourselves  as  soon  as  po'ssible,  that  ye  may  follow  and  join  the  procession.-^ 

10  And  while  they  went  to      And  while  they  went  to  buy  it  at  that  inconvenient  time  of  night,  the  bridegroom,  and  his  10 
and'  t'he^Mlt^'were  ^v^t\ '  retinue  Came,  and  those  maid'ens  that  were  ready  to  receive  him,  joined  the  company  ;  and 
wentin'^withhin7to'^the'm!ir^  when  they  Came  to  the  bridal-house,  they  went  in  with  him  to  the  marriage-feast ;  and,  to 
iiage  :  and  the  door  was  shut,  prevent  disturbance,  the  door  was  shut  and  fastened. 

11  Afterward  came  also  tiie      And  some  time  after,  the  other  virgins  also  came,  and,  knocking  at  the  door,  called  with  H 
Lord  opfn  u'ut^Tus""'  ^°"''  great  importunity,  saying.  Sir,  Sir,  vve  desire  you  would  open  to  us,  who  are  also  some  of 

12  But  he  answered  and  your  guests,  though' by  an  Unfortunate  accident  we  are  come  a  little  too  late.     But  he,  12 
fknow  yoif  not'"^  ""'"  ^°"'  being  unwilling  to  be  disturbed  in  the  feast,  and  to  open  the  door  again,  answered  them, 

sat/ing.  Truly,  I  say  unto  you,  I  knoiv  you  not  whence  you  are;*"  my  house  is  already 
furnished  with  guests,  and  t  will  admit  no  more.  Thus  these  thoughtless  creatures  entirely 
lost  both  their  labour  and  expense,  meeting  with  nothing  but  disappointment  and  shame. 
And  such  will  be  your  case  if  you  content  yourselves  with  a  mere  empty  profession,  of 
religion,  while  you  sink  into  a  careless  and  negligent  conduct,  and  remain  destitute  of 
that  principle  of  real  piety  which  ought  to  give  lustre  and  vigour  to  it. 

13  Watch  therefore,  for  ve      See  to  it,  therefore,  that  you  maintain  a  constant  xvatch,  not  presuming  on  preparations  13 
hSu7^Xlreiu  the  Sun  of"  man  *-°  ^^  ™^^^  hereafter;  for  your  removal,  may  be  much  more  sudden  than  you  are  aware, 
Cometh. '^'^'"   '*   ""  °  "'""  and  ye  know  neither  the  day  nor  the  hour  'in  ivhich  the  Son  of  man  cometh  to  receive  his 

prepared  people  to  himself,  and  for  ever  to  exclude  the  hypocrite  and  the  sinner  from  the 
entertainments  of  his  heavenly  kingdom. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  us  apply  our  hearts  to  the  obvious  instructions  which  this  well-known  parable  so  naturally  suggests.    We  Ver.  1 
are  under  a  religious  profession  :  our  lamps  are  in  our  hands,  and  we  go  forth  as  those  that  expect  to  meet  Christ; 
as  those  that  desire  and  hope  to  be  admitted  to  the  marriage-supper  of  the  Lamb.     But,  alas,  how  few  are  there 
that  are  truly  prepared  for  such  a  blessedness  !    Would  to  God  there  were  reason  to  hope  that  the  christian  church 
were  so  equally  divided,  that  five  of  ten  in  it  had  the  oil  of  divine  grace  in  their  hearts,  to  render  them  burning  2,  3,  4 
and  shining  lights ! 

Let  even  such  as  have  it  be  upon  their  guard  ;  for  our  Lord  intimates  that  the  wise  as  well  as  the  foolish  virgins  5 
are  too  apt  to  slumber  and  sleep,  and  carelessly  to  intermit  that  watch  which  they  ought  constantly  to  maintain. 
There  may  be,  at  an  unexpected  time,  a  midnight  cry.     Happy  the  souls  that  can  hear  it  with  pleasure ;  being  6 
not  only  habitually,  but  actually,  ready  to  obey  the  summons  !    Happy  they  that  have  their  loins  girded  and  their 
lurnns  burning  !    (Luke  xii.  35.) 

The  foolish  virgins  saw  their  error  too  late  ;  they  applied  to  the  wise  ;  but  their  application  was  vain.    And  as  8,  9 
vain  will  the  hope  of  those  be  who  trust  to  the  intercession  of  departed  saints,  or  any  supposed  redundancy  of 
merit  in  them,  while  they  are  themselves  strangers  to  a  holy  temper  and  life.     In  vain  will  they  cry.  Lord,  Lord,  10—12 
open  to  us.    The  door  of  mercy  will  be  shut  for  ever,  and  the  workers  of  iniquity  utterly  disowned.    The  day  of 
grace  has  its  limits  ;  and  for  those  that  have  trifled  it  away,  there  remaineth  nothing  but  the  blackness  of  darkiiess 
forever.    (Jude,  ver.  13.) 

a  Ten  virgins.]    This  whole  parable  contains  a  plain  reference  to  the  one,  since  that  can  be  the  case  only  under  one  meridian  at  a  time.— 

custom  which  prevailed  among  the  Jews  then,  and  still  prevails  among  A  celebrated  commentator  has   clouded  this   parable   exceedingly,  by 

many  eastern  nations.   fSee  T/ie  Cnstoms  of  the  Jews  and  Indians  Com-  attempting  to  explain  it  of  the   different   effects  Christ's   admonition 

jpared,  p.  41,  et  seq.)    The  bridegroom  used  to  conduct  his  bride  home  concerning  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  would  have  on  different  per- 

in  the  evening  by  the  light  of  lamps,  which  were  used  fas  Eisner  shows,  sons. 

Oiserv.  vol.  1.  p.  114,  115.)  by  the  jews  and  Romans  on  the  like  occa-       c  Bny  for  yourselves.']  This  seems  merely  an  ornamental  circumstance ; 

sion  :   they  were  carried  by  bridemaids,  who  used  afterwards  to  sup  and  it  is  strange  that  any  popish  writers  should  consider  it  as  tavourinL' 

with  them  ;   and  some  tell   us  their  number  must  at  least  he  ten. — It  their  doctiine  of  a  stock  of  merits  in  the  church,  founded  on  works  of 

seems,  from  the  circumstances  of  this  parable,  that  if  any  of  the  neigh-  supererogation  ;   since,  if  it  referred  to  them  at  all,  (which  there  is  no 

"Ours  besides  those  who  were  directly  invited,  thought  it  worth  their  reason  to  imagine,)  it  would  rather  expose  than  encourage  any  depend- 

while  to  pay  their  respect  to  the  new-married  couple,  it  was  esteemed  a  ence  upon  them.  t    \.      a 

decent  piece  of  civility  to  admit  them  to  a  share  in  the  bridal  feast,  if       d  /  know  ymi  not.]    This  circumstance  in  the  parable  is  not  aosuro  , 

'hey  made  their  appearance  at  a  proper  time.  for  nothing  intimated   a   personal   acquaintance  with  them,  and  guests 

b  771  tlie  middle  of  the  night.]    Perhaps  the  tradition  which  Jerome  asking  admittance  with  such  a  pretence  might  have  been  multipliea  ne- 

"i?"t'ons,  that  asserted  Christ  would  come  to  judgment  at  midnight,  yond  a;l  reason  and  convenience.    At  least,  its  sigrihcancy  in  ine  ap- 

might  be  borrowed  trom  hence;   though  to  be  sure  it  is  a  very  absurd  plication  is  very  apparent  and  important. 


288  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  FIVE  TALENTS. 

SECTION  CLXV. 

Christ  repeats  the  parable  of  the  talents,  in  a  form  something  different  from  that  in  which  he  had  before  delivered  it.    Matt.  xxv.  14 — 30.      . 

Matt.  xxv.  14.  Matt.  xxv.  14. 

SECT.  JESUS  having  delivered  the  preceding  parable  of  the  virgins,  went  on  further  to  illustrate  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
165.    the  subject  by  the  repetition  of  a  parable  resembling  one  which  he  had  used  some  time  tkr^country.'^»^»  'called'his 

before  ;  (Luke  xix.  12 — 27.  sect,  cxliv.)  and  said,  Let  me  again  remind  you  of  the  great  o*n  servants,  and  delivered 

MATT,  importance  of  preparing  for  my  coming  by  a  diligent  improvement  of  your  gifts  ;  for  the  ""'"  *  ^'"  '°  ^°°  ^' 
"^^Ik  *™^  when  [the  Son  qfmmi]  shall  come,  and  the  grand  admmistration  of  judgment  attend- 
ing  it,  \}inll  be\  as  the  proceedings  of  a  man  [who'\  going  a  long  journei/,  called  his  servants 

15  together,  and  delivered  his  effects  to  them.  And  to  one  of  them  he  gave  Jive  talents,^  and  to  15  And  unto  one  he  gave 
another  tiuo,  and  to  another  one  ;  to  every  man  accor^ding  to  his  respective  capacity  to  manage  ^^'^  /o  another  one°''to'^every 
the  sum,  and  to  the  prospect  there  might  reasonably  be  of  his  improving  it :  and  imme-  man  according  to  h'ls  several 
diatehj  he  ivent  away,  and  set  forward  on  his  journey.  hl's''iour'ne"^  '"'^'s'"™'*^'  ^°°^ 

16  A7id  he  %oho  had  received  the  five  talents,  ivent  and  engaged  in  business,  and  traded  with  16  Then  'he  that  had  re- 
theni  in  so  diligent  a  manner  during  the  absence  of  his  master,  that  he  doubled  the  sum,  anTtraded  ^wlth^'tUe'^srine! 

17  and  produced  jive  talents  more.     And  in  like  manner  he  who  \had  7'eceived\  the  two  was  so  and  made  tUcm  other  five 

18  industrious  in  employing  them  to  the  best  advantage,  that  he  also  gained  two  more.  But  '^n^And  likewise  he  that  Aad 
he  who  had  received  but  one  talent,  being  displeased  that  he  had  been  intrusted  with  no  received  two,  he  also  gained 
more,  was  seized  with  sullen  indolence  and  servile  fear,  and  icent  away  directly,  and  at-  "'is'^But'he  that  had  received 
tempted  no  improvement  of  it,  but  privately  digged  \a  hole']  in  the  earth,  and  hid  his  masters  one  went  and  digged  in  the 

•^  1  X  11  u       u      ij       i  u„™„  ./      00       ■-  a  earth,    and     hid    his    lord's 

money  in  it  till  he  should  return  home.  _  money. 

19  Thus  the  matter  passed  off  for  a  while ;  hut  after  some  considerable  time,  the  master  of    i9  After  a  long  time  the 
those  servants  comes  home  and  makes  up  his  accounts  with  them,  demanding  from  each  the  a°Kl  reckonetrwith  t^em!*^'  ' 
sum  with  which  he  had  been  intrusted,  and  inquiring  what  was  the  interest  he  had  gained 
by  it. 

20  And  he  who  had  received  the  five  talents  came  near  and  brought  other  five  talents  with     20  And  so  he  that  had  re- 

-■        -  ■    ■        -  -  ■  .  i-         ..  ,  -    ,   ■■  ..       ceived  five  talents,  came  and 


them,  saying.  Sir,  thou  wast  pleased  so  far  to  intrust  me  that  thou  didst  deliver  to  me  five  brought  otlierfiTe'tafSiite, 


say- 


falents  vvhen  setting  out  on  thy  journey ;  and  such  is  the  improvement  I  have  made  of  ing.  Lord,  thou  deiiveVedst 

21  them,  that  behold,  I  have  doubled  the  sum,  and  gained  to  them  five  talents  more.  And  his  i"ha"e%"'ined'besyes'them 
7naster  said  unto  him.  Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant,*'  thou  hast  been  faithful  in  five  talents  more. 

the  management  of  a  few  things  ;  and^  having  'proved  thee  to  be  so  in  this  lower  trust,  I  w"eu"doie''*Mo«  good^S 
will  prefer  thee  to  a  higher,  and  set  thee  over  many  more  valuable  things  than  tliese  :  in  the  faithful  servant :  tiiou  hast 
mean  time  eyiter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  master,  and  share  with  me  in  the  banquet  prepared  l'hings,'^!'wiu'mHkrthe*e  rul^- 
for  myself  and  my  friends  on  this'  happy  occasion  of  my  return.  over'many  thing^;  enter  thou 

22  He  also  who  had  received  the  two  talents  came  forward',  and  said.  Sir,  thou  wert  so  indul-  '°co  ViV°aiso  'thkt '"il^ad  re- 
gent that  thou  didst  deliver  to  me  at  thy  going  hence  two  talents,  which  I  have  endeavoured  "j^'^^'Lor", 'Vif "'%^1w*  ^a\. 
to  employ  as  carefully  as  I  could  :  and  behold,  by  trafficking  with  them,  I  have  gained  two  unto'  me°two  talents":  'behold, 

23  other  talents  to  them.  And  his  master  said  unto  him,  as  he  had  done  to  the  former.  Well  l^l^,^^^\J^^i"^^^^^}^°  °"'^'" 
done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant,  thy  care  and  diligence  is  as  agreeable  to  me  as  if  thy  "23'ninord\ald"unto  him, 
trust  had  been  greater  ;  thou  hast  been  evidently  faithful  in  a  few  things,  and  I  will  in  like  "^Veii  done,  good  and  taithtul 

r       P       .       '1  ■    1  .  ■>       ,  .1       ■  •  1       Ti     ji  ■         ii         ii  servant:  thou  hast  been  taith- 

manner  prefer  thee  to  a  higher  trust,  and  set  thee  over  many  more  valuable  things  than  these;  tui  over  a  few  things,  i  win 
in  the  mean  time,  come  to  the  entertainment  now  prepared,  and  enter  thou  with  thy  com-  ^?^^^  ''^  enter'Thou  Ynto  "tiie 
panion  into  the  joy  of  thy  master.  joy  of  thy  lord. 

24  But  he  also  who  had  received  the  one  talent,'^  came  and  said,  with  a  sullen  and  gloomy  ci  Then  he  which  had  re- 
countenance.  Sir,  I  knew  thee  that  thou  art  a  severe  man,  and  that  it  is  a  very  difficult  anJ^sajj'' Lord  'fkneVfhee 
thing  to  please  thee,  since  thou  art  so  exact  with  thy  servants  as  even  to  think  of  reaping  that  ihou  art  an  hard  man, 
where  thou  didst  not  soxv,  ami  of  gathering  whence  thou  hadst  not  scattered  any  thing  that  so,^n"^ai7d  ^gathe?in<^''where 
could  be  taken  up ;  requiring  more  in  many  instances  than  it  is  possible  for  them  to  do,  thou  iiast  not  strawed : 

25  be  they  ever  so  careful  :  And  being  terrified  with  this  thought,  I  concluded,  that  if  by  any  C5  And  I  was  afraid,  and 
accident  thy  money  should  miscarry  under  my  management,  tliou  would st  show  me  no  *a*r"h  f'lo, //^er^^hou  h'iuAal 
mercy ;  and  therefore  J  went  away,  as  soon  as  I  had  received  it,  and  hid  thy  talent  in  the  "  thine.  ' 

earth,  in  a  place  where  it  has  been  very  secure  ;  so  that  I  have  now  taken  it  up,  and  behold, 
\tltere'\  thou  hast  thine  own  again,  and  wilt  find  it  to  be  the  full  sum  I  received. 

26  And  his  master  answering,  said  unto  him  with  a  just  indignation,  I'hou  wicked  and  slothful  co  His  lord  answered  and 
servant,  what  a  false  and  scandalous  excuse  is  this,  and  how  easily  may  it  be  retorted  upon  ^^/j  "i''Hhfur'sen'ant!'''thou 
thee !  For  if  it  were  indeed,  as  thou  maliciously  sayest,  and  thou  knewest  that  I  was  such  knewest  iiiat  i  reap  where  t 
a  tyrannical  and  unreasonable  man  as  thou  hast  described,  even  that  I  reap  xvhere  I  did  fiTat^enot'su-awfd':''^'^  "'*""^' 
not  sow,  and  expect  to  gather  something  up  from  rvhcnce  I  had  not  scattered  it,  thou 

mightest  certainly  depencf  upon  it  that  I  should  expect  to  reap  where  I  had  sowed,  and  to 
gather  where  I  had  scattered  that  which,  in  this  instance  as  well  as  the  others,  might  have 
.27  been  an  increasing  seed.     And  therefore,  if  thou  hadst  been  afraid  to  employ  it  in  trade,  toYaTe''put°my  money  to  the 
as  these  my  faithful  servants  have  done,  thou  shouldst  have  put  my  money  to  the  bankers  exchangers,  and  //ten  at  my 
upon  sufficient  security,  and  thus  when  I  came  I  might  at  least  have  received  mine  own  rvith  cei'^ed^mine  own  with  usury! 

28  the  common  interest.  And  then,  turning  to  the  attendants,  he  said,  Take  ye  therefore  the  28  Take  therefore  the  talent 
talent  which  he  has  thus  abused  from  him,  and  give  it  to  him  that  has  ten  talents,  as  a  fur-  hiTwhid.'  hTth  ten  uien""'" 

29  ther  token  of  my  acceptance  and  favour.  For  I  would  have  all  my  servants  observe,  that  29  'i^'^ir'b^  "^^  v"^"^  ""  nd"'he 
I  shall  constantly  make  this  a  maxim  in  my  behaviour,  That  to  every  one  that  hath,  and  shall  *have  abundl'uce'"  but 
diligently  improves  what  he  hath,  more  shall  he  given,  and  he  shall  have  abundance ;  but  ^^°"\^^^'^^  *awa''^'even'  '{"hat 

from  him  that  hath  not  improved  it  to  any  valuable  purpose,  even  tvhat  he  hath  shall  he  which  he  hath.''^ 

a  To  one  he  gave  five  talents.']  According  to  Dr.  Prideaux's  calcula-  in  English.  It  was  used  by  auditors  or  spectators  in  any  public  exer- 
tion, if  these  were  talents  of  sold,  the  value  of  the  five  must  have  been  cise,  to  express  the  highest  applause  when  any  part  had  been  excellently 
.p,000  pounds  sterling,  and  if  silver,  CC50  pounds.  (See  the  Preface  to  performed.  Bravely  done  I  comes  something  near  it,  but  is  not  equally 
his  Connexion.,  p.  20.)    And  perhaps  this  great  sum  was  chosen,  to   in-  elegant  or  forcible. 

timate  the  value  and  importance  of  those  capacities  and  opportunities  c  He  who  had  received  the  one  talent.]    This  may  intimate  that  we  are 

committed   to  every  reasonable  creature,  and  especially  to  every  pro-  accountable  for  the  smallest  advantages  with  which  we  are   intrusted  ; 

tessing  christian.    But  I  do  not  lay  any  very  great  stresson  this  remark,  but  it  cannot  imply  that  they  who  have  received  much  will  ordinarily 

because  it  is  plain,  that  as  Homer  uses  the  word  raXavrov  for  a  sum,  or  pass  their  account  best  ;    for  it  is  too  plain,  in  fact,  that  most  of  those 

perhaps  a  small  wedge  of  gold,  of  considerably  less  value  than  the  price  whose  dignity,  wealth,  and  genius  give  them  the  greatest  opportunities 

of  two  fat  oxen,  (.Iliad,  -i/.  ver.750,  751.)  so  the  signification  of  it  among  of  service,  seem  to  forget  they  have  anv  Master  in  heaven  to  serve,  or 

"lu'^h  later  writers  is  very  indeterminate.  any  future  reckoning  to  expect;  and  many  of  them   render  themselves 

b   li ell  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant.]    The  original  word   ev  much  more  criminal  than  this  wicked  and  slothful  servant  who  AirfAi* 

has  a  peculiar  force  and  energy,  far  bej-ond  what  I  can  exactly  express  talent  in  the  earth. 


THE  SENTENCE  OF  THE  RIGHTEOUS  AND  THE  WICKED  AT  THE  LAST  JUDGMENT.       289 

taken  away.  (Compare  Matt.  xiii.  12.  Mark  iv.  25.  Luke  viii.  18.  xix.  26.)     Suchunfaith-  SECT, 
ful  creatures  must  expect  to  be  stripped  of  all,  and  not  imagine  that  I  will  perpetually    165. 
30  And  cast  ye  the  unpro-  suffer  my  trusts  to  be  abused,  and  my  business  to  be  neglected.    And,  to  deter  others  from 

n^s!*t1iTe^shiu°be"weeping  ^^^h  an  idle  and  unfaithful  conduct,  cast  ye  the  unprojjtable  servant,  who  has  so  wickedly  matt. 

and  gnasiiing  of  teeth.        °  abused  my  goodness,  into  the  dreadful  darkness  which  is  ivithout ;  and  there,  instead  of  the    -^^^• 
delight  and  joy  to  which  m]^  faithful  servants  shall  be  introduced,  there  shall  be  nothing  ^^ 
but  ivecping  and  gnashing  of  the  teeth.     Now  this  horrible  darkness  to  which  my  parable 
refers,  is  no  other  than  the  dungeon  of  hell,  to  which  every  unfaithful  servant  must  expect 
to  be  condemned  in  that  approaching  day  of  general  account :  fail  not  therefore  to  observe 
and  report  what  I  now  say,  that  it  may  give  the  alarm  to  all  who  need  it. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

What  can  excite  us  to  a  becoming  care  and  activity  in  the  duties  of  life,  if  we  are  deaf  to  those  various  and 
important  motives  which  this  excellent  parable  suggests  ?    We  have  each  of  us  received  our  talents,  whether  five, 
or  two,  or  one  ;  and  if  we  be  faithful,  it  matters  not  much  under  which  of  these  classes  we  fall.     Our  acceptance  \'er.  15 
and  reward  will  be  proportionable  to  our  diligence ;  nor  will  any  be  blamed'  because  he  has  not  received  five, 
though  many  will  be  condemned  for  neglecting  one. 

Yet  a  little  while  and  our  Lord  comes  to  reckon  with  us,  and  even  now  his  eye  is  continually  upon  us.    Let  tis  19 
ask  our  own  souls,  with  what  temper,  with  what  courage,  with  what  cheerfulness,  shall  we  appear  before  him '. 
Let  us  think  of  that  appearance  with  awe,  but  not  with  terror.     Away  with  every  unjust  thought  and  reasoning,  24 
(with  whatever  artifice  it  be  excused,  with  whatever  honourable  name  it  be  dignified,)  that  would  represent  him  as 
a  rigorous  and  severe  Master,  and  produce  a  servile  dread,  which  would  cut  the  sinews  of  industry,  and  sink  the 
soul  into  a  sullen,  negligent  despair. 

Whatever  our  particular  snares  in  life  may  be,  let  us  think  of  the  doom  of  the  slothful  servant,  to  awaken  our  30 
souls,  and  to  deter  us  from  every  degree  of  unfaithfulness.  And,  on  the  other  hand,  let  us  often  reflect  on  that 
unutterable  transport  which  will  overflow  the  breast  of  every  real  christian,  when  his  gracious  Master  shall  con- 
descend, in  so  honourable  a  manner,  to  commemorate  his  honest  though  feeble  attempts  of  service ;  and  shall  say. 
Well  done,  thou  good  and  faifliful  servant :  thou  hast  been  faithful  in  a  few  things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many  21  23 
things :  enter  thou  into  the  joy  (f  thy  Lord!  May  that  joy  be  the  great  object  of  our  hopes  and  pursuits !  and  may 
our  daily  care  in  the  impfovenient'of  every  talent  lodged  in  our  hands,  Ibe  a  token  to  us  that  it  will  be  sure  anti 
great ! 


SECTION  CLXVI. 

Christ  concludes  this  important  discourse  with  a  plain  and  affecting  description  of  the  last  judgment,  and  of  the  different  sentences  then  to  be 
passed  and  executed  on  the  righteous  and  the  wicked.    Matt.  xxv.  31,  to  the  end. 

Matt.  XXV.  31.  Matt.  xxv.  31. 

WHEN  tiie  Son  of  man  shall  OUR  Lord  having  hitherto  described  his  last  coming  in  a  parabolical  manner,  thought  it  sect. 
hoK'^anse'fs^wit^h''him?  then  proper  to  conclude  his  discourse  with  a  plainer  account  of  it,  which  might  serve  as  a  key    166. 

shall^^he  sit  upon  the  throne  of  to  many  preceding  passages  ;  and  he  added.  When  that  great  and  illustrious  Person,  whom 

'^  ^  °^^  '  you  have  so  often  heard  of  and  so  well  known  by  the  title  of  the  Son  of  man,  shall  come  in  matt. 

all  his  final  glory^  in  the  most  public  honours  of  his  mediatorial  kingdom,  to  which  all   XXV. 
things  shall  then  be  completely  subjected  ;  (1  Cor.  xv.  25,  28.)  and  all  the  holy  angels  who  ^^ 
have  long  been  subjected  to  him  as  his  ministering  servants,  shall  come  with  him ;  then 
shall  he  sit  upon  his  glori{rd<s  and  majestic  throne,  conspicuous  in  the  eyes  of  the  whole 
■^h  ^'i''  \f^°"^  ^^"^  ^*'^''  ''*  world,  as  the  universal  .ludge.     And  all  the  nations  of  men  who  have  lived  on  earth  from  32 
fhalf's"parafe^'hem  one"vom  ^'^^  remotest  ages  of  time,  shall  be  assembled  before  him  ,-b  and  he  shall  separate  them  from 
'^po'he'"   as  a  shepherd  di-  each  other  according  to  their  different  characters,  which  he  most  perfectly  knows,  with  as 
goats:     "   ^  ^^^    ™'"  *'^  much  ease  as  a  shepherd  separates  the  sheep  whicit  belong  to  his  flock,_/ro?«  the  goats  which 

33  And  he  shall  set  the  may  be  mingled  with  them,  and  places  them  in  distinct  companies.  '  And  he  shall  set  the  33 
thegoa°t^on'thfkft!'''°''' ''"'  •'''"^^^'  t'^^*^  'S'  ^he  righteous,  whom  he  will  own  as  such,  and  whose  characters  resemble 

the  innocence,  meekness,  and  usefulness  of  that  animal,  on  his  right  hand,  in  token  of  his 
favour  to  them,  and  of  the  further  honours  he  will  bestow  upon  them  :  but  the  goats,  that 
is,  the  wicked,  who  are  so  offensive  to  him  that  they  may  justly  be  represented"  by  goats, 
he  shall  place  on  [his'\  left,  to  intimate  his  displeasure  against  them,  and  their  final  removal 
from  amongst  his  people ;  nor  shall  the  haughtiest  and  mightiest  sinner  be  able  to  resist 
that  appointment  by  which  he  is  placed  in  this  situation,  to  await  his  sentence.":  (Com- 
pare Ezek.  xxxiv.  17,  18.) 

34  Then  shall  the  Kin?  say       Then  when,  by  the  ministry  of  the  angelic  attendants,  they  are  thus  separated  from  each  34 
Come',  y"^  b"essed  of ''my^Fa-  o^]ier,  the  great  King  of  glory  and  of  grace,  who  presides  over  this  grand  solemnity,  shall, 
ther,  inherit  the  iiingdom  pre-  with  the  most  condescending  endearment,  say  to  them  on  his  right  hand,  Come,  ye  blessed 
fo*Jndatio°n  of^the  world:  "^"^  ^"^^  favourite  people  of  my  Father,  approach'  yet  nearer  to  me,  that,  having  been  assessors 

with  me  in  what  yet  remains  of  this  day's  awful  proceedings,  (1  Cor.  vi.  2,  3.)  you  may 
go  in  with  me  to  inherit  the  kingdom  of  holiness,  glory,  and  joy,  appointed  for  your  portion 
in  the  divine  purpose  and  decree,  and  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world. 

35  For  I  was  an  hnngred,  And  I  am  now  descended  to  receive  you  to  this  kingdom  with  all  these  public  marks  of  35 
?i^'i?st'y,^and"'ye'"'^gave^  ^ml  approbation  and  honour ;  for  I  well  remember  your  good  deeds  in  the  days  of  your  flesh, 
drink  :'i  was  a  stranger,  and  and  felt  my  own  bowels  refreshed  by  them,  when  I  was  hungri/,  and  ye  gave  me  [  food\  to 

ye  too   me  in  :  ^^f  .  ^jjgjj  J  ,^^5  thirsty,  and  ye  caused  me  to  drink ;  when  I  was  a  stranger,  and  ye  took 

36  Naked,  and  ye  clothed  me  in  like  One  of  your  own  families ;  When  [J  was"]  naked,  and  ye  clothed  me;  when  I  SQ 

a  When  the  Smi  of  man  shall  come  in  his  glory.']    If  we  observe  the  h  All  the  nations  shall  he  assembled  bejore  him .]    Had  the  notion  which 

oni'"^*?*'       "^^  ''^'^™*'"  these  words  and  those  in  chap.  xxiv.  .30,  31.  (p.  prevailed  among  .some  later  .lews,  that  the  Gentiles  sliould  \rA\enopan 

-B.i.)  It  may  seem  probable  that  Christ  intended  to  teach   his  disciples  in  the  resurrection,  been  as  old  as  our  Lord's  time,  it  is  easy  to  see  these 

to  conceive  or  his  first  coming  to  the  destruction  of  .Jerusalem  as  a  kind  v/ords  might  have  been  understood  as  a  direct  intended  opposition  to  it. 

or  emblem  ot   \\\s,  fi.nal  ajpea'ance  to  judgment ;  and  consequently  it  c  Nor  shall  the  haughtiest  sinner,  &c.]    I  can  imagine  no  more  mag- 

will  authorize  us  to  use  some  of  the  texts  in  the  former  chapter  when  nificent  image  than  this  :   the  assembled  world  distimruished  with  such 

niscoursuig  ot  that  great  and  important  day. — I  hope  every  reader  will  unerring  penetration,  and  distributed  into  two  grand  classes,  with  as 

onserve  with  what  iiiajesty  and  grandeur  our  Lord  speaks  of  himself  in  much  ease  as  sheep  anri  goats  are   ranged  bv  a  shepherd  indifferent 

til'^f  T^h   ""' "'    "^u  '^  °"^  of  the  noblest  instances  of  the  true  sublime  companies. — The   propriety  with  wliich  our  "Lord  speaks  of  himself  m 

that  1  have  any  where  read  ;  and  indeed  few  passages,  even  in  the  sacred  the  following  words  by  the  title  of  the  King,  is  very  observable  ;  and  it 

writings  themselves,  seem  to  equal  it.    Methinks  we  can  hardly  read  it  adds  unutterable  beauty  to  the  condescending  words  he  is  represented  as 

without  imagining  ourselves  before  the  awful  tribunal  it  describes.  speaking  on  this  great  occa.sion. 

U 


290      THE  SENTENCE  OF  THE  RIGHTEOUS  AND  THE  WICKED  AT  THE  LAST  JUDGMENT. 

s ECT.  was  sick,  and  ye  looked  after  me ;  "^  when  I  was  shut  up  in  the  solitude,  confinement,  and  ™e :  i  was  sick,  and  ye  visit- 
166.    affliction  of  a  prison,  and  ye  came  kindly  to  condole  with  me  in  my  sufferings,  and  to  relieve  ye  came^unto  m".^"^°°'  ^""^ 

my  necessities  there. 

MATT.       Tfien  shall  the  righteous,  in  humble  amazement,  be  ready  to  answer  him,  and  say.  Lord,     3?  Then  shall  the  righteous 
xsv.  ^v],at  service  were  we  ever  capable  of  doino:  thee,  that  can  deserve  such  notice  from  thee  ?  wlfeTsaw '"v'e  thii"fn  hl^ng- 

37  When  did  ive  ever  see  thee  hungry,  and  fed  [thee'!']  or  thirsty,  and  caused  \thee']  to  drink  ?  red,  and  fed  r/>ee?  or  thirsty, 

38  Or  when  did  we  ever  see  thee  m  the  destitute  condition  of  a  stranger,  and  'took  [thee]  in  ?  ^":f8^When"saw'"we  thee  a 

39  or  naked,  and  clothed  [thee?\  Or  when  did  we  ever  see  thee  sick,  or  in  prison,  and  came  to  stranger,  and  took  tkee  in? 
thee  for  thy  relief?  We  never  saw  thee,  blessed  Lord,  in  such  circumstances  of  distress,  °V9'or''\vteVlaw  "^Jelhee 
nor  ever  had  an  opportunity  of  showing  any  such  kindness  to  thee,  that  thou  shouldst  now  sick,  or  in  prison,  and  came 
distinguish  us  in  such  a  manner,  and  speak  "so  honourably  of  the  service  we  have  done  thee.  ""'°  ^^^^ ' 

40  And  the  King,  answering  with  renewed  condescension  from  his  exalted  throne,  shall  not  4o  And  the  King  shall  an- 
disdain  to  sai/  unto  them,  I  well  know  that  ye  abounded  in  such  kind  and  comp9ssionate  1)^^!"  ""'^  say  unto  them, 
actions  to  the  necessitous  and  afflicted  saints  around  you  :  and  verily  I  say  imto  you.  In  much^aJ  jThave  done";/unto 
as  much  at  ye  did  \it'\  unto  one  of  the  least  and  poorest  of  these  my  dear  brethren  wlio  now  ?"*"  °f  "^^  least  ot  these  my 
stand  with  "you  in  this  happy  company,  %je  in  effect  did  [it]  to  me :«  and  I  declare  it  in  the  ml!  '  ^'  ''^^'«'^""«"""'" 
face  of  all  the  world,  that  I  take  and  reward  it  as  if  I  had  been  relieved  in  person,  and 

joyfully  welcome  you  to  that  blessed  world  where  you  shall  be  for  ever  reaping  the  harvest 
of  these  labours  of  love. 

41  Then,  when  his  faithful  servants  are  thus  acquitted  and  honoured,  he  shall  turn  and  say  4i  Then  shall  he  say  also 
also  to  them  on  the  lef^  '• — '    ^ '  ^' —      -      -  '       '   ' —  —  ii-  -      •  ■   .     ..     .,nf^  th„„.  „„  th«  ut*  i,,„j 


agonies  of  that  ever  I 

devil  and  his  angels,^  whose  companions  you  must  for  ever  be  in  the  regions 
42  despair.    And  ye  cannot  but  know  in  your  own  consciences  that  ye  well  deserve  it ;  for     42  For  i  was  an  himgred. 


ye  aid  not  clothe  rne  ;  1  was  sick,  ana  m  prison,  and  ye  did  not  look  after  me,  or  do  any  ye  clothed  me  not :  sick,  and 
thing-  at  all  for  my  relief.  '  not^"^°"'  ^"''  ^^  ^'*''^''  ""* 

44  Then  shall  they  also  ansnver  and  say  unto  him,?  Lord,  we  are  surprised  at  so  strange  a  44  Then  shall  they  also  an- 
charge,  and  cannot  apprehend  ourselves  liable  to  it ;  for  when  did  ive  ever  see  thee  hungry,  I'^^^l^'tu^l^'^^ht'^g^ed, 
or  thirsty,  or  a  stranger,  or  naked,  or  sick,  or  in  prison,  and  did  not,  to  the  best  of  oiar  or  athirst,  or  a  strange'r,  or 
abilities,  minister  to  thee?  If  we  had  ever  seen  thee  in  distress,  we  would  not  have  and"did'' nof  mlnil^er^'umo 
neglected  to  relieve  thee  ;  but  we  had  never  any  opportunity  of  doing  it.  thee  ? 

45  And  then  shall  he  answer  them  saying,  Verily  I  say  unto  i/ou,  and  declare  it  in  the  most  4.5  Then  shall  he  answer 
solemn  manner,  That  in  as  much  as  ye  did  \it'\  not  to  one  of  the  least  of  these  once  neces-  "'*"'•  sayi"2.  Veriiy  i  say 
o;*,^,,„  ♦!,„  „u  1  •  I,  .^  •  ;  1  1 -•  1  •  1-  .  ,  ,  ^v-^o  yj^ig  yo„  In  as  much  as  ye 
sitous  tliougli  now  triumphant  saints,  who  dwelt  among  you  on  earth,  and  needed  vour  did  i>  not  to  one  of  the  least  of 
assistance,  ye  did  [it]  not  to  me  :  and  I  justly  thought  myself  neglected  and  injured  when  "'^^^'  >'*  ''''*  "  °°'  *°  '"^• 
you  sluit  up  the  bowels  of  your  compassion  towards  them. 

46  And  so,  to  conclude  all,  these  miserable  wretches,  notwith  stand  in  o-  all  the  excuses  they  46  And  ti^se  shall  go  away 
can  urge,  shall  go  aivay  into  a  most  dreadful  state  of  everlasting  punishment ;  but  the  right-  '^^^  Vhr'Hgi"teous"into  "life 
eoiis,  through  the  abundant  grace  of  God  manifested  by  his  Son,  shall  enter  into  everlasting  eternal. 

life :  h  and  thus  the  great  scene  shall  close  in  the  eternal  happiness  or  misery  of  every 
human  creature  who  has  ever  lived  on  the  face  of  this  earth. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  us  now  behold,  with  an  attentive  eye  and  a  solicitous  heart,  the  end  of  all  the  living;  that  awful  scene  in 
Ver.31  which  the  various  dispensations  of  God  to  mankind  shall  terminate  in  tlie  solemn  day,  when  the  Son  of  man  shall 

32  come  in  his  glory,  and  sit  on  Iiis  magnificent  throne.     All  nations  and  people  shall  be  assembled  before  him,  and 

33  we  must  make  up  a  part  of  the  assembly.  The  sheep  and  the  goats  must  then  be  separated :  and,  O  my  soul, 
arnongst  wliich  wilt  tliou  then  be  numbered  ?  Is  there  an  inquiry,  is  there  a  cai-e,  of  greater,  of  equal,  of  compar- 
able importance  ? 

41  Let  us  view  the  sentence  we  must  shortly  hear,  as  he  who  will  himself  pronounce  it  has  been  pleased  to  give  us 
a  copy  of  it. — Can  we  conceive  any  thing  more  dreadful  than  that  which  snail  be  passed  on  those  on  the  left  hand? 
To  be  driven  from  the  presence  of  Christ  as  accursed,  and  to  be  consigned  over  to  a  devouring  fire !  and  tliis  not 
only  to  the  tortures  of  a  moment  or  an  hour,  (as  in  some  painful  executions  that  have  been  known  here,)  but  to 
everlasting  fire,  yea,  to  fire  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels,  where  they  will  be  perpetual  companions  and 
perpetual  tormentors !     Should  not  the  thought  that  he  is  in  danger,  in  hourly  danger,  of  being  sealed  up  under 

Ai  ^l"^,^^"^^"*^^'  awaken  the  most  stupid  sinner,  and  engage  him  eagerly  to  cry  out.  What  shall  I  do  to  be  saved? — 
42,  43  And  on  whom  is  this  sentence  passed  ?     Let  us  attentively  observe  it :  Not  merely  on  the  most  gross  and  aban- 
doned sinners,  but  on  those  who  have  lived  in  an  liabitual  necjlect  of  their  duty  :  not  merely  on  those  who  have 
ravaged  and  persecuted  the  saints,  (though  surelv  their  furnace  will  be  heated  seven  times  hotter  than  that  of  others,) 
but  even  on  those  who  have  neglected  to  relieve  them. 

1  "  '^'^t  °^^^^  '^•^"'^'  '^''  "^  seriously  reflect  what  it  will  be  to  be  owned  by  Christ  before  the  assembled  world,  and 

34  to  hear  him  saymg,  with  a  sweet  smile,  and  with  a  voice  of  harmony  and  love,  Co?ne,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father, 
inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world.  How  infinite  is  the  love  that  prepared  that 
kingdom  for  us  before  we  had  a  being !  how  rich  the  blood  that  purchased  it !  how  overflowing  the  grace  tliat 
bestows  It  on  such  mean,  such  undeserving  creatures  !  Bless  the  Lord,  0  our  souls!  in  the  prospect  of  it.  Let 
men  curse,  O  Lord,  if  thou  wilt  thus  bless.  (Psal.  cix.  28.)  Let  them  load  our  names  with  infamy,  if  thou,  wilt 
adorn  them  with  such  glory.  Let  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth,  and  all  the  pomp  of  them,  be  despised  and  trampled 
under  loot,  when  offered  as  an  equivalent  for  this  infinitely  more  glorious  kingdom. 

f.^JjiT'Ju!'.T''jhi!°uttl{^tl  r^--^    This  seenis  the  exactest  sense  of  kingdom  is  said  to  have  been  prepared  for  the  righteous  from,  the  founda- 

Sf  anv  ti,^n^fhtt^^n  .irA^ffw  f  •^'""'''?'  '°  '"!'  """  oversight  arid  care  tion  of  the  world;  whereas  here  the  everlasting  fire   is  not  said  to  have 

Tam   i  "TIml  FknTr    m  .,-,^  V  i'"l'"''''i'?2  and  attendance  :  (compare  been  vrepared  (or  the  wicked,  bat  for  the  devil  and  hu  angels.    Compare 

.1,  i^       r'         ,11       '  '^"'**,'^- ^"'- f- P- 1'7-land  It  strongly  intimates  Rom    ix  ""   o? 

rht  -ity     alJdIhir  fwLTmiTwTJv  "h  *''■"  "'""^'^  f  ^-  ^^■•/"cceptable  g  fhek  rhallthe,,  also  answer,  &r.^    Perhaps  it  may  only  intimate  this 

Sve  very  little  money  to  ZVre     ^           ''"  opportunity  of  doing  who  shall  be  the  language  of  their  hearts,  which  Christ  perceiving  will  reply 

e  Ve  rifj  ii  In  Mio  T    T^^♦  „/ .  /  j„  J,  oi  „   1  1  u                ,        .  to  it.     I  see  no  necessity  for  supposing  thev  shall   actually  plead  thus, 

liar  rLanln  the  ;Ln.-i,^Han±f^^^^^          be  remembered  with  pecu-  Multitudes  will  no  doubt  remember  thev  have  often  heafd  what  reply 

amon"-t1  e    e4s   as  a^ooLls  h"v  thl  rh^H^»°P '°"  u""^  early  prevailed  will  be  made  to  such  a  plea  :    God  grant  that  none  who  read  it  here 

7   whTcl   bpirs^'r^^?ffh[l  rp^mll^^l  ,„  *?'*'''P'"'^^  on  Kccles.  ix.  may  be  in  the  number  ot^hose  to  whom  it  will  be  made! 

might  Derhans  he  an ?m,?.tio,?n?  VhJm°  ^"^  *«'*',  '^"'"r'].'  "/  <^'^'''^<-  ^"''  \' Everlasting  punishment, -everlasting  ///fe.]    As  the  original  word 

fWn!^ldfnr^y^!lt^^)  li.    ^  Ju  ^'r^J'^"'-^-^  ^  ''"'■^V  P-,  81-.„  «■».■«>.'  is  the  same  in  both  places.  I  thought  it  proper  to  use  the  same 

ence  befween  on,    f.^rH'«  pvnri«tn*  hJ^^^'i^'^^'^  "  ^  ''^'^^f^^^^  ^'"er-  word  in  the  translation  of  both  ;  and  miserable  are  they  that  dare  ven- 

ence  between  oui    Lord  s  expression  here  and  in  ver.  31.    There  the  ture  their  souls  on  its  signifying  a  limited  duration  in  either. 


THE  JEWISH  RULERS  CONSULT  HOW  TO  TAKE  CHRIST.  291 

Let  us  attentively  observe  the  character  of  tliose  who  are  to  receive  it.     They  are  the  useful  and  the  benevolent  SFXT 

souls  :  such  as  have  loved  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  not  only  in  his  name,  and  ordinances,  and  promises  but  have  166. 
loved  him  in  his  laws  and  in  his  people  too  ;  and  have  known  him  in  those  humble  forms  m  which  he'  has  been 


pleased,  as  it  were  by  proxy,  to  appear  among  us.  1  was  hungri/,  and  ye  ftd  me :  tlnrsh/,  and  ye  "ave  me  drink  matt. 
&r. ;  for  in  us  7iiiich  as  ye  did  it  to  one  of  the  least  of  these  mi/  brethren,  ye  did  it  unto  me.  Amazing  words  !  that  ^^^V. 
the  meanest  saint  should  be  owned  by  the  King  of  glory  as  one  of  his  brethren  !  Irresistible  aro-ument  to  those  40 
that  do  indeed  believe  these  words,  to  stir  them  up  to  abound  in  every  good  word  and  work  !  Under  this  impres- 
sion, methinks,  instead  of  hiding  ourselves  from  those  who  should  be  to  us  as  our  own  flesh  by  virtue  of  our  com- 
mon union  to  him,  we  should  not  only  hearken  to  their  entreaties,  but  even  search  them  out  in  those  corners  to 
which  modest  want  may  sometimes  retire,  and  cast  about  in  our  thoughts  how  we  may  secure  any  happy  oppor- 
tunity of  relieving  some  poor  saint,  for  their  sakes,  and  for  their  Master's,  and  even  for  our  own.  'What  if  Christ 
came  to  us  in  person,  as  a  poor  helpless  stranger  ?  What  if  we  saw  him  destitute  of  food  and  raiment,  or  in  want 
of  any  other  necessaries  of  life  ?  Should  we  not  contend  for  it  as  an  honour  which  of  us  should  receive  him  into 
our  houses,  which  of  us  should  entertain  him  at  our  table,  wliich  of  us  should  even  strip  ourselves  of  our  clothing- 
to  give  it  to  him  ?  And  yet  he  tells  us,  that  he  is  in  effect  with  us  in  his  poor  members  ;  and  we  invent  a  thousand 
cold  excuses  for  neglecting  to  assist  him,  and  send  our  compassionate  Saviour  away  empty.  Is  this  the  temper  of 
a  christian  ?  Is  this  the  temper  in  which  we  should  wish  to  be  found  at  the  judgment-day  ? 

But  we  know  not  Christ  in  this  disguise.     Neither  did  these  unhappy  creatures  on  the  left  hand  know  him  :  they  44,  45 
are  surprised  to  be  told  of  such  a  thing  ;  and  yet  are  represented  as  perishing  for  it.     Away  therefore  with  all  those 
religious  hopes  (vainly  so  called)  which  leave  the  heart  hardened,  and  tlie  hand  contracted  from  good  works  !  If 
we  shut  up  the  bowels  of  co?n passion  from  our  brethren,  how  dweUeth  the  love  of  God  in  us?  (1  John  iii.  17.)     Or  7 
to  what  aoth  the  love  of  Christ  constrain  us,  if  it  be  not  to  the  exercise  of  gratitude  to  him,  and  the  offices  of 
cheerful  and  active  friendship  to  those  whom  he  now  owns  as  his  brethren,  and  whom  he  will  not  be  ashamed  to 
call  so  in  the  midst  of  his  highest  triumph  ?  Blessed  Jesus,  how  munificent  art  thou  !  and  what  a  fund  of  charity 
didst  thou  lay  up  in  the  very  words  which  are  now  before  us  !    In  all  ages  since  they  were  spoken,  how  many 
hungry  hast  thou  fed,  how  many  naked  hast  thou  clothed,  how  many  calamitous  creatures  hast  thou  relieved  by 
them  !  May  they  be  written  deep  in  our  hearts,  that  the  joy  with  which  we  shall  finally  meet  thee,  may  be  increased 
by  the  happy  effect  of  this  day's  meditation  ! 

SECTION  CLXVII. 

The  .lewisli  rulers  consult  how  they  miglit  take  Christ,  and  Judas  agrees  with  them  to  deliver  him  privately  into  their  hands.    'Matt,  xxvi   \—5. 
14—16.    Mark  xiv.  l,  2, 10,  11.    Luke  xxi.  .37,  to  the  end  ;  xxii.  1—6. 

Li'KExxi.37.  Luke  xxi.  37. 

AND  ill  the  day-time  he  was  THUS  our  Lord  ended  his  discourses  on  this  subject  on  the  third  day  of  the  week  in  SECT. 
nisht'he  we'm  ou't!''and  tbod'e  which  he  Suffered  ;  and  thus  he  was  generally  employed,  from  the  time  of  his  public  entry    ^67. 

uAhemomitthat  is  called  ?//e  into  Jerusalem  to  his  last  passover:  he  was  teaching  by  day  in  the  temple,  and  at  night  he 

movM  ot    lives.  ^^^^^^  ^^^^  ^p  j]^g  ^jj.^^ ^^j^  lodged  at  the  mount  ealled  \lhe  ynoiint']  of  Olives,  in  the  neiglibour-   i^ke 

hood  of  which  Bethany  lay;  in  the  retirements  of  which,  particularly  in  the  garden  of  q"^'^'" 
Gethsemane,  he  often  spent  a  considerable  part  of  the  night ;  being  desirous  to  secure  that 
only  season  of  solitude,  that  he  might  prepare  himself  for  his  approaching  sufferings  by  a 
m  And  all  the  people  came  proper  series  of  extraordinary  devotion.     And  as  soon  as  it  was  light,  he  returned  to  the  38 

w.rly  m  the  morning  to  him  „u.,  j      /;   /t  /  i     ■      xi  •        ^      i  ■       •      i/      _P        /      .  j    ,    ,/  •    ., 

in  the  temple,  for  to  hear  him.  City;  and  all  the  people  eame  early  in  the  morning  to  him  in  the  temple,  that  they  might 

thus  lay  hold  of  every  opportunity  to  hear  him  ;  and  he  was  solicitous  not  to  lose  any  time 

that  might  be  improved  for  so  profitable  a  purpose. 
^  Lukexxii.i    Nowthe  feast      Now  it  may  not  be  improper  here  to  observe,  that  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread  v^hieh   luke 
ni!;i"'wMch"iscalle'd1hepass^  '^"^  commonly  called  the  passover,  dreiv  near,  [and'\  was  celebrated  within  tiro  days  after  -XXH- 
d-*"^'!  'f"/  k"^^  '''"r   *^'^°  ^^"^  Lord  had  delivered  the  prophecies  and  admonitions  so  largely  recorded  above.* 

Matt.  xxvl.  1.  And  it  came      ^"^  '■t  Came  to  pass,  that  ivhcn  Jesus  had  finished  all  these  discow^ses,  and  the  appointed   matt. 
to  pass,  when  Jesus  had  iinish-  hour  for  his  Sufferings  was  now  at  hand,  he  said  to  his  disciples.  Ye  know  that  after  two  T^^^^''- 

ed  all  these  savings,  he  said     i         ti  ,i  j   •       ,i  i    ■         ,  t  '  ,.      o        ■  ,■  •    1     9 

unto  his  disciples,  "({V^  the  passover  Cometh  ;  and  in  the  plainest  terms  I  now  assure  \ou  the  Son  of  man  is    ' 

days^fs  '^Ae"7eaft''ofihf^  'aTs"  ^^^"  ^^  ^^  betrayed  to  his  inveterate  enemies,  that,  according  to  what  I  have  often  told 
over,  and'theson  of 'maiHs  .VO"?  (Matt.  xvi.  21.  and  XX.  18,  19.)  he  may  be  put  into  the  hands  of  sinful  men  to  be 
betrayed  to  be  crucified.         crucified :  prepare  yourselves  therefore  for  that  trying  season,  that  you  may  not  be  hurried 

into  any  thing  which  you  may  afterwards  have  reason  to  repent, 
the  Iiife"^  prieste^'^anl^'the       T^^"'  ^^^\  ^'^''-Y  evening,  the  chief  priests  of  every  class,  and  others  employed  in  distin-  3 
scribes,  and  the  ei'der"of  the  gwished  services  in  the  temple,  together  with  the  scribes  and  the  other  elders  of  the  people, 
PfgT priest "who'^waf  called  ^^^  ^^^"^^  members  of  the  grand  sanhedrim,  assembled  together,  not  indeed  iii  the  temple,, 
Caiui)jias ;  [Mark  xiv.  ].*^l,uke  where  they  Usually  met,  but  at  the  palace  of  the  hi"h  priest,  who  ivas  then  called  Caiaphas ; 
"T'A'nd  consulted  [how]  ihey  ^^^  ^^'^^  observed  before,  John  xi.  49.  p.  245.)     And  there  they  entered  into  a  secret  con-  4 
might  take  .lesus  by  subtiity,  spiracy,  and  Consulted  how  they  might  privately  take  Jesus  by  some  artifice,  without  giving 
x'iv!'r."*LuTe'xxir'2"]''^''"^''  ^"  alarm  to  his  friends,  and  might  put  him  to  death  as  soon  as  possible,  which,  one  way  or 

5  But  they  saiii,"'Not  on  Other,  they  were  determined  to  do.     But  thei/  had  such  an  apprehension  of  his  interest  in  5 
uprolf 'amoni'lhe'^peopie'-  ^^^  people,  that  some  of  them  were  rather  for  delaying  it,  and  said.  It  will  be  more  ad- 
[LuKE.  for  they  feared  the  visable  to  wait  till  after  the  passover,  and  not  attempt  to  seize  him  at  the  feast,  while  there 
xx?i^  c.]  '^*^"'  "^  ""'■  ^'  ^"^^  is  such  a  concourse  in  the  city  from  all  parts  ;  lest  the  design  that  we  have  formed  against 
hini  should  be  discovered,  and,  considering  how  popular' he  is,  thei-e  should  be  a  tumult 
raised  among  the  people,  either  to  rescue  him  from  our  hands,  or  to  revenge  his  death. 
Such  were  the  cautious  sentiments  of  some  among  them  ;  for  they  feared  the  people ;  but 
others  pushed  the  matter  on  with  greater  forwardness  and  zeal,  and  were  by  no  means  for 
deferring  it ;  to  which  at  length  the  rest  agreed,  upon  finding  a  more  favourable  opportu- 
nity than  they  expected  offering  itself  through  the  treachery  of  Judas. 
Luke  xxii.  3.  Then  entered      For  then,  iust  at  that  very  juncture  of  time,  Satan,  bv  divine  permission,  entered  into   luke 

batan   into   Judas  surnamed    T„^„^    ,„/.„  „t,<.  „^„  ^.,//„J    n.,„.;^/    .„.^  „,„.-  fZ  ,. 1'  „1.„,1    T,„r„L\  „„„  ^/-  th^  ^„«,h^,-  r,f  XXII. 


iscariot."  being  [onirof "the  ■^"<^«s>  '''/'o  wf's  "/*«  Called  Iscariot,  and  leas  (as  we  observed  before)  one  of  the  number  of 

■"""  ' '"       f/(e  ^we/j;e  apostles  who  were  chosen  by  our  Lord  from  the  rest  of  his  disciples  to  the  most 

honourable  trust  as  well  as  the  most  endearing  intimacy  :  ^  and  as  this  malignant  spirit 


^  f^-i\tij'A  'rf'^''-h  ^  apprehend  that  the  preceding  discourses  (from  o'^  the  transactions  of  the  Wednesday 

L,?  hi  rf,!-^h  ki    '■'".    "?  "'°  Tuesday  of  the  week  in  which  he  suffered  ;  account  given  above. 

f ?c, .  ^.^        u  ^-  ""^,'"<^d  the  following  words  that  evenins,  which  was  b  One  of  tlie  number  of  the  f.iielve,  Sic.^    This  was  a  circumstance  of 

just  two  nays  before  the  paschal  lamb  was  eaten.  -I  do  not'find  that  any  such  high  agcravation,  that,  it  is  observable,  each  of  the  evangelists 


are  recorded,  besides  the  general 

u  2 


292  CHRIST  DIRECTS  TWO  DISCIPLES  WHERE  TO  PREPARE  THE  PASSOVER. 

sECi:  liad  before  suggested  to  him  the  horrid  design  of  betraying  his  Master,  he  now  strongly 

167.  impressed  his  mind,  that  during  his  retirement  he  might  easily  find  a  convenient  time  for 
executing  it,  and  might  be  sure  of  being  well  rewarded  for  it  by  the  rulers  of  the  Jews. 

LUKE  And,  under  this  impression,  /le  immediately  ioc7it  awuy  from  Christ  and  his  company  to     4  And  he  went^Hs  way, 

XXU.  the  house  of  Caiaphas,  whom  he  knew  to  be  a  most  inveterate  enemy  to  his  Master;  and  pHesTaiKT'captains,  how  he 

^  having;  found  means  of  introducing  himself  and  communicating  his  general  design,  he  might  betray  him  unto  them : 

",•,,,,         I  .   /.        ■     ,  P         ,    ■  r  ^1       1  1  u  4.        I.  FMatt.    XXVI.   14.    Mark  xiv. 

conversed  with  the  chief  priests  and  captains  of  the  temple,  who  were  not  yet  gone  away,  iq.] 
and  deliberated  how  he  might  with  the  greatest  convenience  and  security  betray  him  unto 
MATT.  them.    And  as  the  sordid  wretch  proposed  it  with  a  covetous  view,  before  he  would  come     Matt.  x.wi.  is.    And  said 
xxvi".  to  any  agreement  with  them,  he  said,  without  the  least  appearance  of  shame  or  remorse,  nre,''Ind"i^w'iU  deliver  Mm 
15  ]V/ia't  are  you  wilting  to  give  me,  and  I  luill  undertake  to  deliver  hiyn  to  you  at  a  time  and  unto  you  ? 
place  in  which  you  may  effectually  secure  him  without  the  danger  of  giving  any  alarm  to 
the  people  ? 
MAiiK       And  when  they  heard  his  proposal,  they  thought  [it}  very  practicable;  and  they  ivere  thf''',;^^yrd''iv  Vhe   were^lad" 
XIV.   glad  of  so  unexpected  an  offer  from  one  of  his  own  disciples  to  facilitate  their  measures,  aid'  promised   to^glvl°h1m' 
11  and  therefore  readily  promised  in  general  to  give  him  a  sum  of  monei/  as  a  reward  for  that  nioney    [Andtheycovenant- 

u/m  iiiv,i<--v^^v-    ^         J  r  >^  ,        Wl    1  ■       ^-       j^L-   I        ■  J.-    -I        ^       u-   1,  ed  with  him  lor  thirty  pieces 

sei-vice;  and  at  last  they  expressly  agreed  with  him  for  thirty  pieces  oj  silver,'^  which  was  of  silver.]  [Matt.  xxvi.  lo. 
the  price  to  be  paid  for  a  slave  who  had  been  slain :  (see  Exbd.  xxi.  32.)  and  as  they  pro-  Luke  xxu.  5.] 
posed  it  to  express  their  contempt  of  Jesus,  so  God  permitted  Judas,  covetous  as  he  was, 
to  acquiesce  in  that  mean  and  trifling  sum,  (though  he  might  easily  have  raised  it  higher,) 
that  thus  the  prophecy  might  be  fulfilled  in  which  it  had  been  particularly  specified.    (See 
Zech.  xi.  12,  13.) 
TI7KP       And  he  promised  to  take  a  punctual  care  in  the  affair;  and  accordingly  from  that  time     Luke  xxii.  6.   And  he  pro- 

i^UKfc  ':,.         /;  ,  '  ,       '.      ,      I    ,  I  •  ^      J/  4.1     *' 4i  ■       ^„"    1  i.  mised,  and  [trom   that  timej 

XXU.  he  diligently  sought  a  proper  opportunity  to  betray  him  unto  them,  that  they  might  come  sought  opportunity  to  betray 
6  upon  him  privately,  and  apprehend  hini  in  the  uSsence  of  the  multitude :  nor  was  it  long  olThe'mul\u^i'Se'"rMat^t''?x"vr 
before  this  happened,  as  we  shall  quickly  relate  in  its  place.  le.  Mark  xiv.  li.]' 

IMPROVEMENT. 
LUKE       ^^'^E  see  with  what  unremitting  vigour  the  great  Author  and  Finisher  of  our  faith  pressed  forward  towards  the 

XXI.  mark,  and  how  he  quickened  liis  pace  as  he  saw  the  day  approaching  ;  spending  in  devotion  the  greatest  part  of 

37  the  night  which  succeeded  to  his  most  laborious  days,  and  resuming  his  work  early  in  the  morning  !     How  much 

38  happier  were  his  disciples  in  these  early  lectures,  than  the  slumbers  of  the  morning  could  have  made  them  on 
their  beds !  Let  us  not  scruple  to  deny  ourselves  the  indulgence  of  unnecessary  sleep,  that  we  may  come  morning 
after  morning  to  jilace  ourselves  at  his  feet,  and  lose  no  opportunity  of  receiving  the  instructions  of  his  word,  and 
seeking  those  of  his  Spirit. 

MATT       But  while  his  gracious  heart  was  thus  intent  on  doing  good,  the  chief  priests  and  rulers  of  the  people  were  no 

xxvi'.  less  intent  on  mischief  and  murder.     They  took  counsel  together  how  they  might  mit  him  to  death.     They  set  upon 

3,  4  his  head  the  price  of  a  slave,  and  find  an  apostle  base  enough  to  accept  it !     Blush,  O  ye  heavens,  to  have  been 

witness  to  this ;  and  be  ashamed,  O  earth,  to  have  supported  so  infamous  a  creature !    Yet  this  was  the  man  who, 

but  a  few  days  before,  was  the  foremost  to  appear  as  an  advocate  for  the  poor,  and  to  censure  the  pious  zeal  of 

HIKE   Mary,  which" our  Lord  vindicated  and  applauded.     (John  xii.  4—8.  p.  252.)     Let  the  fatal  fruits  of  his  covetous 

XXII.  disposition,  instigated  by  Satan,  be  marked  with  abhorrence  and  terror ;  and  if  we  see  this  base  principle  har- 
3,  4,  6  boured  in  tlie  breasts  of  those  who  call  themselves  the  disciples  and  ministers  of  Christ,  let  us  not  wonder  if,  by 

God's  righteous  judgment,  they  are  given  up  to  those  excesses  of  it  which  bring  upon  them  lasting  infamy  and 
endless  perdition. 

SECTION  CLXVIII. 

Christ  ha\iiig  directed  his  disciples  where  to  prepare  the  passover  for  him,  comes  to  Jerusalem  for  the  last  time  before  his  death,  and  sits  dowtj 
with  them  to  Uie  celebration  of  it.    Matt.  xxvi.  17— CO.    Mark  xiv.  IC— 17-    Luke  xxii.  7—18.    John  xiii.  1. 

Luke  xxii.  7.  T.t-KE  xxii.  7. 

SECT.   A'O  IF  after  this  infamous  barsrain  which  Judas  made  with  the  cliief  priests  to  betray  into  then  came  the  [first]  day 

168.  their  hands  his  innocent  and  divine  Master,  on  the  fifth  day  of  the  week,  before  tlie  even-  "^^^  pl^sXcrmusrhe  killed" 
ing  when  the  first  day  of  unleavened  bread  cavie,^  in  which,  according  to  the  precept  of  the  [Matt.  xxvi.  17.   Mark  xiv. 

LUKE  law,  which  had  expressly  limited  the  time  of  it,  the  passover  must  be  killed,  or  the  paschal  ^"-^ 
-  ■'^"ij,  lamb  be  slain,  in  commemoration  of  the  Israelites'  being  preserved  from  the  destroying     j,  ^^,^  ,,g  ^^^j  [two  of  his 
angel,  and  delivered  out  of  Egypt,  Jesus  determined  to  keep  the  passover  with  his  dis-  discipjes,]  Peter  and  John, 

8  ciples.  And,  that  he  miaht  in  a  due  manner  celebrate  it  with  them,  he  sent  two  of  his  thrpas'sover.thatwemay  eat! 
disciples,  Peter  and  John,  from  the  place  where  he  had  spent  the  nieht  before  in  retirement  [Mark  ^'^jj^i-'^^jj  ^^^^  ,^j^ 
with  them,  and  said.  Go  to  Jerusalem  and  prepare  the  passover  for  m,  that  we  may  once  where"  wiiT  thou  "that  "we 
more  eat  \it^^  together.  "  [Mark,  go  and]  prepare  [for 

9  And  they  said  unto  him.  Lord,  we  are  readv  to  perform  the  charge;  and,  that  we  may  [Matt.'°xxw'  17.^  S^ar^x^•. 
be  under  no  uncertainty  as  to  the  place,  only  desire  thou  wouldst  particularly  tell  us  12.]^  ^^^  ^^  ^_^,  I  ^^^^  ^^^^ 
where,  or  at  what  house,  wilt  thou  have  us  go  and  prepare  for  thy  eating  the  passover  ^qo  into  the  city  to  such  a 

with  us.  man,   awrf]  behold,  when  ye 

10  And  he  said  unto  them,  I  will  give  you  a  sien  which  shall  put  the  matter  out  of  doubt :  shall  a'^man  meet  yon,'  bear- 
Go  directly  into  the  city  to  such  a  one  as  I  will  point  out  to  von  :  [and]  behold,  as  soon  ll^,\'^l\■,^^f^^^^!^lho^^l';^l^^}e 
ever  you  are  entered  into  the  city,  a  man  will  meet  you  in  the  street  carrying  a  pitcher  o/' he  entereth  in.  [Matt.  xxvi. 
7vafer  in  his  hand;  follmu  him  immediatelv  into  the  house  where  he  enters;  for  I  know  it  '^ji'^'^^nl'i  "f'^^Ril,  ^hereso- 

1 1  will  be  a  place  very  fit  for  our  accommodation.^     And  wheresoever  he  goes  in,  you  shall  say  e\  er  he  shall  go  in]  ye  shall 

hath  marked  it  out  in  this  view.     Compare  with  these  places  John  vi.  cording  to  the  usual  way  of  reckoning  days  among  other  nations  ;   and 

71.  p.  155.  so,  as  the  use  of  leaven  among  them  was  to  cease  by  sun-set  at  furthest, 

c  Thirl;/  pieces  nf  silver.]    A   slave  was  rated  by  tlie  law  at  thirty  and  they  were  obliged  to  eat  their  supper,  which  was  the  cliiet  meal, 

shekelsof  silver,  which,  if  we  reckon  them  at  haU-a-crown,  (which  is  sup-  with  unleavened  cakes,   it  might  naturally  enough  be  called  by  this 

))Osed  to  have  been  about  their  real  value,)  amounted  to  no  more  than  name.                                                                  ,   ,      ■              ■      j  e     i    <■ 

three  pounds  fifteen  shillings  of  our  money— a  good/;/  price  that  he  was  b  A  wan  vHI  meet  you.  SjC.]    As  Samuel,  having  anouited  Saul,  tor 

prized  at  of  them!    Zerh.  xi.  1.3.  the  confirmation  of  his  faith  gave  him  several   predictions  relating  to 

a  The  first  day  of  unleavened  hiead  came.]    There  is  no  room  to  ques-  some  very  contingent  occurrences  he  was  to  meet  with  in  his  .louriiey, 

tion  that  the  time  when  Christ  sent  his  disciples  to  prepare  the  passover,  (see  1  Sam.  x.  2—7.)  so  our  Lord  seems  by  these  predictions  to  have  m- 

was  on  the  Thursday  of  the  week  in  which  he  suffered  ;  and  though  the  tended  the  same  with   regard  to  his  disciples,  and  also  to  give  them  a 

first  day  of  unleavened  bread,  most  strictly  so  called,  was  the  fifteenth  most   important  hint  that  he  foresaw  all  the   particular  rircumstanres 

(lav  of  Nisan,  and  began  with  the  evening  that  the  passover  was  eaten,  which  were  to  befall  him  at  Jerusalem  when  he  went  up  thither  tor  the 

yet  it  is  not  improbable  that  the  evangelists  might  sometimes  speak  ac-  next  and  last  time  before  his  sufferings.— The  sending  them  to  Jerusalem 


JESUS  CELEBRATES  THE  LAST  SUPPER  WITH  HIS  DISCIPLES.  293 

say  unto  the  Rood  man  of  the  to  the  master  ofthefamUi/,  We  are  come  to  thee  with  a  message  from  Jesus  the  Teacher  ;   SECT. 
tl°"^*^'^M''^'^'"^"^'-Th''nd"*I  ^""^  ^^  *"•'•'■'  ^^  ^^'^^  ^y  "^'  ^^!^  '""^  '•''  "°^^  ^^"^y  neur,'^  and  before  I  make  my  last  remove,    168. 

wiii'keep  the  passover  at  thy  I  Will  Celebrate  the  pussovcr  at  thi/  house  :  ivhere  then  is  the  dining-room '!  or  what  con- 

chamdr  wtere  f shafi  el't^the  '^^nient  chamber  hast  thou  to  spare,  where  I  mai/  come  and  eat  the  passover  with  mi/  dis-  luke 
passover' with  my  disciples  ?  ciples,  and  be  secure  from  the  interruption  of  any  other  company  .'  Ami  upon  this  he  will  ^^^^' 
[Matt.  XXVI.  18.  Marie  xiv.  ^^]^g  y^^  ^p  gf^irs,  and  show  you  a  large  ripper  room  which  will  conveniently  hold  us  all ; 
ie  And  he  shall  shew  you  and  you  will  find  it  furnished  with  all  proper  utensils,  and  prepared  by  all  necessary  cir- 
[and^^preparedTf'the're^make  cumstances  of  purification  of  every  kind,  so  as  to  be,  on  the  whole,  in  very  good  order : 
ready  [tor  us.]  [Mark  xiv.  there  provide  the  unleavened  bread,  the  lamb,  and  the  bitter  herbs,  and  make  all  things 
•'^•^  readi/  for  2is  against  the  time  of  our  coming ;  for  we  shall  be  able  to  find  the  house  without 

any  direction  from  you.'' 
Mark  xiv.  16.     And  his      And  after  he  had  given  these  particular  instructions  to  his  two  disciples,  they  went  out  mark 
fntoTtlrcTty"  and*tound  as"he  ^™'"  thence,  «n(i  cume  into  theciti/,  and  found  the  man  carrying  the  water,  whom  they  fol-  .^^'^• 
had  said  unto  them  :  and  they  lowed  into  a  house,  where  there  was,  just  fis  he  had  said  to  them,  a  commodious  dining-room  '" 
themi^and"  madl  rerci^"'the  ^t  liberty,  and  well  furnished  :  and  as  the  master  of  the  house  was  free  to  let  them  have  it, 
passover.    [Matt.  xxvi.  ly.  thei/  did  as  Jesus  had  appointed  them,  and  made  the  passover  ready  against  the  time  when  he 
lake  xxi.  13.]  should  come  to  eat  it.' ^ 

17  And    in    the   evening      And  in  the  evening,  when  the  proper  hour  for  eating  the  passover  was  come,  he  came  17 
com^f'he^'cmneth  "^Fanrf^sat  ^'rectly  to  the  house"  where  his  messengers  were,  and  sat  doivn  to  the  table  loith  all  the 
downiwiththetwelVefLuKE.  twelve  apostles  around  him,  to  taste  (according  to  the  usage  of  those  days)  the  unleavened 
luife'xx?i  h']""'  '"'^''  '°'  ^read  and  the  bitter  herbs,  before  the  lamb  was  served  up.« 

John  xiii.  i.   Now  before      Now  it  is  here  to  be  observed,  that  before  he  began  to  eat  the  feast  of  the  passover,  as   johm 
when^^Je'sus'^knew'thlT'Ms  ^^^"^  ^'"^"^  '^'"'  '"■^'  '"""'  '"^"^  '""""^  "''"'"'  ''^  should  depart  from  'this  calamitous  world,  in    Xlll. 
hour  was  come,  that  he  should  which  he  had  sojoumed  for  a  while,  to  return  to  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  in  which  he  ^ 
tife^i4\heV\°L*ving7o'^ied"Ms  Originally  dwelt,  he  was  solicitous  to  order  every  circumstance  of  his  conduct  in  this  last 
own,  which  were  in  the  world,  intercourse  with  his  disciplcs,  so  as  might  most  effectually  promote  their  edification  and 
he  loved  them  unto  the  end.     ^omfort,  and  make  it  clearly  manifest,  that  having  always  tenderly  loved  his  own  that  were 

in  the  world,  he  loved  them  in  the  most  perfect  manner,  even  to  the  end  of  his  life,''  and 

would  decline  nothing  which  might  be  for  their  advantage. 
Luke  xxii.  15.  And  he  said      And,  to  express  the  fervency  and  strength  of  this  affection,  he  said  to  them,  as  they  sat   lukk 
desrre('rTo^^at'^hfs'"fass'^v'^  together  before  supper  was  brought  in,  I  assure  you  that  I  hare  most  earnestly  desired  to  ^-^''• 
with  you  before  I'suSer!"^^"^  eat  this  passover  with  you,  though  I  know  it  will  be  the  last  I  shall  celebrate  with  you,  and  ^^ 

we  shall  rise  from  it  but  a  few  hours  before  I  am  to  suffer  from  mine  enemies  the  most 

cruel  insults  and  torments,  which  shall  end  in  death ;  yet  such  is  my  love  to  my  people, 

and  such  my  desire  to  glorify  my  heavenly  Father,  that  no  passover  was  ever  so  welcome 
If)  For  I  say  unto  you,  I  to  me  as  this.    For  now  I  see  tlie  days  of  my  humiliation  almost  finished  ;  and  I  say  unto  16 
of!'un"ta  ith^  t'i'i'fiUed'inThe  3/""'  ^''"^  ^^^^1'  ^his  I  ivHl  not  celebrate  any  other  passover  with  you,  nor  eat  of  it  any  more 
kingdom  of  God.  till  it  be  fulfilled  in  the  kingdom  of  God,  or  till  the  institutions  of  the  gospel  shall  have 

perfected  those  of  the  law,  and  the  ordinances  of  both  are  superseded  by  tire  more  perfect 

enjoyments  of  the  heavenly  world. 
17  And  he  took  the  cup,  and      And  then,  having  received  the  cup  with  which  it  was  usual  for  them  to  begin  the  feast,  17 
thh,  'and'' divld'e  *?^e"^'amon|  ^^  g^'^^  thanks  to  God  for  the  redemption  of  Israel,  in  commemoration  of  which  the  pass- 
you'rselves.  "  over  was  instituted,  and  for  giving  them  this  opportunity  of  celebrating  this  holy  banquet 

together  ;  and  then  said.  Take  this  cup,  and  let  it  go  round,  and  divide  [it]  among  your- 
M?  ^"""ri^-  *if^f'"h°  t^""'  ^f  *^^"^*'  ^^^  bl^ss  the  God  of  your  fathers.     And  see  that  you  do  it  with  a  devotion  suitable  18 
the  v?ne,  until  the  kingdom  of  to  the  distinguished  solemnity  which  you  have  now  before  you  ;  for  I  say  unto  you.  That 
God  shall  come.        °  after  what  passes  this  evening,  I  will  not  drink  any  more  with  you  of  the  fruit  of  the  vine 

until  the  kingdom  of  God  come,  and  that  complete  and  spiritual  redemption,  which  is 

typified  by  this  ordinance,  shall  be  fulfilled  and  perfected. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

We  may  well  assure  ourselves,  that  the  same  divine  penetration  and  prophetic  discernment  which  enabled  the    \cx. 
blessed  Jesus  thus  circumstantially  to  foretell  to  his  disciples  those  most  contingent  occurrences  which  were  to  10—13 
determine  the  place  where  they  should  prepare  the  passover,  would  also  open  to  him  a  prospect  of  all  that  was  to 
follow.     All  the  scenes  that  were  to  be  passed  through  on  this  fatal  night  and  the  succeeding  black  and  bloody 
day,  were  no  doubt  attentively  viewed  :  the  agony  of  the  garden,  the  traitorous  kiss  of  Judas,  the  cowardly  flight 
of  all  the  other  apostles,  the  insults  of  his  seemingly  victorious  and  successful  enemies,  the  clamorous  accusations, 
the  insolent  buffetings,  the  scourges,  the  thorns,  the  nails,  the  cross,  and  all  that  he  was  to  endure  upon  it  from  the 
hand  of  God  and  men.     Yet  behold,  with  all  these  in  his  view,  he  goes  on  with  a  holy  alacrity,  and  this  Sun  of 
righteousness  rrjoiceth  as  a  champion  to  run  his  race  !  (Psal.  xix.  5.)     Yea,  when  he  is  sitting  down  to  the  paschal 
supper,  (though  therein  was  e:diibited,  in  a  most  lively  emblem,  the  bitterness  of  his  own  sufferings,)  he  utters  1.5 
these  gracious  and  emphatical  words,  With  desire  I  have  desired  to  eat  this  passover  with  you  before  I  suffer. 

in  this  manner,  seems  to  intimate  that  he  did  not  go  thither  himself  that  xxii.  17.)  and  afterwards  washed  his  hands  : — Then  the  supper  began 

morning,  so  that  it  is  very  probable  he  spent  most  of  the  day  in  retire-  with  unleavened  bread  and  bitter  herbs,  which  when  the  master  and  the 

ment  for  meditation  and  prayer.  rest  of  the  company  had  tasted,  one  of  the  younger  persons  present, 

c  Ml/  time  li  near.^  Every  body  knew  that  the  time  for  eating  the  generally  a  child,  asked  the  reason  of  what  was  peculiar  in  that  feast, 
passover  was  near;  so  that  these  words  must  be  supposed  to  hai'e  a  faccording  to  Exod.  xii.  Cfi.)  which  introduced  the  haggadah,  that  is, 
further  view.  And  1  am  therefore  ready  to  believe  that  the  owner  of  the  showing  forth  or  declaration  of  it ;  (in  allusion  to  which  we  read  of 
this  house,  to  whom  our  Lord  sent  this  message  by  the  name  of  The  shoicing  fnrth  the  Lord's  death,  1  Cor.  xi.  C6.) — i'hen  the  master  rose  up 
Teacher,  might  be  a  person  who  (though  unknown  to  Peter  and  .lohn)  and  took  another  cup,  and  washed  his  hands  again,  before  the  lamb  was 
■was  in  his  heart  at  least  a  disciple  of  Christ;  and  our  Lord  misht  tasted  ;  and  in  this  interval,  I  suppose,  Christ  also  washed  the  teet  ot 
give  this  intimation,  that  it  was  to  be  a  time  of  more  than  ordinary  his  <lisciple5.— Then,  after  eating  the  passover,  followed  another  cup, 
importance  to  him,  that  it  might  be  some  secret  support  to  this  man  s  which,  after  having  delivered  to  each  a  piece  of  bread,  was  the  sacra- 
faith  under  that  violent  shock  It  was  soon  to  receive  bv  his  approaching  mental  cup  at  this  supper: — Ihen,  after  some  pious  and  friendly  dis- 
sufFerings.                                                                            '  course,  the  whole  family,  after  having  drunk  at  least  a  fourth  cup.  sang 

d  \Ve"shall  be  able  to  find  the  house,  cite]    The  same  prophetic  gift  some  psalms  of  praise  :  and  so  the  solemnity  ended. — Agreeable  to  this 

■which  enabled  Christ  to  predict  these  circumstances,  would,  no  doubt,  is  the  account  given  in  the  Religions  Ceremonies  of  all  Nations,  vol.  i. 

guide  him  thither  ;  and  it  is  a  beautiful  modesty  in  the  sacred  historian,  p.  C15 — 217.                                                                              .       u-   >    t  „ 

only  to  hint  obliquely  at  it :  but  I  apprehend  it  the  part  of  a  paraphrast  f  He  loved  them,  to  the  end.}    I  shall  in  the  next  section  1""  at  my 

to  set  these  particulars  in  a  fuller  and  .stronger  light.  reasons  for  aoieeing  with  those  critics  who  place  the  story  ot  cnrists 

.  e  To  taste  the  unleavened  bread,  &:c.]    I  riiust  here  entreat  my  reader,  washing  his  disciples'  feet  at  the  beginning  of  the  paschal  supper,  ratner 

if  he  has  an  opportunity,  to  consult  Ainsworth's  excellent  note  on  Exod.  than  a  night  or  two  before. — At  present,  1  would  oulv  observe  that  tnis 

xii.  8.  where  he  has  collected  from  authentic  .lewish  writers  the   best  verse  seems  intended  by  .lohn  to  introduce  not  'Ti^™'-VF''l  l  ^-o;,"  ," 

account  I  have  any  where  seen  in  so  little  room,  of  the  various  cere-  immediately  follows  it,  but  the  whole  account  ot  Christ  s  Denaviour  to 

monies  with  which  the  passover  was  eaten,  by  which  the  subsequent  his  friends  in  these  last  scenes  of  his  life  :  and  theretore,  as  ne  P'^nxes 

story  is  gieatly  illustrated.    Among  others,  the  following  circumstances  it  to  the  first  circumstance  that  he  has  mentioned  ot  this  P.«sso\ei ,  i  ap- 

should  be  recollected  :—  I  hat  the  master  of  the  family  began  the  feast  prehend  it  proper  to  begin  ttie  whole  story  with  it ;  efP«'»"y  f.  Pp,f. 'P^ 

w-ith  a  cup  of  wine,  which  having  solemnly  blessed,  that  is,  having  words  which  1  have  placed  next  atter  it  are  full  ot  that  lo\e  whion  lie 

adored  the  name  of  God  over  it,  he  divided  among  the  guests,  CLuke  expressed  to  them,  even  to  the  last. 


294  CHRIST  REBUKES  THE  AMBITION  OF  HIS  DISCIPLES. 

SECT        So  justly  might  it  be  said  of  him,  as  we  see  it  is,  that  having  loved  his  own  ivhich  were  in  the  world,  he  loved  them 
168.    to  the  end.     O  blessed  Jesus,  may  the  Ardour,  the  courage,  and  the  permanency  of  our  love  to  thee,  bear  at  least 

some  little  proportion  to  that  wherewith  thou  hast  condescended  to  love  us  !     May  we  long,  from  time  to  time,  to 

LUKE  celebrate  with  thee  that  christian  passover  which  thou  hast  ordained  to  succeed  the  Jewish,  as  the  memorial  of  thy 
XXIX.  sacrifice  !  Yea,  may  we  long  for  the  last  solemnity  of  this  kind,  which  will  ere  long  come,  after  which  we  shall 
16   18  no  more  drink  with  thee  of  the  fruit  of  the  vine,  till  it  be  fulfilled  in  the  kingdom  of  God  !     In  the  mean  time  may 


we  be  cheered  with  thi/  love,  which  is  indeed  far  better  than  luine,  (Cant.  i.  3.)  and,  thus  supported  with  those 
reviving  cordials  which  thy  gospel  administers,  1  '  '       ■     ■■     '         ■•  ^    . 

tation  of  thy  final,  most  glorious,  and  welcome 


reviving  cordials  which  thy  gospel  administers,  may  we  keep  ourselves  in  the  love  of  God,  and  in  the  patient  expec- 

i  appearance/    (2  Thess.  iii.  5.  and  Jude,  ver.  21.) 


SECTION  CLXIX. 

Christ  rebukes  the  ambition  which  his  disciples  most  unseasonably  expressed  as  they  were  sitting  down  to  supper,  by  washine  their  feet,  and 
addins  several  excellent  admonitions  to  the  exercise  ot  humility,  immediately  before  the  eatnig  ot   the  paschal  lamb.    Luke  xxii.   24—27- 


adding  several 
John  xiii.  2—17- 


John  xiii.  2.  john  xiii.  c. 

SEcr.  A^OTF  when  our  Lord  had  thus  sat  down  to  eat  the  passover  with  his  disciples,  (as  was  and  supper  being  ended,— 
169.    said  before,)  supper  beins;  come,''  and  the  antepast  or  introduction  to  it  having  been  des- 

patched  as  above  ;  just  m  the  interval  between  that  and  the  serving  up  the  paschal  lamb,     Luke  xxii.  24.— There  was 

LUKE   there  ivas  a  most  unseasonable  contention  amon^  them,^  as  they  sat  at  table  with  Jesus,  tiuch^/lhem  X°ua  be\"c- 
*^*^  94  ,<;/»"c/t  of  them  should  be  accounted  the  greatest  in  that  kingdom  of  which  he  had  been  speak-  counted  the  greatest, 
ing,  and  which  they  interpreted  of  a  temporal  dominion  that  should  succeed  his  approach- 
mo-' sufferings.     (Compare  Mark  ix.  34.  and  Luke  ix.  46.  p.  171.) 
JOHN        [And]  upon  this,  though  Jesus  kneiv  that  the  Father,  by  the  sure  engagements  of  an     John  xiii.  3.   [And]  Jesus 
^^^\  immutable  covenant,  had  given  the  government  of  all  things  into  his  hands,  and  was  just  ^f°eT/"ii  thinVs  ilitohis han^^^^ 
going  actually  to  invest  him  with  all  power  both  in  heaven  and  upon  earth  ;  and  that,  as  and  that  he  was  come  trom 
he  came  forth  from  God  as  his  Messenger  to  men,  so  he  teas  returning  to  God  again  ;  yet,  G"*^-  ^"^  ^^"'  *°  ^"'*' 
conscious  as  he  was  of  so  great  a  dignity,  he  was  nevertheless  willing  to  give  his  disciples  an 
example  of  the  deepest  humility  in  this  his  last  interview  with  them  before  his  passion : 

4  With  this  desion,  and  in  order  to  shame  them  out  of  that  ambitious  contention  which  he  4  He  riseth  from  supper, 
observed  among  them,  in  a  more  forcible  manner  than  any  words  alone  could  do,  he  riseth  |'^[|  \l'^l  fltleiXnd'gMid 
from  supper  ;<^  and  whereas  it  was  only  usual  for  the  head  of  the  family  at  such  a  time  to  himself. 

'wash  his  own  hands,  he  lai/s  aside  his  upper-garments,  and  taking  a  towel,  tied  it  round 

5  him  like  a  kind  of  apron :  And  then  pouring  water  into  a  large  ewer,  or  sort  of  cistern  5  After  that  ^''^^|^ij']J^'"«^']; 
commonly  used  on  these  occasions,  he  6fir«/rhimself  to  wash  the  feet  of\his^  disciples,  and  to^wJiJ  "the  di^cipres'  let! 
to  wine  Ithem'l  after  thev  were  thus  washed,  ^vith  the  long  ends  of  the  Imen  cloth  with  and  to  wipe  t/,em  with  the 

,.*'■  'r    J    1       i-'iT  1  J.     \  '     r     A.  towel     wiierewiin     ne      wtis 

which  he  was  girded,  which  hung  down  to  his  teet.  girded. 

6  Then,  when  he  had  done  with  those  who  sat  nearest  to  him,  he  comes  to  Simon  Peter :  p^^^';^^}^]^^^^"^^\'Jllf^^''^,^^'^ 
and  offering  to  do  the  like  for  him,  [Pete?']  was  so  afl'ected  at  his  condescending  to  per-  himT^iXdost  thou  wasiriny 
form  such  a  mean  office,  that  he  sai/s  to  him.  Lord,  dost  thou  go  about  to  wash  my  feet?  feet' 

It  is  a  thousand  times  fitter  that  I  should  wash  thine  ;  nor  can  I  bear  to  see  thee  demean 

7  thyself  thus.  Jesus  answered  and  said  to  him,  Thou  knowest  not  now  the  design  of  what  1  7  jesus  answered  and  said 
am  doing,  but  thou  shalt  know  hereafter;  and  as  I  shall  presently  explain  the  meaning  of  |^j;l,';'t";;ot\,^'v     '"' 


this  actfon,  so  the  time  will  quickly  come  when  many  other  things  in  mine  undertaking  shalt  know  hereafter. 

and  conduct,  much  more  mysterious  than  this,  shall  be  cleared  up  to  thee.    Yet  still  Peter  .y^J''l^^l^^^'^l^^^;''^2^^,^''^^^ 

refused,  and  said  to  him,  with  more  warmth  than  before.  Lord,  whatever  be  the  intent  of  fg^,    j^sus   answered  him. 


the  action,  I  cannot  suffer  it  bv  any  means,  and  am  determined  thou  slutlt  never  wash  my  ^[,  ^  ^;:f '^i'l'^^n""'-  "'""  ^^^^ 
feet.    But  Jesus  answered  him,  "Alas,  Peter,  that  was  rashly  spoken  ;  for  there  is  a  sense  in  "°  ''"" 
'  which,  if  I  do  not  wash  thee,  thou  hast  no  portion  with  me ;  intimating  thereby,  that  if  he  were 
not  cleansed  from  sin  by  liis  blood  and  Spirit,  he  could  never  partake  of  the  happiness  of 
his  people ;  and  that,  in  the  mean  time,  it  became  him  to  submit  in  this  instance  to  his 
9  direction.     Upon  which  Simon  Peter,  struck  with  so  awful  an  admonition,  immediately     9  Sinion  Pe^te^  "(v'ton"'" 
says  to  him,  with  that  eager  affection  so  natural  to  his  temper,  J^ord,  if  this  wasliing  is  to  i,u"'aifo  ml'^\^^n<ii''lnTZy 
be  a  token  of  my  interest  in  thee,  I  most  gladly  acquiesce  in  it,  and  am  heartily  desirous  head. 
that  thou  shouldst  wash,  not  mi/  feet  onli/,  hut  also  my  hands  and  iny  head  too ;  for  I  desire 
that  all  my  intellectual  and  all"  my  executive  powers  may  be  sanctified  by  thy  gi-ace,  and 
be  entirely  devoted  to  thy  seiTice. 

a  Slipper  /leinff  come.]  The  reasons  brought  by  Bishop  Kidder,(in  his  as  happening  after  the  feet  were  washed,  is  mentioned  by  the  other 
Vemonstration  of  the  Messiah,  part  iii.  chap.  3.  p.  60,  61.)  by  Dr.  evangelists  as  passing  at  supper ;  nay,  John  himselt,  when  he  speaks,  in 
Lighlfoot,  fy/«)-.  Ileb.  on  Matt.  xxvi.  6.)  and  since  by  Dr.  VVhitbv,  (in  ver.  26.  of  Christ's  dipping  the  sop,  and  giving  it  to  Uidas  alter  this, 
his  notes  on  this  place,)  to  prove  that  this  suppir  was  not  the  passover,  plainly  shows  that  supper  was  not  ended.— As  the  latter  part  ot  this 
but  another  supper  at  Bethany  a  night  or  two  before,  I  have  briefly  second  verse  conies  in  by  way  ot  parenthesis,  I  have  transposed  that 
obviated  in  the  paraphrase  or  notes  on  the  places  on  which  they  are  clause,  and  inserted  it  atterwards  in  ver.  21.  to  intioduce  what  relates 
grounded,  and  therefore  cannot  think  it  material  to  trouble  the  reader  to  Judas  in  the  next  section;  a  freedom  which  will,  1  hope,  be  easily 
with  a  particular  detail  of  them.     The  chief  reasons  which  determine    excused.  ,       ,    ,f    i  •  k         k 

me  to  the  contrary  opinion  (besides  some  others,  of  which  a  good  sum-  b  There  was  a  cmtentton  among  them.]  \t  the  reasoning  anove  De 
niary  is  given  in  Dr.  Guyse's  valuable  note  on  this  place)  are  these  .  allowed,  we  must  certainly  transpose  Lukes  account  ot  this  contention 
Such  a  disposition  of  the  story  best  suits  several  of  the  circumstances  of  about  superiority  ;  for  none  can  imagine  it  should  follow  immediately 
the  paschal  supper,  (particulailv  the  contention  about  superiority,  and  after  Christ  had  been  giving  them  so  aftecting  a  lesson  ot  humility.  Kut 
the  inquiry  about  Judas,  both  which  must,  on  the  other  hypothesis,  have  Luke  seems  less  exact  in  the  order  ot  this  story  than  the  other  evange- 
been  superseded,)  and  the  propriety  of  it  is  especially  evinced  from  lists;  and  particularly  relates  what  passed  concerning  the  person  that 
John  xiii.  .■?8.  where  our  Lord  says  to  Peter,  the  cock  shall  not  crmo  tilt  was  to  betray  him  after  the  Eucharist,  though  both  JMattliew  and  fll-dik 
thou  hast  denied  me  thrice ;  which  must  be  sixiken  the  very  night  .Teii's    place  it  before.  ...  ^  j  .i    ,  /-,i    ■  /• 

was  betrayed,  and  yet  is  so  connected  with  this  story  of  washing  the  c  He  riseth  from  supper.]  As  it  is  here  asserted  t\VAt  Christ  nse  from 
disciples'  feet,  by  ver.  21.  and  ver.  31.  that  they  cannot  without  great  supper,  we  must  allow  that,  in  some  sense,  supper  was  liegnn,  that  is,  as 
violence  be  separated  ;  and  it  is  certain  John  xiii.  1.  will  have  a  pecu-  I  suppose,  the  antepast  had  been  taken,  which  is^mentioned  by  the  lews 
liar  energy  according  to  this  plan;  which  therefore  most  critics  have  as  preceding  the  paschal  lamb.  (See  Ainsworth  s  note,  quoted  above, 
followed. — The  reader  will  observe  here,  that  1  have  rendered  SeiTri/on  note  e,  p.  293.)  They  tell  us  that  it  was  then  usual  tor  the  master  ot  the 
tivouievov,  supper  being  come,  which  is  the  sense  in  which  the  word  is  family  to  wash  his  hands  ;  and,  it  I  am  rightly  intormed,  the  Jews  con- 
often  used  elsewhere  :  thus,  John  xxi.  4.  irpuiac  •yei/ouei'tiv.  is,  when  the  tinue  the  custom  still.— This  seems  a  more  natural  manner  ot  explaining 
moruitiff  was  come:  Acts  xii.  18.  xvi.  35.  imtpac  -^evonevnt,  when  day  the  clause  before  us,  than  to  suppose,  with  Grotius,  or  Vossius,( Warm. 
was  come  ;  and  Acts  xxi.  40.  aLfn'!  fevotinvn^,  when  silence  was  made:  Evan.  lib.  i.  cap.  14.  sect.  1.)  or  Dr.  Edwards,  iExercit.  on  Luke  xxii. 
in  all  which  places,  and  in  manv  more  that  might  easily  be  collected  21.)  that  after  the  pasrhal  lamb  they  eat  another  distinct  supper,  and 
from  the  Greek  writers,  it  would  be  absurd  to  translate  the  word  ended,  that  this  washing  happened  in  the  interval  between  them.  1  hough 
Nay,  Luke  iv.  42.  ^ei/oysi^nr  iiuepur.  sisnitics,  w/ien  the  day  was  coming  Vossius  is  pleased  to  call  this  a  very  little  lamb,  (unus  /Igmculus,)  I 
an.  (Compare  Mark  i.  .35.  note  f,  p.  74.)  It  is  indeed  an  ambiguous  cannot  but  think  (especially  considering  how  early  the  ewes  yean  in 
term;  but  the  rendering  above  is  here  to  be  preferred.  1.  Because  it  Judea)  that  it  might  be  big  enough  plentitully  to  sup  thirteen  people  ; 
was  much  more  natural  to  wash  the  feet  of  guests  before  than  after  and  as  all  which  remained  uneaten  till  morning  was  to  be  burnt,  (Exod. 
supper  ;  2.  Because  it  is  expressly  said  in  ver.  t.  to  have  been  done  xii.  10.)  one  cannot  suppose  thatour  Lord  would  be  inclined  to  multiply 
before  the  passover  ;  which,  if  the  preceding  reason  be  admitted,  deter-  dishes  on  this  occasion,  especially  as  the  former  part  ot  the  night  was  to 
mines  the  point :  3.  Because  part  ol  the  discourse,  which  John  mentions   be  spent  in  watching  and  prayer. 


CHRIST  WASHES  THE  FEET  OF  HIS  DISCIPLES.  29,5 

10  Jesus  saith  to  him,  He      Then  Jesus,  willing  to  lay  hold  on  a  hint  which  gave  him  an  opportunity  of  pursuing  so   SKCJ'. 
that  is  washed  needeth'  not  useful  a  thouEfht,  sm/s  further  to  him,  He  that  IS  washed  already,  or  that  has  iust  been  bath-    169. 

save  to  wash  /lis  feet,  but  is   .  -        ^.     '      -J      .    .  .      „    .        ,  •   ,  ,       ,  i     ,      •      ■,     .  ,         .     J  , 

clean  every  whit:  and  ye  ; 
clean,  but  not  all. 


"Y'     USeiUl    a    llJ>JUa;ill,  JU^.l    lUlHiC     IW    iiviit,    Jiu    mill.     .J     r,u.ji.v,vi    imv,iiu,,   <ji     inau,  #111.5   JUOl    VCCIl    UUIII- 

•  are  itig,'^  neccls  only  to  wash  his  feet,  which  may  mdeed  easily  be  soiled  by  tlie  shortest  walk, 
and  when  that  is  done,  he  is  entirely  clean ;  as  if  he  should  have  said.  The  truly  good  man 


needs  not  tliat  deep  repentance  and  universal  change  which  is  absolutely  iiecessary  to  <j^'^^' 
others,  though  he  should,  by  renewed  acts  of  penitence  and  faith,  be  cleansing  himself 
from  smaller  pollutions,  which  are  in  some  degree  inseparable  from  the  infirmity  of  human 
nature  :  and,  in  this  sense,  I  know  that  you,  my  apostles,  are  clean :  but  yet  I  must  add, 

1 1  For  he  knew  who  should  you  are  Hot  all  SO.     For  as  he  was  acquainted  with  the  secret  dispositions  of  their  hearts,  1 1 
betray  him  ;  therefore  said  he,  gQ  /,e  /fwew  ivlio  would  betray  him  ;  (compare  John  vi.  64.  p.  154.)  and  therefore  he  said. 
Ye  are  not  all  clean.  ^^^^^^  ^^^ ^  ^^^^  ^^^^  cUun,''  becausc  he  knew  the  lieart  of  Judas  was  itoUuted  with  'reigning  sin, 

and  was  so  far  enslaved  under  the  power  of  the  devil  as  to  have  consented  to  the  perpe- 
tration of  the  vilest  wickedness. 

12  So  after  he  had  washed       When  therefore  he  had  thus  washed  their  feet,  and  had  taken  his  upper-garments  and  12 
their  feet,  and  had  taken  his  put  them  on,  hc  sut  down  at  the  table  again,  and  said  to  them.  Do  you  know  the  meaning 
IgaUi!"  hi  "said'^mito'  tlfen"  and  design  of  xuhat  I  have  now  been  doing  to  you  in  the  form  of  a  servant  ?  And,  to  explain   i,uk  f. 
Know  ye  what  I  have  done  to  t^g  matter,  he  Said  to  them,  I  must  again  remind  you  of  what  I  formerly  told  you,  but^-^i'- 
^Lukexxii.»5.  And  he  said  what  you  scem  so  ready  to  forget,  (see  Matt.  xx.  25,  26.  and  Mark  x.  42,  43.  p.  247.)  ^^ 
unto  them,  The  kings  of  the  j'hc  kings  of  the  GentUes  do  indeed  lord  it  over  them ;  and  they  that  exercise  the  most 
over'tremr^anT  they  th'a't  magisterial  and  arbitrary  authority  upon  thtm,  have  a  set  of  flatterers  about  them  who  en- 
exercise  authority  uj/on  them  courage  them  in  it,  as  an  instance  of  true  greatness  of  mind,  and  give  them  the  vain  title 
""^26'Butye*"//««  not  Ae  so:  o/' grand  benefuctors  to  nations  and  men.f     But  you,  my  disciples,  [shall]  not  [do]  thus;  26 
''•ou''iet'i'i'-m\faft'i^e  '^^un".?  ^or'you  are  to  show  yourselves  the  friends  of  the  world,  not  by  governing,  but  by  serving: 
^™'aiui  he"tiiat  fs chfera"s"ife  be  not  ambitious  therefore  in  contending  for  superiority,  hut  let  him  who  is  eldest  among 

that  doth  serve.  y^^^  j^  ^^^  humble  and  obliging  as  if  he  were  the  youngest  and  most  dependent  of  all ;?  and 

lie  that  presides  over  the  rest  in  any  office  of  peculiar  trust  and  influence,  [let  him  be]  as 
27  For  whether  is  greater,  humble  and  condescending  as  a  servant.    Of  this  I  have  now  been  giving  you  an  instance,  27 
t'hat''ser*veth"?  1l  norhe"that  which  surely  you  cannot  quickly  forget  :for  which  of  the  two  is  naturally  accounted  greater 
sitleth**  at^  meat*?  but  I  am  by  a  Stranger  who  happens  to  come  in,  hc  that  sits  at  the  table,  or  he  that  stands  and  waits 
among  you  as  he  that  serveth.  ^^^^  ^j^g  guests  ?     Is  it  not  evident  that  it  must  be  he  that  sits  at  the  table?     But  I  am 
among  you  as  one  that  waits  on  the  rest ;  and  you  have  just  now  seen  me  putting  on  the 
form  of  a  servant,  and  performing  to  you,  while  you  sat  at  the  table,  one  of  the  lowest 
offices  of  menial  attendants,''  in  the  very  garb  and  posture  in  which  any  of  the  least  of 
.Tohn  xiii.  1,3.   Ye  call  me  them  could  appear.     You  call  me  indeed  your  Teacher  and  Lord ;  and  therein  you  say   John 
^^Ti'^'^fb"'' V'^m  ""'^•^^^''^  i"f'^;  /<"■  [so]  I  «'")  and  such  authority  have  I  received  of  my  Father.     Jf  therefoi-e  1,  ^^^^^• 
"i4  ■ifTth'en,t'"«rLord  and  who  am  [your]  Lord  and  Master,  and  vvhom  yon  know  to  be  a  divinely  inspired  Teacher,  ■^'* 
Waster,   have  washed  your  j^g^^,g  condesconded  to  SO  mean  an  office,  and  have  thus  washed  your  feet,  and  in  all  other 

tefct ;    ve  also  ouent  to  wasu   .  ,  ,  t  •  •      t  ,  i*';  i  i.  j.  i 

one  another's  feet.  instances  have  shown  my  readiness  in  love  to  serve  you,  surely  you  also  ought  to  wash  one 

another  s  feet,  and  should  be  ready  to  submit  to  all  the  humblest  offices  of  mutual  friend- 
is  For  I  have  given  you  ship.    For  I  huve  in  this  instance  given  you  an  example,  that  as  I  have  done  to  you,  you  also  15 
as  iTI^'e  don''="to  you""''* ''°  s/wwW  do.  On  all  proper  occasions,  to  one  another.'     And  to  engage  you  to  the  like  humi-  16 

16  Verily, venly,  isay un-  lity,  Verily,  vcrily,  1  Say  unto  you,  as  I  have  formerly  said,  (Luke  vi.  40.  and  Matt.  x. 

iTreatTr 'than  hisToi'd"' neither  24.  p.  106,  141.)"  The  Servant  'is  not  greater  than  his  Lord,  nor  \s  the  messenger  greater 

he  that  is  sent  greater  than  he  than  he  that  scnt  him ;  it  will  therefore  very  ill  become  you  to  disdain  any  thing  which  I 

"'i7  Tf  ye'know  these  things,  ^ave  not  disdained.    These  are  plain  instructions,  but  remember  they  are  capable  of  being  17 

happy  are  ye  if  ye  do  them.'  improved  to  the  noblest  practical  purposes  ;  and  j/" indeed  you  know  these  things,  and  form 

a  right  conception  of  them,  ?/om  are  happy  if  you'  practise  iheni;  for  nothing  will  conduce 

more  to  your  honour  and  comfort  than  ari  obedient  regard  to  my  instructions  and  example, 

especially  in  all  the  instances  of  humility  and  condescension ;  but  if  you  neglect  to  act 

agreeably  to  them,  your  seeing  them,  and  hearing  them,  will  be  worse  than  in  vain. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

What  a  mournful  reflection  is  it,  that  coiTupt  nature  should  still  prevail  so  far,  even  in  the  hearts  of  such  pious 
men  as  the  apostles  in  the  main  were,  that  after  so  long  a  converse  with  Christ  they  should  still  be  so  unlike  him,   luke 
and  bring  their  eager  contentions  about  superiority,  in  a  state  of  temporal  grandeur  they  were  never  to  see,  into  the  n^^'^' 
last  hours  they  spent  with  their  Master,  and  evento  one  of  the  m.ost  holy  and  solemn  ordinances  of  religion  !  Such 
are  the  vain  dreams  of  ambition,  and  with  such  empty  shadows  does  it  amuse  the  deluded  mind  ! 

But  let  us  turn  our  eyes  to  him  whom  we  justly  call  our  Teacher  and  our  Lord;  for  surely,  if  any  thing  can    john 
effect  a  cure,  it  must  be  actions  and  words  like  these.    The  great  Heir  of  all  things,  invested  with  universal  domi-  .^^^}\ 
nion,  and  just  returning  to  his  heavenly  Father  to  undertake  the  administration  of  it— in  what  a  habit,  in  what  an  ^•-''  '•'* 
attitude,  do  we  see  him !    Whom  would  a  stranger  have  taken  for  the  lowest  of  the  company,  but  him  who  was  4,  5 
high  over  all  created  nature?  Blessed  Jesus,  it  was  not  so  much  any  personal  attachment  to  these  thy  servants,  as 
a  regard  to  the  edification  of  thy  whole  church,  which  engaged  thee  to  this  astonishing  action  ;  that  all  thy  minis- 
ters, that  all  thy  people,  in  conformity  to  thy  example,  migfit  learn  a  readiness  to  serve  each  other  in  love  !  15 

d  He  that  has  been  bathinn.']    This  rendering  of  the  word  XeXornevo?  g  Who  is  eldest  among  ymi,  SfC.']    As  ixet'C^v  is  here  opposed  to  vetore- 

is  ronhrme.l  by  Eisner,  Mbserv.  vol.  i.  p.  337, 338.)  and  gives  as  it  were  po9,  the  youngest,  I  render  it  eldest,  as  it  is  rendered  Rom.  ix..l2.    see 

■A  compendious  paraphrase  upon  it.    Clarius  has  well  observed,  that  as  Gen.  xxv.  23.  1  Sam.  xvu.  14.  Septvag.  and  compare  1  Kings  u.  22. 

the  airoiSuTupioi/,  or  room  in  which  they  dressed  themselves  after  bathing,  h  Performing  one  ot  the  lowest  ofhces,  \'c.]     This  was  so  to  a  proverb, 

was  ditterent  from  that  in  which  they  bathed,  the  feet  mijiht  be  so  soiled  See   1   Sam.  xxv.  41.   and   Grotius,  m  loc.-Vj.  Evans  well  observes 

in  walking  from  one  to  the  other,  as  to  make  it  necessary  immediately  to  (.Christian  Temper,  vol.  i.  p.  81.).  that  our  Lord  chose  this  kind  ottire, 

wash  them  a^ain  though  not  absolutely  necessary  in  itself,  more  strongly  to  impress  the 

e   You  are^not  all  clean.']    Some  have  observed  that  .Tudas  did  not  minds  of  his  disciples,  and  to  show  that  they  oiiglit  to  regard,  not  only 

decline  the  honour  of  having  his  feet  washed  by  Christ,  though  Peter  the  necessary  presentation,  but  the  mutual  comfort,  ot  each  other, 

did  ;  and  have  considered  it  as  an  instance  of  his  pride.     But  if  the  dis-  i  /  have  given  you  an  example,  Sfc.]    Some  have   understoort   mese 

course  between  Christ  and  Peter  happened  before  he  came  to  Judas,  it  words  as  ordaining  this  to  be  a  continued  rite  among  christians  ,   ana 

liad  been  indecent  for  ,1u(las  to  renew  an  objection  which  had  just  been  Barclay  insists,  m  his   Apology. _  '_PL,_^Ti''?'^V-  "'^'/"'j-  '''^"^"ninHnce 

thus  over-ruled  :  and  if  C    '                     .....                   -       .         ..         -.                .    -    .-    .  -      ._   .   .»            .  ,„ 

unwilling  to  be  the  first  t„ 

him,  by  inquiring  whethe 

peculiar  unworthiness.    Guilt  naturally  suggests  such  suspicions  ana  leaves  t-nmuivc  i^nrisiiarmy,  uuun   u.  <.>>«]j.    '■•.•'/■■'"„■•„"  Vpner-illv 

precautions.  churches  still  retain  it ;  yet  as  no  such  rite  as  this  has  e\ergenei.iiiy 

f  Have  the  title  of  benefactors.-]    Tt  is  indeed  possible  that  our  Lord  prevailed  in  the  christian  world,  and  as  in  many  P'"''*;^  ano  circuni_ 

may  here  refer  to  the  title  of  cuepTerai,  given  to  some  of  the  Ptolemies  stances  it  would  be  an  inconvenience  rather  <li''"  i'''"""P?  ,"  cauable 

and  Seleucid.-E,  or  to  the  ambiguity  of  the  Hebrew  word  D'ri],  which  our  friends,  1  cannot  think  these  words  of  our  Loid;  so  P  ;;  "'f  f?''',^ ';- 

(as  Beza  has  observed)  signifies  both  princes  and  benefactors:  but  the  of  another  sense,  are  to  be  interpreted  with  ^o  mucii  stricuiesb.       ^ 

general  sense  given  in  the  paraphrase  seems  to  me  mucli  more  probable,  Itigii  Dissert,  de  Pedzlavio,  .Sc.— Into  '*^hat  a  taice  inis  is  hmm 

especially  on  comparing  it  -vith  the  Syriac  Version,  where  there  is  no  Home  on  some  occasions  may  be  seen  in  the  Keitgtovs  y.cemuni^i  j 

such  ambiguity,  though  one  would  most  of  all  have  e.\pected  it.  Nations,  vol.  i.  p.  417. 


296  JESUS  CELEBRATES  THE  LAST  SUPPER  WITH  HIS  DISCIPLES. 

SECT.       But  why  are  we  so  slow  to  receive  this  lesson  !     And  why  is  our  practice  often  so  contrary  to  it !     Surely  to 
169.    cleanse  us  from  these  dregs  of  pride  and  ca\-nality,  we  need  in  a  spiritual  sense  to  be  washed  by  him.     Let  us 

gladly  submit  to  that  washing,  if  we  desire  to  secure  any  part  in  him.     ^Vhich  of  us  in  this  view  may  not  see 

JOHN  reason  to  cry  out  with  Peter,  Lo?-d,  not  our  feet  only,  hut  also  our  hands  ajid  our  head  !  May  our  whole  nature  be 
'^^^I'n  *'^"^  purified  !  and,  warmly  emulous  of  conforming  to  so  bright  an  example,  may  we  ever  be  maintaining  a  watch- 
fulness over  our  own  spirits  ;  correcting  the  first  appearances  of  irregularity,  and  washing  away  every  lightest  stain 
LUKE  which  OUT  feet  may  contract  in  this  various  journey  !  So  shall  we  be  great  in  the  sight  and  favour  of  our  Master  ; 
XXII.  and,  numbering  ourselves  among  the  least  of  his  servants,  shall  be  distinguished  by  peculiar  honours,  in  proportion 
26  to  the  degree  in  which  we  think  ourselves  most  unworthy  of  them. 


SECTION  CLXX. 

Christ,  while  they  are  eatins;  the  paschal  Iamb,  declares  that  one  of  his  apostles  should  betray  him,  and  at  length  marks  out  Judas  as  the  person, 
who  upon  this  retires  with  a  resentment  which  confirmed  him  in  that  fatal  purpose.  Matt.  xxvi.  21 — Co.  Mark  xiv.  18 — 21  .Lul(e  xxii  21 — 
23,  28— .30.    John  xiii.  2,  18 — 20. 

Luke  xxii.  28.  ,  ■.  „„ 

Luke  xxn.28. 

SECT.  THEN  Jesus  went  on,  as  he  was  eating  the  passover,  to  instruct,  admonish,  and  comfort  YE  are  they  which  have  con- 

170.    his  disciples,  by  a  series  of  most  wise  and  pious  discourse ;  and  said.  Depend  upon  it,  you  f!""*^<J  "'"^  f"''  inmytempta- 

will  find  that  humble  and  benevolent  temper  which  I  have  recommended  to  you  the  way 

LUKE   to  the  highest  honours,  if  you  have  patience  to  wait  the  proper  time ;  for  as  yc  are  they 

XXII.   ^^1^^  jj^j,^  continued  faithfully  and  affectionately  icith  me  in  all  my  trials  and  afilictions ;  So 

29  by  a  sacred  and  inviolable  covenant  I  appoint  unto  you  a  kingdom,^  and  solemnly  engage     29  And  I  appoint  unto  you 
myself  to  bestow  it  upon  you,  even  as  my  Father  has  appointed  a  kingdom  unto  me,  and  is  |'^'"fi^,"H'""V"'^  Fatiierhath 

30  quickly  about  to  raise  me  to  it.     Now  the  exalted  honours  which  I  shall  there  receive  are  ^'so^Xhat  "ye" may  eat  anct 
incomparably  beyond  those  about  which  you  seem  so  solicitous  :  let  me  therefore  awaken  'j''"'^  *'  my  table  inmy  king- 

1  1  vli.-         ■  ■     1  1    1      T  ii    i  4.  ^  J        J  J    •    ;    ""'"•    ^'"*    5't    on    thnmes, 

a  nobler  ambition  in  your  minds,  while  1  assure  you  that  you  may  expect  to  eat  and  dinnk  judging  the  twelve  tribes  of 

at  my  table  in  that  my  kingdom,  or  to  be  treated  as  my  distinguished  favourites  and  most  ^^■"^^'• 

intimate  friends  ;  yea,  and  in  my  final  and  most  triumphant  appearance,  when  I  shall  sit 

on  the  throne  of  my  glory,  you  may  expect  to  be  assessors  with  me  on  diat  grand  occasion, 

aiid  to  sit  upon  thrones,  as  I  formerly  promised  you,  (Matt.  xix.  28.)  judging  the  twelve 

tribes  of  Israel,^  and  condemning  tlie  whole  impenitent  world  for  their  contempt  of  that 

gospel  which  you,  as  the  chief  ministers  of  my  kingdom,  are  to  offer  and  unfold  to  them. 


JOHN       But  when  I  speak  in  this  manner  of  your  final  honour  and  happiness,  I  speak  not  of  you     John  xiii.  is.    I  speak  not 

'^^'iR  «^^.'  I  knoiv  the  real  character,  and  all  the  most  secret  views  and  transactions,  oi  those  ivho7n  ha\C"chosen'  'b"uT''th'a't°"the 

■^^  I  have  chosen  ;  and  could  loner  ago  have  fixed  a  mark  of  infamy  on  the  traitor,  and  have  scripture  may  be  fulfilled.  He 


-T   1  1  •  .         -7     -      •  I      /•  ir-ii    .       11  •■^"'  '^"  "P  ii's  heel  against 

my  companions,  1  leave  him  to  go  on,  that  the  scripture  may  be  fulfilled,  waicn  says,  me. 

(Psal.  xli.  9.)  "  He  that  eatelh  bread  with  mc,  and  has  been  nourished  by  my  care  and 

favour,  hath  lift  np  his  heel  against  me,  like  an  ungrateful  brute  that  kicks  at  the  kind 

master  who  feeds  him."«     Such  treatment  David  met  with  from  those  whom  he  trusted  ; 

and  such  I  know  that  I  am  to  expect. 

19  And  this  I  tell  you  now  before  it  comes  to  pass,  that  when  it  comes  to  be  accomplished,  19  >jn^  j  jgn  y^^  before 
you  mail  be  so  far  from  doul)ting  of  the  truth  of  my  mission  upon  that  account,  that,  on  it  come,  that  when  it  is  come 
the  contrary,  you  may  more  firmly  believe  that  lam  [//f]  that  I  told  you  I  was,  even  the  lamfe.^'*  ""*^  "eiieve  that 

20  true  Messiah.  And,  whatsoever  therefore  I  shall  suffer,  let  not  your  zeal  to  carry  on  my  20  Veriiy.  verily,  I  say 
cause  be  lessened,  but  stedfastly  persist  in  your  adherence  to  it,  with  a  firm  persuasion  "  homsoe" -e^f  send'  receiveth 
that  I  will  support  vou  in  it;  for  in  this  view  I  look  upon  your  interest  as  my  own,  and,  me;  and  he  that' receiveth 
as  I  formerly  declared,  (Matt.  x.  40.  sect.  Ixxvi.  and  Luke  x.  16.  sect,  xcvii.)  so  now  I J)',^;  receiveth  him  that  sent 
most  assuredly  say  unto  yon,  Whoever  entertains  and  shows  regard  to  you,  or  any  of  my 

other  messengers,  as  coming  in  my  name,  entertains  me  ;  and  whoever  entertains  me,  enter- 
tains him  that  sent  me ;  as,  on  the  other  hand,  when  you  or  they  are  slighted,  the  affront 
redounds  to  me  and  to  my  Father. 

21  Now  when  Jesus  had  thus  said,  he  made  a  solemn  pause.  (The  devil,  as  was  observed  ci  When  Jesus  had  thus 
before,  Iiaving  already,  by  his  vile  and  pernicious  insinuations,  put  it  into  the  heart  of  Ju-  now  p^'it^in^o'the'Viar't'of 
das  Iscariot,  ythe  son'\  of  Simon  f^  to  betray  him  into  the  hands  of  his  murderous  enemies.)  Judas  iscariot,  Simon's  son. 
And,  as  our  Lord  well' knew  that  Judas  was  then  watching  for  an  opportunity  to  accom-  {rouble"^  in''"Vpirit?  an'd 
plish  his  horrid  purpose,  which  he  would  execute  that  verynight,  he  was  much  troubled  in  [Mark,  as  they  snt,  and  did 
spirit  to  think  of  so  ungrateful  and  impious  a  design  in  one  so  near  him,  and  so  much  veriiy!"llriryl'''l''s'iy'' m,?o 
obliged  to  him;  and  as  they  sat  toeether,  and  were  eating  the  paschal  supper,  Jesus  openly  yon,  i'hatoncotyou[MAiiK, 
testified  and  s«/rf  with  a  deep  sigh,  FmYy,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  That,  liow  incredible  so-  Sray  me!\Lu'KE,"'w  bel 
ever  the  hint  I  just  now  gave  you  may  seem,  one  of  you  ivho  is  eating  with  me  in  this  '"''f'.  "'^  hand  of  him  that 
friendlv  and  intimate  manner  will  quickly  betray  me  to  those  that  thirst  for  my  blood;  thT'table  ^[Matt^'xxvi.^T 
la?»/]  behold,  the  hand  of  him  that  betrayeth  me  [w]  now  ivith  me  on  the  table.  ff^  ''■'>'■  }^\-  ^"'"'  '"'''•2'- 

22  1  hen  the  disciples  were  exceedingly  grieved  to  hear  of  his  being  betrayed  at  all,  and  much  22"Then*tiie  disciples  [were 
more  to  be  told  that  it  should  be  by  one  of  their  own  number,  while,  no  one  being  singled  exceeding  sorrowful,  and] 
out  from  the  rest,  the  suspicion  lay  in  common  among  them ;  and  they  looked  stedfastly 

a  I  appoint  , into  3/0,1  a  Ungdom.']    It  is  well   known  that  the  word  with  Christ  in  his  kingdom  ;  (compare  1  Cor.  vi.  2,  3.  Kev.  ii.  26,  27. 

i^'n'^ZLJ.Z  ■LJ.ith      t-  ^'^'"f^  to  covenant,  or,  to  bestow  in  lirtne  of  a  iii.  21.)  but  seems  plainly  to  allude  to  the  courts  of  judicature  anion;? 

f^^hff  ,i1,,;„i;  „„    i,°'"'^i         astclause  of  this  verse  may  probably  refer  the  Jews,  where  the  inferior  jii.lgps  sat  in  a  semicircle  round  the  xliief 

ar»   «ri  m-^n^,   r^f       ^"^  Call  Me  coiejiant  of  redemption,  to  which  there  judge,  who  had  his  seat  in  the  middle  point  of  it.    Compare  Kev.  iv.  4. 

which  w^rn^.MhJ!:"''?  'r  •^^7";'"^'^'  ""<<   <-«n<:erning  the  reality  of  .xxiri4. 

f^nViHorin<^^J,  ,h=  \      .       i"  , '  "  '^^^  references  were  not  so  express  ;  c  He  that  eateth  bread  with  me.  &c.^    ^Vhen  these  words  are  so  plainly 

Sf  onr  iTrdV  M  whC-h  ;.   "'f-'  "'*'  "j**'  importance  of  that  undertaking  to  be  found,  Psal.  xli.  9.  it  seems  very  unnatural,  with  Mr.  Jeffery.  (in 

of^hosp  nrnnh^,i^«  Jvh  ,V  If/V  ?'.'5'' ""'!'«  o'her.  the  plain  declarations  his  Bevte-.^.  p.  187.)  to  imagine  they  refer  to  Psal.  Iv.  12,  13.  because 


Ffa.''ri  fi'"  And  fo7ti,oli^nn'';h^iv.'^?-,l'l'vl-;;^LL"„'^e  i--  IB,  19.    scr,ptnre::,allbepffilM.  ".  One  that  eateth  of  my 


Isa.  1.  5,  6  And  for  those  on  the  part  of  the  Father,  see  Heb  x  5 
Isa.  XI.  2,  3.  .  8,  9.  In.  13,  15.  liii.  10—12.  Iv.  4,  5.  xlix  l—Io"  T  iik^ 
II.  31,  .32.  xxn.  20.  c  Cor.  vi.  2.  Kev.  vii.  16,  17.  ^""^ 


heel  against  me,"  ye  may  believe  that   I  am  he.     I   rather  think,  with 
Brennius,  that  it  is  an  accommodation,  and  tliat  the  sense  and  connexion 


h   indnhin    L,;neI,y,riL     f  1        ,  V^'ru'  ■  V  ,     •  =""6  to  be  explained  accordingly,  as  in  the  paraphrase, 

proin  se  he?e   fanTfcforP  nn^^^^^^^^^^^  o«^^',"^fP'"^i?''""  gi^'en  of  this        d   The  rievtl  having  already  put  >t  into  the  heart  of  Jndas.  c^r.]    That 

niefr^fhle  toVh«?  whir?/?»?r.^^^        1  '   "  "\-^ P\  P- 238.)  appears  to  me    Satan  entered  into  .fudas  before  he  went  to  the  chief  priests  and  agreed 
Z1'i\tt}:it^l^::^X^yJir,VL^^^^^^^  t^e    to  betray  his  Master  to  them    had  been  observed  before,  Luke  xxii.  3. 

p.  291.  and  that  this  clause  of  Jolm  xui.  2.  would  be  mserted  here,  was 
mtimated  in  the  close  of  note  a,  5  169.  p.  -94.  where  I  accounted  for 
tills  transposition. 


apostles  had  m  the  christian  church,  as  the  authorized  ambassadors  of 

f  [!.''-77^'  ^,^  no  means  implies  that  Paul  and  Barnabas,  the  apostles 

oi  the  Gentiles,  shall  be  excluded  from  the  honour  of  bein"  assessors 


JESUS  CELEBRATES  THE  LAST  SUPPER  VVmi  HIS  DISCIPLES.  297 

looked  one  on  another,  doubt-  Oil  each  Other  for  some  time  in  silence,  doubting  of  whom  he  spake,  and  studious  to  obsen'e  SECT. 

ins  of    whom    he  'spake:  i^  whose  countenance  they  might  read  any  peculiar  confusion  which  might  look  like  an  170. 
in^ql-ire'  amon^'them!erve'°  indication  of  guilt :  and,  as  they  none  of  them  knew  ^yhere  to  fix  it  but  the  vile  wretch 


inquire     among     themselves,   iiiun.cin<ji.  v^i    gunv  .    ,v,,^,    .^^    v..^,    ..„..^    „.    ,    _  ...>,    .  ..^    .... 

which  of  them  it  was  tiiat  himself  thei/  began  to  ingmre  aynong  themselves,  which  of  them  it  could  be  that  was  about  to    JOHN 
began^verfone'^ofthemto  do  this  thing;  and,  earnestly  desirous  to  be  freed  from  the  suspicion  of  such  hemous  ^F"' 
say  unto  him,  [Mark,  oiie  by  wickedness,  they  applied  themselves  to  Christ,  and  began  evert/  one  of  them  to  sai/  to  him, 
xxvi'  l^^'aiark  xiv/i9.  Luke  one  bi/  one.  Lord,  is  it  I  that  am  this  guilty  creature  ?«     Thou  knowest  that  my  very  heart 
xxii.  23.]  abhors  the  thought,  and  I  hope  I  shall  never  be  capable  of  entertamirig  it. 

C3  Now  there  was  leanins       Now  One  of  his  disciples,  namely  John,  ^uhom  Jesus  loved  with  a  peculiar  tenderness  and  23 
on"  .lesus'  bosom  one  of  his  honoured  With  the  most  intimate"  friendship,  sat  next  him  at  the  table,  on  his  right  hand  ; 
disciples.  Whom  Jesus  lo^ea.  ^^^  ^^  ^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^  .^  ^  reclining  posture,  each  of  them  resting  on  his  left  elbow,  so,  in 

24  Simon  Peter  therefore  the  place  where  Jolin  was  seated,  he  was  leaning  on  the  bosom  of  Jesus.     And  as  the  ques-  24 
beckoned   to   him,  that   he  ^Jq,.,  ^^^^  almost  gone  rouiid,  and  Jesus  made  no  answer  to  it,  but  rather  seemed  to  be 

of  whom  he'spake.  Swallowed  up  in  mournful  contemplation,  Simon  Peter  therefore  looked  upon  John,  and 

beckoned  to  him  with  a  motion  of  his  head,f  by  which  he  intimated  his  desire  that  he  should 

25  He  then,  lyinff  on  Jesus'  privately  ask  him  who  it  might  be  of  whom  he  spake.     He  then  li/ing  doivn  closer  o?i  the  25 
""^h^i''  u?""  ""'°  '"'"''  ^'"^'  breast  of  Jesus,  that  he  might  put  the  question  without  being  heard  by  the  rest  of  the  com- 
^26  Je'sus answered.  He  it  is  pany,  secretly  whispered  and  said  to  him,  J^ord,  tvho  is  it?    And  Jesus  answered  him  with  26 
wheSTha've'di'ppfd'Tr  ^  ATd  a  low  voice.  It  is  he  to  whom  I  shall  give  this  sop,  when  I  have  dipped  it.    And  when  he  had 
when  he  had  dipped  the  sop,  dipped  the  sop  iH  a  thick  kind  of  .sauce  made  of  dates,  raisins,  and  other  ingredients  beaten 
llfo»of  simoif  ^  ''""'"""'  together,  and  properlv  diluted,?  he  gave  it  to  Judas  Iscariot,  [the  son']  of  Simon,  putting  it 

Matt  xxvi  "•?'  And  he  an-  towards  that  part  of  the  dish  which  was  nearest  him,  and  directing  it  towards  him.    Upon   matt. 
swered  and  said  [unto  them,  which  Judas  put  forth  his  hand  to  take  it:  aiid  while  he  was  just  in  this  posture,  others  „^,-^^'- 
timt'di'ppet'ilhi^'hlnd'w'ith  me  Continuing  the  same  question  to  Jesus,  he  answered  and  said  to  them,  [It  is]  one  of  the  ^-^ 
in  the  dish,  the  same  shall  be-  fivelve :  [even]  he  that  now  dippeth  his  hand  with  me  in  the  dish,  this  veri/  person  shall 
*%  The  Son  of  nrn'[k?deed]  betrai/  7ne.^     And  let  him  not  vainly  hope  that  I  shall  exert  my  miraculous  power  to  24 
goeth,  as  it  is  written  [Luke,  rescue  myself  from  the  hands  of  mine  enemies,  after  he  has  delivered  me  to  them,  and 
wot  untoThat'man  bv'whom  secured  to  himself  the  wages  of  unrighteousness  ;  for  the  Son  of  man,  great  and  powerful 
Uhid  befn'"ood'for''that man  ^s  he  Will  finally  appear,  is  indeed  going  to  sufferings  and  death,'  as  it  is  written  in  the 
if  he   had^not  be'eii"'born'!  Scriptures,  [and]  determined  in  the  divine  counsels,  coHce™««g-  him  :'^  but  as  those  pro- 
[Markxiv.  21.  Lukexxii.  22.]  phecies  and'counscls  have  no  influence  to  destroy  the  free  agency  of  the  persons  concerned 
m  his  death,  so  there  will  be  a  most  terrible  ?we  to  that  man  by  whom  the  Son  of  man  is  so 
perfidiously  betrayed,  and  who  presumes  to  set  a  price  on  his  royal  and  sacred  blood :  it 
had  been  well  for'that  man  if  he  had  never  been  born  ;  for  a  speedy  and  most  dreadful  ven- 
geance awaits  him,  which  will  make  the  immortality  of  his  being  his  everlasting  curse. 
25  Then  .Tudas,  which  be-       Then  Jitdus,  who  was  indeed  the  person  that  betrayed  him,  answered  in  some  confusion,  25 
trayed    inm,  answered  and  jggj  ^y  his  silence  he  should  Seem  to  confess  his  guilt,  and  said,  Mater,  is  it  I  that  shall 
unto'  himflT^ou  hast  said.'^'    do  this  thing,"  and  to  whom  thou  referrest  in  these  severe  words  ?  And  he  said  to  him,  Thou 
hast  said  [right ;]  thou  art  the  very  person,  and  I  will  conceal  it  no  longer.^ 
Johnxiii.27.  And  after  the      And  after  he  was  thus  expressly  marked  out,  not  only  by  the  sop  which  Jesus  gave   john 
sop,  Satan  entered  into  him.  him,™  but  also  bv  the  answer  which  he  had  returned  to  his  question,  Satan  entered  into  J^^^^- 

Jhen   said   Jesus  unto    him,    .  .     '     .  ,  .f  .    ,  -,       •        i  -      i  •      i  i_    •    j-         i.-  „j  ..   „       *  aI,     27 

That  thou  doest,  do  quickly,    him  With  greater  violence,  and  stirred  up  in  his  bosom  such  indignation  and  rage  at  the  * 
disgrace  he  had  met  with,  that  he  could  bear  the  place  no  longer,  but  prepared  abruptly  to 
leave  it  before  the  table-  was  dismissed.     Then  Jesus  said  to  'him.  What  i/ou  are  going  to 
do,  do  quickly ;  further  intimating  to  him  his  perfect  knowledge  of  the  appointment  he  had 
made  with  the  chief  priests  and  elders,  and  admonishing  him,  as  it  were,  not  to  lose  the 
«8  Now  no  man  at  the  table  Opportunity  by  Overstaying  his  time.    But  the  reference  being  thus  particular  to  what  none  28 
knew  for  what  intent  he  spake  of  the  company  but  himself  was  privy  to,  no  man  at  the  table  knew  what  was  his  meaning, 
*  29"  For  '"some    of    t/iem  or  for  what  pwpose  he  spake  this  to  him.     For  some  [of  them]  thought,  because  Judas  had  the  29 
thought,  because  Judas  had  i^^e'eping  of  the  common  p2irse  on  which  they  were  to  subsist  during  their  stay  at  Jerusa- 

tlie    baif,  that  Jesus  nau  said   ,       r,^.  .^r       *  ^      i       ■  ■•         i-       rr^i        ^       r>     .  .       •.     a.     i        ii  'n 

unto  hnn,  Buy  those  thiivjs  lem,  that  it  was  as  if  Jesus  hud  said  to  him,  Take  the  first  opportunity  to  buy  those  sacrifices, 

the  fel^t'^^'or, 'that  he  "should  ^""^  ^^her  things,  wltich  we  shall  need  for  the  feast  to-morrow,  and  on  the  following  days;" 

give  something  to  the  poor,     or  that  perhaps  he  intended  he  should  give  something  to  the  poor,  which  Christ  used  to  do, 

though  their  stock  was  so  small ;  but  always  did  it'in  a  very  private  manner,  which  made 

c  To  say  to  liim,  one  hy  one.  Lord,  is  it  J.!*]    I  look  on  this  as  a  strong  propriety  of  speech  when  we  use  the  language  which  God  has  taught,) 

proof  that  the  facts  mentioned  John  xiii.  2.3—26.  did  not  happen  a  night  I  say,  without  any  necessitating  agency  ;  because  1  apprehend  that  this 

or  two  before;   for  if  Christ  had  then  privately  marked  out  Judas  to  text,  among  many  others,  must  entirely  overthrow  the  scheme  which 

John  and  Peter  as  the  traitor,  the  information  must  surely  have  reached  Mr.  Col  liber  (in  his  Inquiry  into  the  Divine  Existence,  p.  97—102.)  has 

the  rest  of  the  company  by  this  time.  sn  laboriously  endeavoured  to  establish  ;  and  whirh  the  author  of  the 

f  Bechmed  to  Inm  with  a  motion  of  his  head.]    This  is  certainly  the  Persian  Letters  from  Paris,  (Letter  Ivi.)  so  confidently  asserts,  "  That 

import  of  the  word  veva,  which  might  more  exactly  be  rendered  nodded,  where  God  foresees  an  event,  he  always  determines  to  render  it  neces- 

g  In  a  thick  kind  of  sauce  made  of  dates,  &c.]     1  he  Jews  still  retain  sary.  and  so  to  suspend  the  moral  agency  and  accountableness  of  the 

such  a  sauce,  which  they  call  charoseth,  made  of  such   kind  of  ingre-  creature  concerned  in  it."    Were  this  the  case,  nothing  could  be  more 

dients,  about  the  consistence  of  mortar,  to  represent  the  clay  in  which  unjust  (nn  the  principles  of  these  authors)  than  to  foretell  punishments 

their  forefathers  wrought  while  they  were  under  bondage  to  the  Egyp-  to  be  inflicted  for  such  actions;   which  is  plainly  the  case   here,  and 

tians.    See  Buxt.  Synag.  Jud.  cap.  18.  and  the  Religious  Ceremonies  of  indeed  in  most  other  places  where  evil  actions  are  foretold. 
all  Nations,  vol.  i.  p.  215.  1   Thou  hast  said  right.]    This  is  plainly  the  import  of  the  original 

h  He  that  dippeth  his  hand  with  me  in  the  dish.]    Some  very  ingenious  phrase.  It  is  as  thou  hast  spoken.    (See  Matt.  xxvi.  63—65.  Mark  xiv. 

persons  imagine  that  Christ  by  this  phrase  only  declares  it  was  one  who  61,  62.  T^uke  xxii.  70.  John  xviii.  .37.)    Thus,  Now  you  say  something. 

sat  on  the  same  side  of  the  table  with  him,  and  so  ate  out  of  the  same  signifies  among  us.  You  speak  right.  , 

dish  ;  and,  if  it  were  1^0,  there  might  seem  a  gradation  in  the  discovery       m  /ifter  the  sop.]    It  seems  very  unnatural  to  apprehend,  with  Dr. 

not  observable  on  any  other  interpretation.     But  (not  to  insist  upon  it)  Tievnolds,  (in  his  Works,  p.  101,  102.)  that  Judas  was  encouraged,  by 

that  the  lamb,  which  was  to  be  roasted  whole,  Kxod.  xii.  9.  was  aho  to  Christ's  giving  him  the  sop,  to  hope  that  Christ  would,  after  all,  provide 

be  served  up  in  one  dish,  1  cannot  but  conclude  that,  if  this  had  been  for  his  own  safety,  and  admit  him  into  favour  again.    Christ's  words 

our  Lord's  meaning,  on  his  saying  here,  (as  Mark  relates  it,)  in  the  same  above  expressly  cut  ofH'  all  such  hope  ;  and  I  believe  every  reader  will 

breath,  eic  ck  rmv  iuidcKa,  one  of  the  twelve,  he  would  have  added  ei9  (k  .iudge   the  common  account   given  of  the  connexion  much  more  pro- 

Twi/  euffanToixeiiciiv.  one  of  those  that  dip,  rather  than  6  eH/3a7rTOMei'09,  bable.  . 

which  plainly  signifies,  the  very  person  that  dippeth.  n   iVhich  we  shall  need  for  the  feast.]    This  is  one  or  the   passages 

i  The  Son  of  man  is  indeed  going.]  As  we  often,  in  common  speech,  which  have  led  Grotius  and  other  considerable  critics  to  conclude  that 
say  a  person  is  going  or  gone,  to  intimate  that  he  is  dying  or  dead,  so  our  Lord  kept  the  passover  at  least  one  day  sooner  than  the  rest  ot  the 
i'.fsner  shows  (.Ohserv.  vol.  i.  p.  119.)  that  the  word  inzaiei  has  tlie  same  Jews.  J  he  controversy  is  too  large  to  be  critically  discussed  here  :  1 
ambiguity.  Compare  Josh,  xxiii.  14.  and  Psal.  xxxix.  13. —  I'he  repe-  content  myself  with  referring  to  Dr.  Whitby's  excellent  Dissertation  on 
tition  of  that  title  of  the  Son  of  man,  which  is  twice  used  here  in  the  the  subject,  (in  his  Appendir  to  Mark  xiv.)  only  observing,  that  the  sup- 
same  verse,  has  a  peculiar  energy  and  dignity,  not  commonly  observed,  position  of  Christ's  anticipating  the  day  appointed  by  the  law,  is  so  im- 

k  As  it  is  determined.]    As  this  passage  is  not  liable  to  the  ambigui-  probable,  that  I  think  it  more  reasonable  to  suppose  that  the  worajeast. 

ties  which  some  have  apprehended  in  Acts  ii.  23.  and  iv.  28.  (which  yet  or  passover,  may  signify  the  offerings  attending  the  whole  jeast.iinn 

seem,  on  the  whole,  to  be  parallel  to  it  in  their  most  natural  construe-  particularly  those  presented  on  the.^ne  day  V 'i'"''^"''^"^'' ^"'',- ' „  'l'':'! 

tiou,)  I  look  upon  it  as  an  evident  proof  that  those  things  are,  in  the  is  certainly  the  sense  of  the  word  elsewhere.     ("'^^  ..l^^i"'-  ,   Vvrmrit 

language  of  Scripture,  said  to  be  determined  or  decreed,  (or  exactly  2  Chron.  xxxv.  7—9.)    And  if  this  be  admitted,  it  ""' ""{V^  f.-.;^  inhn 

bounded  and  marked  out  by  God,  as  the  word  iipi^a  most  naturally  signi-  plausible  argument  for  Grotius's  opinion,  which  is  that  taken  riom  joiin 

tics,)  which  he  sees  will  in  fact  happen,  in  consequence  of  his  volitions,  xviii.  28.    Others  grounded  on  John  xiii.  1,  2.  xix.  irj*""  ™i"-   „    '• 

without  any  necessitating  agency  ;  as  well  as  those  events  of  which  he  is  5.  are  obviated  in  the  paraphrase  or  notes  on  those  places,  aj  me  aiieii- , 

properly  the  Author  ;  fand,  as   Beza  well  expresses  it.   Qui  .seijvitnr  five  reader  will  easily  perceive. 
Deum,  emendate  sane  loipiitur.  We  need  not  fear  falling  into  any  im- 


298  JESUS  CELEBRATES  THE  LAST  SUPPER  WITH  HIS  DISCIPLES. 

SECT,  it  the  more  probable  that  he  should  only  give  such  an  oblique  hint  of  that  intention.     Of 
170.    this  they  thought,  rather  than  of  any  bad  design  of  Judas  ;  for  they  did  not  imagine  that, 

-if  he  was  to  prove  the  traitor,  his  wickedness  could  immediately  take  place;  or  that  he 

JOHN    was  so  utterly  abandoned  as  to  go  away  to  accomplish  it  with  those  awful  words  of  his 
XIII.    Master  sounding,  as  it  were,  in  his  ears. 

30      But  he  was  capable  of  committing  the  crime,  even  with  this  aggravation;  and  therefore     30  lie  then  having  received 
havins,  as  was  said,  7-eceived  the  sop,  he  immediatelu  went  out  without  any  further  reply  ;  "'*  ^°''\  "^l^"^   nnmediateiy 

,    C''..  •    ;  i       1  •    u  ii       /■         i_     1      1  •    »     1  i  1  .1  r  ^1       out:  and  it  was  night, 

and  as  it  was  nia^hf,  which  was  the  time  he  had  appointed  to  meet  those  who  were  consult- 
ing the  death  of  Jesus,  under  the  covert  of  it  he  went  to  them,  and  fulfilled  his  engage- 
ments, in  a  few  hours  after,  by  delivering  his  Master  into  their  hands. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

LUKE       Who  would  not  gladly  continue  with  Christ  in  the  strictest  fidelity,  amidst  all  the  trials  which  can  arise,  when 
XXII.  he  observes  how  liberally  he  repays  his  servants,  and  how  graciously  he  seems  to  relish  his  own  honours  the  more, 
'^^  in  proportion  to  the  degree  in  which  those  honours  are  shared  with  them, — appointing  them  a  glorious  kingdom, 
29,  30  and  erecting  thrones  for  each  of  them !    And  surely,  though  the  apostles  of  the  Lamb  are  to  have  their  peculiar 
dignity  in  the  great  day  of  his  triumph,  there  is  a  sense  in  which  he  will  perform  to  every  one  that  overcomelh, 
that  yet  more  condescending  promise,  I  will  grant  him  to  sit  doiun  with  me  on  my  throne,  even  as  I  also  overcame, 
and  am  set  down  with  my  Father  on  his  throne.    (Rev.  lii.  21.)     Let  our  souls  in  that  confidence  be  strengthened 
to  all  the  labours  and  sufferings  to  which  he  may  call  us  forth. 
JOHN       It  is  a  melancholy  reflection,  that  there  should  be  any  one  in  this  select  company  to  whom  this  endearing  pro- 
XIII.    mise  did  not  belong;  especially  one  who,  having  eaten  of  Christ's  bread,  should,  in  such  a  sense  and  degree  as 
^°  Judas,  lift  up  his  heel  against  liim.     Deliver  us,  O  Lord,  from  any  sliare  in  tliat  guilt !     We  are  treated  as  thy 
friends  ;  we  are  set  at  thy  table  :  let  us  not  ungratefully  kick  against  tiiee,  while  the  ox  knowcth  his  oivner,  and  the 
ass  his  masters  ci'ib  !  (Isa.  i.  3.) 
MATT.       If  we  would  not  do  it,  let  us  be  jealous  over  ourselves  with  a  godly  jealousy.    Happy  are  they  whose  hearts 
XX^i    witness  to  their  sincerity  in  the  presence  of  him  that  searches  them,  and  can  cheerfully  say,  Lord,  is  it  I?     Let 
^^  them  say  it  humbly  too,  lest  the  infirmity  of  nature  prevail  upon  them  beyond  their  present  purpose  or  apprehen- 
sion, and  lead  them  on  to  do  that,  the  very  thought  of  which  they  would  now  abhor. 
MARK       How  artfully  must  Judas  have  conducted  himself,  when,  on  such  an  intimation,  no  particular  suspicion  appears 
XIV.  19  to  have  fallen  on  him  !     But  how  vain  is  that  artifice,  be  it  ever  so  refined,  which,  while  it  jireserves  a  character  in 
MATT,  the  sight  of  men,  cannot  in  the  least  degree  impose  upon  Christ !     The  day  will  come  wlien  he  will  lay  open  the 
9'^V^  false  and  ungrateful  hypocrite  in  a  more  overwhelming  manner  than  that  in  which  lie  here  exposed  Judas  ;  and, 
whatever  advantage  he  may  have  gained,  either  by  professing  religion  or  by  betraying  it,  he  will  undoubtedly  find 
that  it  had  been  good  for  him  that  he  had  never  been  born. 
JOHN       One  would  have  imas;ined  that  an  admonition  like  this,  which  laid  bare  the  secrets  of  his  heart,  and  warned  him 
Xtli.    so  plainly  and  faitlifully  of  his  danger,  might  have  wrought  some  remorse  in  his  heart,  or  at  least  have  proved 
^'  some  impediment  to  tlie  immediate  execution  of  his  design  :  but,  being  now  given  up,  by  the  righteous  judgment 
30  of  God,  to  the  influence  of  Satan  and  the  lust  of  his  own  depraved  mind,  he  is  exasperated  rather  than  reclaimed 
by  it;  and  immediately  goes  forth,  under  the  covert  of  the  night,  to  hasten  the  accomplishment  of  that  work  of 
darkness,  tlie  consequences  of  winch  had  been  so  awfully  represented.     O  lord,  let  thy  grace  and  thy  love  do 
that  for  us  which  thy  terrors  alone  cannot  do  '.     Let  our  hearts  be  melted  bv  that  nobler  principle,  and  taught  to 
abhor  every  thing  which  would  displease  thee!     Oh,  let  them  flow  forth  into   such  workings  of  compassion 
29  to  the  afflicted,  as  encjaged  the  blessed  Jesus  to  relieve  the  poor  out  of  his  own  little  stock  ;  and  into  those  senti- 
ments of  candour  which  would  not  permit  the  apostles,  even  after  this  admonition,  to  imagine  Judas  altogether  so 
bad  as  he  indeed  was,  but  led  them  to  put  tlie  mildest  construction  on  their  Master's  ambiguous  address  to  him  ! 
Such  may  our  mistakes  be,  wherever  we  do  mistake  ;  the  errors  of  a  charity  which  would  not  by  excessive  rigour 
injure  the  vilest  sinner,  and  much  less  the  least  and  v/eakest  of  God's  servants  ! 


SECTION  CLXXI. 

•arns  fhei 
uke  xxii. 

John  xiii.  31. 


Christ  having  exhorted  his  disciples  to  mutual  love,  forewarns  them  of  their  approaching  trial,  and  foretells  Peter's  fall,  immediately  before  the 

eucharist.     Luke  xxii.  31 — 34.  John  xiii.  31,  to  the  end. 


__  John  xiii.  31. 

S.E-^r.  11  was  observed  in  the  preceding  section,  how  Judas,  being  marked  out  both  by  Christ's  THEREFORE,  when  he  was 

^^^-    actions  and  his  words,  quitted  tlie  place  in  a  mixture  of  rage  and  confusion  :  when  there-  ,1™So"n  of'man  «l!,'Jified",and 

jore  he  was  thus  gone  out,^  Jesus  said  to  the  rest  of  his  disciples  as  they  sat  at  the  table  God  is  glorified  in  him.  ' 
JOHN    with  him,  Now  is^f/ie  Son  oftnan  just  on  the  point  of  being  glorified  far  more  remarkably 

than  ever ;  and  God  in  a  most  illustrious  manner  is  to  he  glorified  in  him,  by  the  signal 

32  and  extraordinary  circumstances  of  his  abasement  and  exaltation.     And  vou'may  assure     3C  if  God  be  glorified  in 
yourselves,  that  ;/"  God  he  nlorified  in  him,  God  will  also  glorifi/  him  in  and  with  himself,  Y'""-  ^""^,  shall  also  glorify 
in  such  a  degree  as  sliall  in  the  most  convincing  manner  declare  his  intimate  relation  to  sVraigiuwargloVhi.^. 
him  ;  and  the  time  will  presently  come  when  he  will  eminently  glorify  him  :  for  tlie  Son  of 

man  is  very  shortly  to  enter  on  the  honours  of  his  celestial  and  universal  kingdom,  and,  in 
the  mean  time,  some  rays  of  divine  glory  sliall  shine  through  all  that  cloud  of  ignominy, 
reproach,  and  distress  which  shall  surround  him. 

33  My  dear  little  clnldren,  whom  I  love  even  with  parental  tenderness,  and  whom  my  33  iJttie  children,  yet  a 
heart  pities  under  all  your  trials  and  sorrows,  it  is  yet  but  a  very  little  ivhile  longer  that  I  y*e"|,,^{''l|pk'  me-''an.i  ^"r 
aw  to  continue  with  you ;  a  few  hours  more  will  jiart  us  :  and  when  I  am  gone,  ye  .•shall  said  nnto'the  Jews.'^Whither 
seek  me,  and  wish  for  my  presence  and  converse ;  but,  as  I  said  to  the  Jews,  that  whither  I  ]  'i"JL''l"T''°""' '  ^  "°* 
go  ye  cannot  come,  (.lohn  vii.  34.  and  viii.  2 1 .  p.  1 82,  1 86.)  so  I  now  say  to  you.  Ye  cannot       ^  ' 

34  as  yet  come  to  the  place  whither  I  am  going.  But  observe  my  parting  words,  and  let  them  34  A  new  commandment  l 
be  written  on  your  very  hearts ;  for  I  give  it  you  as  a  new  commandment, >>  and  press  you 

the  tormpr'l^ri^n?nf''rrrJi,*'""f  "t'lf'^    V'"  T.l'^''  ^'"  "l«<^rve,  that  if  more  than  merely  "  rene-jied  command.    (Compare  1  John  ii.  7.  8.  and 

iult  Yudas  ,e?iain  r/w.mn  .f  t.ft''  T^"  f  ''"i*  ''"''■  "^"^^  ^''"'^  ^"^  "  'ol'"-  ^^^-  5-)    "  Seems  astrong  and  lively  intimation  that  the  engage- 

i^ril'pH  nnl  rlnn^V-^J  f^n  M  "  *'i'^,,'r"':'\a"st  Was  instituted .    And  ments  to  mutual  love  peculiar  to  the  christian  dispensation,  are  so  sin- 

h  m  to  ddnk  of  t^!e  r,m  "f,   L*h£ST''h'-^V''  i^-""';'  ^^'l^^  'onimanded  gular  and  so  .ogeiit,  that  all  other  men.  when  comp'ared  with  its  votaries, 

h^Jn,   wh„ni„h  H  P'fk  f■'''^'^.''''*''f^^'''"•''""  ^°L*''<^  remission  of  may  seem   nniiistructed   in  the  school  of  friendship,  and  Jesus  may 

si  on  d  m^ir  h!  fr^rlin'    '"^"'■^  ''"'"  declaring  m  effect,  that  his  sins  appear,  as  it  were,  the  first  professor  of  that  divine  science.    JamblicMis 

b    5,^.™!.y,^ll^,/r//i    T    „„    K      w,  •  •         ■       ,:  C/';V.  Pi,//,«7(7.  fa;;.  .33.)  seems  very  injuriously  m  have    preferred   the 

b  A  new  commandment.^    I  apprehend  this  expression  signifies  much  Py tliagoieans  to  all  other  men  on  that  Account ;  but  it  may  be  observed. 


JESUS  CELEBRATES  THE  LAST  SUPPER  WITH  HIS  DISCIPLES.  290 

give  unto  you,  That  j-e  love  by  new  motives  and  a  new  example  to  a  duty  which  hitherto,  alas,  has  been  too  little  regarded ;  SECT, 

one  another;  as  I  have  loved  ^fjfj  from  henceforth  would  have  you  to  consider  it  as  confirmed  by  a  new  sanction,  and  to  171. 
another.'"  ^^  "  *°    °'^  °"^  keep  it  ever  fresh  in  your  memories,  That  ye  love  one  another  with  a  most  sincere  and 


ardent  affection,  such  as  mani<ind  have  never  known  before;  yea,  1  would  now  enjoin   John 

j^_^ cd  you,  that  ye  also  would  love  one  another  with  a  friendship  which  o^'^'" 

may  carry  you  through  such  difficulties  and  sufferings  as  I  am  going  to  endure  for  you  all. 


you,  even  as  I  have  loved  you,  that  ye 


35  By  this  shall  aU  men  This  Will  be  the  most  acceptable  and  the  most  ornamental  token  of  your  relation  to  me ;  35 

HeTit'ye'  haVfove'^one^'to  ^"^  ^  recommend  It  to  you  as  the  noblest  badge  of  your  profession  :>;  for  by  this  shall  all 

anoOier.  "      men  know  that  you  are  viy  disciples  indeed,  if  they  see  yon  have  that  lively  and  generous 

love  for  each  other  which  nothing  but  my  gospel  can  be  sufficient  to  inspire. 

.16  Simon  Peter  said  unto      On  this  Jesus  paused,  that  they  might  have  an  opportunity  to  reflect  seriously  on  the  36 

t"!'!)!!  >  ^'su's  il^iswereii  him'  important  charge  he  liad  given  them.     And  St/non  Peter,  touched  with  what  he  had  said 

uhithtr  i  go  thou  canst  not  of  his  being  ready  to  go  whither  they  could  not  come,  said  to  him,  Lord,  permit  us  to  in- 

shalTtol'iotv  me'aite?wLds°"  q^'^e,  whither  art  thou  going?    Jesus  answered  him,  I  tell  tliee,  Peter,  Whither  I  am  going 

thou  canst  not  directly  folloiv  vie  now  ;  for  thou  art  intended  for  service  in  my  churcli  for 

many  future  years :  but  let  it  suffice  thee,  that  thou  shall  follow  me  aftenvards  in  the  same 

37  Peter  said   unto   him,  way,"!  and  dwell  perpetually  with  me.     Feter  said  to  him  in  a  transport  of  eat^er  and  ten-  37 
S^ee^'now*'^!'' wufiiy^ddwu  ^er  affcction,  Lord,  whi/  cannot  I  follow  thee  now?  Whatever  difficulties  and  dangers  may 
my  lite  tor  thy  sake.  be  in  the  way,  the  prospect  of  them  does  not  discourage  me ;  for  I  ivill  most  willingly  lay 

down  mil  life  for  thy  sake,  and  had  much  rather  die  than  part  with  thee. 

38  Jesus    answered    him,      But  'Jes'us' ansivered  him.  Wilt  thou  indeed  so  readily  lay  down  thy  life  for  my  sake?  38 
for  my''sa"ke''^— ''°^'°  "'^  '"'*  Alas,  thou  knowest  not  thine  own  weakness,  or  thou  wouldst  never  talk  thus  confidently  ! 

Luke  xxii'.  31.    And  the      Atid  the  Lord  added  with  great  earnestness,  and  said,  O  Simon,  Simon,  I  must  tell  thee    luke 
hold! 'sign's  Sed''rfl  that  an  hour  of  terrible  trial  is  just  at  hand,  which  will  press  harder  than  thou  art  aware,  ^^Xll. 
/mie'  you,  that  he  may  sift  on  thee  and  all  thy  companions  here  :  for  behold,  Satan,  as  in  the  case  of  Job,  (.lob  ii.  4,  5.) 
i/ou  as  wheat:  ^^^^^  requested  of  God  a  permission  [to  assault]  you  all  by  furious  and  violent  temptations, 

that  he  mat/  toss  you  up  and  down,  and  sift  [you]  like  wheat  in  a  sieve :  (compare  Amos 

32  But  I  have  prayed  for  ix.  9.)  But  I,  foreseeing  the  danger  to  which  thou,  Peter,  wilt  peculiarly  be  exposed,  have  32 
and*  when  t*hou^lrt  ronverled!  Rraciously  prevented  thee  with  the  tokens  of  my  friendly  care,  and  have  prayed  to  my 
strengthen  thy  brethren.       '  Father  for  thee,  that  he  would  communicate  to  thee  such  supplies  of  grace,  that  thy 

faith  may  not  utterly  fail  and  sink  under  the  violent  shock  it  is  to  receive  :  and  let  me  now 
exhort  tliee,  that  when  thou  art  returned  from  those  wanderings  into  which  I  know  thou 
wilt  fall,  to  the  paths  of  wisdom  and  duty,*  tnou  wouldst  be  sure  to  make  it  thine  imme- 
diate care  to  strengthen  thy  brethren,  and  do  thine  utmost,  all  the  remainder  of  thy  days, 
to  engage  all  over  whom  thou  hast  any  influence,  to  a  steady  adherence  to  my  cause  in 
the  midst  of  the  greatest  difficulties.' 

33  And  he  said  unto  him.      And  such  was  Still  the  Confidence  that  Peter  had  of  his  own  stedfastness  and  zeal,  that  33 
t^e'''both"iD'to''^nsoii°and'to  ^^  ^""^  ^^  ''""'  '"'^^h  renewed  eagerness  and  warmth.  Lord,  what  I  said  but  now  is  tlie  de- 
deaVh.  °     '°  "  ''"^"^  ""        liberate  sentiment  and  resolution  of  my  heart :  lead  me  therefore  whitiier  thou  pleasest :  for 

I  am  ready  to  go  with  thee  both  into  prison  and  to  death  itself;  and  whatsoever  I  may 
suffer  by  continuing  with  thee,  none  of  the  most  cruel  of  thine  enemies  shall  ever  be  able 
to  part  us. 

34  And  he  said,  [Verily,      But  Jesus,  that  he  might  convince  him  of  his  weakness,  and  prevent  his  ever  trusting  in  34 
verily    I    say   unto    thee,]  j^jg  q^^^jj  \\e2C[\.  again,  suid  io  him,  Teter,  I  know  the  sincerity  of  thine  intention,  yet  I  most 

Peter,  the  cock  shall  notcrow  ,,  '^        .  x.     i     n         .    j      .1       ■•  r  1  ■         ^      7       «■  i   j*        i.u  1     ii. 

this  day,   before   that  thou  assuredly  Say  unto  thee.  It  shall  not  be  the  time  ot  cock-crowmg  to-day,?  before  thou  snalt 
kno'west"me  ''[J^hn  xfii  ^ss"  ^^  ^°  terrified  at  the  faces  of  these  enemies  whom  thou  now  defiest,  that  thou  shall  thrice 

deny  that  thou  so  much  as  knowest  me,  and  shall  solemnly  disclaim  all  regard  to  me. 

(Compare  Matt.  xxvi.  34.  and  Mark  xiv.  30.  sect,  clxxxi.) 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Alas,  how  ready  are  we  to  forget  ourselves  ;  and  how  much  safer  are  we  in  Christ's  hands  than  in  our  own  !   i-t'KE 
How  frequently  do  we  resolve  like  Peter,  and  in  how  many  instances  do  we  fall  like  him !    We  see  the  malice  of  3^'^'^" 
Satan,  and  how  eagerly  he  desired  to  try  the  apostles,  and  even  to  sift  them  as  wheat :  we  also  see  the  gracious 
care  of  our  Redeemer,  who,  foreseeing  the  danger  of  his  servants,  laid  in  an  unsought  remedy,  to  which  they  31,  32 
respectively  owed  their  security  or  their  recovery. 

Let  us  rejoice  that  the  great  enemy  is  under  such  restraints,  and  can  have  no  power  against  us,  unless  by  per- 
mission from  above.  Let  us  rejoice  that  Christ  is  a  constant  and  invariable  Friend  to  his  people,  and  still  appears 
as  an  Advocate  with  the  Father,  and  as  a  tender,  faithful  Shepherd,  watching  over  them  for  good,  while  Satan  is 
seeking  to  devour  them.  (1  Pet.  v.  8.)  If  at  any  time  that  adversary  get  an  advantage  over  us,  let  us  endeavour, 
in  the  strength  of  divine  grace,  an  immediate  recovery,  and  when  restored,  let  us  exert  ourselves  to  strengthen  our  32 

that  both  he  and  Eunapius,  like  many  moderns,  seem  to  have  had  very  other,  convert  and  strengthen  thy  brethren. — For   the  signification   of 

Httle  regard  to  truth,  when  falsehood  might  cast  a  slur  on  Christianity.  eTrtoTpedicn',  see  Acts  ix.  .35.  xi.  Cl.  xiv.  15. 

— Dr.  Clarke  well  observes,  that  our  Lord  seems  to  have  laid  this  pecu-  f  Make  it  thine  immediate  care,  &c.]    1  can  see  no  objection  against 

liar  stress  on  charity,  as  foreseeing  that  general  corruption  and  destruc-  taking  the  charge  in  this  comprehensive  sense  :  and  as  T  question  not  but 

tion  of  true  Christianity,  which  the  want  of  it  would  cause  among  those  Peter,  after  he  had  wept  his  fall  so  bitterly  as  we  know  he  did,  applied 

that  should  call  themselves  his  church.    (Clarke's  Sermons,  vol.  iii.  p.  himself  to  rally  his  dispersed  brethren,  and  to  prevent  their  fieeini;  from 

297.) — Raphelius  iAjinut.  ex  Xen.  p.  1.37—139.)  has  the   best  note    1  Jerusalem  till  the  third  day  was  over,  in  the  morning  ot  which  he  was 

ever  saw  on  the  passage,  though  I  think  it  hardly  reaches  the  full  spirit  up  betimes,  and  early  at  the  sepulchre  of  our  Lord.  (See  John  xx.  2,  3. 

of  it;  in  which  he  shows  that  Xenophon  calls  the   laas  of  Lj/airgvj  *  194.)    So  indeed  tiie  strain  of  his  epistles  shows  his  long  and  aftection- 

KaivoTaroi  voiioi.  very  ne:o  laws,  several  hundred  years  after  tliey  were  ate  remembrance  of  this  solemn  charge.    Many  passages  ot  the  hrst  are 

made;   because,  though  they  had   been  commendejl   by  other  nations,  peculiarly  intended  to  animate  his  christian  brethren  to  a  courageous 

they  had  not  been  practised   by  them. — Perhaps  our  Lord  may  here  adherence  to  Christ  amidst  the  greatest  dangers  :  1  Pet.  i.  6,  7.  i].  19. 

insinuate  a  reflection,  not  only  on  that  party-spirit  which  prevailed  so  20.  iii.  14—18.  iv.  12—19.  v.  8,  9,  10.  and  the  second  has  several  cau- 

much  in  the  Jews,   but  likewise  on  the  emulations    and    contentions  tions  to  guard  them  against  the  seductions  of  error,  in  soine  instances 

amon?  the  apostles  themselves,  which  mutual   love  would  easily  have  more  to  be  dreaded  than  the  terrors  of  the  severest  persecution.    2  Pet. 

cured.    In  this  sense  it  is  still  a  new  commandment  to  us,  who  generally  i.  10, 12.  ii.  1,  2,  20.  21.  iii.  2,  17-                                                   ,              , 

act  as  if  we  had  not  yet  got  time  to  learn  or  even  to  read  it.  s  It  shall  not  be  the  time  of  cochcrotcrng  to-day^    A  caielul  perusal 

c  The  noblest  badge  of  your  profession.]    It  is  well  known  that  the  of  5  181.  compared  with  this,  will  show  why  1  have  "ot  "ere  brougnt  in 

founders  of  new  societies  appoint  some  peculiar  ornament,  sign,  or  mode  the  account  which  Matthew  and  Mark  have  given  us  of  I  hrist  s  Mrno- 

of  living,  by  which  their  followers  may  be  known  from  others.    This  nitions  to  Peter  and  his  brethren  on  this  head  ;  which  appear  to  oe  tne 

seems  to  be  here  alluded  to.  renewal  of  this  some  hours  after.    As  it  is  plain  from  thence,  ann  me 

d   Thott  shall  follow  me  ajfterwards.']    I  am  ready  to  think  our   Lord  event  that  the  cock  actually  crew  before  Peter's  third  denial,  we  must 

here  obliquely  bints  at  what  he  afterwards  further  signified  in  his  com-  certainly  take  the  words  of  Luke  and  John,  as  "?  ,""5/'^''*'    ;;|l  a,-,"r 

mand  to  Peter  after  his  resurrection,  when  lie  ordered  him  to  follow  common  time  of  cock-crowing,  which  probably  did  not  '^°"2,^  "''  l"  ,' 

liim,  (John  xxi.  18,  19.  *  201.)  namely,  that  Peter  should   die  on  the  the  cock  which  Peter  heard  had  crowed  the  second  time,  ''™,.Pv"?l'* 

cross  for  his  sake  ;  which  ancient  history  assures  us  that  he  did.    See  oftener.    For  it  is  well  known  those  vigilant  animals,  on  any  nuic  uis- 

Euseb.  Hist.  Eccles.  lib.  iii.  cap.  1.  turbance,  often  crow  at  midnight  or  before  it ;  though  they  °o  "f^  come 

e   IVhen  thou  art  returned.  *,.]    Kai  <7u  ttotc 67r<^pei//ar,  ^T„p(foy  t«i  from  their  roost  till,  about  three  in.  *«  morning,  which  was  "suaiiy 

orteA^iow  aov.    I  cannot  think  the  authorities  which  the  learned  Eisner  called  the  cock-crowing.    (Mark  xiii.  35.)    See  Ur.  \vniiDy  s  uoie  on 

produces,  (Obserz:.  vol.  i.  p.  276,  277.)  sufficient  to  inrluce  us,  with  Sir  Matt.  xxvi.  34. 
Norton  KnatchbuU,  to  translate  these   words,   Do  thou,  some  time  or 


300  OUR  LORD  INSTITUTES  THE  EUCHARIST. 

SECT,  brethren ;  for  surely  it  is  most  reasonable  that  we,  who  are  surrounded  with  such  various  and  such  sensible  infir- 
171.    mities,  should  have  compassion  on  the  ignorant,  and  on  them  that  are  out  of  the  way.     (Heb.  v.  2.) 

■ in  this  instance,  as  in  all  others,  let  us  be  mindful  of  the  dying  charge,  the  new  commandment  of  our  dear  Lord  ; 

JOHN   and  let  us  show,  upon  all  occasions,  this  distinguishing  badge  of  our  relation  to  him,  even  our  love  to  each  other. 
^"'■.  So  will  our  profession  be  adorned,  and  the  Son  of  man  be  further  glorified  by  the  conduct  of  his  servants  on  earth : 
■^*'  "^^  so  shall  he  at  length  glorify  us  with  himself,  and,  after  a  short  absence,  call  us  to  follow  him  into  those  regions  of 
36  perfect  love  which  must  of  course  be  the  seats  of  everlasting  joy. 

In  the  mean  time,  send  down,  O  gracious  Emmanuel,  thy  Spirit  of  love  on  all  thy  followers,  that  we  may  no 
35  longer  glory  in  the  little  distinctions  of  this  or  that  party,  but  may  show  we  are  christians  by  this  resplendent  en- 
sign of  our  order !  May  we  bind  it  on  our  shoulders  as  a  mark  of  honour,  and  wear  it  as  a  crown  upon  our  heads, 
that  the  spirit  of  hatred,  reproach,  and  persecution  may  vanish  like  an  unwholesome  mist  before  the  sun,  and  it 
may  again  be  universally  said,  as  of  old,  Behold,  how  these  christians  love  one  another  !  Amen.  • 


SECTION  CLXXII. 

Christ,  at  tlie  conclusinn  of  the  passover,  institutes  the  eucharist.    Matt.  xxvi.  £6 — 30.    Mark  xiv.  22—26.     Luke  xxii.  19,  20. 

Matt.  xxvi.  26.  ,,  .  „, 

Matt.  xxvi.  26. 

SECT.  SUCH  was  the  admonition  that  Christ  gave  to  Peter,  and  such  was  his  discourse  with  his  and  as  they  were  eating, 
l''^2.    disciples  while  they  were  at  supper;  and  now,  as  they  ivere  eating,  or  just  as  they  had  oave\h'a°nks'^f*^'d^bi'^-'^'/"'' 
'  finished,  the  paschal  supper,"  Jesus  took  a  cake  of  bread,  and  having  in  a  solemn  manner  and  brake  i'l,  and  gave  it  \n 

xxV{  ^'^^"  ''^'""^"^  *"  '"^  heavenly  Father,  and  blessed  [it,]  that  is,  having  implored  the  divine  ea^''tlfil''ismy'bocly  tui'^KE' 
2g  blessing  on  it,  and  on  the  ordinance  then  to  be  instituted,  that  it  niight  in  all  succeeding  which  is  given  for  you :  this 
ages  tend  to  the  edification  and  comfort  of  his  people,''  he  brake  the  bread  into  several  ['"j^'r"  xh"22.''Lu"k"xxH."iy"] 
pieces,  and  gave  some  of  [it\  to  each  of  the  disciples  present,  and  said,  Take  this  bread,  and 
eat  it  with  reverence  and  thankfulness  ;  for  this  is  my  body,  that  is,  it  is  the  sensible  sign 
and  representation  of  my  body,^  ivhich  is  freely  given,  "and  is  speedily  to  be  broken,  bruised, 
wounded,  and  even  slaughtered  /"or  you.    Do  this  hereafter  in  your  assemblies  for  religious 
worship,  in  a  pious  and  affectionate  commemoration  of  me,  that  you  may  keep  up  the  me- 
mory of  my  dying  love,  may  openly  profess  your  dependence  on  my  death,  and  impress 
your  hearts  with  a  becoming  sense  of  it.     (Compare  1  Cor.  xi.  24.) 
27      And  in  like  manner,  after  they  had  suppe^  he  also  took  the  cup,^  that  is,  another  cup,     27  And   [Luke,   likewise 
different  from  that  which  he  had^before  divided  among  them  ;  (Luke  xxii.  17.  p.  293.)  and  1^^°^  ^'^  ^°°^  "'«  cup  [Like, 
when  he  had  given  thanks  to  his  heavenly  Father,  and  implored  his  blessing  upon  it  as  a  thanks,  anTgaVe  if"n  the^m! 
solemn  sacramental  sign,  he  gave  \it'\  to  them,  and  said,  Drink  ye  all  of  it,  {hcit  is,  of  the  P>',"vu  ^"'\)  J"  ^"  °t  '}\ 

OQ       •  I.-   1      x  »    ■  J  11x1  II    1        I  ,•  '.       -n    "^      ■  7  .  ,  C^uu    they   all   drank  ot    it.] 

iv>  wine  which  it  contains  :  and  accordingly  they  all  drunk  some  0/  it.  For,  said  he  to  them  as  [Mark  xiv.  23.  Luke  xxii. 
he  delivered  it  into  their  hands,  This  cup  of  wine  is  a  representation  of  my  blood,  [even]  of  ^'^4  For  [he  said  unto  them  ] 
that  blood  which  is  the  great  basis  of  the  new  covenant,  [or']  is  itself  the  seal  o\  the  new  Tids   [Luke,  cup]   is   my 

'  "  '      '    '     ^         ...        ■.  .   ■ .-     - blood   of  the   new  testament 

ent. 


covenant^  established  in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for  you  \and'\  for  mani/  more,  as  tiie  great  [Li?KE°or\'lfene^vtefst! 


ransom  to  be  paid  for  the  forgiveness  of  sins  .-f  receive  it  therefore  with  a  firm  resolution  m  my  blood,]  which  is  shed 
to  comply  with  the'engageinents  of  that  covenant,  and  with  a  cheerful  hope  of  its  invalu-  n^anj^'for^the^Temts'sfon  *of 
able  blessings;  and  do  tliis  as  often  as  ye  drink  it,  in  a  thankful  commemoration  of  me,  sins.  '[Mark  xiv.  24.  Luke 
and  with  a  proper  care  to  distinguish  between  this  and  a  common  meal,  appropriating  what  """■  ^''^ 

29  you  do  in  this  ordinance  entirely  ^o  a  religious  purpose.  (Compare  1  Cor.  xi.  23.)^  And    29  But  [verily]  i  say  unto 

a  .Tust  as  they  had  finished  the  paschal  supper.]    Maimonidos  and  have  asserted  in  the  paraphrase.    But,  with  all  due  deference  to  his 

other  rabbles  tell  us  that  it  was  a  rule  among  the  lews,  at  the  end  of  the  jienetralion,  (which  is  indeed  very  great.)  I  must  hcg  leave  to  observe, 

supper,  to  take  a  piece  of  the  lamb  for  the  last  thing  they  ate  that  night,  that  it  still  appears  most  iimbable  to  me  that  it  was  as  1  there  represent 

(See  Ainsworth,  as  quoted  before,  note  e,  p.  253.)    If  this  custom  was  it;  not  merely  because  Luke   mentions  a  ciip  taken   before  the  bread, 

as  old  as  Christ's  time,  it  would   make  this  action  so  much  the  more  (Luke  xxii.  17.  p.  293.)  but  because,  in  the  passage  before  us,  (ver.  20.) 

remarkable.     It  \yould  plainly  show  that  the  bread  here  distributed  was  he  adds  to  that  the  mention  of  «  nip  after  it.     It  is  well  known  the  Jews 

a  very  distinct  thing  from  the  meal  they  had  been  making  together  ;  and  used  several  cups  of   wine  at  the   passover,  and  one  of  them  with  the 

might  be,  in  the  first  opening  of  the  action,  a  kind  of  symbolical  inti-  antepast,  at  the  very  beginning  of  the  feast.    (.See  note  e,  on  Mark  xiv. 

niation  that  the  .Jewish  passover  was  to  give  way  to  another  and  nobler  17-  p.  293.)    ]  know  not  how  far  so  accurate  a  writer  as  .St.  Lukemight 

0'J''ne  institution.  further  intimate  this  distinction,  by  using  the  word  Sefauei'o?  (ver.   1*.) 

b  Blessed  it.'\    It   is  not  expressly  said   in  the   original  that  Christ  w'ith  respect  to  the  first  cup,  which  strictly  expresses  receiving  it  from 

blessed   ^^  that  is,  the  bread ;  (nor  indeed  that  he  brake  ?V,)  but  it  is  the  hand  of  another,  probably  of  the  servant  who  waited  at  the  table, 

very  reasonable  to  imagine  that  this  thanksuiviug  was  attended  with  a  whereas  Xu/Swv  Ctakincj)  is  the  word  used,  ver.  19.  of  which  7roT>ipiov 

prayer  that  the  divine  blessing  might  accompany  the  bread.     And  it  is  here  in  ver.  20.  is  governed  ;  which  might  liave  been  equally  proper,  if 

so  very  plain,  from  1  Cor.  x.  16.  that  the  apostles  taught  christians  to  the  cnp  stood  on  the  table  before  him,  as  the  bread  used  in  the  eucharist 

bless  the  cup,  that  I  cannot  but  wonder  that  one  of  the  most   accurate  probably  did. 

and  penetrating  writers  of  our  age  should  scruple  to  allow  that  Christ  e    I  he  seal  of  the  new  covenant.']    It  seems  very  evident,  that  when  the 

10    i\f  '''^  sacramenial  elements.    The  same  word  is  used  in  Matt.  xiv.  sacrauuntal  cup,  here  and  in  1  Cor.  xi.  25.  is  called  the  new  covenant, 

19.  Mark  yi.  41.  viii.  7.  and   Luke  ix.  16.  where  it  is  certain  an  extra-  it  must  sii'iiify  the  seal  of  it ;  just  as  when  circumcision  is  called  Ood's 

ordinary  blessing  attended  the  bread  atu\  fishc.\  in  answer  to  his  prayers,  ctivenaiit,  (ien.  xvii.  10.  and  it  is  there  said,  ver.  13.  My  covenant  shall 

(see  also  Mark  x.  16.  Luke  ii.  34.  and  (Jen.  ii.  3.  Septnag.)    It  would  be  in  ymir  flesh,  we  must  understand  the  seal  of  it :  and  if  by  the  seal  of 

indeed  be  absurd  to  interpret  this  of  his  conferring  a  virtue  on  brearl  so  tlie  covenant  be  meant,  as   1   here  explain  It,  and  as  most  take  it,  "  ai> 

set  apart,  to  work  as  a  charm  either  on  men's  bodies  or  souls;    but  I  appointed  token  of  our  accepting  that  covenant,  and  of  God's  favour  to 

nope  tew  christians  are  so  ill-instructed  as  to  imaiiine  this  to  be  the  ca.se  us  on  supposition  of  the  sincerity  of  that  acceptance  ;  "  it  is  so  plain  that 

in  the  eucharist ;    and  all  wise  and  faithful  ministers  will,  no  doubt,  be  the  eucharist,  as  well  as  baptism i  is  such  a  seal,  that  they  who  disapprove 

solicitous  to  preserve  them  from  so  wild  an<l  mischievous  a  notion.  the  word  deny  not  the  thing.    (See    The   Plain  Account  of  the  lord's 

c  j/nsis  miibadt/.i    When  1  consider  that,  (as  a  thousand  writers  have  Supper,  p.  108,  169.>— 1    have   rendered   the  word   iiadnKri,  covenant. 

ODserved,)  on  the  same  foundation  on  which  the  papists  argue  for  trau-  lather  than  testament  or  a///,  because  it   is  evidently  the  more  usual 

suDstantiation  from  these  words,  they  might  prove,  from  Ezek.  v.  1—5.  signification  of  the  word  ;  and  because  the  old  covenant,  to  which  the 

mat  tne  prophet  s  hair  was  the  city  of  Jerusalem  ;  from  John  x.  9.  and  new  is  opposed,  cannot  with  auv  propriety  be  called  a  testament,  willi 

XV.  1.  that  Christ  was  literally  a  door  and  a  vine  ;  and  from  Matt.  xxvi.  reference  to  the  death  of  any  testator,  winch  is  the  idea  chiefly  insisted 

J  J  u-    j""^'-  ^''  "^'  "^^'  ''"^  '^"P  "'^^  ''"  blood,  and  that  C:hiist  on  by  those  who  would  retain  our  common  version  here.    And,  bv  the 

comnianded  his  disciples  to  drink  and  swallow  the  cup  ;  1  cannot  but  be  way,  it  appears,  on  this  principle,  that  the  title  of  our  Bible  is  impro- 

astonisheu  at  the  inference  they  would  deduce  from  hence.     Had   Ire-  perly  and  obscurely  rendereil,  by  a  piece  of  complaisance  to  the  olit 

noius  or  hpiphanius  reported  such  a  thing  of  any  sect  of  ancient  heretics  Latin  versions,  of  which  they  were  by  no  means  worth'',  and  which 

now  extinct,  one  would  have  been  so  candid  to  human  nature  as  to  sup-  they  cannot  at  all  the  better  deserve  for  that  sanction  which  the  papal 

pose  tne  historian  nnsintormed.    As  it  is,  one   is  almost  tempted  to  authority  has  given  to  one  of  them,  though  it  seems  thereby  to  have  been 

suspect  it  to  be  the  effect  ot  arrogance  rather  than  error,  and  to  consider  preferred  to  the  original. 

It  as  a  mere  insolent  attempt  to  show  the  worki,  in  the  strongest  instance  f  In  my  hlood,  which  is  shed— as  the  great  ransom  to  be  paid  for  the 

tney  could  invent,  what  monstrous  things  the  clergy  should  dare  to  say,  forgiveness  ofsms.]    I  appreliend  this  ordinance  of  the  eucharist  to  have 

wnicii  the  wretched  laity  should  not  dare  to  contradict,  nav,  which  they  so  plain  a  reference  to  the  atonement  or  satisfaction  of  Christ,  and  to  do 

sliould  be  forced  to  pretend  they  be  leyed.     In  this  view  "the  thought  is  so  solemn  an  honour  to  that  fundamental  doctrine  of  the  gospel,  that  I 

anmirable,  and  worthy  the  most  malicious  wit  that  ever  lorded  it  over  cannot  but  believe,  that  while  this  sacred   institution  continues  in   the 

tne  heritage  ot   (jori.      I.ut   it   may  deserve   some  serious   reflection,  church,  (as  it  will  nndoubtedlv  do  to  the  end  of  the  world,)  it  will  be 

Whether  it,  be  not  an  instance  ot  intatuation  to  which  God  has  given  impossible  to  root  that  doctrine  out  of  the  minds  of  plain,  humble  chris- 

tnem  up,  that  it  may  be  a  plain  mark  to  a  I  that  will  use  common  sense,  tians  by  all  the  little  artifices  of  such  forced  and  unnatural  criticisms  as 

?-.Lh    grossest  error  in  a  church  which  claims  intallihility  ;   and  may  those  are  bvwhich  it  has  been  attacked.     Unprejudiced  and  honest  sim- 

not  be  intended  by  Providence  as  a  kind  ot  antidote  against  the  rest  of  plicity  wil[  always  see  the  analogy  this  ordinance  has  to  eating  the. flesh 

Its  poison.                          J   .       ,          ,     ,          ,     .  ,      .  <'/■  the  Son  of  God.  and  drinking  his  blood;  and  will  be  taught  by  it  to 

T?  .  u/  1''       i      ,  "'PP^';  '"'  "'-">,  '""^  thfcnp.]    A  learned  divine  of  the  feeil  on  him  as  the  Lamb  that  was  slain  bv  the  gracious  appointment  of 

establishment,  who  has  favoured  me  with  many  sheets  of  accurate  re-  God,  to  take  away  the  sin  of  the  world.    The  enemies  of  this  heart-reviv- 

inarks  on  this  work,  (which  were  ot  so  great  use  to  me  in  correcting  it  ing  truth  might  as  well  hope  to  pierce  through  a  coat  of  mail  with  a 

toi  the  second  edition,  as  to  demand  my  public  acknowledgments.)  has  straw,  as  to  reach  such  a  truth,  defended  by  such  an  ordinance  as  this. 

Objected  to  the  supposition  here  made  ot  its  being  another  cup,  which  1  bv  anvof  their  trifling  sophistries. 


CHRIST  WARNS  THE  DISCIPLES  OF  THEIR  APPROACHING  DANGER.  301 

you,  I  will  [no  iivore]  drink  then  our  Lord  repeated  what  he  had  said  as  they  were  sittmg  down  to  supper,  (Luke  SECT. 
vine"m'(il"'tha{'  day  when  '"''i"  ^^-  P"  293.)    Vcrili/  I  sui/  uuto  you,  That  from  this  time  I  will  drink  no  more  of  this    172. 

1  drink  it  new  with  you  in  produce  oj  the  vine,?  until  that  day  when  I  shall  drink  it  new  with  you  in  the  kingdom  of 

Father"°tMirkxiPS*]  ""^  ^"^  my' Father :  that  is,  till,  being  risen  from  the  dead,  I  have  received  my  mediatorial  matt. 

kingdom,  and  we  shall  share  together  in  much  nobler  entertainments  than  earth  can  afford    -^^Vl. 

even  in  its  highest  religious  solemnities,  which  shall  then  be  happily  superseded.  ' 

30  And  when  thpy  had  sung      And  when,  according  to  the  usual  custom  at  the  close  of  the  passover,  tiiey  had  sung  an  30 
?heteunt'of  oiives.°'LWark  A'/'""  of  praise  to  God  at  the  conclusion  of  the  eucharist,''  and  had  passed'some  remain- 
xiv.  C6.]  ing  time  m  those  discourses  and  in  that  prayer  which  will  be  the  subject  of  the  followin-y 

sections,  they  went  out  to  the  Mount  of  Olives,  where  our  Lord  had  determined  to  spend 

some  time  in  devotion,  though  he  knew  that  Judas  and  his  enemies  would  come  thither 

to  seize  him. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  us  now  review,  with  most  thankful  acknowledgment,  this  gracious  legacy  of  our  dying  Redeemer,  this  re-  matt. 
viving  and  nourishing  ordinance,  v/hich  he  instituted  for  the  benefit  of  his  church  the  same  night  in  which  he  was  xxvi. 
betrayed.    (1  Cor.  xi.  23.)  So  tenderly  did  his  love  for  them  prevail,  when  his  heart  was  full  of  his  own  sorrows !  ^^ 
May  we  always  consider  to  what  purposes  this  holy  rite  was  ordained ;  and  as  we  shall  see  the  wisdom  of  the 
appointment,  so  we  shall  also  be  both  awakened  to  attend  to  it,  and  assisted  in  that  attendance ! 

It  is  the  memorial  of  the  death  of  Christ,  by  which  we  represent  it  to  others,  and  to  ourselves.  May  we  be  ever  luke 
ready  to  give  this  most  regular  and  acceptable  token,  that  we  are  not  ashamed  to  fight  under  the  banner  of  a  cruci-  xxir. 
fied  Redeemer! — It  is  also  the  seal  of  the  new  covenant  in  his  blood.  Let  us  adore  the  grace  that  formed  and  19,  20 
ratified  that  everlasting  covenant,  so  well  ordered  in  all  things,  and  so  swe.  (2  Sam.  xxiii.  5.)  And  whenever  we 
approach  to  this  sealing  ordinance,  may  we  renew  our  consent  to  the  demands  of  that  covenant,  and  our  expec- 
tation of  those  blessings  which  are  conveyed  by  it !  a  consent  and  expectation  so  well  suited  to  the  circumstance  mark 
of  its  being  ratified  by  the  blood  of  Jesus.  Thus  may  every  attendance  nourish  our  souls  in  giace,  and  ripen  them  ^IV. 
for  glory ;  that  at  length  all  may  be  fulfilled  and  perfected  in  the  kingdom  of  God.  25 

In  the  mean  time,  may  God,  by  the  influences  of  his  Spirit,  give  to  all  [)rofessing  christians  right  notions  of  this 
ordinance,  and  a  due  regard  for  it ;  that,  on  the  one  hand,  none  may,  under  the  specious  pretence  of  honouring  it, 
live  in  the  habitual  neglect  of  so  plain  and  important  a  duty ;  and  that,  on  the  other,  it  may  never  be  profanely 
invaded  by  those  who  have  no  concern  about  the  blessings  of  that  covenant  it  ratifies,  and  impiously  prostitute  it 
to  those  secular  views,  above  which  it  was  intended  to  raise  them !  And  may  none  that  honour  the  great  Author 
of  it,  encourage  such  an  abuse,  lest  they  seem  to  lay  the  very  cross  of  Christ  as  the  threshold  to  the  temple  of  those 
various  idols  to  which  ambitious  and  interested  men  are  bowing  down  their  souls ! 


SECTION  CLXXIII. 


Christ  having  warned  his  apostles  of  the  danger  to  which  they  would  be  exposed,  comforts  them  with  the  views  of  future  happiness,  and  with  the 
assurance  of  his  own  gracious  presence,  and  that  of  his  Father,  in  the  way  to  it.     Luke  xxii.  35 — 38.    John  xiv.  1 — 14. 

Luke  xxii.  35.  LuKE  xxii.   35. 

AND  he  said  unto  them,  THOUGH  we  mentioned  Christ's  going  out  to  the  Mount  of  Olives  after  he  had  instituted  sect 
PleVanTlc^rip.Tnd"shoes!  the  eucharist,  it  is  very  material  to  observe,  that  before  he  quitted  the  guest-chamber  in    173.' 

lacked  ye  any  thing?  and  which  he  had  Supped,  he  entertained  his  disciples  with  some  large  and  affectionate  dis- ' 

eysai  ,  No  nng.  courses,  and  put  up  an  excellent  prayer  with  them,  which  we  shall  now  relate.     And,  to   i-tJKE 

introduce  these  discourses,  he  said  to  them.  When  I  setit  you,  my  apostles,  out  on  your  .XXII. 
important  embassy  some  time  ago,  without  cither  purse  to  supply  vou  with  money,  or  scrip  '^^ 
to  take  provisions  with  you,  or  shoes  besides  those  on  your  feet,  "(Matt.  x.  9,  10.  p.  139.) 
did  you  want  any  thing  necessary  for  the  support  of  life  ?  And  they  said.  No,  Lord  :  we 
very  well  remernber  that  the  care  of  Providence  over  us  was  such  that  we  wanted  nothing ; 
but  wherever  we  came  we  found  the  hearts  of  strangers  opened  even  with  surprising  free- 
dom to  assist  and  relieve  us. 

Butnow"hltot'hath'a°'u?S'       '^''""'^  ^'^  ^"'^  ^°  *''^'"'  '^'^'^  ^'^^  indeed  the  case  in  your  former  mission;  but  now  you  36 
let  him  take  it.  and  likewise  "^^st  expect  much  harder  usage  than  before,  and  will  be  exposed  to  greater  sufferings  and 
no%worS'!e?"elUisgar''-  ^Pp'"^  ™  ^^^  prosecution  of  your  ministry  ;  and  therefore  let  him  that  has  a  purse  take 
ment  and' buy  one.  [*^)J  ««t?  «/so  a  scrip,  if  he  has  One  ;  and  let  him  that  has  no  sword  be  ready  even  to  sell  his 

•garment  and  buy  one  with  the  price  of  it :  so  long  a  journey  and  so  sliarp  a  conflict  is 
Thatfhh  th^atirwru"te°n  mu''t  ^^^^'^^  ^^^'  ^^^*  '^^^  ^^'^  "*^^'^  ^^  "'"'^^^  armed  and  furnished  for  it.  For  1  assure  you,  That  37 
yet^be  accompiiS  In  "nil,  "W  enemies  are  now  about  to  apprehend  me  as  a  malefactor,  and,  after  all  the  love  that  I 
the'*trlnT^eslMs''"*'fo!'"°hl  ^'^^^  shown  to  an  ungrateful  world,  this  remarkable  prophecy  which  is  written  concerning 
things  concerning  me  have  an  ™6,  (Isa.^  liii.  12.)  must  yet  be  accomplished  in  me,  "  A7id  he  was  numbered  with  the  trans- 
*"''•  gressors :"  for  indeed  all  the  things  which  are  written  concerning  me  in  the  Scripture  pro- 

phecies must  quickly  have  an  end,  and  receive  their  accomplishment  in  my  sufferings  and 
death.     Now  you  may  easily  guess  at  the  reception  you  are  like  to  meet  with  when  you 
come  to  preach  in  the  name  and  authority  of  one  who  has  suffered  as  a  malefactor,  and 
yet  demands  faith  and  obedience  as  an  almighty  Saviour. 
.38  And  they  said.  Lord,      And  theij  Said,  Lord,  behold  here  are  two  swords  that  we  are  furnished  with  already,^  38 
And  he  slid  unto'Zm™  t  is  "^^^^^  ^''^  ^^^  resolved,  in  case  of  any  violent  assault,  to  use  in  thy  defence.     And  he  said 
^"""s''-  ^o  them,  It  is  enough  for  weapons  of  this  sort :  my  chief  intent  is  to  direct  you  to  another 

John  xiv.  1.  Let  not  your  kind  of  defence,  even  that  which  arises  from  ^ety  and  faith.b    Let  not  your  heart  therefore 

infimaTi'o'n''fh»t  'ih^Zu  ri'^\' S""']"^^  "fj'lf  '"'^J    '^J^'*  '"^y  ^^^"?  ^"  **°''V  "^  t^e  paAover,  and  to  mention  their  goins  out,  though  that  Hid 

JAcH  X   4iS  hp  h;^^w  ^  [  ^'  '*'■''?''  '^'"^  them  after  his  resurrection,  not  immediatel  follow  on  their  singing  the  hymn.    Some^such  little 

not  allow  ti,,m  „f2„i^!,  H  ■  l"f  °^  V^^-  jP«'''iaf!S  their  poverty  might  anticipations  sl|n  to  me  an  advantage  rather  than  an  impropriety  in 

Sresent^  at  »nv  fi^?  ">  drink  it ;  and  we  do  not  hnd  that  he  was  ever  any  Harmony ,Uspecially  when  attended  with  a  paraphrase  or  notes, 

na^wover  wifp/.ilf^  '  ?•       I   we  are  sure  he  never  celebrated  another  and  divided  mtfiisiich  short  sections  as  those  must  be  which  are  intended 

r-^      fh  ,h                    ^°''  ^""^^  "  appear  that  he  partook  ot  the  eucha-  tor  the  use  of  faVjilies 

h   Anh«^^'^/  ^"^  ''i'"V."'!'f'^^J*'  f""'  =>'  'his  time  of  its  institution.  a  Here  are  fMsKords.-]    Probably  fas  Mr.  Cradock  conjectures  in  his 

the  iiZ^-JtZ,fJ^f^^  to  God  ]    The  hymn  that  was  usually  sung  by  Harmovy,  part.  U.  p.  C09.)  some  of  the  apostles  brought  these  swords 

p4|    ,^-1ii   inw  ^^  J^''••.u^n''^'''  ^^^y-  '^""  the  Ilallel,  which  began  at  along  with  them,*  in  their  journey  from  Galilee  and  Persa,  to  defend 

i.«prihviMrT„^Jt.l^'*  I    ^^'-.^''u''"- ^"'"^^f^hich  Psalms  might  be  them  against   robbers.    It  afterwards  appears   that  one  of  them   was 

I^^li^-^     .[       u  •?*• '^'^ '^'°^*' °^  the  eucharist,  as  very  suitable  to  this  Feter's.    See  John  xviii    10  «  183 

thi,^5  it  ■m,-»iI'/Ll  i^  uncertain  whether  fas  Grotius  and  some  others  b  My  chief  intent  is  to  direct  you  to  another  kind  of  defence.  &:c.] 

r^i^hratin^  nF  fhf    t>e  Some  other  hymn  more  closely  adapted  to  the  This  is  strongly  intimated  by  his  saving,  Two  sicords  were  enmigh ;   for 

ceieoration  ot  the  eucharist.    I  thought  it  proper  here  to  conclude  the  they  could  not'be  sufficient  to  arm  eleven  men. 


were 

you. 

ace  Tor 


302  CHRIST'S  DISCOURSE  TO  HIS  DISCIPLES  AFTER  THE  EUCHARIST. 

.SECT,  he  troubled,  though  I  am  going  to  leave  you  in  a  world  where  you  will  seem  likely  to  iieart  be  troubled :  ye  believ 
IT'S,    become  an  helpless  prey  to  the  rage  and  power  of  your  enemies:  believe  in  God,  the  >"  <.'0t'.  bfiieve  also  in  me. 

almighty  Guardian  of  his  faithful  servants,  who  has  made  such  glorious  promises  to  pros- 

jonN   per  and  succeed  the  cause  in  which  you  are  engaged  ;  and  believe  also  in  me  as  the  pro- 
-^'^^'■.  raised  Messiah,  who,  whether  present  or  absent  m  body,  shall  always  be  mindful  of  your 
concerns,  as  well  as  ever  able  to  help  you.<= 

2  And,  to  establish  your  faith  and  comfort,  accustom  yourselves  often  to  look  forward  to     2  In  my  Father's  house  are 
the  heavenly  world,  as  those  who  are  well  assured  that  in  mt/  Fathers  house,  from  whence  ^^"^^,  rwoulThavi^toki 
I  came,  and  whither  I  am  going  to  take  up  my  residence,  there  are  many  mansions  ;^  and  i°go'to"p"eparey  plac 
It  is  really  a  spacious  and  glorious  abode,  where  there  will  be  ample  room  to  receive  you,  ^°"- 
and  every  thing  to  accommodate  you  in  the  most  delightful  manner :  ajid  indeed  ?/'it  were 

not  so,  as  I  know  you  have  still  acted  with  regard  to  the  happiness  of  a  future  v.'orld, 
though  too  much  mingled  with  inferior  views,  I  would  before  tliis  time  have  told  you  so 
expressly,  and  not  have  permitted  you  to  impose  upon  yourselves  by  any  airy  dream ;« 
much  less  would  I  have  said  so  much  as  I  have  done  to  confirm  that  expectation  :  but  as 
it  is  in  itself  a  glorious  reality,  so  I  am  now  going,  not  only  to  receive  my  own  reward,  but 
to  prepare  a  place  for  t/ou  there ;'  or  to  make  room  for  your  coming  thither,  and  to  dispose 

3  every  thing  for  your  most  honourable  and  comfortable  reception.  And  if  I  thus  go  and  3  And  if  i  go  and  prepare 
prepare  a  place  for  you,  you  may  depend  upon  it  that  this  preparation  shall  not  be  in  vain,  a?am';*'a[°d^  re^c^'ive  you 'unto 
but  that  1  will  certainly  act  so  consistent  a  part  as  to  come  again  and  receive  you  to  myself;?  nTysei't ;  tiiat  where  i  am, 
that,  as  we  are  now  united  in  so  dear  a  friendship,  you  also,  after  a  short  separation,  'mai/  '''"^^  ^'^  "^^•*'  ^^  '''^°" 

4  he  where  I  am,  and  ftiay  dwell  for  ever  with  me.  And  surely  I  may  say  in  the  general,  4  And  whither  i  so  ye 
after  all  the  instructions  I  have  given  you,  tliat  you  know  whither  1  am  going ;  and  you  ^°^^'  '"^''  "'^  ^^''».v  ye  know. 
knoiv  the  way  tliat  leads  thither,  and  liy  which  you  may  safely  follow  me  ;  which  I  exhort 

you,  therefore,  that  you  would  resolutely  keep. 

5  But  such  was  still  the  expectation  that  his  disciples  had  of  his  erecting  a  temporal  king-  5  Thomas  saith  unto  him, 
dom,  that  Thomas,  upon  hearing  this,  says  to  him,  Lord,  thou  hast  never  yet  informed  us  tiiou''f;oest^and  how  can' we 
of  the  place,  and  we  know  not  so  much  as  whither  thou  art  going}''  and  hoiv  tlien  can  we  know'the  way  ? 

6  possibly  knoic  the  ivay  thither?    Jesm  says  to  him,  I  have  already" intimated  to  you  I  am     6  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I 
going  to  the  Father ;  and  did  you  but  consider  this,  you  would  soon  see  that  I  am  myself  ^^  Jtie  We^'no°man%omet'h 
the  way,  and  the  truth,   and  the  life;'  that   I   am  to  guide,  instruct,  and  animate  my  unto  the  lather  but  by  me. 
followers  in  their  passage  to  eternal   glory,  and   that  tlieir  progress  •  will  be  sure  and 

vigorous  in  proportion  to  the  steadiness  of  their  faith  in  me,  and  the  constancy  of  their 
regards  to  me :  and  this  indeed  is  the  true  and  only  way  you  can  take ;  for  no  man  cometh 
to  the  knowledge  and  enjoyment  o^  the  Fat/ier,  to  whom  I  am  returning,  hut  hi/  means  of 

7  tne,  whose  proper  office  it  is  to  introduce  sinful  creatures  to  his  presence  and  favour.  If,  7  Tf  ye  had  known  me.  ye 
therefore,  you  had  known  me  aright,  you  would  surely  have  known  my  Father  also,^  in  whose  the"'aiso*-^*an'd°fro"m"Hence- 
glory  my  ministrations  so  evidently  centre ;  and  such  indeed  are  the  discoveries  that  I  forth  ye  know  him,  and  have 
have  made  of  him,  and  such  the  manifestations  of  the  divine  perfections  which  you  have  ^'^''"'"■"■ 

seen  in  me,  that  in  effect  it  may  be  said,  that  fiom  henceforth  you  know  him,  and  have,  as 
it  were,  already  seen  him. 

8  Then  Philip,  one  of  the  apostles,  hearing  these  words,  says  to  him,  with  a  pious  ardour  8  Philip  saith  unto  him, 
becoming  his  character.  Lord,  do  but  show  us  the  Father,  and  bring  us  to  the  sight  and  ^"sufficetirus.'''*^'''''^'^'*"'' 
enjoyment  of  him,'  and  it  is  happiness  emnighfor  its ;  we  desire  no  more,  and  resign  every 

9  other  hope  in  comparison  of  this.  Jesus  says  to  him.  Have  I  been  with  you  then  so  long  a  9  .Tesus  saith  unto  bim, 
time,  and  conversed  among  you  in  so  familiar  a  manner  for  successive  years,  and  hast  fliou  wi'th^ou  '"an"  jet  'has^  thoS 
not  yet  known  me,  Philip  1  If  thou  hadst  well  considered  who  I  am,  thou  mightest  have  not  known  me,  Philip?  He 
better  understood  what  I  have  now  been  saying ;  for  he  that  has  seen  me,  has  in  effect  seen  {jlf  Fa^V, erTand^how'say^^s" 
the  Father,  as  I  am  the  Ijrightness  of  his  ulory,  and  the  express  image  of  his  person.  (Heb.  thou  tAen,  shew  us  the  Fa- 
i.  3.)    And  how  [then]  dost  thou  say,  after  all  that  has  passed  between  us,  Show  m  the  *'"^'  ' 

Father. 
10      Dost  thou  not  then  believe,  though  I  have  before  affirmed  it  so  expressly,  (John  x.  38.     lo  iieiievest  thou  not  that 
p.  233.)  that  I  [«;»]  in  the  Father,  and  the  Father  is  in  nw,  by  so  intimate  an  union  as  to  [Xr"in'*'m^et''ui;e''wordl 
warrant  such  language  as  this?™     The  ivords  rvhich  I  speak  to  you  from  time  to  time,  in  that  i  speak  unto  you,  i 

c  Beheve  in  God,  helieie  also  in  me :  nio-Teirexc  <li<s  tov  Oeov,  nai  eir  heavenly  places  in  which  we  are  to  dwell,  which  would  have  been  con- 

cMe  7r(<rT6ii6Te.]    These  words  are  so  very  amhit-uous,  that  (as  Eiasmus  sidered  as  polluted  by  the  entrance  of  such  sinful  creatures  into  them, 

observes)  they  maj'  be  rendered   as  here,  or  as  in  our   English  transla-  — as  the  tabernacle,  when  new-made,  was,   by  bavins  passed  through 

J  '  °A'r  ^  helieie  in  God,  and  ye  helieie  in  me:   or.  Relieve  in  God,  the  hands  of  sinners,  on  which  account  an  atonement  for  the  altar  itself, 

and  ye  heheve  in  me  ;  and  different  commentators  have  taken  them  in  which  was  considered  as  most  holy,  was  the  first  act  performed  in  it 

aU  these  very  different  senses.     But  it  appears  most  natural  to  render  when  it  was  opened.  ( f'xod.  xxix.  36,  :i7.)    And  an  atonement  for  the 

wiiTTeueTe  alike  in  both  places;  and  it  is  certain,  an  exhortation  to  faith  whole  tabernacle,  as   polluted  by  the  access  of  sinners  to  it,  was  to  be 

"  H  5  t'  ""■    '"  .'-''i'"'^''  would  be  very  seasonable,  considering  how  weak  repeated  annually.     Lev.  xvi.  l6. — It  may  not  however  be  improper  to 

and  detective  their   faith  was.    (See  ver.  9.)— The  transition   from   the  observe,  that  the  word  Tojrof  is  often  translated  mom  ;  (Luke  \\  7.  xiv. 

passage  in  Luke  to  this  in  John,  appears  so  easy,  iilacing  the  paragraphs  10,  22.  1  Cor.  xiv.  16.)  and  thus  the  signihcation  here  may  be,  that  Christ 

in  tnis  order,  that  I  wonder  no  harmonizer  should  have  observed  it  be-  went  to  heaven  to  make  room  for  them,  or  to  remove  those  things  out  of 

I  V           r    i    '     ;  "'^   ^^'^y  ^''hich  obstructed   their  entrance.     1  his  must  at  least  be  in- 

<i  in  my  t  at  her  s  house  are  many  mansions.'\    Mr.  Le  Moyne  thinks  eluded,  though  the  word  eroinao-ai  may  perhaps  express  still  more. 

riJu    *"'/' "^^  '"  the  various  apartments  in  the  temple  and  the  vast  g  I  will  come  again,  <St.1     this  coming  ultimately  refers  to  Christ's 

numner  or  nelsons  lodged  there.    Marai  iignifies  qniet  and  co?ifinued  solemn  appearance  at  the  last  day  to  receive  all  his  servants  to  glory  ; 

ai/oaes,    and  therefore  seems  happily  expressed   by  our   English  word  yet,  (as  was  hinted  before  in  note  f,  on   Luke  xii.  40.  p.  202.)  it  is  a 

mansions,  the  etymology  and  exact  import  of  which  is  just  the  same.  beautiful  circumstance,  that  the  death  of  every  particular  believer,  con- 

<!o  nT          h'l"'     """''u  nave  told  ynu.]  Heinsius's  version  of  these  words  sidering  the  universal   power  and  providence  of  Christ,  (Hev.  i.  18.) 

seems  much  less  natural :   he  wouhl  connect  and  render  them  [ei  Se  wh  '"ay  be  regarded  as  Christ's  coming  to  fetch  him  home  ;  whereas  Satan 

eiiroi'  av  vnw,  jooeoouat,  &c.]  as  if  our    Lord   had  said,  "  Had  it  not  is  spoken  of  as  having  naturally  tlie  |X)wer  of  death,  lleb.  ii.  14. 

ne.n  so,  1  would  have  spoken   ju  another  manner,  and   hare  told  yon,  1  h    We  hioio  mt  irhither  thuu  art  goinp.']    It  is  probable   l  homas  miaht 

fif/th'^  'P  P'^^P"/^  a  place  Jor  you  ;  but  now  J  have  no  reason   to  say  think  that  Christ  intended  to  remove  to  some  splendid  palace  on  earth, 

mat,  tne  place  being  already  prepared."     But  itis  hard  fk  say  what  sense  to  set  up  his  court  there  for  a  while,  before  he  received  his  people  to  the 

can  be  made  of  ver.S.  on  this  interpretation.—  Ihat  thefiious  Jews  con-  celestialglory. 

bioered  all  the  glories  ot  the  Messiah's  kingdom  as  mtroductorv  to  the  i  I  am  the  way,  ^r.]     Our    Lord  had   so  lately  delivered  the  same 

nappiness  ot  a  future  state  of  eternal  glory,  appears  kom  a  variety  of  sentiment  in  language  much  like  this,  (John  x.  9.  p.  230.)  that  it  might 

scriptures ;  and  indeed  it  is  difhcu  t  to  say  how  they  #uld  think  other-  well  have  been  expected  they  should  have  understood  him  now. 

WISH   considering  how  much  this  had  been  insisted  4a  ;  or   how  they  k  If  you  had  knoun  me,  ym  would  have  known  my  lather  «/.«o.]— This 

could  nave   been, good  and  pious,  had  not  this  been  their  chief  aim.  is  a  most  important  truth  ;  but  it  does  not  determine  to  what  degree  he 

^ompare  iviatt.  in.  12.  v.  8,  12.  yi.  co.  vii.  21.  xiii.  43.  xix.  16.  xxii.  must  be  explicitly  known,  in  order  to  receive  saving  benefits  by  him. 

M)     i^uke  xiv.  14.  XVI.  9.    John  in.  15,  36.  vi   54,  63.  xi.  24—27.  1  Lord,  show  as  the  father. ^     1  he  explication  given  in  the  paraphrase 

r  J  am  going  to  prepare  a  place  for  you.^    When  the  glory  of  heaven  is  seems  to  me  a  more  probable  sense  than  that  in  which  Mr.   Fleming 

spoken  of  -Ai  prepared  before  the  Joundation  of  the  world,  (Matt.  xxv.  34.)  understands  it,  as  if  Philip  had  said.  "  Let  us  have  a  vision  of  the 

inis  only  refers  to  the  rfjMnejowrpofe;  but  as  that  wasfounded  in  Christ's  Father  in  acorporeal  form,  to  testify  the  necessity  of  thy  removal  from 

medtatoritit  undertaking,  (Eph.  i.  4—6.)  it  might  properly  be  said,  that  us."    (See  Fleming's  Christology,  vol.  ii.  p.  202.)    I  cannot  apprehend 

when  Christ  went  into  heaven  as  our  High  Priest,  to  present  (as  it  were)  that  the  apostles  thought  the  Father  visible. 

his  own  blood  before  the  Father  on  our  account,  and  as  our  Forerunner  in  /  am  in  the  Father,  and  the  Father  is  in  me.']    Tt  is  remarkable  that 

to  take  possession  of  it,  he  did  thereby  prepare  a  place  for  ns  ;  which  the  Philo,  speaking  of  the  ioi7M,  has  this  expression,  that  Ae  «>  warpo?  o,ko^ 

apostle  expresses  (Heb.  ix.  23,  24.)  by  his  purifying  or  con.secratins  the  ci-  w  tSmiTarai,  the  Father's  home  in  which  he  dwells  ;  which  is  liearlv 


CHRIST'S  DISCOURSE  TO  HIS  DISCIPLES  AFTER  THE  EUCHARIST.  303 

speak  not  of  myself:  but  the  whicli  I  discover  and  inculcate  this  important  truth,  I  speak  not  merely  of  myself ;  but  it  sect, 

I  Hiher  that  dweiieth  in  me,  jg  reallv  t/ic  Fcit/wr  iv/io  (Iwells  ill  7116  that  gives  me  my  mstructions  thus  to  sneak ;  and  it  173. 

lie  iloeth  the  works.  .      ,       ,-'  .         .,  i  i     ^      ,•  ./  •  >  .       .       r  '. 


is  he  that  operates  together  with  me,  and  performs  the  miraculous  works  that  you  have  so 
often  seen,  which  are"  sufficient  to  demonstrate  the  truth  of  this  assertion,  mysterious  as  it  John 
11  Believe  me  that  T  am  in  is,  and  incredible  as  it  miuht  otherwise  seem.     Believe  me  therefore  in  what  I  have  said,  ,■^^^■ 
tiie  Father,  and  the  Father  in  f|^^^|■  J  n„„'|  ^hus  in  the  Father,  and  the  Father  is  in  me ;  ur,  if  what  vou  have  so  Ions  ' 

nie :  orelse  believe  me  tor  the  ,  '-/.-'  i     i  ^  j  ^  n         j.  t     »   i    "  ^  ,  '"".5 

very  works'  sake.  known  of  my  general  character  and  veracity  will  not  engage  you  to  take  it  merely  on  my 

single  testimony,  at  least  believe  me  on  account  of  those  works  in  which  you  have  so  fre- 
quently beheld  "the  Father  acting  with  me,  and  which  indeed  afford  so  obvious  an  argu- 
ment of  it,  that  one  might  imagine  the  sight  of  a  few  of  them  niight  convince  one  that  was 
before  a  stranger  to  me. 
ic  Verily,  verily,  T  say  un-      And  yet  vcrili/,  vcrilt/,  I  Say  unto  you.  That  you  shall  have,  if  possible,  a  yet  stronger  12 
I^/"tlI;  wnr'^/tVi'f'''i'^ilf'il,"n  evidence  than  vvhat  you  have  already  received:  for  he  that  believes  in  me,''  that  is,  many  of 
he   do   also ;    and    fireater  my  disciples  in  these  early  a'^^es,  and  each  of  you  in  particular,  shall  receive  such  an  abun- 
b!^ausl''l'U''uirt()niy  Father  ^^^t  Communication  of  the  Spirit,  that  the  miraculous  works  which  I  perform,  he  shall  per- 
'  form  also ;  yea,  works  in  some  respect  greater  than  these  shall  he  perforin ;  because  I  go  to 
mi/  Father,'^ who  has  thought  fit  to  reserve  the  most  amazing  gifts  of  the  Spirit  to  honour 
m"y  return  into  glory ;  in  consequence  of  which,  you  shall  be  enabled  to  speak  with  all 
foreign  tongues,  to  give  the  Spirit  by  the  imposition  of  your  hands,  and  to  propagate  the 
gospel  with  such  amazing  success,  as  to  make  more  converts  in  one  day  than  1  have  done 
in  the  whole  course  of  my  ministry. 
13  And  whatsoever  ye  shall      And,  in  a  word,  VOU  may  depend  upon  it,  that  whatsoever  you  shall  ask  in  my  name,  13 
do'!  thaT^the^Father'mly'be  ""<^er  the  influence  "of  that  Spirit,  and  subservient  to  the  great  end  of  your  life  and  minis- 
glorificd  in  the  Son.  try,"  /  ivill  certainly  do  it,  that  so  the  Father  may  still  be  glorified  in  the  Son  ;  who,  when  he 

is  ascended  up  to  heaven,  will  from  thence  be  able  to  hear  and  answer  prayer,  and  even  in 
his  most  exalted  state,  will  continue  to  act  with  that  faithful  regard  to  his  Father's  honour 
It  If  ye  shall  ask  anything  which  he  lias  shown  in  his  humiliation  on  earth.  And  in  this  confidence,  I  repeat  it  14 
in  my  name,  1  will  do  it.  as'ain,  for  the  encouragement  of  your  faith  and  hope,  that  I  will  be  as  affectionate  and  con- 
stant a  Friend  to  you  in  heaven  as  I  have  ever  been  upon  earth ;  and  if  you  shall  ask  any 
thing  in  my  name,  I  will  not  fail  to  do  [it.] 

IMPROVEMENT. 

As  we  see,  in  the  beginning  of  this  section,  that  care  of  Christ  over  his  servants  which  may  engage  us  cheerfully  luke 
to  trust  him  for  providential  supplies  when  employed  in  his  work,  so  we  see,  in  the  remainder  of  this,  and  in  the  „^-^J,^o 
following  discourses,  the  most  affectionate  discoveries  of  the  very  heart  of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  overflowing  in  "^"^'  '^° 
every  sentence  with  the  kindest  concern,  not  only  for  the  safety  but  the  comfort  of  his  people.  We  see  a  lively 
image  of  that  tenderness  with  which  he  will  another  d^y  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes:  (Rev.  vii.  17.)  john 
Surely  when  he  uttered  these  words  he  was  also  solicitous  that  our  hearts  might  not  be  troubled;  and  therefore  xiv. 
has  provided  a  noble  cordial,  the  strength  of  which  shall  continue  to  the  remotest  ages,  even  faith  in  his  Father  -^ 
and  in  him.     O  may  that  blessed  principle  be  confirmed  by  what  we  have  now  been  reading ! 

Let  us  observe  with  what  a  holy  familiarity  our  Lord  speaks  of  the  regions  of  glory  ;  not,  as  his  sen'ants  do,  like 
one  dazzled  and  overwhelmed  with  the  brightness  of  the  idea,  but  as  accustomed  and  familiarized  to  it  by  his  high 
birth.P     In  my  Father's  house  are  mam/  mansions,  (delightful  and  reviving  thought !)  and  many  inhabitants  in  2 
them,  who,  we  hope,  through  grace  will  be  our  companions  there,  and  every  one  of  them  increase  and  multiply 
the  joy. 

It  was  not  for  the  apostles  alone  that  Christ  %vent  to  prepare  a  place :  he  is  entered  into  heaven  as  our  Forerun- 
ner ;  (Ileb.  vi.  20.)  and  we,  if  we  are  believers  indeed,  mav  be  said,  by  virtue  of  our  union  with  him,  to  sit  together 
in  heavenly  places  in  him.    (Eph.  ii.  6.)     Let  us  continually  be  tending  thither,  in  more  affectionate  desires  and 
more  ardent  pursuits.     We  know  the  way ;  we  hear  the  truth ;  oh  may  we  also  feel  the  life  !    By  Christ,  as  the  4,  6 
true  and  living  way,  may  we  come  to  the  Father ;  that  we  may  have  eternal  life,  in  knowing  him,  the  only  true 
God,  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  he  has  sent  f    (John  xvii.  3.)    In  Christ  may  we  see  him,  and  have  our  eyes  and  our  9 
heaits  open  to  those  beams  of  the  divine  glory  which  are  reflected  from  the  face  of  his  only-begotten  Son,  who  is 
fuU  of  grace  ajid  truth  !  ^John  i.  14.)     Has  he  been  thus  discovered  to  us,  as  our  Father  and  our  God  ?  let  it  8 
suffice  us  :  let  it  diffuse  a  sacred  and  lasting  pleasure  over  our  souls,  though  other  desirable  objects  may  be  veiled 
or  removed ;  and  engage  us  to  maintain  a  continual  Jelloivship  luith  the  Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ. 
(1  .Tohn  i.  3.) 

To  this  we  are  invited  by  every  declaration  of  his  readiness  to  hear  and  answer  our  prayers :  and  though  those  13,  14 
miraculous  powers  of  the  Spirit  are  ceased,  whereby  the  apostles  were  enabled  to  equal,  or  even  to  exceed,  the  12 
works  of  their  Master,  yet  as  we  have  so  many  important  errands  to  the  throne  of  grace,  in  which  the  glory  of  God 
and  the  salvation  of  our  souls  is  concerned,  let  us  come  with  a  holy  boldness  to  it,  in  dependence  on  Jesus,  that 
great  High  Priest  over  the  house  of  God,  who  is  passed  into  the  heavens,  and  amidst  all  the  grandeur  of  that 
exalted  state,  regards  his  humble  followers  on  earth,  and  ever  appears  under  the  character  of  their  Advocate  and 
their  Friend. 


SECTION  CLXXIV 


Christ  proceeds  in  his  discourse  with  his  disciples,  recommending  a  regard  to  his  commandments  as  the  best  proof  of  their  love  to  him  ;  promising 

his  .Spirit,  and  declaring  his  readiness  to  meet  his  approaching  sufteriugs.    John  xiv.  15,  to  the  end.  SECT. 


John  xiv.  15. 


John  xiv.  15.  ^^^" 


iFye  loveme.iceepmycom-  OUR  Lord  went  on  with  his  discourse  to  liis  apostles  on  this  solemn  occasion;  and  ob-    .^^^^ 
man  ments.  Serving  the  lively  flow  of  their  affection  to  him  in  this  tender  conjuncture  of  circumstances,   ^iv. 

parallel  to  what  the  apostle  says  of  Christ,  Col.  ii.  9.  that  in  him  dwells  his  incoinparabfe  Dialogues  on  Eloquence,  (which  may  God  put  it  into 

oi'tne  fulness  of  the  Godhead  bodily.     See  Dr.  Scott's  Christian  Life,  the  hearts  of  our  pieachers  often  and  attentively  to  read  !)  anti  is  much 

vol.  111.  p   559.  note  2.  illustrated  by  observing  how  the  apostles,  when  describing  the  heavenly 

n  tie  that  believes  in  rne.]    It  is  most  evident,  in  fact,  that  though  this  state,  employ  the   most  pompous  and   eDereetic   language,   and   seem 

]>romise  be  expressed  in  such  indefinite  language,  it  mfist  be  limited  as  indeed  to  labour  for  words,  and  to  be  almost  dazzled  with  the  lustre  and 

in  the  paraphrase.  oppressed  with  the  weight  of  the  subject.  (Compare  Rom.  vui.  18,  19. 

o   /i /lawoercr  j^e  i/m// ff.t/m  OTj/HaOTc.  under  the  influence,  &c.]    As  1  Cor.  ii.  9.  xv.  50.  c<  >c?.  2  Cor.  iv.  17,  18.  v.   1—9.   xii.   2— 4.  and 

reason  in  general  requires  some  such  limitation  as  is  here  given  in  the  1  John  iii.  2.)    But  Christ  speaks  of  it  with  a  familiar  ease  and  freedom  ; 

paraphrase,  so  the  conclusion  of  the  verse  plainly  implies  it ;  for  it  was  just  as  a  prince  who  had  been  educated  in  a  splenrliJ  court,  would  speak 

only  by  the  grant  of  such  petitions  that  the  Father  could  be  glorified  in  with  ease  of  many  magnificent  things,  at  the  sudden  view  ot  which  a 

*"«  \"^-        ,^  peasant  would  be  swallowed  up  in  astonishment,  and  would  find  him- 

p  With  what  a  holy  familiarity  our  Lord  speaks  of  the  regions  of  self  greatly  embarrassed  in  an  attempt  to  explain  them  to  his  equals  at 

glory,  &c.]    J  his  is  tlie  remark  of  the  pious  Archbishop  of  Cambray,  in  home. 


304  CHIUST'S  DISCOURSE  TO  HIS  DISCIPLES  AFTER  THE  EUCHARIST. 

SECT,  he  added,  If  you  do  indeed  love  me,  express  that  love  by  a  constant  care  to  keep  my  co7/i- 
173.    mandments ;  for  that  will  be  a  surer  test  and  more  acceptable  expression  of  your  regard  to 

me,  than  all  your  trouble  and  concern  at  parting  with  me.     And  thus  you  may  depend  on     i6  And  i  win   pray  tte 

JOHN   the  conespondent  expressions  of  my  friendship  to  you  :  ^  and  particularly,  that  I  will  ask  ^^^^^Ir  Xvinforter!  ^that^he 
^^\f.  the  Father,  and  he  will  give  you  another  Comforter,^  that  he  may  more  than  supply  the  want  may  abide  with  you  forever; 
of  my  bodily  presence,  and  abide  with  you^  not  for  a  season  only,  as  I  have  done,  but  /or 

17  ever ;  [Even]  the  blessed  Spirit  of  truth  waA  grace,  whom  the  ivorld  cannot  possibly  receive  17  i;i.en  the  Spirit  of  truth; 
as  a  Comforter,  because  it  neither  sees  him  nor  knows  him,  being  altogether  destitute  of  his  ^^^^"^  the  world  cannot  re- 

^- c   ■  ■    n  1        c      ■         i  j-.^i-i^-  i  L    -L  I  I  ■       ■      ceive,    because    it   seeth   him 

sanctirymg  mfluences,  and  reiusmg  to  admit  his  testimony  to  me;  but  you  know  him  in  not,  neither  knqweth  him: 
some  measure,  even  now,  bv  his  powerful  operations  in  you  and  by  you ;  for  he  already  *;"*  ,,>'f,  ^"P^^  ''""^  *,*"". '',^ 

,       ,,        .^,         '    .  i  7     ;     ;i        •   1  1      I    '  1  1       .1      •         .'.''.'  .'    fiwelleth  with  you,  and  shall 

dwells  with  you  in  part,  and  shall  quickly  be  more  abundantly  in  you,  by  a  much  ampler  be  in  you. 
communication  both  of  his  gifts  and  graces. 

18  Encourage  yourselves  therefore  with  the  pleasing  expectation,  and  be  assured  that  J  ^vill  is  I  will  not  leave  you 
not  leave  you  neglected,  like  a  family  of  helpless  orphans  who  have  no  friend  or  guardian  ^'^'jfo''tl«ss :  l  wiU  come  to 
surviving  ;•=  but  I  will  come  to  you  by  my  spiritual  presence,  and  visit  you  by  the  most 

19  valuable  tokens  of  my  constant  care.  For  it  is  but  yet  a  little  while  and  the  ivorld  seeth  19  Yet  a  little  while,  and 
me  no  more,  as  it  has  done  for  some  time  past,  though  it  knows  me  not;  but  after  I  have  bu*!  ye"seeme^!' because  flhV 
done  conversing  with  the  world,  I  will  appear  again  to  you,  and  you  shall  see  me  in  such  ye  shall  live  also. 

a  manner  as  to  feel  the  blessed  effects  of  my  distinguishing  regard  to  you ;  for  because  1 
live,  you  also  shall  live  by  means  of  those  divine  influences  you  shall  derive  from  me,  to 
cherish  the  workings  of  grace  in  your  hearts,  and  to  train  you  up  to  a  growing  meetness 

20  for  sharing  with  me  in  eternal  life.  (Compare  2  Cor.  iv.  10,  11.)  And  in  that  day  when  co  At  that  day  ye  shall 
I  fulfil  this  promise  to  you,  you  shall  experimentally  know,  by  the  most  evident  and  reviv-  aJJd^yg^'fa  mefandl^inyou'^' 
ing  tokens,  that  I  \am'\  indeed  in  my  Father,  and  that  you  also  are  in  me,  and  I  in  you, 

21  by  a  most  intimate  and  inseparable  union.  But  this  will  only  be  the  privilege  of  such  as  ci  He  that  hath  my  com- 
evidence  their  love  to  me  by  an  obedience  to  my  word ;  for  he  that  has  my  commandments  h|;''"it"i|"hat"iove'th''me'''and 
discovered  to  him,  and  diligently  keeps  them,  he  it  is  that  loveth  me ;  but  none  besides  have  he  that  loveth  me  shall  be 
any  title  to  this  character,  whatever  specious  pretences  they  may  make  to  it :  and  he  that  ^I'iflove  I'^in^ndwi'il  mani- 
thus  shows  that  he  loveth  me,  shall  be  loved  by  my  Father,  and  I  will  also  love  him,  and  in  test  myself  to' him. 

a  most  condescending  and  endearing  manner  ivill  manifest  myself  to  him. 

22  Judas  was  very  much  surprised  at  this  ;  not  Judas  Iscuriot ;  for  he,  as  it  was  said  before,  22  Judas  saith  unto  him, 
was  gone  out  before  our  Lord  began  this  discourse  :  (chap.  xiii.  31.  sect,  clxxi.)  and  had  it"tLuhou'wUtmaniVe'stThy- 
he  been  there,  he  was  always  too  much  on  his  guard  to  have  dropped  any  hint  of  his  view  self  unto  us,  and  not  unto  the 
to  Christ's  temporal  kingdom;''  but  another  apostle  of  that  name,  who  was  also  called  """^ 

lliaddeus  and  Lebbeus,  the  son  of  Alpheus,  and  the  brother  of  James,  (see  note  f,  on 
Mark  iii.  18.  p.  103.)  a  near  relation  to  our  Lord  himself:''  tliis  Judas,  u[)on  hearing 
Christ  express  himself  in  such  a  way,  sai/s  to  him,  Lord,  how  is  it  that  thou  wilt  manifest 
thyself  to  us,  and  not  to  the  world!  Dost  thou  not  then  intend  to  make  a  public  appear- 
ance, which  will  be  obvious  to  the  eyes  of  all  ? 

23  Jesus  answered  and  said  to  him.  As  to  that  it  may  be  sufficient  to  tell  you,  that,  as  I  said     23  Jesus  answered  and  said 
before,  (ver.  21.)  If  any  man  sincerely  love  me,  he  ivill  in  an  humble  and  ol^edient  manner  h"  wiu'ke'epmy^wor'dT.*  ami 
keep  and  observe  mi/  word ;  and  if  he  shall  be  found  to  do  so,  my  Father,  who  at  all  times  my  Father  will  love  him,  and 
has  a  tender  regard  to  my  honour  and  interest,  will  undoubtedly  love  him ;  and  we  will  make 'ourTbode' with  mm?" 
both  of  us  come  to  him  by  the  favourable  tokens  of  our  presence,  and  will  make  fo?//-]  con- 
stant abode  with  him :  you  are  therefore  to  understand  what  I  said  of  manifesting  myself 

to  him  that  loves  me,  not  of  any  corporeal  and  sensible  appearance,  but  of  such  a  spiritual 
and  intimate  correspondence  as  the  invisible  Father  of  glory  and  grace  maintains  with  his 

24  people  through  me.  Rut,  on  the  contrary,  he  that  does  not  really  love  me,  docs  not  observe  24  He  that  loveth  me  not, 
and  keep  my  words  with  any  constancy  and  resolution  ;  and  therefore  must  expect  no  such  {'he«'o%'whidfyThearVis"")t 
spiritual  and  eternal  benefits,  whatever  outward  ])rivileges  he  may  enjoy:  see  to  it  there-  mine,  but  the  lather's 'which 
fore,  that  you  diligently  hearken  and  attend  to  what  I  say  ;  for  the  word  which  you  hear  ^^^^  '"^• 

me  speak  is  not  originally  or  merely  mine,  but  it  is  \the  wordl  of  the  Father  that  sent  me, 
who  has  particularly  given  it  in  charge  to  me,  that  1  should  thus  insist  upon  practical  and 
universal  holiness  as  one  great  end  of  my  appearance. 

25  And  accordingly  you  know  that  I  have  strongly  insisted  upon  it  as  such  ;  and  these  2.5  These  things  have  I 
things  I  have  sjjokcn  to  you  again  and  again,  ivhile  I  continued  personally  present  with  you :  present  "Ji\u  y^ou"'    ^'°^  *^" 

26  But  when  the  Comforter  that  I  have  promised  you  is  come,  [even]  the'  Holy  Spirit,  whmn  .  26  Kut  the  comforter, »/,»>* 
the  Father  after  my  departure  will  send  in  my  name,  to  act  as  the  great  Agent  in  my  cause,  iVthtr  wiiTseud°m  m/name! 
and  to  negociate  the  affairs  of  my  kingdom,V(e  shall  teach  you  all  thi7igs  which  it  is  neces-  f'«  ,^'?^!'  l^^l'  ^'^^  s'to 'Ifur 
sary  for  you  to  know,  and  remind  you  of  all  things  which  1  have  said  to  you,  that  you  may  remem'bi^nce,  wifateoever"l 
not  only  recollect  them  in  the  fullest  manner  for  your  own  instruction," but  be  able  to  re-  ''^^'^  said  unto  you. 

27  cord  them  for  the  edification  of  my  church  in  succeeding  aa;es.  In  the  mean  time,  as  I  27  Peace  i  leave  with  you, 
am  now  departing  from  you,  peace  I  leave  with  you  as  my  legacy ;  and,  as  a  blessing  of  ■">'  ''^^"  '  ^ive  unto  you : 
the  greatest  moment  and  importance  to  you,  my  peace  I  give  unto  you ;  such  a  peace  as 

none  but  I  can  impart;  a  peace  with  God  and  yourselves,  as  wellas  with  your  fellow- 
creatures,  which  will  be  the  spring  of  solid  and"  lasting  happiness :  and  it  is  not  as  the 

f  ^  "^y'u^  ^"^   "'^^   depend  on  the  correspondent  expressions  of  my  in?  one  word  of  Christ's  temporal  kingdom,  thouch  probably  the  hope 

triendship  to  you.]    'I  he  connexion  may  possibly  intimate,  that  they  of  preferment  and  gain  in  it  was  the  chief  consideration  which  engaged 

might  hope  tor  an  abundant  degree  of  the  Spirits  communication,  in  him  to  follow  our  Lord.    Let  the  reader  indulsje  me  while  1  tell  him 

proportion  to  the  prevalency  ot  tlieir  love  to  Christ.  that  he  owes  this  remark  to  that  incomiiarable  person,  the  late  R'ev.  Mr. 

b  He  will  give  you  another  Comforter.']    It  is  well  known  that  the  word  David  Some  of  Harborough  ;  and  let  him  join  with  me  in  lamenting  the 

?rapqKXi7T09  may  signify  a  comforter,  an  advocate,  or  a  monitor  ;  and  it  fatal  modesty  which  engaged   him  with  his  dying  breath  to  consign  to 

is  evident  the  blessed  Spirit  sustained  each  of  these  characters  ;  but  this  the  Hames  those  writings,  which  (unfinished  as  some  of  them  might  have 

being  a  consolatory  discourse,  1  chose  to  use  the  former,  as  our  transia-  appeared)  would   probably  have  been  the  means  of  spreadin;;  among 

tors  have  done.— 1  oland  says  it  is  by  no  contemptible  criticism  that  the  thousands  that  spirit  of  wisdom,  piety,  and  love,  into  which  the  whole 

Mahometans  (instead  ot  TrapaKM-rov)  read  TrepiKXuToi/,  that  is,  the  iltits-  soul  of  the  author  seemed  to  be  t  ansformed. 

</!o«^,  which  answers  to   Mahommed  in  the  Arabic  language:  and  so  e  A  near  relation  to  our  Lord  himself.]    His  father  Alpheus  seems  <o 

urge  this  as  a  prophecy  of  him.  (lol.  Nazaren.  p.  1.3.)    Yet  he  would  have  been  the  same  with  Cleopas  ;  for  as  Judas  and  James  were  the  sons 

probably  have  thought  this  criticism  very  contemptible  in  any  but  the  of  Alpheus, (Luke  vi.  15,  16.)  so  James  is  elsewhere  said  to  be  the  son 

enemies  of  Christianity.  of  Mary,  (Matt,  xxvii.   .56.   and   IMark  xv.  40.)  who  was  the  wife  of 

c  /  mil  not  leave  you  orphans.]    Eisner  justly  observes,  that  the  case  Cleopas,  and  sister  to  the  mother  of  our  Lord  ;  (John  xix.  25.)  Judas  is 

ot  those  who  have  lost  the  presence  and  patronage  of  some  dear  friend,  therefore  numbered   with  James,   and    Joses,  and   Simon,  among  the 

though  not  in  strict  propriety  a  father,  is   elegantly  and   tenderly  ex-  brethren  or  near  kinsmen  of  oui   Lord,  (.Matt.  xii.  55.  and  Mark  vi.  3.) 

pressed   by  this  word  ofxpavov^.    (Compare  1  Thess.  ii.  17.  Gr.)    See  and  being  so  nearly  related  to  Jesus,  he  might  think  himself  peculiarly 

IfVii'  ^''i^'"''-  ^''''-  '■  P-  ■'''il-                          .  concerned  to  inquire  into  the  meaning  of  ap  assertion  which  seemed  iu- 

d  Was  always  too  much  on  his  guard,  &c.]    It  is  observable,  that  consistent  with  the  prospect  of  a  temporal  kingdom,  in  which,  perhaps, 

Judas  Iscariot  was  so  finished  a  hypocrite,  that  we  never  find  him  say-  he  e-spected  some  eminent  office. 


CHRIST'S  READINESS  TO  MEET  HIS  APPROACHING  SUFFERINGS.  305 

not  as  the  worUi  giveth,  give  woM  often  n'lven  and  wislies  peace,  in  an  empty  form  of  ineffectual,  and  often,  perhaps,   SECT. 
1  unto  von.    Let  not 'yo'T  unnieaiiino-, "compliment,  that  1  give  it  unto  you;  but,  as  I  most  sincerely  wish  it,  I  will    i<-l- 

ii'be'a'iraid'"'''"^'  """'^''  '"  most  certauily  secure  it  to  you.     Let  not  your  heart  therefore  be  troubled  at  the  thoughts ■ 

of  my  departure,  ncitlier  let  it  be  afraid  of  what  may  befall  you  when  I  am  gone  ;  for  I    JOHN 
will  lielp  you  to  possess  your  souls  in  quietness  and  peace,  and  will  establish  it  upon  the    -'^^^• 
firmest  basis. 
C8  Ye  have  heard  how  I      You  need  not  tlicn  to  be  discouraged  at  the  separation  that  will  now  be  made  between  28 
sa.d  unto you.^Uo  away,  and  ^^^  .  ^^^  ^^  ^^^^  j^^^^^  j^^^^^.^  ^P,^  J  j^„-^  }^  ^^^^  that  I  gomvay,  SO  also  you  have  been  informed 
?m-ed  me.  ye  woiui  'rejoice,  of  my  intention  in  it,  and  know  that  I  have  added,  I  will  come  \agatn\  to  you  ;  and  surely 
Fmher"  ^or"^my*^i-i^'°r*'is  ifyou  loved  me  with  a  wise  and  rational  affection,  it  would  allay  your  sorrows  in  the  mean 
greater  than  I.  time,  and  howsoever  you  might  have  a  mournful  sense  of  your  own  loss,  you  ivould  rejoice 

on  my  account,  because  I  said,  I  go  to  the  Father ;  for  my  Father,  whose  servant  I  am  as 
Mediator,  i.s  in  this  respect  greater  than  me,  and  consequently  it  must  be  my  honour  and 
happiness  to  be  in  a  state  of  greater  nearness  to  him  than  the  present  world  will  admit. 

29  And  now  I  have  told  And  HOW  I  have  told  you  this  tliat  I  have  been  discoursmg  to  you,  concerning  my  own  29 
you  beCore  it  come  to  pass;  j-gmoval  my  retum  to  the  Father,  and  the  descent  of  the  Spirit  upon  you,  before  it  comes 
ye^mrg'i>?beiiele.°'""° ''^''  to  pass :' that  when  it  docs  come  to  pass,  you  mai/  more  firmly  believe,  not  only  on  account 

of  the  extraordinary  nature  of  the  events  themselves,  but  also  on  account  of  their  exact  and 
evident  correspondence  with  these  predictions  of  mine.f 

30  Hereafter  I  will  not  talk      It  will  be  your  wisdom  the  rather  to  observe  and  review  these  things,  as  1  shall  not  here-  30 
much  with  you :  fortiieprmce  ^^r^^^  j^^^^.g  ^-j-^^g  jq  discourse  much  more  ivith  you  about  them ;  for  Satan,  the  prince  of  this 
nothmgTnmT     '■'  dpostate  world,  is  coming  to  encounter  me, 'and  is  raising  a  storm  against  me  which  will 

quickly  separate  us  :  nevertheless  I  have  this  comfort,  that  he  has  7iothing  in  me,  no  guilt  ot 
mine  to  give  liim  power  over  me,  nor  any  inward  corruption  to  take  part  with  his  tempta- 

31  But  that  the  world  mav  tion.     But  he  is  permitted  thus  to  attack  me,  and  I  contentedly  submit  to  my  approachmg  31 
and'^as'lhi  Fat'her^fia?e''mi  Sufferings,  that  thc  ivorld  may  see  and  know,  on  the  most  substantial  evidence,  that  I  love 
commandment,  even  so  I  do.  the  Father  SO  well  as  to  refuse  nothing  whereby  his  glory  may  be  advanced  ;  and  even  as 
Arise,  let  us  go  hence.  ^f^^  Father  has  commanded  me,  so  I  do,  how  painful  or  expensive  soever  that  obedience  may 

be.  And  therefore,  that  we  may  be  prepared  for  this  hour  of  temptation  that  is  coming 
upon  us,  arise,  let  us  go  from  hence,s  and  retire  to  a  place  where  we  may  more  conveniently 
attend  our  devotions  ;  and  where  I  may  be  ready,  when  my  cruel  enemies  shall  come  to 
apprehend  me,  to  yield  myself  into  their  hands,  and  to  submit  to  what  my  Father  has 
appointed  for  me. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Surely,  if  we  are  not  entirely  strangers  to  the  divine  life,  we  cannot  read  such  discourses  as  these  without  Ver.l5 
feelina;  some  warm  emotions  of  love  to  Christ :  and  if  indeed  we  feel  them,  let  us  consider  hov/  they  are  to  be  21 
expressed.     Our  Lord  directs  us  to  do  it  in  the  most  solid  and  the  most  acceptable  manner,  by  a  constant  care  to 
keep  his  commandments ;  and  sure  such  commandments  as  his  cannot  be  grievous  to  a  soul  that  truly  loves  him. 
(1  John  V.  3.)    The  more  we  live  in  the  practice  of  them,  the  more  cheerfully  may  we  expect  the  abundant  com-  16,  17 
munications  of  his  Spirit  to  animate  and  strengthen  us. 

If  we  are  christians  indeed,  let  us  not,  in  any  circumstance  of  life,  look  on  ourselves  as  helpless  and  abandoned  18 
orphans.     Human  friends  may  forsake  us  ;  but  Christ  will  come  to  us :  he  will  manifest  himself  to  the  eye  of  21,  23 
faith,  though  to  the  eye  of  sense  he  is  invisible ;  and  his  heavenly  Father  will  love  us,  and  watch  over  us  for  good : 
yea,  he  will  come  and  dwell  in  the  obedient  soul  by  the  gracious  tokens  of  his  intimate  and  inseparable  presence. 
And  do  we  any  of  us  experience  this  ?     We  have  surely  reason  to  say  that  by  way  of  admiration  which  the  apostle 
said  by  way  of  inquiry.  Lord,  hniv  and  whence  is  it  that  thou  wilt  manifest  thyself  to  us,  and  not  to  the  world!  22 
\^'hat  have  we  done  to  deserve  these  gracious  and  distinguishing  manifestations  !     Nay,  how  much  have  we  done 
to  forfeit  them !  even  more  than  many  from  whom  they  are  withheld  !  . 

With  unutterable  joy  let  us  review  this  rich  legacy  of  our  dying  Lord  :  Feace  Heave  with  you ;  my  peace  I  give  27 
unto  you.  Lord,  evermore  give  us  this  peace  with  God  and  with  our  own  consciences  !  for  if  thou  wilt  give  quiet- 
ness, ivho  can  make  troubled  (Job  xxxiv.  29.)  How  serenely  may  we  then  pass  through  the  most  turbulent  scenes 
of  life,  when  all  is  quiet  and  harmonious  within  !  Thou  hast  made  peace  through  the  blood  of  thy  cross ;  (Col.  i.  20.) 
may  we  preserve  the  precious  purchase  and  inestimable  gift  inviolate,  till  it  issue  in  everlasting  peace  !  In  this  let 
our  hearts  be  encouraged  ;  in  this  let  them  rejoice  :  and  not  in  our  own  happiness  alone,  but  also  in  that  of  our 
now  glorified  and  exalted  Redeemer.  As  the  members  of  his  body,  we  ought  certainly  to  maintain  a  pleasing  sym-  28 
pathy  with  our  Head,  and  to  triumph  in  his  honour  and  felicity  as  our  own.  If  we  love  Christ,  we  should  rejoice 
because  he  is  gone  to  the  Father.  And  the  same  consideration  may  in  its  degree  comfort  us  when  our  pious 
friends  are  removed  :  if  we  love  them  with  a  rational  and  generous  friendship,  and  are  not  too  much  influenced  by 
selfish  affections  under  that  specious  name,  our  joy  for  their  exaltation  will  greatly  temper  the  sorrow  which  our 
own  loss  must  give  us. 

Our  Lord  uttered  these  words  in  the  near  views  of  a  grievous  assault  from  the  prince  of  this  world,  who  is  the  30 
prince  of  darkness ;  but  there  was  no  corruption  in  him  to  take  part  with  the  enemy.    Too  much,  alas,  does  he 
find  in  us  to  abet  his  temptations  :  let  us  earnestly  pray  that  the  grace  of  Christ  may  be  sufficient  for  us  ;  and  that 
as  his  love  to  the  Father  engaged  him  to  go  through  this  painful  conflict  with  the  tempter,  yet  his  love  to  us  may 
make  us  partakers  of  his  victory.    In  his  name  let  us  set  up  our  banners,  and  the  powers  of  hell  shall  flee  before  us.  31 


SECTION  CLXXV. 

Christ  represents  himself  under  the  emblem  of  a  vine,  and  exhorts  his  disciples  to  faith  and  persevering  obedience.    John  j.v.  1—11. 

SFXT. 
John  xv.  1.  175. 

John  xv.  i.  i_       •         i  •  1 

I  AM  the  true  vine,  and  mv-  SOME  accident  Occasioning  a  little  delay  before  they  left  the  guest-chamber  in  whicii 

Fatiier  is  thc  husbandman,      jj^       ^^^  ^^^^^  t]^g  passover,  our  Lord  improved  the  precious  moments  in  addressing  john 
his  disciples  to  the  following  purpose:^    I  am,  said  he,  the  true  and  most  excellent     xv. 

f  Ym  may  more  firmly  ielieie,  not  only  on  account,  <ltc.l    It  is  very        a  Some  accident,  occasioning  a  little  delay,  &c  ]  ^'''f '"x^^^_^f  u'jj'la'id 

.iudiciouslv  observed  by  Dr.  Jenkin,  (in  his  excellent  Defence  of  Chris-  from  the  conclusion  ot  the  foregoing  chapter,  ■>^'"^f«  "H'^  ,'r'  ,"  "  jnVthat 

tianity^  that  when  miraculous  events  are  also  the  accomplishment  of  Anss.  let  ns  go  hence:  tor  it  seems  yeO'  uineasonaDie  to  iina  ■  c 

prophecies,  the  degree  of  evidence  arising  from  them  is  the  greatest  that  our  Lord  would  address  so  important  a  ''iscou^f/of  ilriisalem  at  this 

can  possibly  be  conceived.  ,^,  sons  as  they  were  walkmg,  espec'«"y  >"  V'L  /nlfmn  a  pfaw  ^^^^^ 

g  Arise,  let  us  go  /,e«ct',]    See  note  a,  iu  the  next  section.— That  Kai  public  time,;  much  less  would  he  Pouf-f"  '  ^'^*°'^^","  (VlRl S  stronglv 

sometimes  signifies  tlmigh,  or  tieiertheless,  as  1  have  rendered  it,  ver.  chap.  xvii.  m  such  a  circumstance  :  Xft-'o^n  J^.  '"■'■;'  '"V  ^gfoie  he 

30.  see  note  e,  on  John  xvii.  25.  ?  180.  implies  that  all  tliat  follows  between  this  and  that,  happeneo  oeioie  ne 


306  CHRIST  REPRESENTS  inMSELF  UNDER  THE  EMBLEM  OF  A  VINE. 

sFXT.  vine}'  by  its  union  with  whom  my  church  is  nourished ;  and  mij  Father  is  the  hushandmun  who 
175.    has  planted  this  vine,  and  by  whom  it  is  cultivated,  that  it  may  produce  delightful  clusters 

for  his  service.    And  every  branch  tliat  is  in  me  by  an  external  profession,  which  yet  is  found     2  Every  branch  in  me  that 

JOHN   to  be  a  barren  branch,  and  bears  no  fruit,  he  taketh  quite  aivay ;  that  is;  he  cuts  it  off  in  away V and  every  d^mcA  that 
^^'n  his  righteous  judgment,  rmd  entirely  separates  it  from  me  :  but  every  [branch]  ivhich  brings  beaieth  fruit,  he  purgetii  it, 
^  forth  fruit,  he  purgeth ;  that  is,  he  prunes  and  dresses  it,  and,  on  the  whole,  exercises  such  tyu't.'*  "'''^     '"^  '"''    '"°''* 
wise  and  kind  disciplme  towards  it  (though  that  discipline  may  sometimes  seem  severe) 
as  may  best  answer  the  great  end  of  its  production,  that  it  may  bring  forth  yet  more  fruit, 
than  which  there  can  be  nothing  more  desirable.'^ 

3  And  thus  it  is  with  you  ;  for,  noiv  the  traitor  is  gone  out,  I  may  affirm,  without  the  ex-  3  Now  ye  are  clean  through 
ception  that  I  made  before,  (compare  John  xiii.  10,  11.  p.  295.)  that  ?/om  are  all  thus  JJ^^^t^^'^J^."'''"'' "'''''^ ''"''"'" 
purged,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  clean,  by  means  of  the  word  which  I  have  spoken  to  you, 

4  whose  sanctifying  influence  has  operated  on  your  hearts.  Cowiinwe  therefore  in  me,  by  the  4  Abide  in  me,  and  I  in 
renewed  exercise  of  humble  faith  and  love ;  and  I  will  be  in  you,  to  nourish  and  supply  1°^^  r^M^oh^s^tfLct^l^ 
you,  as  from  a  living  root,  with  every  necessary  grace  :  for  as,  in  the  natural  world,  (he  abide  in  the  vine ;'  no  more 
branch  cannot  bear  fruit  of  itself ,  but  must  presently  wither,  unless  it  continue  in  a  state  of  ^"  ^^'  «^'='^p'  ^  "i^"!*  "» 
union  with  the  vine,  and  be  nourished  by  sap  from  thence ;  so  neither  can  you  be  able  to 

produce  the  fruits  of  genuine  and  acceptable  obedience,  unless  you  continue  in  me,  and 
liave  the  life  of  grace  maintained  within  you  by  a  vital  union  with  me. 

5  I  repeat  it  again,  as  a  matter  of  the  utmost  moment.  That  I  am  the  vine,  and  ye  [are]     5  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the 
the  branches,  in' the  sense  I  have  already  explained.     He  therefore  that  abides  in  me  by  such  j,"  ^e,  ami  l  i n  him,  the  same 
an  intimate  and  vital  union,  and  in  whom  also  I  abide  by  tlie  operations  of  my  Holy  briuHe'tii  forth  much   fruit: 
Spirit  in  him,  he,  and  he  only,  bringeth  forth  muchfndt,  to  the  honour  of  his  profession,  „„1hinL'.    "  """  ^^  ''"" 
and  the  comfort  of  his  own  soul :"  but  the  glory  of  it  is  still  to  be  referred  to  me ;  for 

separate  from  me  you  can  do  nothing,  though  you  stand  in  the  foremost  rank  of  my  followers, 

6  and  have  already  made  some  considerable  attainments.  And  f  any  one  that  calls  himself  6  If  a  man  abide  not  in  me, 
my  disciple,  does  not  maintain  sucli  a  regard  to  me  as  that  he  maybe  said  to  abide  in  »?e,<'  afia'^s'^withere.f^  and'^^'meu 
he  is  rejected  and  cast  out  with  disdain  and  abhorrence,  as  a  fruitless  branch  lopped  off  Katiier  them,  and'  cast  t/^em 
from  the  vine,  and  by  consequence  is  presently  withered  ;  ayid  as  [men']  gather  up  such  dry  [Ju^n^jf  '"^'  '*"''  ^^^^  '"^ 
sticks,  and  throw  them  into  the  fire,  and  there  they  are  burnt,  as  a  worthless  kind  of  wood 

fit  for  nothing  but  fuel,  (see  Ezek.  xv.  2 — 4.)  so,  in  like  manner,  sucli  will  be  the  end  of 
tliose  unhapi)y  creatures  ;  they  shall  be  gathered  as  fit  fuel  for  divine  wrath,  and  their 
external  relation  to  me  will  not  preserve  them  from  everlasting  burnings. 

7  But  as  for  you  my  faithful  servants,  I  assure  you,  for  your  encouragement,  that  if  you     7  If  ye  abide  in  me,  and  my 

,     ,,.      ,        ,  •  •/    ■         •'  1.1  1  '      ■  •'  c    .  1      1  ■  1     ■  :i     i  words  abide  ni  you,  ye  shall 

stedfastly  abulc  in  me,  and  take  care  that  in  consequence  ot  it  my  words  abide  in  you,  so  that  ask  what  ye  will,  anci  it  shall 
you  maintain  a  suitable  regard  to  all  my  instructions,  promises,  and  commands,  this  be  done  unto  you. 
blessed  union  will  entitle  you  to  such  signal  degrees  of  the  divine  favour,  that  you  shall 
ask  in  prayer  whatsoever  you  will,  and  if  it  be,  upon  the  whole,  subservient  to  your  own 

8  happiness,  and  to  the  public  good,  it  shall  be  done  for  you.     And  let  it  therefore  be  vour   .8  Herein  is  my  Father  glo- 

'  '  1       .1  •.    I'l  .  c         .'i     1  1      1     J-  f       •     ii  ■     •  TP  ii        " t  rilied,  that yebearniuch  rruit ; 

care  to  make  the  suitable  returns  of  gratitude  and  obedience  ;  tor  m  this  is  my  lutther  most  so  shall  ye  be  my  disciples. 
eminently  glorified,  that  you,  my  apostles,  bring  forth  much  f nut,  by  exerting  yourselves 
to  the  utmost  for  the  propagation  of  my  gospel  in  the  world,  and  ;ndeavouring  to  enforce 
your  instructions  by  the  holiness  of  your  lives  :  and  in  this  likewise  you  shall  appear  to  all 
to  be  my  true  disciples,  and  to  act  worthy  of  your  character  and  relation  to  me. 

9  And  it  is  surely  with  the  liighest  reason  I  would  engage  you  to  make  this  your  aim  :  9  As  the  Father  hath  loved 
because  as  the  Father  hath  loved  me,  so  have  1  also  loved  you,  with  tlie  most  constant  and  uuie°y''e''in  my  ^iovi  "" '  ™"' 
invariable  affection  :  continue  therefore  in  my  love,  and  always  be  solicitous  so  to  behave, 

10  as  may,  on  your  part,  maintain  the  friendship  inviolate.    And  if  you  diligently  and  con-    loifyekeepmycompnand- 
stantly/ceep  my  commandments,  then^yoa  will  assuredly  continue  in  my  love  ;  even  as  I  have  "m-ef  events  i  have^ke'ptmy 


always  kept  my  Fathers  commandments,  and  so  continue  in  his  love ;  for  this  is  tlie  most  lather's  commandments,  and 
solid. evidence  of  it,  which  I  give  to  my  Father,  and  require  from  you.  "  '"  ^'^ '°''''' 

11       These  things  I  have  spoken  to  you,  not  to  grieve  you  by  any  intimation  tliat  I  suspect  the     n  These   things   have    I 
sincerity  of  your  regards  to  me  ;  but  that  you  may  be  so  fortified  and  animated  against  the  fn°gh^t"  remam°"iii'you7aiiS 
temptations  of  life,  that  mi/  joi/  and  complacency  »«  you,  as  my  faitliful  friends,  might  still  '/'«<  your  joy  might  be  full. 
continue  :  and  [that]  your  joy' in  me  may  be  maintained  in  its  full  height,  and  may  greatly 
increase,  as  it  certainly  will,  in  proportion  to  the  advancement  of  your  resolution  and  zeal 
in  my  service. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  1      IIow  desirable  is  it  that  we  may  learn  from  this  discourse  to  regard  Christ  at  all  times  as  the  spiritual  Head, 

from  whom  life  and  vigour  are  to  be  derived  to  all  his  people !  Let  us,  by  the  exercise  of  an  unfeigned  faith,  abide 

4,  5  in  him  as  the  true  vine ;  as  being  always  sensible  that  without  him  we  can  do  nothing ;  and  that  if  we  are  in  him 

6  only  by  an  external  profession,  we  are  not  only  in  danger  of  being  cut  off  and  taken  away,  but  shall,  in  the  end, 
2  be  cast  into  the  fire.     May  we  rather  be  purged  and  pruned,  though  it  should  be  with  the  most  painful  dispensa- 

8  tions  of  Providence,  if  by  this  means  our  fruitfulness  may  be  ])romoted,  to  the  glory  of  God  and  to  the  benefit  of 
o  the  world!  May  his  word  operate  daily  upon  us,  to  cleanse  us  from  remaining  pollutions  !  and  if  we  thus  desire 

to  be  clean,  let  us  take  heed  to  our  way,  according  to  the  tenor  of  tliat  ivord.     (Psal.  cxix.  9.) 

7  We  see  our  encouragement  to  pray  ;  let  us  take  it  from  Christ,  and  not  be  dismayed,  nor  yield  to  unbelieving 

9  suspicions.    As  the  Father  has  loved  Christ,  so  does  he  also  love  his  people.     Let  us  preserve  and  cultivate  this 
sacred  friendship;  and,  whatever  it  may  cost  us,  let  us  endeavour  to  continue  in  his  love,  and  to  avoid  whatever 

10  would  forfeit  it ;  making  it  above  all  things  our  care  to  keep  his  commandments.    Christ  always  observing  those 

went  fortli  from  .Tenisalem.    I  conclude,  therefore,  that  all  this  passed  court  by  the  side  of  the  house,  wliere  the  sight  of  a  vine  might  suggest 

before  they  quitted  the  house  where  the  passover  was  eaten,  tliough  they  this  beautiful  simile.   (Compare  Psal.  cxxviii.  3.)     That  circumstance 

probably  rose  from  the  table  as  soon  as  those  words,  ^rjje.fcrwf  {TO /(?7Zf«;,  was,  no  doubt,  common  in  Judea,   which  abounded   with    the   finest 

were  spoken.    A  short  delay  might  leave  room  for  this;  for  any  one  grapes.    See  Gen.  xlix.  11,  12.  Numb.  xiii.  23.  and  Deut.  viii.  8. 

who  will  make  the  trial,  will  find  that  these  three  chapters  may  be  delibe-  c  T/ial  it  map  hrimj  forth  more  fmit.'^    This  strongly  susgests  a  very 

lately  read  oyer  m  a  quarter  ot  an  hour,  and  therefore  might  be  spoken  sublime  and  important  thought,  viz.  that  oneof  the  noblest  rewards  God 

in  that  small  interval  ot  time.  ran  bestow  on  former  acts  of  obedience,  is  to  make  the  soul  yet  more 

b  J/tetrw  and  most  excellent  vine.']    So  the  true  light  Oohn  i.  9.)  and  holy,  and  fit  fi>r  further  and  more  eminent  service,  though  it  should  be 

the  true  bread  (chap.  vi.  32.)  evidently  signifies.    (See  Ilaphel.  Annot.  I)y  such  painful  afflictions  as  resemble  the  pruning  of  a  vine, 

er  Aew.  p.  141.)— flis  having  lately  drunk  with  his  disciples  of  the /raw  d  Jf  any  one  does  not  abide  in  me.]    It  is  strange  that  any  should  think 

of  the  vine,  and  having  afterwards  declared  that  he  would  drinknomore  this  text  a  conclusive  argument  against  the  doctrine  of  perseverance  : 

of  It  till  he  drank  it  new  m  the  kingdom  of  God,  (Mark  xiv.  25.  p.  301.)  when  to  be  in  Christ,  (ver.  2.)  so  plainly  signifies  making  an  external 

might  ijossibly  occasion  Clirists  alluding  to  it ;  (See  Grotius.  in  loc.^  profession  of  Christianity,  whether  vain  or  sincere. 
Or  perhaps  they  might  now  be  standing  near  a  window,  or  in  some 


CHRIST  RENEWS  HIS  EXHORTATION  TO  MUTUAL  LOVE.  307 

of  his  heavenly  Father,  cannot  but  always  and  invariably  continue  the  object  of  his  love  and  delight :  may  our  sect. 
conduct  be  such  as  that  he  may  see  reason  to  rejoice  in  us !  and  then  we  shall  also  have  the  surest  foundation  for  175. 
a  sublime  and  solid  joy.  


SECTION  CLXXVI. 

Christ  renews  his  exhortation  to  mutual  love,  and  declares  the  Jews  inexcusable  in  their  unbelief.    John  xv.  12,  to  the  end. 

JOHN  XV.  ic.  John  XV.  12. 

Tins  is  my  commandment,  OUR  Lord,  in  Order  to  impress  the  principles  of  mutual  friendship  and  benevolence  on  sect. 

1''^'  ■*iLf«,i'*„?«f  ''°°"^'''''  ^  ^  the  minds  of  his  disciples  in  the  most  powerful  manner,  recommended  it  to  them  at  large    176. 
nave  Jovea  you.  .i  ii'-i-i-  ^      r  ^^       •  mt  •    • 

on  this  tender  occasion,  and  proceeded  m  his  discourse  to  the  tollov/ing  purpose  :   i  his  is 

in  a  peculiar  manner  nu/  covimandment  to  you,  which,  by  all  the  obligations  you  are  under  John 
to  me,  I  charge  and  conjure  you  to  observe.  That  ye  all  do  most  cordially  and  constantly  .^^• 
love  one  another,  even  if  it  be  possible,  with  as  great  an  ardour  as  that  with  which  I  have    " 
loved  1/ou  ;  so  as  to  be  ready  to  sacrifice  your  lives  for  each  other,  as  I  expose  and  resign 

13  Greater  love  hath   no  mine  for  you.     (Compare  John  xiii.  34.  and  1  John  iii.  16.)    And  surely  I  can  give  no  13 
1^""  down  *his  ut^e'  for'"his  ^o^e  solid  and  important  evidence  of  my  affection  to  you  ;  for  no  man  has  ever  manifested, 
t'rrends.  Or  can  indeed  imagine,  greater  and  more  disinterested  love  than  this,  that  a  man  should,  be 

willing,  not  only  on  some  sudden  alarm  to  hazard,  but  on  the  coolest  deliberation  to  sub- 

14  Ye  are  my  friends,  if  ye  mit  to  laif  down  his  life  for  the  preservation  and  happiness  of  his  friends.     Now  as  I  am  14 
do^  whatsoever  1  command  about  to  give  you  this  grand  demonstration  of  my  love,  so  I  assure  you  that  you  are  and 

shall  be  acknowledged  as  my  friends,  and  shall  certainly  share  in  the  blessings  of  my  death 
and  life,  if  you  practically  acknowledge  my  authority,  and  are  so  influenced  by  my  love  as 

15  Henceforth  I  call  you  to  do  whatsoever  I  command  you.     I  do  not  any  longer  call  you  servants,  though  I  have  15 
knowetr^noi  what^'lfrioili  Sometimes  used  the  phrase,  and  formerly  have  seen  it  necessary  in  some  points  to  treat  you 
(loth:  but,  I  have  called  you  with  reserve;  for  the  senant  is  not  let  into  the  secrets  of  his  master,  and  knoiveth  not  par- 
have'^heard'^of  my'Fath'er  I  ticularly  what  his  lord  doth  '.^  bid  I  luive  not  only  in  words  called  you  my  friends,  (Luke 
have  made  known  unto  you.    xii.  4.  sect.  cxi.)  but  On  the  whole  have  treated  you  as  such:  for  all  things  that  I  have 

heard  and  received  in  charge  /rom  my  Father,  I  have,  so  far  as  was  convenient,  declared  to 
you^  in  the  most  condescending  and  endearing  manner,  as  you  very  well  know. 

16  Ye  have  not  chosen  me.      Remember  that  you  have  not  first  chosen  me,  but  I,  by  my  sovereign  and  effectual  grace,  16 
but  1  have  chosen  you,  and  ^^^^^  choseri  vou  to  the  honourable  office  of  my  apostles  and  ambassadors ;   and  have 

ordamed  you,  that  ye  snouia  .  .'  ,   .       ,  ,  .       i  ,  ■'i     '^i  i-   i        i  i  i  i   c 

Ro  and  bring  forth  fruit,  and  appointed  and  oimiined  you  that  you  should  go  and  publish  what  you  have  heard  trom  me 
that  \viraVsoever''j'4'''sbS'l''M  ^^  ^^^  '^'^^  world,  and  be'so  qualified  and  assisted,  that  you  may  bear  abundant_/>w«7  in  the 
or\he  Father  m  my  name,  he  most  distant  Countries,  and  {that^  the  blessed  effect  oi  your  fruit  should  continue  even  to 
may  give  it  you.  ^I^g  remotest  generations  :<=  yea,  I  have  also  raised  you  to  such  a  happy  circumstance,  and 

made  you  so  eminently  the  favourites  of  heaven,  that,  as  I  lately  told  you,  (ver.  7.)  what- 
ever you  shall  ask  the  Father  in  my  name,  he  may  perform  it  for  you ;  and  you  may  certainly 
depend  upon  it,  he  will  give  it  you. 
n  These  things  1  command      But  then  again  I  would  remind  you,  that  if  you  would  continue  thus  the  objects  of  these  1 7 
you,  that  ye  love  one  another,  j^j^  gvacious  regards,  you  must  Carefully  practise  your  duty  to  each  other  as  well  as  to  him  ; 
for  these  things  I  command  you,  that  ye  love  one  another ;  and  this  you  should  the  rather  do, 

18  If  the  world  hate  j-ou,  as  you  will  be  the  mark  of  common  hatred  and  persecution.  Yet  if  yon  find  the  world  hate  18 
fore  ?"L'e3VouI^''*''  ""^  ^^'  ^"^  injure  you,  you  have  no  reason  to  be  offended  or  surprised  at  this ;  for  you  know,  that 

mild  and  benevolent  as  my  conduct  has  always  been,  yet  it  has  hated  me  your  Chief  and 

19  If  ye  were  of  the  world,  Lord,''  before  it  discharged  its  venom  and  malignity  on  you.     Indeed,  if  you  were  like  the  19 
owQ^bu't'be'^ause  ye  are  not  ^^^^  'f  ^^^  world,  and  your  doctrines  and  practice  were  conformable  to  its  customs  and 

of  the  world,  but  I  have  maxims,  <Ac  wor/f/ is  SO  generally  under  the  power  ofselfish  prejudices,  that  it  Undoubtedly 
thereTor^°"th°e"'  world  hateth  '^"ould  lovc  its  o?ti«,  and  you  might  expcct  much  better  treatment  from  it :«  but  because  this 
you.  is  not  your  character,  and  you  are  not  thus  of  the  world,  but  I  have  chosen  you  out  of  the 

woi-ld,  not  fmly  to  separate  from,  but  to  oppose  its  vices  and  enormities,  and  even  to  be 
leaders  in  that  holy  and  necessary  opposition,  it  is  no  wonder  that  upon  this  account  the 
world  hateth  you,  though  the  cause  in  which  you  are  engaged  be  indeed  so  honourable, 
and  your  lives  so  useful  and  beneficent. 

20  Ucmember  the  word  that      Remember  and  recollect  upon  this  occasion,  the  word  which  I  spake  to  you  some  time  20 
h'nll  greater "th'fn 'his 'lOTd!  ^So,  (Matt.  X.  24.  and  Luke  vi.  40.)  and  which  I  have  but  lately  repeated,  (John  xiii.  16.) 

If  they  "have  persecuted  me!  The  sci-vant  is  not  greater  than  his  lord,  nor  the  messenger  greater  than  him  that  sent  iiim  : 

if'they'have'k^pt  my"'s1iyi°"g^  j/ therefore  they  have  persecuted  me,  and  Providence  has  permitted  them  to  do  it,  you  may 

they  will  keep  yours  also.  "'  reasonably  conclude  they  will  also  persecute  you,  and   cannot  justly  complain   if  you 

have  your  share  of  sufferings ;  and  if  you  have  seen  that  they  have  generally  kept  my  saying, 

21  But  all  these  things  will  I  will  give  you  leave  to  suppose  they  will  also  keep  yours. ^    But  when  you  see,  as  you  21 

a  I  tio  not  any  hmger  call  you  servants :  for  the  servant  hwwet/i  not,  exactly  parallel  to  Matt.  x.  24,  25.  i  75.    (See  Lard.  Credih.  parti,  vol. 

<&c.]    Mr.  Locke  (in  his  Reasvnableness  of  Christianity,  p.  105.")  refers  ii.  p.  ODS.)    Tims  un  ttpmto?  eiw  e7W.  1  Tim.  i.  15.  is  well  translated, 

tills  to  the  caution  with  which  our  Lord  had  spoken  ot  his  being  the  of  whom  I  am  chief. 

Messiah  ;  some  instances  of  which  have  been  already  pointed  out.    See  e  If  yon  were  of  the  world,  the  world  would  love  its  own.]    This  seems  to 

note  r,  on  John  iv.  26.  p.  65.  me  a  strong  intimation,  that  even  in  nations  which  profess  Christianity, 

b  /III  things  that  I  have  heard  from  my  Father  1  haie  declared  to  you."]  if  true  religion  fall,  as  it  very  possibly  may,  to  a  very  low  ebb,  they 

Our  Lord  had,  no  doubt,  the  fullest  view  of  the  scheme  of  redemption  that  exert  themselves  remarkably  for  the  revival  of  it,  must,  on  the  very 

undertaken  by  him  ;    but  the  apostles  not  being  yet  able  to  bear  many  principle  here  laid  down,  expect  hatred  and  opposition  ;   and  that  the 

things,  (compare  chap.  xvi.  12.  5  I77.)  especially  relating  to  the  calling  passages  in  Scripture  relating  to  persecution  are  not  so  peculiar  to  the 

of  the  Gentiles,  and  the  abolition  of  the  Mosaic  law,  he  wisely  deferred  first  ages,  or  to  christians  living  in  idolatrous  countries,  as  some  have 

the  discovery   of  them;   so  that  these  words  must  be  taken  with  the  supposed.    Would  to  God  the  malignity  to  be   found  in  some  of  us 

limitation  mentioned  in  the  paraphrase,  and  signify  that  he  had  done  it  against  our  brethren,  did  not  too  plainly  illustrate  this  remark  !    Men 

so  far  as  was  convenient.  will  probably  experience  the  truth  of  it,  in  proportion  to  the  degeneracy 

c  That  you  should  go  and  hear  frvit,  S.c.'\  This  was  a  security  to  them  of  those  around  them,  and  to  the  vigour  and  resolution  with  which  they 
that  they  should  be  preserved  from  immediate  dangers,  and  that  their  bear  their  testimony  against  prevailing  errors  and  vices.  Yet  it  is  cer- 
1  lie  should  be  guarded  by  Providence  till  some  considerable  services  tain  that  the  imprudence  and  bigotry  of  some  very  good  men  has  some- 
had  been  accomplished  by  their  means. — When  our  Lord  adds,  that  your  times  made  matters  worse  than  they  would  otherwise  have  been,  and 
rruit  Should  continue,  he  may  allude  to  the  custom  of  keeping  rich  and  perhaps  has  irritated  the  vices  of  their  enemies,  so  as  in  part  to  hav-e  been 
generous  wmes  a  great  many  years,  so  that  in  some  cases  (which  was  accessary  to  their  own  damage,  and  the  much  greater  mischief  ot  those 
especially  applicable  to  the  sweet  Eastern  wines)  they  might  prove  a  that  have  injured  them.  ,  . 
cordial  to  those  who  were  unborn  when  the  grapes  were  produced.  In  f  Jf  they  have  kept  my  saying,  iSc]  I  am  surprised  that  such  a  multi- 
this  view  there  is  a  beautiful  propriety  in  the  representation,  which  I  tude  of  learned  commentators,  and  among  the  rest  Gataker  and  Ivnatch- 
nopewill  be  particularly  felt  when  these  reviving  chapters  are  read.  bull,  should  contend  that  rnpeiv  Xoro"  should  here  be  understood  ot 

d  It  has  hated  me  your  Chief.]    The  words  in  the  original,  (.cm  vpui-  observing  a  person's  discourse  with  a  malignant  design  to  carp  at  it. 

Toi/  i/MUK  ueui<rr\Kev,)  which  we  render.  It  hated  mc  before  it  hated  you,  (See  Wolfius,  in  loc.)  HapaTupeiv  has  indeed  that  sense,  Mark  in. ,.  J^uke 

may  (as  l)r.  Lardner  well  observes)  be  more  literally  rendered,   It  vi.  7.  xiv.  1.  xx.  20.  But  no  certain  argument  can  be  drawn  trom  hence, 

hated  mc  yovr  Chtef ;    which  makes  the  expression  more  lively,  and  especially  considering  how  constantly  the  phrase  before  us  is  taken  in  a 

X  2 


308  CHRIST  DECLARES  THE  UNBELIEF  OF  THE  JEWS  INEXCUSABLE. 

SECT,  veiy  quickly  will,  not  only  my  doctrine  rejected,  but  my  person  assaulted,  abused,  and  tiiey  do  unto  you  for  my 
17t).    murdered,  it  must  be  a  sensible  warning  to  you  to  prepare  for  the  like  usage  ;  and  all  these  l^o^^\othm  ti^^i'xat  *''*^ 

things  they  will  in  fact  do  to  you  for  my  name's  sake,  because  they  do  not  know  him  that  sent    ""'''  ^      '  ^   '^  ^^^  ""*' 

JOHN   me  /"for  tlieir  ignorance  of  that  God  to  whom  they  boast  so  near  a  relation,  does  indeed  lie 

■^^- „  at  the  bottom  of  all  their  opposition  to  me.    And  a  dreadful  account  they  will  have  to  <iive     cc  if  i  had  not  come  and 

•^'^  for  it ;  for  if  I  had  not  come  and  spoken  thus  plainly  to  them,  they  woidd  comparatively  have  ^Zf'h"d'sin-^^bat'noW''tbt^ 

had  no  sin';s  but  now  they  have  no  excuse  or  pretence  for  their  sin,  but,  being  committed  have  no  cloak  for  their^sin.  ^ 

23  against  so  clear  and  .strong  a  light,  it  stands  exposed  in  its  most  odious  colours  :  Yea,  it  23  He  that  hatethmehateth 
appears  rebellion  against  God,  as  well  as  ingratitude  to  me ;  for  he  that  hateth  and  opposeth  '^^  Father  also. 

me,  hateth  and  opposeth  my  Father  also,  whose  commission  I  bear;^  and  this  is  what  they 

24  have  done,  after  all  reasonable  methods  have  been  taken  for  their  conviction.  If  I  had  24  it  i  had  not  done  among 
wrought  no  miracle  at  all,  nay,  if  I  had  not  done  ajuoiig  them  such  extrsLordinary  works  as  no  *'}?'"  *''*  l"H''^i^^^'h''d"°"t 
other  man  ever  did,  not  even  their  prophets,  or  Moses  himself,  they  had  not  had  any  degree  had'"sin'l"but  now'^ha^^e  thTy 
of  sin  comparable  to  that  which  they  are  now  under ;  hut  now,  as  "they  have  rejected  my  su-  and  nT*^  Fau?  r''^"^''  ''°"'  "^^ 
perior  miracles,  which  they  have  seen  with  their  own  eyes,  at  the  same  time  that  they  own  ^"'  ""^^ 

the  evidence  of  those  which  Moses  wrought,  of  which  they  have  heard  only  by  distant 
report,  they  manifest  such  an  obstinate  perverseness  of  temper,  that  I  may  truly  say,  they 
have  both  seen  and  hated  both  me  and  my  Father ;  and  God  himself  will  justly  resent  and 

25  punish  it  as  an  indignity  that  shows  their  enmity  to  him.  But  [this  is  all  permitted,']  that  25  But  t/iis  cometh  to  pass, 
the  ivord  which  is  written  in  their  law,  or  in  their  sacred  volume,  concerning  David,  (Psal.  ^^f^  the  word  might  be  fuiiii' 
XXXV.  19.)  might  eminently  be  fulfilled  in  me,  as  many  ancient  propheciesforetold  that  it  law,  They  liated 'me  without 
should,  "  Surely  they  have  hated  me  without  a  cause." '  ^  cause. 

26  But  when  the  Comforter  is  come,  luhom,  as  I  told  you,  (chap.  xiv.  26.)  I  will  shortly  26  But  when  the  Comforter 
send  to  you  from  the  Father,  \even'\  the  Spirit  of  truth,  ivho  proceeds  from  the  Father,  and  unto"  you^  from  the^^'l'athei^ 
is  to  reside  in  my  church,  he  shall  bear  a  convincing  testimony  to  me,  to  vindicate  my  (;te»  the  .Spirit  of  truth,  whicll 

27  character  from  all  the  infamy  they  are  maliciously  attempting  to  throw  upon  it.  And  you  ^eThail^'estffy'of  me-^*''''"^' 
also,  weak  as  you  now  appear,  shall  by  his  povi'erful  assistance  hear  a  courageous  and  con-  27  And  ye  also  shall  bear 
vincing  testimony  to  me,  because  you  have  been  %vith  mc  from  the  beginning  of  my  ministry,  witrme  from  the  be'ginuing? 
and  therefore  are  the  best  qualified  to  give  an  account  of  my  whole  conduct,  which,  the 

better  it  is  known,  the  more  it  will  justify  my  cause,  and  expose  the  wickedness  of  those 
that  rise  up  against  me. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  15     The  Son  of  God  condescends  to  speak  under  the  character  of  a  Friend  ;  and  with  what  humble  gratitude  should 

we  attend  to  his  words  !     He  lays  aside  the  majesty  of  a  sovereign  to  assume  this  more  tender  relation ;  and  surely 

our  overflowing  hearts  must  inquire.  Blessed  Jesus,  what  shall  we  do  to  express  the  friendship  on  our  side  ?    Let 

14  us  observe  what  he  has  here  declared,  Ye  are  my  friends  indeed,  if  ye  do  whatever  I  command  you.     Lord,  we  will 

run  the  way  of  these  thy  commandments,  when  on  this  noblest  principle  thou  shalt  enlarge  our  hearts  !  (Psal.  cxix.  32 .) 

12, 13  He  has  loved  us  with  an  unexampled  affection,  which  has  approved  itself  stronger  than  death  ;  and  in  return, 
he  requires  us  to  love  one  another.  How  gracious  a  command  !  How  merciful  to  our  fellow-creatures  and  to  our- 
selves, who  should  infallibly  feel  the  benefit  of  the  practice  of  it,  both  in  the  delight  inseparable  from  benevolent 
afi'ections,  and  in  the  circulation  of  kind  and  friendly  offices,  which,  degenerate  as  human  nature  is,  few  are  so 
abandoned  as  not  to  endeavour  to  repay  !     Who  would  not  imagine  that  the  whole  world  should  feel  and  obey 

18,  25  the  charm  ?    And  yet,  instead  of  this,  behold,  they  hate  Christ,  and  his  servants  for  his  sake,  though  without  a 

cause,  and  against  the  strongest  en^gements.     Miserable  creatures  !  who  by  a  necessary  consequence,  whatever 
23,  24  they  may  fondly  imagine,  hate  the  Father  also,  and  stand  daily  and  hourly  exposed  to  all  the  dreadful  terrors  of 
an  almighty  enemy. 

19,  20     Let  us  not  wonder  if  the  world  hate  us  ;  nor  greatly  regard  if  it  injure  us.     We  are  not  of  the  world,  nor  is  the 

servant  greater  than  his  lord ;  but  surely  the  opposition  which  the  gospel  brings  along  witli  it,  is  nothing,  when 
compared  with  those  blessings  whicli  it  entails  on  all  who  faithfully  embrace  it.  Were  the  sufferings  and  difficulties 
a  thousand  times  greater  than  they  are,  we  ought  to  esteem  the  Pearl  of  price,  the  most  happy  purchase  at  any 
rate  ;  and  to  be  daily  returning  our  most  thankful  acknowledgments,  that  Christ  sent  forth  his  apostles,  qualified 
with  such  a  knowledge  of  himself  and  assisted  by  such  power  from  his  Spirit,  appointing  them  to  go  and  bring 

26  forth  fruit,  even  fruit  which  should  remain  to  the  remotest  ages.  Through  his  guardian  care,  it  still  remains  in  the 
world :  oh  may  it  flourish  more  abundantly  among  us  !  and  may  its  efficacy  on  our  hearts  and  lives  be  more 
apparent !  And  may  divine  grace  convince  those  who  now  reject  and  ojipose  it,  that  in  the  midst  of  such  various 

22  evidence  of  his  having  come  and  spoken  to  them,  they  have  no  cloak  for  their  sin  !  but  with  whatever  fond  excuses 
they  may  amuse  themselves  and  others,  it  will  quickly  appear  that  tlie  bed  is  too  short  to  stretch  themselves  on  it, 
and  the  covering  too  narrow  to  wrap  themselves  in.     (Isa.  xxviii.  20.) 


SECTION  CLXXVIl. 

Christ  warns  his  disciples  of  the  suflerinss  they  must  expect,  and  labours  to  reconcile  them  to  the  thoughts  of  his  remove,  as  what  would  on 
the  whole  be  advantageous  to  them,  as  the  occasion  of  sending  the  Spirit,  which  would  be  so  great  a  support  to  them  and  their  cause.  .John 
XVI.  1 — 15. 

^^r.,r.  John  xvi.  1.  ,,,„..  ^.„:  , 

177     CHRIST  further  added,  in  his  discourse  to  his  disciples.  These  things   I  have  spoken  to  these  things  have  I  spoken 
•         ■  -      -  '  _s      .    .  r         .  .._. .,,„, '-■lid  not 


_you  concernins 


iier  added,  in  his  discourse  to  his  disciples.  These  things  I  have  spoken  to  these  things  have  Isno 
:  the  opposition  which  you  are  to  expect  from  the  world,^and  the  proportion-  be'oi^ended."" "  *"  ^^°- 


xvr.    offended  and  discouraged,  and  much  less  be  drawn  to  renounce  vour  profession  in  umei  10     „  ^h      h  11      f 

1  avoid  the  danger.     They  shall  indeed  excommunicate,  or  cast  you  out  of  the  syna-^"^-"  ■    ■■•■■^  "'^"  "'"  ^""  °"' 


.lOHN   ^^^  supports^you  will  receive  from  the  Spirit,  that  when  the  storm  arises,  you  may  not  be 
'^     '   '      '   '  .,..--  ....     Qj.^gj.  jQ 

■,/»,/  -    J.  lie  V    SI  tail     uiii    J  11U    UUL 

you  out  of    the  synagogues  ;  of  the  synagogues :  yea,  the 

good  sense,  for  an  obedient  regard,  in  this  very  discourse,  in  which  it  Father,  would  seriously  attend  to  (his  weighty  admonition,  lest  haply 

otten  occurs.    See  John  xiv.  15,  21,  2S.  xv.  10.  xvii.  6.  they  be  found  even  to  fight  against  God  !    (Acts  v.  39.) 

g  They  would  have  had  no  sin.']    It  is  so  evident  from  the  word  of  God,  i   T/iey  have  haled  me  without  a  cause.']    It  appears  to  me  very  evident 

(see  Rom.  i.  20,  21.  and  ii.  12 — 15.)  as  well  as  froin  the  reason  of  things,  that  Psal.  xxxv.  <  annot  be,  strictly  speaking,  a  prophecy  concerning  the 

that  sm  maybe  imputed  to  those  who  have  no  revclauoii,tSiat  it  is  most  Messiah, especially  from  ver.  13,  14.  which  represent  a  person  incapable 

evident  this  is  only  a  Hebraism  ;  as  when,  accordins  to  the  pathetic  of  helping  others  m  their  sickness,  otherwise  than  bv  fasting  and  praver  ; 

manner  of  speaking  especially  in  use  among  the  !■' astern  nations,  that  is  whereas  Christ  (and,  so  far  as  we  can  find,  he  alone)  had  a  power  of 

said  to  be  nothing  at  all,  which,  when  compared  with  something  else,  is  working  miracles  whenever  he  pleased.    Nevertheless,  that  the  enemies 

mconsiderably  small.    See  Psal.  xxxix.  5.  Isa.  xl.  17.  1  Cor.  i.  28.  iii.7.  of  the  Messiah  should  hate  him  without  a  cause,  was  expressly  foretold, 

and  compare  John  ix.  41.  (Isa.  liii.  3—9.  Dan.  ix.  Sti.  and  7ech.  xii.  10.)  not  to  mention  theargu- 

h  liuteth  my  h'ather  also.]    How  much  is  it  to  be  wished  that  those  ment  arising  from  compaiing  all  the  places  in  which  his  innocence  and 

who  make  light  of  Christ,  while  they  pretend  a  great  veneration  for  the  holiness  are  described,  with  those  which  refer  to  his  sufferings.    .So 


CHRIST'S  DISCOURSE  WITH  IIIS  APOSTLES  AFTER  THE  EUCHARIST.  300 

(ime  cometh,  that  whosoe%'er  yea,  that  is  not  all,  for  the  hour  is  shortly  coming,  that  ivhosoever  killetk  t/ou,^  shall  think   SECT, 
kiij^thyou  will  think  that  lie  iff^f  /,g  offers  {ttn  acceptable]  service  to  God:^  to  so  mad  a  rage  shall  tliei'r  zeal  arise,  and    177. 

"I  And  thesT^'hiiigs  will  SO  thick  IS  the  darkness  with  which  their  minds  are  veiled.     And  all  these  cruel  things  they 

they  do  unto  you,  because  ^m  J,  j^^^g  yQ^,  jjecause  thcii  httve  Tiot  known  either  the  Father  or  me  ;  which  if  thev  had    John 

they    have    not    known    the    ,  ._/„'...  -^         j  u   ■    u  ■»        .1  1  >-  •  "    <-«i>-j  ""^ 

1-athernor  me.  done,  instead  of  injuring  me,  and  exercising  such  inhumanities  towards  you  my  apostles,    ■^^^• 

4  But  these  things  have  I  they  would  have  received  us  with  tlie  greatest  pleasure  and  thankfulness.     But  I  have  4 
told  you,  that  when  the  time  spoken  these  thinss  plainly  to  you,  and  forewarned  you  of  them,  that  tvhen  the  season  conies 

shall  come,  ye  may  remem-  X       ,  •   ,    ,,  I'^n    i  .'      '  ,        ji     l   t  ^   i  i  r  4.1  j 

ber  that  1  told  you  of  them,  in  which  they  shall  happen,  you  may  remember  that  1  told  you  of  them,  and  so  may  turn 
And  these  things  1  said  not  ^y\-^^i  has  SO  discouraging  an"^aspect  into  a  further  confirmation  of  your  faith.     And  I  did 

unto   you  at  the   beguiuiug,         ,    .     ,       ,  ,,         '^■•^        ,      '         /•  ji      i       ■       ■  c  •   i         i  r         -^    '^"• 

because  1  was  with  you.        not  indeed  Say  these  things  to  you  fron*  the  beginning  ot  my  ministry,  because  I  xuas  then 
with  you,  and  could  easily  suggest'  proper  instructions  and  consolations  as  new  circum- 

5  But  now  I  go  my  way  to  Stances  of  difficulty  arose  :    But  noio  I  speak  them,  because  I  «?w  departing  from  you  for  5 
him  that  sent  me:  and  none  of  ^  while,  and  am  soiu"  awciii  to  him  that  seat  me  into  the  world:  and  yet  none  of  you 

vou  asketh  me,  W hither goest  '  .   ,    *    j  ^       >    -^  i  •  i    ^  i       ^i  ■  ■   •  i        .    :J 

thou?  asketh  me,  Whither  dost  thou  go?  nor  is  concerned  to  make  those  inquiries  about  that 

better  world  where  we  are  to  dwell  together,  which  surely  might  well  become  you  in  such 

6  But  because  I  have  said  a  circumstance.     But  because  I  have  spoken  these  things  unto  you,  and  talked  of  leaving  6 
hattffiUed" your°heart  ^°"°**'  Y^*^  ^o^"  '^  time,  your  natural  affections  have  been  greatly  moved,  and  sorrow  has  filled  and 

pierced  your  very  hearts,  so  that  you  seem  almost  stupified  with  it. 

7  Nevertheless  I  tell  you      But  1  tell  you  the  exact  truth  of  the  case,  when  I  say  that  it  is  on  the  whole  advan-  7 
yoV'that 'i  go  awar'^tb^'if"!  tcgeous  to  you,  as  Well  as  proper  for  me,  that  I  should  go  away,  considering  the  agree- 
go  not  away,  the  "Comforter  ment  made  between  the  Father  and  me  in  the  council  of  peace  between  us  ;  for  if  1  do 
I'f'i'  depart  wd?  Smm  "^^  g^  away,  and  appear  in  heaven  under  the  character  of  the  great  High  Priest,  the  Coni- 
unto  you.  '  forter  will  not  come  to  you,  since  the  gift  of  the  Spirit  is  the  fruit  of  my  jnirchase,  and  is 

appointed  to  be  consequent  upon  my  being  glorified  ;  (John  vii.  39.  sect,  ci.)  but  ivheu  I 

8  And  when  he  is  come,  he  ^0  from  hence,  I  will  not  fail  to  Send  him  to  yon.    And  ivhen  he  comes,  he  will  abundantly  8 
will  reprove  the  world  of  sin,  djsnlav  the  cfficacv  of  his  grace,  not  only  in  the  comforts  he  will  give  you  under  all  your 

and  ot  righteousness,  and  ot       "I,  "J    -^  ■>-  ^  ^     j  i     S  >  Ji        i  •    i    i,  n  i  i  j. 

judgment :  troubles,  but  m  the  wonderful  success  with  which  he  will  enable  you  to  carry  on  my  cause  ; 

and  will  effectually  convince  the  ivorld,  by  your  ministry,"^  of  sin,  and  of  righteousness,  and 

9  or  sin,  because  they  be-  of  judgment.     He  wiU  convince  the  world  of  that  aggravated  sin  which  they  are  guilty  of  9 
lieve  not  on  me ;  bc'causc  they  do  not  believe  in  me ;  to  the  truth  of  whose  mission  he  will  bear  an  unanswer- 

10  Of  righteousness,  because  able  testimony  by  his  enlightening  influences  and  miraculous  operations:    He  will  con-  10 
I  go  to  my  Father,  and  ye  yince  them  of  my  righteousness  and  innocence,  because  it  will  evidently  appear  that  I  go 
see  me  no  more .  ^^  ^^^^^  Father,  and  am  accepted  of  him,  when  I  send  the  Spirit  from  him  in  so  glorious  a 

manner;  (compare  Acts  ii.  33.  and  Rom.  i.  4.)  and  that  my  righteousness  may  therefore 
be  relied  on  for  the  justification  and  acceptance  of  my  peo()le,  since  you  see  me  no  more 
appearing  among  you  in  the  form  of  a  servant,  but  are  assured  that,  having  finished  what 

11  Of  judgment,  because  I  was  to  do  On  earth,  I  am  taken  up  to  heaven,  and  received  into  glory :  And  he  will  con-  11 
judged!"*^^  °'  ''"^  ^°'^'''  '^  vince  them  of  ray  being  invested  with  the  power  oi  nx&cnimg  judgment,  because  the  prince 

of  this  world,  the  great  head  of  the  apostasy,  is  now  as  it  we're  already  judged  and  con- 
demned, and  shall  then  be  triumphed  over  in  a  very  remarkable  manner,  when  his  oracles 
are  silenced,  and  he  is  cast  out  from  many  persons,  and  countries  too,  which  he  before 
possessed.  (Compare  John  xii.  31.  sect,  cxlviii.)  And  Satan  being  thus  divested  of  his 
power,  my  gospel  shall  be  propagated  through  the  world,  and  a  full  proof  at  length  be 
given  of  my  sovereign  authority,  In  iny  coming  to  execute  judgment  upon  all  ungodly 
sinners. 

12  I  have  yet  many  things      I  have  yet  many  Other  things  to  say  to  you  with  relation  to  matters  of  considerable  mo-  12 
not^bear then^now''"'  ^* ''''"'  ^n^"*  i"  the  Settlement  of  my  church  :  but  I  wave  them  at  present,  because  I  know  that 

13  Howbeit  when  he,  the  .VO"  cire  not  able  to  bear  \them\  now,  and  are  not  yet  prepared  to  receive  them.d  But  when  13 
Spirit  9f  truth,  is  come,  he  he,  \even^  the  Spirit  of  truth,  is  come,  according  to  the  promise  1  have  given  you,  he,  as  a 
for  hfTha1l^no\ 'speak  o't'him-  faithful  Ciuidc,  will  I'ead  you  into  all  necessary  truth  :  for  he  will  not  exceed  his  commis- 
seif;  but  whatsoever  he  shall  gion,  and,  like  a  carclcssor  unfaithful  messenger,  speali  merely  oi  himself ;  but,  like  a  wise 
he* will" shew  you''things'"to  and  good  ambassador,  whatsoever  he  shall  hear  and  receive  in  charge,  \that'\  will  he  speak; 
come-  aiid  he  will  show  you  things  to  come,  as  far  as  may  be  necessary  to  prepare  and  qualify  you 

for  the  gi-eat  work  you  sh'all  be  called  to  ;  and  will  acquaint  you  with  future  events,  the 
prediction  of  which,  as  delivered  by  you,  may  be  a  lasting  testimony  to  the  truth  of  my 

14  He   shall  glorify  me:  gospel.     And  he  shall  indeed  glorify  me  in  the  most  signal  manner ;  for  he  will  take  of^'^ 
for  he  shall  receive  oi  mine,  mine,  OX  of  those  doctrines  which  relate  to  me,  and  those  benefits  which  I  procure  and 

is^Aii  thi^ny^hrtlirFa-  bestow,  and  will  reveal  and  show  [it]  to  you  in  the  most  clear  and  attractive  light.    And  15 
ther  hath  are  mine :  therefore  indeed  all  things  whatsoever  the  Father  hath  are  mine ;  and  therefore,  to  express  the  vvhole 
minckud^VaU^shew'/Vunto  System  of  evangelical  truth,  I  said  unto  you,  that  he  will  take  of  mine,  and  will  show  \it]  to 
you-  you ;  since  whatsoever  he  reveals  to  you  in  the  name  of  God,  may  be  called  mine,  as  all 

truth  proceeds  from  me,  and  all  real  goodness  is  my  cause  and  interest  in  the  world. 

that  I  apprehend  the  turn  given  in  the  paraphrase  sufficiently  justi-  it  to  a  crime  not  capable  of  conviction  before  any  human  judges ;  even 

fied.  the  want  of  a  sincere  love  to  Christ,  though  under  a  christian  profession. 

a  Whosoever  killeth  yov.']  As  the  lower  kinds  of  excommunication  See  1  Cor.  xvi.  22. 
among  the  Jews  were  attended  only  with  separation  from  synagogue  b  Shall  think  that  he  offers  [an  acceptahle']  service  to  God.'j  The 
worship,  and  from  familiar  converse,  (Luke  vi.  C2.)  or,  in  cases  of  words  Xaxpcmi'  7tpoa-<pe(>eiv  tui  Ocio  might  (as  Abp.  Leighton  ob- 
greater  guilt,  with  confiscation  of  goods  and  forfeiture  of  all  their  sub-  serves)  be  rendered,  offers  an  oA/aii'on  or  sacrifice  to  God.  ..This  inti- 
stance,  (iizra  x.  8.)  the  highest  kind  of  it  was  a  capital  sentence,  (Lev.  mates,  as  that  excellent  man  glosses  on  the  text,  (Serm.  xvii.  p.  ."iOC.) 
xxvii.  29.)  the  execution  of  which,  when  regularly  pronounced,  was  that  "  the  servants  of  Christ  should  be  considered  not  only  as  sheep  for 
indeed  an  act  of  duty  and  obedience  to  God,  while  they  had  the  power  the  slaughter,  but  as  sheep  for  the  altar  too."  The  rage  ot  persecuting 
of  life  and  death  in  their  hands:  but  after  it  was  wrested  from  them,  enemies,  and,  beyond  all  comparison,  the  murders  committed  by  papal 
some  might  perhaps  think  it  an  act  of  very  acceptable  piety  and  zeal,  to  cruelty  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  in  their  hecatombs  of  whole  burnt 
attempt  such  executions,  though  at  the  hazard  of  their  own  lives  ;  (of  offerings,  (if  I  may  be  allowed  an  expression  which  falls  so  far  short  of 
which  the  forty  conspirators  against  Paul  do  therefore  so  boldly  avow  a  the  dreadful  truth,)  too  justly  illustrate  the  remark.  But  how  God  vvill 
desigii,  even  to  the  high  priest,  as  if  it  were  meritorious  rather  than  resent  the  murder  of  his  children  upon  his  altar,  the  day  when  he  makes 
criminal,  Acts  xxiii.  14,  15.)  and  to  such  sort  of  facts  these  words  of  inquisition  for  blood  will  declare.  .  . 
our  Lord  may  peculiai  ly  relate. — Permit  me  to  digress  so  far  as  to  add,  c  He  mill  convince  the  world.']  So  the  word  eXe^fei  properly  signities. 
that  1  apprehend,  in  other  cases,  after  they  were  thus  disarmed  of  the  Compare  .lohnviii.  9,  46.  1  Cor.  xiv.  24.  Tit.  i.  9.  and  .lam.  ii.  'J;_.,f'"' 
powerof  life  and  death,  they  had  (as  I  may  elsewhere  prove)  a  depend-  the  illustration  ot  this  and  the  following  verses,  see  Archbishop  iillot- 
ence  upon  the  interposition  of  Providence  to  add  that  efficacy  to  their  son's  Works,  vol.  iii.  p.  287 — 289.  .  .  *„,„hirti 
censures,  which  their  power,  infringed  as  it  was,  could  not  give  :  in  d  But  you  are  not  able  to  bear  them  now.']  Those  other  things  to  wnicn 
reference  to  which,  this  highest  sentence  of  excommunication  was  in  tlie  our  Lord  refers,  might  probably  relate  to  the  abrogation  ottne  cere- 
decline  of  their  state  called.  Anathema  Maran-atha,  or  a  sentence  which  monial  law,  to  the  doctrine  of  justification  by  taith,  the  ™^''J'"f  ,,■"', 
the  Lord  would  remarkably  come  to  execute,  though  they  themselves  .lews,  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles,  and  the  like ;  which  niignt  nave  „neu 
,  could  not  carry  it  into  effect.  St.  Paul  therefore,  with  a  peculiar  beauty  some  oti'ence  to  the  disciples,  till  their  remaining  preiuMices  were  le- 
and  propriety,  (but  never,  so  far  as  I  can  find,  fully  explained,)  applies  moved.    However,  the  prudence  of  Christ  m  this  respect  is  an  cxceueiu 


310  CHRIST'S  DISCOURSE  WITH  HIS  APOSTLES  AFTER  THE  EUCHARIST. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

SECT.      How  great  is  the  ignorance  and  folly  of  them  that  persecute  their  brethren  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  kill  his 
177.    dear  children  under  the  pretence  of  offering  him  an  acceptable  sacrifice  !    Thus  were  the  apostles  treated  by  those 

that  knew  not  the  God  for  whom  they  professed  all  this  burning  zeal.     Let  us  bless  God  that  we  are  providentially 

JOHN   sheltered  from  those  effects  of  it  which  might  otherwise  bear  so  hard  upon  us ;  and  let  us  diligently  watch  over  our 
^^^-    hearts,  that  no  irregular  affections  may  work  there,  and  no  uncharitable  sentiments  be  harboured.     ^VIlen,  like  the 
5,  6  apostles,  our  hearts  are  filled  with  sorrow,  let  us  be  cautious  that  they  may  not  be  stupified  by  it,  so  that  any  call 
of  duty  should  pass  unheard,  or  any  opportunity  of  religious  advancement  unimproved ;  and  let  us  not  be  indo- 
lent in  our  inquiries  into  the  meaning  of  those  dispensations  which  we  do  not  understand  ;  but  seriously  consider 

7  whether  we  are  not  sorrowful  for  that  which  is  indeed  designed  for  our  advantage,  and  in  the  issue  will  be  matter 
of  rejoicing  to  us. 

V\  e  hear  to  what  purposes  the  Comforter  was  sent.  His  coming  was  designed  in  a  peculiar  manner  for  the 
advantage  of  the  apostles,  and  was  of  greater  service  to  them  than  the  continuance  of  Christ's  presence  with  them 
in  the  body  would  have  been,  not  only  to  support  and  comfort  them  under  all  their  trials,  but  to  acquaint  them 
with  all  necessary  truth,  and  fully  to  instruct  them  in  the  mysteries  of  godliness.     And  he  came  also  for  the  con- 

8  viction  of  an  apostate  world  :  for  the  important  errand  he  was  sent  upon  was  to  awaken  men's  minds,  and  to  con- 

9  vince  them  of  their  own  guilt,  and  of  Christ's  righteousness,  and  of  that  awful  judgment  which  should  be  executed 
10,  11  on  the  most  inveterate  of  his  enemies.    Let  us  often  think  of  the  force  of  the  Spirit's  testimony  to  the  truth  of 

Christianity,  and  endeavour  to  understand  it  in  all  its  extent.    Let  us  bless  God  that  the  gospel  and  the  character 

of  his  Son  were  thus  vindicated ;  and  rejoice  in  the  views  of  that  complete  conquest  to  which  Satan  is  already  ad- 

13  judged.    In  the  mean  time,  let  us  earnestly  pray  that  the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit  may  be  communicated  to 

14, 15  us  in  such  a  manner  that  Christ  may  be  glorified  in  us,  and  we  in  him  ;  and  that  tlie  things  of  Christ  may  be  taken 

and  shown  to  us  by  that  Spirit ;  for  it  can  only  be  done  by  means  of  his  influence  and  operations. 


SECTION  CLXXVIII. 


Our  Lord  concludes  his  discourse  with  assuring  his  disciples  that  his  separation  from  them  would  not  be  final,  but  that  he  would  still  act  iu  their 
favour  as  their  Guardian,  and  make  them  finally  victorious.    John  .\vi.  16,  to  the  end. 

John  xvi.  16.  John  xvi.  i6. 

SECT.   OUR  Lord  continued  and  concluded  this  excellent  discourse  to  his  apostles,  in  words  to  a  little  while,  and  ye 
178.     the  following  purpose :  It  is  yet  but  a  little  ivhile  and  you  shall  riot  see  me  any  more  con-  | ittti "wh^1e,"and  yeshaiTsee 

versing  with  you  upon  eartli,  as  1  have  hitherto  done  :  and  yet  again,  for  your  encourage-  me^  because  l  go  to  the  Fa- 

JOHN    ment  and  comfort,  I  assure  you  that  it  is  but  a  little  while  longer,  and  you  shall  see  me 
"^^I'fi  ^g^in  o"  terms  of  much  gi-eater  advantage,  because  I  go  to  the  Father :  plainly  intimating 
°  thereby,  that  he  would  be  so  mindful  of  their  interest  with  the  Father,  as  ere  long  to  bring 
them  to  an  eternal  abode  with  him.* 

17  But  their  thoughts  were  so  taken  up  about  other  things,  and  they  had  still  such  expecta-  i7.  Then  said  snme  of  his 
tions  of  his  establishing  an  earthly  kmgdom,  that  notwithstanding  what  he  now  had  said  whit  fs  ti'ii°"ti.at  i",^' saUh 
was  far  from  being  obscure,  they  did  not  at  first  penetrate  into  the  meaning  of  it :  [some]  ",^'°|,'^^i  ^„t'"|.|  ^^Jji'*:'  ^";! 
of  his  disciples  therefore  said  one  to  another,  What  is  this  that  he  says  to  us?  A  little  while  i|ain',''a  li'tUe  whiie"''and''ye 
and  ye  shall  not  see  me ;  aiul  again,  a  little  while  and  ye  shall  see  me ;  and  why  does  he  add,  |haU  j*^^^|,^|^„fJJ.^;>  because 

18  Because  I  go  to  the  Father  7*^  They  said  therefore  amon^  themselves.  What  is  this  little  is  They  taicT  therefore, 
while  of  which  he  speaks?  we  knmv  not  what  he  says,  and  cannot  apprehend  what  he  means  j^||g*Jf,i'g'?  *{j,g'  caimor'teU 

by  it.  what  he  saith. 

19  Now  Jesus,  as  the  secret  workings  of  their  hearts  were  open  to  his  view,  knew  that  they  ,^i9  ijj^o^^  ""dlsfrourto  *a^k 
were  desirous  to  ask  him  for  some  further  explication  of  what  he  had  been  saying,  and  yet  him,  and  said  unto  them,  Do 
that  they  were  afraid  of  being  upbraided  for  the  slowness  of  their  apprehensions  ;  and  there-  >|  thS"^said?  A^iitt'ie  wh'n? 
fore  kindly  prevented  their  confusion,  and  said  to  them,  Do  you  inquire  of  one  another  con-  and  ye  shall  not  see  me :  anJ 
cerning  this  which  I  said,  A  little  while  and  ye  shall  not  see  me  ;  and  again,  a  little  ivhile  s^^iTsee  me"^  ^'"'*'  ""''  ^^ 
and  ye  shall  see  me  ?    Surely,  if  you  reflect  a  little,  it  cannot  be  very  (iifficult  to  under- 

20  stand  the  meaning  of  that.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  That  ye  shall  shortly  lueep  and  so  Veriiy,  verily,  T  say 
lament  for  a  while  on  account  of  my  being  taken  away  from  you,^  and  in  the  mean  time  ""^  SnV.^'but  the  J'ork'l 
the  world  shall  rejoice  as  if  it  had  prevailed  against  me ;  and  you  shall  he  sorrowful  at  the  shall  rejoice :  and  ye  shall  be 
loss  of  my  presence ;  but  then  you  have  this  to  comfort  you  in  that  interval  of  distress,  Iha"!?  be"u'rned  into^joy"'^'^"'' 

21  thdit  your  sorrow  shall  quickly  be  turned  into  j(n/.  Just  as  a  woman,  when  she  is  in  labour,  .  21  A  Vjoman  when  she  is 
has  great  anxiety  and  sorrow  because  her  hour  of  distress  and  agony  is  come ;  but  when  she  cause  her  hotir'i/comr:'  but 
hcis  brought  forth  a  child,  she  forgets  the  pangs  she  endured,  and  remembereth  [her]  tribula-  as  soon  .a.s  she  jj|^^^[jj''g«;^'^5J 
lion  no  more,  for  joy  that  a  man  is  bom  into  the  world,  and  added  to  her  family  for  its  future  no  more'the^'nguiThTforToy 

22  honour  and  support.  And  so  it  is  that  you  indeed  have  sorrow  now,  in  expectation  of  the  *''**.?  ""*°  '^  '""'"  '"'°  "'^ 
melancholy  scene  which  is  approaching ;  "and  it  will  very  much  increase  your  trouble  to  see  ^''ez  And  ye  now  therefore 
me  m  a  few  hours  more  torn  away  from  you,  with  inhuman  violence,  hung  as  a  malefactor  have  sorrow :  but  I  will  see 
on  the  cross,  and  buried  in  the  grave  :  but  when  your  hopes  are  at  the  lowest  ebb,  I  will 

pattern  for  ministers ;  and  we  had  need  to  pray  earnestly  for  the  in-  me,  &c.  might  intimate,  that  after  he  had  gone  to  the  Father,  and  made 

structions  and  assistances  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  that  we   may  neither  a  short  stay  there,  he  would  come  again,  and  settle  an  earthly  kingdom  ; 

'  torget  nor  abuse  It.  and  they  might  desire  an  explication  in  this  view.    Accordingly,  after 

a  Intimatmg— he  would  bring  them  to  an  eternal   abode.  &c.]    As  having  told  them,  that  though  they  were  sorrowful,  he  would  come  and 

this  sense  is  evidently  much  more  important,  so  it  appears  to  me  more  see  them  again  after  his  resurrection,  (ver.  20,  22.)  and  would  introduce 

natural  and  easy,  than  that  ot  Mons.  Le  Clerc,  who  understands  it-^s  if  them  to  a  state  of  comfortable  converse  with  God  by  prayer,  and  a  joy 

L,hnst  had  said,       1  hough  1  am  quickly  to  disappear  from  you,  and  be  of  which  none  should  deprive  them,  (ver.  23—27.)  he  adds,  (ver.  28.) 

lodged  in  the  grave,  1  shall  soon  come  again,  and  make  vou  another  that  he  was  quickly  leaving  the  world  to  go  and  reside  with  the  Father, 

visit  ot  some  length,  before  I  return  to  heaven  by  my  ascension."    His  from  whom  he  came  ;  thereby  gently  intimating  that  no  temporal  reign 

going  to  the  father  was  no  proof  of  this,  though  it  strongly  proved  his  was  to  be  expected.    And   if  we  suppose   him  thus  to  have  glanced 

ability  to  introduce  them  to  the  heavenly  world.    I  apprehend  that  the  obliquely  at  the  most  secret  sentiments  of  their  hearts,  it  will  account 

Whole  joy  which  Christ  s  resurrection  and  ascension,  as  connected  with  for  that  confession  of  his  omniscience  which  immediately  follows  this 

each  other,  gave  them,  is  referred  to  in  the  following  discourse,  which,  28th  verse  ;  (ver.  29,  30.)  the  reason  of  which  would  not  appear  merely 

therefore,   is  so  paraphrased  as  to  include  all   that  is   pertinent  and  from  his  discovery  that  they  doubted  about   something,  which   their 

""k   /"rV/   '"■     ;  e^Rl'^ation  above.  countenances  and  whispers  might  show. 

D   nhat  IS  tins  that  lie  says,  kc]    There  are  so  many  passages  in  the  c  Ye  shall  weep  and  lament,  Ac]    Whatever  immediate  reference  this 

preceding  parts  of  this  discourse  which  relate  to  Christ's  going  to  his  may  have  to  the  sorrows  of  the  apostles  immediately  on  the  death  of 

t-  .u ''1   I    f""  ^^c'r  ^"'  ^;  ''^'  -^-  ''^''-  10.)  that  It  is  a  stranse  instance  Christ,  before  his  resurrection,  I  question  not  but  it  includes  all  their 

ot  the  dulness  of  the  apostles,  that  they  did  not  understand  him  here,  subsequent  afflictions  in  the  days  of  fasting,  when  the  bridegroom  was 

i-erhaps  it  is  recorded  on  purpose  to  show  what  an  alteration  the  Spirit  taken  away  from  them,  as  it  is  elsewhere  expressed  in  a  parallel  phrase, 

afterwards  made  in  them.— It  is  indeed  difficult  to  imagine  what  could  (Matt.  ix.  15.)  which  must  express  much  more  than  the  abstinence  of  the 

perplex  tfiuni,  unless  it  were  that  they  suspected  the  words,  A  little  one  day  he  lay  in  the  grave,  supposing  (which  is  very  possible)  they  had 

tclule,  ani  ye  shall  not  see  me  ;  aiul  again,  a  little  xohile,  and  ye  shall  see  then  but  little  relish  to  their  food.   See  p.  133,  134. 


CHRIST'S  DISCOURSE  WITH  HIS  APOSTLES  AFTER  THE  EUCHARIST.  311 

you  again,  and  your  heart  quickly  sce you  again  after  ray  resurrection,  and  your  hearts  shall  rejoice :  and  afterwards,  sect. 
siiaii  ■''^J°i^<''.  j^l^^j/.Q^'  ^°y  though  I  am  absent  from  you  in  the  body,  yet  I  will  fill  you  with  such  consolation  by  my    178. 

no  man  a  et    lom  jou.        gpint,  that  no  one  shall,  by  any  means  whatever,  deprive  you  of  your  joy,  which  shall 

sweetly  mingle  itself  even  with  your  heaviest  afflictions.''  john 

23  And  in  that  day  yeshall      And  in  tluit  day,  when  I  have  sent  the  Comforter,  you  shall  not  inquire  any  thingofme,e  c,^^^' 
ask  me  nothing.  Verily,  veri-  nor  be  puzzied  With  irtucli  greater  difficulties  than  those  which  I  have  now  been  explaining ;  ~ 
ever  ye'shan°as*k°'the  Father  but  divine  illuminations  shall  be  poured  in  upon  you  in  the  richest  abundance,  and  with 
in  my  name,  he  will  give  it  it  ^^g  spirit  of  earnest  and  successful  prayer ;  for  verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  and  repeat 
^'°""  the  important  assurance  which  I  before  gave  you,  (chap.  xiv.  13,  14.  and  xv.  16.)  That 

C4  Hitherto  have  ye  asked  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  the  Father  in  my  name,  he  will  give  [«<]  you.  Hitherto  ye  have  not  24 
no'thinginmy^mime:  ask.and  ijgg^  yggj  \q  rggard  me  under  the  character  of  a  Mediator  between  God  and  man,  and 
^jvmay  be^fuir'  '^  ^"""^  therefore  have  asked  nothing  in  my  name ;  but  then,  having  received  a  fuller  revelation  of 
the  doctrine  of  my  intercession,  you  may  come  with  a  cheerful  boldness  to  the  throne  of 
grace,  and  freely  ask  whatever  shall  be  necessary  for  you ;  and  depend  upon  it  you  shall 
receive  such  a  liberal  supply,  that  in  the  midst  of  all  your  temporal  discouragements,  your 
joy  in  God  ?nay  still  be  maintained  in  its  full  height. 

25  These   things   have  1       These  weightv  and  important  things  1  have  often  spoken  to  you  in  the  obscurity  of  25 
spoken  unto  you  inprov^erbs:  parables,  which  tiave  appeared  dark  and  mysterious  to  you;  but  the  hour  or  time  is  coming 

but  the  time  cometh  when  I  r  t'    .,,  ,  '^'^      ^  ■  ii  j     i  ■  i    ^   T        11  4  II  it 

shall  no  more  speak  unto  you  wheu  I  Will  spcuk  uo  more  to  you  in  parables  or  dark  sayings,  but  1  will  tell  you  what  re- 
in iHoverbs,  but  I  shall  shew  ^^^^,5  ^j,  ^|^^,  patlwr  with  all  openness  and  plainness  of  speech.     In  that  day  you  shall  ask  in  26 

you  plauily  of  the  lather.        ">*"■'  ""  "''^  -^       >^  I  r.  ^      .i       i^.   .1  -.i  1  1    j 

26  At  that  day  ye  shall  ask  my  name,  and  shall  present  your  supplications  to  the  father  with  an  express  acknowledg- 
in  my  name :  and  I  say  not  xa&ni  of  vour  dependence  uDon  me  for  the  success  of  your  petitions  ;  and  I  do  not  merely 

unto  you  that  t  will  pray  tne  J      ,        -f      .1,        ,       f      n     ,  .  i      i       i       -.i    1  •        r      ^i  . 

lather  for  you ;  Say  to  you  that  I  Will  ask  the  Father  on  your  account,  and  plead  v/ith  him  for  the  accept- 

ance of  your  prayers,  though  you  may  assure  yourselves  that  I  shall  always  be  ready  to  do 

27  For  the  Father  himself  it;  But  I  represent  it  not  to  you  in  such  a  view  as  if  every  favour  were  obtained,  and  as  27 
loved' nye'',"and"h'a"^  believed  it  Were  extorted,  merely  by  my  importunity,  from  one  who  has  himself  no  regard  for  your 
that  I  came  out  from  God.     happiness  ;  for,  on  the  contrary,  I  assure  you  that  the  Father  himself  most  tenderly  loves 

you,  and  therefore  will  be  ready  to  grant  your  requests,  and  to  watcli  over  you  with  pater- 
nal affection  and  care,  because  you  have  loved  me,  and  have  believed  that  1  came  out  from 
God,  as  the  messenger  of  his  grace  to  men ;  and  have  accordingly  relied  upon  me  with 

28  I  came  forth  from  the  such  stedfastness,  that  you  have  ventured  your  all  upon  that  belief.    And  you  have  28 
?it'worid"'a4.hi  i°i?ave'"he  therein  acted  a  very  prudent  and  happy  part;  for  I  indeed  came  out  from  the  Father,  and 
world,  and  go  to  tlie  Father,    am  come  into  the  world  to  scatter  a  divine  light  upon  it,  and  to  conduct  men  into  the  jiaths 

of  life  and  peace :  and  now  again,  having  despatched  my  errand,  I  am  leaving  the  world, 
and  am  going  back  to  the  Father,  where  I  shall  keep  my  stated  abode,  and  whither  I  will 
shortly  concluct  you  to  a  more  glorious  kingdom  than  you  ever  expected  here.  This  is  the 
sum  of  what  I  have  been  telling  you,  and  was  particularly  my  meaning  in  what  I  said 
before,  (ver.  16.)  "  Yet  a  little  while  and  ye  shall  see  me  again,  because  I  go  to  the 
Father." 

29  iiis  disciples  said  unto      And  his  discipks,  struck  with  the  correspondence  of  what  he  said  to  what  was  secretly  29 
plainly °andTpeakes't*nop°o"  passing  in  their  own  minds,  said  to  him.  Lord,  behold,  now  thou  speakest  very  plainly  to  us, 
verb.    '  and  uscst  no  parable  or  obscure  form  of  expression ;  so  that  we  clearly  understand  thy 

30  Now  are  we  sure  that  meaning,  and  rejoice  in  it.     And  now  we  know  by  this  further  token,  even  thy  discerning  30 
n!:edest"°nof  filat^^'an^'man  '^^^  inmost  doubts  on  this  head,  that  thou  knowest  all  things,  and  hast  no  need  that  any  one 
.should  ask  thee :  by  this  we  should  ask  thee  any  particular  questions,  to  inform  thee  of  those  scruples  wliich  thou  seest 
fronrood?'  ""^"  tamest  forth  ^hg^  ft^st  rising  in  the  mind  :  on  this  account  therefore  we  firmly  believe  that  thou  earnest 

out  from  God. 

31  Jesus  answered   them,      Jesus  answered  them,  Do  you  now  at  length  believe  ?  and  do  you  apprehend  your  faith  to  31 
Do  ye  now  believe .'  ^^g  ^^  ^^^^  ^l^^^^  nothing  shall  be  able  any  more  to  shake  it?    Let  me  advise  you  not 

to  be  too  confident ;  for  I  assure  you,  that  in  a  very  little  time  you  will  be  found  to  act 
as  if  you  had  not  any  faith  in  me :  pray,  therefore,  that  God  would  fortify  you  against 

32  Behold,  the  hour  cometh,  thosc  trials  of  which  1  have  warned  you  once  and  again.     For  behold,  the  hour  is  coming,  32 
shai'l  be  s"cattereTiTeve"y  man  J/f«i  is  SO  near  at  hand  that  I  may  even  say  it  is  noio  come,  that  you  shall  all  be  scattered 

to  his  own,  and  shall  leave  and  dispersed,  and  every  one  of  you  return  to  your  own  habitations  and  employments,  or 
alon*e,'"ifecause  the  Fatherb  Otherwise  shift  for  yourselves  as  "well  as  you  can  ;  and  to  consult  your  own  security,  you 
*"h  me.  shall  flee  away  and  leave  me  alone ;  but  yet  I  am  not,  properly  speaking,  alone,  for  the 

Father  is  with  me,  and  he  will  comfort  and  support  me  in  the  absence  of  all  human 

friends. 

33  These    things   I  ha\e       These  things  have  I  spoken  thus  largely  to  yon,  that  whatever  difficulties  may  arise  in  33 
spoken  unto  you,  that  in  me  ijfg  having  been  thus  wamcd,  and  furnished^  with  such  consolations  as  these,  you  might 

ye  might  have  peace.    In  the   ,      '    ,        .  f^  ,  •,        c         -,  ,       ^i  •  c  r  -^u    •  T     ii  u 

world  ye  shall  have  tribula-  have  lasting  peace  and  serenity  of  soul  by  the  exercise  oi  your  faith  in  me.     In  the  world 
have'overcome^the "world*"^'  ^  i"deed  you  shall  have  and  must  expect  affliction ;  but  be  courageous  and  cheerful  in  your 
combat,  for  I  have  myself  overcome  the  tijorld ;  and,  being  possessed  of  a  power  infinitely 
superior  to  it,  I  will  make  you  partakers  in  my  victory  over  all  its  terrors  and  its  snares. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

We  are,  perhaps,  often  regretting  the  absence  of  Christ,  and  looking  back  with  emulation  on  the  happier  lot  of  Ver.  16 
those  who  conversed  with  him  on  earth  in  the  days  of  his  flesh :  but  if  we  are  true  believers  in  an  unseen  Jesus,  it 
is  but  a  little  while  and  we  shall  also  see  him  ;  for  he  is  gone  to  the  Father,  and  will  so  successfully  negociate  our 
affairs  there,  that  whatever  our  present  difficulties  and  sorrows  are,  they  shall  end  more  happily  than  those  of  a 
woman  who,  after  all  the  pangs  and  throes  of  her  labour,  through  the  merciful  interposition  of  divine  Providence,  2 1 
is  made  the  joyful  mother  of  a  living  child. 

In  the  mean  time,  we  have  surely  no  reason  to  envy  the  world  its  joys  and  triumphs :  alas,  its  season  of  weep-  20 

d  Ho  one  shall  deprive  ymt  of  your  ioy.'\    As  this  promise  will  be  for  reqmst.    See  Dr.  Calamy,  On  the  Tririity,  p.  154.   .y^' ^  ,'^')"'^^,*„ 

ever  accomplished  to  all  Christ's  faithful  servants,  so  it  is  observable  former  is  sometimes  used  almost  in  the  same  sense  with  '"^.  Z'"  ■*,  '  ^i,h 

how  tJie  apostle  Paul,  in  his  more  abundant  afflictions,  attests  his  expe-  Matt.  xvi.  1.)  and  the  word  seems  to  have  the  same  ambifiuity  wiin 

nenrc  ot  lU  truth,  when  he  says.  As  sorroieful,  yet  always  rejoicing,  demand  m  English.— The  argumentsome  have  draw  itrom  nence  against 

r2  Cor.  VI.  10.)  and  mentions  his  share  in  the  joy  of  christians  as  a  most  praying  to  Christ,  on  the  preceding  criticism,  has  noaPPfXr.rilH  tnJ 

important  and  sacred  oath.    (1  Cor.  xv.  31.)  weightl  and  did  eoMraw  signify  to  pray,  would  prove  (it  it  Pjmea  any 

e  You  shall  not  i?iguire  any  thinq  of  me.]    We  render  it  asi  ;  but  I  thing)  that  Paul  lived,  and  Stephen  died,  m  a  very  unwarraniame,  ami 

thought  it  proper  to  make  some  distinction  between  fpwTao),  which  pro-  perhaps  an  idolatrous,  practice. 
pcrly  sigmfies,  to  make  an  inquiry,  and  aiTeui,  which  is,  to  present  a 


312  CHRIST  OFFERS  A  PRAYER  TO  GOD  FOR  HIMSELF  AND  HIS  APOSTLES. 

SECT,  ing  will  quickly  come !  But  our  lamentations  are  soon  to  be  turned  into  songs  of  praise,  and  our  hearts  to  be  filled 
178.    with  that  solid,  sacred,  and  peculiar  joy,  which,  being  the  gift  of  Christ,  can  never  be  taken  away. 

Wiiile  we  are  in  this  state  of  distance  and  darkness,  let  us  rejoice  that  we  have  access  to  the  throne  of  grace 
JOHN  through  the  prevailing  name  of  Christ.     Let  us  come  thither  with  holy  courage  and  confidence,  and  ask  that  we 
^^^-    may  receive,  and  so  our  joy  may  be  full.     With  what  pleasure  may  we  daily  renew  our  visits  to  that  throne  before 
26,  27  which  Jesus  stands  as  an  intercessor ;  to  that  throne  which  is  possessed  by  the  Father,  who  himself  loveth  us,  and 
answers  with  readiness  and  delight  those  petitions  which  are  thus  recommended !    May  our  faith  in  Christ,  and 
our  love  to  him,  be  still  on  the  increasing  hand  :  and  our  supplications  will  be  more  and  more  acceptable  to  him 
whose  loving-kindness  is  better  than  life!  (Psal.  Ixiii.  3.) 
33      Surely  we  shall  be  frequently  reviewing  these  gracious  discourses  which  Christ  has  bequeathed  us  as  an  invalu- 
able legacy.     May  they  dwell  with  us  in  all  our  solitude,  and  comfort  us  in  every  distress!    We  shall  have  no 

32  reason  to  wonder  if  human  friendship  be  sometimes  false,  and  always  precarious;  the  disciples  of  Christ  were 
scattered  in  the  day  of  his  extremity,  and  left  him  alone,  when  they  were  under  the  highest  obligations  to  have 
adhered  to  him  with  the  most  inviolable  fidelity.  IVIay  we  but  be  able  like  him  to  say,  that  our  Father  is  with 
us ;  and  that  delightful  converse  with  God  which  we  may  enjoy  in  our  most  solitary  moments,  will  be  a  thousand 

33  times  more  than  an  equivalent  for  whatsoever  we  lose  in  the  creatures.  In  the  world  we  must  indeed  liave  tribu- 
lation ;  and  he  that  has  appointed  it  for  us  knows  that  it  is  fit  we  should ;  but  since  Jesus,  the  Captain  of  our 
salvation,  who  was  made  perfect  through  sufferings,  has  overcome  the  world,  and  disarmed  it,  let  us  seek  that 
peace  which  he  has  established,  and  press  on  with  "a  cheerful  assurance  that  the  least  of  his-  followers  shall  share 
m  the  honours  and  benefits  of  his  victory. 


SECTION  CLXXIX. 


Clu'ist  offers  up  a  solemn  prayer  to  the  Father,  that  he  himself  might  be  glorified,  and  that  those  who  were  given  him  might  be  kept  through  his 

name.    John  xvii.  1 — 12. 

John  xvii.  1.  John  xvii.  i. 

SECT.  OUR  Lord  Jesus  spake  these  ivords  which  are  recorded  in  the  preceding  chapters,  and  then  thf.sf  words  spake  Jesus, 
179.  lifted  up  his  eyes  to  heaven,  and  poured  out  a  most  affectionate  and  imp'ortant  prayer  to  his  ?en,andsaid^FatheMhehour 
Father-  an  excellent  model  of  his  intercession  in  heaven,  and  a  most  comfortable  and  is  come:  glorify  thy  Son,  that 
i-,-  •    '  .    .__     _(•!.;„    . u„.u    . ,i„   n^A   ^^A    W,c   ■^o^,,!^        A.irl    ♦l>ot  it  thy  Son  may  also  glority  thee: 

enter  on  my  sufferings,  and  to  complete  the  work  for  which  I  came  into  the  world  ;  and 
therefore  I  pray  that  thou  wouldst  glorify  me  tin/  Son,  in  those  signal  appearances  for  my 
honour  and  support  in  death,  in  my  recovery  from  the  grave,  and  mine  ascension  into 
heaven,  which  thou  hast  promised  to  me,  and  which  I  know  that  thou  wilt  punctually 
fulfil  ;='  that  thy  Son  also,  in  the  whole  series  of  his  conduct,  both  in  this  world,  and  in 
that  to  which  he  is  now  returning,  inay  successfully  glorify  thee,  and  accomplish  the  pur- 

2  poses  of  thy  saving  love ;  According  'as  thou  hast.  By  the  engagements  of  thy  covenant,  2  As  tliou  hast  given  him 
given  him  that  power  over  all  flesh,  that  absolute  dominion  over  all  the  human  race,  which  ^daTive  eternal  iife  to  al 
he  will  ere  lono-  receive  and  exert;  that  he  tnay  give  eternal  life  to  all  that  thou  hast  given  many  as  thou  hast  given  him. 

3  him  by  that  covenant  to  be  redeemed  and  saved.     Aiid  this  is  the  sure  way  to  that  eternal     3  And  this  is  life  eternal, 
///e;b  even  that  they  may  knoiu  thee,  who  art  the  only  living  and  true  God,  in  opposition  oX''t%e"God!"anV''j*esu! 
to  the  idols  they  have  ignorantly  worshipped;  a)id  may  know  also  and  believe  in  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou  hast  sent. 
Christ,  whom  thou  hast  sent  into  the  world  as  the  only  Saviour :  and  to  this  therefore  thou 
wilt  bring  them,  and  wilt  make  use  of  what  I  have  already  done,  and  shall  yet  further  do, 
as  the  means  of  effecting  it. 

4  It  is  with  unutterable  pleasure  that  I  now  reflect  upon  it,  O  my  Father  and  my  God,     4  I  have  glorified  thee  on 
that  I  have  eminently  glorified  thee  on  earth  during  the  whole  of  my  abode  here  ;  tliat  I  ^.'^^rfw'hi-hMlou^gaielt  mito 
have  been  faithful  to  tlie  triist  that  was  reposed  in  me,  in  all  that  I  have  said  and  done  do. 
through  the  course  of  my  ministry  ;  and  greatly  do  I  rejoice  that  I  have  now  gone  so  far 
as  to  be  just  upon  the  point  of  hd^\'in<^  finished,'hy  my  sufferings  and  death,  the  important 

5  work  ivhich  thou  gavest  vie  to  do.  And  now  therefore,  O  my  heavenly  Father,  do  thou  5  And  now,  o  Father,  glo- 
glorify  me  ivith  thine  own  self,  with  the  original  glory  which  I  had  with  thee  before  the  seiVw?tVtTe'^g\oVy  wificTi 
world  was  created,*"  and  which  for  the  salvation  of  thy  people  I  have  for  awhile  laid  aside,  had'with  thee  before  the  world 
that  I  might  clothe  myself  in  this  humble  form.  ^^' 

6  I  have  manifested  thy  name,  and  revealed  the  glory  of  thy  power  and  grace,  to  the  men     6  I  have  manifested   thy 
whom  thou  gavest  me  out  of  the  world :  they  icere  oriofinally  thine,  the  creatures  of  thine  "^^^  gavest  me  mu"  of  the 
hand,  and  the  happy  objects  of  thy  sovereigli  choice  ;''  and  in  consequence  of  thy  gracious  world  :  thine  they  were,  and 
purposes  thou  gavest  than  to  me,  tliat  they  might  be  instructed  and  sanctified,  and  formed  th°y  hav'ifkept  thy  word.*" 
for  the  kingdom  prepared  for  them  from  the  foundation  of  the  world  :  and  such  accordingly 
has  been  the  influence  of  my  doctrine  on  their  hearts,  that  they  have  readily  embraced 

7  it,  and  hitherto  have  resolutely  kept  and  retained  thy  ivord  and  gospel.     And,  notwith-     7  Now  they  have  known 
standing  the  mean  appearance  I  have  made  to  an  eye  of  sense,  their  faith  has  owned  me  f^l\^  "hast'ghtu  me,''arrcrf' 
through  this  dark  cloud  :  and  even  notu,  in  this  my  humble  state,  they  have  perceived  and  thee. 
known  that  all  things  whatsoever  \^\\\c\i  I  have  said  and  done,  and  all  the  credentials  which 
thou  hast  in  fact  given  me,  and  which  so  many  overlook,  are  indeed  of  thee  ;  and  that  I 
am  truly  what  I  profess  myself  to  be,  a  divine  Messenger  to  the  children  of  men,  and 

8  the  Saviour  that  was  promised  to  come  into  the  world.  "This  plainly  appears  to  be  their    8  For  I  have  given  unio 

?L  Glorify  thy  Son.']    All  the  circumstances  of  glorv  attending   the  spread  that  knowledge  which  he  here  calls    eternal  life,   because  the 

sufferings  ot   Christ ;  as,  the  appearance  of  the  angel   to  him  in  the  eternal  happiness  of  men  depends  upon  it. 

garden,  his  striking  down  to  the  ground  those  that  came  to  apprehend  c  The  glory  ichich  I  had  with  thee  before  the  world  was.']    To  suppose, 

him,  his  curing  the  ear  of  Malchus,  his  good  confession  before  Pilate,  with  the  Socinians,  that  this  refers  only  to  that  glory  which  God  intended 

his  extorting  from  that  unjust  judge  a  testimony  of  his  innocence,  the  for  him  in  his  decrees;    or,  with  Mr.  Fleming,  that  it  refers  only,  or 

dream  of  Pilate's  wife,  the  conversion  of  the  penitent  robber,  the  as-  chiefi3',  to  his  being  clothed  with  the  shekinah,  seems  to  sink  and  contract 

tonishing  constellation  of  virtues  and  graces  which  shone  so  tiright  in  the  sense  far  short  of  its  genuine  purpose.    See  Fleming's  Christology, 

Christ's  dying  behaviour,  the  supernatural  darkness,  and  all  the  other  vol.  ii.  p.  247.  and  Whitby,  in  loc. 

prodigies  that  attended  his  death ;  as  well  as  his  resurrection  and  asceu-  d  They  were  originally  thine.]    There   can    surely  be  no  reason   to 

sion,  and  exaltation  at  God's  right  hand,  and  the  mission  of  tlie  IJolv  imagine  from  the  sacred  story,  that  the   apostles  were  chosen  to  their 

.Spirit,  and  the  consequent  success  of  the  gospel,  are  all  to  be  looked  great  oSice  on  account  of  any  extraordinary  degrees  of  piety  and  virtue, 

upon  as  an  answer  to  this  prayer.  previous  to  their  being  called  to  follow  Christ.    So  that  I  can  see  no 

b  'J'his  is  elernnl  life.]    Christ  might  insert  this  clause  (though  neither  natural  sense  of  these  words  but  what  I  have  expressed   in  the  para- 

a  petition,  plea,   nor  any  other  part  of  prayer)  on  purpose  to  remind  phrase.    Compare  John  xv.  16.  p.  307. 
Iiis  apostles  of  the  importance  of   their  oince ;  as  they  were  sent  to 


CHRIST  OFFERS  A  PRAYER  TO  GOD  FOR  HIMSELF  AND  HIS  APOSTLES.  313 

them  the  words  which  thou  firm  persuasion  ;  for  the  words  whkli  thou  gavest  to  me,  I  have  given  to  them,  I  have  re-  SECT. 
rTc^n'ed'^  ke","'^  In7  have  ^'^^'^^  already  mucli  of  my  gospel  to  them,  and  begun  to  deposit  it  in  their  hands  ;  and  in    179. 

known  siirely  t((at  1  came  out  the  midst  of  great  discouragement  and  opposition,  giving  attention  to  the  words  I  «pake  • 

ii"ved'That'''utu  ^JidsT'send  ^^^-'^  ^""'^  received  [them]  with  faith  and  love,  and  made  it  manifest,  by  their  embracing   JOHN 
me.  and  adhering  to  my  doctrine,  that  they  have  known  in  truth  the  divinity  of  my  mission  so   ^^^^• 

as  to  be  fully  satisfied  in  their  own  minds  that  I  came  out  from  thee  with  a  commission  ^ 
to  reveal  thy  will ;  (compare  John  xvi.  27,  30.)  and  while  I  have  been  rejected  by  an 
ungrateful  world,  they  have  regarded  me  as  the  true  Messiah,  and  have  shown  tiiey  have 
0  I. pray  for  them  :  I  pray  believed  that  thou  didst  indeed  soul  me  on  the  great  errand  of  their  salvation.     I  therefore  9 
tiiem^whidr  tho'u'h'ast'"<^ivei'^  pray  for  them  who  have  attended  me  as  my  apostles,  and  for  all  those  who  are,  or  shall  be, 
me;  for  they  are  thine. °        brought  to  the  Same  faith  and  the  same  temper,  that  thou  wouldst  support  them  under 
every  trial,  and  wouldst  regard  them  in  a  peculiar  manner  as  the  objects  of  thy  care ;  I 
pray  not  \\vi?,  for  the  unbelieving  world,  but  for  those  whom  thou  hast  graciously  given  me, 
and  I  am  confident  that  my  jirayer  for  them  shall  not  be  in  vain ;  for  thei/  are  not  only 

10  And  all  mine  are  thine,  mine,  but  thine  too,  chosen  by  thy  grace,  and  devoted  to  thy  service.     And  indeed  all  10 
am'  1*'"'"^  d '■^  th '""^ '  ^'^  ^  mine  interests  and  my  people  are  thine,  and  thine  are  also  mine ;  and  while  thy  glory  is 

advanced  by  their  establishment,  I  likewise  am,  and  finally  shall  be,  glorified  in  them  :  so 
near  and  intimate  is  our  relation  to  each  other ;  so  sincere  and  active  thy  paternal  affection 
to  me,  O  my  heavenly  Father,  and  my  filial  duty  to  thee. 

11  And  now  I  am  no  more      A'ld  now  I  am  to  continue  no  longer  in  the  world :  but  these  my  faithful  servants  are  yet  1 1 
in  the  world,  but  these  are  jn  the  world,  and  some  of  them  are  to  remain  a  considerable  time  in  it,  exposed  to  various 
theel**  ^"loiV  ''Father,""keep  hardships  and  dangers  :  whereas  I  (delightful  thought !)  shall  soon  have  done  with  this 
throuch    thine   own    name  wearv  wildcmess,  and  am  coming  to  thee,  who  art  the  centre  of  my  soul,  and  the  supreme 

those  whom  thou   hast  given     ,-"./.  i  j   j^    ■       „      ti    <.       u-i      t  ^    i  c  ^u  '        . 

me.  that  they  may  be  one,  as  object  OT  my  complaceucy  and  desire.''     nut  while  i  am  separated  from  these  my  servants, 

^^  "'■«•  so  dear  to  thee  and  to  me,  vouchsafe,  O  holi/  Father,  to  keep  these  ivhom  thou  hast  thyself 

giveyi  me,  and  let  them  be  preserved  through  thy  name  ;  let  them  be  kept  in  safety  by  thy 

mighty  power,  and  be  established  in  the  faith  by  a  constant  regard  to  thee,  and  a  sense  of 

thy  presence  impressed  on  their  hearts  ;  that  they  may  still  continue  united  to  us,  and  to 

12  While  I  was  with  them  each  other,  in  cordial  affection,  and  may  he  one  even  as  we  [«re]  one.     Do  not,  O  gracious  12 
thy'''name'-'''those'^'tharthou  Father,  forget  these  my  friends,  in  whose  cause  I  have  so  affectionately  engaged  ;  for  thou 
gavest  me  I  have  kept,  and  art  witness,  that  while  I  was  tvith  them  in  the  world,  I  kept  them  in  thy  name,  and  through 
^To(  pe'i-d'ition  °^'that'  till  '•'^^  influences  of  thy  grace ;  [j/ea,]  1  guarded  them  whom  thou  gavest  me  with  a  most  constant 
scripture  might  be'fuifiUed.     care,  and  none  of  them  is  lost,  unless  it  be  counted  as  a  kind  of  exception,  that  the  son  of 

perdition  perishes  by  his  iniquity,f  that  wretched  creature,  who  in  a  lower  sense  was  indeed 
given  to  me,  but  never,  like  the  rest,  was  taken  under  my  special  care,  but  is  left  to  fall 
into  deserved  ruin,?  that  the  scripture  might  be  fulfilled  which  foretold  it  as  the  dreadful 
consequence  of  his  treachery.     (See  Psal.  cix.  8,  et  seq.  compared  with  Acts  i.  20.) 

IMPROVEMENT. 

With  pleasure  let  us  behold  our  gracious  Redeemer  in  this  posture  of  humble  adoration,  lifting  up  his  eyes  to  Ver.  1 
God  with  solemn  devotion,  and  pouring  out  his  pious  and  benevolent  spirit  in  those  divine  breathings  which  are 
here  recorded.  From  his  example,  let  us  learn  to  pray  ;  and  from  his  intercession,  to  hope.  We  know  that  the 
Father  heareth  him  always  ;  (John  xi.  42.)  and  singularly  did  he  manifest  that  he  heard  him  now,  by  all  that  bright 
assemblage  of  glories  which  shone  around  him  in  the  concluding  scenes  of  his  abode  on  earth,  and  in  those  that 
attended  his  removal  from  it :  and  in  all  this  too  did  the  blessed  Jesus  manifest  his  zeal  for  the  glory  of  the  Father. 
May  we  emulate  that  holy  temper !  and  when  we  pray  even  for  our  own  consummate  happiness  in  the  heavenly 
world,  may  we  considci  it  as  ultimately  centring  in  the  honour  and  service  of  God. 

Well  may  we  be  encouraged  to  hope  for  that  happiness,  since  Christ  has  an  universal  power  over  all  flesh,  and  2 
over  spirits  superior  to  those  that  dwell  in  flesh  ;  with  which  he  is  invested  on  purpose  that  he  may  accomplish 
the  salvation  of  those  whom  the  Father  has  given  him,  even  of  every  true  believer.     We  see  the  certain  way  to  3 
this  life,  even  the  knowledge  of  God  in  Christ :  let  us  bless  God  that  we  enjoy  so  many  opportunities  of  obtaining 
it :  and  earnestly  pray  that  he  who  commanded  the  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness,  would  by  his  divine  rays  shine 
forth  on  our  benighted  souls;  and  so  animate  us  in  his  service,  from  the  noblest  principles  of  gratitude  and  love, 
that  we  may  be  able  to  say,  even  in  our  dying  moments,  with  somewhat  of  the  same  spirit  which  our  Lord 
expressed,  Father,  we  have  glorified  thee  on  earth,  and  finished  the  ivork  which  thou  gavest  tis  to  do  ;  and  therefore,  4 
being  no  more  in  the  world,  we  come  unto  thee.     Then  may  we  hope,  in  our  humble  degree,  to  partake  of  that  1 1 
glory  to  which  he  is  returned,  and  to  sit  down  with  him  on  his  victorious  throne. 

In  the  mean  time,  may  our  faith  see  and  our  zeal  confess  Christ !  May  we  acknowledge  his  divine  authority,  as  7,  8 
having  come  out  from  the  Father  !  May  we  be  united  in  love  to  him,  and  to  each  other ;  and  be  kept  by  that 
divine  word  which  is  the  security  of  his  people,  that  none  of  them  shall  be  lost !  Let  the  son  of  perdition,  who  12 
perished  even  from  among  the  apostles,  teach  us  an  humble  jealousy  over  our  own  hearts,  whatever  external  privi- 
leges we  enjoy;  and  engage  us  to  maintain  a  continual  regard  to  him  who  is  able  to  keep  m  from  falling,  and  to 
pixsent  US  faultless  before  the  presence  of  his  glory  with  exceeding  jay  /     (Jude,  ver.  24.) 

e  And  I  am  comirig  to  thee.']    It  is  very  plain  that  this  clause  could  or  trees  ;  and  Kev.  xxi.  27.  that  there  are  some  of  the  most  abominable 

not  be  intended  as  an  additional  argument  to  introduce  the  followins  of  mankind  whose  names  are   written  in  the   book  of  life.     See   also 

petition  ;  for  Christ's  coming  to  the  father  was  the  great  security  of  his  Matt.  v.  1,>.  xii.  4.  1  Cor.  vii.  5.  2  Cor.  xii.  13.    In  all  which  places,  as 

people  :  but  it  seems  rather  to  be  a  short  rettertion  on  that  dear  subject,  well  as  the  preceding,  it  is  plain  that  ei  un  is  not  used  strictly  as  an 

so  familiar  to  his  mind,  with  which  he  for  a  moment  refreshed  himself  exceptive  particle ;  and  that  if  it  has  any  thing  like  that  force,  it  is  only 

in  the  course  of  this  humble  and   pathetic  address.    This  1  have  en-  to  intimate  that  what  it  introduces  may,  in  a  less  proper  sense,  be 

deavoured  to  represent  in  the  paraphrase.  reduced  to  the  number  of  things  mentioned  before  it.    And  this  1  take  to 

f.  Unless  it  he  the  scm  of  perdition.}    I  am  surprised  that  so  many  very  be  its  precise  sense  in  this  text ;  for  which  reason  I  render  it  [unless  it 

learned  divines,  and  amongst  the  rest,  even   Bishop   Burnet  himself,  he,}  though  in  some  of  the  former  instances  it  has  not  so  much  significa- 

(wliom   I  cannot   mention  but  with   the   greatest   honour,)   should   so  tion  as  that,  but  is  used  with  as  great  a  liberty  as  [except}  by  Wilton, 

roundly  infer  from  these  words,  that  the  giving  to  Christ,  in  the  pre-  when  he  says  of  Satan, 

ceding  clauses,  cannot  imply  an  election  to  glory,  since  it  is  here  inti- q^  ^j,j  |,jg  gp,j  g^^gpt 

mated  that  Judas,  who  perished,  was   given  as  well  as  the  rest.    (See  Created  thing  nought  valued  he  nor  sh'unn'd. 

Burnet,  On  the  Articles,  p.   160.)     The  objection  to  a  mere    English  ^         ^                                                      t.           j 

reader  might  appear  unanswerable  :  but  those  so  conversant  in  the  origi-  Thus  likewise  eav  un  is  used,  Gal.  ii.  15.  John  v.  ]0.  xv.  4. —  J  he  "■"™s 

nal  might  easily  have  observed,  that  if  this  text  will  prove  that  Judas  before  us  might  indeed  refer  to  the  apostles,  (compare  John  xvui.  8,  y. 

was  in  the  number  of  those  given  to  Christ,  in  the  same  manner,  I.uke  1 18:^.)  but  I  do  not  see  any  necessity  of  confining  them  to  Christ  s  care 

iv.  26,  27.  will  prove,  directly  contrary  to  plain   fact  and  the  whole  for  their  preservation,  for  the  reason  given  above.          .  .       .     . 

tenor  of  the  argument,  that  the  woman  of  Sarepta  was  a  widow  in  1  srael,  g  Is  left  to  fall  into  deserved  ruin.]    The  son  of  perdition  5'?n.ines  one 

and  ISaaman  the  Syrian  a  leper  in   Israel  too  :  John  iii.  I'i.  that  Christ  who  deservedly  perishes  ;  as  a  .rmj  of  death,  (2  Sam.  xu.  5.)  children  oj 

ascended  into  heaven  before  he  began  his  ministry:  Rev.  ix.  4.  that  the  /(<;«,  (Matt,  xxiii.  15.)  and  children  of  arath,  (Eph.  \i.  3.)  signify  persona 

men  who  had  not  the  seal  of  Ciod  in  their  foreheads,  were  either  grass  justly  obnoxious  to  death,  hell,  and  urath. 


314  CHRIST  RECOMMENDS  HIS  DISCIPLES  AND  CHRISTIANS  TO  HIS  FATHER. 

SECTION  CLXXX. 

Our  Lord  concludes  his  prayer,  recommending  his  apostles,  and  succeeding  christians  in  every  future  age,  to  the  favourable  regards  of  his  Father; 
aud  praying  for  their  union  on  earth  and  glory  in  heaven.    John  xvii.  13,  to  the  end. 

John  xvii.  13.  *  john  xvii.  13. 

SECT.  OUR  Lord  proceeded  in  that  excellent  address  to  God  which  he  had  begun  in  the  former  ^^D  now  come  i  to  thee; 
180.    section,  in  such  words  as  these  :  And  nmv,  O  my  heavenly  Father,  I  come  unto  thee  with  fh'e  world,*  thaT  they^^migh" 

■ unutterable  pleasure  ;  and  these  [ivoi'ds~\  of  this  prayer  I  speak  tlius  openly  in  the  hearing  have  my  joy  fulfilled  in  them- 

JOHN   of  my  disciples,  while  I  as  yet  am  with  them  in  the  world,  that  thei/  who  now  hear  me,  ^"^  ^^^" 
^^'^'  and  those  too  for  whose  benetit  it  may  be  afterwards  recorded,  mat/  have  wy  joy,  even  that 
■'"^holy  consolation  of  which  I  am  the  Author  and  Support,  abundantly  fM/^//ed  in  them. 

14  And  it  indeed  becomes  me  to  be  thus  solicitous  for  their  comfort  and 'happiness  ;  for  I  ^i4^l  kave  sjven^them ^ thy 
have  given  them  thy  word,  which  they  have  faithfully  received  :  and  in  consequence  of  this,  Tated'them,  becaule^'they'are 
though  tliey  are  indeed  the  greatest  friends  and  benefactors  of  mankind,  yet  the  world  has  am^otoFthrworld^*"  ^  ^ 
ungratefully  hated  them,  and  will  be  sure  to  persecute  them  with  the  utmost  violence, 

because  they  are  not  of  the  same  spirit  with  the  world,  even  as  I  myself,  in  whose  cause 
they  are  engaged,  am'not  of  the  world,  so  as  to  conform  to  it  in  my  temper  and  conduct. 

15  Since  therefore  for  my  sake  they  stand  thus  exposed  to  hatred,  injurv,  and  oppression,  I     15  I  pray  not  that  thou 
most  affectionately  bear  them  on  my  heart  before  thee,  O  my  heavenly  Father  !  yet  I  do  woTili ,'bitlimt  tiZThouidesl 
not  pray  that  thou  shouldst  take  them  immediately  out  of  the  world,  bad  as  it  is  ;  since  I  keep  them  from  the  evil. 
know  the  purposes  of  thy  glory,  and  their  own  improvement  and  usefulness,  will  require 

their  longer  continuance  in  it ;  but  I  pray  that  thou  wouldst  preserve  them  from  being  either 
corrupted  or  overwhelmed  by  the  evil  which  perpetually  surrounds  them,  and  that  the 

16  subtilty  and  malice  of  the  evil  one  may  never  overpower  them.  For  I  well  know  that  Jf,7'^«y^  «J"«  i"aL  not*of 
they  will  meet  with  many  trials  which  will  bear  hard  upon  them,  because  (as  I  have  said)  the  world. 

they  are  not  of  a  temper  suited  to  the  common  sentiments  and  jjractice  of  the  world,  even 
as  I,  their  Lord  and  Master,  «?«  not  of  the  world. 

17  To  arm  them  therefore  against  so  "formidable  an  attack,  and  to  maintain  and  cultivate  17  Sanctiiy  them  through 
this  holy  temper  in  them,  I  would  entreat  thee  to  complete  the  work  that  is  so  happily  '"^  """"'  =  *-^^  "'°'''  '^  """•*'• 
begun,  and  to  sanctify  them  more  and  more  through  thy  truth  ;^  and  as  thy  word  and 

gospel  which  they  are  to  preach  is  the  great  system  of  sanctifying  truth,  whereby  real 
holiness  is  to  be  for  ever  promoted,  may  these  thy  servants  feel  more  and  more  of  its  vital 

18  energy  on  their  own  souls,  to  qualify  them  for  the  office  of  dispensing  it  to  others  !  For  .^j8  As  ^thou  hast^sent  me 
as  thou  hast  sent  me  into  the  world  to  be  the  messenger  of  this  grace,  I  also  have  sent  them  "'  ^..J'^  ^  thtm"iiito  "the 
into  the  world  on  the  same  errand,  to  publish  and  proclaim  what  they  have  learned  of  me.  world. 

19  And\i  IS  in  some  measure/or  their  scikes,  as  well  as  for  the  salvation  of  all  my  people,  that  ,,i?tif^."^y.S[f;Sf-,-];i%i 
I  now  sanctify  myself,  or  set  myself  apart  as  an  ottering  holy  to  thee ;  that  they  also,  n.ight  be  sanctified  through 
taught  by  my  example,  and  anirnated  by  my  dying  love,  i7uiy  be  truly  sanctified  through  ti'^  truth. 

the  truth,  and  completely  fitted  for  their  important  office. 

20  And  in  presenting  these  petitions  for  them,  I  am  not  chiefly  influenced  by  the  personal  3,^o^^bf,'t']?""r{|[|'^  ^,[^''^1;?^^^ 
attachment  of  private  friendship,  but  I  consider  them  under  their  public  character ;  nor  do  shaiT'bei'iev''e'^  on"JnVthrou^i 

1  pray  for  these  my  apostles  alone,  or  offer  myself  merely  for  them,  but  for  them  also  who  their  word ; 
shall  hereafter  believe  on  me  through  their  word,  whether  it  be  preached  of  written  ;  even  for 

21  those  who  are  yet  unborn,  and  on  whom  the  ends  of  tlie  world  shall  come  :    That,  being  o,f/.]',''^^„,','"=^,,j^J,'^r"'«r/  in 
animated  by  the  same  spirit,  and  inspired  with  the  same  love,  they  all  may  be  truly  and  nie,'and  I  lu  tiiee,  that  they 
intimately  one,  as  thou,  Father,  [art]  in  me,  and  I  in  thee :  that  they  also  may  in  friendship  also  ;j'»>;j'';,«»\';;,^"4=  '[j^' 
and  happiness  be  one  in  us,  united  to  us  and  to  each  other,  and  deriving  from  us  the  richest  thou  hast  sent  me. 
supplies  of  divine  consolation  ;  that  so  the  ivorld,  seeing  tlieir  benevolence  and  charity, 

and  holy  joy,  tnay  believe  that  thou  hast  sent  me,  and  that  a  religion  productive  of  such 

22  amiable  fruits  is  indeed  of  divine  original.^  And  the  glory  which,  by  the  covenant  of  re-  ^^ss  And^the^  f Se^ivcn 
demption,  thou  gavest  unto  me,  I  have,  as  authorized  by  thee,  given  unto  them,  by  my  them ;  that  they  may  be  one, 
faithful  and  invariable  promise,  as  the  great  encouragement  of  their  faith  and  hope  ;«  that  even  as  we  are  one: 

they  may  all  be  one,  even  as  we  are  one,  and,  in  consequence  of  such  a  blessed  union,  may 

23  dwell  together  with  us,  and  with  each  other,  in  eternal  felicily  :  Thus  therefore  may  it  ever     C3  i  in  them,  and  thou  in 
be,  1  dwelling  in  them,  and  thou  in  me  :  that  they,  who  now  enjoy  the  first  beginnings  of  ;?e^rVect''*in''one?and''tha"The 
this  happy  state,  7nay  at  length  be  made  completely  perfect  in  one,  and  be  united  in  the  world  may  know  that  thou 
most  cordial  love,  without  any  jarring  affection,  or  the' least  mixture  of  sorrow  and  com-  iiflmaTthou 'hast  lored  me 
plaint ;  that  so  the  clearest  demonstration  may  be  given  of  the  efficacy  of  thy  grace,  and 

that  the  xvorld  by  this  means  may  Imoiv  that  thou  hast  sent  me,  while  "they  perceive  them 
under  my  forming  care  to  become  visibly  and  justly  the  favourites  of  heaven  ;  and  it  may 
thus  be  manifest  to  all  that  thou  hast  loved  them  as  thou  hast  loved  me,  and  hast  extended 
this  mercy  to  them  for  my  sake. 

24  But  no  improvements,  "either  in  holiness  or  comfort,  in  this  world,  can  completely  an-  _^|24  \^^^^' l^^i'^l^^l\^llll 
swer  the  purposes  of  my  love  and  the  promises  of  mv  grace  to  them  ;  and  therefore,  0  my  me,'  be  with  me  where  i 
Father,  permit  me  to  say  that  I  will,  tliat  is,  I  importunately  ask  it,  and,  in  consequence  ^'y-J^^^  whTch'Uou^hasI 
of  the  mutual  transactions  between  us,  I  am  bold  to  claim  it  as  matter  of  right,  that  they  given  me':  for  thou  lovedst 
also  whom  thou  hast  graciously  given  me,  even  all  thy  chosen  and  sanctified  people,  may  at  me  before  the  foundation  of 
length  be  with  me  where  I  am,  m  that  heavenly  world  to  which  I  am  now  removing ;  that 

they  may  there  behold  and  contemplate,  with  everlasting,  delightful  admiration,  my  glory 
which  thou  hast  by  thy  sure  appointment  given  me,'^  and  art  just  ready  to  bestow ;  for  thou 
hast  loved  me  before  the  foimdation  of  the  world,  and  didst  then  decree  for  me  that  media- 
torial kingdom  with  which  thou  art  now  about  to  invest  me. 

a  Sanctify  them  through  thy  truth.]    I  see  no  reason  to  conclude,  with  excellence  of  the  cliristian  religion  into  question  :    and  he  must  be  a 

Mr.  Mede,  that  ti,  t«  aXnf^cia  must  be  put  tor  e,9  thi-  aXn6*emy,  that  is,  stranger  to  what  hath  passed  and  is  daily  passing  ui  the  world,  whorioes 

for  the  service  of  the' gospel.      1  hat  was  indeed   the  remote  end  which  not  see  what  fatal  advantage  they  have  given  to  inhdels  to  misrepresent 

our  Lord  had  in  view  ;  but  the  more  immediate  was,  that  their  own  it  as  a  calamity,  rather  than  to  regard  it  as  a  blessing  to  maiikind.     May 

souls  might  be  transformed  and  purified  by  it.— To  sanctify,  signifies  in  we  be  so  wise  as  to  take  the  warning,  before  we  are  quite  destroyed  one 

general, /«  f«  apor<  to  any  appropriate  use  :  and  is  used  with  peculiar  of  another!    (Gal.  v.  15.)                                                       r    i     »     -^ 

propriety  with  reference  to  a  sacrifice  ;  which  seems  to  be  the  sense  in  c  'Hie  glory  winch  thou  gavest  me  I  have  gtxen  them,  tgc]    As  it  was 

which  our  Lord  applies  it  to  himself  in  ver.  19.    Compare  Exod.  xiii.  plainly  in  his  Father's  name,  and  by  the  authority  ot  his  commission, 

2  xxix    1   and  Lev   xxii   2.  that  Christ  had  given  them  this  promise,  which  with  a  lively  faith  they 
'b  That' the  world  may  helieve  that  thmt  hast  sent  me.]    This  plainly  had  affectionately  embraced  ;  so  this  was  one  of  the  strongest  arguments 

intimates  that  dissensions  among  christians  would  not  only  be  uncom-    that  could  be  urged  for  the  complete  accomplishment  ot  it. 

fortable  to  themselves,  but  would  be  tlie  means  of  bringing  the  truth  and       d  My  glory  vihtch  thou  hast  given  me.J    Ihis  may  express  the  lustre 


CHRIST  RETIRES  TO  THE  GARDEN  OF  GETHSEMANE.  315 

25  o  righteous  Father,  the      And  lierein  thou  wilt  not  only  be  merciful,  but  faithful  and  just  too  as  it  is  cono-raous   sect 
biu't  i^ve  knov^rt*ee!'H,Ki  ^o  those  essential  ])erfections  of  thy  nature,  O  most  rif^hteous  hither,  thus  to  distmguish    180.' 

these  have  known  that  thou  me  and  my  followers  with  a  peculiar  glory :  for  though  the  world  has  nut  known  or  acknow- 

liHbt  sent  me.  ledged  thee,"  yet  I  have  knoion  thee,  and  have  accortlingly  directed  the  wliole  of  my  minis-   JOiin 

trations  to  thy  glory ;  and  these  my  servants  too  have  known  that  thou  hast  sent  me  and   ^^^I- 

26  And  I  have  declared  will  courageously  assert  it,  even  at  the  expense  of  their  very  lives.     And  I  have  declared  26 
dedare'"'^/?^  tirar'the '' loie  ^^  ""'"^  ^"  ^^'^"''>  ^"^'^'  '"'^'''  ^^  ^  *^^^^  Opportunity,  further  go  on  to  declare  {it,'\  both  by  my 
wherewith  thou  hast  loved  me  word  and  by  my  S(iirit :  that  their  graces  and  services  may  be  more  eminent;  that  even 
them  '"^  '°  """"'  '""^  ^  '"  ^^^  '*^^^  ^"'''''  ^''"'Z''  ff>'^u  hast  loved  me  may  be  dwelling  in  them  ;  and  that  i  also  may  take 

up  my  constant  residence  in  them,  by  my  spiritual  presence,  when  my  bodily  presence  is 
removed,  as  it  will  quickly  be. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

We  have  indeed  perpetual  reason  of  thankfulness  that  our  gracious  Redeemer  spake  these  words  in  the  world,  Ver.  13 
and  recalled  them  thus  exactly  to  the  memory  of  his  beloved  disciples  so  many  years  after,  that  we  in  the  most 
distant  ages  of  his  clnirch  might,  by  reviewing  them,  have  his  joy  fultilled  in  us.     Let  us  with  pleasure  recollect 
that  those  petitions  which  Christ  offered  for  his  apostles  were  expressly  declared  not  to  be  intended  for  them  alone,  20 
but,  so  far  as  circumstances  should  agree,  for  all  that  should  believe  on  him  through  their  word,  and  therefore  for 
us,  if  we  are  real  and  not  merely  nominal  believers.     For  us  doth  he  still  pray,  not  that  God  would  immediately  15 
take  us  out  of  the  world,  though  for  his  sake  we  may  be  continually  hated  and  injured  in  it,  but  that  he  would  14 
keep  us  from  the  evil  to  which  we  are  here  exposed.    For  our  sakes  did  he  also  sanctify  himself  as  a  propitiation  19 
for  our  sins,  that  we  might  also  be  sanctified  through  the  truth  ;  for  he  gave  himself  for  us,  that  he  might  redeem  zis 
from  all  iniquity,  and  nurij'y  unto  himself  a  pccidiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works.    (Tit.  ii.  14.) 

May  these  wise  and  gracious  purposes  of  his  love  be  fulfilled  in  us  !  May  we  be  one  with  each  other,  and  with  21 
him  !    May  that  piety  and  charity  appear  in  the  whole  series  of  our  temper  and  behaviour,  which  may  evidently 
show  the  force  oi  our  religion,  and  reflect  a  conspicuous  honour  upon  the  great  Founder  of  it !  And  may  all  con- 
cur to  train  us  up  for  that  complete  felicity  above,  in  which  all  the  purposes  of  his  love  centre!  It  is  the  declared 
will  of  Christ,  and  let  us  never  forget  it,  that  his  people  should  be  with  him  where  he  is,  that  they  may  behold  his  24 
glory  which  the  Father  has  given  him.    And  there  is  apparent  congruity,  as  well  as  mercy,  in  "the  appointment, 
that  where  he  is,  there  also  should  his  servants  and  members  be.     The  blessed  angels  do  undoubtedly  behold  the 
glory  of  Christ  with  perpetual  congratulation  and  delight;  but  how  much  more  reason  shall  we  have  to  rejoice 
and  triumph  in  it,  when  we  consider  it  as  the  glory  of  one  in  our  own  nature,  the  glory  of  our  Redeemer  and  our 
Friend,  and  the  pledge  and  security  of  our  own  everlasting  happiness  !     Let  us  often  be  lifting  up  the  eyes  of  our 
faith  towards  it,  and  let  us  breathe  after  heaven  in  this  view  !  In  the  mean  time,  with  all  due  zeal,  and  love,  and  25 
duty,  acknovvledging  the  Father  and  the  Son,  that  tlie  joys  of  heaven  may  be  anticipated  in  our  souls,  while  the 
love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  there  by  b\s  Spirit,  which  is  given  unto  us  :  even  something  of  that  love  wherewith  he  26 
has  loved  Jesus  our  incarnate  Head. 


SECTION  CLXXXI. 


Jesus  retires  from  the  guest-chamber  to  the  garden  of  Gethsemane,  and  in  his  way  thither  renews  the  caution  which  he  had  given  to  Peter  and 
tiie  rest  of  the  apostles.    Matt.  xxvi.  31 — 35.    Mark  xiv.  27— 31.    Lulie  xxii.  39.    John  xviii.  1. 

John  .xviii.  1.  JoHN   Xviil.    1. 

[AND]    when    Jesus    had  AND  ivhen  Jcsus  had  spokeu  these  words  that  are  mentioned  above,  and  had  concluded  sect. 
out,  anVJ'wInUbrth'cashe'^  his  discourse  with  this  excellent  prayer  to  his  heavenly  Father,  he  came  out  from  the  guest-    181. 

wont..]  with  hisdisciples,over  chamber  where  he  had  celebrated  the  passover,  ajid,  according  to  his  usual  custo7>i" every 

moun't'^of  oiives™'whefe  was  "ight,  wcut  forth  With  his  disciplcs  out  of  the  city,  and  crossing  over  the  brook  Kedron,   John 
ent^ered''"'and''  Ws^  di'ld^'iel  ^'""^^  '^>'  °"  ^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^^  °f  Jerusalem,  he  came  to  the  foot  of  the  mount  of  Olives,  where  j^^^lll. 
[aiso"^foiio^ved  him.]  'Tl-uke  there  was  a  garden  belonging  unto  one  of  his  friends,  into  which  he  had  often  been  used  to 
*""•  39-]  retire ;  and  though  he  knew  his  enemies  would  come  this  very  night  to  seize  him  there, 

yet  he  entered  into  it,^  ami  his  disciples  also  followed  him. 
Matt,  xxvi  31.   Then  saith       Then,  as  they  were  on  the  way  thither,  Jcsus  sai/s  to  them.  Notwithstanding  all  the  faith  matt. 
iifoffende°d  because  of  me  this  YOU  have  profcsscd  in  me,  and  all  the  affection  vvhich  I  know  you  bear  me,  yet  not  only  .j^-^^l. 
".ifiieth^e'^Shl^  herd*' and  "the  °"^  °'  ^"°^'^^^'  ^^^  "'''  o^  i/oii,  shall  be  offended  because  of  me  this  very  night ;  and  the  hour  ^^ 
iheep  of  the^^'tioJk' shall  be  is  just  at  hand,  when  you  will  be  so  terrified  by  the  distress  befalling  me  in  your  pre- 
scattered  abroad.   [Mark  xiv.  sence,  that  it  shall  prove  the  sad  occasion  of  your  falling  into  sin,  by  your  forsaking  me, 
your  Master  and  Friend,  and  leaving  me  in  tlie  hands  of  the  enemy :  for  it  is  written, 
(Zech.  xiii.  7.)  "  I  will  smite  the  Shepherd,  and  the  sheep  of  the  flock  shall  be  scattered:"  I 
am  that  Shepherd,  and  you  the  timorous  sheep,  to  be  dispersed  by  the  assault  made  on 

32  But  after  [that]  I  am  your  Keeper.     But,  as  it  is  afterwards  added  there  by  way  of  encouragement,  "  I  will  turn  32 
jou"into  G"aUler''[Markl'iI7  ^^  '^^"^  "P^"^  ^'^*^  ^^"'^  ones,"  to  reduce  and  recover  them  from  this  dissipated  state  ;  so 
28.]  ■  ■  likewise  I  assure  you  for  your  conifort,  that  after  1  am  risen  from  the  dead,  as  I  shall  soon 

be,  I  will  go  before  you  into  Galilee,  and  there  give,  not  only  you  my  apostles,  but  all  my 
disciples,  tlie  amplest  demonstration  both  of  my  resurrection  and  my  love,  whereby  your 
hearts  shall  be  established  in  'the  firmest  adherence  to  me  :  and  upon  this  he  named  the 
particular  place  where  he  would  meet  them.'' 

33  [But]  Peter  answered      But  Peter  was  SO  grieved  to  hear  him  say  that  they  should  all  be  offended,  and  be  scat-  33 
and  said  unto  him,  Though  tered  from  him,  that,  with  a  confident  assurance  of  liis  own  stedfastness,  he  answered  and 

said  to  him.  My  dearest  Lord,  there  is  no  trial  can  surmount  the  love  I  bear  thee !  and 
whatsoever  danger  or  distress  may  be  at  hand,  I  am  absolutely  resolved  and  determined 

and  beauty  of  Christ's  personal  appearance,  the  adoration  paid  him  by  which  a  little  brook  ran,  which  took  its  name  from  the  place.    (Compare 

";.«  '"habitants ot  the  upjier  world,  and  the  administration  of  the  afTaiis  2  Sam.  xv.  23.) 

ot  ttiat  providential  kingdom  which  it  is  his  high  otlice  to  preside  over.  b  He  named  the  particular  place  where  he  would  meet  them.]    An 

e  inmgh  the  world  has  not  known  thee.']    That  Kat  here  signifies  Moaj?/;,  appointment  to  meet  in  so  large  a  region  as  Galilee  would  without  this 

iiie  connexion  plainly  demonstrates;   and  Eisner  produces  many  in-  have  been  of  very  little  use,   and  Matt,  xxviii.  16.  (5  202.)  expressly 

stances  ot  it;  (Ohserv.  vol.  i.  p.  3.34.)    To  which  the  following  instances  declares  such  an  appointment.     We  do  not  know  the  exact  place,  but 

rrom  tne  sacred  writers  may  be  added,  among  many  others  :  Luke  xviii.  we  there  learn  from  Matthew,  it  was  a  certain  mountain :  probably  it 

7.  .lotm  xiv.  30.  Acts  vii.  5.  and  Heb.  iii.  9.  might  be  near  the  sea  of  Tiberias ;   not  only  because  we  find  Christ  on 

a  Ji  garden  into  which  he  entered.]    Christ  probably  retired  into  such  the  borders  of  that  sea  after  his  resurrection,  (John  xxi.  1.  ^'200.)  but 

a  private  place,  not  only  tor  the  advantage  of  secret  devotion,  which  also  because,  as  he  had  resided  there  longer  than  any  where  else,  he  had, 

pernaps  he  might  not  so  well  have  enjoyed  in  the  city  at  so  public  a  no  doubt,  tlie  greatest  number  of  his  disciples  thereabouts;   and  it  lay 

nme,  nut  also  that  the  people  might  not  be  alarmed  at  his  beiiig  appre-  pretty  near  the  centre  of  his  chief  circuits,  and  therefoie  must  be  most 

venient,  especially  for  those  beyond  Jordan,  where  many  had  ot 
believed  in  him.    See  John  x.  40 — 42.  ^  134. 


...lie,  uui  aibo  mat  tne  people  might  not  be  alarmed  at  his  beiiig  appre-  prett' 

nended,  nor  in  the  tirst  sallies  of  their  zeal  and  rage,  attempt  to  rescue  conve 

mm   in  a  tumultuous  manner. — Kedron  was,  as  its  name  signifies,  a  late  L 
dark  shady  vale  between  Jerusalem  and  the   mount  of  Olives,  through 


316  CHRIST  RETIRES  TO  THE  GARDEN  OF  GETHSEMANE. 

SECT,  upon  it,  that  though  every  one  besides,  and  even  all  tlie  rest  of  these  my  brethren,  should  all  men  sbaii  be  offended  be- 
181.'  be  offended  because  of  the  calamities  that  are  coming  on  thee,  and  upon  this  account  "^^^^^  "be'offendedP  FiViLrk 

should  be  induced  to  forsake  thee,  yet  will  I  never  be  off'ended,  but  will  follow  thee  even  xiv.  'zg.] 

MATT,  to  the  last. 

XXVI.      Jesus  said  to  him,  Peter,  this  confidence  does  not  at  all  become  thee,  especially  after  the    ^34  Jesus  said  unto   him, 
^'*  warning  I  gave  thee  at  supper;'^  but  I  repeat  it  again,  and  vr-rilt/ 1  sen/  unto  thee,  That  to-  thMdJ,-,lvey"'int\^s{'JgM, 
day,  yea,  [euen]  this  very  night  which  is  now  begun,  before  the  cock  crow  tivice,  thou  shalt  before  the  cock  crow  [twice,] 
re'peatedly  deni/  me  in  the  most  shameful  manner ;  for  after  thou  hast  heard  it  once,  thou  [Mark  x!v.  3o.]^  "^  *'"^"^^' 
shalt  not  be  admonished,  but  before  it  crow  a  second  time  thou  shalt  repeat  the  fault ; 
nay,  thou  shalt  do  it  thrice,  and  every  time  with  new  aggravations. 
35      But  Peter  upon  this,  instead  of  being  awakened  to  a  humble  sense  of  his  own  weak-     35  [But]  Peter  [spake  the 
ness,  spake  the  more  eaaerli/,  \and,'\  with  a  mixture  of  grief  and  indignation  at  the  thought,  "'",o^  him!Th"o*iigh  Tlhouid 
said  to  him,  Lord,  no  danger  whatsoever  can  induce  me  to  be  guilty  of  such  baseness;  for  die  with  thee,  yet  will  I  not 
such  is  the  sincerity  and  strength  of  my  affection  to  thee,  that  though  I  should  die  with  thee  L?kewise*'^aiso"satd'*'aiT'^the 
on  the  place,  yet  I  will  not  dem/  thee  in  ani/  7nanner  or  degree,^  but  would  a  thousand  disciples.   [Mark  xiv.  31.] 
times  rather  fall  by  thy  side  in  a  brave  and  resolute  defence,  than  so  much  as  seem  to 
neglect  thee,  or  in  anyrespect  to  fail  of  the  strictest  and  most  affectionate  fidelity.     Like- 
wm  also  said  all  the  disciples,  with  equal  sincerity  of  jiresent  intention,  though  neither  he 
nor  they  had  courage  enough  to  abide  by  that  resolution.    Jesus  therefore  insisted  no  fur- 
ther on' the  matter,  but  left  them  to  be  taught  by  the  event. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.31      So  feeljle  is  the  heart  of  man,  and  yet  so  ready  to  trust  to  its  own  strength!    So  gracious  is  the  Lord  Jesus 
32  Christ,  that  great  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  souls,  who  gave  himself  to  be  smitten  for  his  flock  when  they  had  for- 
saken him ;  "and  then  returning,  sought  them  out  agam,  and  fed  them  in  richer  pastures  than  before  ! 

How  reasonable  is  it  that  our  hearts  should  be  fixed  in  the  most  inflexible  resolution  for  his  service !     How  fit 
35  that  we  should  every  one  of  us  say,  with  the  utmost  determination  of  soul,  Lo?-d,  though  1  should  die  loith  thee,  yet 
will  I  not  dem/  thee  !     For  how  could  death  wear  a  more  graceful  or  a  more  pleasing  form,  than  when  it  met  us 
close  by  our  Saviour's  side,  and  came  as  the  seal  of  our  fidelity  to  him  ? 

Surely  this  is  the  language  of  many  of  our  hearts  before  him,  especially  when  warmed  and  animated  by  a  sense 
34,  35  of  his  dying  love  to  us.  Yet  let  us  not  be  high-minded  ;  for  Peter,  after  this  declaration,  denied  his  Master;  and 
the  same  night  in  which  they  had  protested  they  would  never  leave  him,  all  the  disciples  forsook  him  and  fled. 
(Matt.  xxvi.  56.)  Nor,  on  the  other  hand,  let  the  view  of  that  frailty  discourage,  though  it  ought  to  caution,  us ; 
for  the  time  came  when  each  of  them  behaved  as  they  here  spoke  ;  and  they  who  in  his  very  presence  acted  so 
weak  a  part,  through  the  influences  of  his  strengthening  Spirit,  resisted  unto  blood,  and  loved  not  their  lives  unto 
the  death,  for  the  testimony  of  Jesus.  (Rev.  xii.  11.) 


SECTION  CLXXXII. 

Jesus  enters  the  garden  of  Gethsemane,  and  falls  into  his  asony  there ;  durinc  which  hi<;  disciples  fall  asleep,  for  which  he  ijently  reproves  them, 
and  warns  tliem  ot  the  enemies'  approach.    Matt.  xxvi.  30 — 46.    Mark  xiv.  32 — 42.     Luke  xxii.  40 — 46. 

Matt.  xxvi.  36.  Matt.  xxvi.  36. 

SECT.    THEN,  after  this  discourse  with  his  disciples,  Jesus  comes  ivith  them  to  the  place  we  men-  THEN  cometh  Jesus  with 
182.    tioned  above,  which  was  culled  Gethsemane,  as  being  a  very  pleasant  and  fertile  c;arden,a  fjgJiJgp'^^"^, .''  anJi"^^[i™KF'I 
'  and  when  he  was  arrived  just  at  the  entrance  into  the  place  whither  he  was  used  to  retire,  when  he  was  at  the  p!ncc,  he] 

MATT,  ^e  says  to  eight  of  his  disciples,  Sit  ye  down  here  a  while,  and  observe  what  passes  abroad,  ye"here"  wifi'ie  I'l'find^prfy 
XXVI.  ,^,^j7g  jg^,  and  prat/  in  yonder  retirement.  yonder.'  [Mark  xiv.  32.  Luke 

37  And  as  this  was  a  very  extraordinary  passage  of  his  life,  he  took  along  loifh  him  Peter,  "^jj"  ^,;d  i,e  took  ^ith  him 
and  the  two  sons  of  Zebedee,  James  and  John,  who  had  been  witnesses  of  his  transfiguration,  P^*^'"-  and  the  two  sons  of 
and  were  now  chosen  by  him  to  be  witnesses  of  his  agony.  And  as  he  went  on  with  them  a'nd'^began  to^bVsorrowful, 
towards  a  more  retired  part  of  the  garden,  he  began  to  be  in  a  very  girat  and  visible  dejec-  Tsore  amazed,]  and  very 
tion,  amazement,  and  anguish  qfmind,^  on  account  of  some  painful  and  dreadfvd  sensations    ^''^^' 

38  which  were  then  impressed  upon  his  soul  by  the  immediate  hand  of  (iod.  Then  turning  ss  Thensaith  heuntothem, 
to  his  three  disciples,  he  sai/s  to  them,  ]\Iy  friends,  you  never  saw  me  in  so  great  distress  ?V  *""'  '* f,^^* ^1'",?  ?°7^1^; 

p  '        .   .  *  771 1'l  -,>  •  f  -11  nil,  even  unro  oeaiii  .    idiry 

as  now ;  lor  7ny  soul  is  surrounded  on  all  sides  ivith  an  extremity  ot  anguish  and  sorrow,  ye  here,  and  watch  with  me : 
which  tortures  me  even  almost  unto  death  ;  and  I  know  that  the  infirmity  of  human  nature  [Ll'ke,  and  pray,  that  ye 
must  quickly  sink  under  it,  without  some  extraordinary  relief  from  God  ;  to  him  therefore 
I  will  apply  with  the  greatest  earnestness  :  and  do  you  in  the  mean  time  continue  here  and 
watch  with  me,<^  considering  how  liable  we  are  to  be  surprised ;  [find']  let  me  remind  you 

c  After  the  warning  T  gave  thee  at  supper.]    See  Luke  xxii.  34.  and  this  awful  scene  :  for  XevireiaOai  signifies  to  be  penetrated  anth  the  most 

John  xiii.  38.  p.  299.    I  persuade  nivself  that  an  attentive  comparison  lively  and   piercing  *orroso  ;    and  airiuovnv  ^o  be  quxtif  depressed -awI 

of  those  texts  with  these  before  us  in  Matthew  and  Mark,  will  convince  almost  overwhelmed  with  the  load.     Mark  expresses  it,  it  possible,  in  a 

the  reader  that  these  admonitions  were  first  given  at  tlie  table,  and  now  more  forcible  and  stronger  manner  ;  for  tK0mi/3eia6ai  imports  the  most 

repeated  as  they  went  out :  nor  can  I  find  any  way  of  forming  them  all  shocking  mixture  of  ter)-or  and  ama-,ement :  and  TrepiXinror,  in  the  next 

harmoniously  into  one  compound  text,  without  such  a  supposition.  verse,  intimates  that  he  was  surrounded  with  sorrow  on  every  side,  so 

d  Spake  the  more  eagerly, — /  aill  not  deny  thee  in  any  manner  or  de-  that  it  broke  in  upon  him  with  such  violence,  that,  humanly  speaking, 

gree.]    Ek  Trepio-o-ou   iXtte  naWov. — ou  im  (re  anttpvt]ao^ai-    1  think  there  was  no  way  of  escape.     I  have  endeavoured  as  well  as  1  could  to 

the  energy  of  these  original  expressions  cannot  be  reached  in  a  version  :  express  each  of  these  ideas  in  the  paraphrase. — Dr.  More  truly  observes, 

I  have  fjierefore  attempted  it  in  the  paraphrase  :  and  must  observe,  that  that  Christ's  continued   resolution,  in   the  midst  of  these  agonies  ami 

if  Mark's  gospel  was  reviewed  by  Peter,  as  the  ancients  say.  (and  par-  supernatural  horrors,  was  the  most  heroic  that  can  be  imagined,  and  tar 

ticularly  Clemens  Alexandrinus,  as  quoted  by  Kusebius,  Hist.  Eccles.  superior  to  valour  in  single  combat,  or  in  battle;    where,  in  one  case, 

lih.  ii.  cap.  15.  on  which  see  Dr.  Lardner's  Credibility,  part  ii.  vol.  ii.  the  spirit  is  raised  by  natural  indignation,  and  in  the  other,  by  the  pomp 

chap.  22.  $  5.)  it  is  peculiarly  worth  our  notice,  that  the  aggravations  of  war,  the  sound  ot  martial  music,  the  example  of  fellow-soldiers,  dtc. 

attending  Peter's  denial  of  our   Lord  should  l)e  more  strongly  repre-  .''ee  More's  Theolog.  VVorhs,  p.   .38. — Dr.   Whitby  will  not  allow  that 

sented  by  Mark  than  by  any  other  Evangelist ;  which,  in  that  case,  pro-  these  agonies  arose  from  the  immediate  hand  of  God  upon  him,  which 

bably  was  done  by  his  own  particular  direction,  and  may  be  regarded  he  thinks  not  to  be  the  case  even  of  the  damned  in  hell.     But  it  seems 

as  a  genuine  proof  of  his  deep  humiliation  and  penitence.     Compare  impossible  to  prove  that  it  is  not.    He  r.ather  thinks  that  it  might  arise 

Mark  xiv.  66 — 72.  with  Matt.  xxvi.  69 — 75.  Luke  xxii.  54— 62.  and  John  from   a  deep  appreliensinn  of  the   malignity  of  sin,   and   the   misery 

xviii.  25—27.  §  184.  brought  upon  the  world  by  it.     But  considermg  how  much  the  mind  oi 

a  C«//crf  Ge^/wemane,  as  being  a  very  pleasant  and  fertile  garden.]    It  Christ  was  wounded  and  broken  with  what  he  now  endured,  so  as  to 

is  well  known,  that  a'DIDt:;  N'J  signifies  the  valley  of  fatness.    The  gar-  give  some  greater  external  signs  of  distress  than  in  any  other  circum- 

flen  probably  had  its  name  from  its  soil  and  situation,  and  lay  in  some  stance  of  his  sufferings,  there  is  reason  to  conclude  there  was  something 

little  valley  between  two  of  those  many  hills,   the  range  of  which  con-  extraordinary  in   the  degree  of  the  impression:    and  it  surely   comes 

stitutes  the  mount  of  Olives;   and  it  is  with  some   peculiar  reference  miicli  to  the  same,  whether  we   say  that  God,  by  his  own   immediate 

to  this  situation,  that  some  have  rendered  it  torcnlar  olei,  or  a  fat  of  agency,  impresse(l   some  uncommon  horrors  on   his  mind,  or  that  the 

oil.  strength  of  his  spirits,  and  perhaps  the  tone  of  his  nerves,  were  so  im- 

b  He  began  to  be  in  great  dejection,  amazement,  and  anguish  of  mind.']  paired,  that  the  view  he  had  of  these  things  should  affect  him  to  a  de- 

The  words  which  our  translators  use  here,  are  very  flat,  and  fall  vastly  gree  of  exquisite  and  uncommon  sensibility, 

short  of  the  emphasis  of  those  terms  in  which  the  Evangelists  describe  c  JVatch  xoith  me.']    Had  they  done  this  carefully,  they  would  soon 


CHRIST'S  PRAYER  IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GETHSEMANE.  317 

enter  not  into  temptation.]  also  to  pray  for  yourselves,  that  you  may  not  enter  into  that  dangerous  temptation  of  which  sect. 

[A]arkxiv.34.  Luke xxii.  4u.]  \  jj^ve  just  been  giving  you  notice,  or  may  be  kept  from  falling  by  it.     See  Matt.  xxvi.  182. 
31.  sect,  clxxxi. 


Mark  xiv.ss.  And  he  went      And  going  On  «  little  Way  from  thence  into  a  more  retired  part  of  the  garden,  when  he  mark 
forwarti  a  ii«ie^,^  [LuKE,^  a^u!  ^,^5  jjQ^y  withdrawn  ubout  a  stones  throw  from,  the  place  where  he  left  them,  he  first  humbly    ■^^^• 
.ibmit"^a   stone's  cast,   and  knelt  down,  and  then,  as  the  ardour  of  his  devotion  increased,  he  prostrated  himself  on  his  ^"* 
isneeled  dmvn,]  ^^^J^^J\^^'^  face  to  the  ground,  and  praj/cd,  that  if  it  icere  possible,  that  dreadful  season  of  sorrow, 
prayed!  that  iMt"  were  polsi-  with  which  he  was  then  almost  overwhelmed,  might  be  shortened  and  pass  from  hirn. 
lum  "'r>)''a'tt  xivi!  sy.^'^Luke  ^^"^'^  '"^  ^"'^'^  ^*^'"'  Father,  I  know  that  all  things  proper  to  be  done  are  possible  to  thee  ';  36 
xxii!  41.]     '        V  '  and,  O  my  Father,  if  it  be  so  far  possible  as  to  consist  with  what  thy  wisdom  has  appointed 

FaTher^aU  tMngf  arl'po^'ibfe  ^'^^  ^^^^  advancement  of  thy  glory,  and  the  salvation  of  thy  people,  I  earnestly  beseech  thee 
unto  thee;  [o  fny  Father,  if  that  thou  immediately  wouldst  take  away  this  cup  of  bitterness  and  terror;''  [t/f«,]  let  [it] 
cup!^[S'^'i'et  'v'^passj^'Vom  "^^  pass  from  me,  and  let  comfort  and  peace  return  to  my  soul :  nevertheless,  "if  thou  seest 
me ;'  nevertheless,  not  what  I  it  necessary  to  contmue  it,  or  to  add  yet  more  grievous  ingredients  to  it,  I  am  here  ready 
[Matt.''xxvi!^3yj  *''°"  ^^'"'  ^^  receive  it  in  submission  to  thy  will,  and  resolutely  say  upon  the  whole.  Not  as  I  ivill, 
but  as  thou  wilt ;  for  though  nature  cannot  but  shrink  back  from  these  sufferings,  it  is  the 
determinate  purpose  of  my  soul  to  bear  whatsoever  thine  infinite  wisdom  shall  see  fit  to 
appoint. 
.17  And  he  cometh   [unto      And  upou  this,  rising  up  from  the  ground  on  which  he  had  lain  prostrate,  he  comes  again  37 
them'sfe'e'ping;  andiaiti"unto  '^  ^''^  ^^^^''^'^  discipks,  and,  notwithstanding  tlic  distress  that  he  was  in,  and  the  command 
Peter,  Simon, 'sieepest  tiiou  ?  that  he  had  given  them  to  watch,  he  /Jrtf/s  them  all  asleep  ;  and  he  particularly  .say.s  to  Peter, 
liour?^*[Wha^°couTcf  ve  not  (^ho  had  but  lately  made  such  solemn  protestations  of  his  peculiar  zeal  and  fidelity,) 
wattii  with  me  one  hour.']  What,  Simon,  dost  thou  slccp  at  such  a  time  as  this?  and  after  tliou  hadst  just  declared  thy 
[Matt.  XXVI.  40.]  resolution  to  die  with  me,  couldst  thou  so  soon  forget  thy  promise  to  stand  by  me,  and  not 

so  much  as  ivatch  or  keep  awake  but  for  one  hour,  when  I  was  in  such  an  agony  ?     And 
you  that  were  so  ready  to  join  with  him  in  the  same  profession,  could  neither  of  you  be 
mindful  of  me  :  and  in  this  time  of  my  extreme  distress,  were  ye  all  so  unable  to  perform 
,38  Watch  ye,  and  pray,  lest  your  resolution  as  not  to  wutcli  one  single  hour  with  me  ?     I  must  again  exhort  you  to  38 
spiru  Tru"v'//'["winin°"]'  but  ^vatch  and  pray  with  the  greatest  earnestness,  that  ye  may  not  enter  into  and  fall  by  that 
the  fiesh  n'weak.  [Matf.'xxvi.  dangerous  temptation  which  is  now  approacliing  :«  the  spirit  indeed  is  forward,  and  ready 
'*^'-'  to  express  the  dutiful  regard  that  you  have  for  me,  and  I  know  your  resolutions  of  adher- 

ing to  me  are  very  sincere  ;  but  yet,  as  your  own  present  experience  may  convince  you, 
thejicsh  is  weak  ;^  and  as  you  have  been  so  far  prevailed  upon  by  its  infirmities  as  to  fall 
asleep  at  tliis  very  unseasonable  time,  so,  if  you  are  not  more  upon  your  guard,  and  more 
importunate  in  seeking  for  assistance  from  above,  it  will  soon  gain  a  much  greater  victory 
over  you. 
.39  And  affain  he  went  away      ylwf/ when  he  had  thus  gently  admonished  them,  he  went  away  again  the  second  time  to  39 
and^Tke'th'e^  same''w'ords!  ^  I'ttle  distance  from  them,  and  prayed  as  he  had  done  before,  speaking  much  the  same 
[saying,  o  my  Father,  it  this  words.  Or  cxpressiu'^  himself  to  the  like  effect,  with  the  same  ardour  and  submission,  saiiins, 

cup  may  not  pass  awav  trom    /-\  -r*   .z.         -z-  -^   -l  •  r  xi  ^  i    r  t  •   i     t  ■    ~^ 

me,  c.\cept  I  drink  it,  thy  ^'  '".'/  leather,  if  it  be  neccssary,  in  pursuance  ot  the  great  end  for  which  1  came  into 
will  be  done.]  [Matt.  xxvi.  the  world,  that  I  should  endure  these  grievous  sufferings,  and  this  cup  cannot  pass  from  me 
without  my  drinking  it,  and  wringing  out,  as  it  were,  the  very  dregs  of  it,  I  will   still 
humbly  acquiesce  and  say,  thy  will  be  done,  how  painful  soever  it  may  be  to  flesh  and 
blood. 
40  And  when  he  returned,      -And  retwutng  back  to  his  three  disciples,  he  found  them,  asleep  again  ;  for  the  fatigue  and  40 
cfor'd'ei'r ^e'^es  werfc'he'''v'")  ^^^^'^^^  ^^J  ^^^  lately  Undergone  had  exhau.sted  their  spirits,  and  their  eyes  were  quite 
neither  wist  tiiej whattoYn-  Weighed  down  with  weariiiess  and  sorrow  :  and  he  admonished  them  again  as  before  :  and 
swer  him.  [Matt.  xxvi.  43.]     they  were  so  thoroughly  confounded  that  they  kneiu  not  ivhat  to  answer  him  ;  and  yet  im- 
mediately after,  they  were  so  weak  and  senseless  as  to  relapse  into  the  same  fault  again. 
Matt.  xxvi.  44.    And  he      And  having  rouscd  them  for  the  present  from  their  sleep,  he  left  them,  and  went  away  matt. 
again,''ami  prayeJ\he  Ihi'rd  ''&""'>  '^'"^'^  prayed  the  third  time.  Speaking  much  the  same  tvords  as  before,  or  offering  peti-  XXVI. 
time,  saying  the  same  words ;  tions  to  the  Same  effect :?  Saying,  Father,  if  thou  pleasest  to  take  away  this  cup  from  mc. 
Father,  i't'^thou^'be  wti^iing!  ^^^  ^°  excuse  me  from  the  continuance  of  this  bitter  anguish  and  distress,''  it  is  what  would   v^'^f 
remove  this  cup  tiom  nie":  greatly  rejoicc  me,  and  with  due  submission  I  would  humbly  ask  it;  nevertheless,  as  I  said  4V 
th?ne?be  done?'  "'^  '■^'"' ''"'  before,  not  my  ivill  but  thine  be  done.     And  in  this  last  address,  his  combat  was  so  violent  43 

43  And  there  appeared  an  and  Severe,  that  he  was  almost  overwhelmed ;  and  therefore,  for  his  assistance  against  the 
st'rlngthemng'hii™'"    ''*^'^"'  powers  of  darkness,  which  united  their  force  against  him  in  the  most  terrible  manner, 

there  appeared  to  him  an  angel  from  heaven,  standing  near  him  in  a  visible  form,  strengthen- 
ing him  by  that  sensible  token  of  the  Father's  protection  and  favour,  and  suggesting  such 

44  And  being  in  an  agony,  holy  consolations  as  were  most  proper  to  animate  his  soul  in  such  a  struggle.'     Yet  with  44 

all  these  assurances  that  he  was  still  the  charge  of  heaven,  and  quickly  should  be  made 

have  found  a  rich  equivalent  for  their  watcliful  carp,  in  the  eminent  im-  such  circumstances,  with  our  best  temper,  we  must  be  more  troublesome 

provement  of  their  graces  by  this  wonderful  and  edifying  sight.  than  we  could  wish ! 

d   Take  aicay  this  cuji.'\    Nothing  is  more  common  than  to  express  a  g  Speahhig  much  the  same  Koris.']    Tt  is  plain,  by  comparing  ver.  30. 

portion  of  comfort  or  disti'ess   by  a  cup,  alluding  to  the  custom   of  and  42.  that  the  words  were  not  entirely  the  same  ;  and  it  is  certain  that 

the  father  of  a  family,  or  master  of  a  feast,  to  send  to  his  children  or  Xo^o?  often  signifies  matter  ;  so  that  no  more  appears  to  be  intended 

guests  a  cup  of  such  liquor  as  he  designed  for  them.     See  note  d,  on  than  that  he  prayed  to  the  same  purpose  as  before. 

Matt.  XX.  1'i.  p.  247-  and  with  the  texts  which  are  referred  to  at  the  end  h  Jf  thrm  pleasest  to  take  auay  this  cup  from  me.']    The  observing 

of  that  note,  compare  Psal.  xvi.  5.  xxiii.  5.  Ixxv.  8.  Jer.  xvi.  7.  xlix.  12.  reader  wilt  easily  perceive  by  the  paraphrase,  that  I  do  not  suppose  our 

Lam.  iv.  21.  fzek.  xxiii.  32,  33.  Hah.  ii.  Ifi.  and  Rev.  xiv.  10.  xvi.  19.  Lord  here   prayed  to  be  excused  entirely  from   suflferings  and  death. 

In  some  of  which  texts  there  niaj',  perhaps,  be  a  reference  to  the  way  of  .Such  a  petition  appears  to  me  so  inconsistent  with  that  steady  constancy 

executing  some  criminals  by  sending  them  a  cup  of  poison;  whicli  is  he  always  showed,  and  with  that  lively  turn  (John  xii.  27,  28.  p.  259.) 

■well  known  to  have  been  an  Eastern,  though  not  (so  far  as  I  can  learn)  in  which  he  seems  to  disown  such  a  prayer,  that  I  think  even  Hooker's 

a  Jewish,  custom.  solution,  though  the  best  I  have  met  with,  is  not  satisfactory.    (Hooker's 

e   Watch  and  pray,  iSf .]    How  poorly  is  this  exhortation  answered  by  Eccles.  Polity,  lib.  v.  §  48.)    It  appears  to  me  much  safer  to  expound  it, 

those  vigils  and  nocturnal  olhces  of  the  l<omish  church,  which  are  said  as  Sir  Matthew  Hale  does,  (in  his  Cnntetnplations,  vol.  i.  p.  59.)  as  re- 

to  have  had  their  original   from   lience  !     Khemish  Testam.  p.  79- — I  lating  to  the  terror  and  severity  of  the  combat  in  which  he  was  now 

think  it  more  proper,  on  a  review,  to  render  «tu9  «k  laxvaa-re  in  the  actiiallv  engaged.    (See  Limborch's  Theol.  lib.  iii.  cap.  13.  *  17.)     f' "s 

preceding  verse,  with  Dr.  Hammond,    JVere  yc  so  unable,  S<c.  than  to  throws  great  lij;ht  on  Heb.  v.  7.  He  -,oas  heard  in  that  he  feared. — Since 

retain  our  version  of  aTwr,  ^chat,  which  seems  a  less  common  and  less  the  former  editions,  I  have  had  the  pleasure  to  find  this  interpretation 

forcible  sense.  beautifully  illustrated  and  judiciously  confirmed  by  the  learned   Dr. 

f  the  spirit  indeed  is  forward  and  ready,  hut  the  flesh  is  rjeai-.'\    So  Thomas  .lackson,  in  his  JVor/ts,  vol.  ii.  p.  813,  817.  947.                     . 

{rentle  a  rebuke,  and  so  kind  an  apology,  (as  Archbishop  Tillotson  verv  i  /In  anijel  from  heaven  strengthening  him.']    Some  of  the   ancient 

justly  and   beautifully  observes,)  were  the  more  remarkable,  as  our  christians  thought  it  so  dishonourable  to  Christ  that  he  should  receive 

Ixjrri  s  nimd  was  now  discomposed  with  sorrow,  so  that  he  must  have  such  assistance  from  an   angel,  that  they  omitted   this  verse  in   their 

the  deeper  and  tenderer  sense  of  the  unkindness  of  his  friends.     'See  copies  ;  as  Jerome  and  Hilary  infoiTn  us.    Tt  is  indeed  wanting  in  some 

lillotson  s  Works,  vol.  ii.  p.  4.35.)— How  apt  are  we  to  think  afRictinn  manuscripts  :  but  far  the  greatest  number  of  copies  have  't ;  and  couia 

an  excuse  for  peevishness!     But  how  unlike  are  we  to  Christ  in  that  Hilary  have  proved  it  a  spurious  addition,  he  would,  no  doubt,  nave 

thought,  and  how  unkind  to  ourselves  as  well  as  our  friends,  to  whom,  in  done  "it,  since  it  so  directly  contradicts  the  wild   notion  he  seems  to 


3jg  CHRIST'S  AGONY  IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GETHSEMANE. 

SECT   victorious  over  all,  his  terror  and  distress  continued  ;  and  being  in  an  unspeakable  agony,  he  prayed  more  earnestly : 
"l82.'  he  pra>/cd  yet  more  intemcli/  than  before,  insomuch  that,  though  he  was  now  in  the  open  g"e'it'"drops^''of'''woodlmn| 

air  aiid  in  the  cool  of  the  night,  his  snveat  ran  off  with  uncommon  violence  ;  yea,  so  extra-  down  to  the  ground. 

LUKE  ordinary  was  the  commotion  of  animal  nature,  that  blood  was  also  forced  in  an  amazmg 
XXII.  manner  through  the  pores  together  with  the  sweat,  which  was  as  it  were  great  drops  of 
^^  blood  falling  down  from  his  face,  and  dropping  in  clots  on  the  ground,  as  he  bowed  himself 
to  the  earth> 

45  And  rising  up  from  prayer  after  this  dreadful  conflict,  he  came  back  to  his  disciples  the  ,  45  And  wlien  he  rose  up 
third  time,  and  notwithstanding  the  repeated  admonitions  he  had  given  them,  he  again  h™S'isapTlsh^URTAhe'tldrd 
found  them  sleeping;  for  their  senses  were  quite  stupified,  and  their  spirits  exhausted  with  time,]  he  found  them  sleeping 

46  sorrow.  And  he  mid  to  them,  Wht/  do  you  still  go  on  to  sleep  at  such  a  season  as  this  ?  MarrxW^iu  "'  """''  *^' 
This  drowsy  disposition  makes  it  necessary  to  renew  my  exhortation,  and  to  call  upon  you  46  And  said  unto  them, 
yet  once  more  to  arise  and  pray  that  you  may  not  enter  into  a  circumstance  of  very  danger-  lest  y|  IXriuto  temptation! 

MATT,  bus  temptation.     But  as  all  this  did  not  sufficiently  rouse  them,  and  he  knew  those  that  ^_^Watt.^  xxvi.  «.  ^And  he 

XXVI.  came  to  apprehend  him  were  just  now  entenng  the  garden,  he  altered  his  voice,  and  said  now,  and" take  your  rest:  [It 

^^  to  them  in  an  ironical  manner,  You  may  now  sleep  on  if  you  can,  and  take  your  rest  as  long  is  enough ;]  behold,  the  hour 

'    „.  -'     ,  i 'u       1     i    i    ■  J.       r      4i  ■  ]s [come,]  and  tlie  Son ot  man 

as  you  please  :  I  have  been  callmg  you  to  watch  ;  but  it  is  now  enough  ;  tor  this  season  is  betrayed  into  the  hands  of 
of  watching  is  over,  and  I  have  no  further  need  to  press  you  to  it :  you  will  now  be  roused  sinners.  [Marie  xiv.  4i.] 
by  another  kind  of  alarm  than  what  my  words  have  given  ;  for  behold,  the  long-expected 
hour  is  at  length  come,  and  the  Son  of  man  is  even  now  betrayed  into  the  hands  of  the  most 
46  inhuman  sinners.     Arise,  therefore,  and  let  us  go  along  with  them  whithersoever  they  shall     46  Rise,  let  us  be  going : 
lead  us:  for  behold,  he  that  betrayeth  me  is^just  at  hand.    Accordingly  Judas  and  his  blu°y  ml '^Mmk^'xW^Val'' 
retinue  immediately  appeared,  and  seized  him  in  the  manner  which  will  be  next  related. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.        On  the  most  transient  survey  of  this  amazing  story,  we  cannot  but  fall  into  deep  admiration.    What  a  sight  is 
40,  43  here  !  Let  our  souls  turn  aside  to  behold  it  with  a  becoming  temper,  and  surely  we  must  wonder  how  the  disciples 

could  sleep  in  the  midst  of  a  scene  which  might  almost  have  awakened  rocks  and  trees  to  compassion. 
LUKE       Behold  the  Prince  of  life,  God's  incarnate  and  only-begotten  Son,  drinking  of  the  brook  in  the  way,  (Psal.  ex.  7.) 
XXII.  and  not  only  tasting,  but  drawing  in  full  draughts  of  that  bitter  cup  which  his  heavenly  Father  put  into  his  hands 
■^l'  "^2  on  this  awful  occasion.     Let  us  behold  him  kneeling,  and  even  prostrate  on  the  ground,  and  there  pouring  out  his 
strong  cries  and  tears  to  him  that  was  able  to  save  him  from  death.    (Heb.  v.  7.)     Let  us  view  him  in  this  bloody 
44  agony,  and  say.  If  these  things  be  done  in  the  green  tree,  what  shall  be  done  in  the  dry?    (Luke  xxiii.  31.)     If  even 
Christ  himself  was  so  depressed  with  sorrow  and  amazement,  and  the  distress  and  anguish  he  endured  were  such, 
that  in  his  agony  the  sweat  ran  from  him  like  great  drops  of  blood,  when  our  iniquities  were  laid  tipon  him,  and  it 
pleased  the  Fattier  to  bndse  him,  and  to  put  him  to  grief,  (Isa.  liii.  6,  10.)  how  must  the  sinner  then  be  filled  with 
horror,  and  with  what  dreadful  agonies  of  anguish  and  despair  will  he  be  overwhelmed,  when  he  shall  bear  the 
burden  of  his  own  iniquities,  and  God  shall  pour  out  all  his  wrath  upon  him'?     Behold  hovf  fearful  a  thing  it  is 
to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  living  God!    (Heb.  x.  31.) 
MATT.       Here  was  no  human  enemy  near  our  blessed  Redeemer ;  yet  such  invisible  terrors  set  themselves  in  array 
x.wi.  against  him,  that  his  very  soul  was  poured  out  like  water;  nor  was  there  any  circumstance  of  his  sufferings  in 
^^  which  he  discovered  a  greater  commotion  of  spirit.    Nevertheless,  his  pure  and  holy  soul  bare  all  this  without  any 
irregular  perturbation.     In  all  this  he  sinned  not  by  a  murmuring  word  or  an  impatient  thought :  he  shone  the 
brighter  for  the  furnace  of  affliction,  and  gave  us  at  once  the  most  wonderful  and  tlie  most  amiable  pattern  of 
39,  42  resignation  to  tlie  divine  disposal,  when  he  said,  Father,  not  as  I  luill  but  as  thou  wilt. — May  this  be  our  language 
under  every  trial !  Lord,  we  could  wish  it  was ;  and  we  would  maintain  a  holy  watciifulness  over  our  own  souls, 
41  that  it  may  be  so!  But  in  this  respect,  as  well  as  in  every  other,  we  find  that  even  when  the  spirit  is  willing  the 
flesh  is  weak.     How  happy  is  it  for  us  that  the  blessed  Jesus  knows  our  frame,  and  has  learnt,  by  what  he  him- 
self suffered  in  our  frail  nature,  to  make  the  most  compassionate  allowance  for  its  various  infirmities  !  Let  us  learn 
to  imitate  tliis  his  gentle  and  gracious  conduct,  even  in  an  hour  of  so  much  distress.     Let  us  bear  with  and  let 
us  pity  each  other,  not  aggravating  every  neglect  of  our  friends  into  a  crime,  but  rather  speaking  of  their  faults  in 
the  mildest  terms,  and  making  the  most  candid  excuses  for  what  we  cannot  defend.    Let  us  exercise  such  a  temper 
even  in  the  most  gloomy  and  dejected  moments  of  life ;  which  surely  may  well  be  expected  of  us,  who  ourselves 
need  so  much  compassion  and  indulgence  almost  from  every  one  with  whom  we  converse ;  and,  which  is  infinitely 
more,  who  owe  our  all  to  the  forbearance  of  that  God  of  whose  mercy  it  is  that  we  are  not  utterly  consumed. 


SECTION  CLXXXIII. 


Jesus  is  betrayed  by  Judas,  and  seized  by  the  guard,  to  whom,  after  glorious  displays  of  liis  power,  he  voluntarily  surrenders  himself,  and  is 
then  forsaken  by  all  his  disciples.    Matt.  xxvi.  47—56.    Mark  xiv.  43—52.    Luke  xxii.  47—53.    John  xviii.  2—12. 


John  xviii.  2.  john  xviii.  2 

sr.CT.  NO  W  when  our  Lord  was  thus  retired  to  the  garden,  Judas  also  that  betrayed  him  knew  and  ludas  also  which 
183.    the  place ;  for  Jesus  often  resorted  thither  in  company  with  his  disciples,'^  and  had  particu-  for^jesu""'oft"tVmes'resorteci 
larly  done  it  again  and  again  since  his  coming  up  to  spend  this  passover  at  Jerusalem,  thither  with  his  disciples. 


be- 
ace  : 


JOHN    (Compare  Luke  xxi.  37.  p.  291.)    Judas  therefore,  taking  with  him  a  band  [of  soldiers,']  or     .?  .ludas  then  having 

^Vl"-  a  Roman  cohort,  with  their  captain,  (see  ver.  12.)  and  some  Jewish  officers,  sent  for  that  oftVcers  tVom  the  thie'/'priests 

purpose  from  the  chief  priests  and  other  Pharisees  belonging  to  the  sanhedrim,  who  were  and  Pharisees,  cometh  thither 

maintain,  that  Christ  was  incapable  of  any  painful  sensations.    (See  Dr.  Christologi/,  vol.  ii.  p.  130.)    But  however  this  be,  I  can  hardly  think. 

Mill,  ill  loc.~)  as  Dr.  .Scott  suggests,  that  there  was  some  supernatural  agency  of  those 

k  nil  sweat  rt'as  as  it  were  great  drops  of  Hood,  iS-r .]    Many  expositors  evil  spirits  in  the  drowsiness  of  the  disciples,  since  the  sacred  historian 

have  thought,  as  M.  Le  Clerc  did,  that  the  expression  {!,  tdpwi  aura  is  silent  on  this  head,  and  refers  it  to  another  cause. 

uttret  0pon(3oi  ai/iaxo?]  only  implies  that  his  drops  of  sweat  were  large  a  Jesus  often  resorted  thither  with  his  disciples.']    It  was  probably  a 

mid  clammy  like  clots  of  gore :  but  Dr.  Whitby  observes,  that  A ristotle  garden  which  belonged  to  one  ot  Christ's  friends,  and  to  which  he  had  a 

and  Diodorus   .Siculus  both  mention  bloody  sweats   as  attending  some  liberty  of  retiring  wlienever  he  pleased.    And  here  accordingly  he  often 

extraordinary  agony  of  mind ;   and   I   find    Leti,  in  his  Life  of  Pope  used  to  spend  some  considerable  time  in  prayer  and  pious  converse,  in 

Sextvs  v.  p.  200.  and  Sir  John  Chardin,  in  his  History  of  Persia,  vol.  the  evenmgs  or  nights  after  his  indefatigable   labours   in  the  city  ancl 

i.  p.  126.  mentioning  a  like  phenomenon  ;  to  which  Dr.  Jackson  (in  his  temple  by  day.    It  is  indeed  amazing  how  flesh  and  blood  could  go 

VVorks,  vol.  ii.  p.819.)  ad<ls  another  from  Thuanus,  lib.  x.  p.  221. — Dr.  through  such  incessant  fatigues  ;  but  it  is  very  probable  Christ  might 

Scott  and  Mr.  Fleming  both  imagine  that  Christ  now  struggled  with  the  exert  some  miraculous  power  o%'cr  his  own  animal  nature,  to  strengthen 

spirits  of  darkness  :  the  former  says  he  was  now  surrounded  with  a  it  for  such  difficult  services,  and  to  preserve  it  in  health  and  vigour  ; 

mighty  host  of  devils,  who  exercised  all  their  force  and  malice  to  perse-  otherwise  the  copious  dews  which  fall  by  night  in  those  parts,  must  have 

cute  and  distract  his  innocent  soul ;  and  the  latter  supposes  that  iSatan  been  very  dangerous,  (as  I  have  elsewhere  hinted.  ^  86.  note  c,)  espe- 

hoped,  by  overpowering  him  here,  to  ha^e  prevented  the  accomplish-  cially  when  the  body  was  heated  by  preaching  in  the  day,  and  often  by 

mcnt  of  the  prophecies  relating  to  the  manner  and  circumstances  of  his  travelling  several  miles  on  foot, 
death.     (See  Scott's   Christian  Life,  vol.   iii.   p.   1  ly.   an<l    Fleming's 


with 
ami  we 


CHRIST  BETRAYED  BY  JUDAS.  319 

lanterns,  and  torches,  chiefly  concemed  in  this  affair,  comes  thither  with  torches,  and  lamps,  and  hostile  weapons  •  SECT 
'•'"P'""*-  which  they  brought  with  them,  though  it  was  now  full  moon,  to  use  their  arms  if  they    183.' 

should  meet  with  any  opposition,  or  to  discover  him  by  their  ligiits,  if  he  should  go  about • 

to  hide  himself,  as  they  foolishly  imagined  he  might,  among 'the  private  walks  or  other  mark 
recesses  of  the  garden.  xiv. 

diatd'y,  winl e't  yet  'paTei  ^f  ^  irnmediutely  while  he  ivas  yet  speaking  to  his  disciples  and  giving  them  the  alarm  43 
[lo.  Judas,  one  of  the  twelve,  mentioned  in  the  close  of  the  last  section,  behold,  this  very  Judas,  one  of  the  twelve  apostles 
mui\klie'^witi''swo"<?s^a"d  "'"f  ^"^^  ^^'^  garden,  rmrf  ^uith  him  a  great  multitude  of  persons  of  Very  different  stations 
staves,  from  the  chief  priests,  and  othces  in  life,  who  were  sent  witli  authority  from  the  chief  priests,  and  scribes  and 
fo7X%'eopieY[Marx'vi'  ^''^'''''  "f  ^''^  P^^P'"' '  ^'1^,  more  effectually  to  execute  their  orders,  they  were  armed' roi^A 
47.  Luke  xxii.  4?.]  sivord,>i  and  staves,  to  seize  him  by  violence,  if  any  resistance  should  be  made  to  the  attempt ; 

and  there  were  also  with  them  some  persons  of' superior  rank  and  quality,  who,  full  of  im- 
patient and  malicious  zeal,  could  not  forbear  mingling  themselves  with  the  dregs  of  the 
him  fLuK'r  'went^^bXe  1^^°!^^^  ^M^o"  this  infamous  occasion.    (See  Luke  xxii.  52.  p.  320.)     Now  he  that  betrayed  AA: 
them,  «nrf]  had  srivcn  them'a  '''""  ''i"'"'  ^  little  before  the  rest  of  them  ;  [anr/]  that  they  might  not  be  mistaken  in  "the 
shair'k'iss''tfct^samr'ir'he^  person,  he  had  given  them  a  signal  by  which  tiiey  might  distinguish  Jesus  from  any  others 
take  him,  [hold  him  tkst,']  and  ^'^'^  might  chance  to  be  with  him,''  sayiiig,  He  whom  I  shall  kiss  at  my  first  entering  into 
iTvi  'js"  Lukelxu' ^47'^i^'^""  ^'^"^  garden,  «  the  person  you  are  commissioned  to  take;<^  be  sure  therefore  to  %  hold  of 
A«w  immediately,  tt;«c?/ea^  Ah«  awYH/ s«/e(y;  for  he  has  sometimes  made  strange  escapes 
from  those  that  have  attempted  to  take'him,  and  if  he  get  away  from  you  after  this  signal, 

comefi?e'*[LuKK"dre'rnIa?  '"^  ^''^  ^^  ^^^^  ^'^"^*'  ^"^^  """^  ™'"^-''    ^^™^  accordingly, 'icJHg  come  into  the  garden,  he  drew  45 
unto  Jesus  to  kiss  him  ;  «„rf]  "«""  to  Jesus  to  kiss  hhu,  as  a  signal  to  the  company  to  seize  him ;  [rwrf]  going  directly  to 
S.'![Haii  master  M'iter'!  '"'"'  '^^''^'^  ^"  ^"'  "^  ^'^'^  greatest  respBct,  as  if  he  had  been  impatient  of  his  absence  during 
and  kissed  iiifn.  [Matt.'xxvi!  ^hose  few  hours  which  had  passed  since  he  saw  him  last,  and  was  quite  transported  with 
49.  i.uke  xxn.  4?.]  joy  to  meet  him  again,  he  said,  with  the  fairest  appearances  of  duty  and  friendship.  Hail 

to  thee.  Rabbi,  Rabbi !  May  the  greatest  pleasure  and  happiness  continually  attend  thee  ! 

said  uL^iim.^Friiirf!  where!  ^'"^  "1^°"  ^'"^'  !'^  '"^^^^^  ^"'"-     ^"^  *^""-''  '^^l'  understanding  the  perfidious  purposes  con-  matt. 
tore  art  thou 'cornel'  '[.ludas,  cealed  under  this  fond  address,  answered  with  great  mildness,  yet  with  becoming  spirit    X-'iVi. 
Sfit^a'k^Vs^T[Luke°x"'i[''58']  ''"'^  '""^  ^"  ''""'  ^^r^end,  wherefore  art  thou  come?  and  whence  is  all  this  ceremony  and  ^^ 
transport  ?    Think  of  it,  Judas  !  Is  this  the  friendship  thou  hast  so  often  boasted  ?    Alas, 
dost  thou  betray  him  whom  thou  canst  not  but  know  to  be  the  Son  of  man,  luith  such  a 
treacherous  kiss  1 «    And  dost  thou  think  that  he  can  be  imposed  upon  "by  this  poor  artifice  ? 
or  that  Cod,  who  has  promised  him  so  glorious  and  triumphant  a  kingdom,  will  not  punish 
such  baseness  and  cruelty  to  him  ? 
for^e^.'kVowing^^ii/thinss'rhat  ,    ^'''™  ^''T]  ^^wxx^'a  he  fully  understood  what  was  to  follow  this  perfidious  salutation,  as   .roiiv 
should  come  upon  him"  went  knmving  all  the  dreadful  things  that  loere  coming  upon  him,^  yet  did  not  attempt  to  escape    xviir. 
Whom  seek '/e'  ""'°  """"'  ^'^  ^^  ^^'th^raw  himself  out  of  the  power  of  his  enemies  :  nevertheless  he  determined  to  ^ 
show  tliem  that  he  could  easily  have  done  it ;  and  therefore,  as  they  now  upon  the  signal 
that  was  given  them,  were  drawing  near  to  seize  him,  he  went  forth  towards  his  enernies, 
(ind  said  to  them,  with  the  greatest  composure  of  mind.  Whom' do  you  come  to  seek  here' 
of  NSeT.Te'uyS^^^^^^     ^"^  '^'7  "''^'''^  ^°  confounded  at  the  air  of  majesty  and  intrepidity  with  which  he  appeared,  5 
them,  I  am  Ae.   And  Judas  t"at  Without  Saying  they  were  come  for  him,  they  only  answered  him,  We  are  come  to  seek 
"to2d  with  toem.""''^"^  *■""•  ^f""^  ^^^  Nnzarenc.     Jesus  sai/s  to  them.  You  have  the  person  then  before  vou  ;  I  am  \he.\ 
-^'"^  Judas  also  ivho  betrayed  him,  then  stood  with  them ;  and  he  who  formerly  had  followed 
.aid  unfo°tTem  "ami'Mhty  ^'^"^*  ^^  °"^  ^^  *1'^  disciples,  now  Sorted  with  his  open  and  avowed  enemies.     Then  as  6 
;'y^^"t'Jj'ti<ward,andfeirtothe  soon  as  he  had  said  to  them,  I  am  [he,]  there  went  forth  such  a  secret  energy  of  divine 
^''"""'  ■  power  with  those  words,  that  all  their  united  force  was  utterly  unable  to  resist  it,  so  that 

7  Then  asked  I    th  ■     ^l^V/  P'"^^<^"%  drcw  back,  as  afraid  to  approach  him,  though  unarmed  and  unguarded,  and 

•Whom  seek  ye  ?    Anir^they ■ ' ^"  ^^  ^"^^  ^"  ^^^  ground,s  as  if  they  had  been  struck  with  liijhtmng.     Yet  a  few  moments  7 
said,  Jesus  of  Nazareth.         after,  recovering  from  this  consternation,  they  arose  and  rallied  again  ;  and  then  as  they 
„  ,p,„,  ,    ,  ^       came  up  the  second  time,  he  asked  them  again,  Whom  do  you  seek?     And  they  said  to  him 

tohi  you  that^'fan;  L     if  f,  ^^^^'^^.^  J^'"''  ^''<^  Nazarene.     Jesus  answered  them,  I  'have  already  told  you  that  I  am  8 
eothe?r''w^'^*'""^''^'""''*  V^-'^  -^  ^^'^^^fi^^^  ^o«  «t'fi/c  me  alone,  vou  may  let  these  my  companions  "and  fviends  go 
^"  ^''^ir  "wy  m  safety  ;h  and  indeed  I  shall  insist  upon  that  as  a  condition  of  surrenderino- 

fumUed*wh1cM;e"''s!rafe'of  "'J'^^'V^  7'^"'  7^^""^.  ^^^  ^^^  ^^^"^^  perceive  I  could  refuse  if  I  thought  fit.     And  this  9 
them  which  thou  gavest'me  "^  Said,  that  the  Saying  he  littered  before  might  further  be  illustrated  and  accomplished, 
have  I  lost  none.  0/  those  whom  thou,  my  heavenly  Father,  hast  given  me,  I  have  lost,  and  will  lose,  none."  * 

(See  John  xvii.  12.  p.  313.)  a  ,  ,  , 


eVilra^lers  toTesl.sTudit  was'nnw  ni.M  t"^"""!  Ih  ^PP^'^''^"''  'V"^    ^^^  infinitely  more  fortitude  in  our  Lord's  conduct  on  this  great  occa- 


both  of  his 

that   these 

attendants, 

confederacy 

-■ vvAvi.  -^-t   ij  -'y/  -   ,  ,  L  -  •-.     . -> 1 '^  i  *^nd  they 

e  Dost  timu  heir uv  the  Smnf  mnr,  -„ith  „l■i,,f^    Tho,.,,  ,■=.  „,.    *  might,  perhaps,  ascribe  it  to  the  special  providence  of  God,  rather  than 

to  believe  that  oui  Lord  nts  t^ik  nhrase  o/X  L/ift  '  l^*'?*  "i^^"""  •rJ'"'  "«'"'se..ce  ot  Jesus,  that  they  had  received  no  further  damage, 
this occasion/Cas  he  had  done  the'^samp  LlLr^  {„^,Tt  ?  ■'"'^'^  ""  ^ *!?  """"'  7'''"P'  ''?^''*  ''f^  "=  reasonings  to  support  it  in  its  absurdest 
breatl.  )  in  the  ^pnL  hpr„  ^,      the  same  evening  at  supper  twice  in  a    notions  and  most  criminal  actions. 

«  170.  and  it  adds  a  sp'rif  to'?hU^e3r,h^M.=^  TJit^'  Y"''  "^  ^  k''j'"'^  ""Z''"'"  f^"]  ^hat  tenderness  was  here  towards  those 
served,  which  the  attentue  rPM.lpr  win  Hil  ,  *  k  ?^  ^*'5"  ^.f "  "'l"  .'^''°  ^'^'^  ""^  '"'^'^  neglected  him,  (sleeping  while  he  was  in  such  an  ex- 
greater  strength  anHerutvt'l^^^nHnirWH  l"  '^'^  '^  *'^n'^?^  with  much  treme  agony,)  that  yet  he  would  not  suffer  them  to  be  terriHed  by  so 
7>etra!/  me  wiilaihs  ?  "  ^  ^^"^-  ^"^  """'■  I""S''  f^  '"  '■^°''^  imprisonment!  and  the  words  also  intimate  that  he  in- 
^  Kno-winn  all  thinni  thai  ,„fT^  ^^r„;„n  „^„„  I  ■  t  r^  t  j  .1  '•^nded  presently  to  dismiss  them,  as  probably  not  thinking  it  convenient 
knew  in  geLral  thafhe  slfouIH  s,T?U^  Our  Lord  not  only  to  appear  before  his  udges  with  such  an  attendance.  'His  disciples, 
itself,  but  was  acSi^ted  alsi  w  «^^^^^  ?''''•  ■^"'^  *?"  •^''"•'!-  P'^^'l^Pi'  nuRht  consider  this  speech  as  an  excuse  for  their  forsaking  him  ; 
ignominy  and  hor^nhatshonMrtt!  J  mA  g'^' ?"="'ar  cireumstanMs  of  but  had  they  viewe.l  it  in  a  just  light,  it  would  rather  have  appeared  a 
he  largelV  fXtold  ?sep  Mitf  v^^^^^^  ^'l'°"p  engagement  upon  them  to  have  waited  for  that  fair  dismission 
though  manv  of  tlJpil.--  Y"  ^^'  ^^-  ""'*  "^^  parallel  places,  p.  046.)  which  our  Lord  seemed  about  to  givethem. 

Sue    -U    s    mooss^^^^^^               "'•",'. '^  contingent  as  can  well  be  .  il  have  lost  none.-]    Jansenius  jSstly  observes  thatit  was  a  remarkable 

our  lord  Jesus  cKwfhi  f"'''''  ^Pgl't  >.nt".the  hermc  behaviour  of  instance  of  the  nower  of  Christ  over  the  spirits  of  men,  that  they  so  far 

us     The  critic  Tre    n 'r»^  Srp.'  ^^ry^n^.th's  circumstance  along  with  obeyed  his  wor.l  as  not  to  seize  Peter  when  he   had  cut  off  the  ear  of 

the  JVoian  war    when  hpb^     ^\  "'*  g""^"""^,']*  Achilles  in  going  to  Malchus,  or  John,  while  he  stood  by  the  cross,  though  they  must  know 

tall  there  -but  he  m,iJ?  I  nv»  ,^     (according  to  I  qmer)  that  he  should  them  to  have  been  of  the  number  of  his  most  intimate  associates. 
laii  iiicic  ,  oui  ne  must  have  a  very  low  way  ot  thinking,  who  does  not 


320  CHRIST  SURRENDERS  HIMSELF  TO  THE  OFFICERS. 

SECT.       And  then,  as  he  was  speaking  this,  theij  that  were  sent  to  apprehend  him  came  and  laid     Matt.  xxvi.  50.  Then  came 
183.    their  hands  upon  Jesus,  and  took  him  prisoner,  without  his  making  any  manner  of  resistance.  oJf  jesurand'took  him"!  [Mark 

Noiu,  upon  this,  when  his  disciples  saw  that  they  had  seized  him,  and  began  to  apprehend  xiv.  40.] 

MATT,  what  would  be  the  consequence  of  these  things,  thei/  said  to  him,  Lord,  shall  ive  smite  these  wMch^were'ato'ut^^him/saw 
XXVI.  impious  wretches  with  the  sword?  for  we  doubt  not  but,  as  few  as  we  are,  thou  canst  what  would  foiinw,  they  said 

51  render  us  victorious  over  this  armed  multitude.  And,  without  staying  for  his  answer,  "mUe  with'th^word'''*"  ^"^ 
behold,  one  of  them  that  ivere  ivith  Jesus,  \eveH~\  Simon  Pe.ter^  having  a  sword,  stretched  out  Matt.  xxvi.  51.  And  behold, 
his  hand  and  drew  it  with  a  rash  inconsiderate  zeal,  and  smote  a  servant  of  the  high  priest,  j"|us[  \'!u!^N'"era»^'^simon 
luhose  name  was  Malchus,  who  was  one  of  the  forwardest,  and  seemed  particularly  officious  Peter',  having  a  sword,] 
in  seizing  Christ ;'  and  he  struck  full  at  his  head,  intending  to  cleave  him  down,  but  the  [joHN^'diw  i't!\nd]"ltrnck 
stroke  glanced  a  little  on  one  side,  so  that  he  only  cut  off' his  right  ear.  a  servant  of  the'high  priest's, 

52  Then  Jesus,  being  determined  to  surrender  himself  into  the  tiands  of  his  enemies,  and  ea°"  i'he"servant'sname"was 
still  to  show  that  such  a  surrender  was  the  effect  not  of  compulsion  but  of  choice,  said  Malchus,]  [Mark  xiv.  47. 
unto  Peter,  Return  thi/  stvord  into  the  sheath  again  ;  for  I  will  not  have  recourse  to  this  se'^Then  sai'd°  Jesus"'unto 
or  any  other  method  of  defence :  and  indeed,  all  that  take  the  stvoi-d  shall  perish  bi/  the  [Peter,]  P"'  "P  jfs^'"  "}^ 
sword,  and  they  that  are  most  ready  to  take  up  arms  are  commonly  the  first  that  will  fall  aU°hey"that  take%he'swor('^ 
by  them ;  which  might  be  intended  as  an  intimation  that  the  Jews,  who  were  now  drawing  rjoJ'n'xv'i'fi'^i^f '  "^^  sw*""''- 
the  sword  against  him,  should  ere  long  perish  by  it  in  a  very  miserable  manner,  as  they 

quickly  after  did  in  the  Roman  war  :  and  that  the  sword  of  divine  vengeance,  in  one  form 

53  or  another,  would  quickly  find  out  all  his  implacable  enemies.  And  besides,  Peter,  dost  53  Thiukest  thou  that  I 
thou  think  that  I  want  the  aid  of  thy  feeble  arm,  and  that  I  cannot  now  entreat  mi/  Father,  the"r"''and°h'e''s'^^?ail'pr'Snny 
and  have  sucli  interest  with  him,  tliat  he  would  presentl  if  furnish  me  ivith  a  celestial  army  eive  me  more  than  twelve 
for  my  guard,  marshalled  in  dreadful  array,  and  consisting  of  more  than  twelve  legions  of  ^gio^s  of  angels .' 

54  angels?"^  But  how  then,  if  I  should  thus  stand  on  my  defence,  shall  the  scriptures  be  fut-  51  But  how  then  shall  the 
filled,  even  the  very  prophecies  which  I  came  to  accomplish,  which  have  so  expressly  fore-  thus'itmust''be  ?""'"*'''  *''"* 

told  that  thus  it  jnust  be  ?  Or  how  should  I  approve  my  submission  to  him  that  sent  me  ? 
JOHN   You  only  look  at  second  causes,  and  have  but  an  imperfect  view  of  things ;  but  1  consider     John  xviii.  11.    The  cup 
XVIII.  all  the  sufferings  I  am  now  to  meet  as  under  a  divine  direction  and  apiiointment,  and  re-  mel'^s^haii'/not'drink'itf^''" 
gard  them  as  the  cup  ivhich  my  Father  has  given  me  ;  and,  when  considered  in  that  view, 
shall  I  not  willingly  submit  to  drink  it  ?    Shall  I  not  acquiesce  in  what  I  know  to  be  his 
will  ?  or  would  it  be  the  part  of  a  dutiful  and  affectionate  Son  to  dispute  the  determina- 
tions of  his  paternal  wisdom  and  love  ? 
12      Then,  without  any  opposition,  he  surrendered  himself  into  the  hands  of  those  that  came     12  Then  the  band  and  the 
to  apprehend  him :  and  all  uniting  in  their  enmity  against  him,  the  bandoi  Roman  soldiers,  jewlTook'j'esusf'and  bound 
with  the  captain  at  their  head,  anct.  the  Jewish  officers  that  came  witii  them,  seized  Jesus  as  a  iiim. 
LUKE   malefactor,  and  presently  bound  him  to  prevent  his  escape.     But  as  they  were  binding     Luke  xxii.  51.   And  Jesus 
XXIT    him,  Jesus  ansivered  and' said,  Suffer  ye  at  least  that  I  may  have  my  hands  at  liberty  thus  fhTI^?  And'he  touShit 
far.  and  stay  but  for  a  moment  while  I  add  one  act  of  power  and  compassion  to  those  I  ear,  and  healed  him. 
have  already  done  :  and  calling  Malchus  to  him,  he  touched  his  ear,  and  immediately  healed 
him." 

52  Then  Jesus  said  in  that  same  hour  to  the  chief  priests,  and  to  the  captains  of  the  temple  5C  Then  .Tesns  said  [in  that 
guard,"  and  to  the  elders  of  the  people,  or  to  those  members  of  the  sanhedrim  ivho  (as  was  [fr"ests,  °aml  captains^f*^  the 
said  before,  p.  319.)  wej-e  so  forgetful  of  the  dignity  of  their  character  as  to  come  to  him  temple,  and  the  elders  which 
themselves  with  the  dregs  of  the  populace,  at  this  unseasonable  time,  and  on  this  infamous  muUitucres,Tiie"ye  com'e  out 
occasion:  to  these  he  said,  land!  to  the  multitude  that  now  surrounded  him,  For  what  «s  against  a  thief,  with  swords 

1,  ''•-'.  •,  'i  tiiii  iji  «"d  staves  [tor  to  take  me  r] 

imaginable  reason  are  you  come  out  against  me,  as  against  a  rubber  tliat  would  rnake  a  [Matt.  xxvi.  55.  Mark  xiv. 

desperate  resistance,  armed  in  this  way,  with  sivords  and  staves,  as  if  you  came  to  seize  me  '**'•) 

53  at  tne  hazard  of  vour  lives  ?  When  I  xvas  with  you  every  dai/,  as  I  have  been  for  some  time  5.?  when  I  was  daily  with 
past,  [and]  publicly  sat  teaching  in  the  temnle,  you  had"  opportunities  enough  to  have  ^e"nple'',%'fMrRK?took  ml 
secured  me,  if  there  was  any  crime  with  which  you  could  have  charged  me  :  yet  tlien  you  not,  and]  stretdied'  forth  no 
did  not  apprehend  me,  [or]  offer  to  stretch  out  \your\  hands  against  me.  But  I  know"  the  yo,'f  h^om^"lVd'ule^"ower  of 
reason  better  than  you  yourselves  do  :  you  have  hitherto  been  kept  under  a  secret  restraint,  darkness.  '  [Matt.  xxvi.  55. 
which  is  now  removed ;  and  this  is  your  hour  in  which  God  has  let  you  loose  against  me,  "  "'    '"^'"  ^^'^ 

and  the  poicer  of  darkness  is  now  permitted  to  rage  with  peculiar  violence ;  for  it  is  under 
the  instigation  of  Satan  and  his  infernal  powers  that  you  now  act,  with  wliatever  pious 
MATT,  names  you  may  affect  to  consecrate  the  deed.     And  in  all  this,  I  know  that  both  you  and     Matt.  xxvi.  56.     Rut  all 
XXVI   they  are  secretly  overruled  by  divine  Providence,  to  accomplish  events  most  contrary  to  'y'res™^-  ?he"ySphete  migft 
your  own  schemes ;  and  it  is  done  that  what  is  written  concerning  me  in  the  scriptures  of  be  fuliilled.— 
the  prophets  might  be  fulfilled  ?p    I  therefore  resign  myself  into  your  hands,  though  I  have 
given  you  abundant  evidence  that  I  am  not  destitute  of  the  means  of  deliverance,  if  I  was 
inclined  to  use  them. 

Then  all  the  disciples,  who  but  a  little  while  before  had  solemnly  protested  that  they     —Then  all  the  disciples 

k  Even  Simon  Peter.']    None  of  the  evangelists  but  John  mentions  the  commanding  officer  which  attended  near  the  temple  during  the  time  of 

name  of  Peter  on  this  occasion  ;  which,  perhaps,  the  others  omitted  lest  the  great  feasts,  in  oider  to  prevent  any  sedition  of  the  Jews.    (See 

it  should  expose  him  to  any  prosecution  ;    but  John,  writing  long  after  Joseph.  Aniiq.  lib.  xviii.  cap.  4.  [al.  6.]  5  3.  an'l  Bell.  .Tud.  Hh.  v.  cnp.  5. 

his  death,  needed  no  such  precaution.  [al.  vi.  6.]  §  8.)    And  this  appeal's  to  be  the  band  and  captain  mentioned 

1  Smoie  a  servant  r/  tlie  high-priest, &€.]  One  would  have  thought,  as  here  by  John,  ver.  12.  where  the  word  in  the  ori£;inal  is  x'A'npXT' 
Bishop  Hall  observes,  he  should  rather  have  struck  Judas;  but  the  which  plainlv  shows  it  was  a  Hoinan  officer,  and  is  the  title  given  to 
traitor,  perhaps,  on  siving  the  signal,  had  mingled  himself  with  the  Lysias,  (Acts  xxi.  31,  el  sen.)  who  was  commander  of  the  garrison  kept 
crowd  ;  or  Peter  miiiht  not  understand  the  treacherous  design  of  his  by  the  Romans  in  the  castle  of  Antoiiia  ;  from  whence  there  were  de- 
kiss  ;  or  seeing  Malchus  more  eager  than  the  rest  in  his  attack  on  Christ,  lachments  sent  at  the  time  of  the  feasts,  and  posted  in  the  porticoes  of 
he  might  postpone  all  other  resentments  to  indulge  the  present  sally  of  the  temple,  to  suppress  any  tumults  among  the  people,  when  such  great 
his  indignation. — Though  this  might  seem  a  courageous  action,  it  was  numbers  Hocked  together. — But  for  these  captains  of  the  temple  spoken 
really  very  imprudent ;  and  had  not  Christ,  by  some  secret  influence,  of  bv  Luke,  there  is  no  doubt  but  they  were  Jewish  othcers,  who  are 
overawed  their  spirits,  it  is  very  probable  (as  the  pious  .Sir  Matthew  Hale  said  by  .lohn  to  have  attended  with  the  former  ;  of  whom  it  is  to  be  ob- 
observes)  that  not  only  Peter,  but  the  rest  of  the  apostles,  would  have  served,  that  as  the  priests  kept  watch  in  three  places  of  the  temple,  and 
been  cut  to  pieces.    (Hale's  Contemplations,  p.  C54.)  the  Levites  in  twenty-one,  so  their  leaders  were  called  CTTpnT»i7oi  tom 

m  More  than  twelve  legions  of  aiigtls.]    The  lioman  armies  were  com-  iepoi'.  or  captains  of  the  temple  ;  and  Josephus  more  than  once  speaks 

posed  of  legions,  which  did  not  always  consist  of  the  same  number  of  of  one  of  the  Jewish  priests  by  this  title,    (.-inttq.  lib.  xx.  cap.  6.  [al.  5.] 

men,  but  are  computed  at  this  time  to  have  contained  above  six  thou-  4  2.  cap.  9.  [al.  8.]  %  3.  and  Bell.  Jud.  lib.  ii.  cap.  17.  ^  2.)     .'^ee  Dr. 

sand;   and  twelve  legions   were   more  than  were  commonly  intrusted  'VVhitby,  in  loc.  and  Dr.  Lardner's  Credit,  part  1.  vol.  i.  book  i.  chap. 

with  their  greatest   generals.    (See  note  e,  on   Luke  viii.  .-50.   p.  131.)  ii.  \  15.) 

How  dreadfully  irresistible  would  such  an  army  of  ansels  have  been,  p  That  the  scriptures  of  the  prophets  might  be  fulfilled.]    This  was  a 

when  o.ne  of  these  celestial  spirits  was  able  to  destroy  185,(X)0  Assyrians  consideration  which  if  duly  applied,  might  have  prevented  his  disciples 

at  one  stroke  !    2  Kinps  xix.  35.                                                           "  from  being  offended  at  his  sutlFerings  :    and  it  strongly  intimates  that  he 

n  He  touched  his  ear,  and  healed  him.]    As  this  was  an  act  of  great  still    kept  up  the  claim   which   he  had   formerly  made  of  being   the 

compassion,  so  likewise  it  was  an  instance  of  singular  wisdom  ;  for  it  Messiah;    and  that  what  he  was  now  to  go  through,  was  so  far  from 

would  effectually  prevent  those  reflections  and  censures  on  Jesus  wtiich  being  at  all  inconsistent  with  that  claim,  that  on  the  whole,  it  was  abso- 

the  rashness  of  Peter's  attack  might  otherwise  have  occasioned.  lutely  necessary  in  order  to  make  it  out  to  full  satisfaction. 

o  The  captains  of  the  temple.]    There  was  indeed  a  Roman  guard  and 


CHRIST  IS  CONDUCTED  TO  THE  PALACE  OF  CAIAPHAS.  321 

forsook  him,  and  Hed.  [Maik  would  never  leave  him,  when  they  now  saw  him  bound  in  the  hands  of  his  enemies,   SECT. 

XIV.  49,  50.]  according  to  his  repeated  predictions,  /orsoo/c  him  andjled;<i  each  of  them  shifting  for  his    183. 

own  safety  as  well  as  he  could,  and'  seeking  to  shelter  himself  either  among  friends  or • 

strangers.  mark 

Mark  xiv.  51.   And  there      And  a  certain  youtli  who  lodged  in  a  honse  near  the  garden,  and  was  waked  by  the  r?^^" 

inanjmvinga"nnrn''cioti?c"J  "oise  of  this  tumult,  luwing  an  affection  for  Jesus,  and  apprehending  him  in  danger,  arose  ^^ 

about  his  naked  hod y ;  and  out  of  bed  with  nothing  but  «  Uueu  cloth  in  which  he  lay,  thrown  about  his  naked  body ; 

t^he^youDg  men  laid  iiold  on  ^^^^  he  followed  him  a  little  way  after  the  rest  of  his  disciples  were  gone,  transported  into 
a  forgetfulness  of  his  own  dress,  by  his  concern  for  Jesus  :  and  the  young  men  that  made 
52  And  he  left  the  linen  a  part  of  the  guard,  suspecting  he  was  one  that  belonged  to  Jesus,  laid  hold  on  him.     But  52 

naked.  ^""^  ^^^  ^'°"^  ""^'^  ^^'  l^tiving  the  sheet  which  was  wrapped  about  him  in  their  ha.uds,fled  away  from  them 
naked,  in  the  utmost  consternation.  After  which  Jesus  was  led  to  the  palace  of  the  high 
priest,  and  condemned  there  in  the  manner  which  will  presently  be  related. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

The  heroic  behaviour  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  in  the  whole  period  of  his  sufferings,  will  easily  make  itself  observed  jqhn 
by  eveiy  attentive  eye,  though  the  sacred  historians,  according  to  their  usual  but  wonderful  simplicity,  make  no  xvill. 
encomiums  upon  it.     With  what  composure  does  he  go  forth  to  meet  the  traitor!     With  what  calmness  does  he  4 
receive  that  malignant  kiss  !    With  what  dignity  does  he  deliver  himself  into  the  hands  of  his  enemies,  yet  plainly 
showing  his  superiority  over  them,  and  leading,  as  it  were,  even  then,  captivity  captive  ! 

We  see  him  generously  capitulating  for  the  safety  of  his  friends,  while  he  neglected  his  ovm ;  and  afterwards,  8,  9 
not  only  forbidding  all  the  defence  they  attempted  to  make,  but  curing  that  wound  which  one  of  his  enemies  had  1 1 
received  in  this  assault  on  him.     With  what  meek  majesty  did  he  say,  Suffer  ye  at  least  thus  far  !  And  he  touched  luke 
his  ear,  and  healed  him.     We  hear  his  words,  we  behold  his  actions,  with  astonishment :  but  surely  our  indigna-  XXii. 
tion  must  rise  within  us  when  we  see  so  amiable  and  excellent  a  Person  thus  injured  and  abused  ;  when  we  see  51 
the  Son  of  man  betrayed  with  a  kiss :  betrayed  by  his  intimate  friend,  who  had  eaten  of  his  bread,  and  yet  lifted  47^  43 
lip  his  heel  against  him  ;  (John  xiii.  18.)  and.  at  the  same  time  forsaken  by  all  his  disciples,  even  by  him  whom  matt. 
he  most  tenderly  loved,  and  who  had  so  often  leant  on  his  bosom.    Let  us  not  wonder  if  some  of  our  friends  prove  XXVI. 
false,  and  others  seem  to  forget  us,  when  we  have  the  greatest  need  of  their  assistance.    When  we  deserve  so  much  56 
less  friendship  than  Christ  did,  let  us  not  think  it  strange  if  we  find  but  little  more.     Nor  can  we  reasonably  be 
so  much  amazed  as  we  might  otherwise  have  been,  to  see  sinners  going  on  under  the  most  awful  rebukes  of  Pro-  jqhn 
vidence;  when  we  consider  that  these  wretches  who  had  been  struck  down  to  the  ground  by  one  word  of  Christ's  xviir. 
mouth,  should  immediately  rise  up  and  stretch  forth  their  impious  hands  against  him,  to  seize  and  bind  him ;  6,  12 
though  they  might  well  have  known  that  they  lived  only  by  his  indulgence  and  forbearance,  and  that  the  same 
word  that  struck  them  down  to  the  ground  could  have  laid  them  dead  there.    Touch  our  hearts,  O  Lord,  by  thy 
grace,  or  it  will  be  in  vain  that  we  are  smitten  with  thy  rod ! 

In  all  the  remainder  of  this  story,  let  us  remember  that  Jesus  voluntarily  ga.ve  himself  up  to  sufferings  which  he  matt. 
circumstantially  foreknew, — even  though  he  could  have  commanded  to  his  assistance  whole  legions  of  angels.    His  xxvi. 
Father's  will  was  an  answer  to  all  that  nature  could  plead  in  its  own  cause  ;  and  the  good  hand  from  which  this  53 
cup  of  his  severest  sufferings  came,  reconciled  him  to  all  the  bitterest  ingredients  it  contained.     How  reasonable, 
then,  is  it  that  we,  who,  having  had  fathers  of  our  flesh  that  corrected  us,  submitted  to  the  rod  and  gave  them  rever- 
ence, should  much  rather,  after  the  example  of  our  innocent  and  holy  Redeemer,  be  in  subjection  to  the  Father 
of  our  spirits,  and  live  !    (Heb.  xii.  9.) 

SECTION  CLXXXIV. 

Jesus  is  conducted  to  the  palace  of  Caiaphas;  Peter  follows  him  thither,  and  denies  him  thrice.    Matt.  xxvi.  57,  58,  69,  to  the  end.    Mark  xiv. 
53,  54,  66,  to  the  end.    Luke  xxii.  54 — 62.    John  xviii.  13 — 18,  24 — 27. 

JOHN  xviii.  1,3.  J0«N    xviii.    13.  , 

AND  thei/  led  him  away  to  THE  officcrs  and  people  having  thus  apprehended  Jesus  in  the  manner  described  above,   sect. 
i^-Taw^o''c^!J[ap1,rs!'''whic'h  ^^«/  '<''^  ''«»«  ^^ay  from  the  garden  of  Gethsemane  to  those  who  had  employed  them,  and    184. 

was  the  high  priest  that  same  brought  him  first  to  the  house  of  Annas ;  for  he  rvas  father-in-law  to  Caiaphas,  who  was 

■^siTnow  Annas— sent  him  ^''S^'  priest  that  ycar,^  or  bore  the  office  at  that  time  ;  And  Annas  sent  him  bound  to  Caia-   JOHN 
bound    unto    Caiaphas   the  phas  the  high  priest,  as  judging  it  most  proper  that  the  rest  of  the  council  should  upon  this  XVIII. 
"14  Scfw'caiaphas  was  he  occasion  be  Convened  at  his  palace.     Now  this  Caiaphas  ivas  he  whom  we  mentioned  14 
which  gave  counsel  to  the  above,  (John  xi.  49 — 51.  scct.  cxli.)  xvho  gave  it  as  his  advice  to  the  Jexvs,  that  it  was  fit 
that  one  man  should''die'for  thcd  One  man,  though  innoccnt,  should  die  for  the  preservation  of  the  people ;  in  which  words 
the  people.  he  Uttered  a  kind  of  oracle,  which  (as  we  there  observed)  contained  a  -far  nobler  and 

Matt.  xxvi.  57.    And  they  sublimer  Sense  than  he  himself  intended  or  understood. 
that  had  laid  hold  on  Jesus,      And  they  who  had  apprehended  Jesus,  took  and  led  him  away  from  Annas  like  a  criminal  in   matt. 
/«m^1i\vay,    ['luk'e,*^''  and  bonds,rt??c?,  according  to  thedirections  which  Annas  had  given  them,  brought  him  tothe  palace  ^-^^'• 
brought  hm  '"*<>.  ti>e'  house  qf  Caiapkas  the  high  priest ;  where,  though  it  was  now  "the  dead  time  of  the  night,  all  the  5' 
where^'cali^the  ^ch'ief  prieste!  ^-^t^.t  pricsts,  and  the  scribes,  and  the  elders,  or  the  chief  persons  of  the  sanhedrim,  with  their 
and]   the  scribes,   and    the  proper  officers,  met  together  on  a  summons  from  Caiaphas,  and  were  assembled  ivith  him, 

elders  were  assembled  [with  t...-.-         r       t       __  i_  i.  r  i u^  i,_r ^i 


eiuers  were  assemoiea   Lwiiri  '       v-         c       t  ^      i.      i,  u,.   I,  f         ii 

him.]  [Mark  xiv.  53.  Luke  Waiting  for  Jesus  to  be  brought  Tefore  them. 

^'john^xviii  15    And  Si  ^wrf  tliough  SJ?«o«  Pc^gr  had  at  first  forsal        _         ,  ,  ^^ 

Peter  followed  [afar  off,]  and  of  his  companions  did,  yet  afterward  he  and  another  disciple,  even  the  evangelist  John^  15 


xxii.  54.]  jIji^  though  Simon  Peter  had  at  first  forsaken  Christ,  and  shifted  for  himself,  as  the  rest  Yvur 

John  xvui.  lo.    And  Simon      /.  ,  .  ^      .  ^■^  .       r.  j    i  i  w  i-     •    /  »u  v   i.    T    i XVUI. 


q  All  the  disciples  forsook  him  and  fied.\    Perhaps  they  were  afraid  Caiaphas  ;    and  it  seems  to  have  been  by  his  interest,  that  first  Eleazar 

that  the  action  of  Peter  should  be  imputed  to  them  all,  and  mi»ht  bring  his  own  son,  and  then  Caiaphas,  who  married  his  daughter  and  proba- 

their  lives  into  danger.    But  whatever  they  apprehended,  their    preci-  bly  had  been  his  deputy,  obtained  that  dignity:    so  that  though  he  had 

pitate  flight  in  these  circumstances  was  the  basest  cowardice  and  ingra-  resigned  that  office  himself,  yet  the  people  paid  so  much  regard  to  his 

titude  ;  considering  not  only  how  lately  they  had  been  warned  of  their  experience,  that  they  brought  Jesus  first  to  him,  who,  no  doubt,  took  ail 

danger,  and  what  solemn  promises  they  had  made  of  a  courageous  ad-  necessary  care  to   prepare  Caiaphas  for  receiving  him,  as  he  could  not 

herence  to  Christ,  but  also  what  an  agony  they  had  iust  seen  him  in,  but  know  that  this  was  a  most  critical  juncture.     We  do  not  read  ot  any 

what  zeal  he  had  a  few  moments  before  showed  in  their  defence,  ami  thing  remarkable  which  passed  at  the  house  of  Annas  ;  for  which  reason 

what  amazing  power  he  had  exerted  to  terrify  his  enemies  into  a  com-  his  being   carried  thither   is  omitted  by  the  other  evangelists.    Cyril 

pliance  with  that  part  of  his  demand  which  related  to  the  safety  of  his  adds.  Km  oTretrreiXai/  avrov  hthiixivov  Trpor  Kam(^ai'  tok.  ApX'fpf «• "'"' 

friends.    He  had  also  at  the  same  time  intimated  his  purpose  of  giving  they  sent  him  hound  to  Caiaphas  the  high  priest ;  which  addition  t.rasiniis, 

them  a  speedy  and  kind  dismission  ;  so  that  it  was  very  indecent  thus  Beza,  and  many  others  have  thought  it  necessary  to  admit,  both  to  ac- 

to  run  away  without  it,  especially  as  Christ's  prophecy  of  their  con-  count  for  the  word  irpwroi/,  first,  in  the  preceding  clause,  anil  to  recon- 

tinued  usefulness  in  his  church  was  equivalent  to  a  |)rom"ise  of  their  pre-  cile  .lohn  with  the  other  evangelists,  who  all  agree  that  the  scene  or 

servation,  whatever  danger  thev  might  now  meet  with.     But  our  Lord  Peter's  fall  was  the  palace  of  Caiaphas,  not  ot  Annas.     '  ^' ,^%'''"'"„ 

probably  permitted  it,  that  we  might  learn  not  to  depend  too  confidently  the  same  words  occur  in  ver.  24.  it  is  sufficient  to  transpose  mat  verse, 

even  on  the  friendship  of  the  very  best  of  men.  and  introduce  it  here ;  which  is  intimated  in  the  margin  ot  some  <"  o"' 

a  Led  lam  away,  first  to  Annas,  Sfc.}     It  appears  from  Josephus,  Bibles.— For  the  phrase  of  being  high  priest  tliat  year,  see  note  a.  uu 

(Anliq.hh.  xyui.  cap.  2.  [al.  3."  ^  2.  p.  873.  Havercamp.1  that  Annas,  Jbhn  xi,  49.  p.  245. 
whom   he  calls   Ananus,   had   been  sign  priest  before  his  son-in-law 


322  PETER'S  DENIAL  OF  CHRIST. 

SECT,  bethought  themselves,  and  determined  to  return;  and  accordingly  they  followed  Jesus  afar  so  did  another  disciple.  That 
184.'  off,^  desiring  to  see  what  would  become  of  him  :  and  as  that  other  disciple  was  known  to  the  higii''pr1eYrand°went'hi'°wUh 

''''" '         *■  ~  ''  ~""  ^  '        '      ''      -  ■    -       ■  2  palace  of  the 

[Matt.  xxvi.  58. 
Luke  .\xii.  54.] 

.  „  ..w  ...^.-*^ -^ ,- 7   o    ~  -     ^ «.....^„.,      -.  _-.   - -ler  stood  at  the 

^"  therefore,  who  was  known  to  the  high  priest,  went  out  of  the  inner  room  into  which  Jesus  ti?aToto'er°di'sciJie?whk;h'was 

was  then  carried  in  order  to  his  examination,  a7id  spake  to  her  that  kept  the  door  to  open  known  unto  the  high  priest, 

LUKE  it ;  a7id  so  by  her  consent  brought  in  Peter.    And  when  they  had  kindled  afire  in  the  midst  of  ^le'^door^LTbrougiitinPeter! 

XXIL  the  large  hall,  and  were  set  down  together,  Peter,  hoping  to  pass  undiscovered  by  mingling     Luke  'xxii.  55.°And  wheii 

5^  with  the  rest  of  the  company,  sat  down  among  them  with  the  servants,  that  he  might  be  at  mfdst'^o't  't7,e''ifa1l?  aliV were 

hand  to  see  the  end  of  this  affair,  and  warmed  himself  at  the  fire,  while  they  were  examining  set  down  together,  Peter  sat 

Jesus  with  circumstances  which  we  shall  afterwards  mention.*  se^r^'ant^""^  see"\he"endj 

MARK       And,  during  the  time  that  this  important  event  was  depending,  as  Peter  ivas  sitting  [Mark,  and  warmed  himself 

XIV.    among  the  servants  without  the  room  where  Jesus  was  examined,  and  thought  to  have  Mark  xiv.' 54.]  ''  ^^' 

^^  continued  unsuspected  in  the  hall  below,  there  came  to  him  one  of  the  maid-servants  belong-     Mark  xiv.  66.  And  as  Peter 

ing  to  the  family  of  the  high  priest,  who  was  indeed  the  same  damsel  that  (as  we  just  now  palace!  'there  cometh  "[unto 

67  said)  had  kept  the  door :  And  seeing  Peter  as  he  sat  xvarming  himself  by  the  fire,  she  fixed  JH'^vl  one^of  the  jnaids^o^^the 

her  eyes  earnestly  upon  him,  and  observing  in  his  countenance  the  appearance  of  great  con-  sef  that'ktpt  the  door.]  tMau! 

cern,  she  said  to  some  that  stood  near  her,  I  cannot  but  think  that  this  man  is  a  follower  of  ^■''67''^*fij-'^J'hen''.he sa^Pet  r 

Jesus,  and  was  also  one  that  used  to  be  vjith  him:^  and  upon  this  presumption,  she  [LuKE,\rhe"sat  by  thefire] 

charged  him  directly  with  it,  and  said.  Tell  us  truly.  Art  not  thou  thyself  also  {one'\of  this  (^''uKiJ'^arnest/'  ^upon"wm^ 

man's  disciples ?'  There  is  a  great  deal  of  room  to  think  it;  yea,  I  am  fidly  satisfied  that  and  sai'd^tLuKiC  Thi"  mTii 

thou  wast  also  with  him,  even  with  this  Jesus  the  Nazarene  of  Galilee,  who  is  now  on  his  A?uiortiTo'i''ab™«L'^of"h'is 

LUKE   trial.     And  Peter  was  so  surprised  at  this  unexpected  discovery,  that  he  roundly  and  man's  disciples  r]   And  thou 

---■-■  -  ■■  ...        ,  T  n  .         T  .  •       ,.       also  wast  with  Jesus  of  Naza- 


MARK  fixed  on  any  other  person  in  the  company.     And  upon  this,  turning  away  as  one  who  denied  him  [hefol-e  them  all] 
Aiv.  68  was  affronted  at  the  charge,  Ae  went  out  into  the  portico  ;^  and  while  he  was  there  the  cock  nor^'°''i^°™now^"hhn' no"! 

C7'ew.^  [Mark,  neither  understand  I 

JOHN       And  the  servants  and  officers  who  had  brought  Jesus  thither,  and  were  now  waiting  for  ^^w!  7o."'Mark^.xiv?68['john 
XVill.  the  issue  of  his  trial,  still. sioorf  there  in  the  hall,  having  (as  we  before  observed)  7nade  a  J^^iji.  i"-]. 

18  \axg^fi7X  of  coals;  for  they  had  been  abroad  in  the  niglit,  and  it  was  cold,\  and  they  were  out  into"  the  porch,  aiid^'thl 
ivariiiing  ihez/iselvcs  at  the  fire.     And  Simon  Peter,  having  staid  a  while  in  the  portico,  cock  crew.  '  a  d  i\ 

where  he  not  Only  must  have  been  incommoded  by  the  sharpness  of  the  air,  but  was,  no  servants^  and  officers"  stood 
doubt,  in  a  restless  commotion  of  mind  on  account  of  what  had  passed,  came  in  again,  t'^ere.  who  had  made  a  fire  of 
and,  having  mingled  with  the  servants,  stood  at  the  fire-side  to  war7n  hi/nsclf  amongst  them,  they  warmed  thmiseKe's :  and 
MATT.  And  ivhen  he  had  thus  been  gone  out  into  the  portico,  and  was  returned  into  the  hall,  after  them°°and^ wlnned°°him^^'l*f 
XXVI.  a  little  7vhile  another  i7uiid  saw  him  agai7i,  and  said  to  them  that  were  there,  (as  her  fellow-  [John  x\iii.  25.] 

71  servant  had  done  just  before,)  Whatever  he  pretends,  I  verily  believe  this  [?«««]  ivas  also  he^\'l'"s''"one^\)ut^?nto^'tf" 
xvith  Jesus  of  Nazareth  :  and  presently  [she]  bega7i  to  say  openly  to  the/n  that  stood  by,  porch,  [Luke,  after  a  little 
Surely  this  is  [ojie]  of  them  that  have  endeavoured  to  bring  all  the  nation  into  confusion,  him'^rHoa?n']''^and"'sai!i  unto 

JOHN   and  while  he  would  pass  for  a  friend,  is  crept  in  hither  as  a  spy.     They  therefore,  taking  them  timt  were  there.  This 

xviii.  notice  of  what  both  these  women  had  spoken,  began  to  tax  him  with  it,  and  said  to  him,  ^'izarl^hf  •  famiTAf  he^gan  ?o 

25  What,  have  we  a  rebel  so  near  us?  Let  us  know  plainly  who  thou  art :  art  not  thou  also,  say  to  them  that  stood  by, 

who  pretendest  to  enter  these  doors  as  a  friend,  [o7ie]  of  his  disciples  who  has  been  doing  iiv'feg.'Luke^xxii^^s]'^^'^'' 
LUKE  so  much  mischief!  A7id  as  he  seemed  in  great  confusion,  a7wther  man  that  stood  by  saiu  John  xviii.  25.  They  said 
^^^58  '"'"  perplexed,  and  therefore  charged  it  home  upon  him,  and  said.  It  is  certainly  so  ;  thou  {hou^also  o""'of  hirdiscipies"? 

a7't  also  \one^  of  the7n,  and  deservest  to  suffer  with  thy  Master.  ^?jrf  Pe^er,  as  he  could  Luke  xxii.  58.  And  another 
XXVI.  not  bear  his  being  taxed  so  closely  with  it,  that  he  might  take  off  all  susi)icion  of  his  belong-  ^u"^  llahem.*^  '^"^'  '^"°"  "''' 

72  ing  unto  Jesus,  again  denied.  [him'\  in  the  strongest  manner,  even  with  a7i.  oath,"'  and  said,  Matt.  xxvi.  72.  And  [Luke, 
Man,  why  dost  thou  talk  thus  ?  I  solemnly  assure  thee,  and  call  God  to  witness  to  it,  that  aif  oath'',°?,'ioHN","'an!i"lX'] 
I  «m  not  one  of  them ;  and  that  indeed  I  do  7iot  so  much  as  know  the  man,  but  came  in  i.l^^'^'^i;.  *'^"'  ^  ""^  "^' 'j  I 
hither  out  of  mere  curiosity  to  learn  the  occasion  of  this  public  alarm,  without  the  least  in-  xh^To.  "?Jke*'xx?i!'58.  Johu 
terest  in  him,  or  any  concern  at  all  on  his  account,  whatever  may  become  of  him.  ^^'|''v-^-.l- 

LUKE       And  as  he  still  continued  there,  imagining  that  he  should  now  be  safe  from  any  further  a  whiu-,^''about'  the"space'oir 

XXII.  challenge,  after  a  ivhile,  about  the  space  of  one  hour  after  he  had  thus  denied  him,  atiot/ier  ou«  hour  after.^another  con- 

59  man  in  the  company  coTifidently  affirmed  that  the  forrrier  charge  was  just,  saying,  Of  a  truth  a  h'uth  this^'/c//oz»*aiscf'wa.s 

b  Followed  .Tenuis  afar  off.']    It  appears  from  hence,  that  Peter  and  John  before  the  council,  not  only  maintaining  the  cause  and  honour  of 

John  recovered  themselves  quickly  after  their  flight,  or  else  they  could  Jesus,  but  boldly  charging  the  murder  of  this  Prince  of  life  on  the  chief 

not  have  followed   him  at  some  distance,  and  yet  be  so  near  as  to  be  men  of  the  nation,  and  solemnly  warning  them  of  their  guilt  and  danger 

read^v  to  go  into  Caiaphas's  house  with  him.  in  consequence  of  it.  (Acts  iv.  5 — 12.)    Perhaps,  when  it  is  said  there, 

c   riiat  diicipie  lens  known  to  the  high  priest.]   AVe  cannot  imagine  the  (ver.  1.3.)  that  they  took  knowledge  of  Peter  and  John  that  they  had  been 

acquaintance  was  very  intimate,  considering  the  great  diversity  of  their  with  Jems,  the  meaning  may  be,  that  some  of  them,  or  their  attendants, 

rank   and  station   ni   life;  but  a  thousand  occurrences  occasion  some  remembered  Peter  and' John  as  the  two  persons  who  had  followed  Jesus 

knowledge  of  each  other,  between  persons  whose  conditions  are  as  un-  thus  far,  when  the  rest  had  forsaken  him.    Compare  John  xviii.  15,  16. 

equal.  \\  I  do  not  know  him.]    Jesus  was  so  public  a  person,  and  so  well 

d  And  warmed  himself  at  the  fire,  while  they  were  examining  Jesus,  known  to  thousands  not  at  all  in  his  interest,  that  tliis  additional  false- 

iVc]    It  is  remarkable  that  all  the  evangelists  record  the  fall  of  Peter,  hood  was  most  unnecessary  ;  and  as  it  frequently  happens  when  people 

and  none  with  circumstances  of  greater  aggiavation  than  Mark,  whose  allow  themselves  to  transgress  the  bounds  of  truth,  it  was  more  like  to 

gospel  is  said  to  have  been  reviewed  by  Peter  himself,  and  indeed  writ-  entangle  and  discover  him  than  to  clear  him. 

ten  from  his  preaching.    (See  note  d,  on  Mark  xiv.  31.  p.  .316.)    Though  i  He  went  out  into  the  portico.]    I  apprehend  that  the  word  TrpoawXioi/ 

Christ's  examination  happened  during  this  interval,  (which  occasions  most  exactly  answers  to  the   Latin  word  testihulum,  by  which  .many 

Matthew,  Mark,  and  John  to  interrupt  this  story  to  recount  that,)  I  good  interpreters  render  it.    And  considering  the  magnificence  of  the 

lather  chose,  as  Luke  has  done,  to  take  the  whole  of  it  together,  as  best  Jewish    buildings  at  this  time,  it  is  reasonable  to  conclude  that  this, 

suitin^t  the  design  of  this  work.  which  belonged  to  the  high  priest's  palace,  was  some  stately  piazza  or 

e  This  man  was  also  -with  him..]    Her  sex,  and  perhaps  we  may  add,  colonnade  ;  and  therefore  I  chose  rather  to  render  it  portico  than  porch, 

her  ortice,  will  not  permit  us  to  suppose  that  she  had  been  in  the  garden  a  word  equally  applicable  to  the  meanest  buildin£s  of  that  kind, 

with  theinultitude  that  apprehended  Jesus  :   she  therefore  must  guess  k   The  cock  crew.]    It  is  strange  this  circumstance  did  not  remind  him 

by  Peter's  countenance,  that  he  was  one  of  his  friends ;  unless  possibly  of  our  Lord's  prediction,  and  bring  him  to  some  sense  of  his  sin  :  per- 

she  had  seen  them  together  in  the  temple  or  elsewhere.  haps  it  did  ;  and  he  might  return   persuaded  that  he  should  be  more 

f  /in  not  thou  also  one  of  this  man's  disciples  '/]    One  would  imagine,  courageous  if  he  met  with  a  second  attack, 

from  the  word  [also,]  \yhen  it  is  read  in  the  connexion  John  has  placed  1  For  it  was  cold.]    It  is  well  known  that  the  coldness  of  the  nights  is 

it  in,  that  in  this  qiiestion  she  referred  to  John  ;  as  if  she  had  said.  Art  generally  more  sensible  in  those  hotter  counti'ies  than  among  us. 

not  thou  one  as  well  as  thy  companion  ?    And  if  this  were  .idmitted,  it  m   IVilh  an  oath.]    Dr.  Clarke  con.iectures  that  Peter  was  suffered  to 

would  be  a  plain  intimation  that  John  acknowledged  himself  a  disciple  fall  fouler  than  any  of  the  rest  of  the  apostles,  (except  Judas  the  traitor,) 

of  Christ.    Hut  it  must  be  owned  that  the  other  evangelists  use  the  same  and  to  make  more  remarkable  mistakes  in  his  conduct,  that  we  might 

word  [n/j«,]  though  they  say  nothing  of  John's  being  with  Peter.  be  thus  cautioned  against  that  extravagant  resard  which  would  after- 

g  Jle  denied  him  before  them  all.]     How  must  these   people  be  sur-  wards   be  demanded  to  him  and  his    pretended  successors.    Clarke's 

prised  when  they  saw  (as,  no  doubt,  some  of  them  did)  this  timorous  Seventeen  Sermons,  No.  x.  p.  236. 
disciple,  within  the  compass  of  a  few  weeks,  when  he  wiis  brought  with 


PETER'S  DENIAL  OF  CHRIST.  3.33 


with  him;  for  he  is  a  Galilean,  this  man  wcis  also  with  him,  and  is  a  follower  of  this  Tpsik  •  /;.,.  u  i      11      7     • 
m^.  xxvi.  T3.   Mar.  xiv.  ^«,,,    „,      ^  every  One  knows  that  most  of  h'^  SLS^Lf ?r"ott U^rlt  7  l^'on   ^M 
fu^l^l^  ^^L^'r^°-   ^"?  ,"^^^  t'"^  *''^^  ^'^"^  «'°«'^  ^'/  '-•«'«c  to  him,  and  said  to  Peter  amin  Sure/u  it  I  ^^  tiil",^            L 
!'i^i.^'?°:'L''>'J<:^'"«;'"'?>'""^-  and.  notwithstandin^r  tlw  Hpnvir,o-';f  fi.o..  ;.  „i^  ':„ir7„  ^  :  uA ''.  '^^^  ^'"s  man  asserts ; 


,  thy  speech 


ean,  and  thy  speech  agreeth  X-^"^"'-   •  Z^' ,""';'/  ^  >'avc  uuseiveu  lo  ue   lliy  Qiaiect  ana  accent  aS  asrees  \to  thatl  roinitiv     "^ 

[fc/Z.^T^r^-'^''  "-^^-^  HJ  Plamly  toers  thee  to  be  of  Galilee,  as  most  of  this  man's  Seditious  fflwer"  a  e' 

John  xviii.  26.   One  of  the  -^nd  oiie  of  the  domestic  servants  of  the  htsh  priest,  hein'r  a  relation  of  hi'i  7/,/,o.p  ..„   b  i 
^P^n^J^J^^!^  f«^/f,f .;  P-sed  the  charge  home  uponlnn^,  and  saU^-Ho^l^cZ^tX^^Z  Z^S^,  i^^f.. 
Peter  cut  off  )saith  Did  not  to  dcnv  It  .^  Take  heed  what  you  say :  did  not  I  myself  see  thee  in  the  mrden  xcithldw?  26 
i.s^ee  thee  .n  the  garden  w.th  Then  Pe^.r  being  terrified  to  the  last  degree  to  tlnnk  of  the  danger  to  wh^h  he  si  ould    e  matt 
fJo'^N'-peter'denVei  J'""  ^^T      '\  ^\^^?  discovered  to  be  the  person  that  made  the  attack  on  the  sen^ant  of  t  e  xxvi' 
^'mlklTlif;^^^^'^  high  priest,  which  might  m  such  a  circumstance  expose  him  even  to  capital  punishment  74 
swear,  saying  [hvK^,  Man.  denied  it  as^ain  more  violently  tlian  ever;  and,  that  he  mioht  not  any  more  be  rallpd  in 
Vp^l^ti^^^  q-e^tion,  \.ebe,an  to  curse  aitd  to  sroear,\uA  solemnly  to  impriLX  ju^^^^^^^^^^ 

t^z^;w^^.^x  x^tTfiirsurh^te"'^^  r  '^^  ^^t  ^""^  ^'^'^'^  ^  '^^\  ^^^^^' '«««'  j^^-"-  -^ 

yet  spake,]  the  coci^  crew  [the  1;."^  t/iou  meanest  by  such  a  false  and  groundless  accusation;  i  do  7iot  so  much  as  know 

7r£uk™xil  lo'^'johnTvIiV  Ju    f««  e^""^'"'"/""  '^'"^■'  ''"^  T^'  ^«  f=^''  f™«i  ^e'"g  in  the  garden  with  him,  that  I  am 
7^^i.ukex.x„.oo.  JohnxMH.  abso  utcly  a  perfect  stranger  to  him.     And  he  had  no  sooner  thus  denied  him  m  thi^ 

shocking  manner,  but  immediateh/,  while  he  yet  spake,  the  words  of  Jesus  were  fulfilled^ 
and   according  to  the  warning  he  had  given  him,  the  cock  crew  the  second  time  ■' 
1  /""Jesus,  having  been  examined  by  the  council  in  a  more  retired  room,  was  now   luke 
brought  back  into  the  ha  K  wh  p  tip,r  „mv^  ^«„o„u; —  .,.i,„*  ^u„..  .u..  i.i   ,       •'.,,.      ""^    hV.^F 


Luke   xxii.   61.      And    the 


uim,    r.erore  ine    cock    crow  -'"^'^"'S  'lu^uagc  iiuiu  a  voice  SO  lami  lar  tO    lim,  lUSt  aS  thoSP  drparifnl  wnrrl<s  r,rr,^aarlari 

&^e  tS;\s°s.  xi?i! -;  °f  t."r '' ^'"^  ^." 

<.x  Mark  xiv.  72.]  "ess  and  tenderness  in  his  countenance,  which,  through  the  secret  energy  of  the  Snirit  that 

Tw  irfV^'  rfi  him  to  the  very  heart:  c!id  then  Pet'^XL.]' /'C^^^^^ 

a2   And    Peter   went   out.  ^ L'S '/S)    r^V^e^^^  thecockcrowtrj, 

and  [Mark,  when  he  thought  .u^  ^i„  -^  u'c  uirite.    (^pee  iviark  xiv.  JO.  p.  316.)     And  Peter  could  no  lonjrer  beai-  62 

™"cSaMeTi '"''■'■''""''  '^°"  ''""^tlyM'-K.tecl  the  div.ne  pardon' for  L  |,«T""d 


inexcusable  a  sin. 

IMPROVEMENT. 


>£7Jk'i',^,t\fsi:'i  'S  'C'°r,mfZer  .r*  °*'";=  ='p?'''=',i«'  '"»•,"?' ""»'«"  *«  ■"<•»".  "-"■ 
S"oi.^^^e£f;^»H.SSH^^^ 

curses,  as  if  he  would  Ivth^t'dinbLK  ill  ^  ''^'  ^"^  \  fcond  yea,  and  a  third  time,  even  with  oaths  and  xiv. 
mdeed  that  hadXard  it  wnnl  l  if        language  give  a  sensible  proof  that  he  did  not  belong  to  Christ:  and  who  66-71 

presence  of  tLotKsallndeTerof^^^^^^^  \  ^'^' /^  ''^^"^^t ''  '''  '""'^^ ''  "^«  ^°-  -^  the   .ohk 

perfidiousness  of  Peter  E  by  alHh^r.lp.nHff  f'- '''''''  '"^'-^  ^^r^'  T'^^  '"^''^  painfully  wounded  by  this  xvnr. 
strength  but  weakness -'  and  if  ^?e  5re  S  unto  n,7  f  ^'^^^"eT'■  ^'"''^'  '^'^f  ''  '"««  "  ""^^^^  ''  «"'  foisted  15, 16 
before  the  sun  !  Be  thofpe^}^  ^^ ^aT;^^^ri^!l  t^'^^l.T)''  "'^'^"  "^^^'^^''^"^  ™^^^  ^''^^  -°- 

approtctTlardrd.rii  ":fn1  %Ty  fp  t.v  ^'^  "^^^  '^^-  P^^^^^y  '^^^  "P«"  "^'  '^  -^  -^  any  time  make  any  .uk. 
floods  of  penkentia   so^wTo  Amy  ir^^^  "'/'">  ^  f'"'^'^"  which  shall  penetrate  our  hearts,  and  cause  xxu. 

where  temptation  had  metld  vanmus  ed  h™    LT't  '"^  "f'^  ""'^''  ^'^l'''^'^-    ?"  '^"'"^^  ^'^^^  dangerous  scene  61,  62 
soul.     Thus  may  wrre^over  ourS vpf  S  ^t? '   *v.    "  °'^  retirement  and  solitude  to  give  vent  to  his  overflowing 
falls  which  m  thLfeUrte  r?lSn  ofteiSS^^^  ^"I^'"'"^  ^'^''^  ^''"^  '^'°''  ^''P^  ^"d 

we  may  attend  to  the  vSce  oTcSenrand  of  Pnd  <=  p  i  •'  '"k"""  ^^^  "f  ^"'"''''  '''"^,*^  ^"^'"'^^  «f  l'^'  ^hat 
gall,  th'at  our  souls  may  long  havrU  em  in  remelSancP^  T,^^^  V  'f.  "'"^  '"^  ''''''.  ''^'  ^'0™wood  and  the 
sorrow  by  a  more  cautious  and  rp=«  f.T  '^emembrance.  To  conclude  :  let  us  express  the  sincerity  of  our  godly 
God  when  wTnrav  S?  ,t  t  n  n  T?  ^l'^'^-  """^'"'^  ^'^^  occasions  of  sm,  ,f  we  would  not  be  found  to  trifle  with 
oa  wnen  we  pray  that  he  ivould  not  leml  us  into  temptation,  but  would  deliver  us  from  evil. 

SECTION  CLXXXV. 

3esus  is  examined  at  the  hi.h  PnesVs^al^  .d  ^l^'^conde.t^  hy  the^^edri.  .  ,  ,.  ,,  ,,3,,,    ,,,.  ^,,.    ^^^^^ 

.j-^jj,  John  xviii.  19.  John  xviii.  19.  185. 

hildoclJn'/^'^'^'P'''' --1 »'  Z^L^Zr^'^'v.}?  "^f  examination  of  Jesus  before  the  council,  the  thread  of  the  story  T37 
n  tT    k  ^  ""  interrupted  on  the  sad  occasion  of  Peter's  fall.     The  hiaji  priest  therl  xvm 

all  the%™cL  us'ed  to^VrXved  ou't  ot'jerus\'lem  itTheTmToF 'fhp*  T?'"  '^'r"  ^}'\'^'  "^^^  «'^'^"  '"-"  ^"^  a  particular^view  to  that  forti- 

passover,  some  would  render  raXEKrll  /X^^^^T   ,/jL,^.L,^r  1"''^,'"".'  resolution  ^ylth  which  he  was  to  defend  the  gospel ;  perhaps 

cl«"r'edt/,e  hour  of, he  «^-7/« ;  but  this  Is  so  >?"natural  an  inTerD^t^tfon"  n™''^  mteniing  to  intimate,  how  low  this  courageou?  hero  'was  now 

that,  rather  than  admit  it,  one  would  auest ion  the  ?r„^h  n  '  thff  w?ih  I^^a'  ''"''.  -"f '  «<?  ^^I'at  a  height  of  holy  magnanimity  h.-.  was  afterwards 

tradition  ;   or  conclude,  thari^  the  custom   it  as,ertfriiHnrlv,iY'?n  T'^'J'^n'  ^P''  ^^^'^^^  *'"^'''«d  to  stand  as  a  rick  in  that  sacred  cause,  and 

Christ  s  time,  some  cock  was  accidental  I  vTefthphind   J  If'    nH      "  ^°  ^"'J^i"  ^"^'^'^'"  "'«  "^^e  with  which  his  Master  had  honoured  him. 

'   observed  to  this  place.    Thf  hurrv  of  sun/f  nio-ht  "^^^  i   ^  ^'"^ ''«;«'■'»«'  his  head  with  his  mantle.]     Raphelius,   and    some 

I   occasioned  much  greater  neglecte  than  thissnm  oil,                    °           "  '^^''"^'*  ^""<^='  ''^.""''l  ^nder  £,r,/3aX<o>/,  ?//r<.a7«<f  /«V«.ff//  ««<  of  the 

i       0  -J/,,/  Psier  v:ent  oa/.]    It  it  obse"vablp  fl  Jf  T  ni-»  ;„   f,       .,     ,i  '■'''«^««i'  "]  a  passionate  manner,  wliich  it  is  very  probable  he  .lid  ;  but 

\  lines  here  calls  him  three  times  hvkl^t%,o^f  vlht   .h  V            ^^u^°  "•''"'''■^"'^  Particular  Eisner  (OA^era.  vol.  i.  p.  165.  166.)  and  Lambert 

,imes  by  the  name  of  Peter;  that  memorable  Bos,  KEiercit.  p.  21,  22.)  with  much  better  authority,  would  translate 

Y    2 


324  CHRIST  EXAMINED  AT  THE  PALACE  OF  THE  HIGH  PRIEST. 

SECT,  fore  asked  Jesus,  as  he  stood  before  him,  concerning  his  disciples,  and  concerning  his  doc- 
185.  'trine ;  what  it  was  that  he  taught,  and  with  what  view  he  had  gathered  so  many  followers. 

Jesus  amivered  him,  and  said.  What  I  have  taught  has  been  delivered  in  the  most  public     en  jesus  answered  him,  i 


JOHN    manner,  and  I  ham  spoke  it  openly  and  freely  to  the  world ;  I  have  always,  as  I  had  proper  everuTjfht  ai'the''synagoiuel 
XVIII.  opportunity,  taught  m  the  synagogue,  and  in  the  temple,  whither  the  Jeivs  contimialty  resort  and  in  tiie  temple,  whither 

in  the  greatest  numbers  ;  aTid  have  said  nothing  in  secret,  even  to  my  most  intimate  friends,  Jn'^secrrt^haveYiakf no'thmg! 

but  what  has  been  perfectly  agreeable  to  the  tenor  of  my  public  discourses.     Why  dost     21  Why  askest  thou  me? 

21  thou  therefore  ask  me,  whose  testimony  in  my  own  cause  will  not,  to  be  sure,  be  much  what'^^hLvr'said  umolhe'nf: 
regarded  in  such  a  circumstance  as  this,  when  I  am  standing  as  on  a  trial  for  my  life?  Ask  behold,  they  know  what  i 
those  that  heard  [me,]  what  I  hare  spoken  to  them  in  the  whole  series  of  my  ministry ;  for  ^'*"'- 

behold  they  know  it,  and  I  am  wilhng  to  appeal  to  any  impartial  person  among  them,  as  to 
the  innocence,  propriety,  and  usefulness  of  what  I  have  said. 

22  Such  was  the  calm  and  rational  reply  which  Jesus  made  to  those  that  examined  him.  2c  And  wheti  he  had  thus 
But  when  he  had  spoken  these  things,  one  of  the  officers  belonging  to  the  court,  xvho  then  ^hich°sto*ocf  by*  struck  fesus 
stood  by,  rudely  save  Jesus  a  bloiv,'^  sayins.  Dost  thou  presume  to  answer  the  high  priest  ^i'h  the  palm  of  his  hand, 

..         1'  J        °i.-       iiurili-  .-7  oi  saying,   Answerest   thou  the 

thus,  by  sendrag  him  to  others  for  a  reply  to  his  question  f  hiwh  priest  so  ? 

23  And  Jesus,  -wAh  his  usual  mildness,  ansivered  him,  J/" thou  hast  been  one  of  my  hearers,  ^  have^^"ok''"^^\^T'b'^™'  ^^ 
and  canst  say  that  I  at  any  time  have  spoken  evil,  either  of  God  or  man,  in  the  course  of  ness^ot  the  e^vilTbutlfVelli 
my  preaching,  thou  wilt  do  well  to  bear  thy  testimony  concerning  that  evil :  ^  but  if  I  have  """hy  smitest  thou  me .' 
spoken  ivell,why  dost  thou  strike  me'?    Can  reason  be  answerecfby  blows?  or  can  such  a 

sober  appeal  to  it  deserve  them  ? 
MATT.       ISlow  the  chief  priests  and  the  elders  of  the  people,  and  the  whole  sanhedrim,  with  all  its     Matt.  xxvi.  59.  Now  the 
XXVI.  officers,  not  being  able  to  make  out  a  sufficient  accusation  against  Jesus  from  such  answers  aiir|he"counci']f  soug1i^[for] 
^"  as  these,  maliciously  endeavoured  by  the  vilest  means  to  have  something  criminal  alleged  false  witness  against  Jesus 
against  him  ;  and  as  they  were  determined  to  condemn  him,  that  they  might  colour  over  x°iv^'55.^™  '°  ''^*"' '  ''■^^'^'^^ 
their  proceedings  with  some  form  of  law,  they  sought  for  false  evidence  against  Jesus,  that 
they  might  put  him  to  death ;  and  managed  the  trial'  in  so  partial  and  unjust  a  manner, 
that  they  did  in  effect  invite  any  of  the  most  infamous  of  mankind  to  come  and  depose 

60  against  him,  with  the  assurance  of  being  favourably  heard  ;  But  they  found  none  that  fully  60  But  found  none:  [for] 
answered  their  purpose;*:  for  though  many  false  witnesses  came  [and]  falsely  testifed^^^^^^^^j^^^^^^^^y^'^^l^^l 
against  him,  yet  they  found  none  sufficient;  [for]  the  testimonies  they  gave  did  not  so  far  ness  against  him,!  yet  found 
agree  together  as  that  a  capital  sentence  could'be  passed  upon  him  on  that  evidence ;  since  ag*eed°not' together .'{  ^''°^** 
such  a  case  required,  at  least,  the  concun-ent  oath  of  two  persons.    (See  Deut.  xvii.  6.    ° 

xix.  15.) 

At  last  there  came  two  false  witnesses,  [who,']  maliciously  wresting  some  words  he  had     —At  the  last  [there]  came 
formerly  spoken  relating  to  his  own  death  and  resurrection,  rose  up,  and  falsely  testified  aTose.'and  bare"a1s?witness 

61  against  him.  Saying,  upon  their  oaths.  This  fellow  said,  in  our  hearing,  /  am  able  to  destroy  against  him.]  [Mark  xiv.  56, 
the  temple  of  God,  and  to  build  it  up  again  in  three  days :  and  would  any  one  talk  of  ^^gj  _4„j  ^j^jj^  -jhis  /«/a-q) 
destroying  it.  unless  he  was  an  enemy  to  that  holy  place?  or  think  of  building  it  as:ain  so  said,  1  am  able  to  destroy  the 
soon,  unless  he  was  in  league  with  Beelzebub?    [Yea,]  one  of  them,  designing  toaggTa-  If 'in'lhree  days'.^""*  '°  ''"''** 

MARK  vate  the  matter,  confidently  affirmed,*'  We  heard  h'lm  say,  I  will  destroy  tins  temple  that  is     l^'ark  xiv.  .^,-  ,'^«  ''«^[4 

■J^IV-    rnade  with  hands,  and  in  three  days  time  J  will  build  up  another  which  shall  be  7nade  with-  te'mple^'that" 'is   made'^'wi'th 

^^  out  the  help  of  hands,  in  obedience  to  my  command.     Yet  neither  thus  did  their  testimony  hands  ami  within  three  days 

,,  '  /T-    •      .   .  ■   .  1  •  J      ii  c  xu      1    will   build   another  made 

exactly  agree,  nor  was  sufficient  to  convict  him ;  as  evidently  appears  from  comparing  the  without  hands, 
different  words  in  which  it  was  expressed  :  and  as  this  difference  was  observed  in  court,    ,59  But  neither  so  did  their 
they  could  not  for  shame  proceed  upon  the  evidence  so  as  to  condemn  Jesus  to  death  for  *'  "*''^  ""^"^^^  °^' 
words  which  no  two  persons  could  pretend  to  ascertain ;  nor  would  they  indeed  have 
amounted  to  a  capital  crime,  if  they  had  jointly  been  charged  upon  him. 
LUKE       However,  they  resolved  to  try  him  in  full  council,  even  on  this  slender  evidence,  hoping     Luke  xxii.  66.  And  as  soon 
^^^C(\  ^^^  some  further  discovery  would  arise  in  the  process  of  the  examination.     And  accord-  the''  pe'opK'^ and"  t*he*chiet" 
""  in^ly,  as  soon  as  it  was  day,  after  a  very  short  recess,  the  elders  of  the  people,  and  the  chief  priests,  and  the  scribes  came 
priests,  and  the  scribes,  who  made  up  the  sanhedrim,  assembled  together;  and  they  led  Jesus  cfi'apha5]'''into'^theircouuciT 
away  from  [the  house  of]  Ca'iaphas  the  high  priest,  to  their  council,  or  to  that  magnificent  Uoi"'  "^iii.  28.] 
MARK  chamber  where  their  court  used  to  sit  for  the  despatch  of  public  business.     y/«</,  producing     Mark   xiv.  60.    And  the 
xi^    what  imperfect  evidence  they  had,  to  give  some  colour  to  their  proceedings,  while  no  mfd^st.'^a'nd' asked  Jes'us',°say- 
""  regard  was  shown  by  Jesus  to  such  false  and  frivolous  accu.sations,  the  high  priest  stood  up  !.'^?',^"^.*^';p'^'^?"  ""th'"?' 
in  the  midst  of  the  council,  and  asked  Jesus,  say'ing,  Answerest  thou  nothing  f    What  is  it  that  against^ 'thee'?'^  [Ma«.*'xxvK 
61  these  men  testfy  against  thee?  Is  it  true  or  false?  But  Jesus,  knowing  how  vain  it  would  02.]  i  h  id    h' 

be  to  plead  for  himself  in  so  unrighteous  a  court,  whose  members  came  determined  to  peace,  a'nd  answered  nothing 
condemn  him,  ivas  silent,  and  made  no  reply.  [Matt.  xxvi.  63.] 

LUKE       And  they  said  to  him,  Why  art  thou  so  much  upon  the  reserve  ?   Dost  thou  give  up  the  sa^"]"'A'it''thou  the'rhri'st^ 
■^^^7  pretensions  thou  hast  formerly  made,  or  dost  thou  still  maintain  them?  If  thou  art  indeed  fell  us.  'And°he  'slid  unt( 


67 


the  Messiah,  tell  us  plainly,  and  it  will  bring  matters  to  a  short  issue."     And  he  said  to 


unto 


it,  coverinp  his  head,  which  was  a  token  of  mourning  and  shame  well  blow  was  in  effect  as  if  he  had  said,  "  This  is  what  I  think  your  preach- 

becoming  Peter  on  this  occasion.    (Compare  2  Sam.  xv.  .30.  Esth.  vi.  12.  ing  deserves."    But  as  he  himself  seems  to  assign  another  reason  for  this 

and  Jer.  xiv.  3,  4.) — As  for  our  version,  [when  he  thovght  therem,]  I  can  blow,  even  the  pretended  rudenessof  the  answer  Christ  had  made  to  the 

find  no  passage  in  antiquity  in  which  the  word  has  such  a  signilication  ;  high  priest,  1   have  not  followed  Mr.  Bonnel  in  my  paraphrase  on  the 

though  to  be  sure  that  phrase  expresses  what  was  truly  the  case.    I  have  preceding  verse.    .See  Bonnel's  Harmony,  p.  .362. 

therefore  inserted  it  in  the   paraphrase,  as  1   would  take  every  oppor-  c  Sovght  for  false  evidence — hut  found  none.'\    As  this  was  a  great 

tunity  of  paying  all  due  respect  to  so  valuable  a  translation  as  ouis  is  proof  of  Christ  s  innocence,  (for  otherwise  his  confederates  might  have 

in  the  main.  been  slad  to  purchase  their  own  security  by  impeaching  him,)  so  it  is  a 

a  Gave  Jesvs  a  blow.']    As  the  word  pairirriia  is  supposed  by  many  singular  instance  of  the  power  of  (5od  over  men  s  minds,  that  for  all  the 

etymologists  to  be  derived  from  pn/3aor,  a  staff  or  stick,  Beza  would  rewards  these  great  men  could  offer,  no  two  consistent  witnesses  could 

therefore  render  it.hesnwte  himwith  a  staff ;  butthe  wordis  api>arcntly  be  procured  to  charge  him  with  any  gross  crime.    Possibly  the  exertion 

used  for  any  blow  ;  and  to  limit  it,  as  our  translators  do,  to  what  we  of  his  miraculous  power  in  striking  to  the  ground  those  that  were  most 

commonly  call   a  slap  on  the  face,  does  not  seem  reasonable,  though  forward  to  seize  him,  might  intimidate  the  spirits  of  some  who  might 

Suidas  explains  it  so,  ami  Matt.  v.  39.  intimates  it  may  have  that  sense,  otherwise  have  been  prevailed  upon. 

b  If  I  have  spoken  evil,  either  of  God  or  man,  in  the  course  of  my  d  Designing  to  aggravate   the  matter,  etc.]    This    is   one   instance, 

preaching,  &c.]    The   pious  and   ingenious  Mr.  Bonnel  (whose  exem-  among  many  others,  in  which  the  bow  of  malice   has  been  broke   by 

plary  life  deserves  frequent  reading,  and  whose  Harmon.y  is  in  the  main  overstraining  it,  and  innocence  cleared  up  by  the  veiyr  extravagance  of 

very  judicious)  is  the  only  writer  1  have  met  with,  who  seems  to  give  those  charges  wliich  have  been  advanced  asaiust  it. — It  is  obser\'able, 

the  true  sense  of  this  clause.     He  urges  the  use  of  the  word  t\a\naa  that  the  words  which  they  thus  misrepresented  were  spoken  by  Christ 

for  Christ's  teaching,  (ver.  20,  21.)  and   observes,  that  hearing  uitness  at  least  three  years  before.  (Compare  .lohn  ii.  19.  p.  .W.)    Iheir  going  back 

could  not  refer  to  the  answer  he  had  ju.st  made  to  the  high  priest,  but  so  far  to  fimf  matter  for  the  chaige  they  brought,  was  a  glorious  though 

might  properly  be  iKsed  as  to  the  course  of  his  preaching,  which  the  hish  silent  attestation  of  the  unexceptionable  manner  in  whi(  h  our  Lord  had 

priest  had  not  heard.     He  also  supposes,  that  in  Christ's  appeal  to  his  behaved  himself  during  all  the  course  of  his  public  mini.stry. 

hearers,  the  person  who  smote  Christ  was  singled  out  by  his  eye,  among  e  If  tlimi  an  the  Afessiah,  tell  »«.]    Probabl.v  these  wretches  hoped 

others,  as  one  «ho  had  been  his  auditor;  and  that  the  language  of  the  to  gain  a  great  advantage  against  Jesus  either  way ;  if  he  confessed  it, 


CHRIST'S  EXAMINATION  IN  THE  COUNCIL.  325 

tiieni,  U"  I  tell  you,  you  will  them,  If  I  tell  t/ou  ever  so  plainly,  I  know  tliat  you  will  not  believe  :  And  if  I  also  ask  SECT, 

""'believe                     ^^^   [(/(«<]  wherefore  it  is  that  j'ou  persist  in  this  Unreasonable  infidelity,  3/0M  will  oiily  Overbear  185. 
you  wiu  not  answer  me,  nor  ms  with  renewed  violence,  and  will  neither  answer  nor  dismiss  me. 


you  will  not  answer  me,  nor  iiic  v*ilii  iciicwcLi  vn^iv;iiv-\^,  ciii^i  u^ilu  notim^i    Ltitonj^t    nwi   tit.,//tt,-,.j  //(c.  

m"^^°'v'  63  AndFaoain]      And  again  thc  high  priest  ansivered  and  said  to  him.  Think  not  that  such  evasions  will   matt. 
the  higii'priest  answered" and  suffice  in  an  afikir  of  such  importance  as  this ;  thou  knowest  I  have  a  way  of  coming  at  ]^^^' 
b'-^tiie"uvin'<^'God^'^{hat  t'lmu  ^^^  certain  truth,  and  therefore  /  adjure  thee  in  the  most  solemn  manner,  bi/  the  name  and 
te^ii'ifs  whetlier  thou  be  the  authority  o^  the  living  God,  whose  liigh  priest  I  am,  and  to  whom  he  has  committed  the 
edi'^God '^Mark^xw!' wl]'^^^"  power  of  administering  this  oath,f  that  thou  tell  us  directly,  in  the  plainest  terms,  whether 
t/iou  be  the  JMessiah,  the  Son  of  the  ever-blessed  God,  or  not  ? 

64  [And]  Jesus  saith  unto      And  Jesiis  boldly  suid  to  him,  Thou  hast  said  [right,]  and  mentioned  me  by  my  true  and  64 
him, Thou  hast  said  :  [I  am :]  proper  title :"  for  I  am  indeed  the  Messiah,  nor  will  I  ever  recede  from  that  claim  :  and 

nevertheless,  1  say  unto  J  oil,   f      f  ^,  ,  j  ,.       j      ..u   r  *•  4.  4.     t        i  i 

Hereafter  shall  ye  see  the  moreover,  thougli  you  may  novv  condemn  me  to  death  tor  assertmg  it,  yet  i  solemnly 
ri°ht°i!aiS'°[L'"iu!''  of  the  declare  to  you  all.  That  hereafter  the  day  will  come  when  ye  shall  see  the  Son  of  man,  who 
power  of  God,]  and  coming  now  Stands  in  this  despiscd  and  lowly  form  at  your  tribunal,  exalted  to  all  the  dignity  and 
x^iv'^'ea'Tuke^xxiiyeg']'^''''^''  8'o''y  which  that  high  title  imports,  sitting  at  the  right  hand  of  the  poiver  and  majesty  of 

God,  and  co77iing  with  irresistible  strength  in  the  clouds  of  heaven,  to  take  vengeance  on 

the  proudest  of  his  enemies.'* 
Luke  xxii.  70.  Then  said      And  upon  this,  as  they  were  willing  to  make  sure  of  so  important  a  confession,  they   luke 
tiiey  all.  Art  thou  then  the  pressed  him  with  the  question  again,  and  all  said,  as  in  amazement,  A7't  thou,  then  really  ^XH- 
unto  Uiem°  Ye  say'thari  tin.  the  Son  of  God,  who  is  promised  under  the  character  of  the  Messiah?  and  wilt  thou  actu-  '" 

ally  abide  and  stand  by  this  profession,  that  thou  art?     And  he  said  to  them,  I  will  never 

retract  it ;  ye  say  right,  and  may  be  assured  that  I  am. 
Matt.  xxvi.  65.   Then  the       Then  the  high  priest,  with  all  the  hypocritical  forms  of  pious  indignation,  retit  his  clothes,  matt. 
high  priest  rent  his  clothes,  j^g  [^  gjjgf  foj  tj^g  g^gat  dishonour  done  to  God  by  so  false  an  oath,'  and  so  presumptuous  ^^vi. 

saying,  He  hath  spoken  bias-  ,    .a  °     ,     ,     1  ■  ■  11  •  ;  •'tt     1  ;        ^i  ^   j         ..  1 ;        f\'\ 

phemy ;  what  further  need  a  claim  as  he  pretended  this  to  be ;  and  he  said,  He  has  now  spoken  the  most  direct  bias-  ""^ 
nowye*  havi'heS-d 'h'^s^  Was-  P^^w?'/,  in  profcssing  himself  to  be  the  Son  of  the  most  high  God  :  what  further  need  have 
phemy.   [Mark  xiv.  6:j,  04.]  we  ofivitnesses  1  Behold,  now  ye  have  heard  his  blasphemy  with  your  own  ears.    What  think 

66  What  think  ye?  They  ye  therefore  as  to  the  punishment  he  deserves?  They  answered  and  said,  He  is  guilty  of  66 
eUfhy'^^of  ^deatr"''[iii'Ki'*  ^^^  most  notorious  of  all  crimes,  and  deserves  immediately  to  be  put  to  death  ;^  what  7ieed 
wiiat  need_  we  any  further  have  tve  indeed  of  any  other  testimony  ?  for  we  ourselves  have  heard  [it]  from  his  oivn  mouth. 
have^hea'rdS'^hirowu  moutTf  ]  -^"^  ^^^^  ^^'^Jl  "^^  Condemned  him  as  guilty  of  a  capital  crime ;  and  accordingly  sentence 
And  they  all  condemned  him  was  passed  upon  him,  no  witness  appearing  in  his  defence,  and  none  daring  to  plead  his 
xK^ef"  Luk*e  xxri"7i  j'^^'"^''  cause ;'  though  some  of  the  council  who  had  a  friendship  for  him,  and  particularly  Joseph 
of  Arimathea  and  Nicodemus,  disapproving  these  unrighteous  proceedings,  either  absented 

Luke  xxii.  63.    [Then]  the  themsclves  Or  withdrew.   (Compare  Luke  xxiii.  50,  51.  and  John  xix.  38.  sect,  cxcii.) 
men  that  held  .lesus  mocked       Then  the  meii  that  attended  the  court,  and  had  Jesus  in  custody,  finding  he  was  con-   luke 
toTpitnfn^nstace!HM'ARK!  ^emned  by  the  sanhedrim,  insulted  him  with  renewed  injuries  and  aftronts,  o;;// carried  that  .^-^I'- 
and    to    buffet   liim;]  and  insolent  usagc  yet  further  than  they  had  done  before ;™  for  some  of  them,  with  rude  indig-  ""^ 
xxv^eV^Mark  xw'.'esj'^^''"'  "1*7?  began  even  to  spit  in  his  face,  and  to  buffet  him  ;  and  others  scornfully  abused  and 

(54  And  when  they  had  beat  him.  And,  in  derision  of  his  title  to  the  cliaracter  he  claimed,  having  covered  his  eyes,  64 
servan'tr]'^strud^'  him*  on' the  ^^'^  officers  and  Servants  struck  him  on  the  face  ivith  the  palms  of  their  hands,  ami  on  the 
face  [with  the  palms  of  their  head  With  Staves  :  and,  in  a  scoffing  and  contemptuous  manner,  asked  him,  saying,  Now 
ing,' Prophesy  lunto  "us,"  tlvfu  show  US  how  thou  canst  divine  ;  and  if  thou  art  indeed  the  true  Messiah,  prophesy  to  us, 
tfiee ?''rMat"t  '%''vf ''m'^^es*  ^  [l/>ou]  Christ,  loho  is  he  that  smote  thee ?  Such  were  the  vile  indignities  they^offered  65 
Mark  xiv.  65'.]  ^^''^'  '  '  him  ;  and  many  other  things  they  blasphemously  spake  against  him  : "  so  that,  on  the  whole, 
bias  he'mo"'?"^'  '^^^'k  "'"i""^  '^^^  ^®  heen  the  vilest  malefactor,  they  could  not  have  used  him  worse ;  and  common 
agamsThinif.^  ^   ^^^  ^   *  ^^^  humanity,  even  m  that  case,  would  not  have  allowed  of  such  barbarous  insults. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Thus  was  the  patient  Lamb  of  God  surrounded  by  his  blood-thirsty  enemies  :  thus  did  the  dogs  encompass  him,    Ver. 
and  the  strong  bulls  of  Bashan  beset  him  on  every  side :  (Psal.  xxii.  12,  16.)  thus  was  he  brought  as  a  lamb  to  the  63—65 
slaughter ;  and  as  a  sheep  before  her  shearers  is  dumb,  so  he  opened  not  his  numth  :  (Isa.  liii.  7,  8.)  he  was  taken  mark 
from  judgment,  and  suffered  the  worst  kind  of  murder,  even  that  which  had  the  appearance  of  being  legal.     But    xiv. 
those  gentle  words  which  he  dropped  in  the  midst  of  all  the  injuries  which  were  offered  him,  are  surely  worthy  60,  61 
ever  to  be  recorded  and  remembered.     It  had  always  been  his  care  to  provide  things  honest  in  the  sight  if  all  men  :   John 
and  as  he  answered  with  a  most  graceful  and  courageous  appeal  to  all  that  heard  him,  as  to  the  innocence  and  23^^^^' 
usefulness  of  his  doctrine, — so  it  is  well  worthy  our  observation  and  reflection,  that  God  so  far  restrained  the  rage 
and  malice  of  hell,  that  no  such  false  witnesses  arose  against  him  as  could  on  the  whole  asperse  his  character,  or  matt. 
bring  it  under  any  brand  of  public  infamy ;  though  Judas,  as  well  as  others,  might  have  sought  a  reward,  or  at  xxvi 
least  an  indemnity,  for  their  own  villany  in  accusing  him.     And  indeed  it  is  no  inconsiderable  instance  of  God's  59,  60 
providential  government  of  the  world,  that  wicked  men  are  restrained  by  this  one  remainder  of  reverence  for  the 
divine  omniscience,  and  dread  of  his  vengeance,  from  destroying  the  reputations  and  lives  of  his  children ; 

they  would  condemn  him  on  that  confession  ;  and  if  he  denied  it,  they  candid  writer  should  not  be  able  to  see  the  mark  of  a  judicial  process 

would  expose  him  on  that  denial,  as  afraid  to  maintain  the  pretensions  and  sentence  here  ;  and  yet  should  see  them  in  the  case  of  Stephen.    Yet 

he  had  made.  this  is  really  the  case. 

f  To  whom  he  has  committed  the  power  of  administering  this  oath.]  1  ?>o  witness  appearing  in  his  defence,  &c.]    T)r.  Samuel  Harris,  iu 

That  the  Jewish  high  priests  iiad  indeed  such  a  power,  may  appearfrom  his  Observations  on  the  Old  Testament,  (p.  109,  et  seq.  quarto  edit.)  has 

comparing  Exod.  xxii.  11.  Lev.  v.  l.  and  Prov.  xxix.  24.  xxx.  9.  with  much  greater  learning  and  ingenuity  than  solidity,  endeavoured  to 

g  Tliou  liast  said  right. '\    .See  note  1,  Matt.  xxvi.  Co.  §  170.  prove  this  circumstance   referred   to  in   Isaiah's  words,  chap.   liii.  8. 

h   y'e  shall  see  the  .So7i  vf  man,  6fC.\    There  seems  a  plain  reference  Ulio  shall  declare  his  generation  ?  and  his  first  and  second  Dissertation 

here  to  the  view  in  which  the  Son  of  man  is  represented,  Dan.  vii.  13,  prefixed  to  his  Essay,  chiefly  centre  in  this  point. 

14.  where  he  is  said  to  come  with  the  clouds  of  heaven  to  receii'e  a  m  Carried  that  insolent  usage  yet  further  than  they  had  done  before.] 

dominion,  &c.  or  to  appear  as  God  did  on  Mount  Sinai,  in  a  chariot  of  Luke  mentions  these  indignities  before  his  being  led  to  the  council,  in 

clouds,  attended  by  angelic  hosts.     Our  Lord  looked  very  unlike  that  which  he  tells  us  he  was  examined  on  oath  as  above  :  but  Matthew  and 

person  now  ;  but  nothing  could  be  more  awful, majestic,  and  becoming,  Mark  mention  them  as  immediately  succeeding  his  being  condemned  as 

than  such  an  admonition  in  these  circumstances. — Dr.  Whithy  excel-  guilty  of  blasphemy,  in  the  answer  he  made  when  adjured  by  the  high 

Jently  proves,  in  his  note  on  .Matt.  xxvi.  64.  that  the  right  hand  of  power  priest ;  and  do  not  so  particularly  as  Luke  distinguish  what  happened 

IS  a  phrase  equivalent  to  the  right  hand  of  God.  m  his  examination  at  the  house  ot  Caiaphas  from  other  subsequent  cir- 

i  Rent  his  clothes.'^     1  hough  the  high  priest  was  forbidden  to  rend  his  cumstances.    The  attentive  reader  will  observe  how  they  are  termed  in 

clothes  in  some  cases,  when  others  were  allowed  to  do  it,  (Lev.  xxi.  10.)  our  compound  text  into  one  consistent  narration.    I  do  not  see  it  neces- 

yct  in  case  of  blasphemy,  or  any  public  calamity,  it  was  thousht  allow-  sary  to  suppose  that  Christ  answered  to  two  adjurations,  the  one  some 

able.    (See  1  Mac.  xi.  71.  and  Joseph.  Bell.  'jud.  lib.  ii.  15.  ?  2,  4.)  hours  after  the  other.    Matthew  and  Mark  naturally  enough  relate  tlie 

Caianhas  therefore  by  this  action  expressed,  in  the  strongest  and  most  whole  of  his  examination  together,  though  carried  on  in  two  ditterent 

artliil  manner,  his  horror  at  healing  so  vilo  a  wretch,  as  "he  pretended  places  ;  and  it  is  probable  some  insults  preceded,  and  others,  yet  more 

Jesus  was,  thus  claiming  the  sovereignty  over  Israel,  and  a  seat  at  the  violent,  followed,  his  being  thus  solemnly  condemned  by  the  sanlieanm 

right  hand  ot  God  ;  and  this  when  adjured  upon  oath  on  so  soleuui  an  as  guilty  of  death.                                                 ,           ■     ,  /       i    t\,^,.„  i<, 

occas;ion.  n  Many  other  things  they  hlasphemonsly  spake  against  lnm.\     inere  is 

k   Ihey  answered  and  said.  He  is  iiniUji  of  death.']    A  man  who  did  something  very  remarkable  in  this  expression.     I»e3:  <^"'"'p,?  """  ^'""' 

not  know  the  miglity  inlluence  of  ahachment  to  an  hypothesis  by  fre-  blasphemy  in  asserting  himself  to  be  the  Son  ot  God  ;  Out  tne  e\ange- 

quent  observation,  would  be  astonished  that  any  learned,  accurate,  and  list  fixes  that  charge  on  them  because  he  really  was  so. 


326  CHRISrS  EXAMINATION  BEFORE  PILATE. 

SECT,  especially  in  countries  where  (as  in  our  own)  the  punishment  which  human  laws  inflict  on  perjury  is  so  much 
185.    below  its  desert. 

When  Jesus  was  examined  on  oath  he  witnessed  a  good  confession,  and  cited  those  that  were  now  his  judges 

MATT,  to  appear  at  his  bar.    Nor  was  it  a  vain  boast !    The  Son  of  man  is  now  sitting  at  the.  light  hand  of  power,  and  will 

^^^^^-  ere  long  come  in  the  clouds  if  heaven :  and  then  they  that  condemned,  and  insulted,  and  pieixed  him,  shall  mourn 

'        became  of  him.  (Rev.  i.  7.)     May  we  be  now  so  wise  as  to  kiss  the  Son  in  token  of  our  humble  allegiance  to  him, 

lest  he  be  then  justly  angry  with  us  :  yea,  lest  we  immediately  perish  from,  the  way,  when  his  wrath  is  but  beginning 

to  be  kindled!    (Psal.  ii.  12.) 


SECTION  CLXXXVI. 


Jesus  is  brouglit  before  Pilate.    The  .Tews  demand  judgment  against  him,  and  Pilate  examines  him.    Matt,  xxvii.  1,  2,  11 — 14.    Mark  xv.  1 — 5. 

Luke  xxiii.  1 — 4.    John  .vviii.  28 — 38. 

Matt.    XXvil.    1.  Matt,  xxvii.  l. 

SECT.  SUCH  were  the  vile  proceedings  of  this  horrid  and  malignant  night,  and  tlius  was  Jesus  [and  straightway]  when  the 

186.    condemned  and  treated  as  a  malefactor  by  the  Jewish  rulers.    And  as  soon  as  morning  was  di?erpr1esTs''[heiTlcon'suUa! 

'^~"^~"  coine,  all  the  chief  priests,  having  put  Jesus  out  of  the  room  where  the  sanhedrim  met,  tion  with  the]  eiders  ot  the 

MATT,  considted  with  the  elders  of  the  people,  and  the  scribes,  and  the  whole  sanhedrim,^  what  wZ'iecJanciij^agamst Jesu's! 

■^^^'^'l"  method  they  should  take  to  execute  this  sentence  they  had  passed  against  Jesus,  and  how  to  put  him  to  death.  [Mark 

they  might  contrive  to  put  him  tu  death  in  the  most  severe  and  contemptuous  manner.         ^^'  ^■-' 

2      And  after  he  had  been  insulted  by  the  servants  at  the  council-chamber,  ivhen,  for  the     e  And    when   they    had 

ereater  security,  they  had  bound  him  again,''  the  whole  multitude  of  them  arose,  and  led  him  ^"PA  ii'"^.  [Luke,  the  whole 

-  r  1     ■'         ,-^j;  .      •  /        -^  1  11    J  \     ■    X     xi-      ■     J  X  1     11     •      multitude  ot  tiiem  arose,  and] 

aivay  from  thence  to  thepreetorium,  (as  it  was  properly  called,)  or  to  the  judgment-hall,  in  they  led  him  away  [John. 
which  the  Roman  magistrate  was  used  to  sit  for  the  despatch  of  public  business  :  for  the  ""^.j"!?  '""'i  S^  Judgment,] 

T  ,     .  "  ,  ,  111  ^n\r  11      .1     ■      .1     ■     ^nd  delivered  him  to  Pontius 

.lews  being  now  a  conquered  people,  and  not  having  the  power  ot  hie  and  death  m  their  PUate  the  governor.   [Mark 
hands,  they  could  not  execute  Jesus  without  a  warrant  from  the  Romans  j"^  and  therefore,  xviii^'28^]"'*'^  '"''"'  ^'  "'*'''° 
to  procure  their  order  for  his  death,  as  well  as  to  render  it  the  more  ignominious  and  pain- 
ful, they  determined  immediately  to  caiTy  him  to  them  ;  and  to  ask,  not  a  confirmation 
of  the  sentence  which  they  had  passed  upon  him  as  a  blasphemer,  but  a  new  sentence  of 
crucifixion  against  him  as  a  seditious  enemy  to  Ctesar's  government.    Accordingly,  having 
conducted  him  to  the  prcetorium,  they  in  a  solemn  way  delivered  him,  as  a  state  prisoner 
of  considerable  importance,  to  Pontius  Pilate  the  procurator  or  governor,  whom  Tiberius 
Caesar  had  some  years  before  this  sent  among  them. 
.lOHN       Arid  th6ugh  by  this  time  it  was  broad  day-light,  yet  it  xvas  very  early  in  the  morning,     John  xviii.  28.   And  it  was 
^^^'f •  cmd  much  sooner  than  the  governor  used  to  appear :  he  was  therefore  called  up  on  this  t"nf 'not"fnto'^the ?udg:ment- 
extraordinary  occasion,  but  tJtey  themselves  went  not  into  the  palace,  of  which  the  judgment-  hall,  lest  they  should  "be  de- 
hall  was  a  part,  because  it  was'  the  house  of  a  Gentile,  and  they  were  apprehensive  lest  they  thl'^pkssover.^'  "'^^  '"'^'''  ^*' 
should  be  polluted,  and  so  prevented  from  eating  those  sacrifices  which  were  offered  on  this 
first  day  of  unleavened  bread,  and  were  looked  upon  as  a  very  considerable  part  of  the 
passover,  of  which  the  paschal  lamb,  which  they  had  eaten  the  evening  before,  was  only 
the  beginning. 

29  Pilate  therefore,  willing  in  this  instance  to  oblige  the  heads  of  the  nation  he  governed,  29  Pilate  then  went  out  un- 
complied  so  far  wth  their  religious  scruples,  that,  leaving  the  praetorium,  he  came  out  of '°  ^'^''^^o,^  bdng^yc'a^ntt  thb 
his  house  to  them ;  and  finding  it  was  an  affair  of  solemnity,  he  erected  his  tribunal  in  an  man  •■ 

open  place  adjoining  to  it,  as  the  Roman  magistrates  often  did :  and  when  Jesus  was  pre- 
sented as  a  prisoner  before  him,  Pilate  said  to  them.  What  accusation  do  you  bring  against 
this  7nan  ? 

30  They  answered  and  said  to  him,  with  some  indecent  smartness  in  the  expression,  (the  30  They  answered  and  said 
consequence  of  a  secret  indignation  to  find  themselves  curbed  by  a  superior  power,)  We  ,"na'i"  fac^r  ^  we*  wouM"°no1 
could  not  but  have  hoped  you  were  so  well  accfuainted  with  the  sanctity  of  our  court,  and  have  delivered  him  up  unto 
the  integrity  of  our  character,  as  to  conclude,  that  if  this  man  ivere  not  a  notorious  offender,'^  ""**• 

we  would  not  have  brought  and  delivered  him  to  thee ;  for  as  we  would  be  far  from  any 
thought  of  punishing  an  innocent  man,  so,  if  his  crime  had  not  been  very  great,  we  might 
have  dealt  with  him  ourselves  vvithout  thy  concurrence. 

31  Then  Pilate  said  to  them.  Take  ye  him  back  to  your  own  court  again,  and  judge  him  •''i  Then  said  Pilate  unto 
according  to  your  law  ;  for  I  am  by  no  means  desirous  of  interfering  with  you  in  the  regu-  hin^according  to'y'ouNaw!— 
lar  exercise  of  your  judicial  power.     And  this  he  said  with  a  view  of  shifting  off  from 

himself  an  affair  to  which  in  the  general  he  could  be  no  stranger;"  and  which  he  easily 
saw  would  be  attended  with  many  perplexing  circumstances. 

Then  the  Jews  said  to  him  again.  You  well  know  that  it  is  not  now  lauful  for  us  to  put     —The  Jews  therefore  said 

u*-  ^'^'j.'''^  c/iief  priests  consulted,  <Sr.]     Many  critics  explain  this  of  in  the  contingency  of  its  being  more  painful,  if  it  should  in  fact  be  ob- 

their  adiounring  to  consult  together,  from  the  house  of  Caiaphas,  to  the  tained.    Compare  John  xviii."  .31.  above.    fSee  Dr.  Lardner's  Ciedib. 

))lace  where  the  sanhedrim  used  to  meet:    but  it  appears  from  Luke,  part  i.  book  i.  chap.  2.  sect.  5,  6.  vol.  i.  p.  65—106.  and  Joseph.  Anttq. 

this  was  the  place  where  they  had  before  a.ssembled  and  passed  sentence  Jud.  lib.  xx.  cap.  <i.  [al.  8.]  sect.  1.)    And  indeed  the  Jewish  writers 

upon  Jesus,  alter  his  hrst  examination  in  the  house  of  Caiaphas ;  and  own  that  no  such  power  was  exercised  by  the  sanhedrim  for  forty  years 

his  account  of  this  matter  is  so  circumstantial,  that  I  think  it  more  rea-  before  the  destruction  of  the  temple,  as  Dr.  Lightfoot  shows  by  several 

sonable  to  take  these  words  in  the  order  in  which  they  are  explained  in  quotations  from  the  Talmud,  (Hor.  Heh.  on  Matt.  xxvi.  3.  and  John 

the  paraphrase.    Compare  Luke  xxii.  66.  page  324.  xviii.  31.)  though  he  supposes  it  was  only  lost  by  their  disuse  of  it,  and 

b   mien  they  had  hound  him  again.]     I'hey  bound  him  when  he  was  was  not  taken  from  them  bv  the   Romans. — The  chief  arguments  for 

first  apprehended,  but  had,  perhaps,  loosed  him  %vhile  he  was  under  ex-  their  having  such  a  power,  (from  Matt.  xxvi.  66.  John  viii.33.  xvHi.  31. 

amination  :  or  else  they  now  made  his  bonds  stricter  than  before,  that  so  Acts  vii.  57,  &&.  xii.  2.  xxii.  4,  5.  xxiii.  27.  xxiv.  6.  xxvi.  10.)are  either 

they  might  secure  him  from  any  danger  of  a  rescue  or  escape,  as  he  dhectly  answered  in  the  notes,  or  obviated  in  the  paraphrase,  on  those 

passed  through  the  streets  of  Jerusalem.  places. 

c  Not  having  the  power  of  life  and  death  in  their  hands,  &c.]    That  d  A  notoTiov-t  offender.']    .So  T  render  KoKOTroio?  in  this  connexion, 

the  Jewish  sanhedrim  had  a  power  of  trying  and  condemning  men  for  because  tliey  had  still  the  power  of  inHicting  slighter  punishments  ;  so 

crimes  which  the  Jewish  law  made  capital,  cannot  I  think  be  doubted,  that  their  bringing  him  to  Pilate  was  a  proof  that  they  judged  him  to 

and  has  all  along  been  taken  for  granted,  in  this  work  ;  and  smce  the  have  incurred  a  capital  sentence.    The  word  malefactor  has  much  the 

publication  of  the  first  edition,  it  has  been  abundantly  confirmed  by  same  sense  in  our  ordinary  speech. 

Mr.   Biscoe's  learned  and  elaborate  dissertation  on  the  subject,  in  his  e  With  a  view  of  shifting  off  from  himself,  (Src]    Pilate  could  not  be 

■Sermons  at  Bople's  Lecture,  chap.  vi.  part  i.  p.  123.  et  seq.    But  that  entirely  ignorant  of  the  case  before  him  ;  for  he  began  his  government 

they  had  at  this  time  a  power  ot  executing  such  sentences  without  the  at  Jerusalem  before  Jesus  entered  on  his  public  ministry  ;  and,  besides 

express  consent  of  the  Roman  governor,  neither  Mr.  Manne's  remarks,  many  other  extraordinary  things  which  he  must  formerly  have  heard 

CLssaff  i.  p.  13 — 19.)  nor  Mr.  Biscoe's  much  larger  argumentation,  seem  concerning  him,  he  had,  no  doubt,  been  informed  at  large  of  his  public 

to  me  satisfactorily  to  prove.    1  still  think  what  Dr.  Lardner  has  written  entrance  into  Jerusalem,  the  beginning  of  the  week  ;  and  also  of  his 

on  the  other  side  of  the  question  unanswerable  ;  and  indeed  wonder  that  apprehension,  in  which  the  Jewish  rulers  were  a.ssisted  by  a  Roman 

any  can  doubt  of  the  triatter  after  reading  this  stor3'.    For  surely  nothing  cohort,   whicii    could  hardly  be  engaged  in  that  service   without   the 

but  a  sense  of  necessity  could,  on  the  whole,  have  brought  the  Jewish  governor's  express  permission.    It  plainly  appears  bv  his  whole  con- 

1  ulers  to  Pilate  on  this  occasion  ;  since  the  rendering  the  execution  itself  duct,  how  unwilling  he  was  to  engage  in  this  cause  ;  he  seems  therefore 

precarious,  would  have  balanced  the  argument  their  cruelty  might  find,  cautious  not  to  enter  into  the  full  sense  of  what  the  Jewish  rulers  in- 


CHRISrS  EXAMINATION  BEFORE  PILATE.  327 

unto  him,  It  is  not  lawful  for  any  man  to  death  without  your  concurrence;  (compare  Matt,  xxvii.  2.  p.  326.)  but  it  is  a  SKCT. 
us  to  put'any  man  to  death,    capital  Crime  of  wliicli  the  prisoner  here  before  you  is  convicted  ;  and  as,  after  a  fair  trial,    186. 

he  has  received  such  a  sentence  in  the  sanhedrim,  we  only  wait  your  wai'rant  to  proceed ■ 

to  execution.  luke 

Luke  xxiii.  2.  And  tiiey      And  as  Pilate  could  not  but  inquire  of  what  crime  he  had  been  convicted,  they  resolved  xxil!. 
Iiegau  to  accuse  hiiii,  saying,  tg  mention  that  charge  which  might  render  iiim  most  obnoxious  to  the  Roman  power,  and 
ingth£"nation!anci''torbki(nng  to  represent  the  matter  in  its  most  malignant  view;  and  accordingly  tliei/  began  with  great 
to  give  t'''t»iJ«.j»J>  *tn  "chn  t  violence  to  accuse  him,  saying,  It  is  not  merely  on  a  religious  account  that  we  have  brought 
a'&'ing!     ^      '  "^   him  before  you,  but  we  ^rti'e  also^bunc^  <AJs  seditious  [^/t/Zojii]  pen;e;ti?;g  i/ie  whole  Jewish 

nation,  from  one  end  of  the  country  to  the  other,  and  in  effect  forbidding  to  pay  tribute  to 
Casar,  by  saying,  that  he  himself  is  Messiah,  a  King  whom  many  of  the  Jews  have  expected 
to  rescue  them  from  all  subjection  to  a  foreign  power ;  and  this  claim  he  has  had  the 
assurance  to  avow  in  open  court ;  so  that  it  is  but  a  necessary  piece  of  respect  to  thee,  and 
to  the  emperor,  whose  lieutenant  thou  art,  to  bring  him  hither  to  be  condemned,  and  in- 
John  xviii.  31.    That  the  deed  to  leave  him  to  be  executed  by  you.     And  though  they  aimed  at  nothing  more  by   john 
mfid,^vtichhe'spakt;li?nity-  ^his,  than  to  make  sure  of  their  murderous  designs,  and  to  add  new  circumstances  of  shame  .^7"^" 
ing  what  death  he  should  die.  and  agony  to  the  execution,  yet  Providence  was  pleased  to  overrule  it  with  a  wise  intent,  "^^ 
that  the  saying  of  Jesus  miglit  thus  be  fuljilled,  which  he  spake  more  than  once,  (see  John 
iii.  14.  xii.  32,  33.  and  Matt.  xx.  19.)  signifying  or  implying  by  what  kind  of  death  he 
should  die,  even  by  being  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  or  by  crucifixion,  which  was  a  Roman 
punishment;  whereas,  according  to  the  Jewish  law,  (Lev.  xxiv.  16.)  he  would  have  been 
stoned,  (as  his  servant  Stephen  afterwards  was,)  having  been  impiously  adjudged  by  them 
to  have  deserved  death  as  a  blasphemer.     (Compare  Matt.  xxvi.  65,  66.  and  Mark  xiv. 
64.  p.  325.) 
Matt,  xxvii.  12.  And  when      And  xvhcn  he  was  thus  accused  by  the  chief  priests  and  elders,^  who  aggravated  the  matter  matt. 
prieste^  and^lwe^s*^  fot^n^air^^y  ^'^^  addition  qf  many  Other  things  either  entirely  false  or  grossly  misrepresented ;  re- ^xvii. 
things,] h" answered  notTfug!  proaclung  him  a's  a  blasphemer,  a  sabbath-breaker,  and  a  magician;  and,  in  a  word,  ^"^ 
[Mark  XV.  .3.]  Omitting  nothing  which  they  thought  might  blacken  his  character,  he  made  tliem  no  answer 

13  Then  saith  Pilate  unto  at  all.     Then  Pilate  said  to  him,  Dost  thou  answer  nothing  to  all  this?     Hcarest  thou  not  13 
thin'"  -I'^Hearesf  thou"  not"'  ^^^  Several  charges  they  produce  against  thee,  or  hast  thou  no  concern  to  vindicate  thyself 
[Behold,]  how  many  things  from  what  they  have  alleged  ?     Behold,  and  consider,  how  many  and  how  great  things 
[Mark"xv"4!]  ^°'""^'   "'''*•  they  witness  against  thee.     But  still,  as  Jesus  knew  how  little  all  his  apologies  would  signify,  14 

14  And'cjesus  yet]  answer-  he  continued  silcnt,  and  did  not  answer  him  to  any  one  word ;  so  that  Pilate  the  governor 
mucirth'a?^[Pntte]"the'°»o-  was  grcutly  astonished,  and  knew  not  how  to  account  for  so  uncommon  a  behaviour. 

vemor    marvelled    greatTy.      But  yet,  as  the  govemor  had  heard  an  honourable  report  of  Jesus,  and  observed  in  this   john 
'■'^John'xyin.''33.  Then  Pilate  sileucc  an  air  of  meek  majesty  and  greatness  of  spirit,  rather  than  any  consciousness  of  ^J^^^^- 
entered  into  the  judgment-  guilt,  or  any  indication  of  a  fierce  contempt,  he  was  willing  to  discourse  with  him  more  ^^ 
ta*nd*.iesSsTtood''be''oirthi  privately  before  he  proceeded  further.     Pilate  therefore  entered  again  into  the  pratoi-iuni 
«overnor,][LuKE,  and  Pilate  vvhich  he  had  quitted  to  oblige  the  Jews,  (ver.  29.  p.  326.)  and  called  Jesus  in  :  and  [as] 
the  King"of\1fe  jfws  ?'^[Viatt!  Jesus  stood  before  the  governor  there,  Pilate  asked  him,  saying.  Art  thou  indeed  the  King  qf 
xxiii' sS'  ^^^'^^  '^''  "'  ^"^^  ^^'^  Jews,  ancf  dost  thou  really  pretend  to  any  right  to  govern  them? 

"'■u  jesus  answered  him,  Say-      Jesus  answered  Mm,  Dost  thou  Say  this  of  thyself,  from  the  knowledge  of  any  seditious  34 
est  thou  this  thine;  or  thyself  practices  which  thou  hast  ever  observed  in  me  ?  o^-'is  it  only  what  thou  hast  gathered  from 

or   did  others  tell  it  thee  of  K  ,  ,  •      ^  ,    ,  ^l         ±    i  ;  -^  ^l  ■  i 

me  ?  the  present  clamour  made  against  me,  and  have  others  told  it  thee  concerning  me  ■ 

35  Pilate  answered,  Am  I      Pilatc  immediatelv  replied,  Am  1  a  Jeio't  or  do  I  know  any  thing  of  your  peculiarities,  35 
andThe  S^  p^rests^^have  further  than  I  am  informed  by  others?     I  do  not  at  all  pretend  to  it :  but  thou  knowest 
delivered    thee   unto'  me :  that  thine  Own  nation,  a7id  tliose  who  are  esteemed  the  most  sacred  persons  in  it,  even  the 
what  hast  thou  done  >  ^j^-^^  priests  themselves,  have  delivered  thee  to  77ie  as  a  malefactor,  and  have  cliarged  thee, 

among  other  crimes,  with  treason  against  Caesar,  in  setting  up  for  king  of  the  country  : 
tell  me  therefore  freely,  what  hast  thou  done  to  deserve  such  a  charge  ?  for  the  more  frank 
thou  art  in  thine  acknowledgment,  the  greater  favour  mayst  thou  expect.      < 

36  Jesus  answered.  My  Jesus  answered  him,  Mrj  kingdom  is  not  of  this  xvorld,  nor  is  it  my  business  or  design  to  36 
kingdom  is  not^of^tMs  world  :  g^ect  a  temporal  dominion,  and  to  establisli  any  claim  which  sliould  at  all  interfere  with 
world,  then  would  my  ser-  that  of  Csesar,  or  of  which  any  prince  has  reason  to  be  jealous.  Indeed,  if  I  would  have 
fir  de*ifvered'^V  ti!'e°"jews°-  entertained  such  views,  I  might  have  found  support  and  encouragement  from  the  very 
but  now  is  my  kingdom  not  persons  who  are  now  my  accusers  :  and  if  I  had  asserted  that  iny  kmgdom  was  of  this 
from  hence.  world,  and  had  favoured  such  methods  of  defence,  my  servants,  who  professed  of  late  so 

great  and  so  public  a  regard  to  me,  would  resolutely  have  fought  that  I  might  not  have  been 
delivered  to  the  Jeivs,?  or  would  attempt  even  now  to  rescue  me  out  of  tlieir  hands :  but 
now  my  kingdom  is  not  from  hence,  nor  to  be  erected  here  ;  and  therefore  I  have  been  so 
far  from  arming  my  followers  with  secular  weapons,  that  the  guard  who  came  to  apprehend 
me  know  I  forbade  their  making  use  of  those  they  had. 

37  Pilate  therefore  said  un-      Pilate  therefore  Said  to  him,  Tliou  speakest  however  of  thy  kingdom  and  thy  subjects  :  37 
then'''-'  "^^  *'"'"  '   """^  "'■^  ^^o?<  then  really  a  king  ? 

—[And]  Jesus  answered  Ajid  Jesus  answered  him  and  said,  therein  courageously  witnessing  a  good  confession, 
sa^est'^thit"!  am  rkf'l^'r"  ^^  '^™-  '^^^  ^^'^  -^'^^"  ^^-^'"'^  \right  ;\  I  am  indeed,  as  thou  hast  said,  a  king ;  the  King  of 
thfs^end  was  i"boni,'and  fo?  the  Jcws,  and  the  appointed  Head  and  Governor  of  the  whole  Israel  of  God  ;  nor  will  I 
worid'^^^thlt  i*^shouid  biar  wi't''  ^^^^  basefy  Seek  my  safety  by  renouncing  my  divine  claim  to  the  most  excellent  majesty 
ness  linto  tiie^ 'truth.  *" Every  and  extensive  dominion  :  nay,  /'or  this  purpose  was  I  born,  and  for  this  end  I  came  into  the 
world  from  another  and  much  better  abode,  that  I  might  bear  witness  to  the  cause  of  truth 
in  general,  and  in  particular  to  this  great  and  fundamental  branch  of  it :  and  I  have  given 


some  aavantage  against  them  ;  which  a  man  ot  his  cliaracter  might  nave  is  to  ne  rememnerea,  mat  (.as  lu .  i^ai  uuei  «^^ui  •••=  "■'■•V",".^  r.  few  days 

wished.    'Iheir  reply  shows  they  were  more  aware  of  this  artifice  than  serves)  the  populace  appeared  zealously  on  Christ  s  siae  i  "i  j 

commentators  have  generally  been.  before  ;   and  the  reason  of  their  turning  ?«<"»*'  'l'!"  7^1  would  have 

f  And  when  he  was  thus  accmed.  Sec.']    The  reader  mav  perhaps  ob-  suming  a  temporal  kingdom,  as  they  certainly  expetteu  ■  ■ 

ser^-e  that  I  have  transposed  Matt,  xxvii.  11.  and  Mark  xv.  2.     But  it  done.    (See  Lardn.  Credit,  part  i.  book  i.  chap.  5.  vol.  '■l;^^^'-^\^.^^^^ 

15  only  because  I  think  the  other  evangelists  relate  the  story  in  such  an  we  may  further  add,  that  a  very  small  body  or  "'";"'         jjgj   „,i„ht 

order  as  to  show  the  propriety  of  this  little  transposition.  endowed  with  such  miraculous  power  as  Jf f"V^'.^'-\     rnmDa're  note 

g  My  servants  aotUd  have  fonyht,  4:c.]      Ihough  our  translation  of  have  been  sumcient  to  vanquish  all  the  Roman  legions,    i.ompare  noit. 

fjT'unfoi/To  may  be  more  literal,  yet,  considering  that  our  Lord  was  now  i,  on  John  vi.  14.  p.  148. 


3ij8  PILATE  SENDS  JESUS  TO  HEROD. 

SECT,  such  ample  proof  of  this,  that  euen/ honest  and  well-disposed  person  who  is  indeed  a  friend  °f * '!'f '*  °r^i ^''""'xv^^Ti' 
186.    of' the  truth,  heareth  my  voice,  and  pays  an  entire  deference  to  my  instructions.''  Wark°xv!'2.  Luke  xxiu'.'s.]  ' 

Pilate  sm/s  to  him,  What  is  the  truth  which  thou  referrest  to,  and  speakest  of  as  tliy     38  Pilate  saitii  unto  him, 

JOHN   business  to  attest?    And  when  he  had  said  this,  as  Jesus  made  a  pause,  and  did  not  imme-  i^']^'iti*''l'i'll'  d"lL^t*"''! 

-v'vrrT     1*1  iT_*  i*j  11  11  1-  -f-  1  nan    sam    mis,    iie   went    out 

'^     oo  diately  make  nira  any  answer,  his  hurry  would  not  allow  him  to  wait  for  it:  so  he  went  again  unto  the  jews,  and  saith 
"^"  out  again  to  the  Jews,  and  said  to  the  chief  priests,  and  the  people  assembled  with  them  [[,°  peopk'.'fi  fiu^no  fautt  at 
abroad,  I  have  examined  the  prisoner  you  brought  me  in  private  ;  and  I  must  freely  declare  ail    [in  tiiis  man.]    [Luke 
that  I  find  no  fault  at  all  in  this  man,  nor  can  I  perceive  that  he  is  any  enemy  either  to  the  ^'""'  *■•' 
rights  of  Csesar,  or  the  tranquillity  and  happiness  of  the  Jews;  and  therefore  do  not  see 
how  I  can  with  any  justice  condemn  him  to  die.     But  his  accusers  refused  to  acquiesce  in 
this,  and  advanced  a  more  circumstantial  charge  against  him,  which  gave  occasion  to  that 
examination  before  Herod  which  will  be  related  in  the  next  section. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  much  exactness  in  the  ceremonials  of  religion  may  be  found  in  those  who  have  even  the  most  outrageous 

contempt  for  its  vital  principles  and  essential  duties !   Yea,  how  much  of  that  exactness  may  be  made  subservient 

Ver.28  to  the  most  mischievous  and  diabolical  purposes  !  These  wolves  in  sheep's  clothing  would  not  enter  into  the  house 

of  a  heathen,  lest  they  should  be  polluted,  and  become  unfit  to  eat  the  passover ;  yet  they  contrive  and  urge  an 

impious  murder,  which  that  very  heathen,  though  lie  had  much  less  evidence  of  Christ's  innocence  than  they, 

could  not  be  brought  to  permit  without  strong  reluctance,  and  a  solemn,  though  vain,  transferring  of  the  guilt 

from  himself  to  them. 

LUKE       Justly  might  our  Lord  say,  in  the  words  of  David,  They  laid  to  my  charge  things  that  I  knew  not.    (Psal.  xxxv, 

'2  11-)     I^ut  what  can  defend  the  most  innocent  and  excellent  against  malicious  slanders  and  defamations'.  Or  who 

jj         can  expect,  or  even  wish,  wholly  to  escape,  when  such  accusations  are  brought  against  Christ,  even  by  the  rulers 

XXVII.  of  his  nation,  who  should  have  been  men  of  distinguished  generosity  and  honour !    But  instead  of  this,  they  were 

12  all  an  assembly  of  murderers,  and  lay  in  wait  for  their  prey  like  so  many  devouring  lions. 

JOHN       Pilate  would  renew  the  examination  of  the  cause ;  and  so  far  he  acted  a  cautious  and  an  honourable  part.    Yet, 

XVIII.  alas,  how  many  that  set  out  on  such  maxims  want  courage  and  resolution  to  pursue  them  !    But  the  courage  of 

29,  33  Christ  never  failed.     He  witnessed  before  Pontius  Pilate  the  good  confession  we  have  now  been  reading,  (1  Tim. 

37  vi.  13.)  and  owned  himself  a  King,  though  at  the  same  time  he  declared  (what  it  were  to  be  wished  all  his  fol- 

36  lowers  had  duly  regarded)  that  his  kingdom  is  not  of  this  ivorld.  Greatly  do  we  debase  it  if  we  imagine  it  is;  and 
most  unworthy  is  it  of  those  that  call  themselves  the  ministers  of  his  kingdom,  to  act  as  if  they  thought  it  was. 
Yet  such  is  the  wickedness  of  some,  and  such  the  blindness  of  others  in  the  Roman  church,  that  thougli,  of  all  the 
churches  in  the  world,  it  is  manifestly  the  most  secular  kingdom,'  it  arrogates  to  itself  the  name,  not  only  of  a 
part,  but  of  the  whole,  of  Christ's  kingdom  here  below. 

37  Christ  came  to  bear  witness  to  the  truth ;  and  a  careful  attendance  to  his  testimony  will  be  the  best  proof  we 
can  give  that  we  love  the  truth,  and  the  best  method  we  can  take  to  make  ourselves  acquainted  with  it.  And  of 
so  great  importance  is  the  truth,  that  it  surely  deserves  the  attentive  inquiry  and  the  zealous  patronage  of  the 

38  greatest  and  the  busiest  of  mankind.  Let  us  not  therefore,  when  we  begin  to  ask  what  it  is,  like  Pilate,  hurry  on 
to  some  other  care  before  we  can  receive  a  satisfactory  answer ;  but  joyfully  open  our  minds  to  the  first  dawnings 
of  that  celestial  day,  till  it  shine  more  and  more,  to  irradiate  and  adorn  all  our  souls.    On  the  whole,  imperfect  as 

LUKE  the  character  of  this  unhappy  governor  was,  let  us  learn  from  him  candidly  to  confess  the  truth,  so  far  as  we  have 

XXIII.  discovered  it :  let  us  learn,  more  steadily  than  he,  to  vindicate  the  innocent  and  worthy,  and  on  no  terms  permit 

4  ourselves,  in  any  degree,  to  do  harm  to  those  in  whom,  on  a  strict  and  impartial  inquiry,  we  can  find  no  fault. 


SECTION  CLXXXVII. 


Pilate  sends  Jesus  to  Herod,  who  having  treated  him  with  great  contempt,  sends  him  back  again.  Pilate  in  vain  endeavours  to  persuade  the 
Jews  to  consent  to  his  release,  who  impiously  prefer  Barahbas,  and  persist  in  their  demands  of  a  sentence  of  crucitixion  against  Jesus.  Matt, 
xxvii.  15 — 18,  20—23.    Mark  xv.  6—14.    Liike  xxiii.  5 — 23.    John  xviii.  3'J,  to  the  end.  • 

Luke  xxiii.  3.  j^^,^^  ,,,iii.  5. 

SECT.  IT  was  observed  in  the  preceding  section,  that  when  Pilate  came  out  of  the  palace  he  bore  and  they  were  the  more 
187.    an  open  testimony  to  the  innocence  of  Jesus,  and  declared  to  the  priests  in  the  presence  tiie"^peo^ple!"teach?ng  t'hrough^ 

of  the  people,  that  "he  found  no  fault  at  all  in  him  :"  but  they  not  only  continued  strongly  out  all  Jewry,  bei-inning  from 

LUKE  to  urge  their  accusation,  but  ivere  more  violent  than  before,  sayi7ig,  We  assuredly  know  <^^'''*« '°  "'*  ?'"<=*■ 
XXiir.  tbat  he  stirs  up  all  the  people,  teaching  the  most  dangerous  and  seditious  doctrines  through- 
out all  Judea,  beginning  from  Galilee,  that  factious  country,  where  he  has  been  most  busy, 
and  from  thence  making  a  progress  even  to  this  place,  and  gathering  up  followers  every 
where  by  the  way,  to  the  apparent  danger  and  damage  of  the  state. 

6  And  when  Pilate  heard  them  speak  of  Galilee,  he  presentlv  inquired  if  the  man  whom     6  When  Pilate   heard  of 

7  they  had  brought  before  him  xvas  a  Gcdiiean.  And  finding  that  he  ivas  of  that  country,  and  San'we're^'oaniel.n""''"''^ 
therefore  that  he  properly  belonged  to  Herod's  jurisdiction,  who  was  tetrarcli  of  Galilee,  he  7  And  as  soon  as  lie  knew 
wiUingly  embraced  this  opportunity  to  clear  himself  of  so  perplexing  an  affair,  and  imme-  ju?isdictiin?^he"s"nt"im''to 
diately  sent  him  away  to  Herod,^  who  being  himself  ^  Jew,  was  also  at  Jerusalem  in  those  Herod,  who  himself  was  also 
days,  having  come  up  to  celebrate  the  passover  there.  ^'  Jerusalem  at  that  time. 

8  And  when  Herod  saiv  Jesus,  he  rejoiced  exceedingly ;  for  he  had  a  long  time  been  very  8  And  when  Herod  saw 
desirous  to  see  him,  because  he  had  heard  much  concerning  him  in  Galilee,  (compare  Luke  for ^eNvas'^dls'irous  to"s^ee  hini 
ix.  7,  9.  sect.  Ixxvii.)  and  he  now  hoped  that  he  should  have  an  opportunity  so  far  to  satisfy  of  a  long  season,  because  he 
his  curiosity  as  to  see  some  miracle  done  by  him,  and  might  be  able  also  to  determine  whether  ),fm  -,  and  h™ tioped  to^have 
he  was,  as  he  had  once  suspected,  Johii  the  Baptist  risen  from  the  dead.  (Compare  Matt,  seen  some  miracle  done  by 

9  xiv.  2.  p.  144.)    And  he  examined  him,  in  many  words,  concerning  a  variety  of  particulars    '9Then  he  questioned  with 

h  Every  person  mho  is  a  friend  of  the  truth  heareth  my  voice.']    What  this  was  Herod  Antipas,  the  tetrarch  of  Galilee,  by  whom  John  the 

our   Lord  here  says  incidentally,  is  to   be  regarded  as  an  universal  Baptist  had  been  beheaded,  and  whom  Christ  had  justly  represented  as 

maxim,  all  sincere  lovers  of  the  truth  xoill  hear  him  ;  and  accordingly  a  fox.    (Luke  xiii.  32.  p.  209.)    He  was  son  to  Herod  the  Great,  under 

St.  John,  with  all  simplicity,  depending  on  the  evidences  which  he  and  whom  Christ  was  born  ;  and  uncle  to  Hei  od  Agrippa,  (by  whom  James 

his  brethren  had  given  of  their  mission  from  Christ,  lays  down  the  same  was  beheaded  and  Peter  imprisoned,)  who  was  eaten  by  worms  ;  (Acts 

test,  1  .lohn  iv.  6.  We  are  of  Gad  ;  he  that  knowtth  God  heareth  us.  xii.  2,  3,  23.)  and  great-uncle  to  that  Agrippa  who  was  by  Paul's  dis- 

1  It  is  manifestly  the  most  secular  kingdom.]    This  Mr.  Boyse  of  course  almost  persvaded  to  become  a  christiati.  (Acts  xxvi.  <:».) — Christ's 

Dublin  has  finely  illustrated  in  his  most  ingenious  discourse  on  these  arraignment  before  him,  when  he  was  sent  back  uncondemued,  was  a 

■^ords.  great  additional  proof  of  the  falsehood  of  those  accusations  which  the 

a  He  sent  him  to  Herod.]    It  may  not  be  improper,  for  the  sake  of  Jews  had  brought  against  him  as  a  seditious  person,  and  particularly  as 

those  who  are  less  acquainted  with  the  Jewish  history,  to  observe,  that  one  who  had  stirred  up  the  people  in  Galilee. 


CHRIST  AGAIN  BROUGHT  TO  PILATE.  329 

him  in  many  words ;  but  lie  botli  as  to  his  pretensions  and  the  proof  of  his  mission,  as  well  as  the  tenor  of  his  doc-  SECT. 

answered  tiim  notliing.  ^^ine  :  but  as  Jesus  knew  this  was  not  a  proper  time  and  circumstance  to  enter  into  tliose    187. 

questions,  of  which  Herod  might  long  ago  have  been  sufficiently  informed,  he  made  him  ■ 


no  (imwer.  luke 

10  And   the  chief  priests      Ami  the  chief  priests  and  scribes,  whose  malice  had  prompted  them  to  attend  him  thither    ^-^H^- 
mettiy  Icclse'dlum."'*  ^'''^'^'  ^^"'^'^^  ^"  *^^^  j)fesence  of  the  kmg,  eagerli/  accusing  him  of  the  same  crimes  which  they  had  ^^ 

before  charged  him  with  in  their  application  to  Pilate. 

11  And  Herod  with  his  men      And  Herod,  with  thosc  of  his  soldiers  who  now  attended  him  as  his  life-guard,  looked  11 
amriMocked  Aim' Ami  ana^e'd  W^^  Jcsus  With  disdain,  and  treated  him  in  a  very  contemptuous  manner,  like  a  poor  incon- 
iiitn  in  a  gorgeous  robe,  and  siderable  Creature  who  no  way  answered  the  account  they  had  heard  of  him,  neither  say- 
sent  him  again  to  Pilate.        j^^g  ^q^  doing  any  thing  to  gratify  their  curiosity  :  and  having  derided  [him]  for  pretending 

to  be  a  king,  (as  it  was  urged  by  his  accusers  he  had  done,)  in  public  contempt  of  that 
claim,  whatever  it  was,  Herod  clothed  him  with  a  splendid  robe^  and  sent  him  back  to  Pilate, 
thereby  intimating  that  he  left  him  to  do  what  he  pleased  with  his  prisoner,  but  that  for 
his  own  part  he  apprehended  his  pretensions  to  royalty  worthy  of  derision  rather  than 
serious  resentment. 

12  And  the  same  day  Pilate      And,  whatever  Pilate's  real  intentions  were,  the  compliment  of  sending  Jesus  to  be  ex-  12 
?oI?et"e rT'tbTb'Sore  they  w"r^  amined  by  him,  was  so  well  taken  by  Herod,  and  Herod's  sending  him  back  to  the  Roman 
at°  enmity    between    them-  governor  was.  On  the  otlier  hand,  such  a  public  instance  of  regard  to  him,  that  the  same 

^^  ^^^'  dai/  Pilate  and  Herod  became  friends,  and  were  reconciled  to  each  other:  for  before  this, 

theii  were  at  enmifi/  between  t/iemselvess 

13  And  Pilate,  when  he  had  And  Pilate,  having  received  an  account  of  what  had  passed  before  Herod,  called  together  1 3 
prilsts  a'nF'the'^  riilrs  ^aiid  ^''^  c/(ie/"  priests,  ami  the  rulers,  and  with  tliem  the  rest  of  the  people  wlio  had  appeared 
tiie  people,  ^  against  him  as  his  accusers.  And  said  to  them,  You  have  brought  me  this  man,  Jesus  of  14 
brotf.^iT'tim^nmn'I^ntom'e^Il  Nazareth,  «.s  One  that  has  perverted  the  people,  and  taught  doctrines  injurious  to  your  reli- 
one  that  perverteih  the  peo-  gion,  and  also  to  the  civil  peacc  and  the  Roman  government ;  and  behold,  I  have  examined 
examined'  idm  befoie'^yo"^'  Vhim]  both  in  your  presence  and  in  private,  and  heard  all  that  could  be  alleged  against  him ; 
have  tound^no  fault  in  .this  but  I  must  Solemnly  declare  that  I  have  found  no  crime  in  this  man  as  to  the  things  that 
whereof  ye  accuse  him :  ""°''  I'/f'"  Ix'vc  charged  him  with ;  nor  can  I  in  my  conscience  think  that  you  have  made  good 

13  No,  nor  yet  Herod  :  for  any  of  the  accusations  you  have  brought  against  him  :  Nor  yet  has  Herod  been  able  to  15 
no*th\'ng^ \vort°iy  "of  d'eato 'is  make  any  such  d isco very  ;  /or  J  sent  you  "to  him  with  the  prisoner,  that  you  might  do 
done  unto  him.  your  utmost  to  coHvict  him  before  that  prince,  who  being  a  person  of  your  own  religion, 

and  well  acquainted  with  your  laws  and  customs,  might  have  known  more  of  the  matter 
than  myself;  and  yet  behold,  it  appears  to  have  been  Herod's  judgment,  that  nothing 
worthy  of  death  has  been  done  by  him  ;'^  for,  instead  of  sending  him  back  like  one  who 
deserves  a  capital  sentence,  he  has  treated  him  like  an  idiot  rather  than  a  traitor,  so  as 
plainly  to  show  that  he  thinks  him  merely  the  object  of  ridicule,  or  to  deserve  at  most  but 
16  I  will  therefore  chastise  some  slight  punishment.  And  therefore,  when  I  have  chastised  him  by  scourging,  which  16 
urn,  an   le  ease  nm.  .^jjj  ^^  ^^  admonition  to  him  for  the  future  not  to  use  those  wild,  enthusiastical  expres- 

sions which  have  given  so  much  umbrage  and  suspicion,  I  will  let  [/«';??]  go :  and  I 
believe  you  may  depend  upon  it  that  he  will  give  us  no  further  trouble  ;  nor  would  he  have 
interest  enough  to  do  it,  if  he  were  inclined  to  the  attempt. 
Mark  xv.  6.   Kow  at  that      Now  it  was  uswtl  at  the  f east  of  the  passover,  [and]  even  was  grown  by  custom  in  a  mark 
lL^KE!^l?7ornecl^sity''hi  manner  necessary, i' for  the  Roman  governor,  when  such  multitudes  were  assembled  from     -^v. 
must,]  [release  unto  the  peo-  all  parts,  to  release  to  the  people  any  one  prisoner  whom  they  desired  to  be  set  at  liberty, 
ever  °'they  "desired ."^  [Matt  whatever  Crime  It  was  tiiat  he  was  charged  with.     And  there  ruas  then  in  Pilate's  custody  7 
'"t  And  ■  ther"e''Va's"rtheli^     "  ^^^^  infamous  and  noted  prisoner,  whose  name  was  Barabbas,  that  lay  bound  with  some 
notable    prls'^oneT.T    named  Other  ruffians  who  had  mcule  an  insurrection  in  the  citt/  in  conjunction  with  him,  and  who 
wXtheni  that'^had  made""'*  had  aho  committed  murder  in  the  insurrection:  and,  besides  the  part  he  had  acted  in  this 
surrection  witii  him'  [Luke^  seditious  riot,  he  was  a  fellow  of  a  most  abandoned  character,  and  known  to  be  a  i^obber, 
te\/'mSlX'r'L'rthe'*inTur'rec"  ^^^"  ^^^  infested  the  highways  with  his  viUany;  so  that  it  was  generally  concluded  he 
tion,  [loHN,  and  was  a  rob-  would  receive  Sentence  of  death,  and  would  be  executed  that  day.    And  as  the  power  of  8 
xxm.  10 '"johrxviii^^  ]■"''''  i"eversing  or  executing  such  sentences  then  lay  in  the  Romans,  the  people  therefore,  when 

8  And 'the  multitude  [there-  thei/  Were  gathered  together  about  the  tribunal,  began  with  a  great  noise  and  clamour  to  cle- 
erioIet'h'erj'CTyhig  Ifo'liT  "'""^^  ^^  ^''^^^  {tlwtlie  would  do]  at  this  passover  as  he  had  cdways  done  to  them  upon  the 
began'to  desire  imn  to  rfo  as  like  occasions,  and  would  discharge  a  prisoner. 

[Matf  xxvi'i.^T]  "°'°  """"■      ^"'^  ^''"^^'  '^oPi"?  ^^'^^  '16  ™^g'it  preserve  the  life  of  Jesus,  whose  innocence  he  so  9 

9  But  Pilate  answered  them,  clearly  saw,  determined  to  attempt  it  by  this  method  ;  and  accordingly,  that  he  might  in- 
cu'^stSm,  th'atTsho^dd  rehfase  ^"^^  ^'i^™.  ^°  choose  him,  he  proposed  no  other  alternative  than  that  scandalous  and  out- 
imto  you  one  at  the  passover:]  rageous  Criminal  whom  we  have  just  now  mentioned,  and  answered  them,  saying,  You  have 
thwefore]  That  i'''rtieas''e°mto  i^^eed  a  custom,  that  I  sliould  release  to  you  one  at  the  passover,  and  I  am  ready  now  to 
y(m  ?  [Barabbas  ?  or  Jesus,  oblige  you  in  this  affair  :  whom  ivill  you  therefore  choose  that  I  release  unto  you  '(  Barab- 
iTing  of%he  Jews  "liviatt!  ^"*'  ^'^^^  scditious  and  murderous  robber?  or  this  Jesus,  who  is  called  Christ,  who,  in  I 
xxvii.  17.  John  xviii.  39.]  '  know  not  what  strange  sense,  is  pretended  to  be  the  king  of  the  Jews,  and  whom  you  see 
chUf^^pdes'ts  h"rddfvered  ^^^"'"^  you  in  the  fine  robe  in  which  Herod  has  thought  'fit  to  array  him?  For  he  knew  10 
him  for  envy.)  [Matt,  xxvii.  ^'^"f  t/>e  chief  priests  and  rulers  had  not  delivered  him  tip  into  his  hands  from  a  regard  to 
^^•^  justice,  but'merely  out  of  envy  at  his  popularity;  and  therefore  he  was  willing  to  majce 

the  proposal  to  the  people  in  such  a  form  as  might  be  most  likely  to  secure  his  life. 

mndrf^'^ufjffj''r''f:\  '^n?  expression,  e<T0,na  \aunpav.  does  not  so  we  have  of  his  own  bad  character  and  conduct,  their  reconciliation  is 

Ksiinnn^pf  V,,?;nHf.i       ^'erc  renders  it,)  «  w/iite  rohe ;   nor  was  it   as  much  more  wonderful  than  their  enmity.    See  Saur.  Serm.  vol.  x.  p. 

ne  supposes,  intended  as  a  declaration  ot  his  innocence.     It  was  rather  246,2-17. 

Ind  wlT'npI'h/n^'' m^"'  ^^\''^  belonged  to  Herod  or  some  of  his  officers,  d  Nothing  worthy  of  death  has  been  done  hy  him.]    The  phrase  .^enpar 

on,iJh»'vfn„  mS'  ^fi">  °1,  •  ai^i.they  clothed  him  with  it  in  derision  neiov  av-rw,  must   here  have   tliis   signitication,  as  the  margin  of'^our 

Solent  ■    ni?h,^f  ;f2  .          *"*  ?  '"°--     J^^h's.usage  was  exceedingly  in-  Bible  renders  it :    for  though  this  is  something  of  an  unusual  construc- 

connf  of?h.  ^'?,.^  .  ^^T^u^  conscience  which  Herod  had  felt  on  ac  tion,  yet  as  Raphelius  (J««o<.  ex  Pulyh.  p.  259.-)  has  produced  many 

he  ioineH   n  r^^,  of,  „    *     "  It*  i'^.^P'l^V  ™'"'^'  ^"^^^^  "I'T  ':^"''?"!  I'O'*'  instances  of  the  like  nature,  it  would  be  much  harsher  to  suppose  that  a 

he  did                   attempt  on  the  life  of  Jesus,  which  we  do  not  hnd  that  capital  sentence,  or  any  treatment  from  Herod   which  should  intimate 

c  T/i«/ Mor^  ,,/ ^,,„.,/„  *  ,          ,/         7       -,    ,r-u                 c  .,  ■           ■  he  thought  Jesus  deserved  it,  should  be  called,  afioi/t*avoToi',.s<'»;fMjHj7 

--     nil           ■'  ^'"""-V  Between  themselves.]    The  cause  of  this  enmity  tmrthy  of  death 

had   m/dp  ot-l'i^.t'''",?!'  Pei^H^ps  ''  might  be  the  slaughter  which  Pilate  e   lhi\al—and  in  a  manner  necessary.]    There  was  no  law  (o  oblige 

TernsTlpm    Vl^^T    1       ■••^?''-*'"?  ""'',"  had  come   up  to  sacrifice  at  him  to  this  ;   but  as   acts  of  grace  are  generally  popular  things,  this 

♦h«t   con^;i„rln^n^".K   '''"•  V  '^  \'^^i'    .«"»  M.  Sauriu  truly   observes,  seems  to  have  been  first  freely  used   by  the   Romans  to  please  their 

fo?pi<n?  ifnw/,-  ,f              one   hand  the  jealousy  ot  the  Jews  where  any  tributaries,  and  now  bv  custom  was  in  a  manner  established.     I  hnd  no 

.rpncraiiv  tllL,  K   ™"'=e''ned,  and  on  the  other  the  oppressive  measures  substantial  reason  to  believe  there  was  in  the  original  of  this  custom  any 

which  Pllat).hnr»„,.«S^^  '^"°  ^''f'  '"^«sted  with  commissions,  like  this  reference  to  the  deliverance  of  Israel  from  the  Egyptian  bondage  at  this 

wnicn  fuate  bore,  over  conquered  countries,  and  especially  the  accounts  time. 


330  THE  JEWS  CLAMOUR  FOR  THE  CRUCIFIXION  OF  JESUS. 

SECT.      But  the  chief  priests  and  elders,  who  were  exceedingly  solicitous  to  obtain  their  end,  lest     ii  Butthe  chief  r>riesfs[an(i 
187.    this  artifice  of  the  governor  should  defeat  all  their  laboured  scheme,  excited  the  most  for-  tie'^'^llTe' aharti^r^shouid 

■ ward  of  the  people,  [cmd  ]  effectually  persuaded  the  7nob  they  had  brought  with  them,  that  aski'th'at  h'e  should  ratherre- 

MATT.  thei/  should  ask  the  governor,  with  a  continual  noise  and  clamour,  that  he  would  rather  re-  [|f/j  d^stroy^Jesu"?  [Matt' 
XXVil.  igi^gg  Barabbas  to  them ;  that  by  this  means  the  point  they  had  in  view  might  be  secured,  xxvii.  20.] 

21  and  they  might  be  sure  to  destroy  Jesus.    And  therefore,  when  the  governor  answered  them     Matt,  xxvii.  21.    The  go- 
in  this  manner,  and  said  to  them  again,  Take  notice  that  your  choice  lies  only  between  JoVhenfTvTiethl-^ofthe twa?' 
these,  and  therefore  now  determine  for  yourselves,  ivhich  of  the  two  do  you  desire  I  should  will  ye  that  1  release  unto 
LUKE  release  unto  you?   Then,  as  their  principals  had  prompted  them,  they  all  cried  out  again  '°Lukexxiii  18  And  [John 
XXIII.  with  one  consent,  in  the  same  noisy  and  tumultuous  way  as  before,  saying.  We  will  not  then]  they  [John,  all]  crieti 
18  have  this  [??m«,]  but  Barabbas  :  aivay  with  this  [man,]  and  release  unto  us  Jiarabbas.    And  on'e ''iyi^ng' [J^ohnJ' Not  thts 
thus,  v/hen  Pilate  would  have  let  him  go,  they  denied  the  Holy  One  and  the  Just,  and  man,' but  Barabbas':]  Away 
desired  a  murderer  to  be  granted  unto  them.    (Acts  iii.  14.)  i^^'lj  '^^^  BarabbS?  "[mIu! 

MARK      -^nd  Pilate,  to  divert  them  from  the  purpose  they  were  so  unreasonably  set  upon,  again  xxvii.  21.  John  xviii.  40.] 
XV.    answered  and  said  to  them.  What  therefore  would  you  have  me  do  with  this  Jesus  who  is  an3wIredTand"sai^agaki''un^ 

12  called  Christ,  and  whom,  if  I  may  believe  your  own  rulers,  so  many  of  you  are  ready  to  Jo  them.  What  will  ye  then 

13  call  and  ovra  as  the  king  of  the  Jews  ?^  And  they  all  presently  renewed  their  clamour,  and  which  is  ell i^^Chrht,]  whom 
cried  out  again,  as  before,  [and]  with  one  %^oice  said  to  him,  Crucify  him:  let  him  imme-  ye  call  the  king  ot  the  Jews  ? 
diately  be  crucified ;  for  he  is  fit  to  be  treated  as  tlie  vilest  slave,  rather  than  to  be  called     13  And^  they"iaii]  cried  out 

our  king.?  again,   Imid  say  unto  him,] 

LUKE       Pilate  therefore,  being  still  desirous  to  release  Jesus,  spake  to  them  yet  again ;  urging  them  orudfiMi.]  'Tiviatt. ^xxvi'i'^22.1 
XXII  t.  seriously  to  consider  what  they  did,  in  thus  preferring  such  an  abandoned  miscreant  as  ^^^^^^    ^"Mv.  „-°-    P''ate 

21  Barabbas  to  so  innocent  a  person.  But  they,  without  so  much  as  offering  any  further  rea-  jesJs,  spake'agam  to  l^tmT 
son,  persisted  in  their  importunity,  and  cried  out  as  before,  saying,  Crucify  [him,]  crucify  crlcU^^lm^  ^"t'  h^^'"^' 
him.  ' 

22  And  Pilate  was  so  intent  on  delivering  him,  that  he  said  to  them  the  third  time,  Why  22  And  [Mark,  Pilate] 
will  you  be  so  cruel  as  to  insist  upon  it?  what  evil  has  he  done?^  I  declare  to  you  all,  as  wityT'Vilat'^evil^'^hatii'Te 
I  told  you  but  now,  (ver.  14.  p.  329.)  that  J  have  found  no  capital  crime  in  him  :  I  will  done  ?  i  have  found  no  cause 
therefore,  as  I  said,  (ver.  16.)  chastise  him  by  scourging,  and  then  I  hope  your  rage  will  fore^chasfeehini  indiet'I/m 
be  rnoderated,  and  you  will  be  prevailed  upon  to  agi'ee  that  I  should  let  [him]  go  without  go.  [Matt,  xxvi'i.  23.  Mark 
any  further  punishment.  ^^'  ■''*■■' 

23  But  they,  without  pretending  to  answer  the  argument  he  had  alleged,  overbore  it  by  a  2,3  And  they  were  instant 
wild  fury,  and  were  urgent  in  pressing  him  with  loud  and  importunate  voices ;  and  the  more  ^jt'>  ^j,9^d  J^o'ces^  m'^ir'^'ex' 
he  opposed  them,  they  cried  out  the  more  abundantly  and  violently,  demanding  that,  what-  ceedingly,]  requiring  that 
ever  was  the  consequence  of  it,  he  might  be  crucified;  and  on  the  whole,  notwithstanding  ''u\  13"  i^V/,!!'^''^,^;?  kf'l'i'' 

.01  ^  />  T-k-t  ^1  1  ■■  •  /.  1  •         •  r     /    ^  •   ^        -n  i  x-  i   the  voices Or  tnem,  and  OT  the 

the  further  remonstrance  of  Pilate  on  the  admonition  of  his  wife,  (which  will  be  mentioned  chiet  priests, prevailed.  [Matt, 
in  the  next  section,)  their  voices,  and  [those]  of  the  chief  priests,  (who,  to  encourage  the  ^''^"-  "^-  ^^^'''^  -''^'-  ^■^-^ 
cry,  had  so  little  sense  of  common  decency  as  themselves  to  join  in  ii,)  prevailed  with  the 
governor,  though  contrary  to  the  convictions  of  his  own  conscience,  to  comply  with  their 
request. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.        Behold  how  all  imaginable  circumstances  seem  to  conspire  to  increase  the  infamy  thrown  on  tliat  sacred  head 

7 — 10  which  now  most  worthily  wears  a  crown  of  eternal  glory  !     Of  a  truth,  O  Lord,  against  thy  holy  Child  Jesus,  both 

Herod  and  Pontius  Pilate,  with  the  Gentiles  and  the  chief  priests,  and  the  people  of  Israel,  were  sathered  together; 

to  do  whatsoever  thi/  hand  and  thi/  counsel  had  determined  before  to  be  done.     (Acts  iv.  27,  28.)     I'he  wisest  person 

1 1  on  earth  was  by  Herod  and  his  soldiers  derided  as  a  fool ;  the  most  deserving  was  condemned  by  the  chief  priests ; 

and  the  most  innocent  was  treated  as  a  criminal  by  Pilate,  and  furiously  demanded  as  a  public  victim  by  the  Jews. 

All  the  proofs  of  his  innocence  are  overborne  by  a  loud  and  a  senseless  cry ;  and  those  hosannas  with  which  the 

21,  23  streets  and  temple  were  so  lately  echoing,  are  exchanged  into.  Crucify  him,  crucify  him  !     So  uncertain  is  human 

applause,  and  so  unrighteous  may  human  judgments  be  \ 

But  in  the  midst  of  all,  the  blessed  Jesus  stands  collected  in  himself.     Firm  as  a  rock,  be  bears  the  violence  of 

18,  19  the  storm,  and  is  not  moved  by  all  the  furious  waves  that  beat  upon  him  ;  and  when  he  saw  a  robber  and  a  mur- 

MARK  derer  preferred  before  him,  and  a  sentence  of  the  most  cruel  death  clamorously  called  for  and  demanded  against 

^^-    him,  he  silently  commits  himself  to  him  that  judgeth  righteomly,  who  ere  long  brought  forth  his  righteousness  as 

13,  14  brightness,  and  his  salvation  as  a  lamp  that  burneth.    (Compare  1  Pet.  ii.  23.  and  Isa.  Ixii.  1 .) 

Lord,  if  thou  callest  us  out  to  share  in  thy  sufferings,  may  the  Spirit  of  God  and  of  glory  thus  rest  on  us  !  And 
may  neither  the  scorn  nor  the  rage  of  our  enemies  separate  us  from  thee,  who  did  so  courageously  bear  all  this  for 
us ;  nor  may  they  ever  sink  us  into  any  weakness  of  behaviour  unworthy  of  those  who  have  the  honour  to  call 
themselves  thy  followers ! 


SECTION  CLXXXVIII. 


Pilate,  having  again  and  again  renewed  his  efforts  to  persuade  the  Jews  to  consent  that  Jesus  should  be  released,  at  length  yields  to  their  impoi 
tunity,  and  delivers  him  up  to  be  crucified.    Matt,  xxvii.  19,  24 — 31.    Mark  xv.  15—20.    Luke  xxiii.  24,  25.    John  xix.  1 — 16. 

JOHNXix.  1.  JOHN   xix.  1. 

SECT.  THEN,  as  the  priests  and  people  of  the  Jews  continued  their  clamorous  demand  that  then  Pilate  therefore  took 
188.    Jesus  should  be  crucified,  Pilate  thought  it  most  advisable  to  seem  at  least  to  consent  to  •'^^"^' ''"''  scourged  Aim. 

it,  and  therefore  took  Jesus  and  scourged  him ;  hoping  that,  after  he  had  been  severely 

JOHN   scourged,  the  rage  of  the  populace  would  be  something  abated,  and  they  might  at  last  be 
XIX.  1.  prevailed  upon  to  consent  that  he  should  be  dismissed. 

f  Whom  you  call  the  king  of  the  Jews^    Pilate  often  repeats  this  title  ;  ficient  to  have  thrown  the  whole  city  and  nation  into  an  uproar  ;   but 

and  it  may  seem  strange  that  he  should  use  it  so  frequently.    Probat>ly  now  they  were  deaf  to  every  thing  but  the  clamour  of  passion,  and  in 

lie  might  do  it  partly  to  ridicule  those  pretences,  and  bring  contempt  on  their  madness  forgot  with  ho%y  dangerous  a  precedent  they  might  furnish 

the  scheme  of  a  Messiah  ;  and  partly  to  procure  from  the  Jews,  in  their  the  Roman  governor.    And  indeed  it  turned  dreadfully  on  themselves, 

zeal  against  Jesus,  the  strongest  and  most  public  professions  of  their  when  such  vast  numbers  of  them  were  crucifixed  for  their  opposition  to 

subjection  to  Cassar.  the  Romans,  during  the  time  of  their  last  war.    See  note  o,  in  the  next 

g  Let  him  he  crvcified.']    By  this  cry  they  declared  the  greatest  degree  section,  on  Matt,  xxvii.  25. 

of  rage  that  can  be  imagined  :  for  it  was  as  if  they  had  said,  "  Let  him  h   U'hy  ?  what  evil  has  he  done  ?  T<  tap  Kanov  ewoiiicrev.]    Raphelius 

whom  you  call  our  king,  be  treated  like  one  of  the  vilest  of  your  slaves  (Jijinot.  ex  Xeiioph.  p.  64.)  has  well  proved  that^ap  is  often  used  by  the 

who  has  committed  the  most  enormous  crime."    To  have  inflicted  such  correctest  Greek  writers,  and  particularly  Xe7iophon,  as  an  elegant  ex- 

a  punishment  as  this  on  anj-  fr  ie  Jew,  would  probably  have  been  suf-  pletive,  especially  to  introduce  a  question. 


THE  JEWS  CLAMOUR  FOR  THE  CRUCIFIXION  OF  JESUS.  331 

Matt,  xxvii.  cr.  Then  the       Theii  the  soldiers  of  the  governor,^  knowing  that  it  was  the  Roman  custom  to  scourge   SKCT. 
soldiers  of  the  governor  took  prisoners  just  before  they  were  put  to  death,  interpreted  Pilate's  order  on  this  head  as  a    188. 

hiTo^'thi^common  ha'ii  Mied  declaration  that  he  was  immediately  to  be  crucified  :  and  therefore  they  took  Jeaus,  [ami] 

Pratorium,]  and  gathered  un-  [gj  /„•,„  „y,Qy  j,;^^,  ffig  coimnon  hall  in  Pilate's  palace,  which  was  called  the  Pratorium,  (as  matt. 
lviMe?s.  '[RiJk  XV.  10."        being  the  place  where  the  praetor,  a  Roman  magistrate,  used  to  keep  his  court,)  and  there  ^.i^^^^- 
they  gathered  to  him  the  lohole  band  or  cohort,  to  insult  and  torment  him,  not  being  con- 
cerned  to  keep  any  measures  with  a  person  whom  they  looked  upon  as  entirely  abandoned 

C8  And  they  stripped  him,  to  their  will.  And  having  stripped  him  of  that  splendid  garment  in  which  Herod  had  con-  28 
«nrfP'''ut''on'him"a'^cL?iet  temptuously  dressed  him,  in  order  to  vary  the  rnockery  and  affront,  ihei/  wantonly  clothed 
robe :  ''"iMark  xv.  17.  John  him  in  a  vest  of  imperial  purple,  [and]  put  on  him  a  scarlet  robe  over  it,  that  in  this  gaudy 
"'29  And  when  [John,  the  dress  he  might  have  something  of  a  mock  resemblance  to  a  prince  :  A7ul,  further  to  ridi-  29 
.soldiers]  had  platted  a  crown  cule  his  ]jretensions  to  royalty,  which  they  considered  as  an  affront  to  their  nation  and 
his^'lS;  lnd'a^i"eed'in ''hh  emperor,  the  soldiers  having  maliciously  platted  a  crown  of  thorns,  put  it  upon  his  head,^  and 
right  hand:  and  they  [began  put  a  large  reed  OX  cane  into  his  right  hand,  to  represent  a  sceptre  :  and  then  they  began  in 
the^kne'e  beft)re'"h1m,^"[anrf  a  ludicrous  manner  to  pay  their  homage  and  salutations  to  him  as  to  a  new-created  prince 
worshipped  him,]  and'mock-  on  his  coronation-day ;  [awf/]  bowing  the  knee  before  him,  they  did  him  reverence  in  a 
the''jews?^[Jo'HN?'and"the°/  scofHng  way,  and  mocked  him,  sayiiig,  All  hail,  thou  most  magnificent  king  of  the  Jews! 
smote  him  with  the'ir  hands :]  jjail  niighty  monarch !  we  give  thee  joy  on  thine  accession  to  the  crown !  and  then 
xix^e,  3.']"  ^'''  ^^'  ^^"   ■'°''°  approaching  him  as  if  they  would  have  offered  him  some  present,  as  usual  on  such  occa- 

30  And  they  [did]  spit  up-  sions,  thci/  "smote  him  with  their  hands ;  And  proceeded  so  far  as  to  spit  upon  him,  even  in  30 

and''smote^"i'im'°on  the  head'  '^^^  ^^'^Y  ^^^^ '  ""'^  ^'^  ^^^  ^°°^  ^''^  '^^^^  ^'"  ^^"^  '^^'^  °^  ^'^  hand,<=  and  barbarously  struck 
[Mark  xv*  19.]     "     "^  '^^  '  ^/,„  .yyitli  it  on  the  head ;  and  so,  as  it  were,  nailed  down  the  thorns  into  his  forehead  and 
temples,  and  occasioned  thereby  exquisite  pain,  as  well  as  a  great  effusion  of  blood  :  all 
which  this  holy  Sufferer  bore  with  the  utmost  meekness  and  composure,  neither  reviling 
nor  threatening  them,  but  silently  committing  himself  to  the  righteous,  invisible  Judge. 
(1  Pet.  ii.  23.) 
Matt,  xxvii.  19.  When  he      In  the  mean  time  Pilate  was  taken  up  with  trying  and  condemning  some  other  prisoners  19 
menti*e'at^°Ms  w"i"e  sent''unto  ^ho  Were  to  be  executed  that  day ;  and  while  he  thus  was  sitting  on  the  tribunal  he  had 
him,  sayinj.  Have  thou  uo-  erected,  his  ivifc,  having  by  this  time  been  informed  that  Jesus  had  been  brought  before 
man^;  *tbr  I  ^have  'suffe'red  lii™>  and  was  going  to  be  given  Up  to  death,  sent  a  very  importunate  message  to  him,*^ 
many  things  this  day  in  a  saying,  I  beseech  thee,  See  to  it  that  thou  have  nofhing  to  do  xvith  the  blood  of  that  righteous 
dream  because  ot  him.  q^^^  against  whom  the  Jews  are  now  demanding  judgment  •,for  I  have  suffered  many  things 

to-day  on  his  account  in  a  dream,^  and  have  had  such  terrible  views  represented  to  ray  ima- 
gination in  my  sleep  this  very  morning,  that  I  cannot  but  look  upon  it  as  something  divine ; 
and  conclude  that  if  thou  dost  upon  any  terms  consent  to  his  death,  it  will  be  attended 
with  dreadful  consequences  to  thyself  and  thy  family. 
Johnxix.  4.  Pilate  therefore      Pilate  therefore,  alarmed  by  such  a  message  as  this,  went  into  the  common-ball  himself  J'Otin 
unto'  th.^,  leho'id"!"!  bring  to  See  what  they  were  doing  with  the  prisoner ;  and  when  he  beheld  with  strong  emotion  z^'^- 
him  forth  to  you  that  ye  may  all  thosc  indignities  and  tormeiits  which  Jesus  bad  borne,  and  saw  how  severely  the  sol-  * 
hilnr  *  *'       n    no  lau  t  in  ^jjgj.^  j^^^j  scourged  him,  thinking  that  the  sight  of  him  in  so  sad  a  condition  might  move 
the  Jews  to  compassion,  he  determined  to  make  one  trial  more.    And  accordingly  he  came 
out  again  to  the  public  tribunal  where  the  Jews  were  assembled,  and  having  ordered  Jesus 
to  be  led  thither,  he  said  to  them,  just  before  he  appeared.  Behold,  I  am  bringing  him  out  to 
you  again,  that  ye  may  know  and  observe  it,  that  I  can  find  no  fault  in  him,  though  the 
tortures  he  has  now  undergone  are  such  as  must  surely  have  brought  him  to  confession,  if 
he  were  indeed  guilty. 

5  Then  came  Jesus  forth.      Then,  as  he  spake  these  words,  Jesus  came  out  of  the  Praetorium  wearing  the  thorny  crown  5 
and '^the 'mirpfe^'robe  ^'And  '^"^  ^^^  purple  robe,  now  also  dyed  in  his  own  blood,  which  streamed  forth  from  all  parts 
'pi/,ite  saith  unto  them,  Be-  of  his  body.     And  I  Pilate  \  said  to  them.  Behold  the  man  !  view  him  attentively ;  and 
hold  tbs  man !  when  you  see  what  dreadful  things  the  poor  unhappy  creature  has  suffered,  let  that  con- 
tent you ;  for  surely,  considering  his  innocence,  he  has  suffered  already  much  more  than 
enough.  * 

6  When  the  chief  priests       When  therefore  the  chief  priests  and  [theirl  attending  officers  saw  him,  fearing  lest  the  6 
him?  they  c'ried  out'!'' sayfng^  people  should  relent,  they  presently  renewed  their  exclamations,  and  eagerly  cried  out  as 
Crucify  him,  crucify  him.—  '  before,  Saying,  We  know  the  man  sufficiently  :  away  with  him  to  the  cross ;  crucfy  \him,\ 

crucify  [him  ;\  and  immediately  order  the  wretch  to  be  executed. 
— P''at«  saitii  unto  them,  Pilate  On  this  Said  to  them.  If  ye  are  thus  resolute  and  inexorable,  I  leave  him  in  your 
for  !'find'uo*faulTin'him!'"'  hands,  to  dispose  of  him  as  you  think  fit :  take  ye  him.  therefore,  if  it  must  be  so,  and  cru- 
cify [Aiw]  yourselves  ;  but  1  desire  to  discharge  myself  from  having  any  thing  to  do  in  it, 
either  by  myself  or  by  my  Roman  guards  ;f>r,  as  I  have  told  you  again  and  again,  I  find 
no  fault  in  him  worthy  of  any  such  punishment. 

7  The  Jews  answered  him,       The  Jews  then  answered  him,  Tliere  is  no  room  to  represent  him  as  a  faultless  person,  7 

nor  any  reason  to  be  backward  to  condemn  him ;  but  these  objections  you  have  made 
oblige  us  to  mention  one  circumstance,  which  for  the  horror  of  it  we  would  willingly  have 

a  'ihen  the  soldiers,  <S;e.]    The  evangelist  John  so  plainly  speaks  of  John,  ver.  13.)  but  it  includes  all  kinds  of  canes ;  and  it  is  most  pro- 

theu'  crowning  our  Lord  with  thorns,  aiid  these  other  indignities,  as  pre-  bable  this  was  a  walking-staff,  which  they  put  into  his  hand  as  a  sceptre, 

vious  to  Pilate's  last  attempt  to  save   him,  that  I  think  it  proper  to  for  a  blow  with  a  slight  reed  would  scarce  have  been  felt,  or  have  de- 

trauspose  those  verses  in  ftlatthew  and  Mark  which  mention  these  cir-  served  a  mention  in  a  detail  of  such  dreadful  sutferings. 

cumstances  as  after  his  condemnation  and  immediately  preceding  the  d  His  wife  sent  to  him.]    While  Rome  was  governed  by  a  comrnon- 

execution.    Some  of  them  might  probably  be  repeated  after  Pilate  had  wealth,  it  was  unusual  for  the  governors  of  provinces  to  take  their  wives 

delivered  him  to  be  crucified, "while  the  instruments  of  death  were  pre-  with  them  ;   but  afterwards  it  grew  customary,  and  the  motion  made 

paring :  and  therefore  Matthew  and  Mark  mention  the  whole  series  of  asrainst  it  in  the  fourth  year  of  Tiberius  was  rejected  with  some  indig- 

'hese  cruelties  together  :    or  the  word  Tore,  then,  (which  is  used  by  nation.    See  Tacit.  Annal.  lib.  iii.  cap.  ,33,  .34. 

Matthew,)  may  only  signify  that  it  was  done  about  that  time,  not  deter-  e   I  have  suffered  many  things  to-day  on  his  accotmt  in  a  dream.^ 

mining  the  order  of  each  particular  so  absolutely  as  to  be  inconsistent  Perhaps  the  word   o-ti/iepoi',   to-day,  may  imply  that  she   had  dreamt 

with  the  most  accurate  and  distinct  account  which   John  gives  of  the  these  things  that  morning,  since  Pilate  rose  ;  and  as  the  heathens  ima- 

whole  process  ot  this  affair.    Manv  instances  of  the  indeterminate  use  of  gined  those  dreams  most' significant  which  came  about  break  ot  day, 

that  particle  occur  in  the  evangelists.    See  Matt.  ix.  14.  xxiv.  40.  Mark  she  might,  on  that  account,"lay  the  greater  stress  upon  tliern.    Janse- 

"'"•  y.  26.  Lake  xxi.  10,  21.  and  John  xix.  16.  "ius  thinks  she  had  now  a  representation  of  those  calamities  wnicn 

b  Having  platted  a  crown  of  thorns.  .<•«.]    It  is  certain  they  intended  afterwards  befell  Pilate  and  his  family.    (See  note  s,  in  the  improve- 

liereby  to  expose  his  pretended  royalty  to  ridicule  and  contempt:  but  ment.)     But  it  is  an  unaccountable  thought  of  Mr.  Hemmg.  »"»' J"^ 

had  that  been  all.  a  crown  of  straws  might  have  served  as  well.    They  devil  might  be  the  author  of  this  dream,  by  which  h'.  might  enciea%our 

undoubtedly  meant  to  add  cruelty  to  their  scorn,  which  especially  ap-  to  prevent  the  death  of  Christ  according  to  the  prophecies,     "'s  J'™ 

??^[^  u'"/.   "■  striking  him  on  the  head  when  this  crown  was  piit  on.  arguments,  from  her  calling  Christ  a  man,  (which  is  merely  taKen  rroin 

It  the  best  descriptions  of  the  Eastern  thonis  are  to  be  credited,  they  are  our  version,  for  in  the  original  it  is  only  tm  iiKaM  exeii-u.  '"'""''•';" 

much  larger  than  any  commonly  known  in  these  parts.  eous  One,)  and  from  the  disquiet  which  this  dream  g.-ne  her,  are  loo  in- 

.  c  ioolc  the  reed  or  cane  out  of  his  han.l.]    The  word  KoXaao^  does  considerable  to  need  a  particular  reply.    See  Flem.  Utnstoi.  \oi.  ii.  y. 

mdecd  sometimes  signify  a  slender  reed;  (.Matt.  xi.  7.  xii.  20.   and   3  325 


332  THE  JEWS  CLAMOUR  FOR  THE  CRUCIFIXION  OF  JESUS. 

SECT    concealed  ;  we  have  a  divine  Imv  which  we  received  from  heaven,  by  which  blasphemy  is  We  have  a  law,  and  by  our 
188.'  forbidden  on  the  highest  penalties;  cmd  bij  this  our  Law  he  ought  to  die,  though  lie  were  If^'l^ade "inmseu''the 'sorof 

not  chargeable  with  sedition  and  treason,  because  he  has  made  himself  the  Sori  of  the  most  God. 

JOHN   hic'h  God,  in  such  a  sense  as  no  creature  can  be  ;  and  this  he  declared  but  this  morning 
^^^-    in^open  court.     (Compare  Matt.  xxvi.  63,  64.  Mark  xiv.  62.  and  Luke  xxii.  70.  p.  325.) 

8  IVhen  Pilate  therefore  heard  this  expression,  he  was  still  more  afraid  than  before ;  f  for  8  When  Pilate  therefore 
the  Romans  believed  many  poetical  stories  of  men  begotten  by  their  deities,  and  thought  f.^ore  af^d^'"^'''*  was  the 
them  a  kind  of  demi-gods,  who  could  not  be  injured  without  engaging  their  divine  parents 

9  in  the  quarrel.  And  therefore,  apprehending  that  his  wife's  dream  might  also  take  its  rise  9  And  went  again  into  the 
from  such  a  cause,  he  entered  again  into  tlie  palace,  and  taking  him  aside,  he  said  to  Jesus,  {"''f Sus!"  when  "e''  an''tho"u°? 
Tell  me  plainly  from  tvhence  thou  camest,  and  from  whom  art  thou  descended  ?  and  what  But  Jesus  gave  him  no  an^ 
is  this  divine  original  which  thou  art  charged  with  claiming??  But  Jesus,  knowing  that  his  ^"'^''• 

innocence  vvas  already  apparent,  even  to  the  conviction  of  Pilate's  conscience,  gave  him  no 
answer  to  that  question. 

10  Then  Pilate  in  surprise  scad  to  him,  What,  dost  thou  make  me  no  reply,  and  not  so  much  10  Then  saitii  Pilate  unto 
as  speak  to  me  in  such  a  circumstance  as  this,  in  which  thy  life  is  so  evidently  concerned  ?  ^^^;  k,Powesftii'orn9t"th"a't'i 
Dost  thou  not  know,  that  I  have  power  and  authority  to  crucify  thee,  arid  have  power  to  have  power  to  ci  ucity  thee, 
release  thee  if  I  please,  notwithstanding  all  the  clamorous  demands  of  thine  enemies /h        tl^t^'^^'^  p""'*''  '°  '^'^^^^ 

11  Jesus  calmly  replied,  Tfiou  couldst  liave  no  power  at  all  against  me  except  it  were  given  thee  11  Jesus  answered,  Thou 
from  above,  from  the  God  of  heaven,  whose  providence  I^cknowledge  in  all  these  events  -J  f.^J^f  Uf;;*  ^^eept^Tt  wefi 

'therefore  he  who  has  delivered  me  to  thee,  even  the  Jewish  high  priest  with  his  council,  given  thee  trom  above :  there- 
having  far  greater  opportunities  of  knowing  him  and  his  \siW,'hath  the  greater  and  more  totoeeilatli' the  greater  "tu""" 
aggravated  sin  ;  yet  thou  thyself  canst  not  but  know,  that  on  the  principles  of  natural  equity, 
an  innocent  person  ought  not  to  be  given  up  to  popular  fury. 

12  i[nrf/>w?z /Ais  ^H??e  Pi/«/'e  was  so  far  satisfied  of  the  injustice  of  the  prosecution,  and  of  12  And  from  thenceforth 
the  innocence  of  Jesus,  that  he  endeavoured  the  more  earnesthi  to  release  him.  But  the  but^th/jetvs'  cHed^oul's^- 
Jews  still  insisted  on  his  passing  sentence  on  him  to  be  crucified  ;  and  apprehensive  of  the  in,^,  if  thou  let  this  min  go, 
governor's  desi^,  that  they  effectually  might  put  a  stop  to  his  intention  of  discharging  him.,  'vhosoever°'nSlith'^  hTmself 
they  eaaerly  cried  out,  saying,  If  thou  let  this  man  go  off  with  his  life,  thou  art  not  C/esa7-'s  a  king,  speaketh  against 
friend,  though  thou  bearest  his  commission,  and  representest  his  person ;  for  evert/  one  that  c**^''- 

'makes  himself  a  king  of  Judea  speaks  against  Casar  our  emperor,  and  in  effect  arraigns  the 
legality  of  his  government  here. 

13  Wfien  Pilate  therefore  heard  that  speech,  he  was  very  much  alarmed,  as  he  well  knew  13  when  Pilate  therefore 
how  suspicious  a  prince  Tiberius  was,  and  how  many  spies  he  kept  on  all  his  officers,  that  ^^^^^  forth!Ynd"sat*down^i'a 
nothing  might  be  done  or  permitted  by  them  in  any  of  the  provinces,  which  could  at  all  the  judgmeiit-seat,  in  a  place 
interfere  with  his  authority  :k  and,  that  he  might  not.  then  be  charged  witli  any  want  of  b'jl'ii^he  Hebrew,  G*abb^tha: 
zeal  for  Caesar's  interest,  he  brought  Jesus  out  of  the  palace  again,  and  once  more  sat  down 

on  the  tribunal,  whicli  was  then  erected  (as  was  said  before,  p.  326.)  without  the  palace, 
in  a  place  called  in  Greek,  Lithostraton,  or  The  Pavement,  on  account  of  a  beautiful  piece 
of  Mosaic  work  with  which  the  floor  was  adorned  :  but  in  Hebrew  it  was  called  Gabbatha, 
or  the  High-place,  because  it  stood  on  an  eminence,  so  that  the  judge,  being  .seated  there 
on  his  tribunal,  might  be  heard  and  seen  by  a  considerable  number  of  people.' 

14  Ami  it  was  then  the  preparation  of  the  passover,  or  the  sixth  day  of  the  week,  and  conse-  14  And  it  was  the  prcpara- 
quently  the  day  which  fell  before' the  paschal  sabbath,  which  was  observed  with  some  about*tiie  sLxthS?? and" he 
peculiar  solemnity  ;  (see  John  xix.  31.  sect,  cxcii.)  and  the  morning  was  so  far  advanced, 

that  it  \was\  drawing  on  apace  towards  the  sixth  hour,  and  was  now  about  the  third  iiour, 
or  nine  in  the  morning,™  which  obliged  them  to  despatch,  that  they  might  have  execution 

f  He  was  still  more,  afraid  than  before.]    Though  I  think,  with  Mr.  permitted  Pilate  to  seize  Christ  as  one  dangerous  to  Caesar's  dignity,  he 

Cradock  and  several  others,  the  interpretation  given  in  the  paraphrase  would  have  had  as  much  power  of  putting  him  to  death  as  he  now  had. 

the  most  natural,  yet  I  cannot  forbear  mentioning  that  of  Dr.  Lardncr,  It  is  therefore  much  more  re;isonable  to  suppose  it  refers  to  the  permis- 

who  thinks  he  was  afraid  of  a  sedition  among  the  Jews,  from  his  know-  sion  of  (Jod's  providence.     No  thought  was  more  proper  to  the  occasion ; 

ledge  of   their    great  obstinacy  in  any  thing  in  which  religion    misht  and  1  think  the  interpretation  1  have  given  to  the  latter  clause,  in  this 

seem  to  be  concerned;  and  he  adds,  he  miulit  be  the  more  reasonably  view,  is  natural,  thoWi  not  very  common.    But  if  any  are  not  satisfied 

alarmed  on  this  head,  as  since  the  beginning  of  his  government  he  hacl  with  it,  they  may  consider  whether  em  rotno  may  not  be  connected  with 

met  with  two  remarkable  instances  of  their  stiffness  ;  one  in  an  attempt  the  beginning  of  the  verse,  so  that  it  might  be  translated,  U7wu  cottldst 

he  made  to  bring  the  image  of  Ca?sar  into  Jerusalem  ;  the  other  in  a  /lave  no  pouer  at  nil  aijahixt  me,  unlei^i:  it  were  given  tliee  from  above  for 

design  he  had  formed  of  supplying  the  city  with  water  at  the  expense  t/iis purpose.    Compare  note  f,  on  John  vii.  "I.  ^  99.  p.  181. 

ot  the  sacred  treasury  of  the  temple.    See  Lard.  Credit,  part  i.  vol.  i.  k  As  he  well  knew  how  suspicious  a  prince  Tiberius  was,  &c.]  Every 

p.  3.3l>^338.  body  that  knows  the  character  of  'i'iberms,  especially  as  illustrated  by 

g   H  hence  art  t/iou?]    It  is  strange  Mr.   Locke  should  think,  (as  he  Suetonius  in  his  e.\cellent  History,  will  see  how  naturally  Pilate  might 

does,  in  \\yi  Reasonahleness  of  Christianit;/,  vol.  i.  p.   133.)  that  Christ  be  apprehensive  on  this  head. 

declined  giving  him  an  answer,  lest  when  he  heaid  he  was  born  at  Beth-  1  In  Hebrew,  Oabbalhn.']    There  are  various  etymologies  of  this  word, 

lehem,  he  should   have  any  such   apprehensions  as   Herod   had   enter-  I  think  the  most  probable  is  that  which  derives  it  from  7723,  elevavit, 

tained.    Pilate  probably  knew  nothing  at  all  of  that  prophecy,  as  Herod  and  so  it  intimates  its  being  raised  on  high.    It  was,  perhaps,  a  kind  of 

Iimiself  indeed  did  not,  till  he  had  learned  it  from  the  Jewish  scribes  stage  or  scaffold,  in  the  midst  of  a  spacious  area  belonging  to  the  palace, 

whom  he  consulted  on  Christ's  birth.     (.Matt.  ii.  4,  5,  6.  p.  .36.)     The  in  which  the  governor  might  place  himself  on  public,  and  especially  on 

answer  which  our  Lord  had  made  to  his  former  inquiries,  showed  how  judicial,  occasions.     It  plainly  appears  from  the  connexion  ot  the  words, 

tar  he  was  from  declining  any  danger  ;  ami  the  true  reason  of  his  pre-  that  it  was  not  in  his  house,  but  somewhere  without,  probably  in  some 

sent  sdence  was,  that  Pilate's  unsteady  conduct  rendered  him  unworthy  open  place. 

O'  aoy  further  information.  m   lias  drawing  on  apace  towards  the  sink  hour,  and  was  now  about 

h  Vost  thou  not  inow  that  I  hare  power  to  rrvcify  thee?  Sic.)    Even  the  third  hour,  itc]    Difficulties,  whicli  seem  to  me  quite  invincible, 

they  who  niaintain  that  the  Jews  had  a  power  of  executing  capital  sen-  attend  the  reading  which  is  generally  received.  [It  was  about  the  sixth 

tencps  in  Christ's  time,  acknowledge  that  power  to  have  been  under  the  hour,\  whether  we  reckon  it,  according  to  the  Koman  method  of  com- 

control  of  the  Roman  governor;  and  that  it  was  in  fact  so  often  con-  pulation,  six  in  the  morning,  or,  according  to  the  Jewish  computatioD, 

trolle<l,  that  at  last  the  Jewish  sanhedrim  removed  from  the  chamber  in  twelve  at  noon. — The  best  commentators  I  know,  (and  among  the  rest 

■which  alone  they  could  regularly  pass  them,  that  they  might  not  have  of  late.  Dr.  Guyse.)  think  the  whole  dithcultv  of  reci.nciling  these  words 

the  mortification  of  seeing  continually  how  little  their  decisions  availed,  of  John  with  Mark,  who  tells  us  (chap.  xv.  C.").  «  189.)  that  Christ  was 

when  the  most  notorious  criminal,  if  he  had  but  money,  could  buy  a  crucified  at  the  third  hour;  and  with  Matthew  and  Luke,  who  exactly 

pardon  from  their  common  masters.    So  that  the  dispute,  after  all  the  agree  with  him   in   fixing  the  time  of  that  darkness  which   happened 

noise  It  has  made  in  the  learned  world,  seems  at  last  to  terminate  in  this  while  Christ  hung  upon  the  cross,  (compare  Matt,  x.wii.  45.  Luke  xxiii. 

nicety,  "Whether  the  consent  of  the  Roman  governor  were  expressly  44.  and  !\Iark  xv.  .33.  «  191.)  is  easily  solved  by  understanding  it,  ac- 

asked   before  the  Jews  proceeded  to  an  execution,  or  were  taken  for  cording  to  the  Roman  account,  of  six  in  the  morning.     But  as  John  was 

granted  it  the  contrary  did  not  appear  ' "    Or,  in  other  words,  "  Whe-  a  Jew,  and  elsewhere  seems  to  use  the  Jewish  account,  (John  i.  39.  iv. 

ther  the  efhcacy  of  a  sentence   passed  by  the  Jews  were  owing  to  the  C,  52.)  that  veri'  supposition  is  in   general  improbable.    Or  if,  out  of 

express  consent  or  the  connivance  of  the  Romans?"    The  conduct  of  the  regard  to  the  considerations  which  the  learned,  but  here  dubious  and 

.lews  in  this  case  seems  to  prove  the  former  of  these  to  have  been  the  perplexed,  Zeltnerus  has  urged,  (see  Zeltner.  Hor.  Pi/at.  p.  14,  el  «j.) 

true  state  ot  the  affair ;  and  vindicates  not  only  the  substance  of  what  we  were  to  grant  it  in  general  a  supposable  case,  very  strong  objections 

J)r.  Lardner  has  maintained,  but  the  particular  manner  in  which  he  will  lie  against  supposing  it  here.    For  though  we  should,  with  many 

expresses  it.    .See  note  c,  on  Matt.  xxvu.  2.  p.  326.  critics,  take  it  for   granted  that  the  passover   here   fell   late  in  April, 

I   Jhoii  couldst  have  no  power  at  all  against  me  except  it  were  given  thee  (which  was  the  latest  it  could  fall,)the  sun  would  not  rise  at  Jerusalem 

from  above.]    Some   have  thought   that  the  word  avoiOev.  from,  above,  till  near  five  o'clock,  and  one  cannot  suppose  the  sanhedrim  assembled 

refers  to  the  situation  of  the  temple,  which  stood  much  higher  than  the  till  about  break  of  day.    How  then  is  it  possible,  that  their  condemnation 

Pr?otoi  lum  ;  and  that  it  is  as  if  Jesus  had  said,  "  I  know  that  whatever  of  Christ,  his  arrai"nment  and  examination,  first  before  Pilate,  then 

thou  dost  against  me,  is  only  in  consequence  of  the  sentence  passed  in  before  Herod,  together  with  Pilate's  repeated  examinations  of  him,  and 

yonder  court  held  above;  so  that  their  guilt  is  greater  than  thine."  conferences  with  the  Jews  about   him,  as  also  the   chanae  of  dress. 

Jiiit  though  this  would  very  well  account  for  the  connexion  of  the  latter  scourging,   crowning  with   thorns,  &c.  should  be  despatched  by  six? 

part  of  the  verse,  I  cannot  think  it  altogether  j  ust ;  for  had  Providence  The  very  contents  of  tlie  preceding  sections  seem  to  demonstrate  the 


PILATE  CONDEMNS  CHRIST  TO  BE  CRUCIFIED.  333 

saith  unto  the  Jews,  Behold  done,  as  usual,  before  nooii.     And  Pilate,  finding  he  must,  after  all,  yield  to  the  people,   SECT, 
your  king!  and  consent  to  the  death  of  Jesus,  lest  his  former  struggle  should  be  misrepresented  at    188. 

Rome,  was  resolved  to  manage  this  incident  so  as  to  procure  from  the  Jews  a  public  ac- 

knowledgment  of  CjEsar's  authority  :  and  therefore,  pointmg  to  Jesus  as  he  now  appeared   John 
in  this  mock  pomp  of  royalty,  he  sai/s  to  the  Jews,  who  were  i)resent  in  vast  numbers,    ■^'■^• 
15  But   they    cried    out,  Behold  your  king,  if  you  think  fit  to  own  him,  as  it  is  said  many  of  you  have  done.     But  15 
Away  "'*!'/""'|;i,^^'y^yp>y^',g  thei/  again  cried  out  with  indignation  and  disdain,  Awui/mth  [him,]  awai/  with  [him;]  we 
saUh    unto'  ^them,"  Shall"  [  are  SO  far  from  owning  him,  that  we  desire  tliee  to  crucify  him.    Filate  sai/s  to  them,  \\  hat, 
crucify you^r^king^^Thechiej  ^/^^^H  J  fr(/c//(/  your  king?    IIow  Strange  and  how  extravagant  a  demand  is  this!  And  the 
k[ng  bulTKlar. '    *  *'*""  chief  priests  ansivered.  In  the  name  of  all  the  people.  We  have  no  king  but  the  emperor 
Tiberius  Caesar,  whose  royal  authority  we  all  of  us  acknowledge,  and  will  always  maintain. 
Matt,    xxvii.   24.    When      And  Pilate,  seeing  that  it  signified  nothing;  aay  longer  to  oppose  the  popular  torrent,  hut  matt. 
Pijate  saw  that  he  could  pre-  f/^  f  fj^    rather  grew  more  tumultuous  by  the  delay,  was  determined  however  to  do  all  he  ^xvii. 

vail  nothins,  but  r/ial  rather  ,  ,     •'         ,       .P  ••  i    •  -ii    ^i,-     »i,    ■  •      j.  4.  1  24 

a  tumult  was  made,  he  took  could  to  make  his  Own  Conscience  easy  in  complying  with  this  their  unjust  request;  and  ^^ 
water,  f"<ij»f/iff,''"^ ''/*."'',*  therefore  he  took  water  and  washed  his  hands  in  the  presence  of  the  multitude,''  saying,  I  call 

berore  the  multitude,  saviiii;,  .  ^  .  ,      ,•  ti      j  1       t    j.'  ^i  ■       •    Lt.  i  ^  -t    1      1 

I  am  innocent  of  the  blood  of  heaven  and  earth  to  witness  that  I  am  innocent  of  the  blood  of  this  righteous  [man  ;\  look 
this  just  person;  see  ye  toil,  j^^,^^  j^^^-j  ^|^g  consequences  of  shedding  [it,]  and' remember  you  are  answerable  for  them, 

C5  Then  answered  all  the  whatever  they  may  ]3rove.     And  all  the  people  answered,  saying.  We  will  venture  those  con-  25 
K' u's,\"n'd on ouJchiidml!  Sequences  -.—maii  his  blood,  if  innocent,  be  on  us,  and  on  our  children!  and  may  the  curse 
'  of  shedding  it  lie  upon  us  throughout  all  generations  !<> 

I.ukexxiii.24.  And  Pilate,      And  wlieu  they  had  said  this,  Pilate,  who  now  was  something  easier  in  his  own  mind,    luke 
pTi!]'""ave°  sentencV'Thaf  It  and  was  desirous  to  satisfy  the  people,P  since  he  perceived  it  could  be  done  no  other  way,  ^r"^"!- 
should"  be  as  they  required,  nronounccd  Sentence  that  what  they  demanded  should  be  done,  and  that  Jesus  should  be  put  ^^ 
[Mark  XV.  15.]  tO  death. 

25  And  he  released  to  them  And  in  pursuance  of  that  Sentence,  he  released  to  them  Barabbas,  who  (as  was  said  before)  25 
and'^^nu?rilr'' wi^'^calt'lnto  ^^as  thrown  iiito  prison  for  sedition  and  murder ;  but  luhom,  aggravated  as  his  crimes  were, 
prison,  whom  they  had  de-  they  had  importunately"  desired  in  preference  to  Christ ;  and  having  (as  we  related  above, 
9co"rged^Tesusjhe''deiivered  Jobn  xix.  1.  p.  330.)  already  scourged  Jesus,  he  did  not  renew  that  torture  ;q  however,  he 
him  to  their  wi'ii  [to  becruci-  delivered  him  to  their  will  to  be  crucified,  with  such  circumstances  as  they  thought  proper; 
xv^is.^Johu'xix^'le'f ■  '^^'"''  and  they  soon  showed  that  their  tender  mercies  were  cruel. 

Matt,  xxvii. . -51.   And  after      And  when  the  Jewish 'mob  had  thus  prevailed,  after  they  had  mocked  and  insulted  him  matt. 
that  they  had  mocked  Mm,  fop  a  while,  just  as  the  Roman  soldiers  had  before  done  in  the  prstorium,  deriding  his  pre-  ^^"^'Jl- 
offVo°?i  him,  and' put'^'^iis  tences  to  a  kingdom,  and  abusing  him  like  the  vilest  slave,  they  took  the  purple  robe  off^'- 
own  raiment  on  him,  an([  led  ^},,„„  A/»i  r  and  havins  dressed  him  asrain  in  his  own  garments,  they  led  him  away  to  he  ci'u- 

him    away   to   cruelty   hun.^'  ._    ,  .       '  '^i  •    i  i     n  ^  .i  i   i  °  'J  -> 

[Mark  xv.  20.]  cijied  in  the  manner  which  we  shall  presently  relate. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  us  now,  by  a  lively  act  of  faith,  bring  forth  the  blessed  Jesus  to  our  imagination,  as  Pilate  brought  him  john 
forth  to  the  people.     Let  us  with  affectionate  sympathy  survey  the  indignities  which  were  offered  him  when  he    XIX. 
gave  his  back  to  the  smiters,  and  his  cheeks  to  them  that  plucked  off  the  hair ;  and  hid  not  his  face  from  shame  and  13 
spitting.  (Isa.  1.  6.)     Behold  the  man  wearing  his  purple  robe  and  thorny  crown,  and  bearing  the  reed  which  smote 
him,  in  his  right  hand  for  a  sceptre !  Behold,  not  merely  the  man,  but  the  Son  of  God,  thus  vilely  degraded,  thus  5 
infamously  abused  !     Shall  we,  as  it  were,  increase  his  sufferings,  and,  while  we  condemn  the  fury  and  cruelty  of 
tiie  Jews,  sliall  we  crucifi/  him  to  ourselves  afresh,  and  put  him  to  an  open  shame?  (Ileb.  vi.  6.)    Or,  shall  we  over- 
look him  with  slight  and  contempt,  and  hide  our  faces  from  him,  who  for  our  sake  thus  exposed  his  own? 
(Isa.  liii.  3.) 

Let  the  caution  even  of  this  heathen  judge,  who  feared  when  he  heard  he  so  much  as  pretended  to  be  the  Son  7^  3 
of  God,  engage  us  to  reverence  him,\  especially  'considering  in  how  powerful  a  manner  he  has  since  been  declared 
to  be  .so.    (Rom.  i.  4.)     Let  us  in  tlis  sense  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  blood  of  this  just  Person.     Let  his  matt. 
example  teach  us  patiently  to  subm^  to  those  sufferings  which  God  shall  appoint  for  us,  remembering  that  no  XXVII. 
enemies  and  no  calamities  we  meet  \|ith  could  have  any  power  against  us,  except  it  were  given  them  from  above.  10 


contrary. — On  the  other  hand,  it  could  not  now"  twelve  at  noon,  since  that  among  the  Greeks,  the  persons  on  whose  testimony  others  were  put 
Mark  assures  us  to  the  contrary,  and  his'account  is  coniirmed  both  by  to  death,  used,  by  a  very  solemn  execration,  to  devote  themselves  to  the 
Matthew  and  Luke.  (See  the  places  just  now  quoted,  and  note  d,  oh  divine  vengeance,  if  the  person  so  condemned  were  not  really  guilty. 
Mark  15.  25.  sect,  clxxxix.)— I  cannot  therefore  but  conclude,  with  f  I'.lsiier,  (M'.v«ra.  vol.  i.  p.  12.3 — 125.) — We  aretold  by  Grotius,  cUc  J«rs 
Columelus,  iOhserv.  p.  "7.)  Reza,  and  Erasmus,  that  instead  of  the  Bell,  el  Pac.  lib.  iii.  cap.  iv.  ^  9.  No.  2.)  that  Titus  commanded  the 
sixth  we  sliould  read  the  third  hour,  that  is,  nine  in  the  morning.  For  women  and  children  of  the  .Tews  to  be  exposed  in  theatres,  and  there  to 
this  we  have  the  authority  of  the  Cambridge  manuscript,  and  of  Peter  be  devoured  by  wild  beasts ;  a  fact  which  I  should  have  thought  it  ex- 
of  Alexandria,  who  expressly  asserts  it  was  Tpim,  the  third,  in  the  tremely  proper  to  mention  here,  if  any  authority  were  produced  to 
original  copy,  which  fie  says  continued  till  his  time  ;  and  thougli,  as  support  it.  But  as  I  cannot  meet  with  any  such  account  in  Joseplms, 
Dr.  Mill  abundantly  shows  in  his  Annotation  on  this  place,  all  the  best  I  am  ready  to  ascribe  what  Grotius  says  of  it,  to  a  slip  of  memory  in 
manuscripts  and  ancient  versions  are  on  the  other  side,  I  am  obliged  that  great  critic  ;  especially  considering  how  improbable  it  was,  that  so 
here  to  follow  the  superior  authority  of  common  sense  :  however,  in  humane  a  prince  as  litus  should  be  guilty  of  such  almost  unexampled 
submission  to  the  greatest  number  of  copies,  I  have  still  retained  the  cruelty.  On  the  contrary,  in  the  only  passage  I  recollect,  where  Jose- 
common  reading  in  the  version,  and  have  only  given  what  I  apprehend  phus  speaks  of  exposing  the  Jewish  captives  to  wild  beasts,  (Joseph. 
to  be  the  true  reading  in  the  paraphrase. — Some  other  unsatisfactory  Bell.  Jud.  lib.  vi.  cap.  9.  [al.  vii.  16.]  ^  2.)  it  is  expressly  said,  that 
hypotheses  will  be  touched  on  in  the  note  last  referred  to.  See  a  large  Titus  sold  all  who  were  under  seventeen  years  old. 
and  accurate  view  of  them  in  Wolf.  Cur.  Phil.  vol.  i.  p.  969 — 976.  p  Desirous  to  satisfi/  the  people:  to  mavov  trotr^crai.l    As  his  former 

n  He  took  water  and  washed  his  hands,  iSr.]    It  is  well  known  tliat  the  administration  had  given  them  a  great  deal  of  disgust,  he  might  very 

Jews  in  some  cases  were  appointed  to  viash  their  hands,  as  a  solemn  probably  think  it  absolutely  necessary  thus  to  appease  them  :  yet  they 

token  that  they  were  not  themselves  concerned  in  the  murdercommittecl  afterwards  followed  him  with  their  accusations  to  his  ruin;   and  thus, 

by  some  unknown  person :  (see  Deut.  xxi.  6 — 9.)  but  as  this  was  also  a  by  the  righteous  judgment  of  God,  he  lost  all  the  advantage  which  he 

rite  that  was  frequently  used  by  the  Gentiles  in  token  of  innocence,  it  hoped  to  gain  by  this  base  compliance,  as  Felix  did,  when  he  afterwards 

is  more  probable  that  Pilate,  who  was  a  Gentile,  did  it  in  conformity  to  injured  Paul  on  the  same  unworthy  principles.    Acts  xxiv.  27- 

them.    See  Grotius,  in  he.  and  Eisner,  Ohserv.  vol.  i.  p.  122,  12.1.  q  Uaiiyig  already  scourged  Jesus :  (ppa-^eWuKrai-]    Many  critics,  and 

o  May  his  blood  he  on  «.,  ayid  our  children .']    As  this  terrible  impre-  among  the  rest  Eisner,  iOhserv.  vol.  i.  p.  125.)  have  shown  that  scourg- 

cation  was  dreadfully  answered  in  the  ruin  so  quickly  brought  on  the  ing  used  to  precede  crucifixion;  but  as  John,  who  is  most  exact  in  his 

Jewish  nation,  and  the  calamities  which  have  since  pursued  that  wretched  account  of  this  part  of  the  story,  mentions  his  having  been  scourged  be- 

people,  in  almost  all  ages  and  countries  ;  so  it  was  peculiarly  illustrated  fore,  and  says  nothing  of  the  repetitionof  it,  (which,  considering  Pilate's 

in  the  severity  with  which  Titus,  merciful  as  he  naturally  was,  treated  conviction  of   his  innocence,   he  would  probably  spare,)  I   choose  to 

the  Jews  whom  he  took  during  the  siege  of  Jerusalem  :  of  whom  Jose-  interpret  the  word  in  this  manner,  which  the  original  will  very  well 

phus  himself  writes,  {Bell^ud.  lib.  v.  cap.  11.  [al.  vi.  12.]  4  1.)  that  bear. 

Mo<TTi7oii(iei/oi  ai'Co-Tai'pot^b,  having  been  scourged  and  tortured  in  a  r  Then  t<">f:  the  purple  robe  ojf  from  him.']    It  is  observable,  as  we  have 

very  terrible  manner,  they  uere  crucified  in  the  view, and  near  the  walls,  seen  above,  p.  .I.'JI.  that  Matthew  (chap,  xxvii.  28.)  mentions  a  scarlet 

of  this  city  ;  perhaps,  among  other  places,  on  Mount  Calvary  ;  and  it  is  robe,  kokkihii'    x^nw^a-  ^n*'   Mark  (chap.  xv.  17.  as  well  as  here)  a 

very  probable  this  might  be  the  fate  of  some  of  those  very  persons  who  purple  garment,  rtii/  itoprbvpav.    I  take  not  upon  me  to  determine  whe- 

now  joined  in  this  cry ,  as  it  undoubtedly  was  of  many  of  their  children,  ther  cither  of  these  words    be   used  for  the  other,  waving,  as  in  some 

ror  Josephus,  who^vas  an  eye-witness,  expressly  declares,  "  that  the  other  cases,  the  most  e.\act  siLmihcation  ;   or  whether  there  were  two 

numberof  those  thus  crucified  was  so  great,  that  there  was  not  room  for  garments  used,  a  pi/rple  vest,  and  over  that  a  scarlet  robe,    tiowever,  it 

the  crosses  to  stand  by  each  other;  and  that  at  last  they  had  not  wood  is  probable,  whatever  they  were.  Pilate,  or  any  o'.    his  chief   omcers, 

enough  to  make  crosses  of."    A  passage  which,  especially  when  com-  would  not  cover  his  bleeding  body  with  any  thing  better  than  an  old 

pared  with  the  verse  before  us,  impresses  and  astonishes  me  beyond  any  and  perhaps  tattered  habit,  which  answered  their  contemptuous  purpose 

other  which  I  recollect  in  the  whole  story.     If  this  were  not  the  very  much  better  than  the  best  which  the  governors  wardrobe  couia  na\e 

Jinger  of  Gorf  pointing  out  their  crime  in  crucifying  his  Son,  it  is  hard  to  afforded, 
say  what  could  deserve  to  be  called  so.— Eisner  has  abundantly  shown, 


334  CHRIST  LED  OUT  TO  BE  CRUCIFIED. 

.SECT.  How  wisely  was  it  ordered  by  divine  Providence,  that  Pilate  should  be  obliged  thus  to  acquit  Christ,  even  while 
188.  he  condemned  him;  and  to  speak  of  him  as  a  righteous  Person,  in  the  same  breath  with  which  he  doomed  him 
to  the  death  of  the  most  flagitious  malefactor  !    And  how  lamentably  does  the  power  of  worldly  interest  over  con- 


LUKE   science  appear,  when,  after  all  the  convictions  of  his  own  mind,  as  well  as  the  admonitions  of  his  %vife,  he  yet 

"I4 '2^5  ^^^^  '^'"^  "P  •'■^  popular  fury  !    O  Pilate,  how  gloriously  hadst  thou  fallen  in  the  defence  of  the  Son  of  God  !  and 

'       how  justly  did  God  afterwards  leave  thee  to  perish  by  the  resentment  of  that  people  whom  thou  wast  now  so 

studious  to  oblige  !  ^ 

MATT.       Who  can  without  trembling  read  that  dreadful  imprecation,  JVfiry/  his  blood  be  on  us,  and  on  our  children  !  Words 

XXVII.  which,  even  to  this  day,  have  their  remarkable  and  terrible  accomplishment  in  that  curse  which  has  pursued  the 

25  Jews  through  seventeen  hundred  years.     Lord,  may  it  at  length  be  averted,  and  even  turned  into  a  blessing !  May 

they  look  on  him.  whom  they  have  pierced,  and  mourn,  till  all  the  obstinacy  of  their  hearts  be  subdued !  till  they 

bow  down  in  glad  submission  to  that  King  whom  God  has  set  on  his  holy  hill,  and  thus  are  brought  themselves 

to  reign  with  him  in  everlasting  honour  and  joy  ! 


SECTION  CLXXXIX. 


Jesus,  being  delivered  up  by  Pilate  to  the  rage  of  the  people,  bears  his  cross  to  Calvary,  and  is  there  nailed  to  it.    Matt,  xxvii.  32 — 34,  38. 
Mark  xv.  21 — 23,  25,  27,  28.    Luke  xxiii.  26—34.    John  xix.  16—18. 


John  xix.  16. 


John  xix.  16. 


.SECT.   NOW  after  Pilate  had  passed  sentence  upon  Jesus,  to  satisfy  the  restless  clamour  of  the  and  they  took  Jesus,  .ind 
189.    Jews,  and  had  delivereti  him  to  the  soldiers  to  be  crucified,  his  prosecutors,  having  gained  '^'^  *""  ^"'"*'' 

their  point,  hastened  his  execution ;  and  having  insulted  and  abused  him,  (as  was  said 

before,)  they  took  Jesus  and  led  him  away  to  that  terrible  punishment.^ 
LUKE       And,  to  expose  him  to  the  greater  ignominy  and  reproach,  and  to  prejudice  the  people     Luke  xxiii.  32.   And  there 
XXIII.  more  strongly  against  him,  there  were  also  two  other  [men,  who  were^  condemtied  to  die  torried  witTi°h°im*'to"be''put 
■^^  upon  the  cross  for  a  robbery,  and  were  well  known  to  be  great  malefactors,  that  were  led  to  death, 
out  of  Jerusalem  with  him,  to  be  executed  at  the  same  time ;  that  in  such  company  he 
might  be  thought  to  suffer  for  the  worst  of  crimes. 
JOHN       And  Jesus,  thus  attended  as  a  criminal,  was  led  through  the  city,  carrying  a  heavy  part     John   xix.   17.     And  he 
XIX.    o{  his  cross  on  his  shoulders,  according  to  the  custom  of  "those  who  were  to'  be  crucified  :  iX "' ^pUce'^raiTed^Me  p/^e 
17"  and  in  this  manner  he  went  out  of  the  city  to  a  place  which  lay  on  the  western  side  of  of  a  skull,  which  is  called  in 
Jerusalem,  but  a  little  without  the  boundaries  of  it,''  which  tvas  called  in  the  Hebrew  Ian-       ^^orew,  Golgotha, 
guage,  Golgotha,  [or]  the  place  of  a  skull ;  because  the  bodies  of  many  criminals,  having 
been  executed  on  that  little  eminence,  were  buried  there. 
LUKE       -^nd  as  they  led  him  on,  Jesus  was  now  so  faint  with  the  loss  of  blood,  so  very  sore  vs^ith     Luke  xxiii.  26.  And  as  they 
XXIII.  the  lashes  and  bruises  he  had  received,  and  so  fatigued  with  the  load  of  such  a  large  piece  man*^  o" ''cyrenF,''^shiiou°'by 

26  of  timber,  that  he  was  not  able  to  proceed  so  fast  as  they  desired,  especially  considering  name,]  [Mark, 'the  father  of 
how  little  time  they  had  before  them  to  finish  their  work.  And  as  he  was  advancing  pJs^s'edby'^ coining^ouTof^he 
slowly  to  the  place  of  execution,  they  met  on  the  road  a  poor  African,  who  was  a  native  of  country,  and]  they  laid  hold 
Cyrene,  named  Simon,  the  father  of  Alexander  and  Rufus,  who  afterwards  became  christians,  p"ifeTto  bear  his"ross^lf  ami 
and  were  of  some  note  in  the  church :  this  Simon  at  that  time  was  passing  by  as  he  came  on  hiin  they  laid  the  cross, 
out  of  the  country  to  Jerusalem  ;  \and'\  they  immediately  laid  hold  on  \him'\  as  one  fit  for  jetLI'[Matt.''Lvir.'32.'Mark 
their  purpose,  finding  him  a  strong  man,  and  it  may  be,  suspecting  that  he  was  a  favourer  "v.  21.] 

of  Jesus ;  \and'\  pretending  that  the  authority  of  the  Roman  governor  empowered  them  to 
press  any  they  met  for  this  service,  they  compelled  him  to  carry  at  least  one  end  of  his  cross ; 
and  accordingly  on  him  they  laid  the  cross,  that  he  might  carry  if  after  Jesus.  ( 

27  Aiid  a  great  multitude  of  people  crowded  after  him  to  see  the  crucifixion  •,^and  particu-  27  And  there  followed  him 
lariy  a  considerable  number  of  women  who  had  attended  his  ministry  withireat  delight,  ^„,f"*?LS,^Ilf  "l;"f  R^"?'*- 

(*  jj  IT'  .1  ■  1  '  ■  I  -I      -1  /v  I'll       ^r  •    1         oiiu  01  woiTien,  wnicii  also  DC- 

jollowea  fiim  on  this  sad  occasion ;  who  were  so  tenderly  affected  with  the  TTioving  sight,  wailed  an 


that  they  not  only  pitied  him  in  their^hearts,  but  also  vented  their  concc|i  in  tears,  and 

ii^t 


I  and  lamented  him. 


28  bewailed  and  lamented  him  in  a  very  affectionate  manner.     But  Jesus  turnip  to  them,  said,     c8  But  Jesus  turning  unto 
Alas,  ye  daughters  of  Jerusalem,  weep  not  for  me,  who  am  willing  to  submit  to  all  the  suf-  ^^''"^'  said.  Daughters  of  Je- 
ferings  appointed  for  me,  as  what  I  knov^  will  issue  in  the  salvation  of  my  people,  and  in  bntVeep  ibryoureeives,  and' 
my  exaltation  to  the  highest  glory  ;  but  rather  weep  for  yourselves  and  for  your  children,  in  tor  your  children, 
consideration  of  the  dreadful  judgments  that  these  crimes  will  quickly  "bring  vipon  this 

29  viTetched  people,  whose  calamities  will  be  of  much  longer  duration  than  mine.  For,  let  it  29  For,  behold,  the  days  are 
be  remembered  by  you  as  my  dying  words,  behold  the  days  are  surely  and  quickly  coming,  sha'll"lky!"  l*le^sspxl'''ar/''ti;^ 
and  some  of  you  may  live  to  see  them,  in  ivhich  the  innocent  blood  which  this  people  have  barren,  and  the  wombs  that 
imprecated  unon  themselves,  shall  come  down  upon  their  heads  in  so  terrible  a  manner,  ^*hi*h  neve*' gave  sucif.  ''""^ 
that  tltey  shall  have  reason  to  say,  Happy  [are]  the  barren  women,  and  the  wombs  which 

never  bare  children,  and  the  breasts  that  never  siwkled  them  :  for  as  relations  are  multiplied, 
sorrow  shall  be  multiplied  vrith  them,  and  parents  shall  see  their  children  subject  to  all 
the  miseries  which  famine,  and  pestilence,  and  sword,  and  captivity,  can  bring  upon  them. 

30  Then  shall  tliey  who  are  now  triumphing  in  my  death,  be  trembling  with  horror  m  expect-  3o  Then  siiali  they  beein  to 
ation  of  their  own;  and,  considering  present  calamities  as  the  forerunners  of  future  yet  t?' * and%oTe'*hiUs,^Cover 
more  intolerable  miseries,  shall  begin,  in  despair  of  the  divine  mercy,  to  say  to  the  moun-  us.' 

tains.  Fall  on  us ;  and  to  the  hills.  Cover  us  from  the  more  dreadful  pressure  of  God's 

s  I>ave  thee  to  perish,  &c.]  Josephus  (Antiq.lii.  xvui.cap.  4.  [al.  5.]  Judas;  but  I  hope  I  shall  be  indulged  in  transposing  it,  partly  that  I 

u^  expressly  assures  us,  that  Pilate,  having  slain  a  considerable  may  preserve  a  better  proportion  in  tlie  length  of  the  sections,  and  chiefly 

number  ot  seditious  Samaritans,  was  deposed  from  his  government  by  that  1  may  not  interrupt  the  important  story  of  Christ's  passion  :  and  I 

Vitellius,  and  sent  to  Tiberius  at   Rome,  who  died  before  he  arrived  more  easily  allow  myself  to  do  it,  because  probably  the  verv  .same  cou- 

there.    And  Lusebins  tells  us,  (.Htst.  Eccles.  lib.  ii.  cap.  7.)  thatquickly  sideration  ensaged  Matthew  a  little  to  antijgiate  it.     Let  it  (inly  here  be 

after,  (having,  as  others  say,  been  banished  to  Vienne  in  Gaul,)  he  laid  observed,  that  the  death  of  this  traitor  selK  to  have  happened  before 

violent  hands  upon  himself,  tnlling  on  his  own  sword.    Agrippa,  who  that  of  liis   Master:   so  speedily  did  the  divine  vengeance   pursue  his 

was  an  eye-witness  to  many  of  his  enormities,  speaks  of  him  in  his  aggravated  crime. 

oration  to  Cains  Caasar,  as  ojie  who  had  been  a  man  of  a  most  infamous  b  Carrying  a  heavy  part  of  his  cross,  went  mt  of  the  city,  &c.]    Dr. 

character  ;  iP/alo.  Jud.  in  Leg.  p.  10;i4.')  and  by  that  manner  of  speak-  Lardnerhas  abundantly  proved  from  many  quotations  that  it  was  cus- 

ing  as  Velesius  well  observes,  it  is  plainly  intimated  he  was  then  dead,  tomary,  not  only  for  the  .lews,  (Numb.  xv.  35.  1  T\inL's  xxi.  13.  Acts 

Probably  the  accusations  of  other  Jews  following  him,  had  before  that  vii.  58.)  but  also  for  the  Sicilians,  Ephesians,  and  Bomans.  to  execute 

proved  his  destruction.  their  malefactors  without  the  gates  of  their  cities.    (Sec  his  CrediUlity. 

\lney  took  Jesus  and  led  him  away.]    It  is  evident  this  text  is  parallel  part  i.  vol.  i.  p.  354,  355.)— What  our  Lord  carried  was  not  the  whole 

to  Matt,  xxvii.  31.  and  Mark  xv.  20.     But  I  have  here,  as  in  some  other  cross,  but  only  that  transierse  piece  of  7rnod  to  which  his  arms  were 

instances  of  two  or  more  parallel  passages,  put  one  at  the  conclusion  of  afterwards  fastened  ;  and  which  was  called  antenna,  or  fiirca,  going 

a  former  section,  and  tlie  other  at  the  beginning  of  the  next,  for  a  better  across  the  stipes  or  vpright  heam,  which  was  fixed  in  the  earth.    'This  tlin 

connexion.— I  may  also  add,  that  this  seems  to  me  the  exact   place  of  criminal  used  to  carry,  and  therefore  was  called  fitrcifir.    .See  Bishop 

Matt,   xxvii.  3—10.  in  which  the  evangelist  relates  the  tragical  end  of  Pearson,  On  the  Creed,  p.  203,204. 


THE  CRUCIFIXION. 


31  For  if  they  do  these  wrath,  which  is  kindled  ao;ainst  us.     For  if  t/teu  do  these  thinai  l„  h,^  „,„„  i      i  ^ 

'^»r„/i-t«.^^^*  ^/'««  f'e  clone  in  thednj,  If  such  agonies  as^hesl  fall  upon t^fvho  t  ^ZnultrJ;!  Ts?" 

cent  person   but  God's  own  Son,  when  I  put  myself  in  the  stead  o?  smners^X  wSl  — - 

become  of  those  vvretches  who  can  feel  none  of  my  supports  and  consolations  and  whose   luke 

personal  gudt  makes  them  as  proper  fuel  for  the  divine  vengeance  as  dry  wood  is  to  the  ^xm. 


■„  ■        c      t  r--r— V,   .v,..5v,ain,c  as  ury  WOOQ  IS  to  the    ^-■ 

consuming  fire?  •'  '^  31 


^^ZJ^oXi  ptc"e  ,,  t/  l^gt^^  tj^ey  ^J"^e^  at  the  place  of  execution  :  and  ^,hen  they  were  come  thither,  even  matt 
caifed  Golgotha,  that  is  to  to  the  place  whicli  (we  before  observed)  was  called  in  Hebrew  Golgotha,  that  is  tn  J,/  ihl  x\'v7f 
m^  fcr°/..f  tir.'  ?/«^^  of  a  skull,  ^  little  without  the  cit/  M  Mount  Calvary,  (whfch  wL  the  Ltl%e  33^ 
XV.  22.  Luke  x.^ii.  33.]  foT  executing  criminals,  and  seemed  a  proper  spot  of  ground  for  the  purpose  as  on  account 

ot  Its  eminence  the  malefactors  crucified  there  might  be  seen  at  a  considerable  distance 
tollriIk7mf:tgTed'witrga1i-  ^  ""  |reat  number  of  spectators  ;)  TAey  proceeded  to  the  fatal  purpose  for  which  they  34 

and   when   he   had    tested  <^™s  •  ^"d  as  it  was  customary  to  give  to  dying  criminals  a  potion  of  strono-  wine  minded 
thereof,  he  would  not  dnnk.   With  spices,  to  checr  their  spirits,  and  render  them  less  sensible  of  their  sufferino-s    the 
soldiers  who  attended  him  iiave  him  nothing  better  to  drink  than  vinei^ar  mingled  lui'th  fall 
by  that  odious  mixture  furtlier  expressing  their  cruelty  and  contempt:  and  when  he%id 
fasted  [of  it,]  that  he  might  submit  to  every  distasteful  circumstance  which  Providence 
allotted  to  him,  he  ivould  not  drink  any  large  draught  of  it,  as  knowing  it  would  answer  no 
[i']t^^^'lnm  todn"!  ^  l^^''''^}''  ^"'l  ^o  do  it     And,  as  some  of  his  friends  had  on  that  occasion  provided  a  cordial  mark 
mingled  with  myrrh :  but  he  ^up,  t/iey  gave  him  [also\  a  draught  of  generous  wine  to  drink,  mingled  ivith  mmrh  and  other     xv 
received  u  not.  spices,  which  they  thought  projiei'  on  that  sad  occasion ;  <=  but  he  did  not  receive  [it,]  deter-  23 

mining  to  bear  the  full  force  of  his  pains  unallayed  by  any  such  preparation,  and  to  main- 
tain his  thoughts  in  the  most  vigorous  exercise. 
1  ^  '^"j  rif  ■«'?s  the  third      And  it  was  now  the  third  hour  of  the  day,  or  nine  o'clock  in  the  mornino-  d  whpn  tViPv  o  r. 
&h?^VK'^>S.^irxl:  thus  brought  h.m  to  Mount  Calvary ;  a^c/V^ere,  when  alUh.ngs  weTmade  iSdv  SS 
'tT"!'^  wi,l  him  they  cru-  T    /J  f  hand s  and  his  feet  to  the  cross,  and  crucified  him.     And  they  also  crucified  with  27 
cify  [Luke,  the  malefactors,  """,  ^'f  "^'»  malejactors,  [or]  robbers,  that  were  mentioned  before,  the  one  on  his  right  hand 

hil  ^i^t'ha:d^and'^thro^he;  Hil>'  f^'''  °"  A-'^-d'  ""^^H  pH'"'^  ^''"'  "'.^^^  "''^^'  ^^  ^  "^^'^  of  the  greatest  in- 
on  his  left,]  [John,  and  .lesus  p??nity,  to  prejudice  the  multitude  the  more  against  him,  and  to  induce  them  to  reo-ard 

■^!t^'^l^i.'ii:t,^t    wLf  wt"'°^''"?oT"'  criminal  of  the  three.  .  And  thus  the  scripture  was  remarkably  28 
'^^  Ann  ,H       ■  ,  Ji'lMed,  (Isa.  li"-  12.)  in  ivhidi  the  prophet  Isaiah,  speaking  with  an  amazing  plainness 

fuifued",w^'Jc\S"And'i?e^  of  the  Sufferings  of  the  Messiah,  .«./A,  "  And  he  rvas  numbered  with  the  tramgresLs:'e 
was  numbered  with  the  trans-      ^""  ^esus  made  no  manner  of  resistance  to  this  cruel  violence  nor  did  he  revile  them 
' Tu\Ti.iii.  31.    Then  said  f  ^"  ^^'f "  ^hey  were  distorting  his  limbs  as  on  a  rack,  and  nailing  his  hands  and  his  feet  xxm. 
Jesus,  Father,  forgive  them ;  On  the  fuU  Stretch  to  the  accursed  tree ;  but,  in  the  midst  of  his  anguish,  he  breathed  out  34 
tor  they  know  not  what  they  h,s  soul  in  a  compassionate  prayer  for  his  murderers  :  and  pleading  ^the  only  excuse  whS 
the  most  extensive  charity  could  suggest,  he  said,  Father,  forgive  them,  for  they  know  not 
what  they  are  doing  :  f   The  Roman  soldiers,  who  were  the  immediate  Instruments  of  his 
death,  having  indeed  but  little  knowledge  of  him  ;  and  the  Jews,  who  were  the  authors 
ot  it,  through  their  obstinate  prejudices  not  apprehending  who  he  was  :  "  for  if  thev  had 
known  him,  they  would  not  have  crucified  the  Lord  of  glory."    (1  Cor.  ii.  8.) 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Here  let  us  pause  a  while,  and  make  a  few  serious  reflections  on  this  amazing  storv,  which  the  evanc^elists 
relate  with  so  much  simplicity.     Behold  the  Son  of  God  bearing  his  cross,  fainting  under  the  load  oHt  and  a?  john 
23  ?    RWpd  Tp?°"  ''  ^"d  nailed  to  it  \   Him  they  took,  and  with  wicked  hands  crucified  and  slewttn      (let.  ii     X?X. 
23.)     Blessed  Jesus,  was  it  for  this  that  thou  didst  honour  our  nature  by  an  union  to  thine  own,  and  come  from  17, 18 
thy  throne  of  glory  to  visit  these  abodes  of  misery  and  guilt !    Was  it  for  this  that  so  man?  g?aclousXours™ 
were  delivered,  and  so  many  vvorks  of  love  and  power  performed  !  for  this,  that  thou  mighteff  bTtreated  as  the  mark 
worst  of  criminals,  and  suspended  on»^  cross  in  the  air  as  if  unworthy  of  a  place  on  eirth  even  to  dL  upon  '     xv 
^em'lelo'LppSf''  ""^'''    J-tly^  O  sun,  mightest  thou  blush  to^ee  it'l  justly,  O  earthr^gh^est  C  27,  28 

♦l.o^°'''Vil'^^''^'®  P'^^l'i  r'?,™^"  7^""  ^"^^  ^^^  ^^^1  ^"d  fortitude  to  attend  thee  when  thine  own  apostles  forsook   iukf 
bee  and  fled,  we  would  follow  thee  weeping :  yet  not  for  thee,  but  for  ourselves,-tliat  our  ^uU  h'Td  brouo-it  us  x.vm 

Sd  tw"??,X'vL"  nT  ";•'''  7'  T^'l  ^'  ■■^•^f  "1?^  ^y  "°*>"^  1^^^  than  the  precious llood  of  the  Son  of  27,  28 
?etiit!^^fGnd.  7iZ  i?"o9  ^  7"^  ""uiZ   'P"\   (^  ft'-  '■  19,)-We  would  behofd  herein  the  goodness  and  the 
sMy  of  God    {Uom.  xi.  22.)  for  while  the  nches  of  his  goodness  are  displayed  in  his  providino-  a  ransom  for 
the  redemption  of  lost  sinners,  an  awful  proof  is  given  of  the  severity  of  his  justice  in  his  not  snaring  his  own^on 

and  may  we  not  in  such  a  view  tremble  for  fear  of  him,  and  be  afraid  of  his  iiuhments  ^   CPsalm  cxix  120  ^     Who 
S-T.r.r  ''' ;  "7§h^°f,^'^  indignation,  especially  when  it  shall  com{  aggJavated  by  thSu"  of  so  mu  h  love" 
Tf  these  things  be  done  m  the  green  ivood,  what  shall  be  done  in  the  dry?    And  if  such  sufferings  be  inflicted   where  31 
vi    hltL"     fy  Pf  ^-^"^    g"'h  to  kindle  the  flame,  on  one  who  only  answered  for  the  sinslf  otCrwhat  then  ^' 
of  wrVStSt  dl's?"  ^^^^^^^^      '""  °""  "^^""^"'  ^^^  "^^^^"^^  ^^  f-1  P-P-^<i  f-  the  fire,  and  are  as  vessels 


d  //TO/dowiL  /«>J/,m/rofth^^  •  -,  '■*"'^'^«5l  avo^iw.,  criminals,  as  the  wo?d  O^l'CD  which  Isaiah  uses, 
1  can  by  no  means  a"ree  with  Vo.-inf^'nfl  «n^f  ?,,'^'''''^  '".•''^  morning.]  seems  also  to  signify.  The  least  offence  is  a  transgression  of  tlie  law  of 
here  the  sixth  ho"  r  for  there  ou"ht  to  hi  ITv  }L^'  r"""'  '°  l^^'^,  '*  ^"^.'  "''  ^  Pepping  over  the  boundaries  he  has  prescribed  ;  but  this  im- 
parting from  *i\L"    \\  S.^  ^S^^u    *5  "*  ^^"^^  cogent  reasons  for  de-  ports  much  more. 

(See  Dr.  MUI,"^  /<,c       Kor^r.n      hfnk   i;H?VfL^."'^  '"P^,"?"!  ^''='^'"»f-  .  fjal/'er  forgive  them,  *c.]    This  is  one  of  the  most  striking  passages 

in  Mark  refer  not  tothe  hour  n^'  he  ,?»v  in  llh  f  h^rl!'-  *,'''''  """=  "•?'■"  1"  t!'^*•p'■''/• .  While  they  are  actually  nailing  him  to  the  cross,  he  seems 

but  to  the  length  of  time  he  Lh  hp»n  ^™.n  ^T  ^    '^'"''u'  '"??  trucificd,  to  teel  the  miury  these  poor  creatures  did  to  their  own  souls,  more  than 

were  divided   whkhTlJlh.H  ^nn?-  T.^"  *''t  k"^"/'  '''''•'^°  '"'  garments  the  wounds  they  gave  him  ;  and,  as  it  were,  to  forget  his  own  anguish 

as  Mark  .nen  i™s  t  e  Ji^^K  \t\  th^e  ninth  liom-   rvl'■^f^  *.'■•  "\     ^""^  !."  -^  '^''"'f,'""  f"^  ^l^*^*^  salvation.     I   render  r,  ,ro,o.<r„  wA«/  they  are 

t«tion  wouldobli^e   storoirlnHy  Pi    ^,-.1  Ym'  ^Z^^'  ^?P  ""^  mterpre-  duitig.  as  thmkrng  that  version  most  expressive  of  the  i>resent  circum- 

eut  ways  of  co  nm  U  foH  i  t  i  n  \hi  V,u!  n^^^^^        used  two  very  differ-  stances;  and  indeed  it  is  the  exact  i.nport  of  what  grammariaus  call 

J    ".  v.u.iiiJui,nion  withm  the  compass  ot  a  few  verses,  or  eUe  the  present  tense. 


336  THE  CRUCIFIXION. 

SECT.       How  shocking  is  it  to  behold  the  vile  indignities  that  were  put  upon  a  suffering  Jesus,  and  to  reflect  upon  the 
189.    cruel  treatment  that  he  met  with  from  his  insulting  enemies !    Yet  have  not  we  been  verily  guilty  concemmg  this 

matter?  (Gen.  xlii.  21.)    Are  we  not  chargeable  with  despising  Christ?  and  have  we  not  crucified  the.  Son  of  God 

LUKE  afresh,  and  put  him  to  an  open  shame?  (Heb.  vi.  6.)  O  may  that  apology  be  heard  in  our  favour, — Father,  forgive 
XXI ir.  i/)eiji^  for  they  know  not  ichat  they  do!  For  surely  sinners  do  not  know  what  they  do,  when  they  pierce  Christ  by 
their  sins,  and  turn  away  their  faces  from  him.  But  under  all  his  sufferings,  how  amazing  was  his  meekness  !  and 
liow  compassionate  tlie  concern  which  he  expressed  for  his  most  cruel  persecutors  !  May  we  learn  patience,  and 
love  to  our  enemies,  from  so  bright  an  example  of  it !  May  we,  like  him,  bless  tliem  that  curse  us,  and  pray  for  them 
that  despitefuUy  use  us  and  persecute  us!  (Matt.  v.  44.)  Instead  of  being  ingenious  to  aggravate  their  faults,  and 
to  paint  them  m  the  most  shocking  colours,  let  us  rather  seek  for  die  best  excuses  which  even  the  worst  of  causes 
will  fairly  bear ;  influenced  by  that  charity  which,  unconstrained,  believes  no  evil,  and  hopeth  all  things  even  against 
hope.  (1  Cor.  xiii.  5,  7.) 
Ibid.  Gracious  Saviour !  thy  dying  prayer,  and  thy  dying  blood,  were  not  like  water  spilt  upon  the  ground ;  they 
came  up  in  remembrance  before  God  when  thy  gospel  began  to  be  preached  at  Jerusalem :  and  multitudes  who 
were  now  consenting  to  thy  death,  gladly  received  thy  luoixl,  and  were  baptized:  (Acts  ii.  41.)  and  they  are  now 
in  glory,  celebrating  that  grace  whicli  has  taken  out  the  scarlet  and  crimson  dye  of  their  sins,  and  turned  that 
blood  which  they  so  impiously  shed,  into  the  balm  of  their  wounds,  and  the  life  of  their  souls. 


SECTION  CXC. 

Christ's  o^arments  are  divided  by  lot ;  and  while  he  is  himself  insulted  on  the  cross,  he  shows  his  mercy  to  the  penitent  thief.    Matt,  xxvii.  35  — 
37,  39—44.    Mark  xv.  24,  26,  2'J— 32.    Luke  .\xiii.  34 — 43.    John  xix.  19—24. 

John  xix.  23.  j„„^  ^.^  23 

SECT.   THE  soldiers  therefore,  when  they  had  thus  crucified  Jesus,  took  his  garments,  which  ttien  the  soldiers,  when 
190.    according  to  custom  thev  had  stripped  off,  that  the  shame  of  suffering  naked  might  be  j^Jfgi'.lXtd  mlde  four 

added  to  all  the  agony  of  the  cross  ;  and  as  it  was  usual  for  the  executioners  to  have  the  parts,  to  every  soldier  a  part; 

JOHN   garments  of  the  criminal  whom  they  put  to  death,  they  7nadc  four  parts  of  his  clothes,  ihin'!wha?lve"rvmanshou'id 

^^^-    assioTiing  to  each  soldier  of  the  quaternion  employed  on  that  occasion  a  part,  and  casting  take;]  and  also  Au  coat:  now 

^^  lots%pon  them,  ivhich  of  the  four  each  man  should  take ;  and  they  took  also  the  vest,  or  inner  wove'^n  froTn 'thr'top°"hrmfg'h: 

garment:  now  the  vest  had  this  curious  circumstance  attending  it,  that  it  ivas  without  any  out.   [Matt  xxvii.  35    Mark 

24  seam  at  all,  being  woven  from  the  top  throughout  in  one  whole  piece.*    And  as  this  was  "^ V  They"  'said'"'  therefore 

considered  by  them  as  more  valuable  than  ordinary,  they  said  therefore  one  to  another^  Let  among  themselves,^  Let  us^ not 

us  not  spoil  this  coat,  as  we  must  do  if  we  go  about  to  teai'^  it  into  four  parts,  hut  let  us  ^hpse  'it  shal^be/ thaTthe 

cast 

ture 

filed;  ivhich  'saith,XPsa.\.  xxii.  18.)  "  They  divided  my  garments  among  them,  and  cast  lots  jnent^amons^  t. 
for  my  vesture."^     These  things  therefore  the  soldiers  did,  thoucjh  with  the  utmost  freedom  jhese    things  therefore  the 
'as  to  themselves,  yet  by  the  secret  disposal  of  Providence,  which,  by  an  undiscerned  in-  fixers  did.    [Matt,  xxvii. 
fluence  on  their  minds,  led  them  to  act  in  a  remarkable  correspondence  to  the  divine 
MATT,  oracle.    And  having  done  thus,  they  sat  down  near  the  cross,  and  guarded  him  and  the  other     Matt,  xxvii.  36.   And  sit- 
xxvn.  two  who  were  crucified  with  him,  "that  none  might  come  there  to  rescue  them  before  they  J;,"^'!"^^"'  they  watched  hnn 
^"  were  quite  dead.<= 

37     And,  as  the  usual  method  was  in  cases  of  crucifixion,  they  put  upon  the  cross,  over  his    37  And  set  up  over  his  head 

head,  a  superscription  in  capital  letters,-)  containing  the  substance  of  his  pretended  crime  ^^ZtZ'""Ta" l^Vis  fs 

written  in   these  remarkable  words,    THIS  IS  JESUS  OF  NAZARETH,    THE  iesus  [John,  of  naza- 

JOHN   KING  OF  THE  JEWS.    And  indeed  it  was  Pilate  who  ivrote  [this]  title,  and  ordered  the  jew"  [Mark  xv.ce 

XIX.    them  to  put  it  on  the  cross;  which,  howsoever  it  was  designed  as  a  reproach  to  Jesus,  was  Luke  xxiii.38.  John  xix.  19.] 

19  in  effect  a  declaration  of  his  real  character;  and,  by  the  secret  providence  of  God,  vvas  ^roTe'^tl'e)  tuie,  and  put^it 
overruled  in  a  remarkable  and  public  manner  to  proclaim  the  kingdom  of.Christ,  while  it  on  the  cross. 

20  was  only  meant  to  expose  and  ridicule  his  title  to  it.  Many  of  the  Jews  therifore  that  20  This  title  then  read  many 
came  up  to  the  feast  of  the  passover,  read  this  inscription;  because  the  place  where  Jesus  "Jhere jiulwa/crucitiedwal 
was  crucified  was  near  to  the  city,  and  lay  but  just  without  the  gates  :  and,  that  the  inscrip-  nigh  to  the  city:  and  it  was 
tion  might  be  generally  understood,  it  was  expressed,  by  Pilate's  order,  in  three  languages,  "^yj^""  [Ln(i^''*Greek'','^\andi 
and  written  bodi  in  Hebrew,  and  Greek,  and  Latin  letters,  so  that  it  might  easily  be  read  Latin.   [Luke  xxiii.  38.] 

by  Jews,  Romans,  and  most  other  foreigners.*^ 

21  Now  when  the  inscription  was  drawn  up,  the  chief  priests  of  the  Jews  were  very  much  21  Then  said  the  chief 
offended  at  the  form  in  which  it  was  expressed,  and' ^//err/ore  objected  against  it,  and  said  pJj'^^  no/,  TheTing  of  tife 
to  Pilate,  Do  not  write.  The  king  of  the  Jeivs ;  for  we  entirely  disown  him  under  tliat  .lews;  but'that  he  said,  I  am 
character,  as  thou  well  knowest ;  but  rather  write,  that  he  said,  I  am  the  king  of  the  Jews,  """s  °^  ""*  •'''*'^- 

22  But  Pilate,  who  was  very  much  displeased  at  the  importunity  by  which,  contrary  to  his     22'Piiate  answered,  what 
inclination  and  judgment,  they  had  extorted  from  him  the  sentence  of  death  he  had  passed  J^^*''^  written,  i  nave  wn 
upon  Jesus,  ansivei-ed  with  some  warmth,  What  I  have  ivritten,  I  have  written ;  and,  who- 
ever may  object  against  it,  I  am  determined  it  shall  stand  as  it  is. 

MATT.      When  therefore  they  were  unable  to  procure  any  alteration,  they  were  determined  pub-     Matt,    xxvii.    39.    And 
xxvn.  licly  to  turn  it  into  a  jest ;  and  therefore  some  of  them  went  in  person  to  Calvary,  to  insult  CLuke,  the  people  stood  be- 
29  and  scoff  at  Jesus,  even  in  his  last  moments.    And  the  common  people  that  stood  beholding 

a   Woven  from  the  top  throuqhout  in  one  whole  piece.]    Perhaps  this       c  That  none  mi!?ht  come  to  rescue   them,  &c.]    This  was  the  more 

curious    oarment    might    be   the    work    and    present  of    some  of  the  necessary  in  this  kind  of  execution,  because  the  wounds  given  mcruci- 

pious  women  who  attended  him,  and  ministered   to  him  of  their  sub-  tixion  were  not  generally  mortal.    The  person  crucihed  died  partly  by 

stance.    (Luke  viii.  3.)    The  hint  here  given  of  its  make,  has  set  some  the  loss  of  blood,  it  any  large  vessel  was  pierced   by  the  nails,  when 

mechanical  heads  to  work  to  contrive  a  frame  for  weaving  such  a  vest ;  nails  (as   here)  were   used  ;    but  chiefly  by  the  violent  distortion  ot  tne 

and  a  good  cut  of  it  may  be  seen  in  Calmet's  Dictionary,  on  the  word  limbs,  which  were  stretched  forth  as  on  a  rack  :    a  circumstance  whicli 

Vestments.    Vol.  iii.  p.  119.  must,  no  doubt,  occasion  exquisite  anguish      ^,  .    .„.  ,       _,  ,^ 

b  Thiy  divided  my  garments  among  them,  .St.]    W^e  are  no  where  told       d   They  put  cer  his  head  asnperscnptton.}    This  Bishop  Pearson  (Un 

that  David's  goods  were  thus  divided  :  and  there  are  several  other  pas-  the  Creed,  p.  205.)  and  Dr.  Lardner  (Credibtbty   part.   i.  book  i.  cliap. 

sages  in  the  twenty-second  psalm,  particularly  that  in  which  mention  is  7.  §  10.  vol.  i.  p.  347-), have  abundantly  proved  to  be  usual  in  cases  ot 

made  of   piercing  his  hands  and  his  feet,  to  which  no  circumstance  of  any  extraordinary  punishment.         .  ■,.      •     t    .• 

David's  personal  sufferinss  seems  to  have  borne  any  resemblance.     It       e  In  Hebrew,  and  6';ceX-,  and  Latm  letters^    Jtwas  written  in  J^atin, 

therefore  seems  to  me  exceeding  probable,  that  in  this  scripture  ami  some  for  the  majesty  ot  the  Roman  empire  ;    in  Greek,   for  the  information 

others,  the  mind  of  the  prophet  was  thrown  into  a  preternatural  ecstasy,  of  the  vast  numbers  of  Hellenists  who  made  use  of   that  language,  as 

in  which,  on  some  secret  intimation  given  to  him  that  he  therein  per-  indeed  most  provinces  ot   the   Roman  empire  did;   see    Hrerewood  s 

sonated  the  Messiah,  he  wrote  expressly  what  the  .Spiiit  dictated,  with-  Inquiries,  chap,  i.— iv.)  and   in  Hebrew,  as  it  was  the  vulgar  language 

out  any  particular  regard   to  himself;   so  that  David  might,  for  any  of  the  place.— Thus  the   inscription  set  up  in  the  temple,  to   prohibit 

thing  I  can  find,  with  equal  propriety  have  written  such  a  psalm,  if  his  strangers  from  coming  withm  those  sacred   lirnits,  was  written  in  all 

whole  life  had  been  as  prosperous  and  peaceable  as  the  reign  of  Solo-  these  three  languages.    See  Joseph,  bell.  Jvd.  Mi.  vi.  cap.  2.  lai.  vii. 

men  his  son.    (Compare  1  Pet.  i.  10—12.)  4.]  ^  4. 


THE  CRUCIFIXION.  337 

holding :  and]  they  that  pass-  the  execution  reviled  him  ;  and  even  they  titat  paused  by  on  the  road  blasphemed  him  shak-  SECr 
tl4ir''herdsflM'aTkT.rc"9"  j"^  their  heads  at  him,  in  an  upbraiding    scornful  manner;  and  sayivg.  Ah,   thou  vain    190.' 

Luke  xxiii.  35,1  Doaster,  that  woiddst  destroy  the  teiiiple,  and  build  it  again  iii  three  days  !  let  us  now  see  if 

tha?  'des'tro>«'t"thi^'tem'pi'e'!  ^^o"  "^^n^t  Save  thyself,  and  if  thou  art  indeed  the  Son  of  God,  give  us  a  proof  of  thy  power  matt. 
aiKi  buiidest  it  in  three  days!  now,  and  comc  down  from  the  cross ;  for  in  tiiy  present  circumstances  that  will  be  the  most  ^^^tl- 
fhrson  of  God?'comfdown  proper  miracle  thou  canst  work  in  confirmation  of  tliy  pretended  mission.    And  in  like  41 
from  the  cross.  I.Mark  xv.  29.  maimer  also,  the  chief  priests,  together  with  the  scribes  and  elders,  and  the  rulers  also  them- 
^'^41  Likewise  also  the  chief  selves,  the  malice  of  whose  hearts  had  made  them  to  forget  the  dignity  of  tlieir  characters 
priests,  [Luke,  and  the  rulers  and  to  attend  among  the  mob  upon  this  base  and  barbarous  occasion,  joined  with  them  iri 
wjTmockmg',  ''/a'i'dln.ong  their  scoffs,  and  with  a  scornful  sneer  derided  him ;  [«w£/]  mocking,  said  one  to  another,  Ay,  42 
themselves,]  with  the  scribes  this  is  he  that  Saved  othcrs,  and  undertook  to  give  them  perfect  deliverance  and  everlastino- 
L'uke^xUL'ss  ]  *"     ^^ '      '  happiness ;  [buf]  now  you  see  he  cannot  save  himself  from  the  most  infamous  execution^ 
le'*^anuorsave'''*'u'^iie^^be  ^^'^  ^''  '"^^"y  '/'^  ^"""^  Messiah,  the  Elect  of  God,  and  in  consequence  of  that  divine 
[Lu^E,"chr^stl^iie 'chosen  of  choice,  be  the  King  of  Israel,  as  he  has  so  often  pretended,  let  him  now  come  down  from 
God,]  the  King  of  Israel,  let  the  cross,  [andA  save^  himself  from  death,  that  we  may  see  a  demonstration  of  his  savino- 

him  now  comedown  from  the  <  •;;  ^i.         i    ;•         i  •      <■      at  i  ^  .  n  i  oi^vjn^ 

cross,  [Luke,  and  save  him-  power,  und  wc  Will  then  belicve  him.'  JNay,  they  were  at  once  so  profane  and  so  stupid  as  43 
we''wi^f'heii^ve"hiy^l'.Mark  ^°  ^orrow  ou  this  occasion  the  words  foretold  by  David,  (Psal.  xxii.  8.)  and  to  say,  "  He 
XV.  31,  32.  Luke  xx'iii.  .■.5.]  trusted  in  God,  and  boasted  of  his  interest  in  him  ;  let  him  deliver  him  now,  if  he  ivill  have 
him  ddi4Th'im'now'''i'f  he  ^""'  °^  '^ '^^  delighteth  in  him  ;"  for  he  has  often  said,  I  am  the  Son  of  God:  the  priests 
will  have  him :  for  he  said,  1  themselves  not  observing  that  this  was  the  very  language  wliich  the  murderers  of  the 
am  the  Son  ot  God.  Messiah  are  there  described  as  using. 

Luke  xxiii.  30.  And  the  And  the  soldiers  also  who  kept  guard  at  that  time,  joined  with  the  rest  of  the  spectators,  luke 
comin^?%o'idm,"and*otren'ng  ^"^^  mocked  him  ;  coming  to  him,  and  offering  him  vinegar  to  drink  in  the  midst  of  his  x.xiu. 
bim  vinegar,    '  a^onies  ;  (compare  John  xix.  29.  p.  339.)    And  saying,  as  the  rulers  and  people  had  done,  37 

thV  King  oMhe°'jYws,°"avl  ^f  ^^"^  "''^  really,  as  thou  hast  frequently  pretended,  the  Kiiig  of  the  Jeivs,s  before  thou 
thyself.  °  '         undertakest  to  deliver  them,  save  thyself  frorn  our  power,  and  so  begin  to  assert  thy  claim 

to  a  supreme  authority. 
3S  And  one  of  the  male-      And  One  of  the  malefactors  also^  ivho  hung  on  the  c?'Oss  ivitk  him,  regardless  of  that  inno-  39 
hanged [orcScificdwUhhrm!  ^cnce  and  dignity  which  Jesus  manifested  under  all  his  sufferings,  and  unaffected  with  a 
castOie  same  lu  his  teeth,  a«rf]  sense  of  his  own  aggravated  guilt,  upbraided  him  with  the  same  [reproach,  and]  scornfully 
thou' be° Chris?,'  save't'hyseif  blasphemed  him  as  an  impostor,  saying.  If  thou  art  the  Messiah,  why  dost  thou  not  save 
Mark"xv  3"'f"'  '"'^'''   *^'  *^!Wlf("'d  US,  who  are  now  dying  with  thee?     But  the  other,  awakened  to  a  sense  of  his  40 

40  fuTt'  the  other,  answer-  sin,  and  convinced  in  his  heart  that  Jesus  was  indeed  the  promised  Messiah,  answered  his 
Dost  no^"thou  t^aT'ood^'sef'  '^^'^.P^^ion,  and  rebuked  him,  saying,  Dost  thou  not  fear  God,  even  now  when  thou  thyself 
ing^hou  art°in  the  same' con-  ^rt  in  the  Same  condemnation  ?  In  such  an  awful  circumstance  as  this,  dost  thou  dare  to 
demnation  .'  increase  thy  crimes  with  thy  dying  breath,  and  to  behave  thyself  so  insolently  in  the  im- 

for  wt°r«dve"thl'^d''ue'"fei  "^'^i^te  view  of  God's  rightcous  tribunal?  And  we  indeed  are  justly  thus  condemned;  41 
-ward  of  our  deeds:  but  this./'"'  w'c  receive  no  more  than  what  is  due  for  the  notorious  criineswe  have  committed :  but 
ptan  hath  done  nothing  amiss,  ffiis  [man]  has  done  nothing  by  any  means'amiss,  nor  is  there  the  least  insolence  or  absurdity 
in  that  high  claim  which  he  has  made,  though  appearances  be  for  the  present  so  much 
L^i"d^remlmbl'l-"me  ^^Xn  ^S^'?^*^  ^*-  ^"^  having  fhus  rebuked  his  companion,  and  testified  his  full  persuasion  of  42 
thou 'comest"\n^to  Ay  king"  the  innocence  of  Jesus,  he  tlien  directed  his  discourse  to  him,  and  said  to  Jesus,  looking 
^''"■'-  upon  him  with  the  humblest  and  the  most  contrite  regard.  Lord,  though  this  wretch 

derides  thy  mission,  I  firmly  believe  it ;  and  I  beg  that  thou  wouldst  graciously  remember 
me  when  thou  comest  into  that  thy  kingdom,  to  which  I  doubt  not  but  God  will  raise  thee 
Jiim  Ve'dl  ■'fsa    unk)  t"e*e°  ^"  ^^'^^  °^  ^Q^Xh  and  hell.*     And  Jesus,  turning  towards  him,  said  to  him,  with  a  mixture  43 
To-day Yh'a^t  tho'L^beVith'me  ^f  the  greatest  dignity  and  mercy.  Verily  I  say  unto  thee,  and  solemnly  assure  thee  of  it 
in  paradise.  as  a  most  certain  truth,  that  this  very  day  thou  shall  be  with  me  in  paradise,  sharing  the 

entertainments  of  that  garden  of  God,  the  abode  of  happy  spirits  when  separate  from  the 
body;''  and  there  shall  thy  departing  soul,  as  soon  as  thou  hast  breathed  thy  last,  imme- 
diately begin  to  reap  the  fruits  of  that  faith  which  breaks  through  so  darka  cloud,  and 
honours  me  in  the  midst  of  this  infamy  and  distress. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

How  great  and  glorious  does  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  appear  in  the  midst  of  all  those  dishonours  which  his  ene-  john 
mies  were  now  heaping  upon  him  !  While  these  rapacious  soldiers  were  dividing  the  spoils,  parting  his  raiment    XIX. 
among  them,  and  casting  lots  for  his  vesture,  God  was  working  in  all,  to  crown  him  with  a  glory  which  none  ^3,  24 
could  take  from  him,  and  to  make  the  lustre  of  it  so  much  the  more  conspicuous  by  that  dark  cloud  which  now 
surrounded  him. 

His  enemies  upbraided  him  as  an  abandoned  miscreant,  deserted  both  by  God  and  man  ;  but  he  (though  able  matt. 
to  have  come  down  from  the  cross  in  a  moment,  or  by  one  word  from  thence^  to  have  struck  these  insolent  wretches  xxvi  i . 
dead  on  the  place,  and  to  have  sent  their  guilty  spirits  to  accompany  the  fiends  under  whose  influence  they  were)  39-43 


th„  h..r,M=  „„^  f    ^„^■  "  a  J        f"-'-'-"'j  "•'•'-,  •"'^^"  "'c  aiolo  ..v^<.      i  .ni  u.uoi.  iiaic  oiiiJijuseu  in  11115  case.     Dut  v.,nnst  s  KingGom  was  now 

fr^J?  ,h^  ?  teetotd  crucified  person,  so  that  he  might  have  leaped  the  subject  of  so  much  discourse,  that  he  might,  on  that  day,  and  indeed 
tiom  the  cross.  What  Christ  had  so  lately  done  before  their  eyes,  and  m  a  tew  minutes  of  it.  have  learnt  all  that  was  necessary  as  the  fouiid- 
jn  part  on  themselves  in  the  garden,  was  a  far  more  convincing  display  ation  of  this  petition.  I  (-annot  therefore  but  look  on  this  happy  man. 
kL^  a  S  }!^""^\'  than  merely  to  have  descended  now  could  have  (for  such,  amidst  all  the  ignominy  and  tortures  of  the  cross,  he  surely 
r.;^™  .»  *K-  V  ."i."  t"*y  promise  upon  this  to  believe  him,  there  is  no  was,)  as  a  glorious  instance  of  the  power  as  well  as  sovereignty  of  divine 
mp,^.  „„  !°  ■  ""^.y /yo"'*!  have  yie  ded  to  conviction  ;  but  all  they  grace,  which,  (as  many  have  observed,)  perhaps,  taking  ?he  first  occa- 
niit  J^f  .^^  ?  i"  "  ^  "^  thinking  itimpossible  he  should  escape  sion  from  the  preternatural  darkness,  wrought  so  powerfully  as  to  pro- 
pTfV/^„i.J^°.T'T--        ri     T       -1     A    .u-      1   ■  J  .    .,  .       "ifif:*.  by  a  sudden  and  astonishing  g.'owth  in  his  last  moments,  all  the 

n.^ri  t       r   the  King  of  the  Jeios.^    As  this  claim  seemed  to  them  the    virtues  which  could  be  crowded  into  so  small  a  space,  and  which  were 
«!ll^L?.   ^      y  1  ?,  •P''.  '^onii'n  authority,   it   is  no  wonder  that  the    eminently  manifested  in  his  confessing  his  own  guilt,  in  his  admonish- 
l,imi.u-  ,?™''"°'^''.  '''<'''■  insults  on  this,  rather  than  ou   his  professing    ing  his  companion  for  a  crime  which  he  feared  would  prove  fatal  to  him, 
h  ol.  „^ ,/'!"  °  /  ,■     ■         ;     ■■    ,,r  .  ,j  •    ,     J  ,      „      u         .      »'?  his  vindicating  the  character  of  Christ,  and  reposing  his  confidence  in 

♦l,»  .^i  ,V  "1  mal.Jactors  aho.l  V.  e  are  told  indeed  by  Matthew,  m  him,  as  the  Lord  of  a  kingdom  beyond  the  grave,  when  his  enemies  were 
M^rk-lS.  "  .f'  ',  ''!'  thievet  cast  the  same  in  his  teeth;  and  triumphing  over  him,  and  he  himself,  abandoned  by  mostof  his  friends. 
i,»n,.„  f^S,  ^^1'  .?'  f ,  ^  '{""  ^i^'^  crucified  with  him  reviled  him  ;  and  was  expiring  on  a  cross.  'Ihe  modesty  as  well  as  the  faith  of  his  peti- 
,"n  .h„  hi  c    "      • '  ,    lie  who  afterwards  proved  penitent,  at  first  joined    tion  may  also  deserve  our  attentive  remark. 

l?....!.,- o  „  !?^  •  "",*■  "*"  '""'  been  the  case,  surely  Luke,  in  so  par-  k  Thau  shah  he  with  me  in  paradise.'i  Bos  has  shown  (in  his  Exercil. 
„f  "_f.  J*  °*!1';?"_^'*^  =?s  his,  would  not  have  omitted  it.     T  therefore  rather    Philol.  p.  49.  50.)  that  tliis  expression,  (itr'  iluov  6<rn.  thou  shall  he  -uith 

me,  was  the  language  used  when  inviti 
and  the  word  paradise  originally  signifi 
those  in  which  the  Eastern  monarchs  rr 
Sce  Raphel.  Annot.  ex  Xenoph.  p.  119. 


338  THE  CRUCIFIXION. 

SECT,  yet  patiently  endured  all,  and  was  as  a  deaf  man  who  heard  not  their  reproaches,  atid  as  a  dumb  man  that  openeth 
190.  not  his  mouth.  (Psal.  xxxviii.  13.)  But  as  soon  as  the  penitent  thief  addressed  him  with  that  humble  supplica- 
tion, the  language  of  repentance,  faith,  and  hope,  Lord,  remember  me  when  thou  comest  into  tht/  kingdom,  he  imme- 


LUKE   diately  hears  and  answers  him  :  and  in  how  gracious  and  remarkable  a  phrase  !     This  day  shait  thou  be  with  me 

42^^4^  m  paradise  !    What  a  triumph  was  here,  not  only  of  mercy  to  the  dying  penitent,  but  of  the  strongest  faith  in  God, 

'       that  when  to  an  eye  of  sense  he  seemed  to  be  the  most  deserted  and  forgotten  by  him,  and  was  on  every  side  beset 

with  the  scorn  of  them  that  were  at  ease,  and  with  the  contempt  of  the  proud,  he  should  speak  from  the  cross  as 

from  a  throne,  and  undertake  from  thence,  not  only  to  dispense  pardons,  but  to  dispose  of  seats  in  paradise  ! 

Most  ungrateful  and  most  foolish  is  the  conduct  of  those  who  take  encouragement  from  hence,  to  put  off  their 
repentance  perhaps  to  a  dying  moment :  most  ungrateful,  in  perverting  the  grace  of  the  Redeemer  into  an  occasion 
of  renewing  their  provocations  against  him,  and  hardening  their  hearts  in  their  impieties ;  and  most  foolish,  to 
imagine  that  what  our  Lord  did  in  so  singular  a  circumstance,  is  to  be  drawn  into  an  ordinary  precedent.  This 
criminal  had,  perhaps,  never  heard  of  the  gospel  before  :  and  now  how  cordially  does  he  embrace  it !  Probably 
there  are  few  saints  in  glory  who  ever  honoured  Christ  more  illustriously  than  this  dying  sinner,  acknowledging 
him  to  be  the  Lord  of  life,  whom  he  saw  in  the  agonies  of  death  ;  and  pleadmg  his  cause  when  his  friends  and 
brethren  forsook  him  and  stood  afar  off.     (Compare  Matt.  xxvi.  56.  and  Luke  xxiii.  49.) 

But  such  is  the  corruption  of  men's  hearts,  and  such  the  artifice  of  Satan,  that  all  other  views  of  him  are  over- 
looked, and  nothing  remembered  but  that  he  was  a  notorious  offender,  who  obtained  mercy  in  his  departing 
moments.  The  Lord  grant  that  none  who  read  this  story  here,  may  be  added  to  the  list  of  those  who,  despising 
the  forbearance  and  long-suffering  of  God,  and  not  knowing  that  his  goodness  leads  to  repentance,  have  been 
imboldened  to  abuse  this  scripture,  so  as  to  perish,  either  without  crying  for  mercy  at  all,  or  crying  for  it  in  vain, 
after  having  treasured  up  an  inexhaustible  store  of  wrath,  misery,  and  despair  !     (Rom.  ii.  4,  5.) 


SECTION  CXCI. 

Jesus,  having  recommended  his  mother  to  the  care  of  John,  and  suffered  many  agonies  and  indignities  on  the  cross,  expires  ;  amazing  prodigies 
attending  his  death,  and  alaiTning  the  consciences  of  the  spectators.  Matt,  xxvii.  45 — 54.  Marli  xv.  33 — 39.  Luke  xxiii.  44 — 48.  John  xix. 
25— .-iO. 


John  xix.  25. 


John  xix. 


.SECT.  AND  while  he  suffered  all  these  insults  and  sorrows,  there  stood  near  the  cross  of  Jesus,  now  there   stood  by  the 
19L    Mary  ^is  mother,^  and  his  mothers  sister,  (whose  name  was  also  Man/,)  who  was  [the  and^his  mo^'her^'s  siSer^Mar^ 
wife]  of  Cleopas,^  and  Mani  Magdalene;  and  with  them  also  John,  his  intimate  friend,  Me »?/« of  cieopas,  and  Mary 
JOHN   the  relater  of  this  story.  Magdalene. 

Jesus  therefore  seeing  his  mother,  and  John  the  disciple  whom  he  peculiarly  loved,  standing     C6  when  Jesus   therefore 

26  near,  his  affectionate  care  and  regard  to  both  so  wrought  in  his  heart  in  the  midst  of  all  his  dp'ie'''s\a'Sd*ing''by"  whom^'he 
agonies,  that  he  said  to  his  mother,  Woman,'^  behold  thy  son ;  consider  that  dear  friend  of  loved,  he  saith  unto  his  mo- 
mine  as  thy  own  child,  and  treat  him  with  the  same  affection  and  care  which  thou  wouldst  'her,  Woman,  behold  thy  son. 

27  show  to  me  under  that  near  relation.*!  And  then  he  said  to  that  disciple.  Behold  thy  mother,  C7.  Then  saith  he  to  the 
and  entertain  towards  her  that  reverence  and  love  which  a  child  owes  to  a  worthy  parent;  And'tVom  that  fio'ur  thT/dls- 
for  I  now  solemnly  with  my  dying  breath  bequeath  her  to  thy  care.  And  from  that  hour  cipie  took  her  unto  his  own 
that  disciple  took  her  home  to  his  oivn  \_house,']  and  maintained  her  most  cheerfully  and  """*' 

respectfully,  as  if  she  had  indeed  been  his  own  mother. 
MATT.       And  Jesus  having  hung  upon  the  cross  about  three  hours,  it  was  noio  near  noon,  or,     Matt,    xxvii.    45.    Now 
'^^^'i^'i  according  to  the  Jewish  manner  of  expressing  the  time,  it  ims  about  the  sixth  hour ;  and  sjith'^'hour,  and]  ^fr°o"m  the 

"^'^  from  the  sixth  hour,  there  was  an  amazing  and  supernatural  darkness  over  the  whole  land  of  sixth  hour 'there  was  dark- 
Judea  till  the  ninth  hour,«  or  till  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  :  during  which  time,  it  was  "h|%°nth  hour!*'*[ft^ark".\v! 
as  dark  as  if  there  had  been  a  total  eclipse  of  the  sun,  though  in  a  natural  way  it  was  im-  33.  Luke  23.  44.] 

46  possible,  as  it  was  now  full  moon.f    Arid  this  darkness  with  which  the  face  of  nature     46  And  about  the  ninth 
seemed  overspread,  was  a  lively  emblem  of  the  darkness  and  distress  of  spirit  with  which  voke'^'^saying^rEioi'  "e'ioT] 
the  Lord  of  nature  was  then  overwhelmed,  and  with  which  he  struggled  in  the  solemn 
silence  and  unutterable  bitterness  of  his  soul.     But  about  the  ninth  hour,  Jesm  cried  with 
a  loud  voice,  saying,  in  the  Hebrew,  or  rather  in  the  Syriac,  language,  Eloi,  Eloi,  lama 

a  His  mother.']    Neither  her  own  danger,  nor  the  sadness  of  the  spec-  even  to  persons  that  were  the  most  respected.    See  note  d,  on  John  ii. 

tacle,  nor  the  reproaches  and  insults  of  the  people,  could  restrain  her  4.  p.  53. 

from  performing  the  last  office  of  duty  and  tenderness  to  her  Divine       n   Behold  thy  Son.]    Some  have  explained  these  words  as  if  they  only 

.Son  on  the  cross.    Grotius  justly  observes,  that  it  was  a  noble  instance  signified,  "  Behold  a  person  who  will  carry  it  to  thee  as  thy  son,  and 

ot  fortitude  and  zeal.     Now  a  sword  (according  to  .Simeon's  prophecy,  will  take  care  of  thee.       But  as  the  tenderness  of  Jesus  for  his  mother  is 

Luke  ii.  35.)  struck  through  her  tender  heart,  and  pierced  her  very  soul ;  expressed  in  the  next  verse,  in  the  direction  that  he  gives  to  John  to 

and  perhaps  the  extremity  of  her  sorrows  might  so  overwhelm  her  spirits,  treat  her  as  liis  mother  ;  it  seems  more  natural  to  understand  this  former 

as  to  render  her  incapable  of  attending  the  sepulchre,  which  we  do  not  exhortation  as  expressive  of  his  kindness  for  John,  and  so  to  take  it  as  a 

find  that  she  did  ;  nor  do  we  indeed  meet  with  any  thing  after  this  con-  direction  given  to  his  mother  to  regard  him  as  her  son  with  all  the  aftec- 

cerning  her  in  the  sacred  story,  or  in  early  antiquity  ;  except  that  she  fion  of  a  tender  parent. 

continued  among  the  disciples  after  our  Lord's  ascension,  which  Luke       e   There  was  darhiess  over  the  u-hole  land.'i    There  are  so  many  places 

observes.  Acts  i.  14.    Andreas  Cretensis,  a  writer  of  the  seventh  cen-  in  which  yi^  signifies  a  particular  counirj/,  and  not  the  whole  earth,  that  I 

tury,  does  indeed  tell  us,  she  died  with  John  at  Ephesus,  many  years  have  chosen  here  to  follow  our  translation  :  and  the  rather,  because  the 

after  this,  iri  an  extreme  old  age;  and  it  appears  from  a  letter  of  the  further  we  suppose  this  darkness  to  extend,  the  more  unaccountable  it 

council  ot  Ephesus  in  the  fifth  century,  that  it  was  then   believed   she  is  that  no  Heathen  writers  should  have  mentioned  it  except  Phlegon ; 

was  buried  there.    But  they  pretend  to  show  her  sepulchre  at  Jerusalem,  if  he  is  indeed  to  be  excepted.    A  darkness  over  the  whole  earth  at  once, 

and  many  ridiculous  tales  are  forged  concerning  her  death  and  assump-  must  have  been  preternatural  at  any  time  ;  and  it  is  morally  impossible 

Uoo.  or  bemg  taken  up  into  heaven,  of  which  the  best  Popish  authors  that  a  multitude  of  accounts  of  it 'should   not,  even  by  a  tradition  of. 

themselves  appear  heartily  ashamed.    See  Calmet's  Diclionari/,  vol.  ii.  many  hundred  years,  have  been  transmitted  to  posterity.    What  is  said 

p.  141.  of  the  Chinese  chronicles  mentioning  it,  must  be  very  uncertain  :  and  as 

b  Hts  mother's  sister,  Mary  [the  toife']  of  Cleopas.]    It  is  not  determined  for  Josephus's  omission  of  it,  T  think  Dr.  More  with  reason  accounts  for 

in  the  original  whether  she  was  the  wife,  or  mother,  or  daughter  of  Cleo-  it,  by  his  unwillingness  to  mention  a  fact  whicli  had  so  favourable  an 

pas;  but  critics  generally  suppose  she  was  his  wife,  and  that  he  was  also  aspect  on  Christianity  :  and  the  Jews  would  no  doubt  dissuise  it  as 

called  Alpheus,  and  was  the  father,  as  this  Mary  was  the  mother,  of  much  as  they  could,  and  perhaps  might  persuade  him,  and  others  who 

James,  and  Joses,  and  Simon,  and  Judas,  who  are  therefore  called  our  heard  the  report  of  it  at  some  distance  of  time  or  place,  that  it  was  only 

Lord's  brethren  or  kinsmen.    (Matt.  xiii.  55.    See  note  e,  on  John  xiv.  a  dark  cloucf  or  a  thick  mist,  which  the  followers  of  Jesus  had  exagger- 

22.  p.  304.) — Grotius  indeed  thinks  that  Cleopas  was  her  father,  and  atcd,  because  it  happened  when  their  Masterdied.     Such  representations 

Alpheus  her  husband.    After  all,  we  cannot  certainly  determine  it :  t)ut,  are  exceeding  natural  to  hearts  corrupted  by  infidelity, 
like  most  other  undeterminable  points,  it  is  a  matter  of  no  greatimport-        f  As  it  was  now  full  moon.]    Mr.  Shuckford,  in  his  Preface  to  the 

aiice.     I  know  none  who  has  set  it  in  a  plainer  and  juster  lightthan  Dr.  third  volume  of  his  excellent  Connexion  of  the  Sacred  and  Profane  Ilis- 

Edwards,  Exercit.  part  ii.  No.  1.  p.  163,  et  seq.  tory  of  the  World,  has  advanced  some  important  considerations  to  prove 

c  Said  to  his  mother,    JVomnn.]    We  have  observed  elsewhere,  that  that  it  is  at  least  very  uncertain  whether  the  Jewish  months,  according 

.Joseph  probably  was  dead  some  time  before  ;  (compare  note  b,  on  John  to  tlie  Mosaic  institution,  began  with  a  new  moon,  and  consequently 

ii.  1.  p.  53.  and  note  a,  on  .John  vi.  42.  p.  152.) and  as  Jesus  now  showed  whether  their   passover,  which  was  fixed  to  the   fourteenth  day  of  the 

the  tender  concern  he  had  for  his  mother,  in  committing  lier  to  the  care  first  month,  must  always  happen  at  full  moon  :  but  he  allows  that, 

of  John,  so  this  concern  that  he  expressed  for  her  support,  must  have  towards  the  decline  of  their  state,  it  did.    And  indeed  Josephus,  who, 

affected  her  no  less  than  if  he  had  called  her.  Mother ;  which  some  have  being  a  Jewish  priest,  is  an  unexceptionable  witness  in  this  case,  seems 

thought  lie  might  not  choo.se  to  do,  to  avoid  exposing  her  to  the  aliuses  of  to  put  it  beyond  all  possibility  of  doubt ;  expressly  :isserting,  that  the 

the  populace,  by  a  discovery  of  her  near  relation  to  him.    But  woman  day  of  expiation,  and  consequently  their  other  feasts,  were  reckoned  by 

was  a  title  he  before  had  used  in  speaking  to  his  mother,  where  no  such  the  age  of  the  moon.    (Joseph.  Antiq.  lib.  iii.  cap.  10.  5  3.    AcKarri  ttw 

caution  was  necessar)' ;  and  it  was  frequently  applied  in  ancient  times,  m'I'o?  koto  ae.Xmnv-') 


THE  CRUCIFIXION.  339 

lama  sabaciKhani ?  that  is  to  iahachthanlH  that  is,  being  interpreted  into  other  words,  Mu  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou   sect. 
say^  [being  interpreted  J  My  f„rsaken  me?  which  was  as  if  he  had  said,  O  my  heavenly  Father,' wherefore  dost  thou    191- 

forsa'ken^me  ?' [Mari  LI',  sl'i'^add  to  all  my  Other  Sufferings  those  which  arise  from  the  want  of  a  comfortable  sense  of 

thy  presence  ?  Wherefore  dost  thou  thus  leave  me  alone  in  the  combat,  destitute  of  those  matt. 
sacred  consolations  which  thou  couldst  easily  shed  abroad  upon  my  soul,  and  which,  thou  Ji^^"' 
knowest,  I  have  done  nothing  to  forfeit  ?'■  "^^ 

47  [And]  some  of  them  that      Jesus,  by  the  use  of  these  words,  borrowed  from  the  beginning  of  the  twenty-second  47 
heTrd  ^!7i<,*''Iaid,  "'[Behold  J  Psalm,  gave  the  spectators  a  useful  hint  that  the  whole  of  it  referred  to  him  ;  and  it  might 
this  mim  caiietii'  for  Eiias.  well  have  led  them  to  observe  how  many  passages  of  it  had  then  a  literal  accomplishment 
[Mark  xv.  35.]  ^^  j^j^^  .  ^^^  -f  ^|^jg  ^^^^  ^^y  pj^^^  ^f  ^jjg  design,  it  was  not  apprehended  by  them  ;  for  the 

.lews  took  them  in  a  different  sense,  and  some  of  thetn  that  stood  bi/  there,  hearing  Itliaf] 
sound  of  Eli,  said  in  a  scornful  and  insulting  manner.  Behold  this  [man,']  who  has  been 
used  to  talk  as  if  he  had  earth  and  heaven  at  command,  resolves  to  keep  u])  the  air  of  the 
Messiah  to  the  last,  and  therefore  calls  for  Elijah  his  forerunner,  as  if  he  had  any  authority 
to  bring  that  great  prophet  down  from  paradise  to  his  assistance.' 
John  xix.  28.  After  this,  Immediately  after  this  doleful  cry,  Jesus,  knoiving  that  all  the  grievous  and  terrible  joiin 
Jesus  knowing  that  all  things  f/ji,i„g  \yQ  h^d  to  Suffer  in  the  way  to  death,  were  now  upon  the  point  of  being  perfectly  „i^i-^'- 

were  now  accomplished,  that  "'"-"t?'   "y   """^      ,    ^     i-         ,  ■  ,r  i      i       vi  ■    i      ^    i  i  ^  ^i  •'/•2R 

tiie  scripture  might  be  fulfil-  accomplished,  and  finding  himself  parched  with  a  violent  drought,  as  the  consequence  of  '^" 
led,  saith,  1  thirst.  what  lie  had  so  long  endured  both  in  mind  and  body,  that  the  soiptwe  might  be  fulfdled, 

(Psal.  xxii.  15.  and  Ixix.  21.)  where  tiie  Messiah  is  described  as  crying  out,  "  My  tongue 
cleaveth  to  my  jaws,  and  in  my  thirst  they  gave  me  vinegar  to  drink,"  to  show  that  he 
endured  all  that  had  been  foretold  concerning  him,  said,  1  thirst. 

C9  Now  there  was  set  a      Now  there  was  set,  as  usual  on  such  occasions,  a  vessel  full  of  vinegar  near  the  cross  ;''  29 
stra?o'htwLV°oiie  oflhem  ra"*!  ^'"f^  immediately  upon  his  mentioning  his  thirst,  one  of  them  ran  and  took  a  spunge,  and  filled 
and  took  a  spun<'e,  and  filled  [it]  with  thls  vinegar ;  and  putting  it  round  [a  stalk  of]  hyssop,  which  they  had  fastened 
upon'\ys5opr'  iLf°a  reed!i  "'*  the  top  of  rt  kind  of  cane  or  large  reed,  they  put  it  up  to  his  mouth,  and  in  a  contemp- 
and  put  it  to  his  mouth,  [and  tuous  manner  govc  it  him  to  chink.     But  the  rest  of  them  that  stood  by,  scud.  Let  [him]   matt. 
xxvti  'Va   Mal-k'xvi'sej^"'  alone,  and  let  us  see  xvhether  Elijah,  whom  he  has  just  been  calling  upon,  will  come  and  -f^^^^- 

Matt,  xxvii.  49.  The.  rest  save  him  from  the  cross  ;  [ff«f/]  indeed  he  must  take  him  down  quickly,  if  at  all.  So  little 
whether ^Eitis"wili^come*to  were  their  hearts  affected  with  this  preternatural  darkness,  whicli  had  continued  now  three 
save  him,  [and  take  him  hours ;  and  thus  Cruelly  did  they  insult  him,  even  in  his  expiring  moments ;  which  had 
down.]  [Mark  xv.  36.]         ^^^^  ^^^^^  inliumau,  though  he  had  really  been  the  vilest  malefactor. 

.Tohn  xix.  30.  When  Jesus  When  Jesus  therefore  had  received  the  vinegar,  and  thus  had  perfectly  fulfilled  the  pro-  john 
vin?ga™he'*s'aidrit'h^fini3h^  phecies  relating  to  Kis  sufferings,  he  said.  It  ^is  finished:  the  important  work  for  which  I  „-^^-^- 
ed.  "   '  '  came  into  the  world  is  now  completed,  the  demands  of  the  law  are  satisfied,  the  justice  of  ^^ 

Luke  xxiii.  46.  And  [when  Qod  is  atoned,  and  my  sufferings  are  now  at  an  end.  And  crying  out  again  with  a  great  luke 
voice,]*^"!  sl?d!"Father,  into  and  Strong  voice,  which  plainly  showed  that  much  of  the  strength  of  nature  was  yet  in  ^?^^^- 
thy  hands  1  commend  my  him,  he  Said,  with  a  lively  faith  and  holy  joy.  Father,  for  so  I  wil\  still  call  thee,  though  '*° 

spirit:  and  havins  said  thus,    .,',..',  i      •  i     i  i  •  "•         t  ^     j.\  i    •    ^     jI      i        j 

he  [John,  bowed  his  head,  that  claim  IS  thus  derided  by  mine  enemies,  i  am  now  coming  to  thee,  and  into  thy  hands 
[UMi  '^xxvii  "so  "ftiafk  "xv"  ^  commit  my  departing  spirit,  depositing  it  with  thee  as  a  sacred  trust,  which  I  arn  confi- 
37.  John  xix.'  30.]'  '  dent  thou  wilt  receive  and  keep.    And  when  lie  had  said  thus,  declining  his  head,  lie  volun- 

tarily dismissed  or  delivered  up  his  spirit,  and  expired.' 
Matt.  i-Yvii.  51.   And  be-      And  behold,  God,  by  a  very  awful  and  miraculous  interposition,  avowed  the  relation  matt. 
wa's''dir'ken*id,]'thfveif of'the  ^hich  his  Son  claimed,  and  evidently  appeared  to  take  the  charge  of  that  dear  and  excel-  ^xvii. 
temple  \yas  ient  in   t\yain  lent  Spirit  which  Jesus  SO  Solemnly  recommended  to  him  :  for  immediately  upon  his  death,  ^' 
thf  top  to  thi  b'SttomVTnd  bvhile]  the  sun  was  still  darkened,' as  was  observed  before,  (ver.  45.)  the  veil  of  the  temple, 
the  earth  did  quake,  and  the  which  Separated  between  the  holy  and  the  most  holy  place,  though  made  of  the  richest  and 
Luke  xx'i'iiV45';?^^'^'^  ^'''  ^^'  Strongest  tapestry,  was  miraculously  rent  in  two  in  the  midst,  from  the  top  to  the  very  bot- 
tom ;  so  that  while  the  priest  was  ministering  at  the  golden  altar,  it  being  the  time  of 
evening  sacrifice,  the  sacred  oracle  was  laid  open  to  full  view  : '"  God  thereby  declaring,  as 
it  were,  the  abolition  of  the  whole  Mosaic  ritual,  which  depended  on  a  distinction  between 
those  two  parts  of  the  temple  ;  and  intimating  that  a  passage  was  opened  into  the  most 
holy  place  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  which  was  now  poured  out  on  mount  Calvary.    Ajid  at 
the  same  time,  to  increase  the  terror,  the  earth  trembled,  even  to  the  very  spot  of  ground 
on  which  the  temple  stood,  and  several  of  the  rocks  in  the  neighbouring  parts  were  torn 

K  Eloi,  Ehi,  lama  sahachlhani  ?^    It  is  evident  these  are  Syro-Chal-  any  serious  reflections  on  the  Psalm  from  which  they  were  taken,  and 

dale,  and  not  properly  Hebrew,  words  :  for  in  the  original  of  Psal.  xxii.  to  expose  him  to  further  contempt. 

1.  it  is  not,  as  here,  'jriplffl  nob  'n''?i<  ''T\^ii,  but  iinns?  nnb  'b.V  ^'JN.       k  A  vessel  full  of  vineyar.']    It  is  well  known  that  vinegar  and  ivater 

Dr.  Edwards  thinks  our  Lord  in  his  agonv  repeated  the  words  twice,  (which  mixture  was  called  posca)  was  the  common  drink  ot  the  Roman 

with  some  little  variation,  saying  at  one  time,  Eloi,  and  at  the  other,  soldiers  :  perhaps,  therefore,  this  vinegar  was  set  here  for  their  use,  or 

Eli.    This  is  possible  ;  and  it  it  were  otherwise,  1  doubt  not  but  Mark  for  that  of  the  crucified  persons,  whose  torture  would  naturally  make 

lias  given  us  the  word  exactly,  and  Matthew  a  kind  of  contraction  of  it.  them  thirsty. 
See  Edward's  Exercit.  p.  193 — 196.  1  He  dismissed  or  delivered  up  his  spirit,  and  expired.]    The  evange- 

h  Why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  ?]  The  pious  and  judicious  Lord  Chief  lists  use  different  words  in  expressing  our  Lord's  death,  which  I  a  little 
Justice  Hale,  has  a  strange  reflection  on  these  words  :  "  We  may  (says  wonder  that  our  translators  render  in  the  same  manner,  he  yielded,  or 
he)  with  reverence  conceive,  that  at  the  time  of  this  bitter  cup,  the  soul  gave  up  the  ghost.  Mark  and  Luke  say,  efcTryeuo-e,  he  expired;  John, 
of  our  blessed  Redeemer  was  for  the  present  overshadowed  with  so  nape?iu>Ke  to  Ttvevixa,  he  yielded  up  his  spirit ;  but  Matthew's  language 
much  astonishment  and  sorrow,  as  to  overpower  and  cover  the  distinct  is  yet  more  singular,  a<pt\Ke  to  Ttveyiia,  he  dismissed  his  spirit:  (as  the 
sense  of  the  reason  of  his  sufferings,  at  least  in  some  measure  and  same  word,  adunut,  is  used  Matt.  xiii.  36.  Mark  iv.  36.  xi.  6.  and  else- 
degree."  (Hale's  Couiemplatioyis,  vol.  i.  p.  7C.)  But  the  sense  given  in  where.)  Now  this  expression  seems  admirably  to  suit  our  Lord's  words, 
the  paraphrase  is  much  more  natural.  Thus  in  a  most  humble  and  John  x.  18.  ^No  wan  takeih  my  life  from,  me,  hut  I  lay  it  down  of  myself, 
affectionate  manner  he  reminds  his  heavenly  Father  that  he  was  only  !i;c.  (see  the  paraphrase  and  note  there,  p.  231.)  showing,  as  the  strong 
by  imputation  a  sinner,  and  had  himself  done  nothing  to  incur  his  dis-  cry  which  so  much  impressed  the  centurion  did,  that  he  died  by  the 
pleasure. — I  choose  not,  with  Dr.  More,  (in  his  Theological  Works,  voluntary  act  of  his  own  mind,  according  to  the  power  received  from  the 
P.  292.)  to  render  it,  How  far,  or  to  what  degree,  hast,  thou  forsaken  me  ?  Father,  and  in  a  way  peculiar  to  himself,  by  which  he  alone,  of  al  1  men 
because,  though  this  would  be  a  just  version  of  no'7,  the  Greek  word  that  ever  existed,  could  have  continued  alive,  even  in  the  greatest  tor- 
li/QTi,  which  answers  to  it  in  Matthew,  is  not  liable  to  such  ambiguity,  tures,  as  long  as  he  pleased,  or  have  retired  from  the  body  w;heneverhe 
— I  conclude  with  adding,  that  this  interruption  of  a  joyful  sense  of  his  thought  fit.  Which  view  of  the  case,  by  the  way,  suggests  an  illustration 
Father's  presence,  (though  there  was,  and  could  not  but  be,  a  rational  of  the  love  of  (Christ, manifested  in  his  death,  beyond  what  is  commonly 
apprehension  of  his  constant  favour,  and  high  approbation  of  what  he  observed  ;  inasmuch  as  he  did  not  use  this  power  to  quit  his  body  as 
was  now  doing,)  was  as  necessary  as  it  was  that  Christ  should  suffer  at  soon  as  ever  it  was  fastened  to  the  cross,  leaving  only  an  insensiDie 
all.  For  had  God  communicated  to  his  .Son  on  the  cross  those  strong  corpse  to  the  cruelty  of  his  murderers,  but  continued  his  abode  in  u 
consolations  which  he  has  given  to  some  of  the  martyrs  in  their  tortures,  with  a  steadj;  resolution  as  long  as  it  was  proper,  and  tlien  retired  irom 
all  sense  of  pain,  and  consequently  all  real  pain,  would  have  been  it  with  a  majesty  and  dignity  never  known,  or  to  be  known,  in  ansr 
swallowed  up  ;  and  the  violence  ^one  to  his  body,  not  affecting  the  other  death  ;  dying,  if  I  may  so  express  it,  like  the  Prince  oj  lije. 
soul,  could  not  properly  have  been  called  suflTering.  ra  While  the  priest  was  ministering  at  the  golden  ''l'.*''.;,>^-J     '  L: 

i  And  some  of  them  that  stood  l,y,  <Se.]    Whether  this  was,  as  Dr.  being  so  high  a  day,  it  is  probable  that  Caiaphas  ■^'"".se'^f  ""Sni  ""w  ■  = 

Edwards(£«rf».p.  196— 203.)andMr:Cradock(H«rm.  partii.p.256.)  performing  the   solemn  act  of  burning  mcense  just  oerorc  mc     cm. 

suppose,  the  mistake  of  some  Hellenist  Jews,  who  did  not  understand  which  if  he  did,  it  is  inexpressibly  astonishing  that  his  o"""""  '"^^' ■- 

the  Syro-Chaldaic  language  ;  or  whether  it  proceeded  from  his  being  should  not  be  impressed  with  so  awful  and  sign'hcant  .t  pneiiuuii..mii. 

raised  ,so  high,  that,  amidst  the  rude  noise  around  him,  they  did  not  There  is  no  room  to  doubt  but  many  ot  the  other  P  'esis  w.iu  im  ^ 

distinctly  hear,  I  do  not  pretend  to  say.    Perhaps  the  malice  of  those  hand  in  Christ's  death  saw  the  pieces  of  the  veil  '..*"'"';•  ^^Xm"? 

who  did  hear  what  he  said,  might  misrepresent  his  words,  to  prevent  its  texture,  and  the  other  circumstances,  must  as  tuny  toinuice  un-m  u. 


340  THE  CRUCIFIXION. 

SECT.  asu7icler:°     And  some  of  the  tombs  theve  ivere  opened  hy  the  earthquake  :  fl?/c/,  which  was     52  And  the   graves  were 
191.    much  more  astonishin?,  a  httle  while  after,  while  the  monuments  continued  unclosed,  P,''^"^^;,''"'},:??"'?^^!'"'^''^^  °*^ 

,     ,■  ,.^,  ,    V  7  7  1  •7  7-  1        1      .      c   1      .1        tlie  saints  Which  Slept,  arose, 

?n(mi/  bodies  of  those  holj/  men  lolio  were  sleeping  there,  ivere  raised  from  the  dust  01  death,"* 

MATT.  A7id  came  oiit  of  the  tombs  after  the  resurrection  qflJesus,]  and  entered  into  Jerusalem,  the     53  And  came  out  of  the 
^^^'l]:ho/i/  city,  and  appeared  imto  many  ;v  attestinsf  the  truth  of  that  important  fact,  and  declar-  fn^^ w\n['tnto'^thrho!iy'^cit°' 
ing  then-  own  rescue  from  the  grave,  as  a  kind  of  first-fruits  of  his  power  over  death,  which  and  appeared  unto  many, 
should  at  length  accomplish  a  general  resurrection. 
MARK       And  when  the  Roman  centurion,  luho  stood  over  against  him,  and  guarded  the  execution,     Mark  xy.  39.    And  when 
^v.    saw  that  he  so  cried  out  with  such  strength  of  voice,  and  such  firm  confidence  in  God,  even  a»afnst*"hin"  ^'''saw^''that°^he 
'^"  at  the  moment  when  he  expired ;  [and]  also  saw  what  ivas  [then']  done  in  so  miraculous  a  so  cried  out, 'and  gave  up  the 
manner,  in  those  amazing  prodigies  that  attended  his  death ;  he  glorified  God  by  a  free  fy'l^^'cione*' ^'ife  glorified  God! 
confession  of  his  persuasion  of  the  mnocence  of  Jesus,  saying,  Certainly  this  teas  a  righteous  saying.  Certainly  this  was  a 
man;  [yea,]  notwithstanding  all  the  vile  reproaches  which  have  been  cast  upon  him,  tridi/  man^^as  th'e^"son*'^of^Gcid! 
MATT,  this  man  was  what  he  declared  himself  to  be,  even  the  Son  of  God  himself.<i     And  the  sol-  [Matt,  xxvii.  54.  Luke  xxiii. 
X-^vn.  diers  also  that  attended  the  centurion,  even  they  that  were  loith  him  guarding  Jesus  on  the  '*'Matt.  xxvii.  54.   And  they 
^■*  cross,  seeing  the  earthmiake,  and  those  other  things  which  were  now  done,  feared  greatly,  and  tiiat  were  with  him,  watching 
said  in  like  manner.  Truly  this  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  whom  we  have  been  thus  insulting  and  and"^tho?e"th'im:s'tiiat''"were 
murdering,  ivas  the  So7i  of  God ;  and  his  heavenly  Father  will  certainly  avenge  his  quarrel  jJone.  "'"^  they  feared  great- 
very  terribly  on  us,  and  on  the  whole  nation  of  the  Jews,  who  have  delivered  him  to  us.     so'i/oFGld^"^"     ""^  ^"^^  "'^ 
LUKE       And  all  the  multitude''  that  were  co?ne  together  on  this  remarkable  occasion,  to  see  this     Luke  xxiii.  48.  And  all  the 
XXlii.  doleful  spectacle,  even  some  of  those  who  but  a  little  before  had  been  insulting  him  in  his  ^^°^^|^^  '^'j^f^j  '^behoid\n^'*''the 
■^"  dying  agonies,  ivhen  they  saiv  the  things  rchich  luere  done,  returned,  beating  their  breasts  for  things  which  were  done,  smote 
sorrow  and  remorse  ;  iii  terrible  expectation  that  some  sad  calamity  would  speedily  befall  t''^"'  breasts,  and  returned, 
them  and  their  country  for  the  indignities  and  cruelties  they  had  offered  to  a  Person  for 
whom  God  had  expressed  so  high  a  regard,  even  in  his  greatest  distress. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.48      And  surely  we,  when  we  return  from  such  a  view  of  it  as  this,  have  reason  to  smite  upon  our  breasts  too,  and 

JOHN  to  be  most  deeply  affected  with  what  we  have  heard  and  seen  in  this  lively  description.     Let  us  set  ourselves,  as 

XIX.    with  the  mother  of  Jesus  and  the  beloved  disciple,  at  the  foot  of  the  cross  ;  and  see  whether  there  be  any  sorrow 

25,  26  iii^f,  ^ifjfg  /ijj,  sQ^-^Qju^  wherewith  the  Lord  afflicted  him  in  the  day  of  his  fierce  anger.    (Lam.  i.  12.)    Well  riiight  the 

LUKE   sun  grow  pale  at  the  sight ;  well  might  the  earth  tremble  to  support  it !   How  obdurate  must  the  hearts  of  those 

XXI I  r.  sinners  be  who  could  make  a  mock  of  all  his  anguish,  and  sport  themselves  with  his  dying  groans  !  But  surely  the 

44,  45  blessed  angels,  who  were  now,  though  in  an  invisible  crowd,  surrounding  the  accursed  tree,  beheld  him  with  other 

sentiments;  admiring  and  adoring  the  various  virtues  which  he  expressed  in  every  circumstance  of  his  behaviour: 

JOHN   and  which,  while  this  Sun  of  Righteousness  was  setting,  gilded  and  adorned  all  the  horizon.     Let  us  likewise  pay 

XIX.    our  homage  to  them,  and  observe  with  admiration  his  tenderness  to  his  surviving  parent ;  his  meekness  under  all 

-^^'  27  these  injuries  and  provocations  ;  his  steady  faith  in  God  in  an  hour  of  the  utmost  distress :  and  his  concern  to 

28,  30  accomplish  all  the  purposes  of  his  life,  before  he  yielded  to  the  stroke  of  death. 

MATT.       Yet  with  what  amazement  must  the  holy  angels  hear  tliat  cry  from  the  Son  of  God,  from  the  darling  of  heaven, 
XXVII.  My  God,  my  God,  whi/  hast  thou  forsaken  me?     Let  not  any  of  the  children  of  God  wonder  if  their  heavenly 
^6  Father  sometimes  withdraw  from  them  the  sensible  and  supporting  manifestations  of  his  presence,  when  Christ 
himself  was  thus  exercised  ;  and  let  them  remember  that  faith  never  appears  with  greater  glory  than  when,  in  lan- 
guage like  this,  it  bursts  through  a  thick  cloud,  and  owns  the  God  of'  Israel,  and  the  Saviour,  even  while  he  is  a 
God  that  hideth  himself  from  us.    (Isa.  xlv.  15.)     ]\Tay  we,  in  our  approaching  combat  with  the  king  of  terrors, 
^  j,i^j,   find  him  enervated  by  the  death  of  our  dear  Lord,  who  thus  conquered  even  when  he  fell !   May  we  thus  breathe 
XXIII.  out  our  willing  and  composed  spirits  into  our  Father's  hands,  with  a  language  and  faith  like  his,  as  knowing  whom 
46  we  have  believed,  and  being  persuaded  that  he  is  able  to  keep  what  we  commit  to  him  until  that  day  !    (2  Tim.  i.  12.) 
MATT.       With  f)leasure  may  we  survey  the  awful  tokens  by  which  God  owned  his  dying  Son,  and  wiped  away  the  infamy 
'^■^^lo  ^^  '^''^  cross.    The  veil  is  now  rent  by  the  death  of  Jesus;  let  us  be  encouraged  to  come  boldly  to  the  throne  of 
^^~^^  g7-ace,  and  to  draw  near  to  the  holiest  of  all,  into  ivhich  he  has  entered  with  his  man  blood.     (Heb.  iv.  16.  ix.  12.) 
May  God  render  the  knowledge  of  the  cross  of  Christ  the  l)lessed  means  of  shaking  the  consciences  of  men  with 
54  powerful  convictions,  and  of  raising  them  from  the  death  of  sin,  to  a  life  of  holiness  !    And  may  we  be  so  planted 
together  in  the  likeness  of  his  death,  that  we  may  at  length  also  be  planted  in  the  likeness  of  his  resurrection ! 
(Rom.  vi.  5.) 

the  reality  of  this  extraordinary  fact,  as  if  they  had  actually  been  present  stances,  which  are  not  recorded.    For  this  reason  also  I  pretend  not  to 

when  it  was  rent.  say  what  became  of  these  persons  ;  though,  as  one  can  hardly  imagine 

Ti  Ihe   rocks  were   torn   asunder.'i      Mr.    Fleming   tells   113,    (in    his  thev  either  immediately  returned  to  their  graves,  or  that  they  continued 

Uiristo/ogy.  \o\.  ii.  p.   97,   98.)  that  a  deist  lately   travelling  through  to  live  on  earth,  (because  it  is  only  said,  they  appeared   to  many,)  it 

Palestine  was  converted  by  viewing  one  of  these  rocks,  which  still  re-  seems  nio,t  natural  to  imagine  they  ascended  into  heaven  with,  or  after, 

mainsworn  asvyider,  not  in  the  weakest   place,  but  cross  the   veins;    a  our  Lord  ;  perhaps  from  some  solitude,  to  which  they  might  be  directed 

plain  proof  that  it  was  done  in  a  supernatural  manner. — Sandys,  in  his  to  retire  during  the  intermediate  days,  and  to  wait  in  devout  exercises 

excellent  Travels,  p.  161.  has  given  an  accurate  description  and  delinea-  for  their  change  ;  for  surely,  had  thev  ascended  in  the  view  of  others, 

tion  ot  this  hssure  ;    and  Mr.   Maundrel,   \a  Wn  Journey  from  Aleppo  to  the  memory  of  such  a  fact  could  not  have  been  lost. 
Jerusalem,  p.  73,  74.  tells  us,  that  it  is  about  a  span  wide  at  the  upper       q  Certandv  this  was  a  righteous  man,  Sfc]     'the  most  learned   Mr. 

part,  and  two  spans  deep  ;  after  which  it  closes,  but  opens  again  below,  Wasseof  Aynho,  (whose  death,  since  the  publication  of  my  first  volume, 

(as  may  be  seen  in  another  chapel  below,  contiguous  to  the  side  of  Cal-  is  an  irreparable  loss  to  the  commonwealth  of  letters,)  has  a  dissertation 

vary,)  and  runs  down  to  an  unknown  depth  in  the  earth.     He  adds,  that  on  these   words  of  the  centurion  in  the  first  number  of  the  Bihlioiheca 

every  man  s  sense  and  reason  must  convince  him  that  this  is  a  natural  f.iteraria,  to  which  1  am  indebted  for  several  hints  in  the  paraphrase  on 

and  genuine  breach.  these  verses  ;  but  I  have  ventured  to  depart  from  him.  in  not  entirely 

o  ivjanu  Iwdies  of  holy  men  were  raised.^    That  ingenious  writer  Mr.  incorporating  Matt,  xxvii.  54.  with  Mark  xv.  39.  and  Luke  xxiii.  47.  as 

J-leining,  who   abounds  with   a  vast  number  of  peculiar  conjectures,  the  two  latter  only  mention  the  effect  of  this  surprising  sight  on  the 

thinks  that  these  were  some  of  the  most  eminent  saints  mentioned  in  the  centurion,  while  Matthew  gives  us  also  an  account  of  the  effect  it  had 

uw    lestament;    and  that  they  appeared   in  some  extraordinary  splen-  upon  the  soldiers,  who  ver-y  probably  might   repeat  the   words  their 

<iour,  and  were  known  by  revelation,  as  Eve's  original  and  relation  was  officer  had  spoke  but  just  before,  in  expressing  their  sentiments'  on  this 

to  AOam,  or  iMoses  and   Elijah  to  the  disciples  at  the  transfiguration,  occasion. —  I  shall  only  add,  that  Eisner,  in  a  very  learned  note  on  this 

rie  venturesparticularly  to  conjecture  who  they  were;  but  does  not  men-  place,  has  shown  that  some  of  the  heathens  hail  a  notion  among  them, 

h3  Ai  ^' D-^"^°'^vi  (.i^emmg.  Of  the  first  Resurrection,  p.  2<) — 38.)  that  prodigies,  especially  storms  and  earthquakes,  sometimes  attended 

tiM  Mr.  Fierce  (On  Lolos.  p.  fi8.)  maintains,  that  it  is  very  improbable  the  death  of  extraordinary  persons  peculiarly  dear  to  the  gods  ;   and 

inat,  had  other  saints  of  former  ages  risen,  David  should  have  been  ex-  among  other  passages,  mentions  that  of  Plutarch,  in  which  he  tells  us, 

c  uded  :  and  since  Acts  11.  34.  proves  that  he  did  not  now  rise,  he  con-  that  when  Ptolemy  had  crucified  Cleomenes,  while  the  body  hung  dead 

eludes  that  the  saints  who  rose  were  some  who  died  but  a  little  before,  on  the  cross,  a  large  serpent  wound  itself  round  his  face,  and  defended 

perhaps  such  as  had   believed   in  Christ,  and  were  well   known  to  the  it  from  birds  of  prey;    from  whence  the  Egyptians  concluded  he  was 

surviving  disciples.     It  was  to  be  sure  a  most  surprising  event ;   and  a  hero  more  than  mortal,  and  a  son  of  the  gods.    See  Elsn.  Oiserv.  vol. 

J)r.  Whitby  supposes  John  v.  25.  was  a  prophecy  relating  to  it.  i.  p.  126,  127. 

p  And  came  ma  of  the  tomhs  after  the  resurrection  of  Jesvs.  4r.]   Con-       r  All  the  multitude '\    That  is,  great  multitudes  ;  for  it  is  no  way  ne- 

sequently  It  seems  that  the  tombs  stoorl  open  all  the  sabbath,  when  the  cessary  to  suppose  that  every  individual  person   present  was  thus  im- 

law  would  not  allow  any  attempt  to  close  them.     What  an  astonishing  pressed.     The  conviction    produced    by   these    prodigies    undoubtedly 

spectacle !  especially  it  their  resurrection  was  not  instantaneously  "ac-'  made  way  for  the  conversion  of  such  a  multitude  by  the  preaching  ot 

cornplished.  but  by  such  slow  degrees  as  that  represented  in  E2el<iers  the  apostles,  on  the  descent  of  the  Spirit,  which  was  but  seven  weeks 

vision.    (Ezek.  xxxvu.)    Yet  I  do  not  take  upon  me  to  say  that  it  was  after,  when  these  things  were  fresh  in  their  memories.    Acts  ii.  41. 
»o  ;  tor  It  IS  unprofitable  too  particularly  to  conjecture  on  such  circuin- 


THE  CRUCIFIXION.  341 

SECTION  CXCII. 

While  Christ  continues  hanging  on  the  cross,  his  side  is  pierced,  but  his  legs  are  not  broken:   Joseph  begs  the  corpse,  and  lavs  if  with  respect  in 
his  own  sepulchre.    Matt,  .ixvii.  55—61.    Mark  xv.  40,  to  the  end.    Luke  xxiii.  49,  to  the  end.    John  xix.  31   to' the  end 

LUKE  xxiii.  49.  Luke  xxiii.  49. 

AND  all  his  acquaintance,  AND  while  our  Lord  was  thus  expiring  on  the  cross,  all  his  familiar  acquaintance  mino-led  SECT. 
wh1),''when"'hrwas'inGaidee;  themselves  with  the  crowd  of  spectators,  and  stood  at  a  distance,  vieiving  these  things  with  ^92. 
followed  him,  and  ministered  weeping  evGS  and  Sympathizing  hearts  :  and  of  this  number  there  were  Jimnu  nious  women  '• 

unto  him,  and]  followed  hnn  ...;.,,'t,.j  ,.i,„„j„j  /,.••;„  ..';;,„,.    ;.„  ."„,..  ,„  /^,././ ;  i,„j  »i .■.,;,., ,  ^„   ,  -^  ^        ,   ,.,  ,.' 


on  his  preaching  in  the  temple,  nor  would  tiiey  leave  him  in  this  great  and  last  trial : 


Matt,  xxvii.  56.  ^'^mong  Among  whom  there  was  Mary  Magdalene,  and  Mary  the  mother  of  James  the  less  and  of  matt. 
and*^'']vYaiV  the    n?other'^"ot  Joses  ;  and  there  was  also  the  mother  of  the  apostles  James  and  John,  whom  we  have  so  ^XVir. 
James  [the  less,]  and  [ot]  .lo-  often  mentioned  as  the  sons  of  Zebedee  the  fisherman  ;•>  and  Salome  also,^  and  many  other 
dee''s  children,  [and  Salome^  zealous  and  affectionate  Women  who  came  itn  with  him  to  this  passover  at  Jerusalem,  and 
and    many  other    women!  who  had  the  courage  to  attend  him,  even  wnen  his  apostles  themselves  had  forsaken  him 

■which came  up  with  hmi  unto         j   n     i  ' 

Jerusalem.]  [Mark  xy. 40. 41.]  and  tied. 

John  xix.  31.  The  Jews  Then,  as  the  day  was  drawing  to  a  close,  the  Jeivs  were  very  solicitous,  because  it  ivas  john 
preparation,  that  the  bodies  HOW  the  preparation  for  the  sabbath,  that  the  bodies  might  not  remain  all  night  jipon  the  „?^-^- 
should  not  remain  upon  the  cro."!.?,  which  their  law  expressly  forbade  ;  (Deut.  xxi.  22,  23.)  and  more  especially,  they  ^^ 

cross  on  the  sabbath-day,  (tor  '  i  ^i     ^  ^i  ■     '       r        ..■  ■    i  ^       ,   i  ,i    '      u     ,i     i  ) r-       ,i,        f 

that  sabbath-day  was  an  high  were  conccmed  that  this  profanation  might  not  happen  on  the  sabbath-dai/,  (for  that  sab- 
VniiT  le''«?°rn?ght  bi'^broken'  ^"''''  being  the  first  which  followed  the  passover,  was  a  great  duij  of  peculiar  solemnity  :  <>) 
and  tkatihty  might  be  taken  they  went  therefore  and  entreated  Pilate  that  he  would  send  an  order  to  the  soldiers  who 
"""•y-  were  watching  the  crucified  persons,  that  their  legs  might  be  broken,  the  more  effectually  to 

despatch  them  if  they  were  not  quite  dead,  and  [thatl  they  might  then  be  taken  away." 
32  Then  came  the  soldiers.  And  Pilate  upon  this  gave  orders  that  it  should  accordingly  be  done  :  the  soldiers,  there-  32 
andof■^'hV'othef  wVich'^was/'''^^  '^ho  guarded  the  execution,  came  and  brake  the  legs  nf' the  first  malefactor,  or  of  him 
crucified  with  him.  that  hung  nearest  the  place  where  they  had  been  sitting  :  and  then  passing  by  Jesus,  who 

hung  in  the  middle,  they  went  and  brake  the  legs  of  the  other  who  was  crucijied  with  him. 
.33  But  when  they  came  to  But  Coming  aftei-wards  to  Jesus,  they  did  not  break  his  legs,  us  they  saw  it  was  needless,  33 
dead^airTadi'^they "bra'Te  not  ^^"^^  ^^  ^^^^  plain  he  wus  already  dead ;  and  they  were  now  impressed  with  some  degree  of 
'"slegs:       '  reverence  even  to  his  corpse,  by  the  amazing  prodigies  which  they  had  just  now  seen, 

wfth  a  s*e°ar^  i° reed  h?'side^  '^"'^  ^^^  ""^  "^  ^^^  soldiers  had  SO  much  boldncss  and  inhumanity,  that  he  pierced  his  side  34 
and'tort/nvlth  t"me'  thfre'out  w;«Y/«  «  long  lance  Or  spear  which  he  had  in  his  hand ;  and  immediately  there  came  out  of 
blood  and  water.  the  wound  both  blood,  and  ivater  mingled  with  it ;  f  which  made  it  plainly  appear  that,  had 

he  been  living,  the  wound  would  have  been  mortal,  having  reached  his  very  heart ;  and 

consequently  put  it  out  of  all  doubt  that  he  was  really  dead  before  he  was  taken  down 

from  the  cross. 
35  And  he  that  saw  «v  bare      And  as  this  was  SO  important,  and  indeed  so  fundamental,  a  point,g  it  may  not  be  im-  35 

record,  and  his  record  is  true:  .         jj    .^i     .   •.,         '  ;  i--,n       i        ,        ,  r,  i-  t    .     .'  "^     i  i     i 

and  he  knoweth  that  he  saith  proper  to  add,  that  it  was  One  wtio  suw  [;i]  who  has  borne  \_this\  testimony,  and  recorded 
true,  that  ye  might  believe,     so  remarkable  a  circumstance ;  and  therefore  his  loitness  is  undoubtedly  tnte  ;  and  now  he 
is  writing  this,  he  solemnly  declares  that  he  knows,  by  the  most  certain  testimony  of  his 
senses,  that  ivhat  he  saith  is  true ;  and  he  makes  this  declaration,  that  you,  whoever  you 
are,  into  whose  hands  this  history  may  come  sooner  or  later,  may  believe,  and  may  be 
confirmed  in  your  adherence  to  that  gospel  which  is  established  on  the  death  and  resur- 
rection of  Christ, 
iiolfe,  tiiTt  thescrip'tu"r?shouid      ^'"''  however  inconsiderable  these  things  may  appear,  they  ivere  permitted  in  the  course  of  36 
be  fuihiied,  A  bone  of  him  divine  Providence  to  be  done,  that  thus  the  scripture  might  be  remarkably  fulfilled  in  what 
shall  not  be  broken.  \^  s^yg  Concerning  the  paschal  lamb,  which  did  in  so  many  circumstances  resemble  Christ, 

(Exod.  xii.  46.  and  Numb.  ix.  12.)  "  Not  a  hone  of  it  shall  be  broken  :"''  a  precept  which, 
among  many  others,  was  given  on  purpose  to  lead  the  minds  of  believers  to  reflect  on  the 
harmony  and  unity  of  design  carried  on  (though  by  such  a  variety  of  persons,  in  no  con- 
.37  And    again    another  cert  with  each  Other)  under  the  Old  Testament,  and  under  the  New.     And  again,  there  is  37 
?onk''*'on    M'ra'who^n   the"  "'**'^^'^'"  Scripture  which  says  concerning  the  Jews,  when  they  are  to  be  converted  to  the 
pierced.  '  ^^^  Messiah  in  the  latter  days,  "  They  shall  look  on  him  whom  they  have  pierced ;"  (Zech.  xii. 

10.)  for  which  reason  God  permitted  them  not  only  to  pierce  the  hands  and  the  feet  of 
Jesus  with  nails,  but  also  to  open  his  side  by  that  deep  and  large  wound  which  we  have 
ivT   1  ^n      A  J  now  been  mentioning.  .  .„,. 

Mark   xv.   4C.      And  now  ^     i        •    i  i         /v     °.i  j.  ■  •,  ,  j    ^z  ■  MARK 

{John,  after  this,]  when  the      .And  quicKiy  ajter  these  things,  as  it  was  near  sun-set,  and  the  evening  ivas  now  co?ne,  xv.  42. 

a  Many  pious  womeyi.']    I  hope  T  shall  give  no  offence  by  saying,  pentecost ;  and  also  the  day  for  presenting  and  offering  the  sheaf  of  new 

what  I  am  sure  I  say  very  seriously,  that  the  frequent  mention  which  corn  ;  so  that  it  was  indeed  a  treble  solemnity. — See  note  b,  on  Luke 

IS  made  m  the  Evangelists  of  the  generous  and  courageous  zeal  of  some  vi.  i.  p.  98. 

pious  women  in  the  service  of  Christ,  and  especially  of  tlie  faithful  and  e  Might  be  taken  away.'i    It  was  customary,  as  Bishop  Pearson  (0« 

resolute  constancy  with  which  they  attended  him  in  these  last  scenes  of  the  Creed,  p.  218.)  has  abundantly  proved,  to  let  the  bodies  of  persons 

nis^ suffering,  might  very  possibly  be  intended  to  obviate  that  haughty  who  had  been  executed  continue  on  the  crosses  or  stakes,  till  they  were 

and  senseless  contempt  which  the  pride  of  men,  often  irritated  by  those  eaten  up  by  birds  of  prey  ;  but  as  this  was  forbidden  to  the  Jews,  the 

vexations  to  which  their  own  irregular  passions  have  exposed  them,  has  lionian  governors   probably  used  to  oblige  them   by  permitting  such 

in  all  ages  affected  to  throw  on  that  sex,  which  probably,  in  the  sight  of  bodies  as  belonged  to  them  to  be  buried. 

t»0(l,  constitute  by  far  the  better  half  of  mankind  :  and  to  whose  care  f  There  came  out  blood  and  leater.]    I  do  not  pretend  to  determine 

and  tenderness  the  wisest  and  best  of  men  generally  owe  and  ascribe  whether  this  was,  as  Dr.  Drake  supposes,  (in  his  Anatomy,  vol.  i.  p. 

l'"*^"  ot  the  daily  conifort  and  enjoyment  of  their  lives.  106.)  the  small  quantity  of  water  inclosed  in  the  pericardium,  in  which 

D  Aiid  the  mother  of  the  sons  of  Zebedee.]    Though  the  construction  of  the  heart  swims  ;  or  whether  the  cruor  was  now  almost  coagulated,  and 

the  original  be  dubious,  yet  I  think  it  very  rational  to  conclude   that  separated  from  the  serum  :  either  way,  it  was  a  certain  proof  of  Christ's 

this  niother  ot  the  sons  ot   Zebedee,  or  of  James  the  greater  and  John,  death  ;  for  he  could  not  have  survived  such  a  wound,  had  it  been  given 

h'W^     1     ™"'  person  from  the  mother  of  James  the  less  and  Joses  :  him  in  perfect  health. 

both  as  the  sons  of  Zebedee,  though  such  distinguished  friends  of  Christ,  g  So  important  and  fundamental  a  point.]    The  grand  evidence  of 

""^^M^T  called  his  brethren,  as  James  and  Joses  are,  (Matt.  xiii.  55.  Christ's  mission  is  his  resurrection,  which   implies  the  certainty  of  his 

ana  Mark  vi.  3.  p.  137.)  and  as  some  scriptures  plainly  intimate  that  no  death  ;  and  thus  crucifixion  might  have  seemed,  on  a  slight  view,  a  less 

moie  than  two  of  the  apostles  were  the  sons  of  Zebedee.    See  Matt.  x.  2.  proper  execution  than  some  others,  such  as  beheading,  burning,  and  the 

xxvi   37.  Mark  111.  17.  like  ;    but  this  wound  would  effectually  exclude  ail   pretences  of  his 

c  Jina  .balome.]    This  Salome,  who  is  mentioned   here   by  Slaik,  is  having  been  taken  down  alive  by  his  friends  :    and  accordingly  that  is 

commonly  supposed  to  be  the  mother  of  Zebedee's  children  mentioned  an  evasion  which,  false  and  malicious  as  his  enemies  were,  we  do  not 

Dy  Matthew  :  but  as  it  is  expressly  said  there  were  many  other  women  find  they  ever  had  recourse  to.                                                  .     ,  .     ... 

present,  she  might  possibly  be  some  other  disciple,  and  there  is  no  suf-  h  Not  a  hone  of  it  shall  be  broken.]    Dr.  Arthur  Young  (in  his  Histo- 

ncient  reason  to  conclude  they  were  the  same.    (Compare  Mark  xvi.  1 .)  rical  Dissertation  on  Revelation,  desiijned  to  prevent  Superstition,  vol-  i. 

cl  J-or  that  sabbath  was  a  ijreat  day.]    It  was  (as  Dr.  Whitby  in   his  p.  196,  203,  204.)  has  a  particular  thought  on  the  reason  of  this  prohibi- 

^ul^P    t^%    '^i  ^'"^"-  observed)  not  only  a  sabbalh,  but  the  second  day  of  tion,  that  it  was  intended  to  oppose  the  manner  in  which  the  Lgyptian 

tne  feast  ot  unleavened  bread,  from  whence  they  reckoned  the  weeks  to  sacrifices  were  sometimes  pulled  to  pieces,  but  1  tliink  the  reason  sug- 


342  THE  BODY  OF  JESUS  TAKEN  FROM  THE  CROSS. 

SECT,  because  (as  we  have  observed)  it  wan  the  preparation,  or  the  close  of  the  day  before  the  sab-  even  was  come,  because  it 
192.    bath,  (John  xix.  31.)  for  it  was  Friday  evenina;,  and  the  sabbath,  which  Would  begin  Jhf  d*„y%P'fc?rnhe  Vbtath';' 

• at  six  o'clock,  was  near  at  hand,  in  which  no  work  could  lawfully  be  done ;  Behold,  there  [Matt.  xwii.  57.  John  xu! 

LUKE   ca?7ie  to  the  governor's  palace  a  certain  rich  man  of  Arimathea,  (a  city  of  the  Jews,  anciently  ^j^y^e  xxiii.  50.    Behold, 

"^'^'in  called  Ramoth,  which  lay  in  the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  and  was  the  city  of  Samuel,  that  cele-  [there  came  a^  rich  man  of 

brated  prophet,)  and  he  was  named  Joseph,  and  was  a  person  of  considerable  note,  being  titt^e^^'ev^s^  nAmed  j^styh, 

an  honourable  counsellor,  or  member  of  the  sanhedrim,  who  had  a  general  reputation  as  a  [Mark,  an  honourable  coun- 

51  benevolent  and  upi'ight  man.  The  same  was  not  concerned  with  the  rest  of  his  fellow-  man.and  ajust:[Matt^xxWi. 
senators  in  putting  Jesus  to  death,  and  had  not  given  the  concurrence  of  his  vote  to  the  57.  iiark  xv.  43.  Luke  xxiii. 
counsel  and  action  of  them  that  condemned  him  ;  [but  xvas  one'\  xvho  also  himself  humbly  51  The  same  had  not  con- 
and  affectionately  waited  for  the  kingdom  of  God,  being  indeed  a  disciple  of  Jesus,  though  sented  to  •Hie  counsej^  and 
secretly,  because  he  durst  not  openly  profess  his  belief  in  ]\\vci  for  fear  of  the  Jews  and  wli^o  a\so  himself "waTt'edTor 

52  their  rulers,  who  were  so  strongly  prejudiced  against  him.  This  man,  awakened  by  the  'h"?  'j^''?°'doni  of  God,  [John, 
prodigies  attending  his  death  to  greater  courage  than  he  had  before,  though  he  knew  it  se^rretiy.for'teal-ofthejews!] 
must  necessarily  draw  upon  him  the  hatred  and  contempt  of  his  brethren,  yet  went  in  ^o^,f ";^]^^^''^'g  ^-  ^^^^^  ^'■'-  ^^• 
boldli/  to  the  presence  of  Pilate,^  and  besgedhis  permission  that  he  might  take  away  the  "sc'Th'isman  went  [Mark, 
body  of  Jesus,  to  preserve  it  from  further  insults,  and  bury  it  in  a  decent  and  respectful  blgl^ed  nJ)HN,°that''he*'miTht 

manner.  take  away  the  body  of  Jesus.] 

MARK      And  when  Pilate  heard  his  request,  considering  how  lingering  an  execution  that  of  the  ^g^^'/ohJ^^ix'  38^j  ^^^"^"^  ""' 

^V-     cross  was,  he  thought  it  strange  if  he  were  already  dead,  and  would  not  easily  believe  it ;     Mark  xv.  44.'  And  Pilate 

^"*  a7id  therefore,  having  called  the  centurion  to  him  who  was  appointed  to  guard  the  bodies,  d'emifand^cafiinrunto^ifm 

43  he  asked  him  whether  he  had  been  dead  any  time.     And  when  he  l:new  [i/]  of  the  centurion,  the  centurion,  he  asked  him. 

and  was  certainly  informed  that,  besides  all  the  appearances  of  his  having  been  dead  ^hife  d^ad!  '''"*  ''^^"  ^"^ 

before,  he  was  afterwards  stabbed  to  the  very  heart,  Pilate,  without  any  further  scruple,     45  And  when  he  knew  u  of 

gave  him  leave,  [imd']  commanded  the  body  to  be  delivered  to  Joseph :  which  he  might  be  the  gairhim '™av'e  """"'"i^com^ 

more  willing  to  do,  as  he  was  thoroughly  convinced  that  Jesus  was  innocent ;  and  it  was  manded  the  body  to  be  de- 

generally  thought  by  the  heathens,  that  the  spirits  of  the  departed  received  some  advantage  xxvif.'58.*°johu''iix.  Sbj'*"' 

from  the  honours  of  a  funeral  paid  to  their  bodies. 

46      And  Joseph  therefore,  being  thus  authorized  by  Pilate,  having  bought  a  large  piece  of    46  And  [Joseph]  bought  fine 

fne  linen,  came  to  Mount  Calvary,  and  with  proper  assistance  tookdoiun  the  body  of  Jesus  fore?and1  toXdown"[JoH'Ni 

from  the  cross  and  wrapped  it  up  in  a  kind  of  winding-slieet  of  clean  linen  cloth.  the  body  of  Jesus.]  and  wrap- 

JOHN       And  there  came  also  at  the  same  time  with  Joseph  to  the  cross,  Nicodemus,  another  mem-  Jj^f!,[,"  '"xvilJ's".  LukVxx'iii? 

-^l-^-    ber  of  the  sanhedrim,  of  whom  repeated  mention  has  been  made  in  the  preceding  story,  53  John  xix.  sk.]      ,    ,     ' 

^^  and  who  was  he  that,  at  the  first  beginning  of  his  public  ministry,  came  to  Jesus  by  night ;  came  aiso'>;'icod'emus,(whkh 

(John  iii.  1,  2.)  and,  as  he  was  now  grown  more  courageous  than  before,  to  testify  his  atjhe  firstcame  to  Jesus  by 

great  regard  for  Jesus,  he  brought  with  him  a  mixtui-e  of  myrrh  and  aloes,  [that  weighed]  ^Pniyrrh  and'aioes,''about"an 

40  about  an  hundred  pounds.    To  prepare  then  for  his  interment,  they  took  the  body  of  Jesus,  hundred  pound  Ke;.w//<. 

...  T        "1  1    ',      '   1  •    1     .,  1  i  ii  )  ij,   J  •*  •  „   I      40  then  took  they  the  body 

Without  regarding  the  reproach  to  which  it  might  expose  them,  and  swathed  it  up  in  a  great  of  jesus.  and  wound  it  in 
manv  folds  of  linen, ^  together  xuith  the  .spices,  (according  to  the  Jewish  custom  of  burying,)  linen  dothes,  with  the  spices, 
■' ,.  ,      '       .».  '  .  ^  ii  ui     ii  .'         .7     ^'-j  as  the  manner  ot  the  Jews  is 

intending  to  embalm  it  in  a  more  exact  manner  as  soon  as  the  sabbath  was  over ;  and  to  bury. 

hoping  that  in  the  mean  time  the  spices  lying  near  the  body  might  preserve  it  from  the 
least  taint  of  corruption. 

41  ISlow  it  happened  very  comraodiously  for  his  immediate  interment,  that  in  the  very  41  Xow  in  the  place  where 
neighbourhood  of  the  place  where  he  urns  crucified,  there  was  a  garden,  and  in  the  garden  a  ^l.'^H  rand''in'the*gkrdJi^  a 

42  new  sepulchre  belonging  to  Jose))h.     There  laid  they  Jesus  therefore  in  [Joseph's]  own  new  new  sepulchre. 
tomb,  which  he  had  lately  ordered  to  be  hewn  in  stone  out  of  a  solid  rock  :  to  which  tliere-  therefore  Hn  Sp/Iv        "* 


sown  nev 


fore  there  could  be  no  passage  but  by  the  door,  and  in  which  no  man  teas  ever  yet  laid,  so  tmnb,  which  he  had  hewn] 

that  there  could  be  no  room  "to  imagine  any  other  person  rose  from  thence.    Aiid  this  they  yi^["^of    a    ?ock  j    [John! 

did  without  first  carrying  the  body  into  any  house  to  embalm  it ;  because  (as  we  have  said  wherein  was  never  man  yet 

before)  it  ivas  the  Jewish  preparation-day,  and  the  sabbath  drew  on,  which  did  not  allow  their  day 'las'^Tef  Jews'''[LiTKK! 

undertaking  a  work  of  so  much  labour  and  time  :  to  be  ready  therefore  for  the  rest  com-  preparation,  and  the  sabbath 

manded  on  the  sabbath-day,  they  used  no  further  ceremony  in  interring  him,  and  chose  a  w"^"  ni"  ii  at"^  hand.*'^''["Mat'f'! 

most  convenient  place  to  do  it  with  despatch,  /or  the  sepulchre  -ivas  very  near  at  hand,  ^.^y^'- ^- ?}^^\^fjY^'^ -J^' l"^^^ 

MATT.  And  Joseph,  having  thus  interred  him  in  his  own  tomb,  and  so  (as  it  was  prophesied  con-  ^''Matt.'"xxOii.°6o.'"And'he 

^■^^'J;  cerning  the  Messiah,  Isa.  liii.  9.)  "  made  his  grave  with  the  rich  in  his  death,"'  he  took  d°"rof^he^srulch'rTan°dde* 

care  to  make  all  things  secure ;  and  having  rolled  a  great  stone  to  the  door  of  the  sepidchre  parted.   [Mark^xV.  46.] 

to  block  up  the  entrance,  he  went  away  to  his  own  home. 

LUKE       And  when  Joseph  and  Nicodemus  came  and  took  down  Jesus  from  the  cross,  Mary  ,,L"^«j.j  ""}",■    e^^'and'^'^the 

XXIII.  Magdalene,  and  the  other  Mary,  who  (as  was  said  before)  was  the  mother  of  James  the  othe?  Wary,]  ^"mark,  tiie 

"*  less'and  Joses,  (Matt,  xxvii.  56.  p.  .341.)  «nf/  the  rest  of  the  tcomen  also  iv'tto  came  with  niother  of  Joses,]  an^^the 

him  from  Galilee,  and  so  affectionately  attended  during  the  time  of  his  crucifixion,  were  rini"from^Vamee,'^*tbnowed 

now  desirous  to  see  how  they  disposed  of  him  ;  and  "therefore,  when  they  carried  off  the  after,  and  [sitting  oyer  against 

,1  •  ,.-,.        '  1      ,.,         1  '       1     .,,•  '  •     i  ji  /   ;         ■    i      thesepulchre,]beheld[MARK, 

corpse,  these  pious  women  followed  after  tliem,  and  sitting  over  again.st  the  sepuLclire,  into  where]  and  how  his  body  was 
which  they  saw  them  enterj  beheld  with  diligent  obser\'ation  where  and  how  his  body  ivas  'j'^j''-. J?)^**"-  '"'^■''-  ^^-  -^'*"''' 
56  laid.     And  perceiving  that  they  did  not  embalm  him,  but  only  wound  him  up  in  linen  "^50  And  they  returned,  and 
with  the  dry  spices,  they  resolved  to  perform  this  last  office  of  duty  and  affection  to  him  JJ[|,',',s''.*''and'"%|ted"t'he'sabI 
in  the  completest  and  most  respectful  manner  they  could ;  and  therefore  they  immediately  bath-diy   according   to  'the 
returned  into  the  city,  and,  before  tlie  day  of  preparation  was  quite  finished,  they  provided  commandment. 
a  great  quantity  of  spices  and  balms  for  that  purpose,  that  nothing  might  prevent  them  from 
engaging  in  it  as  soon  as  the  first  day  of  the  week  should  open  ;  and,  in  the  mean  time, 
they  ?-ested  on  the  sabbath-day,  according  to  the  divine  commandment,  which  they  would  not 
violate  even  on  so  solemn  an  occasion  as  this. 

gested  in  the  paraphrase  much  more  certain  and  important.    It  is  very  Easterns  swathed  up  their  dead.    It  was,  no  doubt,  by  miracle,  that 

well   illustrated   in  A?i.  Essay  on  the  several  Dispensations  of  God,  <Xf.  Avhcn  Christ  arose,  lie  disen(angle<l  himself  from  these  swathes. 

Prvf.  J),  xxii.  et.  seg.  I  Made  his  grave  with  the  rich  in  his  death.]    Let  me  here  be  per- 

i   Went  in  boldly  to  Pilate.']    It  was  indeed  a  courageous  act  for  this  mitted  to  mention  the  criticism  of  a  celebrated  divine  on  this  passage  of 

rich  and  noble  senator  thus  publicly  to  own  his  friendship  to  Jesus  in  Isaiah,  which  having  never  (tliat  I  know  ot)  been  published,  may  be  new 

the  miilst  of  his  neatest  infainv;  and  a  neisonof  such  sagacity  could  to  many,  as  it  was  tome.      t)bserving  that  the  woril  O'^CJI  may  be 

not  but  know  that,  if  a  resuirection  should  happen,  nothingVould  have  the  dual  nmnher,  and  that  TIB!?  is  the  singular,  he  would  sujipose  a  kind 

been  more  natural  than  that  he  should  have  been  brought  into  question  of  hendiadys  in  the  construction,  and  render  it,  "  Ilis  death  and  htirtal 

as  a  confederate  in  the  pretended  fraud  of  conveying  him  away.  shall  be  with  tivo  criminals  and  with  one  rich  man  ;  that  is,  after  having 

k  Suathed  it  vp  in  linen.]    This  I  take  to  be  the  most  literal  transla-  expired  between  two  malefactors,  a  rich  man  (that  is,  Joseph  ot  Arima- 

tion  of  the  words  (?i,]a-av  cwto  nOovioi?  ;  for  oHovia  were  a  kimi  of  linen  fhea)  shall  undertake  the  care  of  his  funeral." — But  I  must  ackiiowledse 

rollers,  in  which,  as  Klsner  has  shown,  iUbseri-.  vol.  i.  p.  317.)  the  that  no  version  of  the  words  pleases  me  so  well  on  the  whole  as  that  o* 


JUDAS  REPENTS  AND  HANGS  HIMSELF.  343 

IMPROVEMENT. 

We  have  seen  the  sorrows  of  our  expiring  Lord  :  let  us  now,  like  these  pious  women,  raise  our  eyes  to  him  with  SECT. 
a  holy  and  unfeigned  affection,  and  behold  him  pale  and  breathless  on  the  accursed  tree.  Let  iis  view  him  by  192. 
faith,  till  the  eye  affects  the  heart,  and  till  we  learn  to  glory  in  nothing  but  his  cross,  whereby  the  world  may  be  ■ 


crucified  to  us,  and  we  may  be  crucified  to  the  world.    (Gal.  vi.  14.)  john 

How  wonderfully  does  the  providence  of  God  appear  to  have  regarded  the  body  of  Jesus,  which  had  so  long   ^^^• 
been  the  temple  of  the  indwelling  Deity,  even  when  it  was  deserted  of  that  spirit  which  had  lately  animated  it  31   32 
and  while  it  hung  (amazing  thought,  that  it  ever  should  have  hung !)  between  the  bodies  of  two  thieves  on  a  cross' 
without  the  gates  of  Jerusalem!  He  who  has  all  hearts  in  his  hand,  interposed  by  a  secret  but  powerful  influence  33  36 
on  the  soldiers,  who  brake  the  legs  of  the  malefactors,  to  spare  those  of  Christ ;  that  so  nothing  which  looked  like 
a  prophecy  of  him,  should  want  its  proper  accomplishment.     But  hi:;  side  was  pierced  ;  and  how  deep  was  the  34 
wound,  when  immediately  there  came  out  of  it  blood  and  water !  Happy  emblem  of  the  blessed  effect  of  his  death !  35 
He  came  both  by  water  and  blood,  (as  he  who  saiv  and  testified  this  important  fact  leads  us  to  improve  it,  1  John  v. 
6.)  and  by  this  means  atones  the  injured  justice  of  God,  and  purifies  the  souls  of  them  that  believe  in  him. 

Our  indignation  rises  against  the  man  that  could,  by  such  an  outrage  as  this,  abuse  the  dead  body  of  our  Re- 
deemer ;  but  oh,  let  us  seriously  remember  the  hand  which  our  sins  had  in  all  that  was  now  done !  He  was 
wounded  for  our  transgressions;  he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities:  (Isa.  liii.  5.)  And  therefore  it  is  said  concern- 
ing those  on  whom  the  ends  of  the  world  are  to  come,  that  they  shall  look  on  him  whom  they  have  pierced,  and  37 
7nonrn.  (Zech.  xii.  10.)  May  we  mourn  over  him  with  a  genuine,  evangelical  sorrow,  when  we  consider  whom 
we  have  pierced,  and  how  deep  and  how  often  we  have  pierced  him,  and  upon  what  slight  temptations  ;  and  under 
how  many  engagements  rather  to  have  bathed  his  wounds  with  our  tears,  and  even  to  have  exposed  our  own 
hearts  to  the  sharpest  weapon  by  which  the  madness  of  sinners  might  have  attempted  to  injure  him. 

The  boldness  of  Joseph,  and  even  of  Nicodemus  himself,  deserves  our  notice  on  such  an  occasion.    They  are  mark 
not  ashamed  of  the  infamy  of  his  cross,  but  come  with  all  holy  reverence  and  affection  to  take  down  those  sacred  xv.  43. 
remains  of  Jesus ;  nor  did  they  think  the  finest  linen,  or  the  choicest  spices,  too  valuable  on  such  an  occasion.  46 
But  who  can  describe  their  consternation  and  distress,  when  they  saw  him  who  they  trusted  should  have  deliver-   john 
ed  Israel,  a  cold  and  bloody  corpse  in  their  arms ;  and  left  him  in  the  sepulchre  of  Joseph,  whom  they  expected  Xix.  40 
to  have  seen  on  the  throne  of  David ! — We  leave  for  the  present  his  enemies  in  triumph,  and  his  friends  in  tears,   matt. 
till  his  resurrection,  which  soon  confounded  the  rage  of  the  former,  and  revived  the  hopes  of  the  latter;  hopes  xxvii. 
which  must  otherwise  have  been  for  ever  entombed  under  that  stone  with  which  they  now  covered  him.     But  60 
happy  and  comfortable  is  the  thought,  that  this  his  transient  visit  to  the  grave  has  (as  it  were)  left  a  perfume  in 
the  bed  of  dust,  and  reconciled  the  believer  to  dwelling  a  while  in  the  place  where  the  Lord  lay. 


SECTION  CXCIII. 

Judas  confessing  his  guilt,  returns  the  money  he  had  received  from  the  chief  priests,  and  then  hangs  himself.    The  Jews  the  next  day  demand 
and  procure  a  guard  to  be  set  on  Christ's  sepulchre.    Matt,  xxvii.  3 — 10.  02,  to  the  end. 

Matt,  xxvii.  3.  Matt.   XXvii.   3. 

S"e<fhhn*^when''he''!lt^th"'t  H-^^Y^^^  t'^"?  finished  the  account  of  the  death  of  Jesus,  it  may  be  convenient  here  to  sect. 

he'was  condemned,'' repented  mention  tlie  miserable  end  of  that  perfidious  disciple  by  whom  he  was  betrayed  into  the    193. 

thlTtot  ''°?eces°ot^'sUve?'t"  ^^""^^  ^^  ^^^  enemies.    The  Jewish  rulers  having  delivered  Jesus  to  the  Roman  governor, 

tiie  ciiief^pneste^and  elder's,"  and  having  prevailed  upon  him  to  give  orders  for  his  execution,  then  Judas  who  had  be-  matt. 
trayed  him,  when  he  sarv  to  his  surprise  that  he  was  condemned  by  Pilate,  and  that  they  were  ^xvii. 
leading  him  forth  to  die  upon  the  cross,  to  which  he  seemed  determined  to  submit,  though 
he  could  so  easily  have  rescued  himself  from  it,*  was  seized  with  great  terror  and  agony 
of  conscience ;  and,  repenting  of  the  fatal  bargain  he  had  made,  whereby  he  had  brought 
such  a  load  of  guilt  on  his  own  soul,  he  carried  back  the  thirty  pieces  of  silver  which  they 
had  given  him,  to  the  chief  priests  and  the  elders,  while  they  were  together  in  the  temple 
that  morning :  for  they  resorted  thither  with  a  specious  appearance  of  piety,  before  they 

4  Saying,  I  have  sinned  in  followed  the  multitude  to  Calvary  to  see  the  execution.    And  coming  in  among  them  in  a  4 
noclnt  Wood.'' A^iSttey  said!  ^^^^  disorder,  he  said  to  them,  O  Sirs  !  I  have  sinned  in  a  most  desperate  manner,  in  that 
What  is  thai  to  us?  see  tiiou  I  have  betrayed  innocent  blood  to  you ;  for  I  am  well  convinced  tiiat  Jesus  my  Master  has 
'"  ''""■  done  nodiing  to  deserve  this  punishment  to  which  you  have  delivered  him,  and  I  am  not 

able  to  bear  the  thought  of  the  concern  I  have  had  in  it.  And  they  answered  with  the 
steady  coolness  of  those  who  knew  no  shame  or  remorse  for  their  wickedness.  What  \is 
that]  to  us,  whether  thou  thinkest  him  innocent  or  not  ?  See  thou  [to  that :]  it  is  sufficient 
for  us  that  we  know  he  is  guilty,  whether  such  a  wi-etch  as  thou  art  approvest  or  con- 

5  And  he  cast  down  the  demnest  our  sentence.     And  throwing  down  the  pieces  of  silver  money  in  the  temple,  in  5 
aid^'^depa^r^'eX  ind^veii^alid  ^^^^^  ^^"^y  Presence,  with  all  the  marks  of  agony  and  distress,  he  withdrev) ;  and  going 
hanged  himself.  away  to  the  brow  of  a  hill,  in  some  retired  and  melancholy  place,  he  there  hanged  himself; 

but  the  rope  breaking  by  the  force  with  which  he  threw  hir.?self  off,  he  fell  down  the  pre- 
cipice, and  burst  asunder  with  the  force  of  his  fall,  so  that  all  his  bov/els  gushed  out;*" 
and  he  lay  expiring,  in  a  most  painful  and  terrible  manner,  a  spectacle  of  horror  to  all  that 
beheld  him  alive  or  dead,  as  a  multitude  of  spectators  did.     (Compare  Acts  i.  18,  19.) 
n,^  f^^'^}^^-  '^'"^^  priests  took      J^nd  the  chief  priests,  taking  up  the  pieces  of  silver,  were  at  some  loss  how  they  should  6 

the  silver  pieces,  and  said.  It  j-  r  ..i.  c      A  ~;    Tx   •  ^  i      •/•  i  c  ,  .   .,  •    .      .,        ,  •'   i  ■   ,    • 

is  not  lawful  for  to  put  tiiem  clispose  01  them  :  tor  they  said,  It  is  not  lawful  tor  us  to  put  tliem  into  the  chest  which  is 

■at'  ^y,''f^'   which  t  read  since  I  wrote  the   paraphrase  above  :  ?n'1,  occurrence  which  happened  about  that  time,  wliether  a  little  before  or 

Nevert/ieless  he  s/ial/  avenge  or  recompense  his  grave  vpon  tJie  wicked,  and  after,  and  need  not  be  interpreted  with  so  much  riaour  as  to  determine 

'us  death  upon  the  rich :  or,  which  is  equivalent  to  the  former,  but  per-  it  to  an  assertion  of  observing  the  exactest  order  ill  all  circumstances. 

naps  more  exact.  He  shall  avenge  his  grave  (that  is,  his  death,  wliich  See  note  a,  on  Matt,  xxvii.  27.  p.  331. 

bnngs  him  down  to  if)  on  the  toicked,  and  071  the  rich  when  he  dies,  b  And  going  away,  lie  hanged  himself;  but  the  rope  breakins,  &c.] 
j'nD3.  See  Dr.  Sykes  on  the  Truth  of  Christiayiity,  p.  256.  This  method,  which  M.  Le  Clerc  iHarm.  p.  527.')  and  several  other 
.  a  Ihen  Judas,  ^c]  For  the  proper  place  of  tliis  story,  which  is  here  learned  critics  have  taken,  of  reconciling  Matthew  with  what  is  after- 
inserted  out  of  its  order,  see  note  a,  on  John  .\ix.  16.  p.  334.  Matthew  wards  said  of  this  fact,  (Acts  i.  18.)  that  falling  headlong,  he  burst  asmi- 
nas  introduced  it  immediately  after  the  Jews  had  delivered  Jesus  to  der  iti  the  midst,  and  all  his  bowels  gushed  out,  appears  to  me  much 
i'llate  ;  but  alter  this  the  Jews  were  so  intent  on  persuading  Pilate  to  preferable  to  that  of  those  who  would  render  aTrnTfaro,  he  was  stifled 
consent  to  lus  death,  that  there  was  hardly  time  for  the  sanhedrim's  ad-  or  suffocated  with  excess  of  grief ;  (see  La  Motte,  Uf  Insptr.  p.  155.)  a 
journing  to  the  temple,  where  this  occurrence  happened,  before  they  had  version  which  none  of  the  authorities  I  have  seen  seem  siiflicient  to 
prevailed  with  Pilate  to  condemn  him  :  and  as  Judas  must  have  otten  justify.  Nor  is  it  necessary  to  suppose,  with  IJr.  Lighttoot.  (IJor. 
heard  Ins  Master  say  he  should  be  crucified,  Pilate's  order  for  his  exe-  Heir,  on  Matt,  xxvii.  5.  and  Acts  i.  18.)  that  Judas  was  carried  away 
cution  must  have  more  sensibly  affected  him  than  the  Jews'  passing  by  the  devil,  and  strangled  in  the  air,  and  being  thrown  from  thence  in 
sentence  on  him,  who  had  not  then  the  power  of  putting  any  one  to  the  sight  of  all  the  city,  was  dashed  in  pieces  by  the  violence  ot  the 
death.  — Ihe  word  Tore,  then,  with  which  the  evangelist  begins  this  fall, 
story,  may  be  taken  iu  some  latitude  to  introduce  the  mention  of  an 


344  A  GUARD  SET  UPON  THE  SEPULCHRE. 

SECT,  called  Corban,  or  the  sacred  treasury,  because  it  is  the  price  of  blood,  and  would  in  effect  into  the  treasury,  because  it  is 
193.    be  offering  to  God  the  life  of  a  man.     And  these  hypocrites  scrupled  such  a  point  of  t*"^  P""^^  "^ '''""''• 
ceremony,  while  they  still  persisted  in  their  resolution  to  destroy  Jesus,  which,  if  they  had 


MATT,  desired  it,  they  might  yet  have  prevented.     But  afterwards,  when  they  met  in  a  body     7  And  they  took  counsel, 
XXVII.  about  some  other  business,  havins  consulted  together  what  they  sliould  do  with  those  feT^'^tiefd^^  bury  "Strangers 
pieces  of  money,  thei/  bought  with  them  that  close  m  the  neighbourhood  of  Jerusalem  which  in- 
is  called,  The  potter  sfield,<^  for  a  burying-place  of  foreigners  who  had  no  sepulchres  of  their 

8  own,  and  whose  bodies  thev  scrupled  to  lay  with  those  of  their  own  holy  nation.     And     8  Wherefore  that  field  was 
therefore,  by  the  way,  that  field  was  called  in  the  Synac  language,  Aceldama,  tiiat  is.  The  unto  this  day .''       °*  '''°°'^' 
field  of  blood;  (Acts  i.  19.)  and  it  bears  that  name  even  to  this  day,  because  it  was  pur- 
chased with  that  money  which  was  the  price  paid  for  the  blood  of  Jesus,  and  was  in  effect 

the  purchase  of  the  blood  of  Judas  too. 

9  Then  was  that  fulfilled,  in  a  very  remarkable  manner,  which  ivas  spoken  by  the  prophet,^  0  (Then  was  fulfilled  that 
(Zech.  xi.  13.)  saying,  "  And  I  too'k  the  thirty  pieces  of  silver,"  (which  sum,^he  reader  will  ^he'''pr'^phe't^,''''sayii^V!' A™3 
observe,  was  the  usual  p?~ice  of  one  ivho  was  sold  for  a  slave,  or  of  one  ivhom  the  children  of  tiiey  took  the  thirty  pieces  of 
Israel  did  sell,  being  esteemed  among  them,  on  an  average,  but  the  equitable  price  of  such  wa7vkiued,''whom'thei"of*the 
a  one  :  and  was  here  the  price  of  the  blood  of  the  Son  of  God  himself,  that  infinitely  valu-  children  of' Israel  did  value ; 

10  able  Person,*)  "  And  they  were  given  for  the  potter's  field,  as  (saith  the  prophet)  the  Lord  in  And  gave  them  for  the 
commanded  me  in  vision,  in  token  of  his  iust  displeasure  against  those  who  had  put  such  P°I''l'l'5  !!'^''l'  "^  "^^  ^'''^  ^^' 
an  aiiront  on  his  pastoral  care.   ' 

62  But  to  return  Jiow  to  the  main  story.  When,  notwithstanding  the  confession  of  Judas,  fis  Now  the  next  day,  that 
the  Jews  had  crucified  Christ,  and  his  friends  had  taken  down  his  body  from  the  cross,  {"aratTon,  tVi'edi1ef°priestsand 
and  laid  it  in  Joseph's  tomb  on  the  ev^ening  of  the  sixth  day  of  the  week,  on  the  morr-ow,  Pharisee's  came  together  unto 
or  on  the  sabbath  itself,  luhich  followed  the  day  of  preparation,  the  chief  priests,  and  other  ^''*''^' 

Pharisees,  who  belonged  to  the  grand  sanhedrim,  assembled  together  in  a  body  to  wait  upon 

63  Pilate,  as  with  an  address  of  solemn  importance  :  Saying,  Sir,  we  remember  that  this  noto-  63  Sayin?,  Sir,  we  remem- 
rious  deceiver,  who  was  yesterday  put  to  death  for  his  crimes,  and  is  well  known  to  have  «fhiie''he  was Vet^ativr  After 
practised  many  arts  to  impose  upon  the  people,  ivhile  he  was  yet  living,  said,  After  three  ti'^te  days  i  will  rise  again. 

64  days  I  will  rise  again  from  the  dead'.s  We  desire  therefore,  that  since  his  friends  have  (,\  Command  therefore  that 
been  intrusted  with  the  care  of  interring  him,  thou  wouldst  order  that  the  sepulchre  where  "";-,^^Pu"'';'?'^^''S  made  sure 

1       ■     ,      J  ,  .     ,  ,     ,  p  ,    .u    ,1       ,,  ■     1     1        ■  .     1  '^    1  ■       ,■     ■    ,      until   the  third  day,   lest  his 

tie  is  laid  may  be  strictly  guarded  and  secured  till  the  third  day  is  past,  test  his  disciples  disciples  come  by  night  and 
should  come  by  night  and  steal  him  away,  and  upon  this  should  tell  the  people  that,  accord-  ^f^^^^'  eoTie^^iie'  iTrisen  tVom 
ing  to  his  own  prediction,  he  is  risen  from  the  dead :  and  so  the  last  deceit  will  be  ivorse  than  the  dead  :'  so  the  last'  error 
the  first,  and  the  deluded  populace  will  be  more  eager  to  profess  their  regard  to  him  after  *'"*"  ^'^  "'°''*^  *'■''"  ""^  '^'"*'- 
his  death,  than  they  ever  were  while  he  was  living. 

65  And  Pilate  said  to  them,  You  have  a  guard  in  waiting  about  your  court  in  the  temple  ;  65  Pilate  said  unto  them, 
go  your  way  therefore,  and  order  as  man yof  them  as  you  think  fit  to  march  to  the  sepulchre,  waj%'maire  Tfas'sufe  a^s°ye 
and  to  keep  sentry  there  all  night,  and  thereby  make  [«Y]  as  secure  as  you  possibly  can.        can.' 

66  And  accordinsiy  they  tvent  and  took  a  detachment  of  soldiers  with  them  to  the  garden  66  So  they  went  and  made 
of  Joseph  ;  and  having"  first  satisfied  themselves  that  the  corpse  was  there,*"  they  secured  the  jjj^  \^tone^'"^aud'"'s'etthig"'a 
sepulchre  as  well  as  they  possibly  could,  sealing  the  stone,  that  it  might  not  be  broken  open  watch. 

without  a  discovery  of  the  fraud ;'  ajid  also  setting  a  guard  near  it,  who  took  care  to  place 
themselves  so,  that  they  could  not  but  take  an  immediate  alarm  if  any  had  presumed  to 
make  the  least  attempt  to  open  the  sepulchre  and  remove  the  body,  or  even  to  embalm  it. 

.  c  The  potter's  field.]  Thirty  pieces  of  silver  may  seem  a  very  incon-  him  by  that  emblem  a  representation  of  himself:)  after  some  time,  lie 
siderable  price  for  a  field  so  near  Jerusalem  :  but,  as  Grotius  well  ob-  directs  him  to  go  to  the  rulers  of  Israel,  and  ask  them.  What  they 
serves,  the  ground  was  probably  much  spoiled  by  digging  it  up  for  earth  thought  he  deserved  for  his  labour  in  that  ollice  ^  They  give  him  the 
to  make  potters'  vessels,  so  that  it  was  now  unfit  for  tillage  or  pasture,  price  of  a  slave,  thirty  pieces  of  silver ;  an<l  this  in  the  house  of  the 
and  consequently  of  small  value.  Lord,  where  the  court  sat.  On  this,  (Jod,  as  resenting  this  indignity 
d  W/iieli  was  spoken  by  the  prophet.']  Most  copies  read  if,  by  Jere-  offered  to  him  in  the  person  of  his  prophet,  orders  him  to  throw  it  down 
mtah  the  prophet :  yet  it  is  universally  known  that  these  words  are  found  with  disdain  before  the  first  poor  labourer  he  met,  who  happened  to  be 
no  where  in  Jeremiah,  but  in  Zechariah.  (Chap.  xi.  IS.)  It  appears  a  potter  at  work  by  the  temple  gates,  as  a  fitter  price  for  a  little  of  his 
to  me  very  unnatural  to  say,  with  Dr.  Lightfoot,  C Hor.  Hehr.  in  loc.)  paltry  ware,  than  a  suitable  acknowledgment  of  the  favours  they  had 
that  all  the  prophetic  writings  might  be  called  the  book  of  Jeremiah  :  received  from  (iod.  Mow  surely,  if  there  was  ever  any  circumstance 
because  in  ancient  times  the  prophecy  of  Jeremiah  was  put  at  the  be-  in  which  the  cliililren  of  Israel  behaved  themselves  so  as  to  answer  this 
ginning  of  the  volume  of  the  prophets  :  nor  would  the  granting  this  fact  visionary  representation,  it  must  be  when  thev  gave  this  very  sum  of 
account  for  the  expression  of  its  being  spoken  by  him.  Nor  am  I  at  all  thirty  pieces  of  silver  as  a  price  for  the  very  life  of  that  Person  whom 
convinced  by  Mr.  Joseph  Mede's  reasonings,  (see  his  IVorks,  p.  963.;  God  had  appointed  their  great  Shepherd.  And  in  order  to  point  out 
that  these  words,  though  recorded  by  Zechariah,  or  rather  found  in  his  the  correspondence  the  more  sensibly.  Providence  so  ordered  it  that  the 
book,  were  originally  spoken  by  Jeremiah,  and  by  some  accident  dis-  person  to  whom  this  money  went  should  be  a  potter,  though  the  pro- 
placed  :  a  principle  on  which  the  whole  credit  of  the  prophecies  might  phecy  would  have  been  answered  if  he  had  been  a  fuller,  or  of  any 
be  destroyed.  It  would  be  a  much  less  dishonour  to  the  sacred  writings,  otlier  profession.  It  may  also  be  further  observed,  that  God's  ceasing 
to  suppose  a  small  error  in  the  pen  of  some  early  transcriber,  who  misht,  to  be  the  Shepherd  of  Israel,  which  was  represented  by  the  prophet's 
(as  Bishop  Hall  prettily  conjectures,)  by  the  mistake  of  one  letter  only,  breaking  his  pastoral  staves,  was  never  fully  answered  till  their  final 
(supposing  the  word  to  be  contracted,)  write  Ipiou  for  Zpiou.  And  rejection  after  the  death  of  Christ ;  which  niay  further  lead  us  to  refer 
though  It  is  certain  that  Jeremiah  was  the  received  reading  as  early  as  the  afi^ront  of  their  giving  the  pieces  of  silver  to  this  event. — 1  do  not 
Urigen  s  time,  yet  there  is  room  to  doubt  whether  any  prophet  was  remember  ever  to  have  seen  this  matter  set  in  what  seems  to  me  its  just 
named  in  the  first  copies,  as  the  Syriac  version,  which  is  allowed  to  be  and  most  natural  light;  but  Grotius  has  some  valuable  hints  upon  it, 
made  in  the  most  early  times,  says  onlv.  It  aas  spoken  by  the  prophet,  which  I  wonder  he  did  not  pursue  further. 

without  mentioning  by  whom.    On  the  whole,  1  think  it  more  respect-       g  After  three  days  I  wtlt rise  again.]    Their  intending  to  make  the 

till  to  the  evangelist,  to  suppose  that  some  officious  transcriber  might  sepulchre  secure  only  fill  the  third  day  ended,  showed  that  they  under- 

either  insert  or  change  the  prophet's  name,  than   to  impute  it,  as  ]3r.  stood  our  Lord's  expression  of  rising  after  three  days  to  be  (as  indeed 

Mill  seems  to  do,  to  a  slip  in  the  author's  memory.  it  was)  equivalent  to  a  declaration  that  he  would  rise  on  the  third  day. 

e   Ihe  price  of  one  who  was  sold,  &c.]    We  may  either  render  the  words  See  note  f,  on  Matt.  xii.  40.  p.  120.     Compare  also  Deut.  xiv.  28.  with 

TOO  TeTiarmei'OD,  6v  i^l^.r|travTO  cnro  uiwk  ItrpaiiX,  "/  oyie  who  was  sold,  xxvi.  12. 

even  ot  one  whom  the  children  of  Lraet  did  sell,  and  so  consider  them  as       h  Having  first  satisfied  themselves  that  the  corpse  was  there.]    Com- 

expressive  of  the  common  price  a  slave  was  rated  at  among  them  :  or  mon  prudence  would  teach  them  to  do  this  ;  and   perhaps  they   might 

we  rnay  render  them,  of  him  that  was  sold  or  valued,  (even  their  own  feed  their  cruelty  with   viewing  the  dead   bodv,  as  Herodias  did  with 

Messiah,)  whom  the  very  children  of  Israel  sold  at  this  shameful  price,  that  sad  spectacle,  the  Baptist's  head.    See  note  q,  on  Mark  vi.  28.  p. 

And  I  think  either  of  these  versions  would  suit  the  original,  and  convey  145. 

a  lively  and  proper  sense:  I  have  therefore  suggested  both  in  the  paia-       i  Sealing  the  stone.]    Some  have  conjectured  they  might  also  cement 

phrase,  though   in  the  version,  which  could  not  well   be  equally  am-  it  with   lead,  or  bind   it  with  iron,  but  the  sabbath  would  hardly  have 

biguous,  I  have  preferred  the  former.  allowed  this.    The  guard  would  prevent  violence,  and  the  seal  would  be 

J.  ^nd  they  were  given  for  the  potter's  field,  as  the  Lord  commandedme.]  a  security  against  any  fraud  of  theirs  in  confederacy  with  the  disciples, 

J?  Pi?'"  '^'*^e  words  are  not  exactly  quoted,  either  from  the  Hebrew  if  that  could  possibly  have  been  suspected.     I  have  also  hinted  in  the 

or  the  Septuagint;  yet  I  cannot  think  the  difference  so  great  as  it  at  first  paraphrase  above,  that  this  precaution  of  sealing  the  sepulchre  might 

appears,  since  those  words  in  the  parenthesis,  (Tf)i/ Tiunv  Tou  TETiu'iMei'oi',  Prevent  any  attempt,  not  only  to  remove  the  body,  but  to  embalm  it. 

oy  eTiu.t](ravTo  atto  v'liav  IcrpanX,)  which  are  not  in  either,  may  be  con-  r'or  it  is  to  be  considered,  that  they  had   great  reason   to  believe,  that 

sidered  as  the  words  ot  the  evangelist  himself ;  (to  which  he  was  natural-  when  two  such  eminent  persons  as  Joseph  and  N  icodemus  had  already 

ly  led  by  those  of  the  prophet,  A  goodly  price  that  I  was  prized  at  of  paid  such  a  public  honour  to  the  corpse,  thev  would  desire  also  to  em- 

them  ;■)  and  if,  which  might  easily  happen,  ahoiKav  be  written  for  e&wKa,  fcalm  it ;  which  accordingly  they  did  really  design.    This  would  be  such 

^  e\a/3oi/  is  ambiguous,  it  may  be  rendered  yet  nearer  to  the  original,  an   additional  rettection  on  the  proceedings  of  the  sanhedrim,  as  they 

I  took — and  gave  them,  &^c. — As  for  the  general  propriety  of  applying  would  certainly  desire  to   prevent.    A  mandate   from   Pilate  for  this 

these  words  to  this  occasion,  I  think  it  may  well  be  vindicated  ;  for  the  purpose  they  could  not  be  sure  of  obtaining,  had  they  asked  it ;   nor 

connexion  and  sense  of  the  prophecy  in  the  Old  Testament  seems  to  be  would  an   act  of  their  own  court  have  been  free  from  uncertainty  and 

this.     In  order  to  represent  to  Zachariah  the  contempt  which  Israel  put  inconvenience.    This  method  of  sealing  the  stone  was  therefore  the  most 

upon  their  God,  he  had  a  vision  to  the  following  purpose  :  He  thought  artful  expedient  that  could  be  imagined  ;  which  would  effectually  pre- 

(jod  first  appointed  him  to  appear  among  them  as  a  shepherd  :  (making  vent  if,  without  letting  it  be  publicly  known  that  they  had  the  least  sus- 


REFLECTIONS  ON  THE  REMORSE  AND  DEATH  OF  JUDAS.     .  345 

IMPROVEMENT. 

In  how  fatal  a  manner  does  the  way  of  transgressors  deceive  them  !  Judas,  no  doubt,  but  a  few  hours  before,   sect. 
was  thmkinp-  with  eager  impatience  of  receiving  this  sum  of  money,  which  was  the  wages  of  unrighteousness  :  but    193. 

thono'h  he  might  for  a  little  while  roll  it  as  a  sweet  morsel  under  his  tongue,  yet  how  soon  was  it  turned  into  the • 

gull  k asps  uHt/dn  him!    (Job  xx.  12-14.)  tt     ,      i,    i    v  u    ^    u    u  •         ,      ,  •    ..  vvJ^t" 

We  see  the  force  of  conscience  even  in  the  worst  of  men.  He  that  had  slighted  all  the  warnings  that  his  Master  -^-^vii. 
gave  him,  and  neither  was  affected  by  the  remembrance  of  his  goodness  to  him,  nor  by  the  fear  of  his  displeasure, 
while  he  was  set  upon  accomplishing  his  covetous  design,  no  sooner  comes  to  feel  the  sting  of  an  awakened  con- 
science, but  he  is  filled  with  horror,  and  is  unable  to  endure  the  cutting  anguish  of  his  own  reflections.  And  thus 
could  God,  in  a  moment,  drive  the  most  hardened  sinner  into  all  the  agonies  of  remorse  and  despair,  by  letting 
loose  his  own  thoughts  upon  him,  to  prey  upon  his  heart  like  so  man}  hungry  vultures,  and  make  him  a  terror  to 
others  and  an  executioner  to  himself  ,      .  ,  .         .  , 

We  must  surely  admire  the  wisdom  of  Providence  in  extorting,  even  from  the  mouth  ot  this  traitor,  so  honour-  4 
able  a  testimony  of  the  innocence  of  Jesus,  though  to  his  own  condemnation.  And  who  could  have  imagined 
that  the  supreme  court  of  Israel  itself  should  have  been  so  little  impressed  with  it  as  coldly  to  answer,  What  is 
that  to  m  1  See  thou  to  that.  Is  this  the  language  of  rulers,  yea  of  priests  ?  But  they  had  cast  off  the  fear  of  that 
God  whose  ministers  they  were,  and  had  devoted  themselves  to  gain  and  ambition.  They  therefore  felt  no  remorse, 
even  when  Judas  trembled  before  them,  and  appeared  almost  distracted  under  the  sense  of  a  crime  m  which  they 
had  been  confederates  with  him.  But  their  consciences  were  seared  as  with  a  red-hot  iron,  and  all  their  familiar 
converse  with  divine  things  served  only,  in  such  a  curcumstance,  to  harden  their  hearts  ;  as  tempered  steel  gathers 
strength  from  the  furnace  and  the  hammer. 

Juclas  repents  ;  he  confesses  his  crime  ;  he  throws  away  the  reward  of  his  guilt :  yet  was  there  nothing  of  godly  5 
sorrow  in  all  this.  Despairing,  he  becomes  his  own  executioner ;  and  flies  to  death  and  to  hell  as  a  refuge  from 
the  rage  and  fury  of  an  awakened  conscience.  Fatal  expedient !  thus  to  seal  his  own  damnation  !  But  the  right- 
eous judgment  of  God  erected  him  as  a  monument  of  wrath,  and  verified  our  Saviour's  declaration.  It  had.  been 
goodfoAhat  man  if  he  had  never  been  born.  (Matt.  xxvi.  24.  and  Mark  xiv.  21.  sect,  clxx.)  Tremble,  O  our 
souls,  at  this  thought ;  that  Judas,  even  one  of  the  twelve,  should  fall  into  such  depths  of  sin  and  ruin  !  May  we 
each  of  us  be  jealous  over  ourselves  ;  and  may  we  never  presume  to  censure  whole  bodies  of  men  for  the  fault  of 
particular  members,  when  we  find  there  was  a  traitor  and  reprobate  among  the  holy  band  of  the  apostles  ! 

We  see  the  restless  and  implacable  malice  of  Christ's  enemies,  which  pursued  him  even  to  his  tomb,  and  there  63,  64 
endeavoured  to  blast  his  memory  by  fixing  upon  him  the  character  of  an  impostor.  They  demanded  and  procured 
a  guard  for  his  sepulchre.  And  here  also  we  have  a  repeated  instance  of  God's  taking  the  wise  in  their  own  craf- 
tiness. (Job  V.  13.)  The  seal  and  the  guard  served  only  more  fully  to  attest  the  doctrine  of  Christ's  resurrection, 
which  they  were  set  to  overthrow,  and  to  grace  the  triumph  they  were  intended  to  oppose.  Thus  shall  all  the  65,  66 
rage  and  all  the  artifice  of  his  enemies  at  length  promote  the  purposes  of  his  glory  :  thus  shall  meat  at  length  come 
out  of  the  eater,  and  sweetness  out  of  the  strong.  (Judg.  xiv.  14.)  The  wrath  of  man,  O  Lord,  shall  praise  thee  ; 
and  fhe  remainder  of  it  shall  thou  restrain,  and  shalt  triumph  over  it,  either  by  thy  grace  or  by  thy  vengeance. 
(Psal.  Ixxvi.  10.) 

SECTION  CXCIV. 

Christ  rising  from  tiie  dead,  tlie  guards  flee  away  in  astonishment :  Mary  Masdalene,  finding  the  sepulchre  open,  calls  Peter  and  .lohn,  who, 
having  entered  into  it,  return  ;  while  Clirist  himself  makes  his  first  appearance  to  her.  Matt,  xxviii.  1 — 4.  Mart;  xvi.  1—4.  Luke  xxiv.  l, 
2,  12.    John  XX.  1 — if. 

,,  .  ,  Mark  xvi.  1. 

Mark  xvi.  1. 

AND  when  the  sabbath  was  AND  when  the  Sabbath  was  over,^  which  ended  in  the  evening,  (as  was  often  observed  sect. 

fthe'ot^h,fr%i^ry!]'M'"'™M.^r  before,)  Mary  Magdalene,  and  the  other  Mary,  who  was  [_the  mother']  of  James,  and  Joses,    lO'^- 

of  James,  and  .Salome,  had  and  S«/owe,  with  Joanna,  and  some  other  pious  women,"*  were  so  intent  on  embalming 

SUme'anTfn'o'nt'hiZ  the  body  of  Jcsus,  that  they  had  another  consultation  about  it;  and,  not  satisfied  with  the  mark 

[Matt,  xxviii.  1.]  preparation  they  had  made  before,  they  bought  more  spices  and  ointments,^  that,  after  a  -^ 

short  repose,  as  soon  as  ever  they  could  see  to  do  it,  they  might  go  and  anoint  him  with 

2  And  very  early  in  the  them,  and  pay  him  all  the  respect  of  an  honourable  interment. 

ye°t™dafk,]  US'"  it"'  be"an''?o      Now  Mary  Magdalene,  with  the  other  Mary  and  Salome,  were  ready  before  it  was  day;  2 

dawn  towards  the  firstday  of  (md  setting  out  very  early  in  the  morning,'^  while  it  was  yet  dark,  as  it  began  to  dawn 

[toseethesepukhre.TfLuKE,  towards  the  first  day  of  the  week,  they  went  to  take  a  view  of  the  sepulchre,''  to  see  if  all 

picion  of  any  such  design.    I  state  the  matter  thus  largely,  in  regard  to  very  early  in  the  morning)  came  to  anoint  him.    This  I  look  upon  as  a 

one  of  the  most  learned  persons  of  the  age,  who  seems  to  think  this  a  very  strong  intimation,  that  some  time  after  six  in  the  evening,  Con  what  we 

considerable  difficulty.     But,  with  respect  to  the  principal  point  of  his  call  Saturday  night,)  when  the  sat)bath  was  over,  as  it  was  then  lawful 

rising  from  the  dead,  it  is  surely  most  senseless  to  say,  with  that  wretched  to  perform  any  common  work,  their  generous  hearts  prompted  them  to 

opposer  of  the  miracles  of  Christ,  who  has  brought  upon  himself  such  purchase  a  larger  quantity  of  aromatic  drugs  for  this  pious  purpose, 

just  infamy,  that  this  sealing  the  stone  intimated  a  contract  between  d  Setting  out  very  early  in  the  morniyig.]    The  learned  and  ingenious 

Christ  and  them,  that  he  should  rise  in  the  sight  of  the  Jewish  rulers  on  Mr.  West  (of  whose  accurate  Observations  on  the  Resurrection  of  Christ 

the  third  day.    f'robably  their  design  was  on  the  fourth   day  to  have  I  have  given  an  extract  at  fhe  end  of  the  preface  to  the  third  volume  of 

opened  the  sepulchre,  and  have   exposeei  the  corpse  to  public  view  ;  this  work)  supposes  Mary  Magdalene,  with  the  other  Mary  and  Salome, 

which,  had  it  been  in  their  power,  had  been  the  most  prudent  step  they  to  have  set  out  to  view  the  sepulchre  before  the  time  they  had  agreed  to 

could  have  taken.     But  they  do  not  seem  to  have  been  mad  enough  to  meet  Joanna  and  the  other  women  there,  who  were  to  bring  the  spices, 

think,  that  if  Jesus  rose  from  the  dead,  it  must  be  just  when  they  thought  and  to  come  about  sun-rising  to  embalm  the  body  :   and  as  the  word 

fit  to  attend.  ttpmi,  made  use  of  in  this  place  both  by  Mark  and  John,  (which  we  have 

a   When  the  sabbath  was  over.']    This,  which  Mark  expresses  by  diaye-  rendered  early,')  sometimes  signifies  eier  early,  or  before  the  appointed 

i/OMciou  rov  aa0/3aTou,   Matthew   expresses    by   another  phrase,   o^l/e  time,  he  naturally  conjectures  it  has  this  signification   here,  and  con- 

<ray3/3aTwi/,  in  the  ejtd  of  the  sabbath,  or  when  the  sabbath  (and  conse-  eludes  that  the  woinen  came  to  the  sepulchre  at  different  traies;  the  first 

quently  tfie  preceding  week,  of  which  the  sabbath  was  the  last  day)  was  setting  out  before  the  time  agreed  on,  just  as  the  day  began  to  break, 

over;   as  in  Philostratus,  o<te  uvcrrnpiuiv  is,  when  the  mysteries  were  whereas  the  others  came  not  thither  till  the  sun  was  risen.    (See  West's 

ended.    So  that  the  controversy  between  Maijus  and  Wolfburg  on  this  Observ.  p.  45,  46.) — The  difference  between  this  and  the  scheme  here 

subject,  seems  needless  ;   as  fhe  criticism  of  the  former,  who  supposes  given,  chiefly  consists  in  Mr.  West's  supposing  the  women  to  have  made 

these  words  in  Matthew  to  belong  to  the  close  of  the  former  chapter,  and  two  different  visits  to  the  sepulchre,  and  in  consequence  of  that,  two 

to  refer  to  the  time  of  sealmg  the  sepulchre,  is  very  unnatural;   as  distinct  reports  to  the  disciples,  whereas  1  have  united  them:  though  I 

Wolfius  has  shown  in  his  learned  note  on  Matt,  xxviii.  1.  do  not  suppose  them  to  have  all  come  together  to  the  sepulchre,  but  only 

b  Mary  Magdalene,  ^c.  with  Joanna  and  some  other  pious  women.]  to  have  met  there.    Yet  such  advantages  attend  the  scheme  this  author 

In  the  account  the   evangelists   have   given  of  the   women  who  first  has  proposed,  that  if  it  had  been  published  to  the  world  before  I  nad 

came  to  the  knowledge  that  Jesus  was  risen,  Mary  Magdalene  is  men-  composed  this  Harmony,  I  should  have  chosen  to  have  formed  it  m  a 

tinned   by  all,  the  other  Mary  by  the  three  first,  and   Salome  only  by  nearer  agreement  to  it,  but  have  now  left  it  to  appear  with  no  material 

Mark  :  but  1  have  named  Joanna  here  with  the  rest,  as  it  appears  from  alteration  in  its  order.                                                                       a      A  i\ 

Luke  xxiv.  lo.  in  the  next  section,  she  was  among  the  other  women  who  e  They  went  to  take  a  view  of  the  sepulchre.']    I  have  here  rennerea  trie 

went  to  the  sepulchre,  and  was  one  of  those  who  told  these  things  to  the  word  r\\dov,  went,  (and  have  likewise  explained  the  word  eKVovaai\o. 

apostles.  the  same  manner  in  the  first  verse  of  this  section,)  which  agrees  Dettei 

c  Ihey  bought  more  spices,  4:c.]    Luke  had  before  observed,  (chap,  with  the  order  of  the  story,  and  is  frequently  the  sense  in  whicn  our 

xxiii.  56.  p.  .342.)  that  they  prepared  spices  and  ointments,  and  then  translators  have  rendered  it  elsewhere.    See  Matt.  x".  9.  xiii.  dO.  xj^v. 

rested  the  sabbath  day  according  to  the  commandment :  and  Mark  here  12.  Maik  iii.  19.  Luke  ii.  44.  xiv.  1.  John  iv.  45.  vi.  17.  Acts  iv.  .j. 

says,   that  Aia^evojiei/ou    tou    aafiBaTOv,  when   the   sabbath  was   over,  xxviii.   14.    The  true  import  of  the  word  OfMp>i<rai  is  to  take  a  view  ; 

rifopaaav,  they  bought  [not,  they  had  bought]  spices,  and  then  (ver.  2.  aud  thus  implies  their  going  to  see  if  all  things  were  in  the  same  con- 


346  THE  RESURRECTION. 

SECT,  things  were  as  tliey  had  left  him  :  and  not  long  after,  they  were  followed  by  Joanna,  and  {JI^'^S'"^! '!j^  ^P'5^f  ^'"'='' 'Ij^y 
194.    tiie  rest  who  were  to  meet  them  there,  who  came  at  the  appointed  time,  bringing  the  spices  o^/ierF^tv'ith^  themj    "liat't! 

■ with  them,  which  (as  was  said  before)  they  had  prepared  to  embalm  the  body  of  Jesus,  and  xwiii  i.  Lukexxiv.  i.  John 

MARK  which  indeed  were  a  considerable  weight ;  and  some  [others]  of  their  female  friends  went  ''"' 
^^^     also  with  them  to  assist  on  this  occasion.^ 

3      And  as  they  were  advancing  towards  the  sepulchre,  they  were  not  under  any  apprehen-     s  And  they  said  among 
sion  from  the  soldiers  that  were  set  to  guard  it,  who  had  been  stationed  there,  without  their  us*away^the  stone^tVom  "the 
knowledge,  on  the  sabbath  day,  (sect,  cxciii.  p.  344.)  but  remembering  the  stone  that  was  dot""  of>e  sepulchre .' 
placed  at  the  mouth  of  it,  they  said  among  themselves,  Who  shall  roll  away  the  stone  for  us 
A  from  the  door  of  the  sepulchre,  which  all  oT  us  together  have  not  strength  to  remove  ?     For     4  For  it  was  very  great. 
they  had  seen  Nicodemus  and  Joseph  stop  up  the  entrance  witli  it ;  and  it  was  indeed  very 
large  and  heavy. 
MATT.       But  this  perplexity  of  theirs  was  altogether  needless  ;  for  God  had  provided  a  very  ex-     Matt.  x.xviii.  2.   And,  be- 
xxviii.  traordin;u-y  way  to  remove  that  obstruction.     And,  behold  with  due  regard  and  admiration,  ^°^'^,'  "i^^e  was  a  great  earth- 

9  .,  ,  ■•'      r^,  ,  ,•     ,      ,     ^  1  ■       J   ^v,  ?  tL         7       /     1  •    1     quake  :    tor  the  angel  or   the 

-^  it  was  this  :    1  here  ivas,  but  a  little  before  they  arrived  there,  a  great  earthquake,  (which  Lord  descended  from  heaven, 
would  naturally  awaken  the  guards,  if  any  one  of  them  had  fallen  asleep,)  and  very  awful  stone'^lvoni' the'^door  and  sat 
and  astonishing  were  the  circumstances  that  attended  it ;  for  an  angel  of  the  Lord  descend-  upon  it. 
ing  from  heaven,  had  approached  in  sight  of  the  guards,  and  rolled  away  the  stone  from  the 
door,  and  sat  down  upon  it.    And  at  the  very  same  time,  Jesus,  like  a  sleeping  conqueror 
awakening  on  a  sudden,  burst  asunder  the  bands  of  death,  and  sprung  up  to  a  new  and 

3  immortal  life.  But  none  of  the  guards  saw  him  rise,  being  struck  into  the  utmost  con-  3  hjs  countenance  was  like 
sternation  at  the  sight  of  the  angel,  who  appeared  to  remove  the  stone  :  and  well  indeed  ^'^^'''"'.ds,  and  his  raiment 
they  might  be  so ;  for  his  countenance  luas  like  the  brightness  of  lightning,  and  his  long  ""  '  *  ""^  """'^  • 

flowing  garment  was  as  white  as  snoxo,  glittering  with  extraordinary  lustre  beyond  what 

4  their  eyes  could  bear.  And  the  guards,  though  Romans  and  soldiers,  trembled  for  fear  at  4  And  for  fear  of  him  the 
the  siglit  of  him,  and  became  like  so  many  dead  men,  falling  down  on  their  faces  in  a  most  ^"j^ad  wm.'"'"^'*"''  became 
helpless  condition.    But  quickly  after,  presuming  to  lift  up  their  eyes,  and  finding  he  had 

disappeared,  and  had  left  the  sepulchre  open,  they  fled  to  some  distant  place,  to  consult 
tlieir  own  safety  in  so  surprising  an  occurrence.? 

JOHN       By  this  time  the  women,  who  had  set  out  as  it  began  to  dawn,  were  near  the  place ;  fl72c?    john  xx.  1.    And  Mary 
XX.     Man/  Magdalene,  transported  with  the  distinguishing  ardour  of  her  affection,  advanced  a  Magdalene  seeth  the   stone 
1  little  before  the  rest;  and,  it  being  now  light  enough  to  discern  objects,  she  looked  forward,  Thre"  '"''"^  ""^  '"""'' 

and  saw,  to  her  great  surprise,  that  the  stone  was  already  takeii  away  from  the  sepulchre,^^ 

LUKE   and  that  the  tomb  was  open.    And  she  was  greatly  astonished  and  alarmed  at  the  sight,     Luke  xxiv.  c.   And  [when 

^^^\  ^"^  presently  concluded  that  the  body  was  removed.     She  therefore  stepped  back  and  {h^^s"o™e'°o^,'g'|,'^3l^!'/ *°"^ 
informed  her  companions  of  this  circumstance ;  upon  which  they  [also]  looked,  and  plainly  the  sepulchre.  %ittt?xvL  40 
found  that  it  was  as  she  represented,  and  that  the  stone  was  indeed  rolled  away  from  the 
entrance  of  the  sepulchre. 

JOHN       And,  not  reflecting  on  the  assurance  Jesus  had  given  them  of  his  rising  again  from  the     John  xx.  2.  Then  she  run- 
^^\y  dead,  they  knew  not  how  to  account  for  the  removal  of  the  stone;  but  Mary  JNIagdalene  pelef , ''".fj ';^,'"f||^  wher'Ta" 
and  her  companions  having  consulted  a  little  together  as  well  as  the  confusion  they  were  cipie'whom  jesus  loved,  and 
in  would  admit,  it  was  thought  best  that  some  of  the  disciples  should  be  immediately  ac-  g{^'^]j  "Jw^'the^'Lord^out'of 
quainted  with  it :  she  therefore  runs  back  to  the  city  with  all  possible  despatch,'  and  know-  the  sepulchre,  and  we  know 
ing  where  they  lodged,  sHe  comes  to  Simon   Peter  and  to  John,  that  other  disciple  whom  "ot  where  they  have  laid  him. 
Jesus  peculiarly  loved,  (by  whom  this  part  of  the  story  is  most  exactly  and  circumstantially 
recorded,)  and  finding  them  already  up,  and  full  of  solicitude  about  the  event  of  this 
important  day,  she  says  to  them,  O  my  friends,  the  sepulchre  is  broke  open,  and  some  or 
other  must  have  been  there,  who  have  removed  the  stone ;  nor  is  there  any  room  to  doubt 
but  they  have  taken  aioay  the  Lord  out  of  the  sepulchre,  and  ive  knoiv  not  where  they  have 
laid  him  :  ^  so  that  I  and  my  companions,  whom  I  have  left  behind  me,  cannot  find  any 

LUKF   "^^^^^0*1  of  performing  that  last  office  of  respect  and  affection  which  you  know  we  intended. 

XXIV.      -^"^  upon  hearing  this,  without  so  much  as  staying  to  make  any  reply,  Peter,  whose     Lukexxiv.  12.   Then  arose 
12  heart  was  struck  with  such  a  circumstance,  aivse  in  a  transport  of  various  passions,'  and  ^*'*'"  t""''  went  tortii,  and 

dition  as  before,  when  they  had  seen  the  body  laid  in  the  sepulchre,  the  same  angel  as  before,  who,  as  if  it  were  perfectly  unknown  by  any 

(Luke  xxiii.  55.  p.  342.) — I  think  Maijus  and  Eisner  justly  observe  that  former  declaration,  tells  them  just  in  the  same  words,  "  lie  /mem  the;/ 

the  twenty-third  chapter  of  Luke  should  not  have  ended  at  the  place  it  soug/it  Jesus,   but  he  was  risen;"  and,  inviting  them  again  "  to  come 

does  ;   for  here,  as  in  several  other  places,  a  sentence  is  divided— [To  and  see  t/ie  place  where  he  had  lain,"  charges  them  again,  to  go  and  tell 

liev  <T-a/3/3aToii  r\avxa.(Tav—Tn  i5e  Mia  tmk  aal30aTu}v — tiXOaii,  Sec]    .Such  his  diici^les  that  he  went  hefore  them  into  Galilee."    This  is  such  a  simi- 

(livisions  are  great  instances  of  negligence  in  the  person  by  whom  they  larity  ot   words  and  actions  immediately  succeeding  e.ich  other,  as  I 

were  lirst  made  ;  but  in  a  work  like  this  Harmony,  they  are  less  mate-  believe  ran  no  where  be  paralleled. — The  scheme  1  offer  here  (which  is 

rial,  and  hardly  in  some  cases  avoidable.  that  which  twice,  at  the  distance  of  several  years,  presented  itself  to  me 

f  Some  others  of  their  female  friends  went  also  with  them.']    It  was  in-  on  a  view  of  the  evangelists  alone)  is  encumbered  with  no  such  difficulty, 

deed  a  circumstance  of  decency,  considering  the  olffce  they  were  inteuti-  nor  indeed  with  any  worth  naming,  except  what  arises  from  the  trans- 

ing  to  perform,  that  the   men  and  tlie  women  should   perform  their  position  of  Mark  xvi.  2.  and  Luke  xxiv.  12.  on  which  see  note  1,  in  this 

respective  parts  in  it  by  themselves  ;  which  accordingly  the  evangelists  section,  and  note  a,  in  the  next. 

])lainly  intimate  they  did.    Their  setting  out  alone  was  a  remarkable  i  She  therefore  runs  back  to  the  city,  &c.]    It  is  not  expressly  said, 

instance  of  their  zeal  and  courage  :  perhaps  some  appointment  might  be  whether  the  women  with  whom  she  came  thither  staid  any  where  near 

made  with  Peter  and  John,  (who  were  early  up,  as  it  should  seem,  on  the  sepulchre,  or  whether  they  returned  to  the  city  with  her  ;  but  con- 

this  occasion,)  either  to  meet  them  or  come  after  them,  to  assist  in  re-  sidering  that  John,  who  was  an  eyewitness,  has  mentioned  only  Wary 

moving  the  stone,  though  not  in  embalming  the  body.  JIagdalene  as  running  with  the   news,  her  companions  in  the   mean 

g  They  fled  to  some  distant  place,  Ike]    As  nothing  is  said  of  any  while  might  stav  at  some  distance  till  Peter  and  John  came,  and  had 

interview  between  them  and  the  frienils  of  Christ,  there  is  great  reason  viewed  the  sepulchre  ;  and  might  be  joined  there  by  the  other  women 

to  believe  that  this  was  the  case,  as  indeed  it  is  on  other  accounts  pro-  who  were  to  bring  the  spices,  upon  whose  coming  they  might  go  into  tlie 

bable  it  should  be.  sepulchre.    (Compare  Mark  xvi.  2.  and  Luke  xxiv.  ."5.  in  the  beginning 

h  Mary  Ulnydalene  saw  that  the  stone  was  talten  away,  S<c.]    Every  of  the  next  section.) — John  hints   nothing    at    all  of   Mary's    having 

attentive  reader  may  have  observed  how  difhcult  it  is  to  form  the  evan-  looked  into  the  sepulchre  before  she  ran  back  to  him  ;  and  his  narration 

gelists  int9  one  coherent  story  here,  and  to  reconcile  some  seeming  con-  being  the  last  and  most  circumstantial,  must  guide  us  in  adjusting  what 

trarieties  in  their  accounts :  nevertheless  I  hope,  on  a  careful  examina-  is  ambiguous  in  the  rest. 

tion  of  this  and  the  following  sections,  it  will  be  found  not  impracticable.  k  They  have  taken  away  the  Lord,  Sjc]    It  is  diflicult  to  suppose,  with 

I  shall  not  mention  the  very  different  schemes  other  critics  have  taken.  Dr.  Clarke,  Dr.  Guyse,  and  many  other  critics,  that  she  would  have 

nor  the  particular  objections  against  them  ;  but  would  only  add  a  word  spoken  thus,  if  the  angelshad  before  this  expressly  assured  her  of  Christ's 

or  two  concerning  that  of  Dr.  Guyse,  which  is  both  new  and  ingenious,  resurrection,  and  sent  her  away  with  such  a  message  as  they  did  to  the 

.vet  not  to  me  satisfactory.    lie  supposes  (in  his  note  on  John  xx.  2.)  that  disciples.    Compare  note  p,  on  ver.  1.3. 

there  were  two  appearances  of  the  angels  to  the  women ;  and  that  Mark  1  And  Peter  arose.]    These  words  in  Luke  come  in  after  the  account 

and  Luke  speak  only  of  the  first,  and  Matthew  and  John  of  the  second  ;  given  by  the  women  to  the  eleven,  and   all  the  rest  of  the  disciples, 

that  is,  in  other  words,  (as  I  understand  it,)  that  as  soon  as  it  was  light,  (Luke  xxiv.  9.)  or  the  angels'  appearing  to  them,  fcc.  and  so  make  the 

these  good  women  came  to  the  sepulchre,  and  saw  an  angel,  who  told  chief  objection  against  the  scheme  here  offered  to  the  reader  :    but  the 

them,  "  He  /cnew  they  sought  Jesjcs,  but  that  Ite  was  risen  ;"  and  inviting  word  tlieti,  with  which  this  verse  is  introduced  b3'  our  translators,  does 

them  "  to  come  and  see  the  place  where  he  mns  laid,"  charged  them  "  to  not  well  answer  to  5e  in  the  original ;  and,  as  we  have  often  showed 

//('  and  tell  his  disciples  t/iat  he  wov.ldgo  before  t/iem  into  Galilee."     Upon  before  that  Luke  is  not  always  so  exact  in  his  order  as  not  to  admit  ot 

this  they  go  immediately  and  tell  the  disciples,  (without  saying  any  some  transposition,  so  it  will  run  us  into  greater  difficulties  not  to  allow 

thing,  that  we  find,  of  the  vision,)  "  that  some  unknown  person  had  it  in  the  present  case,  in  which  it  is  apparently  reasonable  to  follow 

taken  away  the  Lord,  and  laid  him  they  knew  not  wliere:"  and  then  le-  John's  order,  who  was  an  eye-witness,    and  who   gives  the   last  and 

turning  again  to  the  sepulchre  m  less  than  an  hour,  they  see  another,  or  largest  account.    And  indeed,  it  no  transposition  may  be  allowed,  it  is 


THE  RESURRECTION.  347 

that  other  disciple,  and  came  that  other  disciple  whom  we  mentioned  before,  [and]  went  directly  out,  and  never  stopped  SECT, 
to  the  sepulchre.]  [John  xx.  jjH  t^gy  (■(i„,g  f„  f/ic  sepuichrc.  And,  not  Contented  with  the  swiftest  pace  with  which  they  194. 
'  .Fohn  .\x.  4.  So  they  ran  could  walk,  they  both  ran  together ;  and  as  that  other  disciple  was  the  younger  man,  he  ■ 


d?scip°f  dfd'  'out-run  Ve'te7  out-rau  Peter,  who  had  the  start  of  him  at  the  beginning,  and  came  first  to  the  sepulchre :  John 
and  came  iirst  to  the  sepul-  And  stoopiug  down  [to  look  into  it,]  he  suw  the  linen  clothes,  or  rollers,  in  which  the  corpse     -^■^• 
'"'a  And  he   stoopin-  down   ^ad  been  wrapped  up,  lying  there  by  themselves  -hut  he  did  not  at  first  enter  in  to  the  ^ 
and  lookim/'in,  saw  the  linen  sepulchre.     Then  Came  Siinon  Peter  very  quickly /o//oit;M;g  hmi,  and  having  stooped  doivn  6 
doth.es  lymg :  yet  went  lie  jq  Jq^]^  j,^^q  t|jg  sepulchre,  as  John  had  done  before,  he  was  not  satisfied  with  this  ;  but, 

6  Then  cometh  Simon  Pe-  that  he  might  examine  this  important  affair  with  such  exactness  as  it  deserved,  he  ivent  into 
if4  down^'ife]'wenTlw"?il^  ihe  sepulc/ire,  and  found  the  body  was  gone,  but  saiv  the  linen  clothes,  with  which  it  had 
sepulchre',  and  seeth  the  linen  been  covered,  laid  by  themsclvcs,  as  John  had  observed  from  without.    And  he  discovered  7 
[Luiirxxiv^isj"'*"'*^''^^  '^  another  material  circumstance  which  had  not  bi  en  remarked  before,  namely,  that  the  napkin 

7  And  the  napkin  that  was  which  was  aboiit  liis  head  was  7wt  laid  with  the  linen  clothes,  but  was  folded  up  in  a  place  by 
th'e°Unendothes"bVt^w"ai^,ed  J^se//>  in  such  an  Orderly  manner  as  plainly  showed  that  the  body  was  not  hastily  hun-ied 
together  in  a  place  by  itself,   away,  either  by  friend  or  enemy ;  but  made  the  sepulchre  appear  rather  like  a  bed-chamber, 

8  Then  went  in  also  that  which  a  person  On  his  awaking  in  the  morning  had  leisurely  quitted.     Then  that  other  dis-  8 
first'to'tife'''se''ulcli'*'''   "d'h*^  '^^P^^  ^'"^  Came  first  to  the  sepulchre,  and,  being  less  adventurous  than  Peter,  stood  hitherto 
saw  and'belTeved*!"^^'  ""     *^  without,  xvent  in  ulso  to  view  it ;  and  when  he  saw  the  several  parts  of  the  funeral  dress  in 

this  situation,  he  was  immediately  convinced,  and  believed  it  now  to  be  at  least  very  pro- 

9  For  as  yet  they  knew  not  bable  that  his  dear  Master  was  indeed  revived."     For  hitherto  they  did  not  know  the  full  9 
Hs^e  i^yin  "ron/tifi  deld'^"^'  meaning  of  those  various  intimations  oi  scripture,  to  which  Jesus  had  so  often  referred  to 

convince  them  that  he  must  certainly  rise  from  the  dead,  (compare  Matt.  xvi.  21.  p.  164, 
and  Luke  xviii.  31 — 34,  p.  246.)  which  if  they  had  considered,  they  would  cheerfully 
have  expected  the  sure  accomplishment  of  them,  and  would  not  have  been  so  much 
surprised  at  the  news  which  Mary  brought  them. 

10  Then  the  disciples  went       Then  both  the  discipks  went  awai/  again  to  their  companions  in  the  cityjO  [Peter]  not  10 
away  again  unto  their  own  beine  SO  thorouohW  satisfied  as  John  was,  yet  greatly  wondering  in  himself  at  what  had 

home,   [Peter  wondermg   in    ,        '^       ,  i       ^  i  i         ..     A  ^     c  ■   ■  i        •       • 

himself  at  that  which  was  happened,  and  very  much  concerned  as  to  the  event  ot  so  surprising  a  beginning, 
come  to  pass.]  [Luke  xxiv.       ]^^^^  Mury,  wlio  was  now  returned,  stood  near  the  sepulchre  after  Peter  and  John  were  11 
"ii  But  Mary  stood  without  gone  fi'om  it,  not  indeed  going  into  it  as  they  had  done,  but  weeping  ivithout,  in  great  per- 
at  the  sepulchre   weeping  :  pigxitv  at  her  not  knowing  what  was  become  of  Jesus  :  and  as  she  wept,  she  also  stooped 

and  as  she  wept,  she  stooped   ',  •',.,,      7      n  ■   1  p  11       •    ^     j/  ;   7  a     1   ..1  i.  ii  ,     ^       ^^ 

down,  a7td  looked  into  the  doxon,  [and  looked]  very  wisniuUy  into  the  sepulchre ;  And  tliere  she  saw  with  great  sur-  12 
^Ts'And'seeth  two  angels  in  P*"'^^  ^^^  angels  in  the  form  of  men,  clothed  in  white  habits,  sitting  one  at  the  head,  and 
whi'te,  sitting,  the  one  at  the  the  other  at  the  feet,  of  that  niche  in  the  sepulchre  cohere  the  body  of  Jesus  had  been  laid. 
fe?t^wher''eth'e''bod'y'^ot^Jesus  '^'"^  they  Said  to  her,  with  a  tender  regard.  Woman,  why  dost  thou  weep  thus  ?  And  s/(e  13 
had' lain.  said  to  them,  Alas,  I  have  reason  enough  to  weep;  it  is  became  they  have  taken  away  the 

■vvo^maii',''vvhy^weepest'thou'^?  body  of  Jcsus  my  dear  Lord,  and  I  know  not  where  they  have  laid  him,  or  how  the  sacred 
She  saith  unto  them,  Because  corpse  may  be  neglected  or  abused.P 

I^?d,  and'^l^know  nofwhele      ^wc?  just  US  she  had  Said  this,  hearing  a  sudden  noise  behind  her,  she  turned  hack  before  14 
they  have  laid  him.  the  angels  could  give  her  any  answer ;  and  she  saxv  Jesus  himself  standing  near  her  :  and 

said,  sh'l^mned  hl'rseuVa'ck!  shc  knew  not  at  first  that  it  was  Jesus,  his  habit  being  changed,  her  eyes  also  overflowing 
and  saw  Jesus  standing,  and  with  tears,  and  her  mind  being  so  far  from  any  expectation  of  his  appearance,  and  so 
knew  not  that  it  was  Jesus,  ^^^^j^  distressed,  that  she  did  not  so  much  as  look  up  to  the  face  of  the  person  who  ap- 
peared. 
15  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Then  Jesus  Said  to  Acr,  with  a  gentle  voice.  Woman,  ivhy  dost  thou  weep  thus  1  and  15 
whorrfseekesuhou?'she,  supl  whom  dost  thou  Seek  ?  And  slie,  supposing  him  to  be  the  gardener,^  scad  to  him.  Sir,  if  thou 
s'a'iti"  unto"  m''^ 's^  ^^T X"^'  ^'^^^  ^°^  any  unknown  reason  borne  him  away  fi-om  Aewce,  where  the  master  of  the  sepulchre 
iia've  borne  "him  he'nce,  tell  saw  fit  SO  honourably  to  lay  him  but  a  few  hours  ago,f  I  earnestly  beg  thou  wouldst 

absolutely  impossible  in  many  passages  of  the  gospel  history  to  make  sidered  merely  as  a  human  historian,  add  great  weight  to  his  testimony, 

any  consistent  Harmony  of  the  Evangelists  at  all;   as  every  attentive  See  note  d,  on  John  xxi.  20.  §  201. 

reader  must  have  often  observed. — This  was  the  view  in  which  I  former-  o  Weiit  mcay  again  to  their  companions.']    So  Trpor  eaPTsr  seems  evi- 

ly  considered  the  account  that  Luke  has  given  (ver.  12.1  of  Peter's  visit  dently  to  signify  :  (compare  Eisner,  Ohserv.  vol.  i.  p.  .S48.1    According- 

to  the  sepulchre,  which  I  have  incorporated  here  with  that  of  John,  wlio  ly  soon  after  this  the  women  found   the  eleven  and  the  rest  together. 

at  large  relates  their  going  there  together,  as  soon  as  they  received  the  first  (Luke  xxiv.  9.) — hitt\0eiv  Trpor  eavTOv,  never,  that  I  know  of,  signifies 

report  from  Marj'  Magdalene  of  the  sepulchre  being  open,  and  the  body  to  come  to  oneself,  or  to  the  exercise  or  possession  of  one's  own  mind,  as 

gone:  and,  as  Luke  does  not  mention  Peter'svisit  till  afterthe  report  the  some   have  strangely  interpreted   these   words.     Luke's  expression  in 

women  who  had  seen  the  angels  made  to  the  disciples,  it  could  not  any  that  case  is  different,  Luke   xv.  17.  where  he  says  of  the  prodigal,  eiy 

way  agree  with  that  of  John,  without  allowing  the  necessity  of  a  trans-  tavrov  eXOuiv,  zehen  he  came  to  himself. — It  was  very  prudent  in  Peter 

position.    But,  on  considering  the  observations  made  by  Mr.  West,  I  am  and  John  to  retire  immediately,  lest  they  should  have  been  questioned 

now  satisfied  that  Luke  refers,  not  to  the  visit  which  Peter  made  with  by  the  rulers  if  found  near  the  sepulchre. 

John,  but  to  a  second  visit  which  he  made  afterwards  upon  the  women's  p  They  have  taken  away  my  Lord,  and  I  know  not  where  they  have  laid 
coming  with  the  report  that  they  had  seen  two  angels  who  had  assured  him.']  This  expression  may  very  easily  be  accounted  for,  in  our  man- 
them  Jesus  was  risen.  These  women  Mr.  West  supposes  to  have  been  ner  of  ranging  this  story;  but  it  is  very  harsh  to  suppose  she  should 
Joanna  and  the  other  women  who  came  with  the  spices  ;  upon  whose  speak  in  this  manner,  if  one  of  the  angels  had  a  few  minutes  before 
coming  to  the  disciples  before  the  arrival  of  the  two  Maries  and  .Salome,  told  her  that  Jesus  was  risen.  .She  perhaps  thought  they  came  to  do  a 
and  telling  them  ihat  they  had  seen  two  angels  at  the  sepulchre,  who  kind  of  homage  to  the  place  %vhere  he  had  lain,  if  she  apprehended 
had  informed  them  Jesus  was  alive,  Peter,  willing  to  see  if  the  angels  them  to  be  angels  ;  which  whether  she  did  or  did  not,  we  do  not  certain- 
were  there,   immediately  arose  and  ran  again  to  the  sepulchre,   and,  ly  know. 

without  entering  in,  (as  he  had  done  before,)  but  only  stooping  down  q  Supposing  him  to  he  the  gardener.]  It  is  very  probable  that  Jesus  might 

and  looking  into  it,  as  he  could  see  no  angels  there,  but  only  the  linen  speak  low,  or  in  a  different  way  from  what  he  usually  did  ;   and  her 

clothes  lying,  (for  so  it  is  that  the  words  ra  odovia  xetneva  uova  should  taking  him  for  the  gardener,  seems  to  intimate  there  was  nothing  very 

be  rendered,)   came   back   again   in    great   astonishment.    (See   West's  splendid  in  his  dress:   accordingly,  when  he  appeared  to  the  two  disci- 

Ohserv.  p.  52,  et  seq.')    This  1  now  think  to  be  the  best  solution  of  this  ples  in  their  way  to  Emmaus,  they  seem  to  have  taken  him  for  a  person 

difficulty,  and  there  is  thus  no  need  of  any  transposition  ;    of  which  I  of  a  rank   not  much  superior  to  their  own.    Her  eyes  might  also  be 

could  not  but  inform  the  reader,  as  it  is  the  principal  circumstance  in  withheld  at  first  from  knowing  Jesus  by  some  supernatural  restraint,  as 

which  the  scheme  that  Mr.  West  has  given  differs  from  mine,  though  I  theirs  were.     Luke  xxiv.  16. 

have  left  the  harmony  to  stand  as  before,  that  it  may  still  be  seen  what  r  Sir,  if  thou  hast  borne  him  hence.']    It  is  observable  that  she  accosts 

1  had  offered,  as  it  will   either  way   be   found  sufficient  to  acquit  the  this  stranger  in  respectful  language,  even   when  she  took  him  for  a 

evangelists  from  any  charge  of  absurdity  or  contradiction.  servant,  (for  KijTroupo?'  cannot,  I  think,  signify  the  owner  of  the  garden,') 

m  But  folded  up  in  a  place  hy  itself]    Perhaps   our  Lord  himself  prudently  retiectiog,  that  an  error  on  that  hand  would  be  more  excusa- 

folded  up  the  napkin;   and  this  remarkable  circumstance  might  be  in-  ble  than  on  the  other,  supposing  he  should  have  proved  one  of  superior 

tended  to  signify  the  perfect  calmness  and  composure  with  which  he  rank   in  a  plain  dress  :    and  also,  that  she   does  not  name  Jesus,  but 

arose,  transported  with  no  rapture  or  surprise  at  his  awaking  out  of  this  speaks  in  indefinite  terms,  if  thmi  hast  home  him  hence  ;  intimating  that 

long  sleep. — It  would  be  very  impertinent  to  inquire  whence  he  had  he  was  the  one  person  of  whom  her  own  thoughts  and  heart  were  so 

his  clothes  ;  the  angels  no  doubt  furnished  him  with  them  ;  ami  perhaps  full,  that  she  took   it  for  granted  every  one  must  know  who  she  meant. 

the  diversity  of  their  colour  or  form  might  prevent  his  being  known  by  .Such  language  in  such  a  circumstance  was  perfectly  natural.     It  mere 

his  friends  at  first  sight.  was  any  hedge  or  arbour  near  the  sepulchre,  so  that  while  she  spake  to 

n  He  saw,  and  believed.]    Many  interpreters  explain  this  only  of  his  Jesus  she  was  not  visible  to  her  companions ;  or  if  this  avenue  was  such, 

believing  that  the  body  was  not  there  :  but  that  he  must  have  believed  that  while  they  came  up  to  it,  the  sepulchre  was  between  her  ana  tnem  ; 

before,  on  looking  into  the  sepulchre.    I  rather  understand  it  as  a  modest  or  if  they  were  now  waiting  at  some  distance,  or  coming  up  witn  a 

intimation  that  he,  first  indeed  of  all  others,  iefewrf  Me  ?r«</i(i/C7(ri«'j-  slower  pace,   being  charged   with  the  weight  ot  the  materials  tor  em- 

restirrection,  inferring  it,  as  he  reasonably  might,  from  the  order  in  balming,  (any  one  of  which  might  very   possibly  be  the  case,;  a  01m- 

which  he  found  the  sepulchre.    These  worcis  have  a  force  and  a  grace,  culty  with  respect  to  the  time  of  their  coming  to  *■"?,. 5^P"l.'^"i^'^v,^i""^" 

on  this  interpretation,  which  I  think  no  other  can  give  them.    Much  of  may  ofl'er  itself  to  the  sagacious  reader  m  the  disposition  or  tne  roiiow- 

the  beauty  of  John's  manner  of  writing  consists  in  such  hints  as  these,  iug  section,  wlien  compared  with  this,  will  disappear  at  once, 
■which  show  the  temper  ol  that  excellent  man  ;  and,  were  he  to  be  con- 


k 


348  THE  RESURRECTION. 

SECT,  immediately  teli  me  where  thou  hast  put  him,  and  I  ivill  remove  him,  and  take  effectual  care  me  where  thou  hast  laid  iiim, 
194.    that  his  corpse  shall  be  decently  interred  elsewhere,  without  giving  any  further  trouble  and  i  will  take  him  away, 

here. 

JOHN        Jesus,  on  this,  said  to  her,  with  a  loud  and  distinct  voice,  in  his  usual  affectionate     16  Jesus  saith   unto  her, 
^^^g  way,  iliftn/,    dost  thou  not  know  me  ?    \_And'\  Mary  thereupon  ^"""'"g  directly  towards  ^,^^'">'-j,^^[',^,^'^^°f''j^^*^^^^^^^^^ 
him,  and  eagerly  fixing  her  eyes  upon  him,  immediately  discovered  who  it  was;   and  whic^h  is  to  say.  Master, 
transported  with  a   mixture  of  unutterable   passions,  she  said  to  him,  Rabboni ;  that  is  to 
say,  \_My  greaf]  Master  and  Teacher!  and  so  much  was  her  heart  affected,  that  she  could 
say  no  more,  but  immediately  prostrated  herself  at  his  feet  to  embrace  them. 
17      But  Jesus  said  to  her.  Do  not  stay  here  to  embrace  me  [«oiy,]  either  to  pay  thine  homage     17  Jesus   saith    unto  her, 
to  me,  or  to  confirm  thy  faitli ;    both  which  thou  wilt  have  other  opportunities  of  doing  :  J™asVe'irded'to^my^FaThe°- 
for  I  am  not  yet  withdrawn  from  your  world,  and  ascended  to  the  heavenly  court  of  my  but  go  to  my  brethren,  and 
Father,  as  you  may  imagine  I  should  presently  do  ;5  but  I  shall  yet  continue  for  a  little  y^„^„  "^ly  Father  and^you'r 
while  upon  earth,  and  give  you  further  opportunites  of  seeing  me  again  :  let  nothing  there-  Father,  and  to  my  God  and 
fore  now  detain  thee  any  longer,  but  go  immediately  to  my  dear  brethren,  for  whom  I  have  ■*°"'^  ^"'^' 
still  the  same  affectionate  regard  as  ever,  and  say  unto  them,  I  am  risen  from  the  dead,  and 
after  I  have  paid  some  visits  to  you,  am  shortly  indeed  to  ascend  into  heaven,  from  whence 
I  came :  yet  grieve  not  at  that  separation,  but  remember,  that  as  I  am  going  to  him  who 
is  in  a  very  peculiar  sense  my  Father,  so  I  shall  still  be  mindful  of  your  interest,  and  am 
also  going  to  your  Father,  and  [to']  my  God  and  your  God ;  for  such  he  is  now  become, 
through  that  covenant  which  he  has  established  with  you  in  me  :'  on  the  whole,  therefore, 
you  have  infinitely  greater  reason  to  rejoice  than  to  mourn. 

And  upon  saying  this  he  immediately  disappeared  for  the  present ;  and  the  other  wo- 
men advancing  to  the  sepulchre,  where  the  angels  continued,  received  the  news  of  his 
resurrection  from  them,  and  were  directed,  as  Mary  Magdalene  also  was,  to  report  it  to  the 
disciples,  with  a  variety  of  additional  circumstances  which  will  be  mentioned  in  the  fol- 
lowing section. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

MATT.  How  fit  is  it  that  we  should  sing  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song  ;  and  with  what  thankful  hearts  should  we  join,  on 
XXVIII.  ]^jg  Q^y^  ^^y^  gjjj^  Q,j  every  day,  to  congratulate  the  triumph  of  his  rising  from  the  dead,  and  to  rejoice  in  this 
1 — 4  birth-day  of  our  hopes  !  Now  is  the  justice  of  God  amply  satisfied,  or  the  prisoner  had  never  been  released.  Now 
is  the  reproach  of  the  cross  ceased,  and  turned  into  proportionable  glory.  That  reproach  was  rolled  away  at  once 
by  the  aescending  angel,  who  appeared,  not  to  awaken  Christ  from  his  sleep,  or  to  bring  him  a  new  life,  for  he 
had  himself  a  power,  whenever  he  pleased,  to  resume  that  which  he  had  voluntarily  resigned  ;  (.Tolin  x.  18.)  but  he 
came  to  add  a  solemn  pomp  to  his  revival,  and  to  strike  the  guards  with  such  a  terror  as  would  effectually  pre- 
vent any  mad  attempt  on  this  glorious  Conqueror  when  he  was  bursting  the  bonds  in  which  he  had  for  a  while 
been  held. 

O  Lord,  we  acknowledge  the  truth  of  thy  promise.  Thou  didst  not  leave  his  soul  in  hell,  neither  didst  thou  siiffer 
the  flesh  of  thine  Holy  One  to  see  corruption:  (Psal.  xvi.  10.)  Now  is  Christ  indeed   risen  from  the  dead,  and  be- 
come the  first-fruits  of  them  that  slept.  (1  Cor.  xv.  20.)  May  we,  in  conformity  to  his  holy  example,  be  dead  to 
sin  and  to  the  world';  that  like  as  Christ  was  raised  up  from  the  dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  tve  also 
may  walk  in  newness  of  life  !  (Rom.  vi.  4.)  Then  will  he  that  raised  up  Christ  from  the  dead,  ere  long  quicken  our 
mortal  bodies  by  his  Spirit  that  dwelleth  in  us.  (Rom.  viii.  11.) 
JOHN       Let  the  faith  of  what  has  been  done  with  regard  to  our  glorified  Head,  and  shall  at  length  be  accomplished  with 
"^\"^  respect  to  all  his  members,  daily  gladden  our  hearts.     When  our  eyes  are  weeping,  and  our  souls  .sinking  within 
us,  let  us  raise  our  thoughts  to  .Tesus,  our  risen  and  now  ascended  Redeemer  ;  who  says  to  all  his  brethren  these 
17  gracious  words,  (which  may  justly  be  received  with  transports  of  astonishment,  and  ifill  our  hearts,  at  the  same 
time,  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory,)  "  I  ascend  to  my  Father  and  your  Father,  and  to  my  God  and 
your  God" 

Tlie  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  now,  through  the  death  and  resurrection  of  his  dear  Son, 
(whom,  by  raising  him  from  the  dead,  he  has  so  solemnly  owned  under  that  relation,)  become  our  Father  and  our 
God.  As  such  let  us  honour  him,  love  him,  and  rejoice  in  him  ;  and  when  we  must  leave  this  world,  which 
Christ  has  long  since  left,  let  it  delia^ht  our  souls  to  ttiink  that  we  shall  likewise  ascend  after  him,  and  dwell  with 
him  in  this  propitious  divine  presence.  In  tlie  mean  time,  //'  we  are  risen  with  Christ,  let  us  seek  those  things 
which  are  above,  tvhere  Christ  now  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God;  (Col.  iii.  1)  and  let  us  be  willing,  in  what- 
ever sense  God  shall  appoint,  to  be  rnade  conformable  to  his  death,  that  we  may  also  be  partalws  of  his  resurrec- 
tion and  glory.    (Phil.  lii.  10,  11) 

s  Do  not  embrace  me  now,  for  I  am  not  yet  ascended  to  my  Father.^  or  receive  the  expressions  of  their  homage  to  him."    fSee  the  Appendix 

]Ur.  Chandler,  in  his  Answer  to  the  Considerations  on  the  Trial  of  the  to  his  Sermons  at  Hoj/le's  Lect.   p.  208— .1(10.)    If  there   liad   been  any 

IVitnexses,  has  given  such   convincing  reasons  in  the  present  case  for  necessity  for  his  ascending  immediately,  he  surely  would  not  first  hav*! 

rendering  the  word  otttoii  embrace,  (which  I    before  apprehended  to  be  appeared   to  Mary,  and   then   to  the  other  women  on  their  way  to  thf 

the  sense  of  it,)  that  I  think  myself  warranted  in  changing  the  version,  city.     The  intci  pietation  here  given  suits  the  words  as  well,  aud  otht 

We  find    indeed  in  the  next    section,  that   presently  after  this,  when  scriptures  much  better.    .She  probably  thought,  that  if  he  was  risen,  he 

Jesus  appeared   to  the  women   who  were  fleeing  from   the  sepulchre,  was  also  returned  back   to  his   heavenly  Father  to  keep  up  his  stated 

they  were  permitted  to  embrace  him.  (Cotnpare  Matt,  xxviii.  8,  9.  and  abode  with  him  again,  as  he  quickly  after  did  :    to  assure  her  therefore 

Mark  xvi.  8.)    But  this  is  well  at  counted  for  by  Mr.  West,  as  gracious-  of  the  contrary  was  exceeding  proper,  and  the  best  reason  that  could  be 

ly  designed  to  calm  their  minds,  and   to  remove  the  terror  tliey  were  given  to  persuade  her  to  wave  any   further  discourse  now,  with  which 

under  ;    while  Mary,  who  was  under  no  such  terror,  had  her  grief  dis-  to  be  sure   she  must  otherwise  have   been  earnestly  desirous  to  detain 

persed  at  once,  and  was  immediately  convinced  that  it  was  Christ,  upon  her  dear   Lord. —  I  o  suppose,  with   Messrs.  I/I'nfant  and    Beausobrc, 

fiis  calling  her  by  her  name.     And,  to  induce   her  not  to  wait  for  any  that  she  meant  this  adoration  as  homage  to  a  temporal  prince,  and  that 

thing  more  at  present,  it  was  a  very  proper  consideration  that  our  Lord  our  Lord's  answer  wa.s  chiefly  intended  as  a  declaration  that   he  must 

subjoins,  For  I  am  not  yet  ascended  to  my  Father  ;  in  which  he  at  once  ascend  to  his  Father  before  he  received  his  kingdom,  appears  to  nie  very 

assured   her  that  he  was  not  yet  quitting  this  world,  and  plainly  in-  unnatural. 

timated  his  intention  of  seeing  her  and  his  disciples  again,  and  paying       t  Go  to  my  brethren,  &c.'\    By  calling  the  disciples  his  brethren,  and 

frequent  visits  to  them   before   his  final  departure,  when  what  he  had  God,  their  Father  and  their  God,  he  intimates  in  the  strongest  manner 

lately  said  to  his  disciples  of  his   going  to  the  t'ather,  ( lohn  xvi.  C8.)  the  full   forgiveness  of  their  fault  in   leaving  him,  even  without  erer 

should  be  fulfilled  by  his  ascension  into  heaven.    (See  West's  Obierv.  mentioning  it;   just  as  the  father  of  the   prodigal  (Luke  xv.  22,  et  seq.'> 

p.  167,  et  seq.) — The  sense  is  obvious   and  easy  in  this  view,  and  Dr.  intimated  liis  i^orgiveness  of  his  undutiful  behaviour,  by  calling  for  the 

Whitby,  (in  his  note  on  this  place.)  Mr.  Fleming,  (Christol.  vol.  iii.  p.  best  robe,  &c.  without  any  direct  reply  to  what  his  penitent  child  had 

502.)  Mr.  Cradock,  and  others,  interpret  these  words  as  I  have  done  in  said  of  his  unworthiness  to  be  called  his  son. — These  exquisite  touches, 

the  paraphrase  :    and  it  is  strange  that  Mr.  Whiston  should  think  this  which  every  where  abound  in  the  evangelical  writings,  give  inexpressi- 

fext  inexplicable,  unless  we  suppose  "  that  Christ  was  immediately  to  ble  delight  to  a  well-turned  heart,  and  show  how  perfectly  Christ  knew 

ascend  to  his  Father,  before  he  could  at  all  converse  with  any  of  them,  our  frame. 


THE  RESURRECTION.  349 

SECTION  CXCV. 

riirist  liaviii"  appeared  to  Mary,  the  other  women  come  to  the  sepulchre,  and  are  informed  of  his  resurrection  by  the  angels.    He  appears  to 
"tlie   wumen  lis  tliey  return  to  the  city:    but  neitlier  their  testimony  nor  that  of  Mary  is  received   by  the  disciples.    Matt,  xxviii.  5—10. 
Mark  xvi.  2,  5—11.    Luke  xxiv.  3—11.    John  xx.  18. 

.  „  Mark  xvi.  9. 

Mark  XVI.  9. 

Kow  when  Jesus  was  risen  WE  have  just  tiow  Seen  in  the  preceding  section,  that  iv/ien  [Jesiis]  was  risen  from  the   sfxt. 

hf'L'iLred'hfsf  to'^Ma'ry  ^ead,  very  earli/  on  the  first  day  of  the  week,  (which  day  was  afterwards  observed  by  his    ^^S- 

MagX'ieneTout  of  whom  be  followers  "in  commemoration  of  this  important  fact,)  he  made  his  first  appearance  to  Mary 

bad  cast  seven  devils.  Magdalene,  out  of  %uhom  {as  was  formerly  said)  Ae  had  some  time  before  e;"ec<erf  no  less  mark 

than  seven  demons,  who  by  an  awful  providence  were  permitted  to  join  together  in  afflict-  n^^'^' 

ing  her.     (Compare  Luke  viii.  2.  p.  116.) 
2  And  they  [i.  e.  the  other     ^But  it  is  now  time  to  retum  to  the  women  her  companions,  from  whom  she  had  parted  2 
tvomen]  came  unto  the  sepul-  .^vhen  she  went  to  inform  Peter  and  John  that  the  sepulchre  was  open.    (John  xx.  2.  p. 
chre  at  the  rising  ot  the  sun.    ^^^^  Tiicse  were  now  joined  by  [the  other  iuomenr\  who  had  brought  the  spices,  and, 

while  Mary  was  engaged  in  this  interview  with  Christ,  came  up  together  to  the  sepulchre : 
Luke  xxiv.  3.    And  they  and   it  was  now  about  the  time  of  the  rising  of  the  sun.^    And  having  found  the  passage    luke 
entered  [into  the  sepulchre',]  opgn  without  any  obstruction  in  the  way,  and  observed,  as  they  stood  at  a  distance,  that  .;?^-^^^'- 
LmdTesus"fM^k  xlu.  5.f  *"  Peter  and  John  had  done  the  like,  they  entered  into  the  sepulchre  themselves  ;  but,  as  tliey  "^ 

had  before  suspected  on  seeing  it  open,  they  found  not  the  body  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

4  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  as  they  were  in  great  perplexity  on  this  account,  and  knew  not  4 
they  were  much  perplexed  what  to  think  was  bccome  of  the  body,  behold,  to  tneir  inexpressible  astonishment,  they 
tlvTmen"LiAo]'stood  b/t1fem  saw  the  tivo  angcls  whom  Mary  had  seen  but  a  little  before,  (who  had  disappeared  upon 
in  shininfj  garments :  ["««  "/  their  coming  to  the  Sepulchre,  but  now  rendered  themselves  visible  at  once,)  in  the  form 
AmrsrttmI"on  the  right "sidl:,  of  7nen  arrayed  in  splendid  habits,  [wAo]  came  and  stood  by  them,  the  women  being  unable 
clothed  in  a  long  white  gar-  ^^  discover  "how  they  came  in  :  and  [one  of  them']  appeared  like  a  yowm  man,  with  a 
men  .J       ar   xvi.   .  beautiful  and  cheerful  aspect,  clothed  in  a  'long  ivhite  robe,  glittering  with  lustre  like  the 

purest  snow :    and  this  was  the  angel  who  appeared  at  first  to  the  guards,  and  [rulio  had 
been]  afterwards  seen  by  Mary  sitting  on  the  right  side  of  the  entrance  into  the  sepulchre. 

5  And  [they  were  affright-  Arul  they  were  greatly  terrified  at  this  extraordinary  and  surprising  sight ;    and  stepping  5 
ed,i  and  bowed  down  their  back  to  the  verv  door,''  they  bowed  their  faces  to  the  ground,  and  fixed  their  eyes  upon  it, 

faces  to  the  earth.  [Mark  xvi.  .^  ^^^^^  ^j.  tl.g-'profoundest  rCSpeCt.c 

Matt,  xxviii.  5.   And  the      But  the  angel,  in  a  most  mild  and  condescending  manner,  answered  and  said  unto  the  matt. 
angel  answered  and  said  unto  uiomen,^  Do  not  be  terrified  at  what  you  see  ;    for  we  appear  to  comfort  rather  than  afflict  xxviii 
LnftbrTiinow  "iwityeTeek  jou,  and  have  the  best 'tidings  to  bring  you  that  ever  you  heard  :    I  know,  that  in  the  5 
w^a\"crucifie^'^^?LuKE  "\vh'^  Strength  of  your  affection  7/oM  are  come  to  seek  that  holy  and  excellent  Person,  Jesus  of 
"eekye^ie^living'amongthi  Nazareth,  wlio  was  crucified  the  other  day,  and  buried  here:   but  ivhy  seek  ye  the  living 
dead n   Mark  xv.  6.   Luke  among  the  dead?  and  why  are  you  come  hither  with  materials  for  embalming  one  who  is 
^Tuke'  xxiv.  6.   He  is  not  possessed  of  an  immortal  life  ?     He  is  not  here,  but  is  risen  this  morning,  as  he  said  tliat  he    luke 
['MrR'l"''beMd  wlerl^hey  should  :  behold  the  tomb  tvhere  they  laid  him  ;  the  body  is  not  here  :    come  in,  and  satisfy  g''^^^" 
laid    hi'm  ;]  [come  see  the  yourselves  by  the  Strictest  inquiry  ;  and  vieiv,  with  all  the  mixture  of  holy  affections  which 
?emlmber'"how''he^spake  unto  ^rc  Suitable  to  such  a  circumstance,  the  place  where  the  Lord  of  life  and  glory,  the  Prince 
you,  when  be  was   yet  in  of  angels  and  men,  lay  for  a  while  a  breathless  corpse  :  but  he  has  now  triumphed  over  the 
Mark'^x'vi  6^]""'   '"'^''''    ^'  gi'ave  ;  and  you  have  no  reason  to  be  surprised  to  hear  it :  for  it  not  only  was  most  pro- 
bable in  itself  that  this  would  be  the  case,  but  he  also  often  foretold  it.     Remember  par- 
ticularly hoiu  he  spake  unto  you,  ivhen  he  was  yet  in  Galilee  with  you,  where  I  know  with 

7  .Saying,  The  Son  of  man  what  kindness  you  attended  and  ministered  to  him  :«  Recollect  that  remarkable  saying  of  7 
must  be  delivered  into  the  hjg  which  was  SO  often  repeated,  The  Son  of  man  must  be  delivered  into  the  hands  of  sin- 

hanns  ot  smtul   men,  and  be  ,  ,  .,-    ,  V    ,      ,,  •     ,     ?       i         i     n       -  •         /  i\yT    ^i  •      th      „■     i  £?  i 

crucihed,  and  the  third  day  ners,  and  be  crucified,  and  the  third  day  he  shall  rise  again;  (see  iVlatt.  xvi.  21.  p.  Ib4. 
"se  again.  xvii.  22,  23,  p.  170.  and  xx.  18,  19.  p. "246.)  now  this,  as  you  well  know,  is  the  third  day  ; 

8  And  they  remembered  his  and  what  he  said  is  most  exactly  verified.     {And,  while  the  angel  spake  thus,  they  called  8 
^"flSt    xxviii   7    [But]  go  ^^  '"^"^  "^^^*^  *^^y  ^^^  \\Q^xA  from  Jesus,  and  perfectly  remembered  his  ivords.)     But  go  matt. 
[your  way]  quickly,  and  tell  quickly,  added  he,  and  communicate  to  your  friends  the  joy  which  you  now  feel ;  yea,  go  xxviii 
his  disciples  [and  Peter,]  that  ^nd  tcll  his  mourning  disciples,  and  particularly  tell  Peter,  who  is  so  overwhelmed  with  his  7 

ne  is  risen  rrom  the  dead  ;  and  ,.  ,  ''    .      .^    .  /.   ^        ,       7     S  j  •    ._  ^1  1  •       r     iU 

behold,  he  goeth  before  you  peculiar  sorrows,  that  he  IS  risen  from  the  dead ;  and  acquaint  them  also,  m  turther  con- 
lee"  idm!''[as  i!lf'^laid'''unto  Armation  of  the  truth  of  it,  Behold,  he  is  shortly  going  before  you  into  Galilee  ,-f  for  I  am 
you :]  Lo,  I  have  told  you.  commissioned  to  assure  you  that  there  ye  shall  all  see  him,  as  he  said  to  you  that  he  would 
[Mark  xvi.  7.]  n^ggt  ygy  there  ;  (compare  Matt,  xxvi.32.  and  Mark  xiv.  28.  p.  315.)  Lo,  I,  who  am  one 

of  the"  angels  that  stand  in  the  presence  of  God,  have  told  you  this,  and  my  associate  here 
is  ready  to  attest  it ;  and  therefore  important  and  wonderful  as  the  message  is,  you  need 
Mark  xvi.  8.  And  they  not  at  all  scruple  to  report  it. 
from  the'seTuichre ;  for  they      And  upon  this,  instead  of  making  any  further  scrutiny,  they  went  out  quickly,^  and  fled  mark 
trembied,  and  were' amazed :  from  the  sepulchrc  as  fast  as  possible  ;  for  they  trembled,  and  were  amazed  at  this  angelic  o^^^' 
to 'any  mt,Xr  they  werl'vision  ;  and,  whoever  they  met  by  the  way,  they  said  nothing  to  any  one  of  them, /or  they  ^ 

a  Aiout   the  rising  of  the  sun.']    We  have  seen  before,  that  Mary       d  But  the  angel  answered,  <5c.]    I  entirely  agree  with  Mr.  West,  that 

Magdalene,  with  the  other  Mary  and  Salome,  set  out  while  it  was  yet  the  particle  he  should  here  be  rendered  hit.  See  Wests  Observ.  p.  23. 
dark,  and  came  within  sight  of  the  sepulchre  for  the  first  time,  just  as       e  Heniemher  how  he  spake  unto  ymi.  u-hen  he  reasyet  m  Galilee.]    I  his 

it  grew  light  enough  to  discern  that  it  was  opened  ;   (compare  Matt,  familiar  manner  m  which  the   angel  speaks  ot  what  passed   between 

xxviii.  1.  and  John  xxi.  1.  p.  .345.)  but  by  that  time  Mary  had  called  Jesus   and  them  in  Galilee,  seems   to  intimate,  that  he  had   then  been 

Peter  and  John,  and  they  had  viewed  the  sepulchre,  and  Joanna  was  present,  though  invisible,  and  heard  wl.at  Jesus  said.    The  hint  suggests 

come,  with  the  other  women  who  were  to  bring  the  spices,  which  might  many  agreeable  reflections,  which  the  pious  reader  will  dwell  upon  at 

all   pass  in   less  than  an  hour,  the  sun  was  up.    These  circumstances  leisure.— The  mention  which  he  afterwards  makes  of  Peter,  whether  it 

well  agree  with  each  other,  and  are  presumptions  in  favour  of  the  order  were  or  were  not  by  a  particular  charge  from  Christ,  is  also  observable 

which  we  have  laid  down.  in  the  same  view.  „,:,„,. 

b  Stepping  back  to  the  very  door.]    This  it  was  natural  for  them  to       f  He  is  going  before  you  into  Galilee.]    When  we  consider  tnis  ex- 
do  ;  and  from  the  angel's  afterwards  inviting  them  to  come  in  and  view  pression  of  the  angel  to  the  women,  as   Mark   has  related  it.  U"raTe 
the  sepulchre,   we  may  infer  that  they  were  now  precisely  in  this  atti-  on  7rpoa7ei  i.Ma.c  &:c.]   the   construction   shows,  as  the  '«''™™.^^'^ 
fude                'J                           J                     f  observes,  (£«/•(•!<.  p.  23.1  that  these  words  are  the  message  which  the 

c  They  bowed  tlieir  faces  to  the  ground,  and   fixed  their  eyes  upon  it,  angel  puts  into  the  mouth  of  these  women   to  be  delivered  by  them  to 
cVc]    The  words  kX.vouo-w.,  to  Trpoaw^o.-  6«  t,).-  71.-.  do  not  intimate  the  apostles      But  what  is  added,  ithe,e  shall  ^e'ee  /">»,]  m^i ^^^ 
their  prostrating  themselves  before  the  angels,  but  a  respectful  and  re-  sistent  with  this  criticism,  be  understood  as  in  the  PaiaP"'.^f  •  'j''," 
verential  rfcftonni?  M«>,^earfi,  and  looking  downward,  that  they  might  makes   the   sense  more  complete,    by  adding  a  very  mateiiai.au^^ 
not  appear  to  gaze  ;  which  is  well  known  to  have  been  forbidden  to  the  them  who  so  tenderly  loveil   Jesus,   a  very  d^Ughttu    circumsid       . 
Jews  upon  the  sight  of  a  celestial  vision.   (.See  Exod.  xix.  21.  compare  namely,  that  they  should  see  him  themselves,  anrt  "O;  "■^"^'■>^  "''-"' 
Judg.  xiii.  20.)    And  it  was  also  considered  as  dangerous  by  the  hea-  most  credible  assurances  ot  Ins  resurrection  ""om  otners.  ^^^^ 
then,  when  their  deities,  or  any  celestial  messengers  from  them,  were       g   They   went   out    guickly.]    lliis   is  the  5^„^",;'''*^h,,,  :,  improper- 
supposed  to  make  themselves  visible;  as  Eisner  has  finely  shown  in  his  efeXCouo-a/,  which  is  the  same  m  both  '"e  ewngeiiMs,  uui           f    p 
learned  and  entertaining  note  here.    Elsn.  Observ.  vol.  i.  p.  281.  ly  rendered  here  in  Matthew,  they  departed,  (bee  wesi  s  uBse,i>.  y.  jo 


350  THE  RESURRECTION. 

SECT,  were  very  much  affrighted;  [hut,']  with  hearts  full  of  /ear  at  what  they  had  seen,  «n<i  with  afraid;  [and  with  fear  and 
195.    a  mixture  also  of  ereat  joy  at  this  happv  news  which  they  had  received  in  so  awful  a  man-  great  Joy  •'•'* ,''""  to,^""!!  !•> 

.    ,,  -.V      11  -/i-"  1  >^i     '  '         1  1    ,     7    •        I  •   •'7-     ■    7  1  disciples  word.]  [Matt,  xxviii 

ner,"  they  ran  witli  all  the  speed  they  could  to  bring  his  disciples  word.  8.1 


MATT.       And  as  they  were  going  on  their  way  to  tell  his  disciples  ^  behold,  Jesus  himself  met  them,^     Matt,  xxviii.  9.  And  as  they 
xxvjii.  saying,  in  the  usual  form  of  congratulatory  salutations,  Hail,  mv  friends  !  I  give  you  joy  y«"'  t°  *<="  ''is  disciples,  be- 

9     c  ^\       J  A    J  xi  ■        i_      ■       ■        /  r  .1     •   •/•  ^1      '^  J        J    J   liold,  .lesus  met  them,  sayini', 

ot  the  day.    And  upon  this,   begmnmg  to  recover  trom  their  tear,  as  they  saw  it  was  ah  hail.     And  tiiey  canie 
Jesus,  they  drew  near  in  the  most  respectful  manner,  and,  prostrating  themselves  before  ^"'^ '?'?'''  ^^^^  ""^  *^^''  ^""^ 
him,  took  hold  of  his  feet  and  embraced  them,  and  paid  their  homage  to  him  on  this  joyful  """^^  '^'^^     '"'' 
occasion. 
10      Then  Jesm,  as  he  saw  that  they  were  still  in  a  great  deal  of  confusion,  did  not  long     jo  Then  said  Jesus  unto 
permit  them  to  continue  in  that  posture,  but  comforted  and  dismissed  them,  as  he  had  ^^f^m.  Be  not  afraid :  goteli 
done  before  with  respect  to  Mary  ;  and  said  to  them,  Be  not  any  more  afraid,  for  you  have  to^GalileX"  and' there  ^shali 
indeed  no  reason  for  it ;  [but,']  as  you  have  now  the  fullest  proof  that  I  am  actually  risen  from  they  see  me. 
the  dead,  go  ye  therefore  and  tell  my  dear  brethren,  whoever  of  them  you  may  meet  here 
in  the  city,'  that  they  go  away  into  Galilee,  to  the  place  I  formerly  appointed  ;  (see  note  b, 
on  Matt.  xxvi.  .32.  p.  315.)  and  when  a  proper  number  of  them  is  met  there,  they  shall  see 
me  appear  publicly  among  them,  to  remove  all  the  remaining  doubts  which  any  of  them 
may  entertain  as  to  the  certainty  of  my  resurrection. 
LTJKE       Now  after  Jesus  had  spoken  these  words,  he  immediately  disappeared  ;  and  the  women     Luke  xxiv.  9.  And  [they] 
XXIV.  ran  on  to  carry  the  news  :  and  when  they  iverc  returned  from  the  sepulchre  to  Jerusalem,  an'd  to?d  aU°tiiese  thmgs'u^nto 
^  they  told  all  these  things  to  the  eleven  apostles,  and  to  all  the  rest  of  the  disciples  whom  the  eleven,  and  to  all  the  rest, 
they  met  with  then  or  on  the  following  days,™  having  it  much  at  heart  to  deliver  tliis  im- 
portant message  in  the  most  punctual  and  effectual  manner. 
10      And  they  were  Mary  Magdalene,  and  Joanna,  and  Mary  [the  7nother']  of  James,  and     10  It  was   Mary  Magda- 
Joses,  and  Salome,  and  the  other  women  that  had  gone  with  them  to  the  sepulchre,  as  above,  lA°OToMe/on°ames*"nd^\h«- 
with  an  intent  to  embalm  Christ's  body,  (p.  345.)  ivho  were  the   persons  that  were  thus  women  that  'were\v\i\\  them, 
honoured  with  this  message  from  the  angels,  and  from  Christ  himself;  and  who  accord-  the'aposties."'*^^  things  unto 
ingly  came  and  told  these  things  to  the  apostles,  who  had  none  of  them  as  yet  seen  any 
thing  more  themselves  than  that  the  sepulchre  was  empty,  and  the  linen  clothes  laid  in 
MARK  order.     Aiid  Mai-y  Magdalene  in  particular  went  with  the  other  women,  and  told  the  dis-     jyja,.]^  ^^.j  y^    ^nrf [Mary 
.^vi.    ciples  that  had  been  so  constantly  with  him,  as  they  weix  mourning  and  weeping  for  the  loss  isiagdaiene]   went  and  told 

10  of  their  dear  INIaster,  that  she  also  had  seen  the  Lord;  and  that  indeed  he  had  appeared  to  ^wit'i,''K'as^  'hey  mourned 
her  the  first  of  all  the  company,  and  had  spoken  these  gracious  things  unto  her  as  well  as  to  and  wept,'  [that  she  had  seen 
them,  relating  to  his  resun-ection  from  the  dead,  and  had  expressly  ordered  her  to  acquaint  spoken'Th'ese  things^unto  her!] 
them  with  his  purpose  of  ascending  ere  long  to  his  Father  and  their  Father,  and  to  his  [John  xx.  18.] 

God  and  their  God.     (Compare  John  xx.  17.  p.  348.) 

11  But  such  were  the  prevailing  prejudices  that  had  possessed  the  minds  of  the  disciples,  11  And  they,  when  they  had 
and  so  entirely  were  their  S]iirits  dejected  and  their  hopes  blasted  by  the  death  of  their  had'^been"Lenon!er','betieved 
Lord,  that  though  they  could  not  think  this  was  related  with  a  design  to  impose  upon  not:  [and  their  words  seemed 
them,  yet  they  were  ready  to  impute  it  to  the  power  of  imagination ;  "and  even  when  they  x°xiv.*n.T  "*'*  '*'*'*'■'  '■^"''* 
heard  that  he  ivas  actually  alive,  and  had  been  seen  by  her,  and  by  the  otiier  women  who 

also  testified  the  same,  they  did  not  in  general  believe  it :  but  their  ivords  seemed  to  most  of 
them  as  an  idle  tale,  and  they  determined  to  suspend  their  belief  of  so  important  a  fact, 
till  they  were  satisfied  of  it  by  the  testimony  of  their  own  senses  ;  which  through  the  great 
condescension  of  their  Lord,  several  of  them  were  before  the  end  of  that  day,  as  we  shall 
(juickly  relate. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

MATT.      We  are  now  again  called,  as  by  the  angel's  voice,  to  come  and  see  the  place  where  the  Lord  lay,  and  to  take  an 

XXVIII.  affectionate  survey  of  that  sepulchre  which  our  rising  Saviour  had  left,  and  where  he  had  laid  aside  the  dress  of 

6  death,  as  a  token  that  he  should  return  to  it  no  more.     How  wonderful  that  he  should  ever  have  lain  there !    that 

the  Lord  of  life  should  have  dwelt  among  the  dead,  and  from  the  glory  of  the  throne  of  God,  should  have  sunk 

down  to  the  abasement  of  the  grave  ! — But  he  has  burst  its  prison  doors,  and  has  abolished  death,  and  him  who 

had  the  power  of  it ;  abolished  it  for  himself  and  us.     How  are  all  its  terrors  now  disarmed  !     O  death,  where  is 

thy  sting  !   O grave,  where  is  thy  victory  !    (1  Cor.  xv.  55.) 

'  J  o      With  what  pleasure  did  the  "angels  deliver  this  gracious  message  of  their  Lord,  as  well  as  ours  !  and  with  what 

transport  did  the  pious  women  receive  it !  Behold  the  tender  care  of  Christ  over  his  people  !  Angels  have  it  imme- 

^0  diately  in  charge  to  send  the  glad  tidings  to  his  disciples  ;    and  Jesus  repeats  and  confirms  them.     Go  tell  my 

brethren,  I  am  risen  from  the  dead.     Lord,  is  this  thy  language  concerning  those  who  but  a  few  hours  before  had 

MARK  forsaken  thee  !   and  one  of  them,  with  such  dreadful  imprecations,  denied  thee !    Yet  even  that  disciple  is  not 

XVI.  7.  excluded  ;  nay,  to  him  is  it  peculiarly  addressed  :   Go  tell  thy  brethren,  and  in  particular  tell  Peter,  that  he,  poor 

h  With  fear  and  joy.']    It  was  so  natural  .for  such  a  mixture  of  pas-  Emmaus  give  of  the  report  they  had  heard  from  the  women.    Luke 

sions  to  arise  on  this  grand  occasion,  that  I  think  very  little  stress  is  to  xxiv.  22—24.    (See  West's  Ohsen:  p.  77.  86,  et  scg.) 

be  laid  on  Mark  s  mentionint!  their  tear  alone,  and  .Matthew's  mention-  k  Jesvs  himself  7ne<  i/iem.]    I  cannot  think,  with  Dr.  Lighffoot,  f//»r. 

mg  tlieir  joy  with  It.  to  prove  they  relate  different  stories. — I  have  since  Hei.  m /oc.)  that  this  relates  to  his  interview  with  Mary  Magdalene 

the  pleasure  to  tiiid,  that  this  is  represented  in  the  same  light  bv   Sir.  described  before  ;    for  though   an  eiiallage  or  exchange  of  numbers  be 

West,  who  has  clearly  shown  that  both  these  sacred  writers  speak' of  the  sometimes  used,  (sec  note  h,  on  Luke  xxiii.  39.  p.  337.)  yet  it  is  not  to 

same  tact.    (See  West's  (Wjeri'.  p.  37 — 40.)  be   admitted   without  necessity.     Now,   it  is  certain   Marv  was  alone 

1  And  as  they  nere  gonuj  on  their  way  to  tell  his  disciples.]  Admitting  when  Christ  appeared  to  her ;  and  that  appearance  was  at  the  sepulchre, 

what  IS  here  supposed,  that  there  was  but  one  vision  of  angels,  (besides  this  between  that  and  the  city,  and  probably  after  they  despatched  some 

that  to  Mar.v  Magdalene,)  and  one  message  sent  hv  them,  this  will,  I  considerable  part  of  the  way  in  their  flight.    The  words  [as  the//  went  to 

think,  establish  the  order  in  which  we  have  ranged  this  story.     For  if  tell  his  disciples]  are   indeed  wanting  in  many  ancient  versions  and 

(as  Dr.  Clarke  and  many  other  critics  strangely  suppose)  Mary's  inter-  manuscripts,  as  Dr.  Mill   has  shown  in  his  note  on  this  place;  but  Dr. 

view  with  the  apostles  (.lolin  xx.  C.)  had  happened  between  the  angelic  Whitby,  with  considerable  reason, contends  that  they  are  genuine:  (see 

Tision  and  this  appearance  of  Christ  to  the  women,  such  a  connexion  as  his  Examen.  Millii,  p.  91.)  and  the  sense  of  them  seems  implied  m  the 

this  would  have  been  very  unnatural.    Matthew  would,  on  that  hypo-  close  of  the  preceding  verse. 

thesis,  rather  have  said,  And  when  they  had  told  his  disciples,  {and  they  1  My  brethren.]    The  reader  will  observe  our  Lord  speaks  the  same 

Mieved  them  ?ior,]  Jes7is  met  them,  <!Jr.— But  Mr.  West,  who  apprehends  language  here  which  he  had  used  .lohn  xx.  17.    (See  note  t,  on  that  text, 

that  there  were  several  distinct  appearances  of  angels,  and  two  distinct  p.  .348.)    No  doubt,  these  affectionate  friends  of  Christ  were  exact  in 

appearances  ot  Christ  to  the  women,  (the  first  to  Mary  Magdalene,  and  reporting   this  circumstance,  that  their    injured  T/ird  called   them  /(i.t 

the  second  to  the  other  Mary  and  Salome,  when  the  other  women  were  hrethren.  still.    And  both  Mattliew  and  John,  to  whom  the  glad  tidings 

not  present,)  concludes  that  these  several  facts  were  reported  to  the  were  immediately  brought,  felt  it  strike  so  powerfully  on  their  hearts, 

apostles  at  different  times,  and   by  different  women  ;  and  that  .loanna  that  they  could  not  but  record  it. 

and  the  other  women,  who  had  only  seen  the  angels  after  the  two  Maries  m  And  to  all  the  rest.]    This,   I  think,  refers  not  only  to  one  report, 

and  Salome  were   gone  trom   the  sepulchre,  made  their  report  to  the  but  to  the  repetition  of  the  testimony  to  any  of  their  pious  friends  who 

apostles  before  the  arrival  of  the  two  Maries  and  Salome;  and  by  thus  believed    in  .lesus:   and  if  that  be  admitted,  it  will   be  an  additional 

representing  the  story  m  a  ditterent  order,  he  obviates  the  difficulty  proof  that  what  is  said  in  ver.  12.  should  be  transposed  in  such  a  ni;m- 

arismg  trom  the  account  whicli  the  two  disciples  that  were  going  to  ner  as  is  necessary  for  reconciling  it  with  the  scheme  we  have  proposed 


THE  RESURRECTION.  351 

mourner,  may  especially  be  comforted.  Compassionate  Redeemer !  thou  hast  brought  up  from  the  tomb  with  sect. 
thee  that  tenderness  and  goodness  which  laid  thee  there!  195. 

Such  is  the  freedom  and  glory  of  thy  grace,  that  thou  sometimes  dost  first  manifest  thyself  to  those  who  were 

once  in  the  most  miserable  bondage  to  Satan.  Whenever  this  is  the  case,  may  the  peculiar  obligation  be  remem-  mark 
bered  !  May  every  remainder  of  unbelief  be  subdued  in  our  souls  !  and  may  we  joyfully  communicate  to  all  -^^^• 
around  us  the  tidings  of  a  risen  Saviour,  and  the  merciful  discoveries  of  his  presence  to  us.  '  10 


SECTION  CXCVI. 

Tlie  guards,  returning  to  Jerusalem,  make  their  report  to  the  chief  priests  ;  and  are  bribed  to  say,  tliat  the  disciples  stole  the  bodv  of  rhrist 
while  they  slept.    Christ  appears  to  Peter,  and  then  to  two  other  disciples.    Matt.xxviii.il — 15.    Mark  xvi.  12,  13.  '  »^"iist 

MATT.xxviii.il.  MATT.XXviii.il. 

NOW  when  they  were  goin?   NOW  while  these  extraordinary  things  were  transacting,  and  [the  7vomen']  were  goins;  to  sect 
cam^e  into^'he  cUy,  andTh^ew-  tell  the  disciplcs  what  they  had  heard  and  seen,  behold,  some  of  the  guards,  who  had  lied    196.' 

the  "thin  's'that' weredone  ""  ^™^"  ^^^  sepulchre  in  great  consternation,  began  a  little  to  recollect  themselves  as  to  the - 

mgs    d  weie   one.       gxcuse  they  should  make  for  its  being  broke  open,  and  the  body  being  gone,  as  it  would   matt. 
soon  be  known  that  it  was :  they  cimie  therefore  itito  the  city,  and  told  the  chief  priests,  -"^xvin. 
from  whom  they  had  received  their  immediate  charge,  all  that  had  happened :  and  uro-ed'  ^^ 
how  impossible  it  was  for  them  to  make  any  opposition  in  the  presence  of  the  angel,  who 
shook  the  very  earth  with  the  terror  of  his  appearance,  and  therefore  might  be  easily  sup- 
posed to  take  away  all  power  of  resistance  from  them.    And  thus  these  ignorant  and  stupid 
heathens  became  in  effect  the  first  preachers  of  Christ's  resurrection,  and  were  witnesses 
of  the  truth  of  it  to  the  most  inveterate  of  his  enemies.* 

12  And  when  they  were      This  report  could  not  but  strike  the  chief  priests  into  some  amazement  and  confusion  ;  12 
f^AhJ  taken  counsef,  they  ^"d  therefore  they  immediately  convened  the  sanhedrim  :  and  having  met  together  -ivith  the 
Eokf  r^"^^*^  "wney  unto  the  elders  of  the  people,  they  deliberated  upon  it,  and  consulted  among  themselves  what  they 

'^'*'  should  do  in  so  perplexing  an  emergency ;  and  particularly  whether  they  should  dismiss 

the  guards,  with  a  charge  to  conceal  the  storv  they  had  told  them,  or  should  accuse  them 
to  the  governor,  and  attempt  to  punish  them  for  neglecting  their  duty  :  but,  considering  the 
manner  in  which  the  governor  had  ajipeared  affected  towards  Jesus,  and  the  many  prodi- 
gies which  had  attended  his  death,  by  which  Pilate's  conscience  must  have  been  "in  some 
degree  awakened  ;  and  also  knowing  they  had  no  positive  proof  of  any  neglio-ence  or 
treachery  in  the  soldiers,  they  resolved  to  commence  no  prosecution  against  them,  and  to 
pass  it  over  without  any  complaint :  but,  apprehending  that  the  most  effectual  method 
they  could  take  would  be  to  endeavour  to  pervert  their  evidence,  they  gave,  [a]  large  [sum 

13  Saying,  Say  3-e,   His  o/']  w/OKcy  to  the  soldiers,^  Saying,  Since  this  strange  thing  has  happened,  whether  there  13 
stofe"'hfnr'^'«/  whi/e  ^ve  really  was  any  sorcery  in  it,  or  whether  it  was  merely  your  dream,"  it  must  for  the  public 
slept.  safety  be  concealed,  or  the  whole  nation  will  be  deluded  and  undone  :  we  must  therefore 

insist  upon  it,  that  neither  you  nor  your  companions  say  any  thing  of  what  you  imagine 
you  saw;  but  if  any  should  question  you  about  it,  and  pretend  that  this  Jesus  is  risen,  say 
ye  only  in  the  general.  We  were  weary  with  so  long  a  watch,  and  dropped  asleep  ;  and  we 
u  And  if  this  come  to  the  conclude  that  his  disciples  caine  hj  night  and  stole  him  away  while  we  slept  A    And  you  have  14 
sTdeMm,  and'srcure'yoS?'"  T  "f.'^  *°  ^^  ^^'^'"^  "^  ^''^"^  punished  foT  your  negligence;  for  if  this  should  come  to  be 
heard  by  the  governor,  and  he  should  blame  you  for  sleeping  on  your  guard,  we  will  per- 
suade him  to  make  no  further  inquiry  about  it,  and  by  our  interest  with  him  will  make  you 
easy  and  secure. 
15  So  they  took  the  money.      And  they  took  the  money  that  was  offered  them,  and  did  as  they  were  taught ;  and,  ac-  15 
Ind  fhfs  sasing  ^commonly  cording  to  their  instructions,  they  concealed  what  they  had  seen,  and  preten^ded  that  some 
reported  among  the  Jews  un-  of  the  disciplcs  must  have  taken  the  advantage  of  their  weariness  and  neglect,  and  so  have 
tu  this  day.  carried  off  the  body  while  they  were  fallen  asleep.    And  such  are  the  piejudices  of  that 

unhappy  people,  that  this  story,  wild  and  senseless  as  it  was,  is  commonly  reported  among 
the  Jews  even  to  this  day  :«  an"d  they  still  choose,  in  opposition  to  the  most  certain  evidence, 
to  believe  this  extravagant  suggestion,  rath^i-  than  yield  to  the  truth  of  Christ's  resurrection, 
though  solemnly  attested  to  them  by  many  who  saw  and  conversed  familiarly  with  him 
after  he  was  risen  from  the  dead ;  of  which  number  "  Peter  was  one,  who  was  early  dis- 
tinguished by  the  favour  of  seeing  him,  and  to  whom  indeed  he  appeared  first  of  all  the 
apostles."''    (See  1  Cor.  xv.  5.) 

in  the  preceding  section.    Compare  note  1,  on  Luke  xxiv.  12.  p.  346,  represents,  though  they  could  not  seriously  endeavour  to  persuade  the 

„Ti,  „     •            1       J     i     ■  ,   ■     ,,          .               .       ~.  guards  they  were  in  a  dream. 

nrp.rh^r=    K^rf^S    1         stupid    heathens   became    in  effect  the   first  d  And  stole  Aim  away  a/ulen'e  slept.-]    It  was  ridiculous  to  pretend  to 

£llv  fh,  nw  th»  ..rJi  I  news,.coming  trom  such  persons,  must  undoubt-  say  with  any  certainty  what  passed  w/dle  they  were  asleep  ;  so  that  this 

^  e  tt=.f^.^^L??.f'*f„M-°  ■'^'^''P'lssible  contusion  ;  but  it  is  remark-  was  in  effect  only  hiring  them  to  say  that  they  knew  nothing  of  the 

able,  that  neithei  the  soldiers  nor  the  priests  were  converted,  by  what  matter,  and  d  d  not  observe  any  thing  more  than  ordinary  had  cassed 

leluTwiri'ike  some'ofifeir'^f^  ^f^''^"^  ""^  '"il"'"'''  '"V^'^'  *'""!5  '^^'  *"^*  "'sl^^'u  "°^^  '■'^^'"^  ^^is  P^retenceTas,  a  thorand'^rcumstance^^ 

who  broniht  himTo  vL  ..f^L  ^^    t  "'  'l"  °f  s,  the  son  pf  some  deity,  concur  to  show  ;  as  most  writers  in  defence  of  Christianity  have  demon- 

wno  Drought  mm  to  lite  again  •  but,  instead  of  imasining  themselves  strated,  and  perhaps  none,  in  few  words   better  than  Bishoo  Burnet 

concerned  in  the  purposes   of  his   resurrection,  they  might   perhaps  Un  the  Articles,  v  64  ^  Burnet, 

abuse  their  knowledge  of  it  to  confirm  their  belief  of  some  superstitious  "  .       f-       .     - 


i^of  Christ' s^Resjirrec-    able  rank  over  all  the  worfd,  not  only  in  the  general  to  represent  chris- 

""  "    ""       "- '-   ■'-■  ■  ■  ^^  but  to  assert  that  the  body  of  Jesus  was 

ght.  and  that  the  persons  who  thus  fraudu- 
took  occasion  from  thence  to  report  that  he 
ascended  into  heaven."    And  this  message  is 
danger      C nuU~^u^^r"h..-',.L"  '"-■■   h""^'.  >.uu.u  imvc  utcu  in  niiiijiiieiiL    yJOKen  or   as   naving  Deen  sent  before  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem. 
wo^iiri  hav.  hi       ^  have  proved  any  neglect,  no  doubt  these  soldiers    Compare  note  a,  on  Acts  xxviii.  22.  «60. 

.Xrwards    A 4?  .^^"'fo "^'"t  '?  tl^e  "tmost :  (as  Peter's  guards  were       f  Peter  was  one, to  whom  he  appeared  first  of  all  the  apostles.] 

was  Di  udenrp  n^t  fV,'  nr;,L.  f  f?  ""'^.  were  destitute  ot  all  proot,  it  Though  the  evangelists  have  not  recor(5ed  the  particular  circumstances 
«^ein  it  wonM  hl,!2  F°secute  them  at  all  ;  for,  had  Pilate  acquitted  of  our  Lord's  appearance  to  Peter,  vet  it  is  evident  that  he  appeared  first 
rnnvi'nr-J^p  ■    .  "j"-^''^^'^*  ^  P"''''<=  declaration  that  he  was    to  Peter  before  he  was  seen  by  the   rest  of  the  apostles.    (Compare 

c  Whither  thf.r'^  'lY^^""^  '■"■''"■  .     •  1  Cor.  XV.  5.  and   Luke  xxiv.   .34.)    Dr.   Lightfoot  therefore  supposes 

sure  he  nn^vwl-^^  ^\''!''"yu-^°'"'^^'"y '°  "*. '^'c.]  They  must,  to  be  that  Peter  was  one  of  the  two  disciples  to  whom  Christ  appeared  as 
ai!  a  firtt  nrinV,?,!  ?<*^J,°"i"V"'  **"s  strange  event ;  and,  laying  it  down  they  were  going  to  Emmaus ;  and  imagines  he  was  so  earnestly  desirous 
roifrsp  in?4  np  'il  •■  "'♦'  '  *^"^  ™"st  be  an  impostor,"  they  would,  of  to  obtain  a  sight  of  Christ,  that  upon  hearing  from  the  women  (Matt, 
miracles  to  <.?>J^^  J^Ph"!*  'V^  '-esurrcction,  as  they  had  ascribed  his  xxyiii.  7.  8.^  that  he  wouM  go  before  them  into  Galilee,  inhere  they  slwul^ 
J^rlfartt',,1  m, T^„w  °'''^'f'  "Pe^ation.  It  is  however  probable,  that  .^ee  him,  he  presently  set  out  with  Cleopas  for  Galilee  ;  but  having  seen 
.UI.U  ..luui  mtn  might  speak  ot  it  in  such  loose  terms  as  the  paraphrase    him  in  their  way  to  Emmaus,  they  hastened  back  to  Jerusalem  to  ac- 


352  THE  RESURRECTION. 

SECT       Now  this  account  that  Jesus  was  risen,  was  brought  to  the  disciples  by  the  women  soon     Mark  xvi.  ic.   After  that, 
196.    after  his  resurrection  on  the  first  day  of  the  week  ;  and  after  this,  on  the  same  day,  he  an-  Jl^to^two'cAhem?!^  t°hey 

peured  to  two  of  them,  though  in  another  form,  or  in  a  different  habit  from  what  lie  ordi-  walked,  and  went  'into  the 

MARK  narily  wore,?  us  t/iei/  were  walking  on  the  way,  and  going  into  the  country  to  Eramaus,  a  <:o"""'.>'- 
^^\r>  neigfibouring  village.'^     And  they  went  back  directlv,  and  told  it  to  the  rest  of  their  com-     i3  And  they  went  and  told 
^^  panions;  i/e}  they  did  not  all  immediately  believe  them,  till  at  length  he  appeared  to  all  his  behe"ved  they^hero  '  """'*'^ 
apostles  together  once  and  again,  and  gave  them  such  convincing  evidence  as  they  could 
not  withstand.     But  these  facts  are  of  so  great  importance,  that  we  shall  give  a  particular 
narration  of  each,  and  first  of  that  which'happened  on  the  way  to  Emmaus,  in  the  next 
section. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Surely  there  is  nothing  in  the  whole  sacred  story  which  does  in  a  more  affecting  manner  illustrate  the  deplor- 
able hardness  of  the  human  heart  in  this  degenerate  state,  than  the  portion  of  it  which  is  now  before  us.     What 
MATT,  but  the  testimony  of  an  apostle  could  have  been  suflicient  to  persuade  us,  that  men  who  had  been  but  a  few  hours 
XXVIII.  before  the  witnesses  of  such  an  awful  scene,  who  had  beheld  the  anscel  descending,  had  felt  the  earth  trembling, 
11    15  had  seen  the  sepulchre  bursting  open  by  a  divine  power,  and  had  fallen  down  in  helpless  astonishment  and  con- 
fusion, perhaps  expecting  every  moment  to  be  themselves  destroyed,  should,  that  very  day,  yea  that  very  morning, 
suffer  themselves  to  be  liired  by  a  sum  of  money  to  do  their  utmost  to  asperse  the  character  of  Christ,  and  to  in- 
validate the  evidence  of  his  resurrection,  of  which  they  were  in  effect  eye-witnesses  ? 

12  Nay,  how  astonishing  is  it  that  the  chief  priests  themselves,  the  public  ministers  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  could  act 
such  "a  part  as  this !  They  hear  this  full  evidence  that  he,  that  Jesus  whom  they  had  murdered,  was  risen  from  the 
dead  ;  and  they  well  knew  and  remembered  that  he  had  himself  put  the  proof  of  his  mission  on  this  very  fact ;  a 
fact  to  which  the  prodigies  at  his  death,  which  they  themselves  had  seen  and  felt,  added  an  inexpressible  weight 
of  probability.  ^^  ho  would  not  have  expected  that  they  should  have  been  alarmed,  convinced,  and  humbled  ? 
that  they  should  have  turned  the  remaining  days  of  the  passover  into  a  public  fast,  and  have  solicitously  sought 
out  him"  who  was  so  powerfully  declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God,  to  cast  themselves  at  his  feet,  and  entreat  his  par- 
don and  grace  ?    But  instead  of  this,  with  invincible  and  giowing  malice  they  set  themselves  to  oppose  him,  and 

13  bribe  the  soldiers  to  testify  a  lie,  the  most  to  his  dishonour  of  any  tliat  hell  could  invent.  And  surely,  had  not 
Christ  been  kept  out  of  their  sisjht  and  power,  they  would,  notw-ithstanding  all  this,  have  endeavoured  to  bring 
him  down  to  the  tomb  again,  on  the  very  same  principles  on  which  they  would  have  slain  Lazarus  after  his  resur- 
rection. (John  xii.  10.)"  So  true  does  "it  appear,  in  this  renewed  and  unequalled  instance,  that  ;/  men  hear  not 
Moses  and  the  prophets,  neither  ^vill  they  be  persuaded  though  one  rose  from  the  dead.    (Luke  xvi.  31.) 

No  question  but  these  verv  men,  when  pressed  with  the  evidences  of  Christ's  resurrection,  answered,  as  suc- 
ceeding infidels  have  presuniptuouslv  done,  "  that  he  should  have  appeared  to  them,  if  he  expected  they  should 
believe  he  was  risen."  But  what  assurance  can  we  have,  that  the  same  prejudices  which  overbore  the  testimony 
of  the  soldiers,  might  not  also  have  resisted  even  the  appearance  of  Christ  himself?  Or  rather,  that  tiie  obstinacy 
which  led  them  to^ overbear  conscience  in  one  instance,  might  not  have  done  it  in  the  other  ?  Justly  therefore  did 
God  deny  wliat  wantonness,  and  not  reason,  might  lead  tliem  to  demand  :  justly  did  he  give  them  up  to  dishonour 
15  their  own  understandings,  as  well  as  their  moral  character,  by  this  mean  and  ridiculous  tale,  which  brought  men 
to  testify  what  was  done  while  thev  were  asleep. 

The  most  that  common  sense  co'uld  make  of  their  report,  had  they  deserved  the  character  of  honest  men,  would 
have  been,  that  they  knew  nothing  of  the  matter.  And  w^e  have  a  thousand  times  more  reason  to  admire  the  con- 
descension of  God  "in  sending  his  apostles  to  these  wicked  rulers,  with  such  additional  proofs  and  messages,  than 
to  censure  his  providence  in"  preventing  Christ's  public  appearance.  May  he  deliver  us  from  the  treachery  and 
corruption  of  our  owti  hearts !  Mav  he  give  us  a  holy  tenderness  and  integrity  of  soul,  that  we  may  see  truth 
wheresoever  it  is,  and  mav  follow  it" whithersoever  it  leads  us  ;  lest  God  should  choose  our  delusions,  and  give  us 
up,  in  his  righteous  judgment,  to  believe  a  lie,  and  to  think  ourselves  wise  in  that  credulous  infidelity  which  is 
destroying  its  ten  tliousands  amongst  us ! 


SECTION  CXCVII. 

Christ  appears  to  the  two  disciples  on  their  way  to  Emmaus,  and  having  opened  the  Scriptures  to  them,  makes  himself  known  in  breaking  of 

bread.    Luke  .xxiv.  13 — 33. 

Luke  xxiv.  13.  Luke  xxiv.  13. 

SFXT.  WE  are  now  to  give  some  further  account  of  that  fact  which  was  hinted  at  in  the  close  of  and,  behold,  two  of  thetn 

t  r\-r       .1  T  ■  r  ti-  ^^  riji  •  J  Went  that  same  day  to  a  vil- 

197.    the  preceding  section,  of  our  Lord  s  appearing  to  two  of  his  disciples  on  a  journey  :  and  ia„e  called  Kmmaus,  which 

■ the  case  was  this  ;   Behold,  (for  it  is  a  very  observable  story,)  two  of  than  were  travelling  ^^f^J^^^^  fuVioif's*'"  "***' 

LUKE   that  very  day  on  which  Jesus  rose  from  the  dead,  to  a  village  called  Emmaus,  which  was     ■'^^^'^"'"^  "''  "^s. 

^^^Y:  about  .<ti'xty  furlonas,  or  somewhat  more  than  seven  miles,  from  Jerusalem.    And  as  thev     1^,1*"^  "'^i' '''"'*''u*-''?,^*2'*I 

14  ,1  T  i  •  7  ^  »•  1  .  /.  II  I  1  V  I  1  •  X  ji  ■  1  .  *f  or  all  these  things  which  had 
walked  along,  they  discoursed  together  of  all  these  wonderful  and  important  things  which  happened. 

15  had  lately  happened,  and  which  could  not  but  lie  with  great  weight  on  their  spirits.  A7id  ^ .'?,  ^"^'  '■'"ommun^'/''*- 
it  came  to  pass,  that  as  they  talked  about  the  sufferings  and  death  of  their  beloved  Lord,  ])Jl.  l„^^  reasonMl?"esus  hlm- 
and  the  report  which  ha"d  been  spread  that  morning  of  his  resurrection,  and  argued  the  self  drew  near,  and  went  with 
point  together  with  visible  marks  of  the  greatest  concern,*  Jesus  also  himself  drew  near,  as 

one  come  from  Jerusalem  who  was  going  the  same  way,  and  travelled  on  with  them. 

quaint  the  disciples  with  it ;  upon  which  the  rest  of  the  eleven,  as  they  Mark  as  not  believing  the  resurrection  of  Christ  when  attested  by  them  ; 
knew  of  Peter's  journey,  wlien  thev  saw  him  return  so  suddenly  and  whereas  when  the  two  disciples  from  F.mmaus  came  to  make  this  report, 
une.\pectedlv,  cried  out,  Certainlv'the  Lord  has  appeared  to  Simon,  else  the  rest,  before  they  could  tell  their  story,  saluted  them  with  that  joytul 
he  liould  never  have  come  back  so'soon.  (See  Lishtfoot,  Hot.  Heir,  on  declaration.  The  Lord  is  risen  indeed,  and  hath  appeared  to  Simon. 
Mark  xvi.  13.  and  Luke  xxiv.  rv4.'>  But,  had  Peter  been  one  of  these  two  (Luke  xxiv.  34.)  But  I  apprehend  these  seemingly  different  accounts  may 
disciples,  it  is  no  wav  probable  that,  in  the  larse  account  which  Luke  be  reconciled  by  observing,  that  various  persons  in  the  same  company- 
has  given  of  this  matter,  (chap.  xxiv.  13,  el  seq.)  his  name  would  not  were  variously  impressed  :  and  that  some  of  those  to  whom  t!ie  travel- 
bave  been  mentioned  as  well  as  that  of  C'leopas;  ortliat  a  person  of  his  lers  from  Eminaus  came,  had,  even  after  their  story  was  told,  some  re- 
forwardness  would  have  continued  silent,  and  have  left  Cleopas  to  carry  maining  doubts,  appears  from  Luke  himself.  See  Luke  xxiv.  37,  41. 
on  the  conversation  as  the  chief  speaker  :  nor  does  it  suit  with  the  cir-  ?  1>J8.  and  note  a,  on  Matt,  xxviii.  17.  ^  20C. 

cumstances  of  the  storv.  that  after  Peter's  eoing  to  the  sepulchre  had  h  Into  the  country  to  Emmaus.  itc]  Emmaus  was  a  village  about 
been  related  just  before,  it  should  be  onlv  spoken  of  in  this  conversation  sixty  fiirlones  distant  from  .lerusalem,  as  we  are  told  by  Luke  ;  (chap, 
(verse  24.)  as  what  was  done,  not  bv  one  of  themselves,  but  bv  certain  xxiv.  13.)  and  Josephus  gives  the  same  account  of  its  situation.  Bell. 
of  them  that  were  with  fhem  ;  or  "that  it  should  be  said,  when  thev  Jtid.  Hi.  7.  cap.  6.  [al.  26.]  *  6.  And  therefore,  though  they  have  been 
returned  to  .Jerusalem,  tverse  .33.)  that  thev  found  the  eleven  sathereH  frequentiv  confounded,  this  must  have  been  a  different  place  from  that 
toaethei,  if  one  of  those  that  returned  belonged  to  that  number,  and  which  was  afterwards  called  Nicopolis,  which  lay  near  the  lake  of  Gen- 
was  one  of  tlieie  eleven.    Compare  note  b.  on  Luke  xxiv.  31.  »  193.  nesareth.  at  a  much  greater  distance  from   Jerusalem.    See   Reland, 

g  He  appeared  to  fj:o  of  them,  S(c.'\    The  only  reason  which  ^Masius  Palestine,  Hi.  i\.  cap.  \\. -p.  AQ.',  et  seq. 

has  for  suspecting  (5uwi/<>"»n.  Critic,  vol.  ii.p.  1788.)  that  this  appearance  a  Argued  the  point  together.]    Ihe  word  o-uf  tired'  (as  Mr.  West  ob- 

was  different  from  that  which  Luke  describes  as  made  to  the  two  disci-  serves)  signifies  to  disniss,  eiamtne,  or  inquire  together  ;  and  it  appears 

pies  that  were  on  their  iourney  to  Emmaus,  (chap.  xxiv.  13,  et  seq.y  is  from  the  connexion,  that  as  they  were  discoursing  on  the  sufierinss,  and 

this  :  The  companions  of  these  two  disciples  are  represented   here  by  death,  and  resurrection  of  Jesus,  the  scope  of  their  inquiry  was,  how  to 


CHRIST  APPEARS  TO  TWO  DISCIPLES  ON  THEIR  WAY  TO  EMMAUS.  353 

16  But  their  eyes  were      But,  that  they  might  not  presently  discover  who  he  was,  and  be  prevented  by  this  SECT, 
holden  that  tliey  should  not  means  from  expressing  tlieir  own  thoughts  witli  freedom,  he  appeared  to  them  in  sometiiing    197. 
""*     "■  of  a  different  form  and  habit  from  what  he  usually  wore ;  (compare  Mark  xvi.  12.  p.  3525 


and  besides  what  there  might  be  of  an  uncommon  vigour  and  majesty  in  his  countenance,   iuke 
their  eyes  were  so  affected  and  restrained  by  a  secret  but  powerful  influence  on  them   that  ^'-^l'^- 
they  did  not  look  upon  him  with  that  attention  and  recollection  which  might  have 'been  ^^ 
expected ;  so  that,  on  the  whole,  though  they  were  some  considerable  time  in  his  com- 
pany, yet  they  did  not  know  him.^ 

17  And  he  said  unto  them.      And  he  joined  himself  to  them  as  it  were  by  accident,  and,  after  the  usual  salutation,  17 
HoiS^^rt°h*e'se*^that'ye"ha\^e  ^"''^  ''^  them.  May  I  inquire  ivhat  are  these  mutters  which  you  are  conferring  upon  between 
one  to  another,  as  ye  walk,  yourselves  as  you  ivalk,  and  about  which  you  seem  to  be  so  much  concerned  i  for  I  per- 
aud  are  sad .'  ceive  you  to  06  very  earnest  in  discourse,  and  .-ee  that  you  appear  with  a  sorrowful  counte- 
nance. 

18  And  the  one  of  them.      And  One  [of  the  two,"]  whose  name  was  Cleopas,^  answered  and  said  to  him.  You  seem  to  18 
sAJ'erm"''sa1d*'tfnto*him^  Art  ^^  come  from  Jerusalem  ;  and  though  you  may  perhaps  be  no  more  than  a  stranger  there, 

thou  only  a  stranger  in  Jeru-  yet  is  it  pOSsiblc  that  yOU  should  be  at  any  loss  to  know  what  is  the  subject  of  our  con- 
thing's  whtch^recomTtTpass  versation,  and  what  it  is  that  gives  us  such  concern?  Are  you  the  only  person  that  sojourns 
therein  these  days  ?  in  Jerusalem,  and  is  unacquainted  with  the  extraordinary  things'^  which  have  been  done  there 

in  so  public  a  manner  within  these  few  days,  that  they  engross  the  conversation  of  the 

whole  city  ? 

19  And  be  said  unto  them.      And  he  said  to  them.   What  are  those  things  that  you  refer  to  ?    And  they  said  to  him,  19 
unto'hhi]"^Conce"rnin'*^je*''*  '^^'^^^  '^"^  relate  to  Jesus,  who  was  Called  the  Nazarene:  a  man  who  was  a  prophet  of  the 

of  Nazareth,  which  was  a  most  illustrious  character,  and  greatly  powerful  both  iii  actions  and  in  words;  for  he 

S,'!?rH''hitv!l'f  r'L"^„'i'^'^  n  tS*^  wrought  the  most  astonishing  miracles,  and  taught  the  most  instructive  and  excellent  doc- 
word  betore  Crod  and  ail  the      ,       ®    »  -  ,        •      i  i  •  i      i  ■   i  i  i    r-        /-^     i        i    n    i  i       .-•  t         i 

people:  trine,  which  raised  him  to  the  highest  honour  before  Lrodandatl  the  people  or  Israel,  among 

20  And  how  the  chief  priests  whom  he  publicly  appeared  for  several  months  and  years.     And  have  you  not  then  heard  20 
tobecondemned  todeSh  and  ^'"'^  °"''  d'trfpriests  and  rulcrs  delivered  him  up  to  the  Roman  governor,  and  compelled 
have  crucified  him.        '        him  by  their  importunity  to  pass  a  sentence  of  death  upon  him,  and  so  crucified  him  between 

ci  But  we  trusted  that  it  two  robbers  ?    And  this  must  needs  be  an  unspeakable  affliction  to  us,  who  are  two  of  his  21 
have  redlerifed'*^israei^''°and  ^isciples :  for  we  not  Only  thought  him  a  Messenger  from  God,  as  the  old  prophets  were, 
beside  all  this,  to-day  is  the  but  we  verily  hoped  that  he  hud  been  the  Messiah  himself,  even  the  very  pei'son  who  should 
were  done.^""^^  "'*^*  things  ^^^g  delivered  Israel  from  the  power  of  their  enemies,  and  have  established  the  long-ex- 
pected kingdom  of  God  among  us  :  but  now  we  are  ready  to  give  up  all  our  hopes  ;  for 
we  have  seen  him  on  a  cross  instead  of  a  throne :  and  besides  all  these  melancholy  [occur- 
i-ences,'\  though  he  had  given  us  intimations  of  his  rising  again  on  the  third  day,  yet  this  is 
710W  the  third  day  since  these  things  were  done,  or  since  he  was  condemned  and  crucified, 
S2  Yea,  and  certain  women  and  we  have  not  yet  received  any  convincing  evidence  of  his  being  risen  from  the  dead.   It  is  22 
astonished^,  wlTich  were^eluTy  ^^^^  indeed,  some  women  among  us,  of  our  society,  have  greatly  surprised  us  with  an  account 
at  the  sepulchre :  they  brought  this  moming ;  who  tell  us  they  tvere  very  earli/  at  the  sepidchre  in  which  he 

23  And  wheo  they  found  was  laid,  with  an  intent  to  embalm  him ;  And,  not  having  found  his  body  there,  they  came  23 
rng,''Thart^ey''had^also*seen^a  ^way  in  haste  to  acquaint  us  with  it ;  and  besides  this,  they  say  that  they  saio  also  a  vision 
vision  of  angels,  which  said  Or  apparition  of  angels,^  who  affirmed  him  to  be  alive  again,  with  some  other  strange  and 
'  S4  And"  certain  of  them  extraordinary  circumstances.     Nay,  and  some  men,  too,  ivho  were  with  us,  of  our  own  com-  24 
which  were  with  us  went  to  pany,  went  themsclves  to  the  sepulchre,  and  found  [if]  to  be  even  so  as  the  women  had  said, 
even^^so"as'^the^women°had  ^^^^  's,  that  the  body  was  gone,  and  saw  the  funeral  linen  laid  in  order  there  ;  hut  him  they 
said ;  but  him  they  saw  not.   did  not  See  :  though  we  are  informed  that,  since  we  left  the  company,  some  women  have 
come  to  them,  who  affirm  that  he  has  actually  appeared  to  them  himself,  and  declared  that 
he  was  risen,  and  would  show  himself  to  his  disciples :  but  still  we  have  received  no  cer- 
tain proof  of  it  ourselves,  so  that  as  yet  we  know  not  what  to  think  of  it,  and  cannot  but 
be  under  great  concern  about  it. 
S5  Then  he  said  unto  them.      And  Upon  this  our  Lord,  without  discovering  who  he  was,  said  to  them  with  some  25 
belUve'aiMhinhe^rophete  warmth,  O  ye  thoughtless  [creatures,']  and  slow  of  heart  to  believe  all  the  things  that  the 
have  spoken  I  prophets  have  so  frequently  and  clearly  spoken ;  f  which,  if  you  had  attentively  considered 

reconcile  these  events  with  what  had  been  foretold  concerning  the  Mes-  men  pretended  also  to  have  seen  Jesus  himself. — But  I  am  now  inclined 

siah,  which,  bv  the  message  that  the  women  had  but  just  before  brought  to  acquiesce  in  Mr.  West's  solution  of  this  dilticulty,  who  supposes  it 

from  the  angels,  they  were  particularly  called  to  remember.    (Compare  was  Joanna,  and  the  other  women  with  her,  who  only  saw  the  angels 

Luke  xxiy.  6,  7.  p.  349.  and  xviii.  .31 — 33.  p.  C46.)    Accordingly,  when  and  did  not  see  .Jesus,  tliat  came  with  this  report  to  the  disciples ;  who, 

Jesus  had  niquired,  ver.  17.   What  arguments  are  these  that  ye  are  de-  though  the  appearance  of  the  angels  to  them  at  the  sepulchre  was  after 

bating  one  with  another  ?  (for  so  Mr.  West  would  render  it,)  this  is  the  the  two  Maries  and  Salome  were  gone  from  thence,  vet  brought  the  news 

pomt  he  took  occasion  to  illustrate  and  explain,  (ver.  26,  27.)  by  show-  of  it  to  the  disciples,  before  Mary  Magdalene  and  those  to  whom  Jesus 

ing  them  it  was  necessary',  in  accomplishment  of  what  was  foretold,  that  appeared,  arrived  with  the  account  that  they  had  seen  the  Lord.     For, 

the  Messiah  should   suffer  these  thmgs,  and  so  should  enter  into  his  notwithstanding  it  is  certain  that  Mary  Magdalene,  on  Christ's  appear- 

glory  ;  and  with  this  view  he  expounded  to  them  in  all  the  scriptures,  the  ing  to  her,  went  and  acquainted  the  disciples  with  it,  (Mark  xvi.  10 

thtnffsconcerni?tg  himself.    (See  West's  Observ.  p.  69—73.)  and  John  xx.  18.)  jet.  as  they  might  be  now  assembled  together  by 

b  They  did  not  kno-o  him.']    A  different  habit,  and  their  having  no  ex-  Peter  and  John  at  a  different  place  from  that  where  she  met  witii  Peter 

pectation  of  seeing  him,  might  in  part  prevent  their  knowing  hmi  :  yet  before,  it  is  no  way  improbable,  that  bv  Mary's  going  to  Peter's  lodg- 

as  it  is  said,  their  eyes  were  restraiii.ed  from  hiowing  him,  I  am  ready  to  ings,  who  was  now  gone  to  meet  the  disciples  elsewhere,  or  by  some 

think  there  was  something  more  than  this,  even  some  particular  agency  other  accident  unknown  to  us,  Joanna  ana  those  with  her  might  get 

of  God  to  divert  their  eyes  from  looking  stedfastly  upon  him,  or  so  to  thither  first  with  the  report  of  their  bavins  seen  a  vision  of  angels,  who 

affect  their  memories  as  to  render  them  incapable  ot  recollecting  who  had  declared  thatjesus  was  alive.    Immediately  on  hearing  which,  some 

he  was.    Compare  Gen.  xxi.  ly.  Numb.  xxii.  31.  and  2  Kings  vi.  17, 18.  men  (of  whom  it  is  probable  Peter  might  ba  the  first)  went  away  to  the 

c  One  of  the  two,  whose  name  was  Cleopas.]  It  has  already  been  ob-  sepulchre,  and  found  things  in  the  sarne  order  as  the  women  said,  but 
served,  that  Cleopas  was  the  same  with  Alpheus,  the  father  of  James  had  no  sight  of  Jesus.  On  whose  return,  these  two  disciples  that  were 
the  less  and  Judas,  who  were  two  of  the  apostles.  (Luke  vi.  15,  16.)  going  to  Emmaus  left  the  company  ;  and  though,  as  they  were  setting 
hee  note  e,  on  John  xiv.  S2.  p.  .304.  and  note  b,  on  John  xix.  25.  p.  338.  out,  some  might  inform  them  that  a  report  was  brought  by  Mary  Mag- 
home  suppose  that  the  other  was  Luke,  but  Dr.  Lishtfoot  endeavours  tialene  and  some  other  women  that  they  had  seen  the  Lord,  they  might 
to  prove  It  was  Peter.  (See  note  f,  on  Matt,  xxviii.  15.  p.  351.)  It  be  as  backward  to  believe  it,  and  as  ready  to  impute  it  to  the  power  of 
^'ki^^,'"'"*  P™"'*'''^  'hat  he  was  not  one  of  the  apostles,  but  might  pos-  imagination,  as  those  in  whose  presence  the  report  was  made. — I  am 
sibly  be  one  ot  the  number  of  the  seventy,  whose  name  is  uncertain.  obliijed  to  Mr.  West  for  this  view  of  tlie  matter,  which  represents  it  in 

a  Are  you  the  mtly  person  that  sojourns  in  Jerusalem,  and  is  nnac-  a  clearer  light  than  any  other  scheme  proposed  before.    (See  West's 

auamted,  4c.]    This  is  the  emphatical  import  of  the  original,  av  uoi/or  Observ.  p.  106,  107.) 

5rapoiK6is~ Kai  ouk  ^71-0)9,  &c.  f  O  thoughtless  creatures,  Ac]    The  word  avontoi  is  by  no  means  of 

e  And  say  that  they  also  saw  a  vision  of  angels.']    According  to  the  so  bad  a  sound  as  that  oi fools,  by  which  we  translate  it.   (See  note  m. 

^\'a     '?  ^*""^"  '"^  S'OO'  is  digested  in  the  preceding  section,  the  women  on  Matt.  v.  23.  p.  78.)    Yet,  as  Dr.  Bullock  justly  observes,  (in  his 

k't          ^T"*  *°  ^^^  disciples  with  the  report  of  what  they  had  seen  Vi?td!cation  of  Christ's  Resurrection, \i.  174.')'if  the  propheciesof  the  Old 

netween  the  appearance  ot  the  angels  and  that  of  Christ  to  them  ;  but  Testament  had  been  (as  Mr.  Collins  pretends)  only  allegorical,  there 

liad  hrst  seen  both,  and  therefore  must  undoubtedly  have  mentioned  could  not  have  been  room  for  such  a  heavy  charge  of  stupidity  against 

potti :  It  may  however  be  concluded,  that  (as  Luke   says,  on  their  re-  these  disciples  for  not  understanding  them.    It  is,  by  the  way,  very 

lating  wliat  they  had  seen,  ver.  11.  their  twrdx  seemed  to  them  as  an  weak  in  Mr.  Collins,  and  «omp  other  deists,  to  urge  the  slowness  of 

\t  \  '  K  '  "?       '^  believed  them  ftol)  these  travellers  might  apprehend  Christ's  friends  to  believe  his  resurrection,  as   an   argument   that  the 

that  what  the  women  took  tor  an  appearance  of  Christ,  was  at  most  but  proofs  of  it  were  detective.    On  the  contrary,  as  Kishop  Chandler  wel  1 

a  vision  of  an((cls:  (as  some  imagined  with  respect  to  Peter,  Acts  xii.  replies,  (in  his  Vindicaticn  of  Christianity,  p.  45,  46.)  their  believing 

15.)  and  what  is  added  in  the  next  verse,  with  relation  to  the  men  there  afterwards  carries  the  <£ieater  weight ;  for  it  removes  al.  suspicion  ot  a 

spoken  ot,  {but  htm  they  did  not  see,']  may  perhaps  imply  that  the  wo-  collusion  between  Christ  and  them  in  his  lifetime  ,  and  also  implies  an 

2    A 


354  CHRIST  APPEARS  TO  THE  TWO  DISCIPLES  ON  THEIR  WAY  TO  EMMAUS. 

SECT,  and  believed  them,  would  have  prevented  this  surprise  !  Was  it  not  necessary,  in  order  to  26  Ought  not  Christ  to  have 
197.  accomplish  those  sacred  oracles,  "  which  testify  before-hand  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and  In^^r^into^iUs^g^ory^f'  ^°'*  ^ 
the  glory  that  should  follow,"  (1  Pet.  i.  11.)  that  the  Messiah  should  suffer  all  these  things  at 


LUKE  which  you  ai'e  so  much  stumbled,  and  [so,]  by  his  rising  from  the  dead,  should  enter  into 
XXIV.  /iig  glory  t 

27  viwrf  hereupon,  beginning  from  the  writings  of  Moses,  and  supporting  his  discourse  with  27  And  beginning  at  Moses 
the  authority  of  all  the  prophcts,s  he  interpreted  to  them,  in  a  much  clearer  light  than  they  pounfied  untotherrfinal!  the 
had  ever  seen  them  in  before,  the  principal  things  which  either  had  been  typified  or  were  scriptures  the  things  concern- 
foretold  concerning  him  in  all  the  scriptures.  ing  himself. 

28  And  by  this  time  they  dreic  near  to  the  village  whither  they  were  travelling;  and  when  28  And  they  drew  nigh  unto 
they  came  to  the  house  where  they  designed  to  tarry,  Jesus,  like  one  that  was  a  stranger,  wlnt:'and^hemlde''jf/thoIlgh 
began  to  take  his  leave ;  and  making  no  offer  to  turn  in  with  them,  he  seemed  as  if  he  were  he  would  have  gone  further. 

29  going  further,  intending  indeed  to  do  it,  if  he  were  not  prevented  by  their  request.  But  they    29. Butthey  constrained  him, 
even  compelled  him  by  their  friendly  importunity  to  go  in  with  them,h  saying,  Let  us  prevail  ■|'^tow'ai^'"e'l^ei^n-  "ImUiie 
upon  you  to  continue  this  night  with  us,  where  we  assure  you  of  a  most  hearty  welcome  :  and  day  is  far  spent!'  And  he 
as  indeed  we  are  so  greatly  delighted  and  edified  with  your  company,  that  we  cannot  part  went  in  to  tarry  witli  them, 
with  you,  it  may  also  be  inconvenient  for  you  to  travel  much  further ; /b/-  it  is  now  towards 

eiiening,  and  the  day  declines  apace.  And  lie  complied  with  their  request,  and  went  in  to 
continue  with  them. 

30  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  sat  down  to  table  %vith  them,  he  took  a  cake  of  bread ;  and  so  And  it  came  to  pass,  as 
though  he  only  appeared  as  a  guest  there,  he  assumed  the  office  of  the  head  of  the  family,  toor'bread,''''Ind'*biess^e'd'  it, 
and  looking  up  to  heaven  blessed  or  gave  thanks  over  it,  and  then  brake  it  and  gave  [«Y]  to  and  brake,  and  gave  to  them. 
them,  just  in  the  manner  he  had  formerly  been  used  to. 

31  And  they  were  so  surprised  at  this  circumstance,  that  they  now  looked  upon  him  more  ^i  And  their  eyes  were 
intently  than  they  had  done  before  ;  and  their  eyes  were  then  opened,^  and,  to  their  unutter-  2nd"he'vauished^oiif  of  their 
able  astonishment  and  joy,  they  knew  him,  and  plainly  saw  that  it  was  Jesus  their  dear  sight. 

Master !  and  as  they  were  preparing  to  acknowledge  him  as  such,  he  suddenly  became 
invisible,  and  withdrew  himself  from  before  them  in  a  moment.'' 

32  And  they  said  one  to  another^  How  strange  is  it  that  we  should  discover  him  no  sooner !  ^Ii^'^'^rlvf^  ^^^  ?°,^  '"J 
Sure  we  might  easily  have  known  him  even  by  that  inimitable  spirit  and  energy  in  his  burn'^within  us,  while^'he 
discourses  so  peculiar  to  himself;  for,  did  not  our  very  hearts  glow  and  burn  within  ms'  talked^ with  us  by  ihe  way, 
while  he  was  talking  to  us  by  the  way,  and  while  he  was  opening  the  Scriptures  to  ns  ?  the  scriptures  ? 

33  And  they  were  not  able  to  conceal  such  good  news,  or  to  defer  the  publication  of  that  33  And  they  rose  up  the 
which  would  give  their  brethren  such  a  holy  transport  as  they  felt  in  tlieir  own  breasts ;  je'^usa'iem  — ^"^  returned  to 
and  therefore,  late  as  it  was,  they  presently  ?'ose  tip  from  their  unfinished  meal  that  very 

hour,  and  widi  cheerful  speed  returned  to  Jerusalem,  and  told  it  to  the  rest  of  their  com- 
panions; (compare  Mark  xvi.  13.  p.  352.)  among  whom  they  had  soon  after  the  pleasure 
of  seeing  their  Lord  again,  in  the  manner  related  in  the  next  section.  _   ■ 

IMPROVEMENT. 

V'er.  13     How  delightful  the  close  of  so  melancholy  a  day  to  these  pious  travellers !  A  day  surely  long  to  be  remembered 

14  by  them  and  by  us  !  They  were  on  a  jouniey  ;  but  they  did  not  amuse  themselves  on  it  with  any  trifling  subject 
of  discourse.    Their  hearts  were  set  upon  Christ,  and  therefore  their  tongues  were  employed  in  speaking  of  him. 

15  And  behold,  Christ  himself,  the  dear  theme  of  their  discourse,  makes  one  among  them  ;  he  enlightens  their  eyes 
30,  31  and  warms  their  hearts,  and  at  length  makes  himself  known  to  them  in  the  breaking  of  bread. 

So  may  we  often  be  speaking  of  Christ,  from  the  fulness  of  our  hearts,  when  we  go  out,  and  when  we  come  in  ! 
So  may  he  still,  in  some  degree,  join  himself  with  us  in  spirit,  guiding  our  souls  into  divine  knowledge,  and  ani- 
mating them  with  holy  love  ! 

19  They  bear  an  honourable  and  a  just  testimony  to  that  great  Prophet  whom  God  had  raised  up  for  them,  as 
mighty  before  him  both  in  word  and  deed.     But  they  knew  not  how  to  see  through  so  dark  a  cloud  :  their  hopes 

2 1  were  almost  extinguished,  and  they  could  only  say.  We  trusted  this  had  been  he  that  should  have  redeemed  Israel. 
Pitiable  weakness !  Yet  too  just  an  emblem  of  the  temper  which  often  prevails  in  the  pious  mind,  when  the 
christian  is  ready  to  give  up  all,  if  deliverance  does  not  proceed  just  in  the  method  lie  expected.  Yet  was  Christ 
even  then  delivering  Israel  in  the  most  glorious  and  effectual  manner,  by  those  very  sufferings  which  gave  them 
such  distress.  Verily  thou  art  the  God  of  Israel,  and  the  Saviour,  when  thou  art  a  God  that  hidest  thyself  from 
us.    (Isa.  xlv.  15.) 

25  In  faithful  friendship,  and  with  a  plainness  well  becoming  his  office,  the  compassionate  Redeemer  upbraids  them 
with  their  slowness  of  heart  to  believe  these  things,  when  they  had  received  line  upon  line,  precept  upon  precept, 
concerning  them.  How  justly  do  we  fall  under  such  a  rebuke  in  many  instances !  Let  us  then  humbly  say.  Lord, 
increase  our  faith!  (Luke  xvii.  5.) 
26,  27  We  should  reasonably  have  thought  ourselves  happy  in  an  opportunity  of  hearing  or  reading  this  discourse  of 
Jesus,  in  which  he  threw  such  lustre  on  the  prophecies  of  the  Old  Testament,  and  proved  that,  according  to  the 
tenor  of  them,  it  was  necessary  that  the  Messiah  should  thus  suffer,  and  so  enter  into  his  glory.  As  Providence 
has  denied  us  this  satisfaction,  let  us,  however,  improve  this  general  and  very  important  hint,  that  Moses  and  all 
the  prophets  speak  of  these  things.  Let  us  delight  to  trace  the  heavenly  beam  from  its  earliest  dawn,  and  to  ob- 
serve how  it  grew  brighter  and  brighter  unto  the  perfect  day.     May  the  blessed  Spirit,  by  whom  those  mysterious 

impartial  examination  of  the  fact,  and  the  strength  of  those  proofs  that  Probably  one  of  them  dwelt  at  Emmaus,  or  they  were  ?oing  to  an  inn, 

vanquished  this  incredulity.  or  to  some  friend's  house,  where  they  could  us#the  freedom  to  introduce 

g  Begmntng  from  Moses, and  all  the  prophets.^  It  is  no  way  necessary  this  unknown  stranger,  for  whom  they  had  so  high  a  veneration. 
Cwith  Mr.  Mede.  in  his  ingenious  discourse  on  these  words)  to  suppose  i  Their  eyes  were  opened.]  I  see  no  reason  to  conclude  (with  Cradock 
that  Christ's  sufterings,  resurrection,  and  exaltation,  are  each  of  them  and  Hrennius)  that  his  undertaking  this  othce  of  breakins  bread,  orCwith 
distinctly  foretold  in  each  of  those  parts  of  the  sacred  writings  which  others)  that  some  peculiar  action  or  gesture  in  performing  it,  was  the 
are  mentioned  here.  It  is  enough  if  Moses  gives  some  intimations  con-  thing  that  made  the  discovery.  (See  note  b,  on  ver.  16.)  1  he  evangelist 
cerning  him,  which  succeeding  prophets  carry  on  :  and  if,  when  all  strongly  intimates  that  the  miraculous  influence,  which  before  prevented 
their  testimonies  are  taken  together,  all  these  events  are  expresseil  by  their  knowing  him,  was  removed,  though  the  other  circumstances  men- 
some  one  or  other  of  them.  It  was  very  unbecoming  the  character  of  an  f  ioned  might  awaken  them  to  more  attentive  observation, 
honest  writer,  to  represent  our  Lord  as  here  attempting  to  prove  his  k  Hecame  invisible,  and  withdrew  himself  from  before  them.']  Kras- 
resurrection  from  scripture  ;  which  Mr.  Collins  pretends  to  have  been  mus  justly  observes,  that  the  word  vanished  leads  the  mind  to  think  of 
the  case.  The  precise  point  in  view  plainly  was,  to  convince  them  that  the  person  vanishing  as  a  mere  spectre;  he  would  therefore  render 
there  was  no  reason  to  be  scandalized  at  the  death  of  one  whom  they  took  adiai-Toc  e^ci/ero  as  we  have  done.  Beza  also  observes,  that  air'  avTtov 
to  be  the  Messiah  ;  nor  in  general  to  look  on  the  report  of  his  resurrec-  is  more  expressive  than  avjoii,  and  signifies  our  Lord's  being  separated 
tion  as  a  monstrous  and  incredible  tale.     But  that  he  was  actually  risen,  from  them  by  a  swift  and  sudden  motion. 

was  to  be  proved  another  way,  which  accordingly  our  Lord  immediately  1  Did  not  our  hearts  hum  within  us  ?]    This  reading  is  far  more  ex- 
used,  by  discovering  himself  to  them.  pressive,  as  well  as  far  more  authentic,  than  that  of  some  copies,  which, 

h  The!/  compelled  him,  SiC.]    It  might  be  rendered,  thep  pressed  him.  instead  of  Kaioixevn  here,  have  KcKaXi/yuMci").  Was  not  our  heart  veiled, 

(.See  note  g,  on  Luke  xiv.  2.3.    p.  C12.)    Every  body  easily  sees  how  Sjf. — Compare  Psal.  xxxix.  3.  and  Jer.  xx.  9. 
little  room  tlicre  was  for  any  proper  compulsion  in  such  a  case  as  this. 


JESUS  APPEARS  TO  THE  ELEVEN  DISCIPLES.  365 

predictions  were  inspired,  so  direct  our  inquiries,  that  every  veil  may  be  taken  off  from  our  eyes,  tiiat  we  may  see  sect. 
Jesus  in  the  Old  Testament  as  well  as  in  the  New  ;  and  see  him  in  both  with  that  lively  fervour  of  holy  affection    197. 

which  may  cause  our  hearts  to  burn  within  us !  And  oh  that  we  may  especially  find  that,  when  we  surround  his 

table,  he  makes  himself  known  to  us  in  the  breaking  of  bread,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  fill  our  souls  with  all  joy  as 
well  as  -peace  in  believing  !  (Rom.  xv.  13.) 


SECTION  CXCVIII. 

f  are  togethi 
3—4.3.    Joh 

Luke  xxiv.  33. 


The  two  disciples  retuin  to  make  their  report  to  the  apostles  ;  and  while  they  are  together,  Jesus  appears  to  them  the  evening  after  his  resurrec- 
tion.   Mark  xvi.  14.    Luke  xxiv.  33 — 43.    John  xx.  19 — 23. 


Luke  Jixiv.  38.  ,  i        j.     .    i  u  t 

AND  [they]  found  the  eleven  IT  was  obscrved  before,  concerning  Cleopas  and  the  other  disciple  to  whom  Jesus  dis-  sect. 
that  wire  w^Ito'^tt'enf"''  ^^"^  Covered  himself  at  Emmaus,  that  they  immediately  arose  and  returned  to  Jerusalem,  to    198. 

communicate  the  joyful  news  to  their'brethren  there.    And  now  when  they  came  thither, 

they  found  the  eleven  apostles  assembled,^  and  others  with  them,  who,  before  these  two  could   luke 
begin  their  story,  were  eager  on  their  part  to  inform  the  travellers  of  the  satisfaction  they  ^-^i^"- 
34  Saying,  The  Lord  is  risen  had  received  since  they  went  out :  So  that,  as  soon  as  they  appeared,  they  heard  several  of  34 
slmon'  *"'*  ''^"^  appeared  to  ^\^q  company  Saying,  as  with  one  voice,  O  brethren,  here  are  good  tidings,  which  will 
make  your  hearts  leap  within  you  !  for  the  Lord  is  risen  indeed,  and  has  himself  appeared 
to  Simon  Peter,  who  is  here  present  to  testify  the  truth  of  it."" 
.15  And   they  told    what      Jwrf  the. two  travellers  declared  how  easily  Mt;y  could  believe  it,  and  recoM?2^e(/ ^Ac  iAJwgs  35 
things  acre  doite  in  the  way,  r^y/^f^  j^ad  hapnenedl  to  them  in  the  tvaii  to  Emmaus ;  and  how,  after  many  wise  and 

and    how  he  was    known   ot  L  II  J  ^  i      ^   i  i     ^i  ■     ^i      i        i  ■  r  v        j  ti  „ 

them  ia  breaking  of  bread,      affectionate  discourses,  he  was  at  last  known  by  them  m  the  breaking  of  bread,  as  they  were 
sitting  down  to  supper.     But  notwithstanding  these  repeated  testimonies  of  the  resurrec- 
tion of  Christ,  yet  there  were  some  in  the  company  whose  prejudices  were  so  strong,  and 
their  faith  so  weak,  that  they  did  not  believe  either  Peter  or  them,^  (compare  Mark  xvi. 
13.  p.  352.)  though  most  of  them  were  convinced  (as  they  had  just  declared)  that  the 
Lord  was  risen  indeed. 
Mark  xvi.  14.  [And]  after-      And  quickly  afterwards,  as  they  were  sneaking  of  these  things  among  themselves  while  mark 
h'e^'appetred''uuto''the  ^e\fvli  ^^i^.V  '^ere  sitting  at  supper,  [Jesus']  h\mse\t  appeared  to  the  eleven,  who  were  then  all  together    XVl. 
as  they  sat  at  meat.  [Luke  except  One  of  them.    And  this  appearance  was  attended  with  some  remarkable  circum- 
*'"^'  ^'^  stances,  which  shall  be  now  related. 

John  XX.  19.  Then  the  same      It  was  theti  on  the  evening  of  the  same  day  on  which  he  rose  from  the  dead,  [which  was,']   john 
t^i  rfly'^of°thf' week?  when  as  we  have  before  observed,  'the  first  [day']  of  the  week,  even  when  the  doors  of  the  room  'XX. 
the  doors  were  shut,  where  the  inhere  the  disciples  were  gathered  iosiether  were  shut,  and  fastened  on  the  inside, _/br  /ear  o/"!^' 
fe'^'of^'heJews,''came  Jesus  the  Jews ;  as  they  did  not  know  but  some  officers  of  the  high  priest  might  come  to'appre- 
[himseif,]  and  stood  in  the  hend  them  On  the  scandalous  pretence  that  they  had  stolen  away  the  body,  which  was 
t'S'them,  Pe^ele  unto  yoSi  now  publicly  laid  to  their  charge  :  it  was,  I  say,  at  this  time  and  place,  that  Jesus  himself 
[Luke  xxiv.  36.]  On  a  sudden  came  in,  opening  the  locks  or  bolts  by  a  miraculous  power  j^  and  he  stood  in 

the  midst  of  them  in  his  usual  form,  and  said  to  them,  with  a  mild  voice  and  gracious 
aspect.  All  peace  and  happiness  be  unto  you  !  thereby  graciously  intimating  that  he  forgave 
their  former  cowardice,  and  would  still  continue  to  treat  them  as  his  friends,  though  they 
knew  in  their  own  consciences  they  had  of  late  behaved  themselves  in  a  manner  unworthy 
of  that  character  and  relation. 
Luke  xxiv.  .37.    But  they      But  they  were  greatly  amazed  and  terrified  at  this  sudden,  unexpected  appearance;  and  luke 
rndVupposldThlt^S"if  had  as  they  knew  the  doors  of  the  room  were  shut,  and  in  the  present  hurry  of  their  thoughts  xxiv, 
seen  a  spirit.  did  not  immediately  reflect  upon  the  proofs  he  had  so  often  given  of  his  divine  power,  or  "^' 

on  the  evidences  they  had  but  just  before  received  of  his  resurrection,  some  of  them  sus- 
pected that  what  they  saw  was  only  a  spirit,  or  a  mere  airy  phantom,  and  not  a  real  body. 
38  And  he  said  unto  them.      And  he  Said  to  them,  Why  are  you  tlius  perplexed  and  troubled  at  the  sight  of  me,  and  38 
wil'y^dothoulhte  ari'selnyoir  "^^j/  ^"  these  doubtful  and  unreasonable  suspicions  arise  in  your  hearts,  as  "if  it  only  were 
hearts?       °  the  appearance  of  a  spirit  that  you  have  here  before  you  ?     Behold  my  hands  and  my  feet,  39 

my\ef,\*hft  iT^s  "f  mys^iT!  which  for  your  satisfaction  still  retain  the  scars  of  those  wounds  which  I  received  on  the 
handle  'me,  and  see ;  tbr  a  cross,  to  convince  you  that  it  IS  I  myscIf,  and  no  other  :  handle  me,  if  you  please,  and  see 
l^ye  see  me°have'!'""' '"'""'  whether  this  be  not  really  a  solid  and  Substantial  body  :  for  you  know  that  a  mere  spirit 
or  phantom  hath  not  flesh  and  bones  as  you  see  me  have,  but  is  only  an  empty  form  present- 
ing itself  to  the  eye,  yet  eluding  the  grasp  of  any  hand. 
40  And  when  he  had  thus      And.  Saving  this,  he  shewed  them  his  hands  and  his  feet,  and  even  the  mark  which  the  spear  40 
h^andfand  li/'feel  *[aTd  his  had  left  in  hls  sidc,  wWch  appeared  like  a  large  wound,  newly  though  perfectly  healed :  ^  and 
side.]  [John  xx.  20.']  Several  of  them,  and  among  the  rest  John  the  beloved  apostle,  who  records  this  circum- 

John  XX.  20.    Then  were  stance,  had  the  curiosity  particularly  to  examine  it.    (Compare  1  John  i.  1.)    And  the  john 
sawlhe&f'*'*'  "''''°  ""'^  disciples  therefore  were  exceeding  gM,  as  it  might  reasonably  be  expected  they  should  be,  X-X.  20. 
when  they  thus  sa%v  the  Lord,  and  learnt  by  such  infallible  tokens  that  he  was  really  alive,  xxiv. 
Luke  xxiv.  41.  And  while      And  for  their  fiirther  satisfaction,  tvhen  [some  of  them]  were  so  transported  that  they  as  41 

a  They  fonnd  the  eleven  apostles  assembled.]    As  Paul  (1  Cor.  xv.  5.)  lieved  they  them  :   but  we  are  undoubtedly  to  understand  these  words 

calls  the  company  of  the  apostles  the  twelve,  though  Judas,  the  twelfth  with  such  a  limitation  as  in  the  paraphrase.    See  note  g,  on  Mark  xvi.  12. 

person,  was  dead  ;  so  Luke  here  calls  them  the  eleven,  though  Thomas,  p.  352.  and  note  a,  on  Matt,  xxviii.  17.  ?  202. 

the  eleventh  person,  was  absent,  as  evidently  appears  from  John  xx.  24.       d  Jesus  himself  came  in,  opening  the  locks  or  bolts  by  a  miraculous 

in  the  next  section.  power.]    Dr.  Wallis  CO»  the  Sahhath,  p.  25.)  thinks  tlie  expression  ot 

b  And  has  appeared  to  Simon  Peter.]  None  of  the  evangelists  mention  the  doors  being  shit,  intends  no  more  than  that  what  follows  happened 
any  thing  of  the  circumstances  of  this  appearance  to  Peter  ;  but  it  has  in  the  evening,  when  the  doors  are  used  to  he  shut  up.  But  as  the  doors 
been  observed  before,  fnote  f,  i  196.  p.  351.)  that  the  apostle  Paul  ex-  are  said  to  have  been  shut  for  fear  of  the  Jews,  it  strong!  v  implies  they 
pressly  refers  to  it,  1  Cor.  xv.  5. — The  same  apostle  likewise  mentions  were  fastened  within  ;  and  all  that  was  herein  miraculous,  was  the 
an  appearance  of  Christ  to  James  ;  UHd.  ver.  7.)  Yet,  as  nothing  is  causing  them,  as  of  themselves,  to  fly  open  and  shut  again  very  sudden- 
said  of  his  having  seen  him  that  day,  it  much  diminishes  the  credit  of  ly. — Eisner  has  shown,  (.Oiserv.  vol.  i.  p.  351.)  that  this  is  sometimes 
the  storv  which  Jerome  gives  us  from  the  Gospel  of  the  Nazarenes,  that  spoken  of  by  some  of  the  pagan  writers,  especially  those  who  may  oe 
James  had  vowed  to  eat  nothing  after  the  paschal  supper,  till  Jesus  suspected  of  copying  from  the  evangelists,  as  the  effect  ot  a  supernatu- 
aiose  ;  on  which  account  our  Lord  appeared  first  to  him.  None  of  the  ral  power  attending  the  appearance  of  tlieir  deities,  or  other  e>"''''r"'; 
apostles  seem  to  have  had  such  a  firm  expectation  of  Christ's  resurrec-  nary  persons,  among  them.— The  arguments  which  the  papiMs  uiiii^ 
tion  as  must  have  been  the  foundation  of  such  a  vow ;  and  the  order  in  from  hence,  to  prove  that  two  bodies  may  be  in  the  same  piac^  ai  uie 
which  Paul  mentions  his  appearance  to  James,  does  very  ill  suit  with  same  time,  and  consequently  one  111  difterent  P'a"^' '=■  f;,.  j:Vtinn  i« 
this  story.— Probably  Peter  was  the  first  man,  as  Mary  Magdalene  built  upon  an  absurd  interpretation  of  the  clause  under  consuierauoii, as 
was  the  first  woman,  that  was  favoured  with  the  view  of  our  risen  not  to  deserve  anv  further  notice.  t>r^i,!,hU  thpsp  mark* 
Saviour.                                                                                                                     e  He  showed  them  his  hands  and  his  feet.  Ar.]    Pfo^ably  these  marks 

c  Some— did  not  believe,  &c.]    Mark  expresses  it  in  a  general  way,  were  retained  in   his   bo.ly  when  raised  troni  the  .fiead,  on  purpose 

(chap.  xvi.  13.)  that  they  joent  and  told  it  unto  the  residue  :  neither  be-  give  the  greater  satisfaction  to  the  disciples  of  the  trutn  01  iiii  resuuei. 

2  A  2 


356  CHRIST  AGAIN  APPEARS  TO  THE  ELEVEN  DISCIPLES. 

SECT,  yet  believed  not  their  own  eyes  for  joy,  and  were  so  astonished  that  they  hardly  knew  where  they  yet  believed  not  for  joy. 
198.  they  were,  he  said  to  them.  Have  ymi  any  food  here  left,  that  I  may  eat  with  you  ?  And  they  ^'hem'^Havlyr  he^e  "^y 
■gave  him  such  as  they  had,  even  part  of' a  broiled  fish,  and  of  an  honey-comb,  on  which  they  meat? 


LUKE  liad  been  supping  just  before.    And  'taking  lit,]  he  ate  before  them,  that  thus  they  might  pii^'e  ot  a  broiled  fish,  and  of 
^'-^^Jg  be  fully  satisfied  that  he  was  actually  alive,  and  had  a  true  and  real  body.  (Compare  Acts  ^°  ^'°°^J,-'i,°"\^-„k ,-,,  and  did 

X.  41.)  17/.  eat  before  them. 

MARK       And  when  he  had  for  a  while  gently  upbraided  and  reproved  them  for  their  unbelief,  and  J;lflKl\^^-  ^^^  ^^^^^ 

XVI.    for  the  hardness  of  their  hearts,  that  they  had  not  believed  the  repeated  testimony  of  those  unbelief,   and    hardness    of 

^■i  who  had  already  see?i  him  since  he  was  risen  from  the  dead,  and  that,  even  after  his  own  ap-  {;^ft'i;^J;^<;^t;f^\*,^a"^,^|l;^,;f^ 

JOHN    pearance  to  them,  they  should  be  capable  of  entertaining  any  further  doubts  :    Then,  that  after  he  was  risen. 
XX.    they  might  be  satisfied  that  he  had  graciously  forgiven  them,  Jesus  said  to  them  again,  Peace  ^^Joim^  o^'em'again ''pea^  *« 

21  be  unto  you;  may  all  prosperity  and  happiness  attend  you  !  As  [?ny]  Father  sent  me,  and  unto  you:  as  m»  father  hath 
gave  me  authority  to  act  in  his  name,  so  also  I  send  you,  to  act  as  my  apostles,  under  the  sent  me,  even  so  send  i  you. 
important  character  of  my  ambassadors  to  the  children  of  men. 

22  And  saiiins  this  he  in  a  solemn  manner  breathed  upon  [Me???,]  and  said  to  them  as  one     02  And  when  he  had  said 
that  had-^ivine  authority,  Receive  ye  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  take  this  as  an  earnest  of  what  fafd  untoS,°Recei:e'ye 
you  shall  further  receive  not  many  days  hence :  for  thus  will  I  shortly  breathe  out  the  the  Holy  Ghost, 
miraculous  influences  of  my  Spirit  upon  you,  in  a  greater  abundance  than  you  have  ever 

23  yet  received  them  to  qualify  and  furnish  vou  for  this  important  office ;  In  consequence  of  23  Whose  soever  sins  ye 
which,  whose  soever  sins  you  shall  remit,  or  shall  declare  to  be  forgiven,  they  are  remitted  and  [^™'.;  *i;:JXsl'"soever"°'« 
forgiven  to  them  ;  [cmd^  whose  soever  [sins']  you  shall  retain,  or  shall  pronounce  to  be  un-  ye  retain,  they  are  retamed. 
pardoned,  they  are  assuredly  retained,  and  their  guilt  lies  upon  them  :  for  you  shall  have 

a  power,  not  only  of  declaring  what  is  lawful  or  unlawful  under  the  gospel  dispensation, 
but  also  of  sending  or  removing  miraculous  punishments,  and  of  discerning  the  spirits  of 
men  in  such  perfection  as  to  be  able  with  certainty  to  declare  to  particular  persons  in  ques- 
tion, whether  they  be,  or  be  not,  in  a  state  of  pardon  and  acceptance  with  God.  (See  note 
h,  on  Matt.  xvi.  19.  p.  163.) 

And  after  this  discourse  with  his  disciples  at  his  first  appearance  to  them,  Jesus  departed 
fVoni  them  for  that  time,  and  left  them  to  spend  the  rest  of  the  evening  in  those  delightful 
exercises  of  devotion  which  this  great  occasion  had  so  natural  a  tendency  to  inspire. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
LUKE       With  pleasure  let  us  echo  back  the  words  of  the  apostles,  and  join  in  that  glad  anthem  which  so  well  suits  a 
XXIV.  resurrection-day,  The  Lord  is  risen,  he  is  risen  indeed.    We  ov,'e  our  daily  praises  to  God  for  the  abundant  demon- 
34  stration  he  has  "given  us  of  so  important  a  fact,  for  every  appearance  of  Christ  to  his  disciples,  and  for  all  the  infal- 
lible tokens  by  which  ^e  sAo?t)ef/A????se//' to  be  a/jve  fl/?er  A?S7)as.?io??.  (Acts  i.  3.) 
36-41      He  came  with  peace  and  blessings'  in  his  mouth';  he  came  to  disperse  their  fears,  and  to  assure  them  of  his  for- 
giving love.     How  strong  were  those  prejudices  which  so  hardly  yielded  to  such  convincing  proofs  !    And  how 
rich  was  that  grace  wiiich  condescended  to  overcome  th^m. 
JOHN       Christ  breathed  on  the  apostles,  that  they  might  receive  the  Holy  Spirit.     May  he  also  breathe  on  our  souls,  and 
XX.    fill  us  with  that  glorious  and  divine  gift,  which,  if  it  qualified  the  apostles  for  their  extraordinary  office,  may  much 

22  more  furnish  us  for  the  common  duties  of  life  !  Mav  we  try  our  state  by  the  characters  which  they  have  laid  down 
in  their  inspired  writings ;  in  which  sense,  among  others,  we  may  assure  ourselves,  that  if  they  have  declared  our 
sins  to  be  remitted,  they  are  remitted  :  and  if  indeed  they  are  so,  we  need  not  be  much  concerned  by  whom  they  are 

23  retained.  Vain  and  arrogant  men  may  claim  a  despotic  power  which  God  never  gave,  and  which  these  words  are 
far  from  implying.  But  whatsoever  be  the  sentence  they  may  pass,  thei^  whom  God  blesseth  arc  blessed  indeed. 
(1  Chron.  xvii.  27.)  May  we  always  esteem  it  a  very  small  thing  to  be  judged  of  man's  jiulgment,  (1  Cor.  iv.  3.) 
pitying  rather  than  resenting  the  rashness  of  those,  who  claim  any  such  discretionary  sacerdotal  power  as  can  give 
the  real  penitent  any  alarm,  or  the  impenitent  any  encouragement  to  continue  in  sin ! 


SECTION  CXCIX. 

Christ  appears  to  the  eleven  a  second  time,  a  week  after  the  foi-mer  ;  particularly  offering  to  Thomas,  who  had  before  been  absent,  the  most 

sensible  proofs  of  his  resurrection.    John  xx.  24—29. 

John  xx.  24.  jo„n  xx.  24. 

SECT.  WE  mentioned  in  the  last  section  Christ's  appearing  to  his  disciples  on  the  evening  of  that  but  Thomas  one  of  the 
199-  day  on  which  he  arose:  bnt  it  is  further  to  be  observed,  that  Thomas,  me  of  the  twelve,  'Z\%l^^^^tmilTx^^i7^^, 
who  was  also  called  Didi/mus,  or  the  twin-brother,  rvas  not  with  them  at  that  time  when  came. 


JOHN  jg^ns  ffijjjg^  j-^g  gffi^j.  (Jlsciples  therefore,  as  soon  as  they  met  with  him,  told  him,  in  a  trans-  25  The  other  disciples  there- 
^^25  port  of  joy,  We  have  seen  the  Lorrf  With  our  own  eyes,  and  consequently  can  have  no  further  I'^H'^;^^  Cd  But  he  stTd 
doubt  of  the  truth  of  his  resurrection  ;  for  he  has  condescended  to  show  us  the  very  marks  unto  them  Except  i  shall  see 
of  those  wounds  he  received  on  the  cross.  But  he  said  to  them.  This  is  a  matter  of  too  '^^g]  and  put  mrfinler  into 
great  importance  for  me  to  believe  on  any  report,  even  on  yours  ;  and  more  is  necessary  to  the  print  of  the  nails,  and 
convince  me  of  the  truth  of  it,  than  merely  a  transient  sight  of  mine  own  eyes ;  for,  unless  I  t/'^>^f{  ^^^  btxiJe  ' 

shall  evidently  see  in  his  hands,  as  you  say  you  have  done,  the  mark  (fthe  nails,  and,  more 
than  that,  shall  put  my  finger  upon  the  very  individual  mark  of  the  nails,^  and  put  my  hand 
upon  the  very  scar  made  by  the  spear  in  his  side,^  I  ivill  not  by  any  means,  or  on  any  testi- 
mony whatsoever,  believe  his  resurrection. 
26      And,  as  there  was  a  great  degree  of  faulty  obstinacy  in  such  a  resolution,  our  Lord  left  ^  2fi_^An(|^  ''dfsdpifs'  were 
him  a  whole  week  under  the  perplexity  which  it  must  "necessarily  give  him  :  but  after  cimt  ^^^^^„    and   Thomas  with 
clays,  or  on  that  day  seven-night  from  our  Lord's  rising,  his  disciples  were  again  wUhm  them^  T^n  came  Jesus^,^*e 
doors  as  before,  and   Thomas  was  with  them;  [and'\  Jesus  came  to  them  again,  the  doors  j^  the  midst,  and  said.  Peace 
being  shid  and  fastened  as  in  the  former  instance;  a??(i  suddenly  throwing  them  open,  and  a« unto  you. 
in  a'moment  shutting  them  again,  he  stood  in  the  midst  of  them,  and  said,  as  in  his  former 
gracious  salutation,  Peace  [fce]  unto  you. 

tion  ;  though  indeed,  without  that  additional  circumstance,  the  evidence  what  he  insisted  upon  ;  which  I  have  therefore  endeavoured  to  express 

miirit  have  been  verv  satisfactory  in  the  paraphrase,  m  terms  which  such  persons  otten  use. 

a  And  shall  put  my  finger  upon  the  mark  of  the  nails.-]    I  am  sensible        b  And  put, my  hand  upon  his  side.]    So  I  would  choose  to  render  it, 

it  might  seem  more  elegant,  with  the  Prussian  translators,  to  wave  the  rather  than  into  hsude,  agreeable  to  Dr.  Stevenson  s  JHf'.  "'''^'X 

repetition,  and  to  render  it,  and  put  my  finger  into  it:  but,  on  further  that  t.r  here  signifies  upon;  as  e,?  Tni-  'T'l'' fJo^n  vi  i   6.)  is  "/w" '*< 

reflection,  there  seems  to  be  a  beauty  in  this  repetition,  which  admirably  mnmd  ;  and  6,9  t.iv  xeipfx  aurou  (Luke  xv.    2.)  upon  Ms  nana,    see  ui. 

represents  the  language  of  a  positive  man,  declaring  again  and  again  Stevenson,  against  Woolston  On  Christ  s  Miracles,  p.  3.4. 


CHRIST  AGAIN  APPEARS  TO  THE  ELEVEN  DISCIPLES.  357 

27  Then  saith  lie  to  Thomas.      And  then,  to  let  them  see  that  he  was  not  unacquainted  with  what  had  lately  passed   SECT. 
?eho*id  ni* hands  ■''ana'^reacii  ^™ong  them  in  his  absence,  as  well  as  to  convince  the  over-sciupulous  disciple,  fie  said  to    199. 

hfther  thy^hmid,  and 'thrust  it  Thomcis,  Rcack  forth  thij  finger  hither,  and  behold  and  examine  my  hands ;  and  reach  thine 

f"itii'"^  b'tbelievfno'"'  °°'  hand  hither,  and  put  it  on  mi/  side  ;<^  and  be  not  incredulous  any  longer,  but  believe  on  this  John 

1  ess.   u    e  leving.  evidence  at  least,  which  addresses  itself  at  once  to  so  many  of  thy  senses.  -XX. 

28  And  Thomas  answered      And  Thomas,  Overwhelmed  at  once  with  such  abundant  demonstration  and  such  humble  28 
aiidm''God°''""'*^^  ^^^'^  condescension,  fell  under  the  conviction  in  a  moment;  and,  instead  of  entering  on  any 

^"  ""^    °  ■  further  scrutiny,"*  answered  and  said  to  him,  in  the  utmost  transport  of  astonishment  and 

joy.  My  Lord  and  mi/  God  !  As  if  he  should  have  said,  I  do  not  only  now  acknowledge 
thee  to  be  Jesus  my  Lord,  infallibly  risen  from  the  dead,  but  I  confess  thy  divine  know- 
ledge and  power,  and  prostrate  myself  before  th'-e  as  the  great  incarnate  Deity,  the  glorious 
Emmanuel.« 

29  Jesus  saith  unto  him,      Jesiis  says  to  him,  Thomas,  thou  hast  believed  because  thou  hast  seen  me,  and  hast  received  29 
ThoHTas,  j[^^^^^j!^*jj 'Jj^i'J^^.'^^i^!  these  sensible  demonstrations  of  my  resurrection  ;  and  it  is  well :  but  still  more  happy  are 
blessed  are  they  that  iiave  not  they  who  have  not  Seen  me  themselves,  and  [yef]  have  believed  on  the  credible  testimony  of 
seen,  and  i/et  have  believed.    Qt^gj-g  ;  for  they  iiave  shown  a  greater  degree  of  candour  and  humility,  vs^hich  renders  tlie 

faith  it  produces  so  much  the  more  acceptable.^ 

IMPROVEMENT. 

We  most  evidently  see  in  this  instance  of  Thomas,  as  well  as  in  many  circumstances  of  the  story  mentioned  Ver.25 
above,  how  far  the  apostles  were  from  being  rashly  credulous  in  tihe  important  fact  of  Christ's  resurrection.     It  is 
apparent  they  erred  in  the  contrary  extreme ;  yet  our  gracious  Lord  condescended  to  satisfy  scruples  which  were 
carried  to  an  extravagance.    He  renewed  his  visit,  and  at  the  same  time  renewed  his  salutation  too.     Peace  be  26 
unto  1/ou,  was  still  his  language ;  nor  did  he  only  speak,  but  act,  as  one  who  wished  it,  and  was  determined  to 
give  It. 

What  peace  must  it  administer  to  the  mind  of  this  good  man  when  his  Lord  said,  Reach  hither  thy  finger,  and  27 
behold  my  hands,  and  reach  hither  thine  hand,  and  put  it  on  my  side ;  and  be  not  faithless,  but  believing  !  Evidently 
did  he  hereby  show,  not  only  that  he  was  risen  from  the  dead,  but  that  he  circumstantially  knew  those  events 
which  had  passed  in  his  bodily  absence,  and  needed  not  human  information.  Let  us  then  ever  behave  ourselves 
as  in  the  presence  of  Christ.  Let  us  act,  and  speak,  and  think,  in  such  a  manner  as  may  bear  his  inspection ; 
and,  struck  with  these  united  demonstrations  of  wisdom,  power,  and  grace,  let  us  prostrate  ourselves  before  him, 
and  say,  Our  Lord  and  our  God!  thus  honouring  the  Son  as  we  honour  the  Father,  (John  v.  23.)  and  adoring  the  28 
indwelling  deity  through  this  veil  of  flesh  in  which  it  has  been  pleased  to  enshrine  itself,  and  kindly  to  attemper, 
though  not  entirely  to  conceal,  its  rays. 

Though  we  have  not  those  sensible  manifestations  which  were  granted  to  Thomas,  let  it  suffice  us  that  the  apos- 
tles were  the  appointed  witnesses  of  all  these  things ;  and  ivhat  they  saw  with  their  eyes,  and  their  hands  handled  of 
the  word  of  life,  that  have  they  declared  unto  us.  (1  Johni.  1,3.)  Let  us  thankfully  receive  so  convincing  a  testi- 
mony. Let  us  show  an  upright  and  candid  mind  in  accepting  such  evidence  as  the  wisdom  of  God  has  seen  fit 
to  give  us ;  remembering,  that  a  truly  rational  faith  is  the  more  acceptable  to  God,  in  proportion  to  the  difficulties  29 
which  it  is  able  to  surmount ;  and  that  there  are  peculiar  blessings  in  store  for  them  who  have  not  seen,  and  yet 
have  believed. 


SECTION  CC. 

Christ  discovers  himself  to  Peter  and  several  other  disciples  at  the  sea  of  Tiberias,  while  they  were  fishing  tliere.    John  xxi.  1—14. 

John  xxi.  i.  John  xxi.  1. 

AFi'ER  these  things  Jesus  SOME  time  after  these  things,^  between  the  last  interview  he  had  with  the  apostles  at  sect. 
dis'cTpies''arthe  sfa'of  Tite^-  Jerusalem,  and  the  public  appearance  which  he  afterwards  made  to  the  whole  body  of  his    200. 

rias :  and  on  this  wise  shew-  disciples,  Jesus  manifested  himself  again  to  the  disciples  at  the  sea  of  Tiberias,  near  that 

edhe  iimsej.  mountain  in  Galilee  where  he  had  appointed  to  meet  them.    (Matt.'xxviii.  16.  sect,  ccii.)   John 

And  the  manner  in  which  he  now  manifested  \_himself]  to  them  was  thus :  ^^1- 

2  There  were  together  Si-      Simou  Peter,  and  Thomas,  vvho  was  called  Didymus,  and  Nathaniel,  who  was  an  in-  2 
ed^D^ymisTand' Nathanaei  habitant  of  Cana,  a  town  in  Galilee  often  mentioned  in  the  foregoing  history ,b  and  also  the 
of  Cana  in  Galilee,  and  the  [^two  Sons']  of  Zebedee,  Jamcs  and  John,  and  two  other  of  his  disciples  with  them,«  ivere  one 
otiler  of  iifs^Spies!""*  *"'°  ^*y  together  in  Galilee,  whither  they  were  returned  by  Christ's  direction,  to  wait  for  the 

accomplishment  of  what  he  had  promised,  that  they  should  see  him  on  a  certain  mountain 
in  those  parts,  and  where  they  expected  in  a  few  days  to  meet  with  most  of  their  brethren. 

3  Simon  Peter  saith  unto  (Compare  Matt,  xsviii.  ver.  7,  10.  sect.  cxcv.  and  ver.  16.  sect,  ccii.)    And  while  they  3 

were  thus  waiting,  Simon  Peter,  that  their  time  might  not  lie  on  their  hands,  and  that  he 

c  Reach  forth  tJiy  finger  hither,  4r.]    U  is  observable  that  Spinoza  plicity,  candour,  and  wisdom,  to  yield  to  reasonable  evidence  %vithout 

himselt  could  hnd  out  no  more  plausible  objection  against  this  evidence  seeing,  than  could  be  argued  merely  from  having  believed  on  sight  after 

ot  the  resurrection  ot  Christ,  than  to  say  that  the  disciples  were  de-  sufficient  evidence  of  another  kind  had  been  proposed.     It  was  therefore, 

ceived  in  what  they  imagined  they  saw,  heard,  and  felt ;  ( Vie  de  Spin,  in  effect,  telling  Thomas,  "  It  would  have  been  more  acceptnble  to  him, 

I).  32.)  which,  if  granted,  would  be  in  effect  to  allow  that  no  men  could  if  he  had  not  stood  out  so  long ;"  and  it  was  doing  it  in  such  a  manner 

be  competent  judges  of  any  fact  whatsoever  relating  to  their  own  sen-  as  would  be  most  calculated  for  the  comfort  and  encouragement  of  be- 

sations,  and  consequently  would  overthrow  all  human  testimony  in  lievers  in  future  ages,  to  whom,  in  many  of  his  speeches  to  the  apostles 

courts  ot  judicature  and  elsewhere.  themselves,  our  Lord  expresses  a  most  obliging  and  affectionate    re- 

d  Instead  of  entering  on  any  further  scrutiny.!    It  is  not  said  that  gard. 

he  actuMy  touched  the  aminds  ;  and  our  Lord  afterwards  says  (ver.  29.)  a  Some  time  after  these  things.']  Grotius  thinks  this  whole  chapter  was 

that  this  belief  was  built  on  sight ;  which  seems  to  intimate  that  this  con-  written  by  some  elders  of  the  church  of  Ephesus,  and  added  to  the  rest 

descension  ot  our  Lord,  together  with  the  additional  evidence  arising  of  the  book  by  the  approbation  of  that  society,  as  acreeable  to  the  rela- 

trom  the  knowledge  which  he  plainly  had  of  that  unreasonable  demand  tions  which  they  had  heard  from  the  mouth  of  St.  John;  and  I^  Cltrc 

which  1  homas  had  made  in  his  absence,  quite  overcame  him  :  a  turn  of  follows  him  in  this  conjecture  :  but  Dr.  Mill  has  taken  pains  to  invali- 

7"i!    ^''"^"'"g  natLiral  to  so  frank  a  temperas  that  of  Thomas  appears  date  it;  (.Prolegom.  p.  249.)  and  the  beginning  of  ver.  24.  destroys  the 

to  have  been  force  of  Grotius's  argument  from  the  latter  part  of  it.    See  note  f,  on 

e  My  ijord  and  my  God!]    The  irrefragable   argument  arising  from  that  verse,  at  the  close  of  the  next  section, 

these  words  in  proof  of  the  deify  of  our  blessed  Lord,  (which  so  many  b  Nathaniel  of  Cana  in  Galilee.]    There  is  no  doubt  but  this  Natha- 

good  writers  have  stated  at  large,)  cannot  be  evaded  by  saying  that  these  niel  is  the  person  mentioned  before,  John  i.  45. — Dr.  Liahtfoot.  iHor. 

words  are  only  an  exclamation  of  surprise,  as  if  he  had  said.  Good  God,  Heb.  on  Matt.  x.  3.)  Mr.  Fleming,  iChristol.  vol.  ii.  p.  170.)  and  some 

is  It  indeed  thus  !    t  or  it  is  expressly  declared  he  spoke  these  words  to  others,  take  him  to  have  been  Bartholomew  the  apostle  ;  but  I  think  they 

mm  :  and,  no  doubt,  Christ  would  severely  have  reproved  him  if  there  give  no  convincing  reason  for  that  opinion, 

liad  not  been  just  reason  to  address  him  thus.  c  Two  other  of  his  disciples.]    It  is  indeed  uncertain  who  these  two 

t  nappy  are  they  who  have  not  seen,  and  yet  have  believed.]    If  it  be  disciples  were,  though  Dr.  Lightfoot  conjectures  they  were  Andrew  and 

queried.  Why  n  greater  blessedness  is  pronounced  on  those  who  believe  Philip  ;  (Hor.  Heb.  in  loc.)  which  is  not  improbable,  as  tliey  were  both 

on  more  slender  evidence,  it  may  be  answered,  that  our  Lord  by  no  inhabitants  of  Bethsaida,  near  the  sea  of  Tiberias.    (John  i.  44.)    It  is, 

means  intended  to  assert  that  every  one  who  believes  without  seeing,  is  however,  a  strange  argument  against  it.  to  say,  "  that  John  must  be  one, 

/lappier  than  any  one  believing  on  sight ;  for  then  the  meanest  christian  though  he  is  not  here  mentioned,"  when  he  is  so  well  known  to  have 

now  would  tje  more  happy  than  the  greatest  of  the  apostles  ;  but  only,  been  one  of  the  sons  of  Zebedee,  who  are  nunihered  here  among  those 

uiat  where  the  effects  of  that  taitli  were  equal,  it  argued  greater  sim-  that  were  present. 


358     CHRIST  APPEARS  TO  PETER  AND  OTHER  DISCIPLES  AT  THE  SEA  OF  TIBERIAS. 

SECT,  might  make  some  provision  for  his  own  support,  and  for  the  entertainment  of  his  friends,  them,  i  go  a  fishing.  They 
200.    says  to  them,  I  will  go  a  fishing:^  and  they  say  to  him,  We  also  will  go  along  xvith  thee,  ^,^h""^°  '''j"he  ^etft'brtT 


and  give  thee  what  assistance  we  can.  They  ivent  out  therefore,  and  immediately  took  and  entered  into  a^hip'im- 
JOHN  ship,  and  spent  not  only  that  evening,  but  all  the  following  night,  in  throwing  their  nets;  Jhl'^'cau'^ytnothin"'^'  "'^''' 
^^^'o  but  though  it  was  the  properest  time  for  fishing,  yet  they  caught  nothing  worth  the     "^^  ^"^    °°   '°^' 

mentioning. 

4  And  when  the  morning  was  now  come,  Jesus  appeared  and  stood  upon  the  shore :  never-  4  But  when  the  morning 
theless  the  disciples,  who  had  no  expectation  of  seeing  him  there,  being  at  some  distance  ^"the siiore°'but  /hedlsd T 

5  from  him,  and  it  not  being  yet  perfectly  light,  knew  not  that  it  was  Jesus.     Then,  as  they  knew  not  that  it  was  Jesus. 
approached  within  call,  Jesus  said  to  them.  Have  you  any  thing  to  eat,  my  lads  ?  or  have  thenfchildrln^  have'3'e'any 
you  taken  fish  enough  to  furnish  out  a  meal  ?   They  answered  him,  No ;  we  have  been  meat'?  xiiey  answered  him, 

6  toiling  here  all  night  in  vain.  And  he  said  to  them,  Let  me  then  advise  you  to  throw  the  ^l' And  he  said  unto  them 
net  on  the  right  side  of  the  ship,  and  you  will  undoubtedly  _^rtrf  [some.']  And  willing  to  try  Cast  the  net  on  the  right  side 
at  least  whether  this  stranger  conjectured  right,  they  threw  the  net  therefore  as  he  had  xii^y  ctsf  th1;?eforef  and  now 
directed  them ;  and  now  they  were  not  able  to  draw  it  up  into  the  ship  again,  on  account  of  they  were  not  able  to  draw  it 
the  midtitude  of  fishes  which  they  had  enclosed  in  it.«  ^°'  ""'  multitude  of  fishes. 

7  Then  John,  that  disciple  whom  Jesus  peculiarly  loved,  when  he  saw  such  astonishing  7  Therefore  that  disciple 
success  after  all  their  fruitless  toil  and  disappointment  before,  says  unto  Peter,  It  is  un-  pet""?,  ifi'sSire^Lort^No'" 
doubtedly  the  Lord,  who  has  on  this  occasion  renewed  that  miracle  which  he  wrought  in  when'simon  Peter  heard  that 
thy  ship  some  years  ago,  when  he  first  called  us  to  attend  him.  (See  Luke  v.  4—10.  sect.  fi^iTe'J^s  colt  wi'ioV/z'm.^Cfo'r'he 
xxxiv.)  Simon  Peter  therefore  hearing  him  say,  with  the  appearance  of  such  good  reason,  was  naked,)  and  did  cast  him- 
that  it  was  the  Lord,  was  so  transported,  that  he  immediately  girded  on  his  coat,  (for  he  ^^    '"'^  *''*  **"" 

7vas  in  a  manner  naked,  having  nothing  on  but  his  inner  garment,f)  and  threw  himself 
directly  into  the  sea,  and  swam  to  shore,  that  he  might  pay  his  earliest  duty  to  his  dear 

8  Lord,  and  testify  his  joy  in  the  condescending  visit  he  was  making  them.  Aiid  the  other  s  And  the  other  disciples 
disciples,  making  the  best  of  their  way,  came  to  him  as  fast  as  they  could  rvith  the  boat,  came  in  a  little  ship,  (for  they 
drawing  the  net  [./«//]  of  fishes  after  them  ;  for  they  were  not  far  from  the  land,  but  about  as  It^^were  two  1i"undre"d 
two  hundred  cubits,  or  one  hundred  yards.    '  Ishe?'"*  '''^^^'"^  ^^  "'^'  ^''"* 

9  As  soon  then  as  they  came  ashore,  they  saiv  a  fire  of  burning  coals  laid  ready  there,  and    9  As  soon  then  as  they  were 

fish  laid  upon  it,  and  a  sufficient  quantiiv  of  bread  at  hand  ;  which  Jesus  had  miraculously  ^5'"^',"  'fi"*^'  ""^^^'/i^l^i*^!"? 
1  f.^1.   i  /i  •    !  ^  1  11  11  1  •   •         r      .^  y     •'   °'  coals  there,  and  fish  laid 

prepared,  that  they  might  see  how  easily  he  could  make  provision  tor  them,  even  when  thereon,  and  bread. 

10  they  were  destitute  of  the  ordinary  means  of  supply.  And,  that  due  notice  also  might  be  10  .lesus  saith  unto  them, 
taken  of  the  miraculous  draught  they  had  now  made,  Jesus  said  to  them.  Bring  hither  hlve^io°w  caugh't^''  *'''*^''  ^^ 

1 1  [some'\  of  the  fish  which  you  have  now  taken.  And  Si?non  Peter  went  aboard,  and,  with  the  11  Simon  Peter  went  up. 
help  of  his  brethren,  drew  the  net  to  land;  and  it  was  full  of  great  fishes,  which,  upon  of''greTfil^h'es",'Vn  trndred 
taking  the  number  of  them,  they  found  to  be  no  less  than  an  hundred  and  fifty-three  ;  and  and  fifty  and  three :  and  for 
though  they  were  so  many  and  so  great,  yet  the  net  was  not  broke.  wis  noTthTnlt^brJken.^'  ^*' 

12  Tnen  Jesus  said  to  them.  Come  [and'\  refresh  yourselves,?  after  the  fatigue  you  have  had  12  jesus  saith  unto  them, 
for  so  many  hours.  And  none  of  the  disciples  presumed  to  ask  him,  Who  art  thou  ?  or  took  {jie"d^"'"'i'^'"!]"  ^."^  TV^'^ 
upon  them  to  inquire  how  he  came  thither,  or  whence  he  procured  the  provision  he  then  wlio  art "tifo^u? "knowing  that 
offered  them  ?  well  knowing  that  it  ivas  the  Lord,  though  he  conversed  with  them  in  some-  ''^^  *^  ^'^^■ 

thing  of  a  distant  manner  ;  but  left  him  to  proceed  in  his  own  way,  as  judging  it  most 
respectful  to  leave  it  to  him  to  direct  the  discourse  to  more  intimate  and  particular  sub- 
jects, in  such  a  manner  and  by  such  degrees  as  he  should  think  fit ;  which  he  presently 
after  did. 

13  Jesm  therefore  came  and  took  bread,  as  the  master  of  the  feast,  and  having  blessed  it,  as  13  Jesus  then  cometh,  and 
he  used  to  do,  gave  [jY]  to  each  of  them  ;  and  likewise  gave  them  some  of  the  broiled  fish,  iud*  fishTk'i'wTse.*''''''*''*''^'"' 

14  And  this  ivas  now  the  third  time  that  Jesus  showed  himself  to  such  a  number  of  his  <//.?-   .14  ihis  is  now  the  third 
ciples  at  once,""  «/Cer  he  tvas  risen  from  the  dead;  and  it  was  attended  with  some  very  re-  seirto  h4d?sdpfe3!IftL-'\hSt 
markable  and  instructive  circumstances,  vvhich  will  be  particularly  mentioned  in  the  next  lie  was  risen  from  the  dead, 
section. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
Ver.        Christ  first  called  these  disciples  when  they  were  employed  in  the  duties  of  their  proper  profession  in  life,  and 
1 — 3  he  now  manifests  himself  to  them  while  they  were  so  engaged  ;  perhaps  particularly  intending  thereby  to  encourage 
an  honest  industiy,  in  which  indeed  we  are  far  more  likely  to  enjoy  his  presence,  and  to  converse  with  him,  than 
when  we  throw  away  our  time  in  idleness  and  inactivity. 
3 — 6      A  while  he  leaves  them  to  labour  in  vain,  that  when  the  plentiful  draught  of  fishes  came,  it  might  be  the  more 
remarkable.     Sometimes  he  may  deal  thus  with  his  ministers,  in  their  endeavours  to  catch  men  ;  that  we  may  be 
convinced  thereby  to  whose  power  we  owe  our  success,  and  may  not  sacrifice  to  our  own  7iet,  or  burn  incense  to 
our  own  drag.  (Hab.  i.  16.) 
7      All  the  disciples  rejoiced  at  his  appearance  ;  but  Peter  was  the  foremost  to  cast  himself  at  his  feet.    Conscious 
that  so  7mich  had  been  forgiven  him,  he  is  solicitous  to  show  that  he  loves  much.  (Luke  vii.  47.)     So  may  the  re- 
membrance of  our  miscarriages  work  upon  us,  to  make  us  more  vigorous  in  Christ's  service,  and  to  inspire  us 
with  such  zeal  and  affection  as  7nany  ivaters  may  not  be  able  to  quench,  nor  the  floods  to  drown  !  (Cant.  viii.  7.) 
11—13      Let  us  not  imagine  this  miracle  was  merely  intended  for  a  demonstration  of  Christ's  divine  power  over  all  that 

d  J  will  go  a  fishing.']    It  appears  from  this  story,  that  several  of  the  Tticare,  rather  than  dine  ;  as  Homer  sometimes  uses  api<nov,  to  signify 

apostles  were  now  returned  to  Galilee,  where  Christ  had  appointed  to  a  morning's  meal. 

meet  them  ;  which  shows  that  the  discourse  (Luke  xxiv.  49.^202.)  in  h   T/te  third  lime  Jesus  shoived  /limself  lo  such  a  number,  fic]    Grotius 

which  our  Ixird  comniauded  them  to  continue  at  Jencsalem  till  the  Holy  explains  this  ot  the  third  day  of  his  appearance  ;  for  he  had  first  appeared 

Ghost  fell  i(pon  them,  must  come  in  after  this  chapter,  and  not  before  it,  to  several  on  the  day  of  his  resurrection  :    then,  after  eight  days,  he 

asit^  placed  in  many  Harmonies.  came  to  his  disciples,  when  Thomas  was   present ;   and  now  again  he 

e  They  were  not  able  to  draw  it  up  into  the  ship  again,  &c.]    This  was  showed  himself  at  the  sea  of  Tiberias.    And  it  is  plainly  necessary  that 

notrnerely  a  demonstration  of  the  power  of  our  Lord,  but  a  kind  provi-  the  words  should  be  understood  with  some  such  limitation,  to  make  them 

dential  supply  tor  them  and  their  families,  which  might  be  of  service  to  consistent  with  the  accounts  given  by  the  other  evangelists  and  St.  Paul; 

them  when  they  vvaited  afterwards  in  Jerusalem  according  to  his  order :  which,  when  laid  together,  will  prove  that  this  was  indeed  at  least  the 

and  it  was  likewise  a  sort  of  emblematical  representation  of  the  great  seventh  appearance  that  .lesus  had  made  since  his  resurrection.    For  he 

success  which  should  attend  their  attempts  to  catch  men  in  the  net  of  the  appeared  first  to  Mary  Magdalene,  (Mark  xvi.  9.)  and  then  to  the  women 

gospel.    Compare  Luke  v.  9,  lo.  p.  72.  as  they  returned  from  the  sepulchre,  (Matt,  xxviii.  9.)  after  this  he  was 

f  In  a  manner  naked,  having  nothing  on  but  his  inner  garment.]    It  is  seen  of  Peter,  (1  Cor.  xv.  5.)  and  then  the  same  day  by  the  two  disciples 

of  great  importance,  in  order  to  vindicate  several  stories  in  Scripture  that  were  going  to  Emmaus,  (Luke  xxiv.  i:? — 31.)  and  again  the  same 

which  the  ignorance  or  malice  of  some  modern  writers  has  charged  with  evening  he  appeared  to  the  disciples  when  1  homas  was  absent ;  (.lohn 

indecency,  to  observe,  that  among  the  .lews,  (as  Grotius  and  many  others  xx.  19.)  on  that  day  seven-night  he  appeared  to  the  eleven  when  Thomas 

have  shown,)  they  were  said  to  lie  naked  who  had  only  an  under  gar-  was  with  them,  (.lohn  xx.  26.)  and  now  after  these  things  he  showed 

ment  on.    Compare  1  Sam.  xix.  24.  2  Sam.  vi.  20.  Isa.  xx.  2,  3.  and  himself  a  seventh  time  to  the  disciples  at  the  sea  of  Tiberias,  {.lohn  xxi. 

Acts  xix.  16.  1.) — But,  as  .lohn  had  particularly  mentioned  before  the  two  appear- 

g  Come  and  refresh  yourselves.']    So  I  choose  to  render  the  word  apia-  ances  which  Jesus  made  to  his  disciples  when  they  were  together,  (John 


CHRIST  DISCOURSES  WITH  PETER  AT  THE  SEA  OF  TIBERIAS.  359 

passeth  through  the  paths  of  the  sea.  (Psal.  viii.  8.)   It  was  also  the  work  of  wisdom  and  bounty.    By  the  sale  of  so  SECT, 

many  large  and  fine  fishes,  a  seasonable  provision  was  made  for  the  subsistence*pf  his  disciples  at  Jerusalem,  200.' 
while  they  were  there  waiting  for  the  descent  of  the  Spirit.  (Luke  xxiv.  49.)    Let  eveiy  circumstance  of  this  kind 


encourage  us  to  trust  him  as  the  Lord  of  nature  and  of  grace,  who  will  withhold  from  us  no  necessary  supply  of  John 
either,  while  we  are  making  it  our  humble  and  faithful  care  to  promote  his  glory.  XXI. 


SECTION  CCI. 

Christ  discourses  with  Peter  at  the  sea  of  Tiberias,  and  gives  a  remarkable  prophecy  concerning  the  death  of  that  apostle.    John  xxi.  15 24. 

John  xxi.  15.  John  xxi.  15. 

so  when  they  had  dined,  WHEN  therefore  thei/  had  made  a  plentiful  7neal  on  this  kind  provision  which  Jesus  had  sect 
s!mon!'*l'K  of  Jonas,  Tovest  Supplied  them  with,  tliere  happened  some  circumstances  in  his  succeeding  discourse  with    201. 

thou  rne  more  tiian  these  ?  his  disciples  which  may  be  worthy  of  more  distinct  notice  ;  and  particularly  this :  Jesm 

i!ordT'thou"i!nowest'  th\t*/  Said  to  Simoii  Peter,  Simon,  [soii]  of  Jonas,  dost  thou  love  me  more  than  these  do?  a  Or  wilt  john 
lovetiiee.  Hesaith  unto  him,  thou  now  maintain  that  thou  hast  such  a  zealous  regard  for  me  above  any  of  thy  brethren  xxr. 
ieed  my  lambs.  ^g  ^)^^^^  ^^^^  AiAsi  profess  when  thou  saidst,  that  "though  all  should  forsake  me,  thou  ^^ 

wouldst  not  do  it?  (Matt.  xxvi.  33.  p.  315.)  He  saith  unto  them,  Yea,  Lord,  thou  know- 
est  that  I  love  thee  sincerely,  though  I  presume  not  to  say  more  than  any  of  my  brethren. 
[Jes7«]  said  to  him.  If  so,  feed  my  hnnbs  ;b  and  as  I  shall  favour  thee  so  far  as  to  commit 
my  church,  in  part,  to  thy  apostolic  care,  remember  that  the  most  acceptable  way  of  ex- 
pressing thy  love  to  me,  will  be  by  taking  care  even  of  the  weakest  and  feeblest  of  my  flock. 

16  He  saith  to  him  again      And,  to  impress  this  with  the  greater  force  upon  his  mind,  he  says  to  hi?n  again  the  second  16 
or'^jonas!^ove?t\"houm°e"'  He  ^""c,  Simon,  [.st)«]  of  Jonus,  dost  tliou  indeed  love  mel  He  answers  him  as  he  had  done  be- 
saith  unto  hiin.  Yea,  Lord ;  fore.  Yea,  Lord,  I  appeal  to  thee  for  the  sincerity  of  that  regard  which  I  have  to  thee  : 
fie'sai'th^mo'htm.  Feed  my  thou  knowest  that  I  truly  love  thee.     [Jesiisl  sai/s  to  him  again.  Feed  then  7mj  sheep  with 
sheep.  tenderness  and  care,  and  thereby  demonstrate  the  truth  of  thine  affection  to  me. 

17  He  saith  unto  him  the  And,  that  it  might  never  be  forgot  by  !iim  or  any  that  were  present,  he  sai/s  to  him  the  17 
Joni,  pIstthoTme  Tpeter  ^^'-''^  ^""f'  Siwoff,  [xott]  of  Jonas,  Wilt  thou  abide  by  what  thou  hast  said  ?  Dost  thou  truly 
was  grieved, because  lie  said  love  me,  and  will  that  love  of  thine  bear  the  severest  trial?  Peter  was  exceedingly  grieved 
es't\'iioi"!lie''/'And  hl'said  m^to  ^^"^  ^^  ««'^  *'>  ^"»  ^''^  thml  time,  Dost  thou  love  me  ?  And  he  said  to  him  with  great  earnest- 
him.  Lord,  thou  knowest  all  ncss,  My  dear  Lord,  thou  knowest  all  things ;  thou  seest  the  very  hearts  of  men,  and,  seeing 
Im"^'tiiee!°"jesursa1th  unto  ™'ne,  thou  knowcst  that  J  do  indeed  love  thee;  though  my  late  lamentable  fall  might  justly 
him.  Feed  my  sheep.  bring  it  into  question,  and  my  repeated  denial  of  thee  renders  me  worthy  of  such  a  rebuke 

as  this  repeated  inquiry  implies.  Jesus  says  to  him.  Well,  Peter,  I  acknowledge  thou  dost 
indeed  love  me,  and  know  how  to  distinguish  between  frailty  and  treachery ;  and  there- 
fore I  not  only  own  thee  as  a  disciple,  but  confirm  thee  in  thine  apostolic  office,  again  re- 
quiring thee  ^0  feed  my  sheep ;  and  be  assured  that  I  consider  thy  zeal  for  the  edification 
and  comfort  of  my  church  as  the  most  acceptable  token  thou  canst  possibly  give  of  thy 
love  to  me. 

18  Verily,  verily,  I  say  And  indeed  thou  shalt  approve  that  love,  not  only  by  labours,  but  by  sufferings  too;  18 
""[Tng*!"^  ttiou^  gfrdeds"  Thy-  fo^  Verity,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  and  would  have  thee  *o  remember  it  as  what  shall  surely 
self,  and  walkeds^t  whither  come  to  pass,  that  whe7i  thou  wast  a  young  man,  thou  didst  gird  thyself,  and  walk  about  with- 
ttlou  shal"  heboid,  thou ^hlu  Out  control,  whitliersoever  thou  ivouldst ;  hut  when  thou  art  groivn  old,-:  thou  shall  stretch 
strctcii  forth  thy  hands,  and  out  thine  hands,  (tnd  another  shall  gird  thee  as  a  helpless  prisoner,  and  at  length  shall  carry 
carry *'^*te  whither  ^' thou  ['^fc]  whither  thou  wouldst  not  naturally  incline  to  go,  even  to  those  sufferings  to  which 
wouldest  not.  flesh  and  blood  have  the  strongest  aversion  :  yet  I  know  that,  notwithstanding  thy  late 

miscarriage,  thy  love  to  me  will  bear  thee  through  all. 

19  This  spake  he,  sianifv-      And  this  he  Said,  signifi/ing  and  intimating  by  what  kind  of  death  he  shoidd glorify  God;  19 
g°L^tr't^''o'i.'**^'Sd''when  he  "amely,  that  he  should 'suffer  martyrdom,  anJdie  with  his  hands  stretched  out  on  the 
had  spoken  tills,  hesaith  unto  cross.     And  having  Said  this,  yet  further  to  illustrate  and  explain  it,  he  says  to  him.  Follow 

'  ^""""^  ■"*•  ?ne  then,  as  I  now  walk  along,  and  show  that  thou  art  willing  to  conform  to  my  example, 

and  to  follow  me  even  to  the  death  of  the  cross. 
50  Then    Peter,   turning      And  Peter  did  SO  with  great  alacrity ;  but  turning  about,  he  saiu  that  other  disciple,  20 
wh°om'  llsis  lo'vid  Ibfiifw-  '"^0'"  ^'P"'"s  loved,  silently  folloiving  him,  in  humble  token  of  his  readiness  likewise  to  suffer 
ihg,  which  also  leaned  on  his  the  greatest  extremities  in  the  service  of  so  dear  a  Master.^     Now,  by  the  way,  it  may  be 
&ci!  wiiich''i's'^he^"that*be-  recollected  that  this  was  the  apostle  John,  for  whom  our  Lord  had  a  peculiar  kindness,  who 
traye'th  thee  >  ulso  at  the  paschal  Slipper  lay  in  his  bosom,  and  said  to  him,  Lord,  who  is  he  that  ivill  betray 

21  Peter  seeing  him,  saith  thee?  (See  John  xiii.  25.  p.  297.)     Peter  therefore  observing  this  disciple,  and  seeing  him  21 
follow  Jesus  in  the  same  manner  as  he  did  himself,  though  he  was  not  called  to  it,  says 

XX.  19,  26.)  it  seems  most  reasonable  to  conclude  that  he  reckons  this  the  Philos.  Comment,  vol.  i.  p.  80.) — I  shall  only  add,  that  some  have  ob- 

third  as  referrmg  to  these.  served  that  api/ia,  being  the  diminutive  of  api'a,  signifies,  l/(e  least  of  mu 

a  Dost  t/iou  love  me  more  than t/iese  do?]    The  original  words,  wXeioi/  lambs;  and,  if  we  interpret  this  as   an   intimation  of  the  care  which 

TOuTcoi/,  are  ambiguous  ;  and,  besides  the  sense  I  have  given  them,  they  Peter,  as  a  minister  of  Christ,  was  to  take  of  little  children,  it  seems 

might  signify,  Dost  thou  love  me  more  than  thou  lovest  these  nets  and  perfectly  congruous  to 'the  wisdom  and  tenderness  of  the  great  Shep- 

other  instruments  ot  thy  trade,  so  as  to  prefer  my  service  to  any  worldly  herd  of  the  sheep,  to  give  so  particular  an  injunction  concerning  it ;  as 

advantages  :■  In  this  sense  Dr.  VVhithy  explains  them,  and  argues  for  it  I  have  shown  at  large  in  my  Ten  Sermmis  on  the  Power  aitd  Chace  of 

from  this  consideration,  that  otherwise  Peter  could  not  have  appealed  Christ.    Serm.  vii.  p.  176,  et  seq.  2d.  edit. 

to  Christ  that  he  did  thus  love  him,  since  it  was  impossible  for  him  c  When  thou  art  grown  old.}  Peter's  crucifixion  is  said  to  have  hap- 
exactly  to  judge  ot  the  proportion  between  his  ou-n  love  to  Christ  and  pened  about  forty  years  after  this ;  but  the  time  is  not  exactly  and 
tnat  of  his  brethren.    But  that  learned  commentator  did  not  obsei-ve  certainly  known. 

llow  modestly  the  reply  is  adjusted  on  that  head.    Peter  only  answers,  d  Silently  following  him,  in  humble  token  of  his  readiness,  &c.]  There 

Yea,  Lard,  (or,  assuredly.  Lord,)  thou  knowest  that  I  love  thee  ;  but  does  is  a  spirit  and  tenderness  in  this  plain  passage,  which  I  can  never  read 

not  add,  more  than  these.    And  this  beautiful  circumstance  in  the  answer  without  the  most  sensible  emotion.    Christ  orders  Peter  to  follow  him 

shmys  liow  much  he  was  humbled  and  improved  by  the  remembrance  in  token  of  his  readiness  to  be  crucified  in  liis  cause  :  John  stays  not  for 

of  his  fall.  the  call :  he  rises,  and  follows  too ;  but  he  says  not  one  word  of  his  love 

b  Feed  my  lambs.]    The  paraphrase  shows  how  fair  a  sense  may  be  and  his  zeal.    He  chose  that  the  action  only  should  speak  that;  and 

given  to  these  words,  without  supposing  they  invest  Peter  with  imy  when  he  records  this  circumstance,  he  tells  us  not  what  that  action 

such  distinguished  authority  in  the  church,  as,  contrary  to  the  most  meant;   but  with  great  simplicity  relates  the  fact  only.    If  here  and 

convincing  arguments,  the  papists  suppose,  and  make  this  supposition  there  a  generous  heart  that,  like  his  own,  glows  with  love  to  Christ,  sees 

the  corner-stone  ot  their  Babel.    Bellarmine's  distinction  between  lambs  and  emulates  it,  be  it  so  ;  but  he  is  not  solicitous  men  should  admire  it. 

and  sheep,  as  signifying  the  laity  and  clergy,  is  very  trifling,  nor  can  It  was  addressed  to  his  Master ;  and  it  was  enough  that  he  understood 

any  example  ot  the  like  distinction  be  produced.    It  is  much  more  it. — And  can  any  one  be  himself  base  enough  to  imagine  that  such  a 

natural  to  suppose  in  general,  that  lambs  here  (as  in  Isa.  xl.  11.  and  man  could  spend  his  life  in  promoting  a  pernicious  filsehood, (tor such, 

many  other  places)  may  signify  the  weakest  of  the  Hock,  which,  by  the  in  the  second  edition  of  the  nitith  of  my  Ten  Sermons,  1  largely  piwe 

way,  It  IS  by  no  means  to  be  taken  for  granted  that  the  laity  always  the  apostolic  testimony  to  be,  if  it  were  a  falsehood,)  and  at  last,  >n  'us 

are.    So  that,  on  the  whole,  this  argument  for  the  i)ope's  supremacy  old  age,  when  his  relish  for  every  thing  but  goodness  and  immortality 

seems  almost  as  contemptible  as  that  which  some  writers  of  that  com-  was  gone,  would  so  solemnly  attest  it  as  he  does  m  the  conclusion  ot  ins 

munion  have  drawn  from  these  words,  to  prove  that  heretics,  though  gospel  ■     Mav  God  deliver  every  one  that  reads  this  from  a  neaa  SO 

princes,  are  to  be  put  to  death  by  authority  derived  from  Peter ;  because  fatally  beclouded  by  the  corruptions  of  the  heart ! 
feeding  the  flock  implies  a  power  of  killing  wolves.    (See  Boyle's 


.-ifiO  CHRIST  DISCOURSES  WITH  PETER  AT  THE  SEA  OF  TIBERIAS. 

SECT,  wifo  Jesus,  Lord,  what  [^shaWl  this  man  \_do,']  and  what  is  to  become  of  him  ?  Must  he,  who  to  Jesus,  Lord,  and  what  sAall 
201 .    is  now  following  with  me,  partake  of  the  like  sufferings,  and  in  like  manner  testify  his  love  ^^^  ™''"  ''" ' 
by  dying  for  thee  ? 


JOHN     "  Jenm  says  to  him,  Is  that  any  immediate  concern  of  thine,  Peter  ?  Iflwill  that  he  tarry,     2C  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  if 
^^l)'^  or  continue  alive,  tilt  I  come  in  power  and  great  glory  to  execute  the  judgment  I  have  (.pnTe,  ^hllis%hat^o  thee? 
threatened  on  mine  enemies,  lohat  [is  thaf]  to  thee,  or  to  any  one  else?  Follow  thou  me:  Follow tliou me. 
mind  thou  thine  own  duty,  and  endeavour  to  prepare  for  thine  own  sufferings  ;  and  pry  not 
with  a  vain  curiosity  into  secret  events  which  may  befall  him,  or  any  other  of  thy  brethren. 

23  Now  as  this  answer  was  not  rightly  understood,  this  saying  therefore  went  abroad  amons.  23  Then  went  this  saying 
the  brethren,  or  the  other  followers  of  Christ,  that  this  disciple  should  not  die  ;^  and  the  ft!;7^tha?rscfpk'shouid''n« 
advanced  ao'e  to  which  he  lived  gave  some  further  colour  for  it :  but  it  was  entirely  built  die :  yet  Jesus  said  not  unto 
upon  a  mistake  ;  for  Jesus  did  not  say  to  him,  or  of  him,  that  he  should  not  die;  but  only,  iwiii"h\fh''eta">^y'tifl'i''corae! 
as  it  was  expressed  before.  If  I  will  that  he  tarry,  or  continue  alive,  till  I  come,  what  [is  what  is  that  to  thee  ? 

thaf]  to  thee  ? 

24  And  this  is  the  disciple  who  testifies  concerning  these  things,  and  hath  written  them  as  C4  This  is  the  disciple  which 
above :  and  since  he  was  an  eye-witness  to  them,  and  has  not  failed,  in  a  proper  manner,  wrote  the°se  things  :'°Sid  we 
to  jji-oduce  in  the  churches  the  credentials  necessary  to  prove  the  veracity  and  exactness  know  that  his  testimony  is 
of  his  writings,  we  certainly  kitoiv  that  his  testimony  is  true,  and   doubt  not  but  every  '^"^" 

candid  reader  will  receive  it  accordingly.^ 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver.  What  if  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  should  put  the  same  question  to  us  that  he  did  to  Peter  in  this  remarkable 
15—17  passage,  and  should  thus  repeat  it  arain  and  again  1  Are  there  none  of  us  who  should  be  at  a  loss  for  an  answer? 
none  of  us  to  whom  he  might  say,  /  kno^v  that  yon  have  not  the  love  of  Christ  in  you '! — Or  are  there  none  of  us 
who  apprehend  that,  if  we  had  ourselves  been  thus  pressed,  we  could,  at  the  very  best,  only  have  said,  Jjtrd,  thou 
that  knoicest  all  things,  knoivest  that  I  cannot  tell  whether  I  love  thee  or  not  ? — JBlush,  and  be  confounded,  O  my 
soul,  if  thou  must  re[)ly  with  such  uncertainty  to  a  question  of  so  great  importance,  and  in  a  case  where  all  the 
ardour  of  the  heart  might  be  so  .justly  expected  ! 

1 7  But  are  there  not  still  some  of  us  who  through  divine  grace  could  reply  with  pleasure.  Lord,  thou  knowest  all 
thi7igs,  thou  knowest  that,  notwithstanding  all  the  unallowed  and  lamented  infirmities  of  our  lives,  we  do  indeed 
love  thee  ? — And,  if  we  are  thus  really  conscious  to  ourselves  of  such  an  unfeigned  affection,  let  it  be  our  daily  joy, 
that  he  who  implanted  this  divine  principle  in  our  hearts,  discerns  and  sees  it  there  ;  and,  knowing  all  things,  he 
perfectly  knows  this,  however  we  may  be  suspected,  however  we  may  be  censured. 

16  Let  us  learn  also  by  what  method  we  are  to  express  our  love,  according  to  our  ability  and  opportunity ;  even  by 
feeding  his  sheep,  and  promoting  the  interest  and  edification  of  his  church.  Let  ministers  especially  do  it ;  and 
let  them  not  forget  those  dear  creatures,  the  lambs  of  the  flock.    Jesus  the  compassionate  Shepherd,  as  we  see, 

15  did  not  forget  them ;  but  taught  his  servants  with  the  greatest  tenderness,  both  by  his  precepts  and  by  his  example, 
to  gather  them  in  their  arms,  and  carry  them  in  their  bosom.     (Isa.  xl.  11.) 

21  Happy  are  those  ministers  who,  instead  of  indulging  a  vain  curiosity  in  things  wherein  they  are  not  at  all,  or 
but  very  little,  concerned,  are  spending  their  lives  in  such  faithful  services :  feeding  the  flock  (if  God,  and  taking 
the  oversight  of  it,  not  by  constraint,  but  willingly  ;  not  for  filthy  lucre,  but  of  a  ready  mind;  that  ivhen  the  chief 
Shepherd  shall  appear,  they  may  receive  an  unfading  crown  of  glory  :  (1  Pet.  v.  2,  4.)  a  crown  which  will  infinitely 
more  than  repay  not  only  their  labours,  but  their  sufferings  too. 

18  Happy  Peter,  who,  having  worn  out  his  better  years  in  the  service  of  Christ,  courageously  stretched  out  his  aged 
arms  to  be  bound,  and,  being  borne  away  to  tortures  and  death,  shed  the  last  slow  ebb  of  his  blood  as  a  martyr  for 

20-23  him  who  luul  loved  him  and  given  himself  for  him.— And  not  less  happy  the  beloved  disciple,  so  willing  to  hazard 
his  life  in  the  same  cause  ;  tliou^h  he  was  not  in  fact  called  to  lay  it  down  as  a  martyr !  Our  gracious  Lord,  who 
sees  every  purpose  and  every  affection  as  it  rises  in  the  heart,  favourably  accepts  of  the  willing  mind,  and  will, 
through  the  riches  of  his  grace,  entitle  them  to  the  reward  of  equal  suffering  who  have  waited  with  a  like  readiness, 
though  they  have  not  been  called  out  to  the  severity  of  the  like  trial. 


SECTION  ecu. 

Christ  appears  to  the  whole  body  of  the  disciples  at  the  appointed  mountain  in  Galilee  ;  and  afterwards  meets  the  apostles  several  times  at  Jeru- 
salem, and  discourses  with  them  concernuig  the  affairs  of  his  kingdom.  Matt,  xxviii.  16,  to  the  end.  Mark  xvi.  15 — 18.  Luke  xxiv.  44—49. 
Acts  i.  2,  3. 

Matt,  xxviii.  16.  ji^^^.  ,<,,,iij.  jg, 

SECT.  NOW,  quickly  after  the  late  interview  which  Jesus  had  with  his  disciples  at  Jerusalem,  then  the  eleven  disciples 

202.    the  eleven  disciples  went  into  Galilee,  to  a  certain  mountain  not  far  from  the  sea  of  Tiberias,  ,  mounTaIn  wher?^jesu*s  h"^ 

where  Jesus  had  appointed  to  meet  them.     "  And  he  appeared  to  them  and  above  five  hun-  appointed  them. 

MATT,  dred  brethren  at  once,  who  came  together  from  all  parts  of  the  country  on  that  important 

XXVIII.  occasion."     And  having  seen  him,  they  bowed  down  and  worshipped  him  ;  and  though  some     17  And  when  they  saw  him, 

of  the  company  had  doubted  zX.  first,  yet  they  were  aftei-wards  fully  convinced. »     "  And  ^^^^  7°'"^i'TP^  ''''"=   ''"' 
.1  .  1     f  iU  .•  11-  •  •  ,.1  1     •'i'  1  ■  n      some  doubted, 

the  greater  part  ot  them  continued  alive,  as  witnesses  of  the  truth  of  his  resurrection,  for 

several  years  after  ;•>  though  others  of  them  died  in  a  short  time,  and  went  to  their  glorified 

and  triumphant  Lord  in  heaven."    See  1  Cor.  xv.  6.    Thus  did  he  manifest  himself  in 

e  This  saying  therefore  went  abroad  among  the  brethren,  Ac]    That  were  in  company  with  them,  though  Alatthew  has  not  mentioned 'them, 

there  was  such  a  notion  and  tradition  among  the  ancients,  Fabricius  has  (See  West's  Ohserv.  p.  25,  29.)    Vet  still  it  is  not  easy  to  imagine  how 

particularly  shown.    Cod.  Apoc.  Nov.  Test.  vol.  ii.  p.  533.  any  of  the  rest  of  this  company  could  continue  to  doubt  of  the  truth  of 

f  JVe  knorn  that  his  testimony  is  true.]    Grotius  would  argue,  from  Christ's  resurrection,  when  they  actually  saw  him,  and  that  in  the  pre- 

the  plural  number  in  these  words,  {Annot.  in  John   xx.  30.)  that  this  sence  of  so  many  others  ;  a  circumstance  incomparably  more  convincing 

last  chapter  was  not  written  by  John  himself,  but  was  added  to  his  gos-  to  each,  than  if  he  had  appeared  to  any  one  alone.    1  therefore  choose 

pel  by  some  otiier  hands.    (See  note  a,  on  John  xxi.  1.  p.  .357.)    But  it  to  render  and  paraphrase  the  words  oi  6e  ediaTarrav,  as  above.    Those 

IS  plainly  siiid  in  the  beginning  of  this  verse,  that  it  was  he  a/io  testified  learned  critics,  Albert  iObserv.  p.  163,  16i.)  and  Kos,  (Ezercit.  p.  23.) 

and  urate  these  things  ;  and,  besides  that  we  have  frequent  instances  of  have  produced  many  instances  in  which  oi  is  put  for  nves-.    And  all  the 

the  like  change  of  numbers,  (see  Rom.  vii.  14.  and  1  Thess.  ii.  18.)  it  is  difficulty  is  removed,  if  we  allow  a  small  change  in  the  tense,  and  take 

evident  fiom  the  words,  I  suppose,  in  the  next  verse,  that  only  one  per-  the  rendering  of  the  Prussian  Testament,   Eze7i  they  7i'ho  had  before 

son  speaks.    So  that  no  more  appears  to  be  intended  here  than  if  he  had  do^ibted  ;  or,  which  is  nmch  the  same,  though  some  had  dmibted. 
said,  "  We  universally  allow  that  what  is  testified  by  a  credible  eye-       b  .Several  years  after.]    It  is  generally  granted  that  the  Tirst  Epistle 

witness,  and  asserted  by  him  under  his  hand,  must  be  admitted  as  a  to  the  Corinthians  was  written  at  least  twenty  ye.irs  after  Christ's  resur- 

valid  testimony,  and  pass  for  unexceptionable  evidence  :  this  is  the  case  rection  ;  and  Paul  there  tells  ns,  that  the  greater  part  of  these  live  liun- 

hcre  ;  and  therefore  regard  it  accordmgly."  dred  then  continued  alive.    And  by  the  way,  it  was  a  wise  and  gracious 

a  Though  some  of  the  company  had  doubled  at  first,  &c.]    There  is  liispensation  of  Divine  Providence,  to  continue  their  lives  so  long,  as 

no  room  to  think  that  this  refers  to  some  of  the  apostles,  when  Christ  eacn  of  them,  wherever  Providence  led  them,  would  be  an  authentic 

had  so  lately  satisfied  the  most  incredulous  among  theni  ;   but  we  are  witness  of  that  important  fact,  the  resurrection  of  our  Lord,  the  great 

ctitainly  to  understand  it  (as  Mr.  West  lias  fully  shown)  of  some  that  fundamental  of  the  christian  faith. 


CHRIST  APPEARS  TO  ALL  HIS  DISCIPLES  IN  GALILEE.  361 

Galilee  to  a  considerable  number  of  his  disciples  at  once ;  "  and  after  that  he  appeared  to  sect 
James,  <=  and  then  (as  we  shall  see  hereafter)  to  all  the  apostles."     See  1  Cor.  xv.  7.'  202." 

But  though  he  showed  himself  thus  openly  to  his  disciples,  "  he  did  not  publicly  appear  ■ 


at  any  time  to  all  the  people ;  nor  indeed  did  he  show  himself,  in  any  other  instance   to  matt. 
so  large  an  assembly  even  of  his  own  disciples :  but  in  the  several  appearances  he  made  ''^^^w^'- 
he  chiefly  conversed,  with  the  apostles,  and  confined  his  visits  to  those  witnesses  that  were  ^^ 
chosen  before  by  God  to  attest  the  truth  of  his  resurrection  ;  who  had  frequent  opportuni- 
ties of  a  free  conversation  with  him,  and,  as  we  have  seen  before,  (Luke  xxiv.  30  42  43. 
and  John  xxi.  12,  13.)  did  eat  and  drink  with  him  after  he  rose  from  the  dead."  '  See 
Acts  X.  41. 
Acts  1.  2.  [And]  through      And  at  these  times  of  his  conversing  with  them,""  he  more  particularly  opened  to  them    acts 
comn^anLSr'  unto  ^"thi  "^^^^  ^^^  ^^^  "^^"'^e  and  design  of  their  office ;  [and]  through  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  was       I. 
apostles  whom  he  had  chosen :  given  not  by  measure  to  himself,  and  which  he  had  lately  breathed  into  them,  he  gave  com-  ^ 
..^  To  whom  also  he  shewed  mandments  and  instructions  to  the  apostles  ivhom  he  had  choseyi,  how  they  were  to  act :   To  3 
brmLy  Lfambie^'pSot^;  "'''O'"  «'?"  //egavc  abundant  evidences  of  the  truth  of  his  resurrection,  and  showed  himself 
being  seen  of  them  forty  days]  to  be  alive  after  he  had  Suffered  death,  by  many  infulliblc  proofs  and  tokens;  being  seen  of 
pertamfng  'ttfth°  kingdom"of  ^^^"^  "^^  various  times  for  the  space  oi forty  days  after  his  resurrection,  and  speaking  io  them 
God.  of  the  things  which  related  to  the  kingclom  of  God. 

Luke  xxiv.  44.  And  [lesus      And  these  his  last  interviews  with  them  were  chiefly  at  Jerusalem,  to  which  they  re-   luke 
sa^ngrfxhTse  ar"the  woTds  tumed  soon  after  his  appearance  to  them  on  the  mountain  in  Galilee ;  and  Jesus  also  came  XXIV. 
which  I   spake  unto    you,  thither,  a7id  made  them  repeated  visits  :  and  on  one  of  these  occasions  he  spake  unto  them,  44 
that  all  things^  must*  be'^t\ij-  ^"^^^gy^  These  [are]  the  words  which  I  spake  to  you,  and  these  the  intimations  that  I  often 
fhMa'w^of  Mose'^''  written  in  gave  you  while  I  was  yet  dwelling  amo7ig  you,  that  all  the  things  must  be  exactly  fulfilled 
prophlts?  and°*i?!'the  Psalms  '^'^hich  are  written  in  the  Scriptures  concerning  me,  both  in  the  Pentateuch,  which  is  "called  the 
concerning  me.  [Matt,  xxviii.  laiv  if  Moses,  and  in  the  books  of  the  succeeding  prophets,  and  in  the  Fsalms,  and  other 
poetical  books  of  the  Old  Testament. 

45  Then  opened  he  theirun-      And  at  the  Same  time  he  not  only  in  words  expounded  to  them  the  sense  of  the  sacred  45 
unders°tlL'd  th*e''tcr'p'tures'^''*  Writers,  but  also,  by  a  secret  operation  on  their  intellectual  faculties,  opened  their  minds,  that 

46  And  said  unto  tiiem,  they  might  understand  the  Scriptures  in  their  reference  to  him.     And  in  a  most  convincing  46 
'&vedU7isMo^'irffer!"a'nd  "^nner  he  enlarged  upon  the  important  subject,  and  said  to  them.  When  you  consider  all 

to  rise  from  the  dead  the  third  these  things,  you  must  certainly  perceive  that  thus  it  was  writ  ten,  and  thus  it  was  necessary, 
^^  '■  in  conformity  to  the  council  of  God,  and  for  the  manifestation  of  his  glory,  that  the  Mes- 

siah should  suffer,  and  should  rise  agcdn  from  the  dead,  as  I  have  done,  on  the  third  day ; 
remisti^n*of  s?n^s^°ho"uld''b''  ^"'^  ^^"^'  ^"  consequence  of  this,  and  on  this  great  foundation,  the  important  doctrines  of  47 
p*rSed"in  his  name"  amoni  repentance  and  forgiveness  of  sins  through  faith  in  him  should  be  preached  in  his  name,  and 
all  nations,  beginningatjeru-  by  his  authority,  to  all  the  imtions  of  the  earth,  beginning  first  at  Jerusalem  itself,  though 

•  polluted  with  the  blood  of  the  Prmce  of  life.f 

is^h'eVunto"me  i^'\feaven  r  Jo^'^no^  mAe.&A  (added  he)  how  cruelly  the  Jews  have  treated  me,  and  how  ungrate-  matt. 
anS  inearth.  fuHy  they  have  rejected  me ;  but  their  outrageous  malice  has  now  done  its  utmost,  and  my  x^^m. 

heavenly  Father  has  not  only  rescued  me  from  their  hands,  but  is  exalting  me  to  all  that  ^^ 
height  of  dignity  and  glory  which  the  sacred  oracles  have  so  pathetically  described  :  for  all 
aidhority  is  now  given  unto  ?ne  both  in  heaven  and  on  earth ;  and,  in  accomplishment  of 
what  was  promised  to  the  Messiah,  I  am  raised  to  a  kingdom  which  comprehends  both 
the  upper  and  lower  worlds,  and  entitles  me  to  the  homage  of  angels  as  well  as  of  men. 
wi^nes*ses^L?t1fe3e^hin^s*  ^^^  r^^^.J^t,  though  I  could  SO  easily  command  the  ministry  of  those  more  glorious  creatures,    luke 
mgs.       it  suits  best  with  the  scheme  of  my  gospel  to  make  use  of  you,  who  shall  accordingly  be  xxiv. 
loitnesses  o/all  these  things,  by  publishing  the  certain  knowledge  that  you  have  of  the  im-  ^^ 
portant  truths  of  my  death  and  resurrection ;  ?  and  who  are  therefore  to  look  upon  it  as  the 
49  And,  behold,  T  send  the  great  business  of  your  lives  to  spread  the  notices  and  evidences  of  these  facts.    And,  that  49 
vou™'but1a.^ye1n'[he"c^'?y  y°^  1"^^  ^?  fully  qualified  for  SO  high  an  office,  behold,  I  am  shortly  to  send  upon  you  the 
of  Jerusalem,  until  ye  be  great  promise  of  my  Father  relating  to  the  miraculous  effusion  of  the  Holy  Spiri"t  upon 
e^d^ued  w.th  power  from  on  you.    (Compare  Joel  ii.  28.  and  Acts  ii.  16,  17.)    And  as  the  divine  wisdom  sees  fit  to 
honour  this  place,  sinful  as  it  is,  with  the  first  view  of  this  surprising  appearance,  I  charge 
you  not  to  go  from  hence  before  you  have  received  those  gifts  and  graces  you  shall  be 
furnished  with  for  the  discharge  of  your  ministry ;  hit  do  you  continue  here  in  the  city  of 
Jerusalem  till  you  are  invested  with  this  power  from  on  high  /h  whereby  you  will  be  enabled 
to  bear  your  testimony  in  so  advantageous  and  convincing  a  manner,  that  no  falsehood 
Mark  xvi.  15.   And  he  said  Or  sophistrv  will  be  able  finally  to  stand  before  you.  mark 

woHdl'lnd^^eacVdle  gospel    ./"^  ^^''^^^e''.'  .^«  '"-'"^  <"  ^^""^  ^heu  you  shall  thus  be  fumished  with  the  extraordinary    XVL 
to  every  creature.  gifts  of  the  Spirit,  go  forth  into  all  parts  of  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  human  15 

c  After  that  he  appeared  to  James.]    It  is  probable  this  was  James  should  begin  to  be  preached  at  Jerusalem  ;  graciously,  as  it  encouraged 

tne  son  ot  Alpheus,  who  was  still  living  when  the  apostle  Paul  wrote  the   repentance  of  the   greatest  sinners,  when  they  saw  that  even  the 

>7  K   ,       u^  J       1?     5  Corinthians,  whereas  the  other  J  ames,  the  sod  of  murderers  of  Christ  were  not  exempted  from  the  ofters  of  gospel-mercy  • 

^eDeclee,  had  suttered  martyrdom  some  years   before.    (Acts  xii.  2.)  and  wisely,  as  hereby  Christianity  was  more  abundantly  attested,  the 

out  tne  Circumstances  ot  this  appearance  are  nowhere  recorded,  nor  facts  being  published  just  on  the  spot  where  they  happened  :  and  as  the 

iT.l^'^  any  credible  account  where  or  when  it  happened  ;  only  we  vast  concourse  of  people  of  various  nations,  present  there  at  the  feast 

Jeam,  from  the  order  in  which  it  is  placed  by  the  apostle  Paul,  that  it  of  Pentecost,  would  contribute  greatly  to  its  more  speedy  spread, 
was  after  Christ  s  appearance  to  the  live  hundred  brethren.    See  note  b,        g   Ttm  shall  he  witnesses  of  these  thirigs.]    ■jliat  this  was  the  grand 

ri   A„S  itVil'      ■.''■       tu-  •  •,    ,        ,    .     ,,         .  business  of  the  apostles,  is  evident ;  and  the  ingenious  author  ot  iWw- 

;,,«,«    .  t^  "/  .J?  conversing  with  them.]   As  I  have  inserted  cellanea  Hacra,  (Essay  iii.  p.  17— e."!.)  has  taken  great  pains  to  show  how 

J^  Jh    ^     ■  ^t^^^^^vn  ot  this  section  what  is  said  in  the  first  Epistle  the  title  of  witnesses  and  the  office  of  testifying  is  in  the  sacred  writ- 

lo  tne  l.orinthians,  ot  our  Lord  s  appearance  to  the  five  hundred  bre-  ings  appropriated  to  the  apostles.     But  after  all,  though  it  was  indeed 

.„i  .!.  ?  -lames,  so  I  have  thought  it  proper  to  introduce  in  this  essential  to  the  apostolic  offices,  that  they  who  bore  it  should  be  able  to 

ana  the  next  section  what  relates  to  this  story  in  the  beginning  of  the  testify  the  facts  as  of  their  own  personal  knowledge,  yet  it  is  certain 

^cts,  (ciiap.  1.  ..—12.)  which  renders  the  narration  more  complete,  and  that  a  great  many  others  who  were  not  apostles,  were  able  to  testify 

nnisnes  the  account  which  the  sacred  writers  give  us  of  the  history  of  the  same  :  and  it  was  their  duty,  and  no  doubt  their  care,  to  do  it,  as 

our  Lord  to  the  time  of  the  ascension.  Providence  gave  them  an  opportunity:  and  the  apostles  had  many 

e  un  one  ot  these  accusations  he  spake,  lxc.'\   I  use  this  indeterminate  other  duties  incumbent  upon  them   for  the  edification  of  the  church, 
torm  ot  expression,  because  1  see  no  mark  by  which  we  can  particularly         '    '  ...  ■  "^  -   ■  „       .,     ,. :»!.„.._,. 


^n.,V=..=  •„.       "iiuwu  rtii   iiiat  iiie  inree  evangelists  say  or  these  riis-  passage  utterly  overthrows  Mr.  Whiston  s  assertion,  that  au  imj  iii»- 

^;  ,h*  K  "i™,.°n«  50"t'"ued  discourse,  though  perhaps  some  of  them  course  was  delivered  on  the  night  Christ  rose  from  the  dead  ;  and  that 

might  be  delivered  at  different  times.  the  ascension  related  by  Luke  in  the  conclusion  of  this  chapter,  is  not 

t\L  l^'/'!^""'9  at  Jerusalem.]    As  tor  the  grammatical  construction  of  that  at  the  end  of  forty  days,  when  he  quitted  this  earth  to  return  Io 

nnt»^  V„    „T"  ■  t^.l^e^o^'  't  would  be  foreign  from  the  design  of  these  it  no  more,  but  a  previous  ascension  which  was  made  on  the  resurrec- 

i?)kJ    ™t«r '"to  It  further  than  to  refer  the  learned  reader  to  Eisner,  tion-day.     For  nothing  can  be  more  certain  than  that  the  apostles  did 

inHt/^VI      •'••''•  r^-l'^l''  Raj?hel'us,  (/J«w/.  er  Herod,  p.  276,277.)  quit  Jerusalem   between  Christ's  resurrection  and  the  descent  ot  the 

and  to  the  original  ot  Luke  xxiii.  o.  xxiv.  27.  and  Acts  x.  37.— It  was  .'Spirit,  and  went  into  Galilee  by  Christ's  appointment,  which  was  sik- 

oom  graciously  and  wisely  appointed  by  our  Lord,  that  the  gospel  nified  to  them  by  the  angel  and  by  himself  too. 


362  CHRIST  DISCOURSES  WITH  THE  APOSTLES  CONCERNING  HIS  KINGDOM. 

SECT   creature  under  heaven  to  whom  Providence  may  lead  you,  whether  Jew  or  Gentile  :  And 
202.    take  care  that  you  deliver  it  with  becoming  seriousness,  and  let  them  see  to  it  that  they 

receive  it  with  proportionable  regard  ;  for  it  is  a  matter  of  infinite  importance.     And  .  16  ^j^^J^'^'ij^f/'^bg^g'^aylj'? 

MARK  accordingly  I  now  solemnly  declare.  That  he  who  sincerely  believes  your  testimony,  and,  ^uj  ^he'^that^'beiievxtli^not 
^Vi.    in  token  of  that  cordial  faith,  k  baptized  in  my  name,  and  continues  to  maintain  a  temper  shall  be  damned. 
■^"  and  conduct  suitable  to  that  engagement,  shall  certainly  be  saved  with  a  complete  and 
everlasting  salvation  ;  but  he  who  believeth  not  this  my  gospel,  when  opened  with  such  con- 
vincing evidence,'  and  finally  persists  in  wilful  impenitence  and  unbelief,  as  he  rejects  the 
most  gracious  counsel  of  God  for  liis  recovery,  shall  be  condetnned  by  his  righteous  judg- 
ment to  future  and  everlasting  punishment,!'  and  shall,  to  his  dreadful  experience,  find  that 
gospel  which  he  has  despised  to  be  a  savour  of  death  to  him. 
MATT.       Observe  then  the  extent  of  your  commission,  and  go  forth  therefore,  not  only  into  j,,^|'/Q're'"'an<i'te\fch  all  ?m' 
xsviii.  Judea,  but  into  all  the  rest  of  the  world,  and  proselyte  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  to  the  tions,  ba'^^trz'ing  tt'em^n  the 
^9  faith  and  obedience  of  my  gospel,'  baptizing  them  in  the  awful  and  venerable  name  of  the  "f™|°f "'« /'''f'%V  "  n  i" 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  arid  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;™  that  by  this  solemn  initiatory  ordinance  Ghost°°'  ""    °     '*      °'^ 
they  may  profess  their  subjection  to  each  of  these  divine  persons,  and  maintaining  suitable 
20  regards  to  each,  may  receive  from  each  correspondent  blessings.    And  see  that  you  instruct     coxeadiine  them  to  observe 
the  converts  whom  you  so  baptize,  teachins  them  to  keep  and  observe  all  things  ivhatsoever  comm'a"fded  j^ouTYnd.  lo!''i 
I  have  commanded  you ;  as  remembering  that  I  am  their  Lord,  and  you  only  the  messen-  am  with  you  a'>»ay.  «^''»  ""- 
gers  of  my  will.     A7id,  while  you  act  in  pursuance  of  these  directions,  though  numberless  Ameu.  *"     °        *  ^^""^    ' 
difficulties  will  appear  in  your  way,  yet  be  not  discouraged  at  them  ;  for  behold,  I  am  al- 
ways with  you,  to  support  "and  comfort  you,  and  in  some  measure  at  least  to  succeed  your 
labours ;  and  I  will  to  such  purposes  as  these  be  with  all  my  faithful  ministers  who  shall 
succeed  you  in  the  work,  even  to  the  end  of  the  ivorld.<^  Amen  !    O  blessed  Jesus,  so  may 
it  indeed  be !  And  may  this  important  promise  be  fulfilled  to  us,  and  to  our  successors  to 
the  remotest  ages,  in  its  full  extent ! " 
MARK       And  he  yet  further  added,  So  far  as  it  is  necessary  and  expedient  for  the  confirmation  of  .Mark  xvi,  17.   And  these 
XVI.    my  gospel,  and  the  establishment  of  my  cause  and  interest  in  the  world,  a  miraculous  I'eli'eM'?^ in  "my'^iamL" shall 
1^  power  shall  attend  vou,  and  others  who  shall  join  with  vou  or  succeed  you  in  the  first  they  cast  out   devils;  they 
plantation  of  my  church  :  and  in  particular,  these  signs,  and  others  no  less  wonderful,  shall  shall  speak  w.th  new  tongues; 
folloiv  them  that  believe,  and  be  performed  by  those  who  in  a  lively  manner  exercise  their 
'faith  in  God,  when  he  is  inwardly  exciting  them  to  such  operations :  p  in  my  name  they 
shall  cast  out  the  most  obstinate  and  mischievous  demons  who  may  have  possessed  the 
bodies  of  men  ;  they  shall,  by  an  extraordinary  and  hitherto  unknown  effusion  of  my 
Spirit,  be  enabled  with  the  greatest  fluency  and  propriety  to  speak  in  various  neiu  languages 
18  which  they  have  never  learnt ;   They  shall  take  up  serpents  without  being  bitten  or  endan-     18  They  shall  take  up  ser- 
gered  by  them  ;i  and  if,  by  some  secret  or  open  attempt  made  to  destroy  them,  they  drink  deadly  t\"ing\S\''sh^ailTo'th^un 
any  deadly  and  malignant  poisoti,  it  shall  not  hurt  them  ;"■  [wnrf]  when  they  shall  lay  [theii-]  them;  they  shalllay  handson 
hands  on'the  sick  and  infirm,  it  shall  be  attended  with  a  healing  virtue,  and  they  shall  ini-  cole'r'.  '^" 

mediately  recover  without  the  use  of  any  further  means.  So  that,  in  consequence  of  this 
extraordinary  confirmation,  my  gospel  shall  meet  with  a  very  general  reception,  and  my 
heavenly  Father,  according  to  his  promise,  "  shall  give  me  the  heathen  for  mine  inherit- 
ance, and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  my  possession."    (See  Psal.  ii.  8.) 

Such  was  the  purport  of  our  Lord's  discourse  :  and  in  this  manner  he  conversed  with 
his  disciples  till  his  ascension  ;  with  the  account  of  which  illustrious  fact  we  shall  conclude 
this  important  history  of  his  life. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
xxvtIi.      With  how  ill  a  grace  could  the  Jews  complain  of  any  deficiency  in  the  evidence  of  our  Lord's  resurrection, 
16  vvhen  he  appeared  alive  to  so  great  a  number  as  five  hundred  at  once  !  How  glad  must  these  disciples  be  when 

i  When  opened  with  such  convincing  evidence.]    This  is  by  no  means  that  more  was  said  to  those  of  wliose  baptism  we  read  in  the  Acts,  than 

a  proper  place  to  inquire  into  the  proportion   between  the  evidence  is  there  recorded,  before  they  were  admitted  to  it.    The  christian  church 

which  was  peculiar  to  the  days  of  the  apostles,  and  that  which   is  com-  in  succeeding  ages  has  acted  a  wise  and  safe  part  in  retaining  these 

mon  to  our  own.     But  I  hope  it  will  be  considered,  on  the  one  hand,  worils  ;  and  they  contain  so  strong  an  intimation  that  each  of  these  per- 

how  improbable  it  is  that  a  divine  revelation,  introduced  as  the  gospel  sons  is  properly  God,  and  that  worship  is  to  be  paid  and  glory  ascribed 

was,  should  ever   be  left  sn  destitute  of  proofs  in  after-ages,  that  an  to  each,  tliat  I  cannot  but  hope  they  will  be  a  means  of  maintaining  the 

honest  man,  after  impartial  consideration,  might  reject  it ;  and  on  the  belief  of  the  one,  and  the  practice  of  the  other,  among  the  generality  of 

other,  how  fit  it  was  tiiat  the  danger  of  neglecting  it  should  be  strongly  christians  to  the  end  of  tlie  world. 

declared,  lest  it  should  seem  itself  to  have  left  men  at  liberty  to  trifle  n  /  nm  always  with  you,  even  tn  the  end  of  the  ri-orld.]    As  Christ's 

with  it.  presence  with  his  surviving  apostles  and  other  ministers  was  as  neces- 

k  Shall  he  condemncr/.  Sfc.]    As  for  the  objection  which  has  been  urged  sary  after  the  destruction  of  .lerusalem  as  before  it,  nothing  seems  more 

against  the  truth  of  Christianity,  from  the  damnatory  sentence  which  it  unreasonable  than  to  limit  these  words,  by  such  an  interpretation,  as  to 

here  and  elsewhere  pronounces  on  those  that  reject  it,  1  have  considered  refer  them  only  to  that  period  :  nor  does  it  indeed  appear  that  the  end 

It  at  large  since  the  former  publication  of  this  volume,  and  attempted  to  of  the  world  is  ever  used  in  any  other  than  tlie  most  extensive  sense, 

show  that  it  is  so  far  from  being  conclusive,  that  it  would  rather  have  o  Amen! — so  may   it   indeed   be!]     1  hough  the   wonl    Amen,  with 

been  a  great  difficulty  in  the  scheme  of  Christianity  if  it  had  contained  which  each  of  the  gospels  ends,  seems  chiefly  to  have  been  intended  as 

no  such  sentence.    .See  my  Second  Letter  to  the  Author  of  Christiavity  an  intimation  of  the  conclusion  of  the  book,  and  as  an   asseveration  of 

not  founded  on  Argument,  p.  28 — 4".     And  I  must  earnestly  entreat  any  the  certain  truth  of  the  things  contained  in  it,  yet  I  think  the  turn  here 

reader  who  tancies  there  is  any  force  in  what  the  deists  urge  on  this  head,  given  to  it  in  Matthew  very  natural,  considering  its  connexion  with  that 

attentively  to  consider  what  is  there  offered,  before  he  presume  on  the  promise,  which  was  undciubteclly  the  greatest  strength  and  joy  of  that 

contrary  sentiment,  which  may  perhaps  be  an  error  as  fatal  as  it  is  good  man's  heart.    St.  .lohn  uses  the  like  turn  in  more  express  language 

absurd.  in  the  last  verse  but  one  of  the   Kevelation.    Surely  I  come  quickly. 

1  Proselyte  all  the  nations  of  the  earth.]    The  whole  tenor  of  the  sue-  Amen  !  Even  so  come,  I^rd  Jesus  ! 

ceeding  books  of  the  New  Testament  shows  that  Christ  <lesigned  by  this  p  These  signs  shall  follow  them  that  believe,  4f .]    It  is  exceeding  evi- 

commission  that  the  gospel  should  be  preached  to  all  mankind  without  dent  that  the  word  believe,  in  this  place,  must  signify  something  difl^er- 

exception,  not  only  to  the  .lews,  but  to  all  the  idolatrous  Gentiles  :  but  ent  fiom  that  faith  which  had,  in   the  preceding  verse  of  Mark,  been 

the  prejudices  of  the  apostles  led  them  at  first  to  mistake  the  sense,  and  required  as  indispensably  necessary  to  salvation  ;  and  can  have  no-otlier 

to  imagine  that  it  referred  only  to  their  going  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the  rational  interpretation  than  what  is  here  given. 

Jews  among  all  nations,  or  to  those  who  should  be  willing  to  become  q   They  shall  take  up  serpents.)     Jamblicus  CF)>.  Pythag.  cap.  28.) 

.Tews.    I  render  the  word  naHnrtvcraTt,  proselyte,  that  it  may  be  duly  says  that  Pythagoras  could  do  this  ;  and  very  credible  writers  have  as- 

distmguished  from  hiiaanoxm^,  teaching,  (in  the  next  verse,)  with  which  serted  tliat  m  the  eastern  nations  there  is  an  art  of  charming  .snakes  and 

our  version  confounds  it.     I  he  former  seems  to  import  instruction  in  the  serpents  by  the  force  of  music,  so  as  for  a  while  to  suspend  their  dispo- 

essentials  of  religion,  which  it  was  necessary  adult  persons  should  know  sition   to   hurt.    (See  Bochart.  Hierozoic.   part  ii.   lib.  iii.  cap.  6.  and 

and  submit  to,  before  they  could  regularly  be  admitted  to  baptism  ;  the  compare  Psalm  Iviii.  4,  5.  and  Eccles.  x.  11.)    But  this  power  was  un- 

Jatter  may  relate  to  those  more  particular  admonitions  in  regard   to  doubtedly  exerted   without  anv  such   artifice,  and  included  (as  in  the 

christian  faith  and  practice,  which  were  to  be  built  upon  tliat  foundation,  case  of  Paul,  Acts  xxviii.  3— .5.)  an  ability  to  heal  the  most  dangerous 

It  is  certain  that  no  argument  can  be  drawn  from  hence  to  the  prejudice  wounds  given  by  the  bite  of  the  most  noxious  animals. 

of  infant  baptism  :  for  had  Christ  sent  out  these  missionaries  to  propa-  r  If,  by  some  secret  or  open  attempt  made  to  destroy  them,  they  drink, 

gate  .Tudaism  in  the  world,  he  might  have  used   the  same  language  :  <Sf.]    I  add  this  clause  that  none  may  imagine  God  ever  intended  that 

"  Go  and  proselyte  all  nations,  circumcising  them  in  the  name  of  the  these  miraculous  powers  should  be  used  merely  for  ostentation,  or  to 

God  of  Israel,  and  teaching  them  to  observe  all  that  Moses  commanded."  gratify   the   curiosity   of  spectators.     Considermg  to  what  degrees  of 

m  Baptizing  them  in  tlie  name  of  the  Father,  lie.)  Though  I  dare  not  cursed  refinement  the  art  of  poisoning  was  by  this  time  brought,  as 
assert  tliat  the  use  of  these  very  words  is  essential  to  christian  baptism,  well  as  how  frequently  execution  was  done  by  giving  poison  to  con- 
yet  surely  the  expression  must  intimate  the  necessity  of  some  distinct  demned  persons  in  the  age  and  country  in  which'  the  apostles  lived,  su<;h 
regard  to  each  of  the  Sacred  1  hree,  which  is  always  to  be  maintained  in  a  promise  as  this  will  appear  more  important  than  the  reader  might  at 
the  administration  of  this  ordinance;  and  consequently  it  must  imply  first  apprehend. 


CHRIST'S  LAST  DISCOURSE  WITH  HIS  DISCIPLES.  363 

they  saw  the  Lord !  and  with  what  pleasure  must  they  hear  him  speaking  of  those  things  which  concerned  the  skct. 
kingdom  of  God  !  202'. 

We  have  surely  perpetual  reason  for  thankfulness,  when  we  think  of  that  commission  which  Christ  gave  to  his 


disciples :  nor  is  it  a  circumstance  of  little  importance,  that  they  had  it  in  charge,  when  they  published  this  mes-  luke 
sage  of  grace,  to  begin  at  Jerusalem ;  though  the  religious  opportunities  that  were  abused  by  that  ungrateful  city  XXIV. 
had  already  been  so  great,  and  their  provocations  so  many.  Amazing  condescension  of  the  Prince  of'Peace,  that  ^^ 
he  sent  his  ambassadors  of  peace  to  them  when  they  had  hardly  laid  aside  the  weapons  with  which  they  had  slain 
him,  and  were  scarce  rested  after  the  cruel  fatigue  which  their  officious  malice  had  given  them  in  abetting  his 
murder!  Behold,  he  offers  them  all  the  invaluable  blessings  purchased  by  his  blood,  wliile  it  was  yet,  as  we  may 
say,  warm  upon  mount  Calvary !  And,  on  the  same  principles,  even  unto  this  day,  where  sin  hath  abounded,  there  is 
grace  abounding  much  more.  (Rom.  v.  20.) 

The  commission  he  gave  his  apostles,  tnough  it  began  at  Jerasaleni,  did  not  end  there ;  nor  was  it  confined  within  mark 
the  narrow  limits  of  Judea,  but  they  were  appointed  to  go  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  eve?y  creature.    ^^I- 
We  to  this  day,  in  our  remote  land,  enjoy  the  benefit  of  it.    Let  us  remember  the  important  consequences  tliat  will 
one  way  or  another  attend  the  gospel  thus  brought  us  :  If  ive  believe  it,  ive  shall  be  saved ;  but  if  we  believe  it  not,  16 
we  shall  be  damned.     Life  or  death,  O  my  soul,  is  the  certain  issue  of  it,  with  regard  to  thee  in  particular.     Be 
surety  to  thy  servant,  0  Lord,  for  good,  (Psal.  cxix.  122.)  and  let  my  life  he  precious  in  thy  sight ! 

Christ  opened  the  understanding  of  the  apostles  to  apprehend  the  sense  of  Scripture.     Let  us  study  that  sacred  luke 
book  with  an  humble  dependence  upon  the  aid  of  that  blessed  Spirit  by  whom  it  was  dictated :  and  let  these  ?^^^- 
apostles,  who  were  thus  divinely  taught,  be  reverently  regarded  as  our  surest  guides  when  we  are  studying  the    ^ 
oracles  of  the  Old  Testament ;  considering  the  extraordinary  commission  with  which  Christ  sent  them  forth,  the  49 
power  from  on  high  with  which  he  invested  them,  and  the  ample  credentials  which  he  thereby  gave  them. 

These  miraculous  donations  are  now  ceased,  but  that  valuable  promise  still  continues  in  force,  That  he  will  be  matt. 
with  his  ministers  always,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.     In  the  strength  of  that  gracious  assurance,  O  thou  faith-  ^q^"'" 
ful  and  true  Witness,  would  thine  humble  ambassadors  still  go  forth  to  all  the  labours  and  difficulties  before  them. 
Remember  thy  word  unto  thy  servants,  (Psal.  cxix.  49.)  and  may  it  be  unto  us  according  to  it!    Amen. 


SECTION  CCIII. 

Christ,  after  his  last  discourse  with  his  disciples,  ascends  to  heaven  in  their  sight,  from  tlie  mount  of  Olives  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Bethany  ; 
and  they  joyfully  return  to  Jerusalem,  waiting  for  the  Spirit.  Marie  xvi.  19,  to  the  end.  Luke  xxiv.  50,  to  the  end.  John  xx.  30,  to  tlie  end. 
xxi.  ult.    Acts  1.  4 — 12. 

Acts  i.  4. 
Acts  i<  4. 
AND,  being  assembled  toge-  SUCH  was  the  Conversation  Jesus  had  with  his  disciples  at  Jerusalem,  and  such  the  com-  sect, 
ther  with   i/iem    [he]  com-  niission  he  gave  them :  and  now  at  length,  having  gathered  them  together  on  the  fortieth    203. 

not"depart7rom  jenisa?em,  day  after  his  rcsurrection,  he  charged  them  again,  as  he  had  done  before,  (Luke  xxiv.  49. 

but  wait  for  the  promise  of  p_  361.)  7iot  to  depart  from  Jerusalem,  to  employ  themselves  in  any  secular  cares  at  home,    acts 

the  Father,   which,  satt/i  he,  K    .        J        .  '  j      •  j-         j  •  i.  j-  j         ..'        ■«!       ^  i  •  T 

Ye  have  heard  of  me :  but  rather  to  Spend  some  succeeding  days  in  extraordinary  devotion  in  the  temple,  or  in      '^• 

their  secret  retirements ;  that  they  might,  with  the  most  becoming  temper,  ivait  for  the 
accomplishment  of  that  promise  of  the  Father  which,  [said  he,]  you  have,  again  and  again, 
heard  from  me,  hoth  before  and  since  my  resurrection.  (Compare  John  xiv.  26.  xv.  26. 
5  For  John  truly  baptized  xvi.  7.  and  Lukc  xxiv.  49.)  For  John  indeed  baptized  with  water,  when  he  was  sent  to  call  5 
ba'p'tizecfwkh'the  ffofy  Gho^s^  "^^^  '•^  repentance ;  but,  you  well  know  that  he  declared  at  the  same  time,  "  there  was  one 
not  many  days  hence.  coming  after  him,  who  should  baptize  in  a  more  glorious  manner  with  the  Holy  Spirit." 

(See  Matt.  iii.  11.  p.  44.)  And  in  accomplishment  of  this  prediction,  as  you  are  now  to 
be  sent  forth  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  to  bear  witness  of  me  as  the  true  Messiah,  that 
whosoever  shall  believe  in  me  may  obtain  remission  of  sins,  you  shall  be  plentifully  fur- 
nished from  above  with  all  those  graces  that  may  enable  you  to  fulfil  your  ministry,  and 
by  my  means  shall  be  baptized  with  an  extraordinary  effusion  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  and  this 
shall  be  done  not  many  days  hence, 


Luke  xxiv.  50.  And  he  led      And  he  then  took  thern  with  him  out  of  the  city ;  and  passing  over  the  brook  Kedron   luke 

hich  he  had  lately  crossed  it,  (John  xviii.  1 .  ^f^^^' 
p.  315.)  he  led  them  out  to  the  mount  of  Olives,  and  brought  them  through  that  ridge  of" 


them  out  as  far  as  to  Bethany,  again,  in  a  very  different  manner  from  that  in  wl 


hills,  as  far  as  to  the  boundaries  of  Bethany.^ 
Acts  i.  6.  When  they  there-       When  therefore  they  tvere  come  together  with  such  peculiar  solemnity,  and  Jesus  had    acts 
fore  were  come  together,  they  thus  assembled  them  in  a  body,  (as  they  apprehended,  on  some  extraordinary  occasion,)       ^■ 
wiluhou  auhirtinw  "r^ore  they  asked  him,  saying.  Lord,  wilt  thou  at  this  time,  when  they  have  just  been  guilty  of" 
again  the  kingdom  to  Israel  ?  such  aggravated  wickedness,  restore  the  kingdom  to  Isi'ael  ?    And  wilt  thou  now  in  such  a 
manner  show  thy  favour  to  a  nation  whicK^  so  well  deserves  to  be  destroyed,  that  Israel 
shall  at  this  time  be  raised  from  its  servitude,  to  that  extensive  empire  which  ancient  pro- 
phecies have  led  us  to  expect  under  the  government  of  the  Messiah  ? 

7  And  he  said  unto  them.      But,  as  Jesus  was  not  willing  to  enter  on  a  subject  concerning  which  the  Spirit  would  7 
It  is  not  for  you  to  know  the  goon  rectify  their  notions,  he  chose  to  check  their  curiosity,  and  said  to  them.  Whatever 

times  or   the   seasons   which     ,  ,  •'/•x-ii  i-,-         «/•  ^     i  i..i_r         •  ..  c 

the  Father  hath  put  in  hisown  the  schemes  of  Providence  may  be,  it  is  not  for  you  to  know,  and  theretore  is  not  proper  tor 

po"*^*""-  you  to  inquire,  what  are  those  times  or  sea.<ions  which  the  Father  has  placed  under  his  own 

authority  :  the  Messiah's  kingdom  shall  indeed  be  triumphant,  and  the  Israel  of  God  shall 

reign  with  him  ;  but  where,  or  when,  or  how  this  shall  be,  it  is  not  your  present  business 

8  But  ye  shall  receive  to  inquire.  And  therefore  now  let  not  these  secret  things  engage  and  take  up  your  atten-  8 
power,  after  that  the  Holy  tion  ;  but  let  me  rather  exhort  you  to  mind  your  present  duty,  and  to  leave  the  event  of 
ye  stairbTw^t^nes^ses  u^'nto  things  to  God  :  and,  to  prepare  you  for  the  important  service  you  are  called  to,  you  shall 
nie  both  in  Jerusalem,  and  indeed,  as  I  before  havc  told  you,  receive  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  coming  upon  you; 
and  unto  th4''uttermoTpart  and  by  this  means  you  shall  be  qualified  to  be  my  witnesses,  both  in  Jerusalem  and  m  all 
of  the  earth.  Judea,  and  in  Samaria,  and  even  to  the  ends  of  the  earth :  and  you  shall  gather  m  subjects 

to  my  kingdom  in  the  remotest  regions,  and  "subdue  multitudes  to  the  obedience  of  laith 


reconcile  what  Luke'he're  tells  us'in  his  gospel,  witii  the  account  he    tion  in  the  words  of  the  evangelist,  that  he  ^^^f ,/|;°{^.f  that  he  went 
gives  of  our   Lord's  ascension  in  the  Acts,  we  must  conclude  that  he    mount  of  Olives  on  tlie  day  ot  his  ascension,  DUi  ratner  tu^i 
conducted  his  disciples  only  to  the  boundaries  of  Bethany,  which  came    directly  from  Jerusalem  thither. 


364  CHRIST  ASCENDS  TO  HEAVEN  FROM  MOUNT  OLIVET. 

SECT.      -^nd  then  liftins  up  his  hands  in  a  most  solemn  and  devout  manner,  he  blessed  them,  as  one     I-uHe  xxiv  so.  -And  he  lift 
nr\-i      *v,   *  u   J        4.U       t  4        1     i      J     •        u    i.   i  J        ui       •  tU  A  up  his    hands,   and   blessed 


mended  them  to  the  guardiansliip  and  care  of  his  heavenly  Father,  to  whom,  after  so  long 


_  LUKE  an  abode  on  earth,  he  was  now  returning. 
XXIV.      And  it  came  to  pass,  after  the  Lord  had  spoken  these  things  unto  them,  and  had  with  great     51  -And  it^^came  to  pass, 

51  affection  and  solemnity  discoursed  with  his  disciples  of  the  work  they  were  to  do,  and  of  [acts,  ^hefe"^  thingsf^unto 
the  power  they  should  have  to  qualify  them  for  it,  even  xvhile  he  was  blessing  them,  he  was  them,]  while  he  blessed  them, 

ACTS    niiraculously  separated /rom  them.     And  while  they  stedfastly  beheld  him,  and  fixed  their  [Marif  xvf ''ig!  Acts  ^  g.]*""' 

I.      eyes  upon  him  with  the  strictest  observation,  he  was  taken  up  from  the  ground  on  which  ^^^^^^^  '•^^-  ^^'^  J^^J'J^  ^^^^ 

9  he  stood,  and  gradually  carried  up  into  heaven,^  as  it  seemed  by  the  ministry  of  attending  [Luke,  and  ow-ried'up  into 

angels  (thougrh  he  could  certainly  have  ascended  merely  by  his  own  power) :  and  while  he  |;?aven,i  and  a  cloud  received 

t     =>         >■  .       -p      .  ,.  .'„  ,  iii/j  J  iji-i-  him  out  or  their  sight,  [and  ne 

hovered  m  the  air  at  some  distance  from  them,  a  bright  ciom  appeared,  as  a  kind  ot  trium-  sat  on  the  right  hand  of  God.] 
phant  chariot  which  God  had  prepared  on  this  great  occasion,  and  received  him.  out  qf^^^f^  ='^'-  19-   ^"''^  ^"i^- 
their  sight :  and,  passing  through  crowds  of  adoring  angels,  he  ascended  to  a  throne  highly 
exalted"  above  all  theirs,  and  sat  down,  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  on  a  seat  of  the 
highest  dignity  and  authority,  there  to  reign,  in  the  glories  of  his  mediatorial  kingdom,  till 
all  things  shall  be  put  under  his  feet.    (See  1  Cor.  xv.  25,  27.) 

10  And  as  they  were  stedfastly  looking  up  to  heaven,  ivhile  he  went  on  in  his  amazing  and  lo  And  while  they  looked 
triumphant  progress,  behold,  tivo  angels,  in  the  form  of  men,  in  white  and  shining  raiment,  h'e^  went^up?  behold'!Two  me^ 
being  of  the  number  of  those  whose  ministration  God  was  pleased  to  make  use  of  in  this  stood  by  them  in  white  ap- 

11  illustrious  event,  came  and  stood  near  them ;  Who  also  spake  to  them,  and  said.  Ye  men  of  '^'^{i  which  also  said.  Ye  men 
Galilee,  ivhi/  do  ye  stand  gazing  up  to  heaven  with  such  great  astonishment?  Is  it  not  what  of  Galilee,  why  stand  ye 
your  Lord  himself  has  often  told  you,  that  he  was  soon  to  return  to  the  glory  from  which  fame3esus!  whicMsTaken  up 
he  came  ?  And  we  are  now  sent  hither  to  assure  you  that  this  Jesus,  who  is  thus  taken  up  from  you  into  heaven,  shall 

r.  ■    ,     1  111  ■      ■     jl  l  LirjSO  come  in  like  manner  as  ye 

from  you  into  heaven,  shall  so  come  again  m  the  very  same  manner  as  you  have  now  beheld  have  seen  him  go  into  heaveu. 
him  go  into  heaven  :  for  the  great  day  shall  surely  come,  when  he  will  visibly  descend  from 
heaven  in  a  cloud  of  glory,  attended  as  now  with  a  guard  of  angels,  to  dispense  their  final 
judgment  to  all  the  inhahitants  of  the  world ;  but  in  the  mean  time,  the  heavens  must  re- 
ceive him,  and  you  must  no  more  expect  his  company  on  earth. 
LUKE       And  his  disciples  were  so  fully  satisfied  of  his  divine  power  and  glory,  that  they  wor-    Luke  xxiv.  52.  And  they 
XXIV.  shipped  him  with  the  humblest  reverence,  though  he  was  now  become  invisible  to  them ;  returne'cT'^to  jeTiisaiem^'with 

52  and  then  (as  he  had  ordered  them)  returned  to  Jerusalem  with  great  joy,  from  the  moimt  great  joy,  [from  the  niount 
called  Olivet,  where  he  was  parted  from  them  ;  xvhich  is  but  a  sabbath-da'ys  journey,  or  about  a  jl'rusafem  "^a  Sabbath-day"^ 
mile,  distant  from  Jerusalem  :<^  and  it  exceedingly  rejoiced  their  hearts  to  think  that  Jesus  journey :]  [Acts  i.  12.] 
their  Lord  was  in  this  singular  manner  honoured  by  his  heavenly  Father,  and  received  up 

into  a  state  of  everlasting  felicity  and  glory,  in  which  he  would  be  able  to  protect  all  his 
followers,  and  to  provide  in  the  most  effectual  manner  for  their  present  and  eternal  happi- 

53  ness.  And  they  were  always  in  the  temple,  that  is,  they  constantly  attended  there  at  proper  .  53  And  were  continually 
times,  and  were  daily  present  at  the  hours  of  prayer,"!  praising  and  blessing  God,  both  in  Uiessm"  God.'''  Amen."^  "'"* 
his  house  and  in  their  own  retirements.  Amen!    May  God  always  be  praised  by  us,  and 

by  all  who  receive  his  gospel,  for  the  discoveries  and  attestations  of  it  given  to  these  his 

servants,  and  by  them  to  us ! 
MARK      And  in  a  few  days  after  this,  (as  will  be  shown  more  largely  in  the  following  history,)     Mark  xvi.  co.    And  they 
XVI.    their  ascended  Lord,  in  remembrance  of  his  promise  to  them,  sent  down  as  a  royal  dona-  ^"^'^Jj.'  ^"J^'h-  ^^^^T  ^li^^^Q^I^ 
20  tive  the  extraordinary  influences  of  his  Spirit  upon  them,  fully  to  qualify  them  for  that  im-  i'ng  with'ti'iem,'1iiid°conIiim- 

portant  office  to  which  they  were  designed.     And  going  forth  with  this  furniture,  they  jne.the  word  with  signs  fol- 

iyreached  the  gospel  every  where  throughout  the  whole  Roman  empire,  and  even  among  the 
)arbarous  nations,  with  amazing  success,  the  Lord,  according  to  his  promise,  working  with 
them,  and  confirming  the  word  of  his  grace  by  the  signs  and  miracles  which  folloived  it ; 
which  were  at  once  the  most  solid,  as  well  as  the  most  obvious  and  popular,  demonstra- 
tions of  those  divine  truths  whicli  they  delivered.    Amen!    So  may  the  presence  of  the 
Lord  be  always  with  his  faithful  ministers  !  and  may  his  gospel  be  attended  every  where 
with  efficacy  and  success,  as  well  as  with  convincing  evidences  of  its  divine  authority  ! 
JOHN       And  thus  we  have  given  a  summary  account  of  the  most  remarkable  passages  of  the  life     -lohn  xxi.  C5.    And  there 
XXI.   of  Christ  during  the  time  of  his  abode  on  earth  :  but  after  all,  it  must  be  considered  only  ^w'ichTesirs\"fd  "und  many 
25  as  a  specimen,  rather  than  a  full  narration  :  for  there  are  also  mam/  other  things  that  Jesus  other  signs  truly  did  jesus 
said  and  did,  aiul  indeed  many  other  signs  and  miracles  that  Jesus  wrought,  both  before  and  pies,' whi'cif  "r^nnt  wrUten'in 
after  his  resurrection,  in  the  pi-esence  of  his  disciples,  which  are  not  written  in  this  book  of  this  book ;]  the  which,  if  they 
the  four  Evangelists,  which  is  here  completed  ;  and  ivhich  indeed  are  so  numerous,  that  //'  i'M"ppos''e''thatereVthe  wolhf 
every  one  [of  them]  should  be  recorded  in  all  its  circumstances,  /  am  persuaded  the  work  "'self  couUi  not  contain  the 
would  amount  to  so  vast  a  bulk,  that  the  world  itself  ivould  not  be  able  to  receive  the  books  [Tohn  xf  30.]  """"""■ 

JOHN   ^^"/  should  be  written,  but  the  very  size  of  the  volunies  would  necessarily  prevent  the  gene- 
XX.  31.  rality  of  mankind  from  procuring  or  reading  them.«     But  these  most  necessary  and  import-     John  xx.  3i.   But  these  are 

b  While  they  beheld,  he  was  taken  up,  Sgc.]    It  will,!  hope,  be  remem-  comparing  this  with  Acts  i.  13,  U.)  that  the  apostles  dwelt  for  some 

bered,  that  it  was  tor  majesty,  and  not  of  necessity,  that  our  Lord  used  time  afterwards  in  an  upper  chamber  of  the  temple  ;  but  they  had  no 

the  ministration  of  angels  in  carrying  himself  to  heaven. — Dr.  Jennings  such  interest  with  the  priests  as  to  allow  us  to  suppose  they  would  per- 

has  observed,  with  his   usual  sagacity  and  propriety,  iSerm.  at  Berru-  mit  them  to  lodge  in  an  apartment  of  the  temple.     It  is  sufficient  that 

street,  \o\.  I.  p.   373.)  that  it  was  much  more   proper  our  Lord  should  they  were  always  there  at  the  proper  seasons;  for  it  is  well  known,  that 

ascend  to  heaven  in  the  sight  ot  his  apostles,  than  that   he  should   rise  by  night  the  temple  was  shut  up.    (Compare   Luke  ii.  37.  p.   31.    and 

from   the  dead   in  their  sight;    for  his  resurrection  was   proved  when  John  xviii.  20.   p.  .324.)    They  probably  joined  their  voices  with   the 

they   saw   him  alive  lifter  his  passion,  but  they  could   not  see  him  in  chorus  of  the  Levites,  as  no  doubt  other  pious  Israelites  did  ;  and  must 

heaven  while  they  continued  upon  earth.  surely,  from  what  they  had  already  seen  and  known,  have  learnt  to  use 

c  Ithich  IS  a  suhhath-day  s  umrney  from  Jerusalem ."^   A  sabbath-day's  many  of  the  psalms  sung  by  them  in  a  much  subliuier  sense  than  the 

journey  is  generally  reckoned  by  the  Jews  to  be  two  thousand  cubits,  generality  of  the  people  could. 

which  was  the  distance  between  the  ark  and  the  camp,  when  they  e  The  world  itself  would  not  be  able  to  receive  the  hooks,  4r.]  There 
marched  ;  (Josh.  iii.  4.)  and  probably  the  same  proportion  was  observed  would  be  no  great  inconvenience  in  allowing  an  hyperbole  here,  as  most 
when  they  rested.  This  is  usually  computed  at  about  eight  furlongs,  or  expositors  do,  of  which  we  meet  with  other  instances  in  Scripture, 
a  mile.  But  as  the  camp  took  in  a  large  extent  of  ground,  and  this  was  (See  Gen.  xi.  4.  Numb.  xiii.  .33.  and  compare  John  xii.  19.)  But  1 
only  the  distance  ot  those  that  encamped  nearest  to  the  ark,  so  it  is  think  the  sense  given  in  the  paraphrase  easier,  aud  more  suited  to  the 
evident,  that  as  all  the  people  were  to  repair  on  the  sabbath-day  to  the  remarkable  plainness  of  St.  John's  style.  Eisner  explains  this  passage 
place  ot  God's  public  worship,  a  sabbath-day's  journey  was  more  than  as  if  the  evangelist  had  said,  "  If  they  were  all  to  be  particularly  writ- 
two  thousand  cubits  to  tliose  whose  station  in  the  camp  was  more  ten,  the  unbelieving  world  would  not  admit  them,  so  as  to  be  moved  by 
remote  Irom  the  ark:  yet  when  they  were  atterward  settled  in  towns,  them  to  faith  and  obedience."  Aud  he  produces  instances  in  which 
they  allowed  no  more  than  two  thousand  cubits  for  a  sabbath-day's  xwpc'"  has  such  a  signification.  But,  as  John  knew  the  unbelieving 
journey.  (See  Selden,  De  Jur.  Nat.  et  Gent.  Hh.  iii.  cap.  9.  and  Light-  world  would  reject  even  what  he  had  written,  this  could  be  no  reason 
toot.  l[or.  Ihbr.  on  Luke  xxiv.  50.  and  Acts  i.  12.)  Compare  note  a,  for  his  writing  no  more. — Perhaps  it  may  be  a  most  delightful  part  of 
in  this  .section,  on  Luke  .xxiv.  50.  the  entertainment  of  the  heavenly  world,  to  learn  from  our  blesseil  Lord 

d  And  they  were  always  in  the  temple.]    Some  have  imagined  (by  himself,  or  from  those  who  conversed  with  him  on  earth,  a  multitude 


CHRIST  ASCENDS  TO  HEAVEN  FROM  MOUNT  OLIVET.  365 

written,  that  ye  might  be-  ant  things  are  Written  in  this  plain  way,  and  in  this  portable  volume,  not  merely  that  the   SECT, 
lieve  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  reader  may  be  amused  by  so  curious  a  story,  but  that  the  faith,  the  hope  and  the  nietv  of    203. 

the  Son  of  God ;  and  that  be-     ,.,•-'  ,  c  j  j  ■    vt       j.i    j.  v,  ""pc,  miu  lui,  [jicij  ui 

lieving  ye  might  have  lite  christians  may  be  conhrmed ;  and  especially  tliat  you  maij  more  firmly  and  assuredly 


lieving    ye    might   nave    lire   uiuiouaua    iiiajr    uc    v-uiiiiimcia  ,    aiiu.   ccjpcvitinjr    e/cui,     ./lyu,   iimij    luuie    urmiy    ailQ    aSSUrCQiy  

through  his  name.  [Amen.]  figHgyg  that  Jesiis  is  the  Messiah,  the  Son  of  God,  partaking  "of  the  same  divine  £;lory  with   John 
"  "  "*'■  the  Father,  and  the  sure  object  of  his  people's  confidence ;  and  that,  believing  it,  you  may  o?^-^' 

be  so  influenced  by  his  instructive  discourses,  his  complete  example,  and  his  dying  love, 
that  you  may  have  eternal  life  through  his  name.  And  may  God  grant  that,  as  it  is  all  most 
certainly  and  circumstantially  true,  so  it  may  have  that  happy  effect  upon  all  those  by 
whom  this  history  is  perused  from  age  to  age !    Amen. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Thus  did  our  victorious  Saviour  ascend  on  high,  and  lead  captivity  captive  :  the  chariots  of  God  which  attended    luke 
him  were  tiventy  thousand,  even  thousands  of  angels!  (Psal.  Ixviii.  17,  18.)  and  being  gone  into  heaven,  he  is  there  xxiv. 
seated  on  the  right  hand  of  God ;  angels,  and  authorities,  and  powers,  being  made  subject  to  him.     (1  Pet.  iii.  22.)  ^^ 
Let  us  his  humble  followers  look  after  him  with  holy  joy  and  pleasing  expectation  ;  congratulating  his  triumphs,    -^^ts 
and  trusting,  through  his  grace,  to  share  them.  '  ^'  ^^' 

Like  the  apostles,  let  us  bow  down  and  worship  him  ;  and  while  we  continue  here  below,  let  us  make  it  our  luke 
daily  labour  and  care  to  seek  those  things  which  are  above,  where  Christ  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God.  (Col.  iii.  1.)  ^-^^v. 
And  instead  of  amusing  ourselves  with  the  vain  dreams  of  temporal  grandeur  and  felicity,  or  with  curious  inquiries  ^^ 
after  those  times  and  seasons  which  the  Father  hath  reserved  in  his  own  power,  let  us  apply  with  vigour  and  zeal  to    acts 
that  business  which  he  has  assigned  us,  labouring  to  the  utmost  to  promote  his  gospel,  and,  by  a  diligent  improve-    !•  T. 
ment  of  our  time  and  opportunities,  to  prepare  for  his  final  appearance,  when  the  Lord  himself  shall  descend  from  1 1 
heaven  with  more  public  splendour  than  he  returned  thither,  and  shall  come  in  the  glory  of  his  Father,  and  his  own 
glory,  with  a  majestic  pomp  which  every  eye  shall  see,  and  with  the  sound  of  a  trumpet,  which  even  all  the  nations 
of  the  dead  shall  hear. 

In  the  mean  time,  let  us  thankfully  own  his  gracious  presence  with  his  disciples,  whom  he  left  behind  him ;  and  mark 
with  admiring  gratitude  reflect  upon  the  happy  consequences  of  that  presence  in  the  establishment  of  the  gospel  „-^^'- 
in  the  world,  and  the  transmission  of  it  even  unto  us,  in  so  remote  an  age  and  country.  20 

Let  us  esjjecially  praise  him  for  these  sacred  records,  which  contain  such  an  authentic  and  exact  account  of  those   joiin 
important  facts  in  which  we  are  all  so  nearly  concerned  ;  records  incomparably  more  valuable  than  the  writings  of   ^Xl. 
our  private  estates,  or  the  charters  of  our  public  liberties.    Let  us  earnestly  pray  that  their  great  design  may  be  ^^ 
answered  in  us ;  and  make  it  our  importunate  request  to  Him  who  is  the  Giver  of  all  grace,  that,  through  the  ope- 
rations of  that  Holy  Spirit,  without  the  influence  of  which,  even  Scripture  itself,  with  all  our  advantages  for  under- 
standing and  improving  it,  will  be  but  a  sealed  book  or  a  dead  letter,  our  faith  may  be  nourished  and  confirmed 
by  every  portion  of  it  which  we  read  ;  and  that  our  hearts  may  be  so  delivered  into  the  mould  of  his  word,  that  john 
believing  on  Christ,  under  all  the  characters  he  bears,  we  may  have  life  through  his  name ;  and  may  at  length    ^X- 
receive  the  end  of  our  faith,  in  the  complete  salvation  of  our  souls  through  him  :  to  whom,  with  the  Father,  and 
the  eternal  Spirit,  be  undivided  honours  and  everlasting  praises.    Amen,  and  Amen  ! 

of  such  particulars  of  his  life  as  will  be  well  worthy  our  everlasting  ad-    unutterable  relish  to  them.    Amen  !    So  may  it  be  to  the  author  of  this 
miration.    In  the  mean  time,the  pious  and  attentive  study  of  what  is  here    Exposition,  and  to  all  those  who  do  or  may  pel  use  it ! 
recorded,  may  most  happily  prepare  us  for  such  discoveries,  and  add  an 


THE 


FAMILY     EXPOSITOR, 


THE  ACTS  OF  THE  HOLY  APOSTLES, 

WRITTEN  BY  ST.  LUKE. 


SECTION  I. 

ST.  LUKE  CONNECTS  THIS  HISTORY  WITH  HIS  GOSPEL,  BY  A  MORE  PARTICULAR    ACCOUNT  OF  THE  ASCENSION  OF  CHBIST 

THAN  HE  HAD  THERE  GIVEN.     ACTS  1.  1—12. 

ACTSi.  VeR.  1.  AcTsi.  Ver.  1. 

SECT.   THE  former  treatise  which  I  lately  composed,^  and  inscribed  to  thee,  O  Theophilus,  con-  the  fonner  treatise  have  r 
1.  '  tained  a  faithful  narrative,  as  far  as  might  be  necessary  for  the  confirmation  ot  a  christian  [ht?^je?us^begi'n 'bSth  *tl  do 

—  convert,  concerning,  all  the  most  considerable  things  which  Jesus  began  both  to  do  and  to  and  teach, 

ACTS    teach,^  and  ejave  an  account  of  the  manner  in  which  Christ  opened  the  gospel,  and  in  which 
^-      he  confirmed  it,  from  his  first  appearance  on  earth  to  the  last  period  of  his  ibode  upon  it ; 

2  kven  to  the  very  day  in  which  he  was  taken  up  into  heaven  again,  after  he  had,  by  the  influ-  2  Until  the  day  in  which  he 
ence  and  assistdnce'of  the  Holy  Spirit  <^  with  which  he  himself  was  so  abund  ntly  anointed,  ;i;?^u*gt't'he"ft'ofy  Ghosf  hid 
given  a  proper  charge  to  the  apostles,  tvhom  he  had  chosen,  to  be  the  prime  ainisters  of  his  given"  commandments  unto 
alcingdom,  and  the  great  instruments  of  extending  it  in  the  world  :  To  whom  also,  in  order J.he^^^Pf'ies  ^^hom  he  had 
to  fit  them  more  completely  for  the  discharge  of  their  important  office,  he  presented  himself  3  To  whom  also  he  shewed 
alive  after  his  suffering,  with  many  most  evident  testimonials  of  the  truth  of  1  resurrection  ;  {j^'^'L^^'intvImbie  ^pro^fs" 
while,  though  he  declined  appearing  publicly  among  the  Jews,  he  often  shovved  himself  to  being  seen  of  them  forty  days! 
his  disciples,  being  seen  by  them  at  various  times  >/•  no  less  than  /o/-(v  days,  and  speaking  pertaimng'tlfthf  kingd*cIli''of 
to  them  of  the  things  concerning  the  kingdotn  of  God,  which  was  then  shortly  to  be  erected  Go-). : 
by  their  means. 
4  And,  on  the  fortieth  day  after  his  resurrection,  having  assembled  them  together  with  pe-  4  And,  being  assembled 
culiar  solemnity  ,d  he  charged  them  not  to  depart  from  Jei-usalem  directly,^  though  he  was  ^fnd'gj"ti,em'tt,atfte''sho°uTd 
now  to  stay  no  longer  with  them,  and  they  knew  of  no  immediate  business  which  they  had  no't  depaJt  from  jlmslhL 
there ;  but  ordered' them  to  wait  there  for  the  accomplishment  of  that  promise  of  the  Father  but  wait  for  the 'promise  of 

' ,     ,       ~    .   .  ,.,.-.»,     r-.    '^       t  r.  1  1    i  1      /         J  J*  /o        the    rather,  which,  saith  /if, 

to  send  the  Spirit,  ivhich,  [said  he,^]  you  have  so  often  and  so  lately  heard  from  me.    (Jsee  ve  have  heard  of  me: 
John  xiv.  26.  xv.  26.  xvi.  7.  and  Luke  xxiv.  49.)   For  John  indeed  baptized  with  water  ,yft,,''"°ate?'^'but"' e  shall^be 
only,  when  he  was  sent  to  call  men  to  repentance ;  but,  as  he  then  declared,  (Matt.  iii.  11.)  ^^'  ^^^^^'    "  ^*  *" 

a  The  former  treatise  T  composed.]  This  former  treatise  is  undoubtedly  c  Bi/  the  Holy  Spirit. 1    It  is  certainly  much  more  agreeable  to  the 
the  gospel  which  was  written  bv  St.  Luke,  and  dedicated  bv  him  to  The-  order  and  construction  of  the  words  in  the  original,  to  connect  and  ex- 
ophilus  :  and, as  this  history  of  the  Acts  was  written  by  thesame  person,  plain  them  as  above,  than  to  reter  them,  as  the  Syriac  and  Ethiopia 
it  is  allowed  by  all  antiquity,  the  author  of  it  was  St.  Luke,  whom  the  Versions  do.  to  his  choosing  the  apostles  iy  the  Hpini,  or  with  Eisner, 
apostle  Paul  styles  the  beloved  physician.  (Col.  iv.  14.)  and  speaks  of  Ohserv.  vol.  i.  p.  .'55:5.)  to  his  beina  taienvp  by  it.     It  is  no  wonder,  con- 
as  his  fellow-labourer,  (Philem.  ver.  24.)  who  was  with  him  at  Rome  sidering  how  short  a  history  we  have  of  what  passed  between  Christ's 
when  he  wrote  his  epistles  to  the  Colossians  and  to  Philemon,  and  again  resurrection  and  ascension,  that  this  should  be  the  only  place  which 
afterwards  when  he  wrote  his  second  epistle  to  Timothy  ;  (2  Tim.  iv.  speaks  of  his  acting  by  the  Spirit  after  he  rose  from  the  dead  :  nor  can 
II.)  and  so  continued  an  associate  and  companion  to  the  apostle  Paul ;  J,  with  a  late  learned  and  ingenious  writer,  think  that  a  sufficient  reason 
as  it  is  evident,  from  his  manner  of  expression,  the  penman  of  the  Acts  for  adhering  to  the  versions  mentioned  above.  (See  Benson's  Plantation 
had  been,  in  several  of  his  travels,  and  in  his  dangerous  voyage  when  of  Christianity,  vol.  i.   p.  14,  15.)    His  breathing  on  the  apostles,  and 
he  went  first  to  Rome.    This  book  is  generally  thought  to  have  been  saying,  Receive  ye  the  Holy  Spirit,  (.lohn  xx.  22.)  seems  also  to  asree 
written  about  the  year  of  our  Lord  6;J,  at  which  time  the  history  ends,  very  well  with  this  interpretation.    To  render  it,  the  orders  they  were  to 
which,  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose,  would  have  proceeded  further,  if  it  eiecute  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  (as  in  the  translation  of  1727,)  is  altogether 
had  been  written  later;  and   probably,  as  Mr.   L'Enfant  and  others  arbitrary,  and  is  substituting  a  quite  different  truth  instead  of  what  was 
have  observed,  it  made,  as  it  were,  a  second  part  of  St.  Luke's  Gospel,  written  by  Luke,     i  have  before  inserted  the  remaining  verses  of  this 
which  in  all  copies  has  the  author's  name  prefixed,  while  this  is  left  section  in  §  202,  203.  to  complete  the  History  of  our  Lord  to  the  time 
without  a  title  in  the  oldest  manuscripts  ;  though  in  the  Syriac  Version  of  his  ascension.    (See  note  d,  ^  2i)2.)    But,  notwithstanding  this,  it 
it  is  expressly  ascribed  to  Luke,  whom  the  translator  seems  to  call  his  will  be  easily  excused  that  I  have  not  omitted  them  here  in  their  proper 
master.— Not  to  mention  the  supposed  allusions  to  this  book  in  Barna-  place,  that  the  whole  History  of  the  Acts  might  stand  together,  and  the 
bas,  Clemens  Romanus,  Hermas,  Ignatius,  and  Polycarp,  it  is  certain  work  be  kept  entire. 

thatlrenajus,  Clemens  Alexandrinus.iertuUian,  Origen,aiid  Eusebius,  d  Having  assembled  them  together. "^    Though  some  considerable  an- 

bear  the  most  express  testimonies  to  the  genuineness  of  it,  in  a  multitude  cient  as  well  as  modern  critics,  and  particularly  Chrysostom  and  I  he- 

of  passages  which  1  need  not  here  insert,  as  they  are  produced  at  large  ophy  lact,  understand  the  word  amaXil^oueyo^  as  expressive  ot  Christ  s 

by  Dr.  Benson,  in  the  first  part  of  the  Appendix  to  his  Hiuory  of  the  eating  with  his  apostles  during  the  forty  days  spoken  ot  at)Ove  ;  the  notes 

Plantation  of  Christianity,  vol.  ii.  p.  295—310.  and  since  the  publica-  of  Eisner,  (Observ.  vol.  i.  p.  355.)  and  Raphelius,  (ex  Xen.  p.  146.  el 

tion  of  that  by  Mr.  Biscoe,  in  his  learned  Discourses  at  Boyle's  Lee-  Herod,  p.  320,  et  seq.^  seem  abundantly  suthcient  to  justify  the  version 

fare,  chap.  xiv.  XV.  where  he  has  shown,  in  a  most  convincing  manner,  here  given.                                                 .                     ..... 

how  capable  these  ancient  writers  were  of  judging  in  this  matter,  and  ■   e  Not  to  depart  from  Jerusalem.]    This  seems  a  plain  intimation  that, 

how  universally  it  was  owned  bv  the  christians  of  the  first  ages  as  a  after  our  Lord  had  met  hisdisciples  in  Galilee,  he  appointed  the  apostles 

sacred  book.   How  incontestably  it  demonstrates  the  truth  of  Christianity,  to  meet  him  at  Jerusalem,  or  perhaps  accompanied  them  thither,  and 

is  shown  at  large  in  both  these  useful  treatises,  and  every  attentive  spent  his  last  days  on  earth  there  ;  doing  this  last  honour  to  the  place 

reader  must  needs  observe  it  for  himself.  where  God  had  chosen  to  dwell,  and  where  the  most  solemn  ordinances 

b  iJe<;a»  Ao/A  <o  rfo  nwrf  <o  <eac/i.]  To  begin  to  do  a  thing,  as  Heinsius  of  his  worship  were  administered.          .....        •   •     ,             ,   •   , 

and  many  other  critics  have  observed,  is  a  common  Greek  idiom  for  f  Said  he.]    These  words,  though  omitted  in  the  original,  are  plainly 

doing  or  nnderiakina  a  thing.    Compare   Matt.  xii.  1.  with  Luke  vi.  1.  implied.     Raphelius  Ux  Xen.  p.  146,  147.)  has  produced  many  exam- 

and  Mark  vi.  2.  with  Matt.  xiii.  54.   See  also  Gen.  ii.  3.  Sepinag.  tinm.  pies  of  such  a  change  in  the  person  speaking  in  the  best  Greek  writers. 

XXV.  1.  .ludg.  xiii.  5.  xx.  31.  Luke  iii.  8.  xxi.  28.  and  Acts  ii.  4.      Yet  Many  others  occur  in  the  sacred  authors.  Compare  Luke  y.  14.  Acts  xvii. 

in  most  of  these  places  it  refers  to  some  of  the  first  actions  or  events  of  3.  xxiii.  22.  Gen.  xxvi.  7.  Deut.  ii.  13.    See  also  Psal.  ii.  3.  6.  and  xci. 

the  kind.    Accordingly  I  apprehend,  with  Chrysostom.  that  the  phrase  14.    And  I  the  rather  mention  it,  as  it  may  account  tor  many  prophe- 

here  refers  to  the  account  which  Luke  had  given  of  Christ's  ministry,  cies  of  Christ  in  tlie  Old  Testament,  where  he  is  introduced  as  speaking 

from  the  beginning  and  first  rise  of  it,  (as  he  speaks,  Luke  i.  2, 3.)  to  the  on  a  sudden,  in  an  abrupt  manner  ;  which  is  not  so  usual,  especially  in 

ascension,  with  which  he  concludes  his  Gospel.  modern  and  Western  wnters. 


THE  ASCENSION  OF  CHRIST.  367 

baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost  there  is  a  nobler  baptism  you  may  expect  from  me ;  and  to  prepare  and  furnish  you  for  SECT. 
not  many  days  iience.  the  great  work  to  which  I  have  commissioned  you,  of  preaching  repentance  and  remission      1. 

of  sins  in  my  name,  i/ou  shall  be  baptized  with  an  abundant  effusion  of  the  Holt/  Spirit,  far  ' 


beyond  what  you  have  ever  yet  received  :    and  this,  I  assure  you,  bhall  be  done  within    acts 
these  few  dai/s ;  which  proved  by  the  event  to  be  but  ten.  I. 

6  When  they  therefore  were      But  now,  as  the  appointed  time  was  come  for  his  returning  to  the  Father,  Jesus  with-  6 
hr%ay!ns;i'ord?vviit't'ho'lf  drew  with  his  apostles  from  the  city,  and  led  them  out,  as  was  observed  before,  unto  the 
at  ti'iis  time  restore'  again  the  mount  of  OUves,  as  far  as  to  the  boundaries  of  Bethany.     (See  Luke  xxiv.  50.  note  a,  p 
kingdom  to  Israel  ?  ^q^^     y^^^  therefore  being  come  together,  full  of  expectation  that  he  liad  brouglit  them 

thither  with  a  view  to  some  remarkable  transaction,  asked  him,  saying,  Lord,  luilt  thou  at 
this  time  break  the  Roman  yoke  from  our  necks,  and  after  all  this  confusion  restore  the 
kingdom  to  the  ungrateful  people  of  Israel,s  who  have  been  thus  shamefully  abusing  and 
crucifying  thee  ?  Is  the  empire  of  tlie  Messiah  immediately  to  be  erected  ?  and  wilt  thou 
begin  it  from  Jerusalem,  a  place  that,  of  all  upon  the  face  of  the  earth,  seems  to  be  the 
least  worthy  of  such  a  distinguished  honour? 

7  And  he  said  unto  them,       But  he,  waving  a  direct  answer  to  this  curious  question,  and  leaving  it  to  the  Spirit,  7 
times°orS^heseasons  wh?dithe  ^^'ch  was  shortly  to  be  given,  to  rectify  the  mistaken  notions  on  which  they  proceeded  in 
Father  iiath  put  in  his  own  it,  Only  Said  to  them,  Cease  your  inquiries  at  present  on  this  head  ;  since  it  is  not  conve- 
*'°*^^'''  nient  /or  you  now  to  knoiv  those  times  or  seasons  in  tvhich  many  remarkable  prophecies 

concerning  my  kingdom  shall  be  fulfilled  :  for  the  Father  hath  reserved  them  in  his  own 
power,  under  his  own  direction  and  dis|)Osal,  and  hath  not  expressly  determined  them  in 
those  predictions  which  certify  the  events  themselves.  And  he  hath  taken  this  precaution 
on  purpose  that  the  minds  of  his  people  might  be  kept  in  an  humble,  dependent,  resigned 
^  frame.    It  will  therefore  be  your  wisdom  always  to  cultivate  such  a  temper,  applying 

yourselves  diligently  to  the  duties  of  your  office,  and  leaving  all  events  to  be  determined 

8  But  ye  shall  receive  power,  by  his  infinite  wisdom  and  goodness.  But  for  the  present  let  it  suffice  you  to  be  told,  8 
comVupon*you*'a'nd  ye  shall  ^^^^^  ^^^  'o"?'  though  I  Say  not  exactly  when,  7/oM  shall  receive  an  extraordinary /jow'er  of 
he  witnesses  unto  me  both  the  Holy  Spirit  coming  upou  you  ;  and,  in  consequence  of  that,  shall  be  abundantly  quail- 
dea.^andln 'samar1a,°and'un"o  ^^d  to  be  my  witnesses  both  in  the  city  of  Jermalem,  and  in  all  the  land  of  Jiulea  ;  and  not 
the '  uttermost  part  of  the  only  SO,  but  in  Samaria  too,  though  you  have  never  yet  addressed  yourselves  to  the  Sama- 
'"^   ■  ritans  in  any  former  mission,  (see  Matt.  x.  5.  and  compare  Acts  viii.  5,  14,  25.)  and  even 

to  the  remotest  parts  of  the  earth ;  the  barbarous  nations  of  which  you  shall  visit  with  a 
success  which  shall  gloriously  illustrate  my  Father's  promise,  of  "  giving  me  the  heathen 
for  mine  inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  my  possession."  (See  Psal. 
ii.  8.) 

9  And  when  he  had  spoken      And  having  Said  these  things,  he  lifted  up  his  hands  and  blessed  them  ;  (Luke  xxiv.  50.)  9 
held*  he'wS'trken^up'.Tnd^a  ^'^d  ivhUe  they  beheld  him  with  great  earnestness,  and  high  expectation  of  some  extraordi- 
cioud  received,  him  out  of  nary  event  consequent  on  this  solemn  preparation,  he  was  lifted  up  from  the  ground  in  a 

'^"^  ^'^  '■  -miraculous  manner,  and  rose  gradually  higher  and  higher,  till  at  length  a  bright  cloud,  con- 

t.       ducted  by  the  ministry  of  angels,  who  joyfully  attended  their  returning  Lord,  received  him 
out  of  their  sight,  and  they  saw  him  no  more. 

10  And  while  they  looked  This  marvellous  event  was  so  astonishing  to  the  apostles,  that  they  continued  with  their  10 
he* li^^nt' up,Tehold!'^two'men  ^-^^^  ^'^^d  the  way  that  he  was  gone  :  and  while  they  were  stedfastly  looking  up  to  heaven 
stood  by  them  in  'wiiite  ap-  after  him  as  he  Went  on  in  his  triumphant  ascent,  behold,  two  angels  in  the  form  of  men,  in 
^"n'Vviiich  also  said,  Yemen  ^^'^^  ^"d  shining  raiment,  came  and  stood  near  them  :  Who  also  spake  to  them,  and  said,  11 
of  Galilee,  why  stand  ye  J^c  men  of  Galilee,  why  do  ye  stand  thus  gazing  up  to  heaven  with  so  much  surprise  and 
same5e"LVw'hidr^s*taken  up  amazement?  This  Jesus,  who  is  now  taken  up  from  you  into  heaven,  is  gone  to  tliat  world 
from  you  into  heaven,  shall  from  wheucc  he  came,  and  in  which  he  is  to  make  his  final  abode  :  nevertheless  there  will 
ha\™TeeuTiii'n go"iiitoheaven!  ^^  ^  *™6  when  he  shall  visit  your  earth  once  more,  and  so  come  in  a  visible  form,  riding 

on  a  cloud  as  his  triumphant  chariot,  and  attended  by  angelic  guards,  in  the  same  manner 
as  you  have  now  beheld  him  going  into  heaven.     Depart  therefore  in  peace,  and  pursue  the 
interest  of  his  kingdom,  with  a  firm  assurance  that  his  cause  shall  prosper  amidst  all  op- 
position, and  that  while  you  are  engaged  in  the  service  of  this  ascended,  triumphant  Lord, 
you  can  never  be  losers  by  your  fidelity  and  your  zeal. 
12  Then  returned  they  unto       Then  were  the  hearts  of  the  apostles  filled  with  joy  by  what  they  had  seen  and  heard;  12 
cXd"  o^ive^°whidf  isTrom  ^."d  having  worshipped  their  ascended  Lord,  (Luke  xxiv.  52.)  they  returned  to  Jerusalem 
Jerusalem    a   sabbath-day's ^^'ow  the  mount  called  Olivet ;  which  is  but  a  sabbath-day's  journey,  or  about  a  mile,  distant 
journey.  from  Jerusalem.^    And  there  they  employed  themselves  in  a  daily  course  of  public  and 

private  devotion,  rejoicing  in  what  they  had  seen,  and  firmly  believing  some  extraordinary 
event  was  at  hand,  whereby  they  should  be  more  fully  qualified  for  the  great  work  as- 
signed them ;  which,  whatever  the  hazard  of  it  might  be,  they  were  firmly  determined  to 
undertake  and  prosecute. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

If  we  have  ever  seriously  considered  the  contents  of  this  excellent  history  on  which  we  are  now  entering,  we  Ver.  1 
must  surely  see  abundant  reason  to  adore  that  gracious  Providence  which  hatlh  transmitted  it  to  us,  to  confirm  our 
faith,  and  animate  our  hope  in  the  gospel.     The  account  of  our  Lord's  ascension,  with  which  it  begins,  relates  to  2,  9 
a  fact  of  so  great  importance,  that  we  may  well  bear  the  repetition  of  what  we  have  read  concerning  it  in  the  former 
history. 

We  see  the  apostles  still  dreaming  of  a  temporal  kingdom  to  be  restored  to  Israel.    So  hard  is  it  for  the  best  of  6 
men  to  be  entirely  crucified  to  the  world,  even  by  the  cross  of  Christ !  (Gal.  vi.  24.)     Our  Lord  does  not  set  him-  7 
self  at  large  to  combat  that  error ;  nor  is  it  necessary  that  we  should  be  eagerly  solicitous  on  the  like  occasions, 
where  mistakes  do  not  affect  men's  characters  or  their  eternal  state.    Prudently  does  he  direct  them  to  wave  the 

g  Restore  the  kingdom  to  Israel.]    They  seemed  to  have  expected  that  seems  the  most  satisfactory  answer  to  Rabbi  Isaac's  objection  against 

^     ij        Spirit  was  in  so  extraordinary  a  manner  poured  out,  and  the  Christianity,  from  his  mistaken  sense  of  these  words.   Chiss-iick  hmunah, 

world,  according  to  Christ's  prediction,  (John  xvi.  8.)  conuinccrf  o/jm.  Part  II.  p.  59.                                                                                      ,         . 

of  Ttghteoiuness,  and  of  judgment,  the  whole  nation  of  the  Jews  would  h  A  sahhath-day's  journev  from  Jerusalem.]    For  .he  extent  ot  a  sab- 

pwn  him  for  the  Messiah,  and  so  not  only  shake  oft'  its  subjection  to  the  bath-day's  journey,  see  Luke  xxiv.  52.  note  c.    The  easiest  manner  ot 

Komaiis,  but  itself  rise  to  very  extensive  and   perhaps  universal  domi-  reconciling  this  text  with  Luke  xxiv.  50.   and  John  xi.  18.   may  De  seen 

nion.     Ihe  word  aironaOtaTavei^  intimates  the  shattered  and  weakened  in  the  note  on  the  former  of  those  passages,  *  203.  note  a.    -"n"!  "  " 

state  in  which   Israel  now  was.    And   I  cannot  but  think  our   Lord's  with  pleasure  that  I  see  it  confirmed  ancf  illustrated  by  the  learned  .Mr. 

answer  may  intimate  it  should  at  length  be  restored,  though  not  imme-  Biscoe,  in  his  Sermons  at  Boyle's  Lecture,  p.  391--394.    An  elaborate 

diately,  or  with  all  the  circumstances  they  imagined ;  which  concession  and  valuable  work  ;   by  referring  to  which  1  shall  have  an  opportunity 


368  MATTHIAS  CHOSEN  APOSTLE  IN  THE  PLACE  OF  JUDAS. 

SECT,  indulgence  of  their  curiosity.    Let  us  learn  to  moderate  ours,  and  refer  times  and  seasons  to  him  who  hath  reserved 
1.      them  in  his  own  power.    Let  a  sense  of  the  perfect  wisdom  and  goodness  of  the  Divine  Being  silence  and  com- 
pose us  amidst  all  the  darkness  which  veils  our  prospects  of  futurity. 


ACTS  With  the  apostles,  let  us  look  up  after  an  ascending  Saviour,  and  send  our  wishes  and  our  souls  to  heaven,  where 
^•^„  he  now  is,  and  where  he  must  remain  till  that  important  day  in  which  he  shall  descend  to  the  final  judgment. 
Behold,  he  then  cometh  in  the  clouds,  and  every  eye  shall  see  him  !  (Rev.  i.  7.)  May  we  view  him  to  our  joy  and 
1 1  not  to  our  terror !  and  lift  up  our  heads  with  a  serenity  and  cheerfulness  becoming  those  who  see  the  approach  of 
their  complete  redemption  !  (Luke  xxi.  28.)  In  the  mean  time,  may  his  cause  and  service  be  ever  dear  to  us  !  and 
while  he  is  attending  to  our  concerns  in  the  world  above,  may  we,  with  grateful  and  joyful  alacrity,  pursue  that 
which  he  graciously  condescends  to  own  as  his  interest  here  upon  earth  ! 


SECTION  II. 

The  apostles  beine  returned  to  Jerusalem,  and  assembled  with  the  rest  of  the  disciples,  Matthias  is  chosen  to  succeed  Judas  in  the  apostolic  office. 
*^  Acts  i.  13,  to  the  end. 

Acts  i.  13.  acts  i.  i3. 

SECT    NO  W  the  apostles  being  returned  from  the  mount  of  Olives  to  Jerusalem,  immediately  and  when  they  were  come 
2.  ■  after  the  ascension  of  Christ,  (as  was  observed  in  the  conclusion  of  the  former  section,)  robm^wK'abode  both  Pete" 

when  they  were  entered  [into  the  city,]  they  presently  retired  for  devotion,  and  went  up  into  A'ndriw'"phin"'^and'n'  ^-°'* 

ACTS    an  upper  room^  where  they  usually  held  their  assemblies.    And  as  this  was  the  place  where  BrrthoTo'mew,'''amF  MatXw,' 
I-   -  the  apostles  commonly  abode,  all  the  eleven  were  (here,  both  Peter,  and  James,  and  John,  ^^S^fj^f^'^  z^tef  and'juXs 
^^  and  Andrew,  Philip,  and  Thomas,  Bartholomew,  and  Matthew,  James  [the  sow]  of  Alpheus,  the  iroi/ier  of  j^mes. 
and  Simon  the  Zealot,  and  Judas,  or  Jude,  [the  brother']  of  James>    But  Judas  the  traitor 
was  now  dead,  as  was  observed  towards  the  close  of  the  preceding  history ;  (sect,  cxciii.) 
and  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  his  death  gave  rise  to  that  important  business  to  which  they 
quickly  proceeded. 

14  These  all  unanimously  persevered  in  prayer  and  supplication,  with  great  intenseness  and  ^^i4^These  all  continued  with 
ardour  of  soul,  together  with  the  pious  women  who  were  formerly  mentioned  as  attending  pYfcat'ioX  with'^X'^  womeSi 
the  cross  of  their  Lord,  and  particularly  Mary,  so  celebrated  as  the  mother  of  Jesus ;  and  ami  ^'^""^iJlJ^^j^gJ^^r^^  J^" 
also  xuith  his  brethren  and  near  kinsmen  after  the  flesh,  of  whom  there  were  some  others 

besides  the  apostles,  whose  prejudices,  though  once  strong,  were  now  happily  worn  off. 
Compare  John  vii.  5. 

15  And  in  these  days,  while  they  were  waiting  for  the  promise  of  the  Spirit,  Peter,  rising  up  t5  And  in  those  days  Peter 
in  the  midst  of  a  full  assembly  of  the  disciples,  spake  as  follows.  Now  the  number  of  per-  ^Tscipies^.  Lnd  slid!'(ti>e  num^ 
sons<^  that  were  met  together  in  that  place  was  about  an  hundred  and  twenty ;  the  greater  ber  of  the  names  together 
part  of  the  five  hundred  to  whom  Christ  had  appeared  (1  Cor.  xv.  6.)  continuing  in  ^^^'enty  )°"'  ""  """'^''^  ^'^ 
Galilee  during  this  interval  between  the  feast  of  the  passover  and  that  of  Pentecost.    And 

he  said, 

16  O  ye  men  that  hear  me  this  day,  [and]  whom  I  regard  as  my  brethren  in  the  bonds  of  le  Men  and  brethren,  this 
religion  as  well  as  of  friendship!  it  was  necessary,  in  the  righteous  judgment  of  God,  that  'beeftTfiiUd^whicMheiioiy 
this  awful  passage  of  Scripture  should  be  fulfilled  ivhich  the  Holy  Spirit  spake,  long  before  Ghost  by  the  mouth  of  David 
the  event,  by  the  mouth  of  Bavid,^  and  which  God  intended  with  a  particular  regard  to  r.'wmcirwasTuTde  ^tuim 
Judas,  who  was  so  wicked  a  wretch  that,  in  contempt  of  all  the  most  solemn  and  endearing  that  took  Jesus, 
obligations  to  distinguishing  duty  and  fidelity  to  his  divine  Master,  he  became  the  guide  of 

those  that  seized  on  the  blessed  Jesus,  and  marked  him  out  to  them  by  a  traitorous  kiss. 

17  (Matt.  xxvi.  47,  48.)  And  indeed  he  well  deserved  to  be  made  a  monument  of  vengeance  17  For  he  was  numbered 
to  succeeding  ages,  considering  the  near  relation  in  which  he  stood  to  Christ  and  to  us ;  ^^JJ  „(" this  minbt?y ."'"**"''' 
ftir  he  was  once  numbered  with  us  his  apostles,  a?id  for  a  while  had  obtained  part  of  this 

ministry,  with  which  our  Lord  was  pleased  to  honour  us  as  the  principal  officers  in  his 

18  kingdom.  The  calamitous  end  of  this  unhappy  man  is  therefore  fresh  in  your  memories  ;  ig  Now  this  man  purchased 
and  it  is  known  to  all  of  you,  that  instead  of  enriching  himself  by  his  crimes,  and  securing  ?j>!^y  *and"'foiiinB'"ifead- 
those  worldly  advantages  he  so  eagerly  pursued,  he  only  purchased  (that  is,  was  the  occa-  long,  lie  burst  asunder  in  the 
sion  of  purchasing)  a  fields  with  that  money  which  was  the  rervard  (f  his  iniquity  :  for  his  ^J^'J^t^  ^"^  "''  '''s  bowels 
conscience  would  not' suffer  him  to  keep  it ;  but  he  threw  it  down,  as  you  know,  in  the 

temple,  and  then  going  away,  he  hanged  himself.  (Matt,  xxvii.  5.)  But  that  which  should 
have  supported  the  weight  of  his  body  breaking,  he  could  not  fully  execute  his  horrid  de- 
sign; and  fulling  down  on  his  face,  he  burst  asunder  in  the  middle,^  and  all  his  bowels  were 

of  saving  myself  and  the  reader  a  great  deal  of  trouble  in  these  notes  ;  his  enemies,  must  much  more  fall  on  Judas,  whose  perfidious  and  cruel 

for  which,  therefore,  1  gladly  take  this  opportunity  of  making  my  ac-  attack  on  Christ  himself  rendered  him  so  much  more  criminal.       But  it 

knowledgment  to  the  worthy  author.  is  certain  the  order  of  the  Greek  words  will  not  so  naturally  admit  this  ; 

a  Into  an  tipper  room.]    I  can  see   no  sufficient  reason  for  saying,  as  nor  do  I  remember  to  have  seen  the  phrase  irXtypuiOmcLi  vept  tivo9,  the 

many  have  done,  tliat  this  was  in  the  temple.    (Compare  note  d,  on  particle  tnt,  or  ei,,  with  the  dative  case,  beins  much  more  proper  in  that 

Luke  xxiv.  53.)    Epiphanius  says  it  was  on   mount   Sion,  and  that  a  connexion.    (Compare  Matt.  xiii.  14.  and  Luke  xxii.  37.)    1  therefore 

christian  church  was  afterwards  erected  on  the  spot  of  ground  on  which  conclude,  that  while  David  prophesied  of  the  calamities  which  should 

it  stood.  (See  Hammond,  in  loc.')    Perhaps  they  might  the  rather  choose  befall  his  persecutors,  it  was  revealed  to  him  by  the  Holp  Spirit  that  the 

it,  as  giving  some  advantage  for  looking  to  the  temple.    But  it  is  plain  enemies  and  tnurderers  of  the  Messiah  should  inherit  those  curses  in  all 

from  many  other   passages,  that  upper  rooms  were  often  large,  and  fit  their  terror,  and  be  yet  more  miserable  than  the  persons  on  whorn  they 

for  containing  a  considerable  number  of  persons.    (Compare  Mark  xiv.  were  more  immediately  to  fall.    This  fact  (in  itself  exceedmg  probable) 

15.  and  Acts  xx.  8.)    See  Bos,  Exercit.  p.  64,  et  seq.  I  take  to  be  asserted  in  these  words  as  what  was  revealed  by  the  same 

b  The  brother  of  James. '^    The  expression  in  the  original  is  ambiguous.  Spirit  to  the  apostle  Peter.     And    I   hope  the  reader  will  excuse  the 

and  may  signify  either  son  or  brother.    But  Jude  himself  expressly  de-  length  of  a  note  which  may  serve  as  a  key  to  many  other  passages  of  the 

termines  it  that  he  was /iz'f  AroMer,  in  ver.  1.  of  his  Epistle.  New  Testament.                                                                           .        . 

c  Number  of  persons.']  It  is  literally  the  number  of  names  ;  but  it  is  e  Purchased  a  field.]  It  is  worth  observing,  that  an  action  is  some- 
well  known  that  ovoixara  often  signifies  persom.  (See  Rev.  iii.  4.  xi.  times  said  in  Scripture  to  be  done  by  a  person  who  was  the  occasion  of 
13.  and  Raphel.  Ex  Poiyb.  p.  297.)  And  it  best  suits  the  English  Ian-  doing  it.  (Compare  Gen.  xlii.  38.  Exod.  xxiii.  8.  1  Kmgs  xiv.  16.  Isa. 
guage  to  render  it  so.  vi.  10.  Jer.  xxxviii.  23.  Rom.  xiv.  15.  1  Cor.  vn.  16.  and  1  fim.  iv.  16.) 

d  This  scripture  should  be  fulfilled,  Sfc]    Two   prophecies  are  after-  But  some  would  render  6KTti<TaTo,/'«  po"e.f'«</''''e.AVW,  supposing  Judas 

wards  quoted  for  this  purpose  (ver.  20.)   from  Psal.  Ixix.  25.   and  cix.  was  buried  there.    (See  Bren.  and  Heins.  in  loc.)  Dr.  Lighttoot  thinks 

8.  and   it  has  been  matter  of  much  debate  whether  they  do  in  their  he  was  strangled  in  the  air  by  the  devil,  and  thrown  down  headlong  in 

original  sense  refer  to  Judas,  or  to  the  enemies  of  David.    Mr.  JeflFery  this  field,  and  so  might  be  said  to  possess  it,  and  occasioned  its  being 

(in  his  Revievi,  p.  179,  et  seq.)  maintains  the  former,  and  Dr.  Sykes  (On  called.  The  field  of  blood.    (Hor.  Hebr.  on  Matt,  xxvii.  5.  and  m  loc.) 

the  Truth  of  Christianity,  p.  271,  272.)  the  latter.     It  is  certain  the  sixty-  f  Fallijig  dovn  on  his  face,  he  burst  asunder.  Ac]    Thus  Matthew  s  ac- 

ninth  Psalm  is  not  to  be  confined  to  Judas  ;    for  St.  Paul  (Rom.  xi.  Q,  count  is  reconciled  with  Luke's  above.   (See  note  b,  on  Matt,  xxvii.    •>. 

10.)  has  quoted  the  22d  and  23d  verses  of  it  as  applicable  to  the  unbe-  p.  34.3J  Ifind  the  learned  Casaubon  has  taken  the  same  method  :  nor  can  I 

lieving  Jews  in  general.    There  are  so  many  passages  iu  both  the  Psalms  see  any  reason  to  recede  from  this  interpretation,  on  the  most  attentive 

in  question  more  applicable  to  David  than  to  Christ,  that  I  was  very  in-  review  of  the  various  solutions  proposed  by  Mr.  Biscoe.  iBoylc  s  I. eel. 

clinable  to  render  the  words  before  us.  The  scripture  which  the  Holy  p.  637 — 644.)    But  were  I  to  change  it,  1  should   prefer  to  any  other 

Ghost  spake  before  by  the  mouth  of  David,  must  necessarily  have  bcenful-  that  of  Liinborch, — that  some  lew  who  would  have  concealed  the  siii- 

filled  concerning  Judas,  S^c.)  and  to  have  explained  them  as  if  the  apostle  cide,  cut  Judas  down  and  threw  him  into  some  pit  or  valley,  where  he 

had  said,  "  That  vengeance  which  David  foretold,  as  to  be  executed  on  was  afterwards  found  lying  on  his  face,  with  his  bowels  gushed  out.— 


MATTHIAS  CHOSEN  AN  APOSTLE  IN  THE  PLACE  OF  JUDAS.  369 

in  a  miserable  manner  poured  out  upon  the  ground ;  so  that  he  expired  in  the  utmost  SECT 
agonies  both  of  body  and  mind,  to  the  horror  of  all  that  beheld  him.  2. 

19  And  it  was  known  unto      (And  by  the  way,  this  was  a  fact  so  public  and  notorious  that  it  was  knoivn  to  all  the  ■ 


fnio^chls  that  fieW  is  S-  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,?  who  could  not  but  take  notice  of  such  an  extraordinary  circum-    acts 
ed  in  their  proper  tongue.  Stance ;  SO  that  that  field  which  was  so  purchased  is  to  this  day  called  in  their  lan<rua<fe       '• 
fidd  oHfood!"  "  *'"''^'  ^^^  which  is  the  Syriac  'dialect,  Aceldama,  that  is,  The  field  of  blohd,  as  being  bougln  wTth  ^^ 
money  which  was  in  more  senses  than  one  the  price  of  blood ;  having  been  the  cursed 
hire  for  which  Judas  sold  the  blood  of  his  Master,  and  in  effect  his  own.) 

20  For  it  is  written  in  the      Now,  said  Peter  to  the  disciples,  I  observed  to  you  that  the  Scripture  speaks  something  20 
taUon°L''desSate^\'n'd'le^*no  of  this  remarkable  event  ;/or  it  is  xvritten  in  the  book  of  Psalms,  (Psal.  Ixix.  25.)  "  Let  his 
man  dwell  therein:  and,  Ilis  habitation  be  desolate,  and  let  no  man  inhabit  it;"  awf/ again,  (Psal.  cix.  8.)  "  Let  another 
bishopncklet  another  take,     f^^;^^  /^j^^j  j^^  another  shall  take  and  discharge)  his  office."    The  former  of  these  clauses  is 

already  awfully  verified,  as  he  is  become  such  a  spectacle  of  horror,  that  men  will  detest 

21  Wherefore  of  these  men  the  very  place  where  he  lived :  and  the  other  must  now  be  accomplished.     It  is  necessary  21 
us  all  the^inie'That"the  Lord  therefore,  that  qf  the  tnen  luho  have  conversed  intimately  with  us,  and  have  attended  during 
Jesus  went  in  and  out  among  al[  {ff^  (ijffg  j,j  which  the  Lord  Jesiis  was  going  in  and  coining  out  among  us,  and  so  can  testily 

22  Beginning  from  the  bap-  of  all  he  did  and  Said,  Beginning  from  the  baptism  of  John,  when  lie  first  entered  on  his  22 
tism  of  John  unto  that  same  ministry,  even  to  the  day  in  whic/ihe  ivas  taken  tip  from  us  into  heaven,  one  qf  these  should  be 
from  us^  mu'st  c^ne  be  o'rdam'-  choscn  to  the  apostolic  office,  to  be  made  a  witness  with  us^  of  that  great  and  fundamental 

ed  to  be  a  witness  with  us  of  f^ct,  his  resurrection  from  the  dead,  upon  which  the  proof  of  his  being  the  Messiah  so  evi- 

nis  resurrection.  ,      ',  '     ^  »  o 

dently  rests. 

23  And  they  appointed  two,      The  apostles  had  no  sooner  spoke  but  immediately  the  whole  assembly  assented  to  the  23 
wTs^'suraamed'^Tust^us^,'  and  reasonableness  of  this  proposal :  «?irf  accordingly  they  set  vn  two  men,  the  one,  Joseph  called 
Wattliias.  '  Barsabas}  who  was  also  surnamed  Justus,  on  account  of  tlie  remarkable  openness  and  in- 
tegrity of  his  temper ;  and  the  other,  a  person  of  no  less  eminent  note  for  his  piety,  who 
was  called  Matthias. 

24  And  they  prayed  and      And  they  prayed  with  great  solemnity,  answerable  to  the  importance  of  the  occasion,  24 
knowesith"i^eartsof'aU^^Jn'j  toying,   Thou,  Lord,  iclw  knowcst  the  hearts  of  all,  and  perfectly  discernest  every  secret 
shew  whether  of  these  two  Sentiment  of  the  soul,  and  all  the  future  circumstances  of  life !  we  humbly  entreat  thee  to 
thou  hast  chosen,  ^^^^^  which  of  these  two,  whom  we  esteem  thy  faithful  servants,  thou  hast  chosen  to  be  ad- 

25  That  he  may  take  part  vanced  to  this  distinguished  honour:  That  he  may  take  part  of  this  ministry,  and  share  with  25 
ship,\om"'wh^ch"ju'(iaT  by  thine  Other  servants  in  tlie  apostleship,  from  which  Judas  is  fallen  by  [/«'s]  transgression,  to 
transgression  fell,    that   he  his  eternal  ruin  ;  that  he  might  go  to  his  own  place,^  to  that  miserable  world  which,  in  thy 
mig    go  o  is  own  p  ace.      j-jghteous  judgment,  is  appointed  for  the  reception  of  such  heinous  offenders,  and  the  due 

punishment  of  such  enormous  crimes. 

26  And  thev  gave  forth      And  after  this  prayer  they  gave  out  their  lots  for  each;'  and  the  lot  fell  upon  Matthias,  26 
upon  'Matthias  •  and  'he  wis  ^"  which  they  Concluded  that  he  was  the  person  whom  God  had  appointed  :  ajid  the  rest 
numbered  with'  the  eleven  of  the  apostles  accordingly  gave  him  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  so  that  for  the  future 
apostles.  ^g  y^^g  numbered  with  the  eleven  apostles,^  and  made  the  twelfth  of  that  venerable  society 

of  men. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

It  was  wisely  and  well  determined  by  the  apostles,  to  spend  this  interval  of  time  in  devotion  and  in  christian  Ver.  1 3 
converse ;  for  never  have  we  more  reason  to  expect  the  communication  of  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God  to  us,  than  when  14 
we  are  sharing  our  time  between  the  one  and  the  other,  so  far  as  Providence  affords  us  leisure  from  our  secular 
affairs.    With  their  devotions  they  properly  joined  a  care  for  the  future  edification  of  the  church,  and  therefore  15 
chose  another  apostle  to  complete  the  number  which  our  Lord  had  appointed. 

It  is  dreadful  to  think  how  the  vacancy  happened,  and  by  what  a  horrible  transgression  it  was  that  one  of  this  25 
sacred  society  fell  from  his  office.    The  hand  of  God's  righteous  vengeance  was  heavy  upon  him,  and  brought  him  17—19 
in  a  few  hours  to  public  infamy  and  irrecoverable  destruction.     So  that  his  example,  dreadful  as  it  is,  shows  us  at 
once  that  no  dignity  of  office  can  secure  men  from  sin,  and  that  when  they  break  through  the  solemn  bonds  of  a 
remarkably  high  and  eminent  profession,  they  must  expect  a  punishment  proportionably  signal. 

Riches  profit  not  in  the  day  of  wrath.  (Prov.  xi.  4.)  The  time  is  swiftly  approaching  when  ill-gotten  gain  will 
prove  a  burthen  and  a  terror,  and  the  wages  of  unrighteousness  will  appear  as  the  price  of  an  Aceldama,  a  field  of  18 
blood ;  even  in  that  dreadful  day  when  impenitent  sinners  go  to  their  own  place,  to  those  abodes  of  misery  which  25 
are  so  properly  prepared  for  them,  and  so  justly  assigned  to  them ;  assigned  especially  to  those  whose  business 
(like  that  of  Judas)  it  was  to  preach  repentance  unto  others,  to  show  them  tlieir  transgression,  and  to  warn  them  of 
their  danger,  and  who  were  more  especially  obliged  to  have  enforced  their  admonitions  and  their  precepts  by  the 
peculiar  lustre  of  their  own  examples. 

But  the  badness  of  the  man  who  in  some  instances  may  be  advanced  to  bear  the  most  sacred  office,  is  not  to  be 
interpreted  to  the  disgrace  of  that  office  itself.    The  apostles  were  careful  to  keep  up  the  honour  of  theirs  by  seek-  21,22 
ing  out  a  more  proper  person,  who  might  do  his  part  towards  taking  away  the  reproach  which  Judas  had  brought 
upon  it,  and  might  approve  himself  a  worthy  witness  of  the  resurrection  of  Jesus,  on  the  knowledge  of  which  22 
depended  the  salvation  of  millions.    After  all,  they  refer  the  matter  to  the  determination  of  Providence,  to  which  24 

That  7rpi7i/nr  itvomvoz  should  be  rendered,  not  falling  headlong,  but  (which  are  both   the  same  ;)  but  rather  the  Joseph  mentioned   Matt. 

falling  dauin  mi  his  face,  see  proved  by  Kaphclius,  (.Ei  Polyb.  p.  103,  xxvii.  56.  and  Mark  vi.  3.  the  son  of  Cleopas  or  Alpheus,  and  brother 

et  sea.  (and  Eisner,)  Ohserv.  vol.  i.  p.  358,  359.)  to  at  least  two  of  the  apostles,  James  the  less,  and  Jude. 

g  It  was  knovin  to  all  the  inhabitants  of  jerusaltm.']    Aringhiusdn  his  k  To  his  owji  place.]    (Ecumenius,  Hammond,  and  La  Cene,  seem  to 

Jtom.  SuhteTTan.  p.  436.)  mentions  a  funeral  inscription  dug  up  in  the  interpret  this  phrase  very  unnaturally,  when  they  explain  it  of  a  suc- 

Via  Nomentana,  by  which  it  appears  that  the  fate  of  Judas  became  a  cessor  going  into  the  place  of  Judas.    That  iIilov  tovov  signities,  a  place 

proverbial  form  of  cursing. — The  reader  will  perceive,  that  witli  many  proper  and  suitable  for  such  a  wretch,  and  therefore  by  God's  righteous 

of  the  best  critics  I  take  this  verse  to  be  a  parentliesis,  to  be  considered,  judgment  appointed  for  him,  many  writers  have  sho^vn,  and  particularly 

not  as  the  words  of  Peter,  but  of  the  historian  ;  which  effectually  an-  Dr.  Benson,  in  his  History  of  the  first  Plantijig  of  Christianity,  page 

swers  the  objection  from  the  fact  having  happened  but  a  few  days  before  £3.    (Compare  Matt.  xxvi.  24.  John  vi.  "0,  71.  and  xvii.  12.) 

the  speech  was  delivered.    This  also  accounts  for  his  calling  the  Syriac,  1   They  gave  out  their  lots.]    This  was,  no  doubt,  most  impartially  ad- 

which  was   spoken    by  the   Jews   at  that   time,    their  language;  for  justed,  though  we  know  not  in  what  particular  method.    The  honour 

NOT    7pn  is  the  Syriac  dialect.  God  has  conferred  on  inquiries  by  lot,  (Josh.  vii.  J4,  15.  1  ■'jani-  "■  -<•• 

h  07ie  of  these  should  be  made  a  witness  with  us.]    They  might  reason-  21.)  and  the  custom  of  fixing  the  officers  of  the  priests  '"  •"'",     T"'''": 

ably  and  modestly  conclude,  that  it  was  fit  the  number  of  apostles  while  in  waiting  there,  by  lot,  (1  Chron.  xxiv.  5,  7- and   Luke  i.   y.i 

which  (hrist  first  chose  should  be  kept  up,  perhaps  in  allusion  to  the  might  lead  them  to  this  turn  of  thought.    Grotius  has  sh°""/°  "',""„ 

twelve  tribes  of  Israel.     But  it  is  impossible,  as  well  as  quite  unneces-  here,  that  such  a  designation  to  sacred  offices  prevailed  also  amoii„ 

saiy,  that  we  should  at  this  distance  of  time  be  able  to  assign  a  reason  some  pagan  nations.                                                          ,     ,    Tlmnoli  Na 

why  the  two  that  are  afterwards  mentioned,  and  no  more,  were  pro-       m  Matthias was  jiumbered  with  the  e^«'«"- ''^''■''''^■^•J     '/ih  nk  that 

posed  as  candidates.    Perhaps  a  longer  and  more  intimate  acquaintance  thaniel  and  Matthias  both  signify  the  gift  of  Ood,  1  '''"°"„    ivjor  can 

with  our  Lord  might  entitle  them  to  a  preference  on  this  occasion.  this  will  prove  them  (as  some  have  supposed)Me  .'^'"l^*,"'"-     rp„,.:..p 

i  Joseph  called  Barsabas.]     The  Cambridge  Manuscript  reads  Bar-  I  see  that  the  question  of  the  right  of  choosmgxhurch-olflcers  can  ic<.i_ 

nabas ;  but  Dr.  Benson  seems  to  have  assigned  solid  reasons  for  con-  much  light  from  so  singular  a  story,  ra  which  so  peculiar  aii  ai,i  ui  uuu 

eluding  this  was  not  Barnabas  the  Cyprian,  (Acts  iv.  .30.)  of  whom  we  was  expected, 
read  so  often  in  this  history,  whose  name  was  also  Joses  or  Joseph ; 

2    B 


370  THE  DESCENT  OF  THE  SPIRIT  UPON  THE  APOSTLES. 

SECT,  they  make  a  very  instructive  apjjeal.     Let  us  always  remember  the  universal  and  intimate  inspection  of  the  Divine 
2.      Being.    Thou,  Lord,  knmvest  the  hearts  of  alt !    All  their  treachery  and  all  their  integrity  is  manifest  in  thy 
sight :  and,  in  persons  of  equal  sincerity,  thou  tliscernest  what  renders  one  more  fit  than  another  for  this  or 


icTS  that  situation  and  service.  Let  it  be  our  desire  to  follow  Providence  ourselves ;  and  let  us  pray  that  God  will 
'•  set  over  all  his  churches  vastors  after  his  own  heart,  ivho  may  feed  them  with  knowledge  and  understanding.  (Jer. 
iii.  15.) 
26  The  lot  is  cast  into  the  lap  ;  hut,  casual  as  the  determination  may  seem,  the  whole  disposal  thereof  is  from  the 
Lord.  (Prov.  xvi.  33.)  Let  us  own  his  hand  m  the  determination  of  every  circumstance  which  befalls  us,  and 
especially  in  those  by  which  any  solemn  and  important  trust  may  be  committed  to  us  :  and  may  the  consideration 
of  it  be  an  additional  engagement  upon  us  to  discharge  it  with  becoming  diligence  and  entire  fidelity ! 


SECTION  III. 

The  descent  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon  the  apostles  on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  with  the  former  part  of  the  speech  which  Peter  made  to  the  multitude 

on  that  great  occasion.    Acts  ii.  1 — 21. 

Acts  ii.  1.  ^cts  ii.  i. 

SECT.  THE  disciples  of  Jesus,  after  the  choice  of  Matthias,  employed  their  time  in  devotion?  and  when  the  dayof  Pen- 
3-      and  continued  the  same  course  of  religious  exercise  as  before,  for  several  succeeding  days.  werfaiT  with  one*'°a"'cord  In 

And  when  the  day  of  Pentecost''  was  completely  arrived,^  that  is,  when  the  morning  of  the  one  place. 

ACTS    fiftieth  day  after  the  passover  was  come,  it  being  then  the  first  day  of  the  week,  the  apostles, 

^^^"  I  with  the  rest  of  the  hundred  and  twenty  disciples,  were  together ;   and  they  were  all 

assembled  luith  the  most  unanimous  affection  in  the  same  place,  in  the  upper  room  which 

2  was  mentioned  before,  where  they  had  used  to  meet.  And  on  a  sudden  there  was  a  very  c  And  suddenly  there  came 
extraordinary  and  surprising  sound  from  heaven,  as  of  a  rushing  violent  wind,  which  shook  rush'inff  m?ghfy^windrand*^  i't 
the  very  place,  and  came  with  such  a  mighty  force,  that  it  filled  all  the  house  lohere  they  filled  all  the  house  where  they 

3  were  sitting.    And  there  appeared  to  them  at  the  same  time  a  number  of  divided  tongues,  ^^'l'^  AmiTifeVe  appeared  unto 
made  as  it  were  offire,'^  i.  e.  bright  flames  in  a  pyramidical  form,  wliich  were  so  parted  as  them  cloven  tongues,  like  as 
to  terminate  in  several  points,  and  thereby  to  afford  a  proper  emblem  of  the  marvellous  of  themi"    ''  ^^  "'""^  *^*^ 
effect  attending  the  appearance,  by  which  they  were  endowed  with  a  miraculous  diversity 

of  languages :  and  it  was  ordered  so,  that  one  of  these  tongues  rested  upon  each  of  theni,^ 

4  who  were  then  present  in  the  room,  ylnrfas  soon  as  ever  these  lambent  flames  appeared  to  4  And  they  were  all  filled 
touch  them,  then  were  all  in  a  most  sensible  and  extraordinarv  manner  iilled  ivith  the  Holy  "■'*''  'j'®  Holy  Ghost  and  be- 

o    •    •,  7  I        ■      .  )        •   1        1  I  1         IT         "  1  J        .       J  i^    r  *!*"     •"    speak     with     other 

iipint,  and  begun  to  speak  with  other  tongues  than  they  had  ever  used  or  understood  before,  tongues,  as  the  Spirit  gave 
with  light  and  fer\'our,  and  a  most  ready  flow  of  language,  according  as  the  Spirit  gave  them  ^^^"^  utterance. 
a  power  and  facility  of  erpressing  themselves. 

5  Now  as  this  happened  at  one  of  the  three  grand  yearly  feasts,  and  at  that  in  which  the  5  And  there  were  dwelling 
days  were  longest,  there  wei-e  sojourning  in  Jerusalem  at  that  time  a  great  number  of  piotts  men,'^out*o*'eveiy^nation^un- 
7nen,  [that  were,']  by  their  descent  or  by  profession,  Jews ;  who  were  come  thither  out  of  der  heaven. 

all  parts  of  the  known  world,  /^ow^  every  nation  under  heaven,^  where  any  of  that  people 
dwelt,  or  any  that  were  proselytes  to  the  Jewish  religion. 

6  And  when  this  strange  report  came  to  be  noised  abroad,^  as  it  presently  did,  the  multitude  6  Now  when  this  was  noised 
soon  gathered  together,  and  were  quite  confounded  and  amazed  :  for  every  one  of  this  various  toaetlfer,*andwere'confo?nd- 
assembly  heard  one  or  another  of  them,  as  thev  addressed  themselves  by  turns  to  people  of  ed",  beca'nse  that  every  man 

7  a  different  language,  speaking  to  each  of  \hem  in  his  own  proi)er  dialect.  And  they  icere  all  languase'"'"  ^^'"^  '"  *"' ""'" 
astonished  at  it  beyond  measure,  and  %vondered  a.t  this  marvellous  event,  saying  one  to  7  And  they  were  all  amazed, 
another,  Behold,  how  unaccountable  is  this !   Are  not  all  these  that  speak  by  birth  and  another^  Behold, "^are^no't^'i'i 

8  country  Galileans?  And  hmu  then  do  we  even)  one  of  us  hear  them,  as  they  direct  their  these  which  speak  Galileans? 
speech  to  so  many  different  people,  who  are  here  come  together  out  of  so  many  nations,     °  ^""^  """^        ^^  *''*''^ 

a  T/ie  day  of  Pentecost.']  It  hasoften  been  observed,  that  asour  Lord  Roman  rituah  bears  some  allusion  to  the  supposed  form  of  these  cloven 
was  crucified  at  one  of  the  great  .lewish  feasts,  it  was  fit  that  he  should  tongues. — It  is  observed  by  Dr.  Lightfoot  and  others,  that  as  the  divi- 
ne glorified  at  another.  And  this  of  Pentecost  was  chosen  with  peculiar  sion  of  tongues  at  Habel  once  introduced  confusion,  and  was  the  means 
propriety,  as  next  succeeding  that  of  the  passover  at  which  ChrisfcaOf-  of  casting  off  the  Gentiles  from  the  knowledge  of  the  true  God,  so  now 
rercd  :  and  also,  as  it  was  celebrated  in  commemoration  of  the  gininff  ilie  there  was  a  remedy  provided  by  the  gift  of  tongues  at  Zion,  to  bring  the 
/aa;  from  mount  Sinai  on  that  day,  (Exod.  xix.  1,  11.)  and'as'  the  first  Gentiles  out  of  darkness  into  liglit,  and  to  destroy  the  veil  whieh  had  heeu 
fruits \i eve.  then  offered 'm\A  anointed.  (Exod.  xxiii.  16.  and  Lev.  xxiii.  spread  over  all  nations.  (Isa.  xxv.  7.)  See  Lightfoot,  llor.  flehr.  and 
17.)     Jo  these  answered  the  fuller  discovery  of  the  gospel  on  this  occa-  Grotius,  m  loc. 

sion,  and  the  anointing  the  first-fruits  of  the  christian  church  by  the  effu-  d  Vpon  each  of  them.]  I  agree  with  the  learned  Dr.  Benson,  (Planr. 
sion  ot  the  Spirit,  as  Brennius  has  well  observed.  (See  also  Miscell.  of  Christianity,  p.  Cil,  29.)  who  thinks  (as  .Jerome  and  Chrysostom  did) 
•iacra.  Essay  i.  p.  11,3 — ll.i.) — The  solemnity  of  the  fea^t,  the  general  that  it  is  probable  each  of  the  hundred  and  twenty  shared  in  this  mira- 
cxpectation  of  the  Messiah  that  prevailed  among  them,  and  the  length  culous  donation.  (.See  also  Miscell.  Sacra,  Essay  i.  p.  101,  UK2.)  The 
or  the  days,  as  it  was  about  the  middle  of  summer,  would,  no  doubt,  hundred  and  twenty  mentioned  chap.  i.  15.  are  plainly  referred  to,  ver. 
bring  great  numbers  to  .Jerusalem  at  that  time  :  who,  when  they  returned  1.  as  the  persons  here  assembled.  And  as  this  would  best  illustrate  the 
home  and  reported  this  great  event,  would  naturally  make  way  for  pouring  torth  of  the  Spirit  on  the  handmaids  as  well  as  on  the  servants 
greater  regard  to  tlie  apostles  when  they  came  to  the  places  where  these  of  God,  (ver.  18.)  so  it  is  certain  tliat  the  manuscripts  which  would  con- 
peopledwelt.  .  ,  fine  this  effusion  to  the  apostles  are  of  very  small  authority.  Nor  do 
•  "  J'  "?.'-'""'r''ftc'!/  arrived.]  The  first  day  of  unleavened  bread,  that  Bcza's  arguments  on  the  other  side  of  the  question  appear  to  me  by  any 
IS,  the  htteenth  ot  Nisan,  began  this  year  on  Friday  evening  ;  and  this  means  conclusive.  Compare  Acts  x.  44 — 46.  and  xi.  15 — 17. 
was  the  day  on  which  they  were  to  oHTer  the  wave-sheaf:  and  from  the  e  From  every  nation  nnder  heaven.]  Should  this  betaken  foran  hyper- 
morrow  alter  that  day,  that  is,  from  the  Saturday  evening,  they  were  to  bole,  we  have  other  instances  in  Scripture  of  the  like  way  of  speaking  ; 
count  seven  weeks,  or  forty-nine  days,  which  would  bring  the  fiftieth,  as  where  we  read  of  cities  walled  vp  to  heaven,  (Dcut.  i.  28.  ix.  1.)  and 
that  IS,  the  (lay  of  Pentecost,  then  to  begin  on  Saturday  evening;  so  that  of  the  dread  of  the  .Jews  falling  -upon  every  nation  nnder  the  whole  heaven. 
on  the  Lord  s-day  morning  it  might  properly  be  said  to  be  fully  come.  (Deut.  ii.  25.)  See  also  Gen.  xi.  4.  .Tudg.  xx.  16.  and  Psal.  cvii.  26. — 
t^^  a"'  '"^"'- 1^>  i^-  llie  word  av\i.-n\r\^>ovaDai  cannot  signify,  that  But,  not  to  insist  upon  it  that  the  .Jews  were  then  so  numerous  as  to 
the  day  was  eiided,  but  that  it  Vfus  fully  come.  Compare  Luke  i.  57.  ii.  have  spread  through  every  country,  so  that,  as  Agrippain  Josephussays, 
-'•  and  see  Beza,  tn  loc.  "  There  was  not  a   people  upnu  earth  who  had   not  Jews  inhabiting 

c  Divided  tongues  as  of  fire.]    This  wonderful  appearance  in  the  form  among  them  :"  (.Bell.  Jud.  lib.  ii.  cap.  16.  «  4.  p.  lyi.  Havercamp.)  the 

ot  tire  mio;l)t  be  intended  to  signify  the  quickening  and  pirifyiyig  infiu-  expression  here  can  signify  no  more  than  that  there  were  some  at  Jeru- 

fu'^fV.i    ■      ^P'"''  as  well  as  to  illustrate  John  the  Baptist's  prediction,  salem  at  that  time  from  all  the  several  nations  among  whom  the  .Jews  were 

tnAt  t^hriit  &Yio\\h\  hapttze  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with  fire.    (Matt.  iii.  dispersed.    (See  Lightfoot  and  Whitby,  m /or.)    It  would  be  very  absurd 

11.  and  Luke  in    ]6.)    But  I  will  not  venture  to  affirm,  with  Mr.  FIcm-  to  argue  from  hence  that  there  must  be  natives  of  Britain  and  America 

mg (Lhristol.  \ii\.  1.  p.  324.)  and   I'.lsner,  (Oiserv.  vol.  i.  p.  361.)  that  at  .lei-usalem  when  this  great  event  happened.    And  many  arguments, 

It  was  to  signify  that  the  Shekinah  (which  appeared  in  a  glorious  flame  drawn  from  such  universal  phrases   elsewhere,  seem  as  "weak  as  this 

surrounded  with  a  cloud)  was  now  passed  from  the  lews  to  the  disciples  would  be. 

ot  Jesus.     I  he  Jews  (as  Wolfius  tells  us)  have  a  tale  among  them  relat-  f  When  this  report  came  abroad.]    De  Dieu  concluiles  this  must  sig- 

"JS  '".the  appearance  of  some  Hashes  ot  fire  which  fell  on  an  assembly  nify  thunder;  which,  he  too  confidently  says,  is  always  the  import  of 

ot  their  doctors  while  they  were  studying  the  law  ;  which  probably  was  TXi!  and  <*mi/h  in  the  Hellenistic  language,  and  argues  from  hence  that 

invented  lo  slur  or  imitate  this  important  history.— Bos  (£«rc!V.  p.  67.)  the  rushing  wind  (ver.  2.)  was  attended  with  thunder.     But  the  follow- 

thinks  each  tongue  appeared  complete,  and  that  they  are  said  to  be  di-  ing clause,  which  refers  the  assembly  to  the  diffeient  languages  spoken 

vided  on  account  ot  the  distribution  that  was  made  of  one  to  each  person,  by  those  on  whom  the  Holy  Spirit  fell,  plainly  sliows  that  it  was  not 

Hilt  It  seems  that  the  division  of  each  might  aptly  represent  the  variety  thunder  which  brought  them  tocether  ;  which,  indeed,  could  hardly  oc- 

of  languages  with  which  each   person  was  endowed;  and  some  have  casiou  their  assembling  in  one  place, 
tliougld  that  the  form  of  the  mitres  worn  by  bishojis  (according  to  the 


THE  DESCENT  OF  THE  SPIRIT  UPON  THE  APOSTLES. 


371 


own  toDgue,  Speaking  to  each  of  us  in  hk  own  nalive.laniiiuiue'^    For  while  th^.^^  o.„  „,  ^  r> 

9--panMans:-al;rMedes.  f^^  -f  Medc.and  M.^Ucs  or  Persians,  «,^  ifL  t^^ M^t^Z^'^^d  ^Zl  'T' 
.%f  ^^^^^:^l   te^'nadves'o?  C  ^^^^f' "'"?  P  '  f.alecns  so  d.fferent  from  that  of  O^hE''  L  Hk    "     -^ 
Judea.  and  Cappadocia,  in  the  natives  of  Cappiidocia  wd  Pontus,and  of  the  country  more  properly  called  tho  ..mrnn     Aris 
^r"p^,'.^']^a:^l\^d  Pa.p,...  SL^!'f%?f  T"  -  f  inl^abhants  of  the  ne.ghbounn'g  provLe"^ 'Kl^.ItS^?^^^^  /ll 
lia  in  Egypt,  and  in  the  parts  W«»  of  igy/ji  awc^^Ae  purts  of  Ajncu  xvhich  are  about  Ci/renc,  and  the  mtm  mkmrner^  ^^ 
of  Libya  about  Cyrene,  and  in  this  citv  [xuho  are]  Romans,  some  of  us  native  Jetvs  and  othpr<:  nf  „c  ,7    7  f-'  "   1'^'^* 

stranfc-s«t  Rome,  Jews  and   i\,t„„„;„     „"]•    •  i,    rp        ^i  '■,,     ',  ^,  "'^'^'\c  ^ciua,  awa  omers  Ot  US  »?-ose/(/te   tO   the 

P'?rf'f'     H  A    K  Tl""  '^''^u°"  '     Together  with  those  of  both  these  sorts  who  use  tlie  languag-e  of  Crete   1 1 

do"..^a.^'?^ers^^^ak'Tn%rr  ^"^  ^hose  who  are  Arabians;  we  do  every  one  of  us  hear  them  speakui^  in  our  own  nS 
toDsues  the  wonderful  works  tongues^  the  wonderjul  works  oj  God,  in  the  surprising  testimonies  he  has  o-iven  to  thp  mi« 
"^  '"'^-  sion  of  Jesus  who  was  lately  crucified,  not  only  by  the  miracles  he  wrought  but  by  1  is 

resurrection  and  ascension.    And  while  they  are  discoursing  of  these  marvellous  events 
they  run  through  such  a  great  variety  of  languages,  which  no  one  can  suspect  they  have 
ever  been  taught,  with  so  much  readiness  and  propriety,  as  among  the  most  learned  of 
mankind  is  perfectly  unequalled. 
an?ied"fnd'were  irdoubtl  „/^"'^  the}/ were  all  in  a  mixture  of  amazement  and  perplexiti/,  and  said  one  to  another  12 
saying  one  to  another.  What   lyhat  Can  tlus  unaccountablc  appearance  possibly  mean  1  or  what  can  it  be  desioned  to 
'"irotherf  mocking   said,  effect  ?  £«!;  others  of  them,  and  particularly  those  who  were  native  Jews,  and  understood  13 
Th^ese  men  are  fall  of  new  none  ot  these  foreign  languages,  hearing  the  sound  of  their  words  as  a  kind  of  barbarous 
jargon,  derided  them,  and  in  a  mocking  and  contemptuous  manner  said,  Surely  these  men 
have  begun  the  festival  betimes,  and  are  undoubtedly ^//et/  with  sweet  intoxicitino-  wine  ^ 
and  therefore  make  this  unintelligible  noise.  ' 

witht^e'efe!^*n;  htfed'S^  hi^  ,    :^"^  Peter,  Standing  up  with  the  eleven,  who  were  then  in  company  with  him,  and  who  14 
Yl"'m»n"'l-  1^'a    ""'".    ,f"''    u     ^.     ,  ' ,  ,"^  °^^°^^  "^^"  speaking  in  different  languages,  raised  his  voice  so  loud  that 
thatTweii  at"  Jerusalem,  be  ^^°'^  '^^^  ^ad  been  reproaching  them  might  hear  it,  and  said  to  them,  in  the  tongue  that 
iiearktStomv  word^s""'  """*  T^  commonly  used  among  them,  O  ye  men  of  Judea,  and  especially  all  you  that  inhabit 
my  words .  Jerusalem,  whom  I  would  be  solicitous  in  the  first  place  to  inform  and  convince  let  this  be 

15  For  these  are  not  drunk       T"  ""»   '(""  ^'  ^"^  **^  '^l"'^  °*'  *'"^  extraordinary  appearance,  a7id  listen  to  mi,  words 
enfasyesuTOose!s"e°eing"uis  ^"^  ^"  attention  becoming  the  importance  of  the  occasion  on  which  I  speak  :    For  these  15 
*w  the  third  hour  of  the  day.  men  are  not  drunk,  as  you,  who  do  not  understand  them,  rashly  suppose  -and  it  is  indeed 
very  uncharitable>r  you  to  imagine  it,  considering  that  it  is  now  but  the  third  hour  of  the 
<to/,i  that  IS  about  nine  o  clock  in  the  morning,  the  hour  of  morning  sacrifice  ■  before 
which,  you  know,  none  who  have  any  regard  for  their  character  will  allow  themselves  so 
much  as  to  taste  wine,  and  much  less  to  drink  any  large  quantity  of  it,  whereby  they 
,fi  T.  *  „         ...    ...  T^     be  rendered  incapable  of  attending  the  service  of  the  temple  on  such  a  solemn  fes- 

wis'  s^'poken'by'the'prophet  ^^^l  ^'  ^^J^'     ^"^  '^^  ^'"S.'^  '^^^  Occasioned  so  much  admiration,  and  which  you  know  16 
■'''it  'AnH  i.  d  11         .  "-"^  oo  "^oi"  a?.<^0""t  for,  is  that  great  event  which  was  spoken  of  by  the  prophet  Joel,"'  chap. 

nnnn"  ^i^'fl"^.'  °^  ""^  ^'''"'  c  .  J^^essiah,  suith  the  ever-blessed  God,  I  will  pour  out  an  extraordinary  effusion  ofmu 
sTs\ndUur'daugl"tersih°aii  ^P''''^  "P""}  ^flesh,  that  IS  upon  some  of  all  ranks  and  orders,  of  all  ages  and  nations  6f 
mT^M  see  ^sro'ns'"'a,';a  ™T '  '"  """  '^  wonderful  eflfect  of  it,  your  sons  and  your  daughters  shall  prophesy,o 
your  old  men  shafrdream  ''Z  I"''''  -f""^  '"'^^  «{'«^^  ^^^  prophetic  visions,  and  your  old  men  shall  dream  significant 

"l^AnA   on  my  servants  Z,        /'".K^  '"a^""?  '^''c'"'':,    ^''"'  '"  *'"'"'  ^"-^^  ^  ''''^  "^  ^  "0^^  extraordinary  manner  18 
and  on  my  handmaidens  I  P^"T,  "^         ^,     °J  "'^  ^P"'^'^  "^"^  '".?^  Servants,  and  even  upon  my  handmaids;  and  then 
niy'^s'piri'f -inrthef  ^hali  £  f'^W^'pf^'H'^^''^  shall  not  Only  publish  and  proclaim  the  fiches  of  my  grace,  but 
Pi^ph^y : '  '"'^  '*'""  shall  foretell  the  judgments  that  are  coming  upon  those  who  shall  continue  hardened  in 

derf  fo'^hJaven' above  7nd  fV'fi    ■         ^    '  effusion  of  my  Spirit  shall  be  followed  with  a  most  awful  revolution  ;  19 
signs  in  the  earth  beneath ;  '°''  /  'f"*  S^^^  J^^  to  See  prodigies  in  heaven  above,  and  signs  upon  the  earth  beneath  ■  p  and 
Mok^"^  ^"''  ""'^  ^''^""^  fr    ^^^tnictive  wars  shall  arise,  as  a  punishment  for  the  wickedness  of  those  who  reject 
the  mercy  I  offer,  that  there  shall  be  blood  shed  in  abundance,  and  fire  scattered  abroad  to 

"0  The  ,„n  .h  n  K   .       1  ^0"S'iine  your  cities  and  villages,  so  that  a  cloud  of  smoke  shall  ascend  from  the  ruins  of 
Wo  dlrkne""!^'  I'^e^moon  ^t^""-.    ^f'  there  shall  be  such  confusion  and  misery,  and  all  regular  government  both  in  20 
inH  no?h!  ^.l*°'■^•'I'■f'  ?'*^*  ,,  ^,   \^  ^"^"  °^  ^^  entirely  dissolved,  that  the  sun  shall  as  it  were  be  turned  into 

and  ^notable  day  ot  the  Lord  darkness,  and  the  moon  intjf,mod,  before  that  great  and  illustrious  day  of  the  Lord  shall 

21  And  it  shall  come  to  tuiij  come,  in  which  he  will  take  ample  vengeance  on  every  unbeliever,    jlnd  it  shall  come  21 
pas,,..«.who.oevershaiicaii  to  pass,  that  whoever  shall,  with  humble  submission  to  my  method  of  saving  grace  in  my 

tafef ^e'sfto-  bl'lhtrLSe'l^hf iT^f  wlfoLd'beeS  carned"''c'a"n''  t^t^^^^  f"  ?^'  '"^^  -'-,'  "^  ""V^™1  "^y-  ^^  '''^  ''-*■■-"<'"  "^ 
tive  into  Assyria,  first  by  liglXpileserce  Kfngrxv    "9  )  Ind  afte?"    in  it  r^J'^i^S  a  gospel  so  confirmed,  were  originally  referred  to 

xvh'6.'/  l^fcu:i^^%lfSlnl'V"'^o^^  ''''''  °'  ''''  ''''''''■  '"  ^'°S^  .  "  ^»  "!'  laHaay,^  Every  one  knows  that  the  lau  days  was  a  phrase 
.vines  rk^o^^^nt^^Ti^J^^lc^a^'nT.  ""'='  "  °""  """"^ '  ''"'  '''''     r„n'i^^o^^n%^l*™l^^  ^^l-  'i>;yF}i'^t^'J'i'4!l/-ZiV^i^ 


2  B  2 


372  THE  DESCENT  OF  THE  SPIRIT  UPON  THE  APOSTLES. 

SECT.  Son,  invoke  the  name  of  .the  Lord,  shall  he  saved'^kom  this  terrible  destruction,  and  brought  on  the  name  of  the  Lord  shall 
3.      into  a  state  of  security  and  happiness."  be  saved. 

These  premises  the  apostle  Peter  afterwards  applied  to  the  conviction  of  those  who  bad 

ACTS    rejected  and  slain  our  Lord  ;  and  the  argument  wrought  most  powerfully  upon  them.     But 
"■      the  prosecution  and  success  of  this  address  must  be  referred  to  the  following  sections. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

■\ViTH  how  much  attention  and  delight  should  we  read  the  history  of  this  glorious  event,  so  frequently  rArred 

to  m  the  predictions  of  our  Lord,  and  of  so  great  importance  to  the  christian  cause, — the  miraculous  descent  of  the 

Ver.    2  Holy  Spirit !  He  came  down  as  a  mighty  rushing  wind,  to  signify  the  powerful  energy  of  his  operations,  whereby 

8  the  whole  world  was  to  be  shaken.     He  fell  upon  them  in  tongues  of  fire,  cloven  or  divided  into  several  parts,  to 

denote  the  most  celebrated  effect  to  be  immediately  produced,  in  causing  theni  to  speak,  with  the  utmost  readiness 

4  and  propriety,  languages  thev  had  never  learnt.     An  astonishing  miracle  !  which  was  intended,  not  for  pomp  and 

8—11  ostentation,  but  to  render  them  capable  of  propagating  the  gospel  to  the  most  distant  nations,  to  which  the  grace  of 

God  had  determined  to  send  it. 

1      It  is  observable  that  this  divine  gift  fell  upon  thera  while  they  were  unanimously  gathered  together ;  perhaps  to 

intimate,  that  the  influences  of  the  Spirit  are  most  to  be  expected  where  there  is  the  greatest  unanimity  and  the 

greatest  devotion.     Thus  did  the  blessed  Jesus  accomplish  what  had  been  foretold  concerning  him,  (Matt.  iii.  11.) 

that  he  should  baptize  his  disciples  loith  the  Hoh/  Ghost  and  with  fire.    And  surely  the  sacred  ilame  did  not  only 

illuminate  their  minds  with  celestial  brightness,  but  did  also  cause  their  whole  hearts  to  glow  with  love  to  God  and 

zeal  for  his  gospel.    To  this  purpose  may  he  still  be  imparted  to  us,  whether  we  hold  public  or  private  stations  in 

the  church  ;  and  may  our  regards  to  him  be  ever  most  dutifully  maintained  !     Especially  may  he  be  poured  out 

1 1  upon  the  ministers  of  it,  to  direct  them  how  they  should  speak  the  wonderful  things  of  God,  and  may  their  hearers, 

under  his  gracious  energy,  gladly  receive  the  word  ! 

Let  us  not  wonder  if  the  more  common  operations  of  the  Spirit  on  men's  minds  be  derided  by  profane  ignorance 
and  folly,  when  there  were  some,  even  on  this  glorious  day,  who  were  stupid  or  malicious  enough  to  ascribe  the 
13  amazing  event  we  have  been  surveying,  to  the  supposed  intoxication  of  the  apostles,  and  to  say  they  were  full  of 
14,  15  sweet  wine.     But  let  us  observe  how  well  Peter  vindicated  himself  and  his  brethren  with  words,  not  of  satire  and 
reproach,  but  of  meekness  and  sobriety,  as  well  as  of  truth  ;  showing  at  once  the  most  perfect  command  both  of  his 
16—18  reason  and  of  his  temper.     JusUy  did  he  apply  on  this  occasion  that  celebrated  prophecy  of  Joel,  in  which  this 
grand  event  is  so  exactly  described.     Let  us  adore  the  divine  goodness,  which  has  poured  forth  the  Spirit  like  a 
refreshing  dew  upon  his  church.     Let  us  pray  that  we  may  all  receive  it  in  such  degrees  as  may  suit  the  present 
state  of  things :  and  let  us  deprecate  those  judgments  which  the  contempt  of  the  Spirit  has  too  evident  a  tendency 
to  produce. 
19,  20      Justly  might  God  have  made  our  land  gloomy  and  horrible  with  blood,  and  fire,  and  pillars  of  smoke ;  justly 
might  he  have  turned  our  sun  into  darkness  and  our  moon  into  blood.    Let  us  adore  his  patience  that  these  national 
judgments,  which  are  so  well  deserved,  have  been  thus  long  withheld.    But  let  us  also  remember  that  the  great 
and  notable  day  is  approaching,  in  which  the  Lord  Jesus  shall  be  revealed  from  heaven  in  flaming  fire,  taking  ven- 
geance on  them  that  kiunv  not  God,  and  that  obei/  not  a  gospel  so  gloriously  attested.  (2  Thess.  i.  7,  8.)   Then  shall 
these  figurative  expressions  be  literally  fulfilled  :  then  shall  the  heavenly  luminaries  be  quenched  in  their  orbs ; 
the  elements  shall  melt  with  fervent  heat,  and  the  earth  and  all  that  is  therein  shall  be  burnt  vp.    (2  Pet.  iii.  10.) 
21  But  even  then,  all  those  that  have  believed  in  Christ,  and  with  obedient  love  have  called  upon  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  shall  be  saved  with  an  everlasting  salvation.     May  that  be  through  grace  our  happy  portion ;  and  may  its 
prospects  be  daily  brightening  upon  us,  till  it  shall  open  in  its  full  lustre,  and  shine  beautiful  and  glorious  amidst 
the  flames  of  a  dissolving  world  ! 


SECTION  IV. 

ent 

I'as 

Acts  ii.  22. 


Peter  continues  his  discourse  to  the  people  just  after  the  descent  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  shows  that  Jesus,  whom  they  crucified,  was  risen  from 

the  dead,  and  was  the  true  Messiah.    Acts  ii.  i22 — 36. 


SECT.   WHEN  Peter  had  quoted  the  passage  in  Joel  mentioned  above,  as  referring  to  the  days  ye  men  of  Israel,  hear  these 
4.      of  the  Messiah,  he  added,  Ye  men  of  Israel,  let  me  charge  it  upon  you  that  ye  hear  these  man  approyeVof  GotUmon? 


won- 
od 


words  with  an  attention  proportionable  to  the  importance  of  them  :  You  cannot  but  remem-  you  by  miracles,  and  wc 
ACTS    ber  tliat  there  hath  lately  appeared  amongst  you  a  celebrated  person,  called  Jesns  the  Naza-  [M,'hy^h\mfia\\\l  midst' of 
"•      rene ;  a  man  who  was  approved  and  recommended  to  i/ou'^  hi/  God  himself,  by  those  yo".  as  ye  yourselves  also 
^^  powerful  operations,  and  ivondcrs,  and  signs,  which  God  ivronght  In/  him  in  the  midst  of  i/ou, 
in  your  most  public  places  and  assemblies ;  as  ye  yourselves  have  seen,  and  cannot  take 

23  upon  you  to  deny  but  that  ye  also  know  :  Yet  you  were  so  far  from  paying  him  any  be-  ?3  Him, being  delivered  by 
coming  recrard,  thnt  you  entered  into  an  impious  and  ungrateful  conspiracy  against  his  fbreknow'iedge^  oT^God,  "ye 
life  ;  and  have,  in  prosecution  thereof,  seized  him,  even  this  illustrious  prophet,  being  given  have  taken,  and  bv  wicked 
lip  into  your  hands  by  the  determinate  counsel  and  prescience  of  God,^  who  well  knew  what  sfjln .  '""'*  crucified  and 
treatment  he  would  meet  with  from  you,  and  for  wise  and  good  reasons  permitted  it  to  be  : 

Him,  I  say,  by  the  hands  o/"  Gentile  sinners,'^  with  public  ignominy  you  have  fastened  [to 

24  the  cross]  and  slain,  as  if  he  had  been  the  meanest  and  vilest  of  malefactors.     But  be  it     24  whom  God  hatii  raised 
known  unto  you,  that  God  hath  abundantly  vindicated  the  honour  of  this  his  dear  Son,  dP^th^'becaufl'^i't' w^as°not 
whom  you  had  thus  infamously  abused,  and  hath  borne  a  most  glorious  testimony  to  his  possible  that  he  should  be 
innocence,  truth,  and  dignity ;  for  it  is  he  whom  God  hath  raised  up  from  the  dead  by  a  ^°^^^°  °^  ''• 
miraculous  effort  of  his  divine  power,  having  loosed  the  bonds  in  which  he  lay,  vvhen  the 

pains  of  death  had  done  their  work  upon  him  :>i  as  indeed  it  was  impossible,  all  things  con- 
sidered, that  he  should  finally  be  held  under  the  power  of  it. 

C|   Whosoever  shall  invoke  the  name  of  the  Lord,  Ac]    This  context  b  Prescience  of  God.]    Grotius,  as  well  as  Beza,  obser\'e5,  that  npo- 

being  quoted  thus,  was  a  strong  intimation  that  nothing  but  their  ac-  ^i/mcti?  must  here  signify  rfefr««;  and  Eisner  has  shown  it  has  tliatsisnifi- 

ceptance  of  the  gospel  could  secure  them  from  impendent  ruin.     I5ren-  cation  in  approved  Greek  writers.     And  it  is  certain  eK^oToe  signifies 

nius  has  proved  by  an  ample  collection  of  texts,  (in  his  note  on  this  one  given  up  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.    See   Eisner  and  Raphel. 

place,)  that  calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord  is  often  put  for  the  whole  of  re-  in  loc. 

ligion.    And  if  it  do  not  here  directly  signify  invoking  Christ,  which  is  c  By  the  hands  of  Gen\\\i  sinners.']    That  is,   by  the  hands  of  the 

sometimes  used  to  express  the  whole  christian  character,  (compare  Acts  wicked  and  idolatrous  Romans,  who  were  the  immediate  agents  in  the 

ix.  14,21.  xxii.  16.  Rom.  x.  12, 13.  and  1  Cor.  i.2.)  it  must  imply,  that  crucifixion  of  C;hrist,  yet  were  only  the  instruments  of  the  Jewish  rage 

it  is  impossible  for  any  who  reject  him  to  pray  in  an  acceptable  man-  and  cruelty  in  what  they  did.    Some  copies  read  it,  6ia  x^'poi  avonav, 

ner.    How  awful  a  reflection  !  ip  the  hand  of  the  ungodly. 

a  Hecommend  to  you.)    Avoiedei-ruevov  et^  tua^,  pointed mtt  to  you  us  d  The  patns  of  death.]      Beza   conjectures,  (I  think  with  great  pro- 

the  object  of  your  most  respectful  legards.  babilityOthatasthc  Hebrew  word, ^73rT,  with  the  variation  only  of  one 


PETER'S  DISCOURSE  TO  THE  PEOPLE.  373 

ce;^in^'h?:^"''i'?brtawX-  ^ pS^^^'^ft'^  :T11  ^°"T/"^  ^""'' jJ^A  ^t  ''  'V^^^'"'^  i"  the  person  of  the  Messiah,  sect. 
l!o.^alwa™s'before  m?face!  (^8^1.  xvi.  8,  et  seq.)  "  Ihuve  regarded  the  Lord  as  always  before  me/  with  an  assurance      4. 

for  he  IS  on  my  right  hand,  that  in  the  greatest  trials  I  am  called  to,  he  will  contmually  be  ready  to  annenr  in  mv  hp  

tiiat  I  shoaia  not  be  n.oved :    ^^if .  ^,,,,„,,  j  ^now  that  /,e  is  at  m^  right  hand  in  the  whole  serfes  of  n' v Taboi^s^nd    acts 
C6  Therefore  did  my  heart  Sufferings,  that  I  might  not  be  moved  by  any  of  them.    And  for  this  reason  upon  account      ^^■ 
^id?moreov?r^ais°o"m; flesh  of  the  firm  Confidence  I  have  in  him,  my  heart  is  glad,  and  my  tongue  e.mlteth  in  the  most  ^^ 
shall  rest  in  hope :  cheerful  manner ;  yea,  and  moreover  too,  even  my  mortal  Jlesh,  while  it  lodges  in  the 

27  Because  thou  wilt  not  scpulchre,  shall  rest  in  a  joyful  and  assured  hope:  Because  I  am  fully  satisfied  <^a^  thou  27 
«Xthou?uVeV%h,ne"Hory  '^"^''^  ^'ot  kovemysoul,  while  separated  from  it,  in  the  unseen  world  ;s  neither  wilt  thou  per- 
Oue  to  see  corruption.  mit  even  the  body  of  thine  Holy  One,  thy  peculiar  favourite,  whom  thou  hast  set  apart  to 

such  honourable  and  important  seiTices,  so  much  as  to  see  corruption  in  the  grave  or  to 
to'.f^J'thrwa^s  oTht  fTou  ^'^  f  long  there  as,  in  the  course  of  nature  to  be  in  danger  of  putrefaction.     Thou  hast  28 
Shalt  make  me  full  of  joy  "'""^  '""^  to  know  the  ways  of  life,  to  which  thou  wilt  assuredly  conduct  me  •    and 
with  thy  countenance.  after  all  my  Sufferings  here,  thou  wilt  fill  me  with  jot/  in  those  upper  and  more  glorious  re- 

gions to  which  thou  wilt  raise  me,  rnaking  me  glad  with  the  light  of  thi/  countenance,  and 
taking  me  to  dwell  in  thine  immediate  presence,  where  there  is  fulness  of  joy,  and  at  thy 
right  hand,  where  there  are  everlasting  and  uninterrupted  pleasures." 
29  Men  and  brethrt*,  let      And  now,  continued  Peter,  when  he  had  recited  these  words  at  large,  ye  men  of  Israel  29 
rf^he^ptfriaixh  Dav.d,  ffal  ^^^o™  ^  ^espect  [fl«rf]  love  as  my  brethren,  pennit  me  to  speak  freely  to  you  concerning  the 
J'«  's  both  dead  and  buried,  patriarch  David  who  wrote  this,  and  to  open  a  hint  which,  if  pursued,  will  lead  you  into 
unto  this'day .''^  "         "*  the  true  sense  of  many  other  scriptures  which  you  and  your  teachers  are  far  from  under- 
standing.    As  for  the  royal  Psalmist,  you  well  know  that  he  is  long  since  both  dead  and 
buried,  and  that  his  sepulchre,  in  which  his  dust  remains,  is  here  amomr  us  in  Jerusalem 
phTt  '^nrknoirniMml  God  ^''^^  \"'^"  ^i''^  ''"^^      lie  therefore  could  not  say  this  of  himself:  but  being  a  divinely  in-  30 
had  'sworn  with  an  oath  to  spircd  prophet,  and  knowing  that  God  had,  in  a  special  revelation  from  heaven,  solemnly 
I'o'ins  ac'cordin-^'to'thc  Isil'  ™'"''«,.'°  -^"^  wMan  oath  that  of  the  fruit  of  his  loms,  or  out  of  his  descendants,  he  would, 
he  would  raise"  up  Christ  to  dccording  to  the  Jtesh,^  when  he  should  send  his  Son  into  the  world  in  the  human  nature 
sit  on  his  throne;  raise  up  the  promised  Messiah,  to  sit  on  his  throne,  and  to  inherit  universal  empire    (Psal' 

spile^Jf  tl\""rlsuV';:ctr;^f  evenT  blViv-.n^'inTntfin^n'"'"  f'T'  ""^h^f^^thfulness  of  God,  foreseeing  [this]  great  31 
Christ,  that  his  soul  was  not  ?^^"1'  ^y  ai\ine  inspiration  spake  the  words  which  I  have  now  been  repeating ;  not  mean- 
did  s«  corruSH^'n""  *"'  "'''"  T^     '^'"  f  himself,  or  intending  they  should  be  taken  in  any  lower  sense,  but  referring 
them  to  the  resurrection  of  the  Messiah  ;  thereby  plainly  signifying  that  his  soul  should  not 
be  left  m  the  unseen  world,  nor  his  flesh  be  suffered  to  see  corruption. 
rabid™!  whereof  we'"alP^e       ^'^f-  ^^7  ii'''\  ^'''^"'  J^^"^  ^^  =^.^^6^  to  be  the  true  Messiad,  God  hath  now  raised  up  32 
witnesses :  according  to  the  tenor  of  this  promise ;  of  which  resurrection,  astonishing  as  it  may  seem, 

all  we  his  apostles  are  witnesses  on  our  own  personal  and  certain  knowledo-e  •  having  seen 
right '^h*lfnf°of'Gorex''a'itld'  ''™  ^'''^  our  eycs,  and  examined  into  the  truth  of  the  matter  with  all  possible  care.  And  33 
and  having  received  of  the  i^ore  than  this,  we  Solemnly  assure  you  that,  mean  and  contemptible  as  this  Jesus  once 
Holy 'Ghost,'""hT'hath' shed  ^PPeared  among  you,  he  is  invested  now  with  sovereign  dominion;  and  being  exalted 
forth  this,  which  ye  now  see  therefore  to  Supreme  majesty  and  glory  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  and  having,  as  the  great 
^■"^  ^^^-  anointed  of  the  Lord,  received  the  promise  of  the  Holy  Spirit  from  the  lather,  he  hath, 

agreeably  to  the  notices  he  gave  us  before  his  ascension,  which  happened  but  ten  days 
ago,  shed  forth  this  miraculous  effusion  of  it,  lohich  has  produced  the  wonderful  effects  that 
you  notv  see  and  hear,  and  which  is  given  us  as  an  holy  unction  from  above,  by  which  he 
constitutes  us  ministers  in  his  church  below. 
ed^inTo  th^^hltvenT'  'buThe  j  ^^d  indeed  it  appears  from  other  passages  of  his  writings,  that  the  great  patriarch  whom  34 
saith  himself,  The  Lord  said  1  mentioned  before,  had  some  views  to  this  kingdom  of  the  Messiah;  for  David,  who  has 
^TrigTit'hand.      '  *''°"  °°  "f  ^i"  y^^  been  raised  from  the  dead,  is  not  h\mse\{  ascended  into  heaven  in  the  body,  to  be 
advanced  there  to  the  highest  dignity  and  power ;  but  plainly  intimates  that  this  belonged 
to  one  superior  to  himself,  when  he  says,  (Psal.  ex.  1.)  "  The  Lord  Jehovah  said  unto  my 
Lord,  that  is,  God  the  Father  said  unto  the  Messiah,  (whom,  though  in  one  sense  he  is  to 
thf  fS.utooi  '"''''^  *''^  ^°''       /"^•^n*"!'  ^  '^°"'^"'"  ^s  ™y  LoxA,)  Sit  thou  exalted  on  a  throne  at' my  right  hand.  Until  I  35 
make  all  that  are  so  presumptuous  as  to  go  on  to  be  thine  enemies  thy  footstool,^  and  lay 
them  prostrate  at  thy  feet,  so  that  thou  mayst  trample  upon  them  at  pleasure,  as  entirely 
subdued."  r  ■>  j 

36  Therefore   let  all   the      Therefore  Upon  the  whole,  from  this  concurrent  evidence  both  of  prophecy  and  miracle,. 


^fi-  11-  and  Job  xlii.  8.     (See   Klsner,  in' /nc.  and  Gatake 


T.V//;'    7  ,     ■     ''V'-,?-     ,S.?   "-''sner    ;?j  /i,c.  and  Gataker,   On  the    mains  of  David's  sepulchre  as  extant  in  his  titiie  •  (Hier    Fvist  xvi   ad 
/e'^'  s'frot'r,T;     f:A  ^::^lJ^}^j!:^.!V^^i:.  t^-^^t    .^-?''-^  -"  -  iar4acco,mtof  oth^lestimoiJles^'on'^rn^^'itmlV  bf' 


rse'cCfitTof  m^own  rl°?;J,'v,'  '  '  ' ■  h"^  ?'"'  "P"  ^^^? ^^^  "'''^  "'5  ^H'^  •  ^^'i  ^°  "^^Z  ^e  an  intimat  in   that  it  wa^  only  with  lespect  to 

an  easy  solution^  hTh   uTLTl'^^h      ■  '"fw  ^f  ^'^  ""^'"  'T^'^f'^.f'*  'l!^  ^""'^"  ""'"■''^  that  the  Messiah  should  descend  from  David,  while 

clauses  to  Chrkt'        .h.?.fl.r^     ^  '*'  •    u  '.'"'  ^^^}-  ^^i-se.  refer  both  the  there  was  still  a  higher  nature  in  which  he  was  superior  to   him,  and 

diate'y  a°ter  the  Vth  vpri.  T,h  '"ll'T  ^^  «'[^"""°"  '"  he  in  ad  e  imme-  was  indeed  to  be  regarded  as  the  Son  of  God.    (Compare  Rom.  i   3   4.) 

which  David  rpreivedfV^n?Pi^   ^'^'    '  "?'!■'"  ^^Press  the  instruction  It  was  with  a  view  to  this,  that  Clarius  and  some  others  suppose  these 

made  to  him  inTp  nllf  c           ' '"  u  ""^''^'at'o"  concerning  the  Messiah  words  to  be  inserted  here  by  the  apostle  :  and  I  have  therefore  so  dis- 

which  he  h^ard  hfm  fn  ,1  ,1    f'  u^"'  P"^''^'  he  had  some  vision  m  posed  them  in  the  Tersion  as  to  leave  no  room  for  aiy  ambiguity, 

quoted  in  thrword^  nff^fh^  r      fo"<'"'";g..^^ords.-The  passage  is  here  k   Unlil  I  make  thine  enemies  thy  footstool.]    This  text  isquoted  on  this 

the  Hebrew  •  hZ  th.  !    ^  ^'*^''  translation,  something  different  from  occasion  with  the  happiest  addresf,  as  suggesting,  in  the  words  of  David 

B  riwuZiU  no,  tJ.t        '^  "1"^^  ^^^  """^-          ,.  -,    T,                        .  'heir  great  prophetic  monarch,  how  certain  their  own  ruin  must  be,  if 

against  kl  DontL^ZirT"  T/P-'/'"  !""*'"  tvorld.}    Reza  (to  guard  they  went  on  to  oppose  Christ.— Eisner  has  a  fine  collection  of  ancient 

.#e  :oU'\sT:y^tndTn^  t^Sew?b'^S;=^^^ 


374  THREE  THOUSAND  CONVERTED  AND  BAPTIZED  BY  PETER. 

SECT     and  from  the  testimony  God  has  given  to  that  Jesus  whom  we  preach,  not  only  by  his  houseof  Israel  know  assured- 
4.  ■    resurrection  from  the  dead,  but  by  the  effusion  of  tlie  Holy  Spirit  on  his  followers,  let  all  ili^^t^^.^^,  wtonTye  h^l 

the  house  of  Israel  assuredly  know,  hov/  contrary  soever  it  may  be  to  their  former  apprehen-  crucified,   boUi    Lord    and 

ACTS    sions  and  rooted  prejudices,  that  God  hath  made  this  Jesus  whom  you  rejected  and  crucified,  "-    '"». 
"•  ^  that  Lord  and  that  Messiah,  whose  kingdom  you  profess  so  eagerly  to  desire,  and  who 
"^"  will  surely  come  to  execute  his  wrath  upon  you,  if  you  are  still  so  obstinate  as  to  continue 
in  your  sins.  r         i      • 

Thus  Peter  concluded  his  discourse :  and  God  blessed  it  as  the  means  of  awakening 
and  converting  thousands,  as  we  shall  see  in  the  following  section. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Ver  23      Let  us  firmly  believe  the  wisdom  of  the  divine  counsels,  and  humbly  adore  the  depths  of  them  ;  according  to 

which   without  the  least  violation  of  that  human  freedom  on  which  the  morality  of  our  actions  depends,  those 

events' happen  which  the  wickedness  of  men  as  really  effects  as  if  Providence  were  wholly  unconcerned  in  them. 

24      Let  us  thankfully  own  the  riches  of  that  grace  which  gave  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  be  a  sacrihce  tor  us,  and 

then  raised  him  triumphant  from  the  grave,  lo  reign  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Majesty  on  high,  far  above  all  prmci- 

31  pality,  and  power,  and  might.  (Heb.  i.  3.  and  Eph.  i.  21.)     In  him  the  prophecies  are  accomplished  :   His  soul  ivas 

not  left  in  hell  nor  did  he  so  much  as  see  corruption  m  the  grave.     And  we  may  consider  his  resurrection  as  a 

pledee  given  us  for  our  assurance  that  God  will  not  abandon  us  in  that  ruinous  state  to  which  his  righteous  sen- 

28  tence  for  a  while  brings  our  bodies.     He  will  at  length  redeem  them  from  the  power  of  the  grave.    (Hosea  xiu. 

14  )  He  will  show  us  also  the  path  of  life  which  our  Redeemer  hath  trodden,  and,  by  treading,  has  marked  out 

26  for  us-  and  will  conduct  us  to  his  right  hand,  where  Jesus  reigns,  and  with  him  everlasting  pleasure.    In  him 

therefore  let  our  heart  be  dad,  and  in  him  let  our  tongue  rejoice  ;  and  when  it  is  thus  employed,  it  will  indeed  be 

the  glory  of  our  frame.  (Psal.  xvi.  9.)    In  this  hope  let  our  flesh  rest ;  nor  let  our  faith  stagger  at  the  promise  of 

God,  as  if  any  thing  could  be  hard  to  Omnipotence.  (Rom.  iv.  20,  21.)  r  ,  ■ 

33      In  the  mean  time,  beholding  this  wonderful  effusion  of  the  Spirit  as  the  blessed  consequence  of  the  ascension 

and  exaltation  of  Christ,  let  us,  with  that  affection  which  becomes  his  disciples,  take  our  part  in  his  glory  and  joy. 

34   35  Let  us  triumph  in  tlie  thought  that  God  hath  now  said  unto  him.  Sit  thou  at  my  right  hand,  till  I  make  thine  ene- 

'       mies  thi/  footstool.    And  while  we  rejoice  in  the  security  which  we  have  as  his  friends,  let  us  pray  that  the  blessed 

time  may  come  when  every  opposing  power  shall  be  brought  down,  and  when  we  shall  see  that  sight  for  which  our 

eyes  so  long  have  been  waiting,  even  all  things  put  under  his  feet.  (1  Cor.  xv.  25,  27.)    Hasten,  O  Lord,  that  glori- 


ous 
thin 


day ;  and  wliatever  our  station  or  furniture  is,  may  we  be  honoured  as  the  happy  instruments  of  doing  some- 
g,  whether  by  life  or  by  death,  in  subserviency  to  this  great  design  ! 


SECTION  V. 

Great  numbers  are  converted  by  Peter's  discourse,  and  being  immediately  baptized,  signalize  themselves  by  their  piety  and  mutual  affection, 
which  produces  a  further  increase  m  the  church.    Acts  ii.  3( ,  to  the  end. 

Acts  ii.  37.  Acts  ii.  37. 

SECT.  THUS  Peter  addressed  himself  to  the  Jews  on  the  day  of  Pentecost  =  arg"in/  from  the  ^OWwiH^nt^e^y  heard  M»^ 
5.      miraculous  communication  of  the  Spirit,  that  Jesus  being  risen  from  the  dead,  was  de-  ^^^J,^  ^^^  ^.^^^   „„t„  p^,gr 

clared  by  God  to  be  the  promised  Messiah,  and  charging  them,  on  this  incontestable  "^i\d„'^,t^|restoj^fte^apostUs, 

ACTS    evidence,  with  the  aggravated  guilt  of  being  his  betrayers  and  murderers.    JSoivwhen  they  -^^^  ^^, 
"•      heard  [these  things,']  thei/  were  pierced  to  the  heart  with  deep  and  lively  sorrow,  and  felt  such 
^^  a  conviction  of  their  enormous  giult,  in  the  injuries  and  indignities  which  they  had  offered 
to  this  glorious,  this  divine  Person,  that  with  the  utmost  eagerness  and  solicitude  they  cried 
out,  and  said  to  Peter  and  the  rest  of  the  apostles,  Men  [and]  brethren,  what  shall  we  do  to 
free  ourselves  from  that  guilt  and  danger  which  our  own  folly  and  wickedness  have  brought 
^       upon  us?  ,  ,,.,,,..• 

^38  And  Peter  said  unto  them.  Through  the  divine  goodness  still  continued  to  you  your  ^^f^  ^^pent  Id'he  Zp- 
case  is  not  yet  desperate  :  Repent  therefore  of  this  aggiavated  crime,  a7id,  in  token  of  your  tized 'every  one  ot  you  in  the 
desire  to  be  washed  from  the  guilt  of  that  blood  which  you  have  so  rashly  imprecated  iipon  ?J'^^i|^^„'„*f'^?„^.''3';f,Vye°shai! 
yourselves  and  your  children,  (Matt,  xxvii.  23.)  be  each  of  you  baptized^  in  the  name  of  the  receive  the  gift  'of  the  Holy 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,^  in  order  to  tlie  forgiveness  of  that  and" all  [your]  other  sins;  and  you  Ghost, 
not  only  shall  obtain  the  free  and  full  remission  of  them  all,  but  also  shall  receive  the  gft 
of  the  'Holy  Spirit,  by  wliich  he  will  own  the  work  of  his  grace  upon  your  hearts,  and 

39  qualify  you  for  serving  that  Lord  whom  you  have  crucified.  For  tlie  promise  of  the  Spirit  ^39  Fot  the  promise^is  unto 
is  made,  as  you  see  in  the  forecited  passage  from  Joel,  (ver.  17,  18.)  to  you,  and  to  your  ^nd'to  all  that  are  afar  offl 
children,''  whom  God  is  ready  to  admit  to  the  same  privilege  w^ith  you  :  and  not  only  so,  g'««  ^^ manjj^as  the  Lordour 
but  it  extends  to  the  remotest  nations,  to  all  that  are  afar  off,<\  as  well  as  to  them  that  are 

near,  even  to  as  many  as  the  I^ord  our  God  shall  call  by  the  preaching  of  his  gospel ;  which 
shall  be  propagated'to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  and  receive  glorious  attestations  every  where, 
by  the  effusion  of  the  like  miraculous  gifts  as  we  have  received  on  many,  and  by  the  com- 
munication of  the  inward  graces  of  llie  Spirit  unto  all  who  shall  become  obedient  to  the  faith. 

40  Thus  Peter  addressed  liimself  to  the  multitude,  and  with  many  other  words  he  bore  Ins  ^^4o^  A^nd  j;j"j'J^«^y„,'j"^^': 
testimony  to  these  imjiortant  truths,  and  earnestly  exhorted  them  to  an  immediate  consider-  lYort*  saying,  Save  yourselves 
ation  of  the  danger  of  persisting  in  their  infidelity ;  saying,  in  the  conclusion  of  all.  See 

that  you  lay  these  things  to  heart,  receiving  them  with  such  regard  as  the  importance  of 

a  Bepcnt,  and  he  each  of  you  baptized.-]  They  are  not  only  called  here  gif>  of  the  Spirit  had  been  "^P"tj""«l  J"^' 'l^f'l''^  ",^^f'J^l!",f,' "^^^^^^^ 

to  repent,  but  a  submission  also  to  the  ordinance  of  baptism  is  required  to  interpret  this  as  a  reference  to  »hat  Passage  m  Joe    whic^^^  been 

of  them,  in  order  to  the  forgiveness  of  their  sins  :  for  though,  on  their  so  largely  reci  ed  above,  (ver   ^.^l' .«?■)  w  ^'«  God  P^ 

repenting  and  bel  ieving,  they  were,  according  to  the  tenor  ot'the  gospel-  Hon  of  the  .Spnit  on  thar  f'fjnd  the.rdavff/a^^^^^^^ 

covenant,  entitled  to  the  remission  of  their  sins;  yet  as  Christ  had  for  have  paraphrased  the  latter  cj«»se  ot  this v erse^^ 

wise  reasons  appointed  this  solemn  rite  as  a  token  of  their  taking  up  the  ordinary  gifts :  and  the  rather  as  the  =^«"^»'f>  "«? '"^"«"™^^ 

christian  profession  in  a  public  manner,  the, c  could  have  been  no  sutli-  must  already  have  be^jn  received,  to  prepare  them  tor  ent^^^^^^^ 

cicnt  evidence  of  the  truth  of  their  repentance  and  taith,  if  this  precept  church  by  baptism.  /'"'  £ ''\\PV  Iheir  ,ins    this  whole  verse  mist  be 

nf  PhrUt  hart  nnf  hppn  ohpvpil.  remoter  clause,  the  fprg  veness  of  then  sins,  this  whole  \crse  must  De 


THREE  THOUSAND  CONVERTED  AND  BAPTIZED  BY  PETER.  375 

from  this  untoward  genera-  the  case  requires ;  renounce  that  obstinate  unbelief,  in  which  you  joined  with  those  who  SECT, 

t'on-                                   crucified  Christ,  and  be  ye  saved  from  that  ruin  which  will  quickly  come  upon  i  his  pet-verse  5. 
and  depraved  generation. 


And  the  exhortation  was  not  in  vain  ;  for  many  were  awakened  and  wrought  upon    acts 
by  it.  II- 

41.  Then  they  (hat  gladly    "  T/iei/  therefore  ivho  received  his  word  with  readiness,  were  baptized ;  thereby  taking  upon  41 
t£d?fnd'thesameTay  there  them  the  public  profession  of  faith  in  Jesus  as  the  Messiah  :  and  there  xvere  added  to  the 
were  added  %mto  them  about  number  of  [the  disciples']  that  very  day  about  three  thomund  souls."     Nor  was  this  only  a 
three  thousand  souls.  transport  of  sudden  passion,  with  which  they  were  affected  only  for  the  present,  with  an 

impression  that  quickly  wore  off;  but,  on  the  contrary,  it  produced  the  most  solid  and 
4e  And    they    continued  lasting  effects.     And,  notwithstanding  all  the  apparent  danger  to  which  they  were  exposed,  42 
f-*''e"and  teUowshf ^''"^^'d  T^^''^-''' '^'^"^'""^^  *"  ^'^^^"^  attendance  on  the  word  which  the  apostles  preached,- and 

breakfng  of  breaX'and   in  resolutely  adhered  to  their  doctrine.^    And  though  many  of  them  that  believed  were  such 
prayers.  jjg  j^j^j  come  thither  out  of  foreign  countries,  who  would  otherwise  have  returned  home  im- 

mediately after  the  feast,  they  staid  a  considerable  time  longer  at  Jerusalem,  to  be  more 
thoroughly  instructed  in  the  christian  faith;  and  they  all  lived  in  the  most  endearing  /e/- 
lowship  and  intimate  friendship  with  each  other,  and  particularly  expressed  their  mutual 

43  And  fear  came  upon  affection  iw  treaA"J»g  o/6reflfi  together,?  a«rf  joining  ««  the  cxcrcise  of  social /)/•«(/«'•     Andi'i 
den^and'^iigiS' we're  donrby  ™any  Others  who  were  not  converted,  when  they  took  notice  of  this  wonderful  effect  of  the 
the  apostles"  apostles'  preaching,  were  mightily  struck  and  impressed  with  the  thought  of  it ;  so  that  a 

reverential /far  and  inward  dread  /e//  upon  every  soul,  and  spread  itself  over  the  whole  city 
and  neighbourhood,  at  the  sight  of  so  unexampled  an  event,  which  they  apprehended  might 
be  the  forerunner  of  some  public  calamity  on  those  who  had  slain  that  Jesus,  of  whom  it 
was  declared  by  his  disciples  that  it  was  all  effected  by  his  power  :  and  the  consternation 
was  further  increased,  as  many  miracles  and  signs,  which  plainly  showed  an  extraordinary 
divine  interposition,  were  wrought  by  the  apostles  in  his  name. 

44  And   all  that  believed      Aiid  all  that  believed  Were  together,  meeting  as  frequently  as  possible  iji  the  same  place  :•'  44 
things  common-  ""'*  ''^'*  ''"  ^''^^  ^"^'^  ^^^  their  mutual  affection  and  love  to  each  other,  that  they  had  all  things  in  com- 

45  And  sold' their  posses-  ?«o?i.>  And  this  gcncrous  principle  went  so  far,  that  they  who  had  estates  or  any  other  45 
them  ?o''al1'^°«lwr"as  'c've'ry  valuable  substance,  sold  their  possessions  and  effects,  and  readily  divided  the  price  of  ihc?n  to 
man  had  need.  '  «// their  brethren,  «s  cue/'?/ o?ie /(flrf  particular  ?;fcesj7'(i/.  (Compare  chap.  iv.  34,  35.)  And^Q 
dalfy^lth  otie'^ accord''!}" the  ^^'^^  Continued  rcsolutely  and  unanimously  in  the  temple  at  the  appointed  hours  of  public 
temple,  and  breaking  bread  worship  every  day :  And  at  Other  times  they  associated  as  frequently  as  they  could,  brcak- 
thei?  mearwitii'g'iadne^s''and  "'g  bread  from  house  to  liouse,  eacli  family  making  entertainments  for  their  brethren,  espe- 
singleness  of  heart,               cially  for  thosc  who  were  sojourners  in  Jerusalem.     And  they  partook  of  their  common 

refreshment  with  the  greatest  joy  on  the  side  of  those  that  made  the  entertainments,  and 

with  disinterested  simplicity  of  heart  in  those  who  received  them,  and  on  all  sides,  with 

47  Praising  God,  and  hav-  the  sincerest  Sentiments  of  devotion  and  friendship.     Such  was  the  effect  the  gospel  had  47 

And^*the"'Lord' added ''tl^'the  u]5on  them  :  and  in  this  manner  they  went  on,  prcusing  God  for  the  riches  of  his  grace  to 

church  daily  such  as  should  them,  and  having  in  the  general  tha.t  favour  and  respect  among  all  the  people  which  so 

^^^*  ■  amiable  and  benevolent  a  conduct  would  naturally  secure.     And  the  Lord  .Tesus  Christ, 

to  whom  they  had  given  up  their  names,  added  daily  to  the  church  considerable  numbers 

of  those  happy  souls  who  by  this  means  were  saved  from  the  general  destruction  which  was 

approaching,  and  from  the  future  punishment  to  which  they  would  otherwise  have  been 

transmitted  by  it. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Faithful  are  the  wounds  of  a  friend;  and  far  more  beaut  ful  than  a  jewel  of  gold,  or  an  ornament  of  fine  gold,  is  a 
wise  reprover  on  an  obedient  ear.     (Prov.  xxvii.  6.  xxv.  12.)     Happy  are  they  who  feel  such  a  holy  compunction 
of  soul  as  these  penitents  did  !  Salvation  is  come  to  their  house,  and  though  they  sow  in  tears,  they  shall  reap  in  joy.  Ver.  37 
(Psal.  cxxvi.  5.)     What  reason  have  we  for  thankfulness,  that  when  we  are  crying  out,  What  shall  we  do?  the 
gospel  gives  us  so  ready  an  answer,  and  directs  us  to  faith  and  repentance  as  the  sure  way  by  which  we  may  obtain 
the  remission  of  our  sins,  and  at  length  rise  to  an  inheritance  among  them  that  are  sanctified.    Let  us  rejoice  that  38 
the  promise  is  to  us  and  to  our  seed,  and  that  the  important  blessings  of  it  will  run  down  from  generation  to  gene-  39 
ration.     And  let  all  the  ardour  of  our  souls  be  awakened  to  secure  these  blessings,  and  to  be  saved  from  that  ruin  40 
in  which  we  shall  otherwise  be  involved  with  the  crooked  and  perverse  generation  among  which  we  live. 

Glorious  effect  of  this  convincing  and  excellent  discourse,  when  three  thousand  were  in  one  day  added  to  the  41 
church !  three  thousand,  who  not  only  expressed  some  present  good  impressions  and  resolutions,  but  continued 

e  There  were  added — that  very  day  about  three  thousand  souls^  It  is  h  In  the  same  place.']  Dr.  Whitby  pleads  that,  as  they  were  at  least 
commonly  said  that  all  these  were  converted  by  one  sermon.  But  it  is  three  thousand  one  bundled  and  twenty,  they  could  not  be  in  the  same 
probable,  that  while  Peter  was  preaching  in  the  Syriac  language,  the  place,  and  therefore  would  understand  it  of  communion  in  tlie  same 
other  apostles  were  preaching  at  some  small  distance,  much  to  the  same  action.  He  would  rather  render  it,  (as  our  translation  does,)  they  were 
purpose,  in  other  languages  ;  and  it  is  not  surely  to  be  imagined  that  together  ;  and  produces  several  places  from  the  Septuagint  to  this  pur- 
none  of  them  but  Peter  should  be  blessed  as  the  moans  of  converting  pose,  as  Ezra  iv.  .3.  Psal.  xlix.  2.  Isa.  l.xvi.  17.  Jer.  vi.  12.  iSic.  But, 
any  soul  ;  not  to  insist  upon  it  tiiat  he  himself  might  deliver  several  as  it  generally  signifies,  an  assembly  in  the  same  place,  and  many 
discourses  this  day  to  different  auditories,  when  the  concourse  of  people  larger  assemblies  than  of  three  or  four  thousand  people  are  held,  it 
was  so  great,  and  their  languages  so  various. — It  will  not  be  improper  seemed  best  to  render  it  thus,  only  qualifying  it  as  in  the  paraphrase, 
to  add,  that  TrpotreTeStio-ai/  emphatically  signifies,  to  pass  over  to  a  body  especially  as  evri  to  quto  has  plainly  this  sense,  ver.  1. 
of  men,  as  Bos,  Raphelius,  and  Eisner  have  shown  ;  and  that  Eisner  i  Had  all  things  in  commoyi.]  Peculiar  reasons  made  this  community 
has  shown  at  large,  in  a  very  curious  note  on  this  clause,  not  only  f-as  of  goods  eligible  at  that  time :  not  only  as  so  many  sojourners  who  had 
Gataker,  Eaphelius,  and  many  others  have,)  that  sonls  often  signifies  come  from  other  parts,  would  justly  be  desirous  to  continue  at.lerusa- 
persons  in  the  Greek  and  Latin  classics,  but  also  that  .lamblicus,  in  his  lem  much  longer  than  they  intended  when  they  came  up  to  the  feast, 
jLife  of  Pytbafforas,  has  exactly  imitated  this  passage,  in  the  account  he  that  they  might  get  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  gospel,  but  as  the  pros- 
gives  of  that  philosopher's  success  in  Italy,  as  proselyting  two  thousand  pect  likewise  of  the  Roman  conquests,  whicli,  according  to  Christ's 
by  one  discourse,  engaging  them  to  contniue  with  him,  frequeutly  wor-  known  prediction,  were  soon  to  swallow  up  all  .Jewish  property,  would 
shipping  in  the  temples,  and  sharing  tlieir  goods  in  common,  as  these  of  course  dispose  many  more  readily  to  sell  their  lands.  But  tlie  New 
primitive  christians  did.    Facts  of  which  we  have  no  manner  of  con-  Testament  abounds  with    passages  which  plainly  show  this  was  nevet 

vincing  evidence,  and  which  were  probably  intended  to  slur  Christianity    intended  for  a  general   practice. None  can  reasonably  imagine  tnat 

by  an  invidious  comparison.    (Elsn.  Observ.  vol.  i.  p.  3*5,  376.)    Com-  the  number  of  christian  converts,  even  then  at  Jerusalem,  is  to  be  ac- 

Pare^  90.  note  c.  counted  for  by  a  desire  to  share  in  these  divided  goods  :  for  it  is  eyirtent, 

f  They  conthiued  stedfast  in  the  apostles'  doctrine.]    This  may  intimate,  that  as  the  portion  each  could  have  would  be  very  small,  so  the  harosnips 

on  the  one  hand,  that  many  efforts  were  made  to  shake  their  resolution  ;  to  be  endured  for  a  christian  profession  would  soon  counterbalance  sucn 

and  on  the  other,  that  upon  fuller  inquiry,  they  found  all  things  as  the  advantages:  and  accordingly  we  find  the  converts  at  J <''"''^'}!'^f  V^  ,u„ 

apostles  had  represented.  soon  reduced  to  such  necessitous  circumstances,  as  to  need  reiier  oy  •"« 

g  In  breaking  of  bread.]    Though  we  have  great  reason  to  believe  that  contributions  of  their  Gentile   brethren.    Candour  would   rj^'IfL  '^'7  ' 

the  eucharist  was  often  celebrated  among  these  primitive  converts,  per-  men  to  argue  the  incontestable  evidence  of  the  gospel,  troin  lis  prexau- 

haps  much  oftener  than  every  Lord's  day,  yet  1  cannot  see  reason  to  ing  on  the  professors  of  it  to  part  with  their  estates  •"''•*",'' VVi!:i.t,t« 

conclude,  with   Suicer,  iThesaur.  Eccles.  vol.  ii.   p.  105.)  Lightfoot,  who,  exceptingthe  community  of  their  faith,  had  no  particulHr  claim  10 

Pearson,  and  many  others,  that  this  phrase  must  here  refer  to  it,  since  their    regards.    If  such   instances  were  numerous    tnis   '';-"'""';." 

't  "Y^y   undoubtedly  signify  common   meals,  as   Casaubon,  Grotius,  strengthened  in  proportion  ;  and  if  they  be  supposed  rew,  tnt  oojecuuii 

vvolnus,  and  several  others  have  sliown  ;  and  in  this  .sense  the  plirase  is  is  proportionably  weakened, 
used,  Luke  xxiv.  35.  where  it  is  plain  the  eucharist  couUl  not  be  intended . 


376  THE  LAME  MAN  CURED  BY  PETER  AND  JOHN. 

SECT,  stedfast  in  the  religion  they  had  embraced,  and  sacrificed  all  their  worldly  interests  to  it.    How  glorious  an  earnest 
5.      of  the  future  success  of  the  gospel !     How  great  an  encouragement  to  the  apostles  m  all  the  difficulties  they  were 

to  encounter !  and  how  convincing  a  proof  to  all  ages  of  its  truth  !  since  all  these  proselytes  were  made  upon  the 

ACTS    spot,  where,  if  it  had  been  false,  it  is  impossible  it  "should  have  been  believed  by  any  one  rational  inquirer,  how 
^^-      mean  soever  his  capacity,  or  how  low  soever  his  rank  in  life  had  been. 

Let  us  reflect  with  pleasure  on  the  happy  change  produced  in  the  character  and  state  of  these  converts.    Bitter 

46  as  the  first  pangs  of  their  convictions  were,  anguish  soon  yielded  to  delight.    Pardon  of  sin,  and  the  hope  of  glory, 
added  a  reUsh,  before  unknown,  to  the  supports  of  nature,  the  accommodations  of  life,  and  the  endearments  of 

47  friendship.    Whilst  their  hearts  were  opened  in  sentiments  of  gratitude  to  God,  who  had  provided  a  laver  for  their 
crimson  sins  which  rendered  them  like  wool  and  like  snow ;  and  to  that  Redeemer  who  had  saved  them  by  that 

44  blood  which'they  had  cruelly  and  impiously  shed, — they  were  also  dilated  in  liberality  and  bounty ;  and  they  un- 

45  doubtedly  found  a  rich  equivalent  for  all  the  worldly  possessions  which  they  resigned,  in  that  holy  joy  which 
sprang  up  in  their  souls  when  the  treasures  of  the  gospel  were  opened  to  them,  and  dealt  out  with  so  generous 

3.  h3.TlQ 

So  may  the  kingdom  of  Christ  spread  and  flourish  in  the  souls  of  men  !  So  may  that  blessed  time  come  when, 
47  through  the  operation  of  the  same  Spirit,  (for  that  Spirit  is  for  ever  the  same,)  nations  shall  be  born  in  a  day !  Let 
us  not  despair:  the  mor-ning  was glormis,  and  in  the  even-tide  it  shall  be  light.  (Zech.  xiv.  7.)  In  the  mean  time, 
let  us  thankfully  own  whatever  progress  Christianity  may  be  making  amongst  us  or  others,  though  by  slow  degrees ; 
and  acknowledge  that  it  is  the  ffieat  Lord  of  the  church  who,  by  his  secret  but  powerful  influence,  adds  unto  its 
respective  societies  such  as  shall  be  saved.  May  the  additions  every  where  be  numerous,  and  may  the  great  Au- 
thor of  all  good  be  more  thankfully  owned  in  them  all ! 


SECTION  VI. 

Peter  and  Tohn,  quickly  after  the  feast  of  Pentecost,  cure  a  man  who  had  heen  lame  from  his  birth,  at  the  temple  gate,  which  occasions  a  great 

concourse  of  admiring  spectators.    Acts  iii.  I — 11. 

Acts  iii.  1.  acts  iii.  i. 

SECT.  NO  W  while  the  church  was  in  the  flourishing  state  described  above,  an  extraordinary  cir-  now  Peter  and  John  went 
6.  '  cumstance  happened  which  tended  still  more  to  increase  its  numbers  and  reputation  :  for  "p  ,'h°f  ,^'^^''r  oV"%ayer!TJ»| 

on  a  certain  day  about  that  time,^  Peter-  and  John  went  up  to  the  temple  at  the  hour  of  the  ninth  hour. 

ACTS   prayer,  [beiiigl  the  ninth  hour,  that  is,  about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  ;''  which  was 
^1^-     the  usual  time  of  day  when  great  numbers  attended  the  evening  sacrifice,  and  joined  their 
prayers  with  those  of  the  priest  who  was  burning  incense  before  the  Lord.    (Compare  Luke 
i.  10.) 

2  Aiid  a  certain  man,  well  known  among  them  that  frequented  the  place,  who  had  been  2^And  a  certain  man.  lame 
lame  from  his  mother's  womb,  by  a  weakness  in  his  ankles,  which  rendered  him  incapable  ca°r^ed?«^oni*thlylaid  da^^ 
of  walking,  was  carried  thither  by  the  help  of  others  ;  whom  they  daily  brought  and  laid  ^^'^i'^h  is^cllled'^Be^autifiii' to 
down  at  the  eastern  gate  of  the  temple,  which  is  called  the  Beautiful  gate,<:  being  made  of  ^k' alms  ot* them  that  c'ntered 
Corinthian  brass,  and  richly  adorned  with  the  most  curious  workmanship:  and  here  he  into  the  temple : 

lay,  to  ask  alms  of  those  that  entered  into  the  temple  to  pay  their  devotion  there,  as  such 
charitable  actions  seemed  peculiarly  suitable  when  men  were  going  to  make  their  suppli- 
cations to  the  God  of  mercy  ;  and  the  relief  that  lie  obtained  there  was  the  only  means  he 

3  had  for  his  subsistence.     Such  was  the  case  of  this  poor  cripple,  who,  seeing  Peter  and    3  Who  seeing  Peter  and 


the  divine  energy  was  then  to  be  displayed  in  an  illustrious  miracle  to  be  wrought  by  his 
means :  and  turning  therefore  to  the  poor  man,  and  looking  stedfastly  vpon  him,  he  said, 

5  Look  upon  us.     And  accordingly  he  fixed  his  eyes  upon  them,  as  expecting  to  receive  some-     5  And  he  pave  heed  unto 

6  thing  from  them  for  the  relief  of  his  necessities.  But  Peter,  under  the  divine  impulse,  so^thinrof'thfm*.°  '"''""'^ 
intended  him  a  far  more  important  favour ;  and  therefore  said,  As  for  silver  and  gold,  I  _^^6  Then  Peter  j^a^'^^^Silver 
have  none  of  either  to  impart  to  thee,-!  were  I  ever  so  free  to  do  it ;  hut  what  I  have  in  my  s"ch^as  i  have  giveT  thee": 
power  I  willingly  give  thee,  and  thou  shalt  find  it  not  less  valuable  :  I  say  unto  thee,  there-  in.  ^^e^^^amc^  "rUe^^^u  ^''aid 
fore,  in  the  great  and  prevailing  name  of  Jesus  Christ  of  Nazareth,  and  as  a  proof  that  he  walk.*^'"^^      "^^   "^ 

7  is  indeed  the  Messiah,  rise  up  and  tvalk.  And  Peter  taking  him  by  the  right  hand,  eiicour-  ^i^hfhand^'^nd'ufted //imJp* 
aged  him  to  do  as  he  had  said,  and  raised  him  up :  and  immediately  on  his  speaking  this,  a#d  immediately  his  feet  and 
and  touching  him,  his  feet  and  his  ankle-bones,  which  had  before  been  disabled,  were  in  an  ancle-bones  received  strength. 

8  extraordinary  manner  'strengthened,  and  reduced  to  their  proper  situation.     And  leaping  up     8  And  he  leapins  up,  stood 

n  1         i''  1  i.^i^'  .1-  1.^  uuuuj  u^f«_„  and  walked,  and  entered  with 

from  the  place  where  he  lay,  he  first  stood  in  an  erect  posture,  which  he  had  never  before  them  into  the  temple,  walking, 

been  able  to  do,  and  then  walked  about  with  strength  and  steadiness,  and  entered  with  them  gid^  leaping,   and   praising 

into  the  court  ohhe  temple,  there  to  offer  his  first-fruits  of  thanksgiving  ;  sometimes  nmlking, 

and  sometimes  leaping  for  joy,  and,  in  a  rapture  of  astonishment  and  thankfulness,  praising 

God  for  so  singular  a  mercy  manifested  to  him.     (Compare  Isa.  xxxv.  6.)  ^  ^^^  ^U  ^^^  people  saw 

9  And  all  the  people  who  were  there  present,  saw  him  thus  walking  in  the  court  of  the  hifn  walking  and  praising 
temple,  and  the  cloister  adjacent  to  it,  and  heard  him  praising  God  with  this  uncommon  God  :^^^  ^^^^  ^^^  ^^^^  .^ 

10  ecstasy  of  delight :  And  they  knew  him  perfectly  well,  that  this  was  he  who  had  sat  so  long  was  he  which  sat  for  alms  at 

a  About  that  time ^    Thus  I  would  choose,  with  Grotius,  to  render  the  fices  were  offered,   and    incense,   as  a  kind  of  emblem    representing 

words  eiri  to  avro,  at  the  beginning  of  this  chapter,  as  it  does  not  seem  prayer,  burnt  on  the  golden  altar.    See  Joseph.  Anlig.  Jud.  Iii.  xiv. 

to  suit  so  well  with  the  original,  to  take  them  to  imply  no  more  than  that  rap.  4.  [al.  8.]  4  ."!.                                .                 ,.,              u    j  u     ti       j 

Peter  and  John  went  up  together  to  the  temple.     1  see  no  reason  to  sup-  c  Cal/ed  the  Beautiful  gate.]    This  gate,  which  was  added  by  Herod 

pose,  with   Dr.  Lightfoot,  that  this   happened  the  same  day  on  which  to  the  court  of  the  Gentiles,  was  thirty  cubits  high,  and   htteen  broad, 

the  Spirit  was  miraculously  poured  out.  or  to  conclude,  with   others,  and  made  of  Corinthian  brass,  more  pompous  in  its  W'orkmanship  and 

that  it  was  not  till  the  next  year,  or  at  least  several  months  after.    The  splendour  than  those  that  were  covered  with  silver  and  gold.    (Joseph, 

time  is  no  where  determined  ;  but  it  appears  most  probable  that  it  was  Bell.   Jud.  lib.  v.  cap.  5.   [al.   vi.  6.]  ^  3.)    Josephus,  as  our  present 

soon  after  the  feast  of  Pentecost.    Compare  note  c,  on  Acts  iv.  4.  5  8.  copies  stand,  says  it  was  the  outer  gate  ;  but  Lud.  Capellus  thinks  this 

b  At  the  hour  of  prayer,  being  the  ninth  hour.^    It  may  suttice  once  for  reading  is  wrong,  and  that  it  was  the  inner  gate  between  the  court  ot  the 

nil  to  observe,  that  the  Jews  divided  the  time,  from  the  rising  to  the  Gentiles  and  that  of  Israel;  and  Grotius  allows  ot  his  reasoning.    See 

setting  of  the  sun,  into  twelve  hours,  which  were  consequently,  at  differ-  Grotius,  !« /or. 

ent  times  of  the    vear,  of  unequal  length,  as  the  days  were  longer  or  d  Silver  and  gold  I  have  none.]    This  was  after  the  estates  were  sold, 

shorter.    When  w"e  say,  therefore,  (as  we  often  do  in  this  work,)  that  (chap.  ii.  45.)  and  plainly  shows  how  far  the  apostles  were  from  enrich- 

fhe  third  hour  was  about  nine  in  the  morning,  the  ninth  about  three  in  ing  themselves  by  the  treasures  whic-h   passed  throuah  their  hands,  as 

the  afternoon,  &c.  we  are  not  to  be  understood  to  speak  with  the  utmost  Mr.  Reynolds  well  observes  in  his  Letters  to  a  Deist,  No.  in.  p.  C4C. 

exactness.    The  third  hour  was  the  middle  space  between  sun-rising  and  By  his  mentioning  gold  as  well  as  silver,  (which  a  beggar  like  this  could 

noon,  which,  if  the  sun  rose  at  five,  was  half  an  hour  after  eight,  if  at  not  expect  to  receive,)  he  probably  meant  to  speak  of  himselt  as  con- 

seven,  was  half  an  hour  after  nine,  &c. — The  chief  hours  of  prayer  were  tinning  still  a  poor  man,  and  nut  merely  to  say  that  he  bad  no  gold 

the  third  and  (he  nintli ;  at  whicli  seasons  the  morning  and  evening  sacri-  al>out  him. 


PETER'S  AFFECTIONATE  DISCOURSE  TO  THE  PEOPLE  IN  THE  TEMPLE.  377 

the  Beautiful  gate  of  the  tem-  at  the  Beautiful  gate  of  the  temple,  to  beg  for  alms  of  those  that  entered  in  and  came  out ;  SECT 
I'ftii  won'der''lnd''amazemln't  «"^  ^''^-V  i^ere  0ed  xvith  awful  astonishmek,  and  felt  in  themselves  likewise  a  kind  of  joy-  6.  ' 
at  that  which  had  happened  ful  ecstosi/,  Something  resembling  his,  at  that  miraculous  event  which  had  befallen  him. 


"u" A^d",  as  the  lame  man      ^"'^  "P°"  *^'^'  "'^'^'^  *^^^  lume'man  who  was  thus  wonderfully  healed,  full'of  the  tender-    acts 
whici.  was  healed  held  Peter  est  sentiments  of  gratitude,  still  kept  his  hold  of  Peter-  and  John,^  and  walked  on  between     !'•• 
to"gether^°unto 'fhemTin  "th^  ^^^"''  Sometimes  taking  them  by  the  hand,  and  sometmies  embracing  them  as  his  great  11 
porch  that  is   called  Solo-  benefactors,  and  the  means  of  his  deliverance, — all  the  people  in  the  neighbourino-  parts 
men's,  greatly  wondering.      alarmed  with  SO  Strange  a  story,  ran  together  to  them  in  great  amazement,  to  the  spacious 
and  celebrated  portico  of  the  temple,  which  (for  reasons  elsewhere  assigned)  was  called 
Solomon's  portico/    And  Peter  observing  the  great  concourse  of  people,  and  finding  that 
they  were  exceedingly  affected  with  the  miracle  which  had  been  wrought,  took  that  oppor- 
tunity of  making  a  very  instructive  discourse  to  them,  which  will  be  recorded  in  the  en- 
suing section. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Happy  are  those  souls  who  are  so  formed  for  devotion,  that  the  proper  returning  seasons  of  it,  whether  public  or  Ver.  1 
private,  are  always  welcome  !  Doubly  delightful  that  friendship  which,  like  this  of  Peter  and  John,  is  endeared  not 
only  by  taking  sweet  counsel  together,  hut  hy  going  to  the  house  of  God  in  company  !  (Psal.  Iv.  14.) 

If  we  desire  this  devotion  should  be  acceptable,  let  us  endeavour  not  only  to  lay  aside  all  the  malignant  passions, 
and  to  lift  up  holy  hands  without  lorath ;  (1  Tim.  ii.  8.)  but  let  us  stretch  out  our  hands  in  works  of  benevolence 
and  kindness.     To  our  piety  let  us  add  the  most  diffusive  charity  which  our  circumstances  will  permit;  and  there  3,  4 
are  none  whose  circumstances  will  forbid  every  exercise  of  it.    As  for  those  that  have  neither  silver  nor  gold,  such  6 
as  they  have  let  them  give. 

These  holy  apostles,  we  see,  had  not  enriched  themselves  by  being  intrusted  with  the  distribution  of  those  goods 
■which  were  laia  at  their  feet ;  but  had  approved  themselves  faithful  stewards :  the  members  of  Christ  were  far 
dearer  to  them  than  any  temporal  interest  of  their  own ;  and  fatally,  sure,  would  the  church  in  all  ages  have  been 
mistaken,  if  it  had  measured  the  worth  of  its  pastors  by  their  wealth.  They  bestowed  nevertheless  a  much  more  6 
valuable  bounty.  And  if  it  be  more  desirable  to  heal  men's  bodies  than  to  enrich  them,  how  much  more  advan- 
tageous is  it  to  be  the  instrument  of  healing  their  souls !  which,  if  it  be  ever  accomplished,  must  surely  be  in  the  same 
name,  even  that  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth.  May  he  strengthen  the  feeble  powers  of  fallen  nature,  while  we  are  attempt- 
inof  to  raise  men  up  ;  and  may  spiritual  health  and  vigour,  when  restored,  be  improved,  like  the  cure  wrought  on  7,  9 
this  lame  man,  in  the  service  of  God,  and  a  thankful  acknowledgment  of  his  goodness  !  8 

We  are  not  to  wonder,  that  as  the  name  of  Jesus,  their  great  Deliverer,  is  incomparably  precious  to  all  that  truly 
believe,  such  have  also  some  peculiarly  tender  friendships  for  the  persons  by  whose  means  he  has  wrought  this  good  11 
work  upon  them.  May  many  such  friendships  be  formed  now,  and  be  perfected  in  glory ;  and,  in  the  mean  time, 
may  the  ministers  of  Christ  be  watching  every  opportunity  of  doing  good,  and  especially  when  they  see  men  under 
any  lively  impressions  which  tend  towards  religion  !  May  they  have  that  holy  mixture  of  zeal  and  prudence  which 
taught  tne  apostles  now  to  speak  a  word  in  season  ;  a  word  which  proved  so  remarkably  good,  and  was  owned  by 
God  in  so  singular  a  manner  for  the  conversion  and  salvation  of  multitudes  that  heard  it ! 


SECTION  VII. 

Peter  makes  a  most  affectionate  discourse  to  the  people  assembled  in  the  temple,  on  occasion  of  tlie  cure  of  the  lame  man.    Acts  iii.  12,  to 

the  end. 

Acts  iii.  12.  AcTS  iii.  12. 

AND  when  Peter  saw  it  he  THE  mitaculous  cure  of  the  lame  man  at  the  Beautiful  gate  of  the  temple,  was  presently  sfpt 

answered  unto  the  people, —  .ij-^u-x  j  j/  u  \.   c       \  .^  V  i""     •"i^^- 

•^   ^  '     reported  in  the  city,  and  occasioned  (as  we  have  seen  before)  a  vast  concourse  of  people,      7. 
who  ran  together  to  the  temple,  and  gathered  in  crowds  about  Peter  and  John,  astonished 


at  so  marvellous  a  cure,  and  eager  to  behold  the  persons  who  had  wrought  it.     Arid  Peter    acts 
seeing  [this,']  was  ready  to  improve  it  as  a  proper  opportunity  of  renewing  his  address  to     m- 
them  upon  that  important  errand  with  whicn,  as  an  apostle  of  Jesus,  he  was  charged ;  ac-  ^^ 
cordingly  he  ansivered  those  of  the  people  who  were  there  assembled,  and  were  earnestly 
inquiring  into  the  circumstances  of  the  fact,  in  the  following  manner : 
—Ye  men  of  Israel,  why       Ye  men  of  Israel,  why  do  ye  wonder  so  at  this  which  has  now  happened,  when  so  much 
loXyeso^earacst'ly'on'^us'.'a^  greater  miracles  have  lately  been  performed  among  you?  or  why  do  ye  fix  your  eyes  so 
though  by  our  own  power'  or  earnestly  ou  US,  with  that  astonishment  which  your  looks  express,  as  if  it  were  by  our  own 
mairto^waik  '^'^'^  "^'^'^^  "^'^  power,  or  by  any  peculiar  j9ie(y  and  holiness  of  ours,  that  we  had  made  this  poor  man  able  to 

13  The  God  of  Abraham,  walk?    We  would  by  no  means  take  the  honour  of  this  miracle  to  ourselves,  but  would  13 
theGod^qrou^r"fathers^,''hat'h  direct  your  views  unto  the  great  Original  of  all,  even  the  God  of  Abraham,  and  of  Isaac, 
Bloriiied  his  Son  Jesus;  whom  and  of  Jacob,  whom  we  adore  and  reverence  as  the  God  of  our  fathers  ;^  and  would  have 
j^fm  ?n'ti?e'presencTof  P^fa'te!  jou  to  consider  what  has  now  happened  as  a  signal  proof  that  he  hath  glorified  his  Son 
when  he  was  determined  to  Jesus,  and  given  all  power  into  his  hands,  even  that  Jesus  %vhoin  you,  kind  as  his  design 

'""  ^°"  and  exemplary  as  his  life  was,  ungratefully  delivered  up  to  the  Roman  power  as  a  criminal, 

and  treated  with  such  vile  contempt  as  that  you  openly  renounced  and  refused  to  accept  of 
him  in  the  presence  of  Pilate,  when  he  was  satisfied  of  his  innocence,  and  detei'mined  to  re- 

14  But  ye  denied  the  Holy  lease  him.     But  you,  I  Say,  renounced  the  Holy  and  Righteous  One,  declaring  that  you  14 
ed"a  murd'e^rei^to  be°granted  ^o^l^  not  own  him  as  your  king,  nor  even  be  contented  to  admit  of  his  discharge,  when 
unto  you;  it  was  offered  by  the  Roman  governor,  and  pressed  upon  you;  and  were  so  set  against 

him,  that  with  outrageous  clamour  you  desired  rather  that  Barabbas,  one  of  the  most  in- 
famous of  mankind,  a  robber  and  «  murderer,  might  be  granted  and  released  zmto  you. 
,15  And  killed  the  Prince  of  And  while  you  asked  for  the  deliverance  of  so  vile  a  wretch,  you  inhumanly  and  insolently  15 
lite,  whom  God  hath  raised  f.-^^^  ^^-^  ^^^^  j^  ^^^  ^^^^^  Author  and  Prince  of  life,  the  only  person  who  had  power  to 
conduct  you  to  it;^  whorn  nevertheless  God  has  amply  vindicated,  having  raised  him  up 

e  Kept  his  hold  of  Peter  and  John.']    Perhaps  fearing  his  lameness  least  design  to  divert  their  regards  from  the  God  of  Israel.— For  the 

'"?",!!;  return  if  he  lost  sight  of  them,  as  Bezaand  others  have  observed,  force  of  the  word  npKHo-ao-fle,  which  we  have  rendered  renovncea,  see 

t   J/ie  portico  called  Holomon's.']    I'he   reason  why  it  was   so  called,  ileins.  Exercit.  Sacr.  p.  254,  2.°)5.  ,      t-  .i       i    ^     u.o^ 

and  what  a  sort  of  building  it  was,  may  be  seen  in  note  b,  on  .lohn  x.        b  Killed  the  Prince  of  life.]    liven  him  to  whom  the  tatlier  iiaa  given 

2.S.  p.  232.     lo  which  we  may  add,  that  this  is  said  to  have  been  the  to  have  life  in  himself,  (John  v.  26.)  and  whom  he  "«d.''['';°""*,?  V' 

only  part  of  the  temple  which  was  not  destroyed  by  the  Chaldeans.  conduct  his   followers  to  life  and  glory.    'I  he  co'"''a''  "^1^  *X,lr  ^ 

a  T/ie  God  of  our  fathers.].  This  was  wisely  introduced  here  in   the  killing  such  a  person,  and  interceding  for  the  pardon  ot  a  muraeier,  a 

beginning  of  his  discourse,  that  it  might  appear  they  taught  no  new  destroyer  of  life,  has  a  peculiar  energy, 
religion  inconsistent  with  the  Mosaic,  and  were  far  from  having  the 


378  PETER'S  AFFECTIONATE  DISCOURSE  TO  THE  PEOPLE  IN  THE  TEMPLE. 

SECT,  from  the  dead;  of  which  we  his  apostles  are  witnesses,  upon  a  repeated  testimony  of  our  own  from  the  dead :  whereof  we 
7.     'senses,  in  circumstances  in  which  it  was  impossible  that  they  should  be  deceived.     And  '"'ig^^'nd^^hfs  name,  through 
God  is  still  continuing  to  heap  new  honours  upon  him,  whom  you  have  treated  with  so  faith  in  his  name,  hath  made 


ACTS    much  infamy ;  for  be  it  known  unto  you,  it  is  b>/ faith  in  his  name  that  he  hath  strengthened  i';;5Tn"ow7°yer,''X^faith 
^^':  -  this  poor  7nan,'^  whom  you  see  here  before  you,  and  whom  you  know  to  have  been  unable  which  is  by  him  'hath  given 

16  from  his  birth  to  walk  :  [yea,-]  I  repeat  it  again,  as  what  highly  concerns  you  all  to  know  !i',5e"pre'seuce^of*yora1r'' '" 
and  regard.  It  is  his  name,  and  the  faith  which  is  centred  in  him,  and  which  derives  its 

efficacy  from  his  power,  that  has  given  him  this  perfect  strength  and  soundness  which  he  now 
manifests  before  you  all. 

17  And  now',  brethren,  while  I  am  urging  this  for  your  conviction,  that  I  may  lead  you  to  ,17  And  now, .  brethren,  I 
repent  of  your  great  wickedness  in  crucifying  so  excellent  and  so  divme  a  Person,  I  would  mT^&luTIiofourraUl 
not  aggravate  the  crime  you  have  been  guilty  of  beyond  due  bounds,  so  as  to  drive  you  to 

despair ;  as  I  know  that  it  was  through  ignorance  of  his  true  character  that  you  did  [it,'\  us 
\did'\  also  your  rulers,^  by  whom  you  were  led  on  and  prompted  to  it:  for  surely  if  the 
dignity  and  greatness  of  his  person,  and  his  divine  audiority  and  mission,  had  been  known, 
both  you  and  they  must  have  treated  him  in  a  very  different  manner.     (Compare  1  Cor. 

18  ii.  8  )  But  God  permitted  this  that  you  have  done,  and  overruled  it  for  wise  and  gracious  i8  But  those  things,  which 
purposes  ;  and  hath  thus  fulfilled  those  things  which  he  so  plainly  had  foretold  by  the  mouth  Sfn,o''ut''of  alUi^''prophe^/ 
of  all  his  prophets  in  the  various  ages  of  the  world  :  even  that  Christ  shoidd  suffer  as  an  that  chiist  should  suffer,  he 
atoning  sacrifice  for  the  sins  of  his  people.    (Compare  Acts  xiii.  27.)  •'"h^o  tuifiUed. 

19  See  to  it  therefore  that  it  be  your  immediate  care  to  secure  an  interest  in  the  benefits  19  Repent  ye  therefore, 
purchased  by  his  death  :  and  to  this  purpose  let  us  exhort  you  io  repent  of  your  iniquities,  f^^  ml/beWoUed  oilt*  when 
and,  with  a  sense  of  what  you  have  done  amiss,  to  turn  to  God  in  the  way  of  sincere  and  the  times  of  refreshing  shall 
universal  obedience,  that  so  your  sins  may  be  blotted  out,  and  you  may  be  delivered  from  i^rd/"""*''^  presence  of  the 
the  heavy  burden  of  your  guilt ;  that  seasons  of  sacred  refreshment  and  delight  may  come 

20  upon  you  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord:*^  And  that,  in  consequence  of  your  complying  20  And  he  shall  send  Jesus 
with  this  important  counsel,  you  may  not  only  be  received  to  all  the  joys  of  a  state  of  par-  preached  unto Vou^*""^*  *^ 
don  and  divine  acceptance,  but  he  may  at  length  se?id  unto  you  this  Jesus  Christ,  who  ivas 

so  long  before  appointed^  by  God  to  this  blessed  purpose,  and  represented  and  proclaimed 
under  such  a  variety  of  symbols  as  the  great  Saviour  of  lost  sinners ;  that  having  triumphed 
over  all  his  enemies,  and  accomplished  all  the  prophecies  as  to  the  prosperity  and  glory  of 
his  church  on  earth,  he  may  finally  receive  you  and  all  his  faithful  servants  to  complete 

21  and  eternal  happiness  above.  Submit  yourselves  this  day,  then,  to  this  glorious  Redeemer,  21  Whoni  the  heaven  must 
whom  you  must  not  indeed  expect  as  immediately  to  appear  in  person  among  you ;  for  tution'^T*aVi''lh'ings,°*wh^ch 
heaven  must  continue  to  receive  and  retain  him  till  the  long-expected  and  happy  times  of  God  hath  spoken  'by  the 
the  regulation  of  all  things,g  that  is,  till  the  great  appointed  day  when  God  will  rectify  all  s'^nw' the' wodd  belL'^'°^''^'^ 
the  seeming  irregularities  of  his  present  dispensations,  and  make  the  cause  of  righteousness 

and  truth  for  ever  triumphant  and  glorious  :  concerning  which  great  [events,']  (that  is,  that 
such  a  Saviour  sliould  be  raised  up,  and  should  at  length  be  fixed  in  universal  dominion, 
and  the  like,)  God  has  spoken  by  the  mouth  of  all  his  holy  prophets  from  the  beginning 
of  time}^ 

22  Tor  Moses,  the  first  of  these  prophets  whose  writings  are  come  down  to  us,  has  in  the  22  For  Moses  truly  said 
plainest  terms  described  him,  when  he  said  to  the  fathers  in  his  early  days,*  (Deut.  xviii.  ""all  thi  Lord^yo'uM^od'r'^se 
1.5,  18,  19.)  "  Surely  a  prophet  shall  the  Lord  your  God  in  after-times  ivnse  up  unto  you,  up  unto  you  of'your  brethren, 
out  of  the  families  (f  your  brethren,  like  unto  me ;  him  shall  ye  hear  and  hearken  to  in  all  h'ea'r'in'all'timigs,"whateoe\^r 

23  things  whatsoever  he  shall  say  unto  you.    And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  [that]  every  soul  tvho  *"=„'*''^"  ^'"^y  ""fo  y°'^- 

ivill  not  hearken  to  that  prophet,  and  be  obedient  to  him,  shall  be  cut  off  from  among  the  tCt  every  *s'oul'^°wificii'\^i!( 
people  without  mercy,''  and  be  made  an  example  of  the  severest  punisliment  due  to  such  not  hear  that  Prophet  shall 

24  aggravated  and  ungrateful  rebellion."  Yea,  and  those  that  succeeded  Moses,  even  all  the  peopTe'™^'^  ™'^'  among  t  e 
prophets  from  Samuel,^  and  those  that  follow  after,  as  many  as  spoke  any  thing  largely  con-  24  Yea,  and  all  the  pro- 
cerning  the  future  purposes  and  schemes  of  divine  rrovidence,  have  also  foretold,  these  that  follow  after,  as  many  as 
important  days,  which,  by  the  singular  favour  of  God  to  you,  ye  are  now  so  happy  fo/toffof'th'  e'da^  ^■'•'ewise 
as  to  see.  °'^^  °    °    '^^"^  ^^^' 

25  Let  us  now,  therefore,  solemnly  entreat  you  to  regard  and  improve  these  declarations  in  25  Ye  are  the  children  ot 
a  becoming  manner :  for  you  have  peculiar  obligations  to  do  it,  as  you  are  the  children  of 

c  And  by  faith  in  his  name  he  hath  strengthened,  .^c]    The  construction  writers,  urging  it  for  such  a  restoration  of  the  parad  isaical  state  of  the 

of  the  origmal,  as  it  is  commonly  pointed,  is  so  excecdinglj'  perplexed,  earth  as  they  on  their  different  hypotheses  have  ventured  to  assert,  with- 

that  Heinsius's  manner  of  pointmg  seems  greatly  to  be  preferred.     He  out  any  clear  warrant  from  Scripture,  and  amidst  a  thousand  difficulties 

places  a  period  after  earepeixxre-,  refening  that  verb  to  o  Heov,  in  the  which  clog  our  conceptions  of  it.    (Compare  note  1,  on  Matt.  xvii.  11. 

preceding  verse,  and  To  ovoua  to  eftwutv,  in  the  latter  clause  of  this.  p.  107.) 

d   Through  ignorance  yondidit,  &c.'\    Probably,  if  it  had  not  been  so,  h  From  the  /leginningof  time.'i    See  note  b,  on  Luke  i.  70.  p.  26. 

they  would  have  been  immediately  destroyed,  or  reserved  to  vengeance  i  Moses  said  to  the  fathers.']    This  quotation  from  Deut.  xviii.  15,  et 

without  any  offer  of  pardon.    Yet  it  is  plain  their  ignorance,  being  in  seq.  does  in  its  primary  sense  refer  to  the  Messiah,  as  Dr.  Bullock  and 

itself  highly  criminal  amidst  such  means  of  information,  did  not  excuse  Mr.  .left'ery  have  excellently  shown  ;  he  being,  like  Moses,  not  only  a 

them  from  great  guilt.  prophet,  but  a  Saviour  and  a  Lawgiver  too.    On  this  scripture  does 

e  That  seasons  of  refreshment  may  come,  iSc]    So  it  is  that  Tertullian,  Liniborch  chieHy  build,  in  that  noble  controversy  of  his  with  Orobio,niost 

Luther,  Ileinsius,  Lightfoot,  De  Dieu,  and  Raphelius,  (£r.  Herod,  p.  justly  called  Arnica  Collatio  cum  erudito  Judtto,  which  not  only  contains 

329.)  I  think  very  reasonably,  render  the  words  ottws-  av  eXOoiaii',  &c.  a  variety  of  beautiful,  and  some  of  them  very  uncommon,  arguments, 

as  the  same  phrase  is  used  Luke  ii.  ^5.  ottms-  av  anoKa\if<pOa<r(v,  iic.  that  but  is  also  on  both  sides  so  fine  a  model  of  a  genteel  and  amicable  man- 

ihe  thoughts  may  he  revealed;  and  Matt.  vi.5.    ottmc  av  cpavoaci,  that  they  ner  of  debating  the  most  momentous  question,  as  it  would   have  been 

may  be  seen.    (See  also  Acts  xv.  17.  and  Rom.   iii.  4.)    Erasmus  and  much  for  the  credit  of  their  religion  and  ot  themselves,  if  all  other  advo- 

Piscator  render  it.  Seeing  times  of  refreshment  are  come;  and  fieza,  cates  for  Christianity  had  followed.     .lustin   Martyr's  Dialogue  leith 

After  that,  or,  when  they  shall  come.    But  the  authorities  produced  in  Trypho  is  written  with  much  of  the  same  decent  spirit,  though,  by  no 

favour  of  this  version  seem  not  sufficient  to  justify  it ;  nor  was  the  blot-  means  with  equal  compass  and  solidity  of  thought, 

tmg  out  the  sins  of  penitents  deferred    to  any  distant  time.    Divine  k  Shall  be  cut  off  from  among  the  people.']    One  cannot  imagine  a  more 

refreshment  would  no  doubt  immediately  mingle  itself  with  a  sense  of  masterly  address  than  this,  to  warn  the  .lewsof  the  dreadful  consequence 

pardon,  and  eternal  happiness  would  certainly  at  length  succeed  ;  but  of  their  infidelity,  in  the  very  words  of  Moses,  their  favourite  prophet, 

the  following  clause  seems  to  intimate  that  Peter  apprehended  the  con-  out  of  a  pretended  zeal  for  whom  they  weie  ready  to  reject  Christianity, 

version  of  the  .lews,  as  a  people,  would  be  attencled  with  some  extra-  and  to  attempt  its  destruction.    See  above,  ^  4.  note  k. 

onlinary  scene  of  prosperity  and  joy ,  and  open  a  speedy  way  to  Christ's  1  All  the  prophets  from  Samuel.]    As  Samuel  is  the  earliest  prophet 

descent  from  heaven,  in  order  to  the  restitution  of  all  things. — I  have  the  next  to  Moses,  whose  writings  are  come  down  to  us,  and  as  the  books 

pleasure,  since  I  wrote  this,  to  find  that  the  learned  Vitringa  agrees  which  go  under  his  name,  and  were  probably  begun  by  his  pen,  speak 

with  me   in   this  interpretation.    Vitiing.  Observ.  Sacr.  lib.  v.  cap.  6.  very  expressly  of  the  Messiah,  (1  Sam.  ii.  10. 2  Sam.  xxiii.. 3 — 5.)  nothing 

§  14.  can  be  more  unnecessary,  and  hardly  any  thing  more  unnatural,  than 

f  Before  appointed.]  Instead  of  vpoKeK^puyuevov,  before  preached,  I  to  draw  an  argument  from  this  passage  to  support  tlie  notion  of  Samuel's 
here  follow  Beza  in  reading  •7rpoKexf'p«''Mei'oi',  as  Tertullian  and  several  being  the  author  of  the  Pentateuch,  which  many  texts  in  the  Old  and 
of  the  fathers  quote  it,  and  the  Alexandrian  and  several  other  valuable  New  Testament  seem  most  directly  to  contradict.  (See  Lord  Barring- 
manuscripts,  and  ancient  versions  likewise,  have  it :  and  then  vfxtv  must  ton's  Essay  on  Far.  Dispensat.  Appendix,  No.  ii.)  It  would  be  trilling 
(as  in  this  version)  be  referred  to  aTroaTeiXn<  shall  send  to  you,  S^c.  to  argue  from  this  expression  of  a//  the  prophets,  that  everyone  of  them, 

g  The  regulation  of  all  things.]    This  airoKaTaarain'i  may  so  well  be  and  particularly  Jonah  and  Obadiah,  must  have  said  somewhat  of  the 

explained  of  regulating  the  present  disorders  in  the  moral  world,  and  Messiah.    It  is  abundantly  sufficient  that  it  is  true  of  the  prophets  in 

the  seeming  inequalities  of  providential  dispensations,  that  it  is  sur-  general, 
prising  to  find  Dr.  Thomas  Burnet,  Mr.  Whiston  and  other  learned 


THE  TWO  APOSTLES  EXAMINED  BEFORE  THE  SANHEDRIM.  379 


flie  prophets,  and  of  the  cove-  the  prophets,  and  ofthc  Covenant  which  God  constituted  of  old  with  our  fathers,  saying  to  Ahra-  SECT, 
SurkS:sfyingml%"b^a;  A«w,  again  and  again   (Gen  xii.  3.  xviii.  18  xxii.  18.)  "  And  in  thy  seed  shall  all  the  families      7. 

ham.  And  in  thy  seed  siiaii  Of  the  earth  oc  blessed.      And  accordingly  this  Messiah,  who  was  promised  as  so  extensive 

be  We'ssed"'^™'''  "^  *'^^  '^'"^"^  ^"^  universal  a  blessing,  has  sprung  from  him  ;  and  to  you  first,^  God  having  raised  up  his    acts 
26   Unto  you  first,   God  child  Jesus  from  the  loins  of  this  pious  patriarch,  has  sent  him  with  ample  demonstrations  o« '^' 
!iesus,Vnf'hkn  to  bless  ^oa   «*"  ^is  divine  mission,  lately  in  his  own  person,  and  now  by  our  ministry  and  the  effusion 
in  turning  away  every  one  ol'  of  his  Spirit,  to  offer  pardon  and  salvation  to  you,  and  to  bless  you,  every  one  of  x/ou  turn- 
you  from  his  iniquities.  ing  from  your  iniquities ;"  in  which,  though  by  profession  you  are  God's  people,"you  have 

been  so  long  indulging  yourselves ;  nor  are  the  vilest  and  most  aggravated  sinners  among 
you  excepted  from  the  grace  of  such  an  invitation.  Let  it  therefore  be  your  most  solicitous 
care  that  this  gracious  message  may  not  be  addressed  to  you  in  vain. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Happy  the  minister  whose  heart  is  thus  intent  upon  all  opportunities  of  doing  good,  as  these  holy  apostles  were !  Ver.  1 2 
Happy  that  faithful  servant  who,  like  them,  arrogates  nothing  to  himself,  but  centres  the  praise  of  all  in  him  who 
is  the  great  Source  from  whom  every  good  and  perfect  gift  proceeds  !  Happy  the  man  who  is  himself  willing  to 
be  forgotten  and  overlooked,  that  God  may  be  remembered  and  owned  !  He,  like  this  wise  master-builder,  will  13—15 
lay  this  foundation  deep  in  a  sense  of  sin,  and  will  charge  it  with  all  its  aggravations  on  the  sinner,  that  he  may 
thereby  render  the  tidings  of  a  Saviour  welcome  ;  which  they  can  never  be  till  this  burden  has  been  felt.    Yet 
will  he,  like  Peter,  conduct  the  charge  with  tenderness  and  respect,  and  be  cautious  not  to  overload  even  the  17 
greatest  offender. 

We  see  the  absolute  necessity  of  repentance,  which  therefore  is  to  be  solemnly  charged  upon  the  consciences  of  all  19 
who  desire  that  their  sins  may  be  blotted  out  of  the  book  of  God's  remembrance,  and  that  they  may  share  in  that 
refreshment  which  nothing  but  the  sense  of  his  pardoning  love  can  afford.  Blessed  souls  are  they  who  have  expe- 
rienced it !  for  they  may  look  upon  all  their  present  comforts  as  the  dawning  of  eternal  glory ;  and  having  seen 
Christ  with  an  eye  of  faith,  and  received  that  important  cure  which  nothing  but  his  powerful  and  gracious  name  20,  21 
can  effect,  may  be  assured  that  God  will  send  him  again  to  complete  the  work  he  has  so  graciously  begun,  and  to 
reduce  the  seeming  irregularities  of  the  present  state  into  everlasting  harmony,  order,  and  beauty. 

In  the  mean  time,  let  us  adore  the  wisdom  of  his  providence  and  the  fidelity  of  his  grace,  which  has  overruled  the  18 
folly  and  wickedness  of  men  to  subserve  his  own  holy  purposes,  and  has  accomplished  the  promises  so  long  since 
made,  of  a  prophet  to  be  raised  up  to  Israel  like  Moses,  and  indeed  gloriously  superior  to  him,  both  in  the  dignity  22 
of  his  character  and  office,  and  in  the  great  salvation  he  was  sent  to  procure.- — This  salvation  was  first  offered  to  26 
Israel,  which  had  rendered  itself  so  peculiarly  unworthy  by  killing  the  Prince  of  life.     Let  us  rejoice  that  it  is  now  15 
published  to  us,  and  that  God  has  condescended  to  send  his  Son  to  bless  us  sinners  of  the  Gentiles,  in  turning  us 
from  our  iniquities.     Let  us  view  this  salvation  in  its  true  light,  and  remember  that  if  we  are  not  willing  to  turn 
from  iniquity,  from  all  iniquity,  from  those  iniquities  that  have  been  peculiarly  our  own,  it  is  impossible  we  should 
have  any  share  in  it. 


SECTION  VIII. 

hem, 
irest  1 

Acts  iv.  1. 


The  two  apostles  being  seized  by  order  of  the  sanhedrim,  and  examined  by  them,  courageously  declare  their  resolution  of  going  on  to  preach 
in  the  name  of  Jesus,  notwithstanding  their  severest  threatenings.    Acts  iv,  1 — S2. 


Acts  iv.  ]. 

AND  as  they  spake  unto  the  THUS  it  was  that  Peter  and  John  improved  the  opportunity  of  addressing  themselves  to  SECT, 
captain  of  the^'t'emple  'and  the  *^'^^  multitude  who  had  assembled  in  the  temple  (as  we  have  seen  before)  upon  occasion  of     8. 

Sadducees,  came  upon  them,  the  miraculous  Cure  of  the  lame  man ;  and  while  they  were  thus  speaking  to  the  people,  a 

considerable  number  of  the  priests  came  upon  them  ;  and  with  the  priests  there  came  the    acts 
captain  of  the  temple,  that  is,  the  person  who  commanded  the  guard  of  Levites  then  in     i^ 
c  Being  grieved  that  they  waiting; a  and  the  Sadducees  also  joined  with  them:  For  this  sect  of  men  were  greatly  2 
taughtthe  people,  and  preach-  exasperated  against  the  apostles,  being  pecnliaxly  grieved  that  they  taught  the  people  in  the 

ed  through . I esus  the  resurrec-  r  ^u    ^    t  i        '  .i         i      i     °  i    ,   i  /. '^  i      .i  ;        -     ■    ii      ^\.    ^  A      '  ,     i 

lion  from  the  dead.  name  01  that  Jesus  whom  they  had  so  lately  put  to  death,  and  especially  that  they  preached 

the  doctrine  of  the  resurrection  from  the  dead,  as  exemplified  and  demonstrated  in  [the 
person  ofl  Jesm ;  whose  recovered  life  had  so  direct  a  tendency  to  overthrow  the  wliole 
system  of  the  Sadducean  tenets,  which  denied  every  thing  of  that  kind,  yea,  even  tlie  ex- 
istence of  the  soul  after  deaUi,  and  any  future  account  of  the  actions  of  life.    (Compare 
.•?  And  they  laid  hands  on  Acts  xxiii.  8.)     And  therefore,  that  they  might  prevent  their  preaching  any  more,  they  3 
un1o'thTiieid"da'''^'ror"it'\vas  ^'^"^  violent  tuinds  upon  Peter  and  John,  and  seized  them  as  seditious  persons,  who  were 
now  even-tide.      '  labouring  to  incense  the  populace  against  the  conduct  of  their  governors  :  and  they  coin- 

mitted  them  into  custody  until  the  next  day,  that  when  the  sanhedrim  met  at  the  usual  hour, 
they  might  consult  what  it  was  proper  to  do  with  them ;  for  it  was  now  late  in  the  even- 
ing,^ and  was  no  fit  season  to  have  them  examined. 
4  iiowbeit  many  of  them      But  in  the  mean  time,  the  disciples  had  the  satisfaction  to  see  that  the  apostles  had  not  4 
Ked ; 'fuid  the'number of  fhe  laboured  in  vain  ;  for  nmny  of  those  who  had  heard  the  luord  preached  Iby  them,  believed; 
men  was  about  five  thousand,  and  the  7mmber  (f  the  men  became  about  five  thousand,  including  those  who  had  been  con- 

verted  before,  and  still  attended  on  the  instructions  of  the  apostles.^ 
tiie  morrow, "thTt^'th^irmfers"      -^^nd  the  next  day  there  was  a  general  assembly  of  their  rulers,  and  elders,  and  scribes,  5 
and  e'ders,  and  scribes,        '  which  constituted  the  Sanhedrim,  who  gathered  together,  and  formed  a  court  at  Jerusalem : 
priest,  "and  "cafaph^,  "and  And  there  was  with  them  Annas,  who  had  formerly  been  the  high  priest,  and  Caiaphas  also,  6 

m  To  pou  first.']    Accordingly  the  gospel  was  (by  the  astonishing  grace  the  discourses  they  held  on  this  occasion  ;  which  I  suppose  is  generally 

of  our  blessed  Redeemer)  every  where  otfered  first  to  the  .lews.    Had  it  the  case  as  to  the  speeches  recorded  by  the  sacred  historians,  as  well  as 

been  otherwise,  humanly  speaking,  many  who  were  converted  in  this  others.  , 

method  might  have  been  exasperated  and  lost.  ^  ^_     ^  c  The  number — hecnmeahontfivethoiuandfSiC.^Tir.Kensonranclua^i 

n  Every  07ie  of  you  turning^'  .............  ..    .   ^        .,  ,  ,    ,         ..  ,         ,.^ 

of  you  that  turn  from  sin  si 
is  just  equivalent  to  Beza's 
aTTOfTjpe^eii/  eKao-TOi/,  &c. 

tlrobio,  with  his  usual  sagacity,  onjects  to  ijimnorcnj  mat  i^rinsi  uju  our,  i  uiiiik  me  use  oi  uiewuiu  eYei/ure  "eic  v>yiicit.j^  ,iv  -.■-,,     .     t 

not  in  fact  turn  every  one  of  them  from  their  iniquities,  though  it  must  i.  15.)  favours  the  interpretation  1  have  preferred.     It  '^  "^"|  "fyl,)  \Z. 

be  allowed  that  he  took  such  steps  as  were  very  proper  for  that  pur-  thought  (unless  it  were  expressly  asserted)  that  ''"f"??'"^^*  „„  whicli 

pose:  and  the  version  seems  further  preferable,  as  the  apostle  knew  so  much  more  remarkable  for  its  number  of  converts  t™P  "!  ,k    nroba- 

that  the  .lews  would  in  fact  reject  the  gospel,  and  bring  destruction  on  the  Spirit  descended.    And  as  for  any  argument  drawn  irom  in 

themselves  as  a  nation  by  that  means.  "  bility  of  more  than  five  thousand  being  converted  in  a  y^f^  'p^ 

a  The  captain  of  the  temple.']    See  note  o,  on  Luke  xxii.  52.  p.  320.  must  observe,  that  1  see  no  proof  at  all  that  triis  e^em  "'f|^g|.-5j|,jjjj^  ■^^ 

b  It  was  now  late  in  ihn  evenino .]    As  Peter  and  John  went  up  to  the  even  a  month,  after  the  descent  of  the  .Spirit  ■  ''''^'     ,i„_  ,„  „„  „„  so 

temple  at  three  in  the  afternoon,  this  expression  makes  it  probable  some  highly  improbable  the  sanhedrim  should  gutter  tneapu^i      ,>•,■,       , 

hours  might  be  spent  in  preaching  to  tlie  people,  and  consequently,  that  long  unquestioned  in  tlieir  public  work  ;  ana  to  supv"=>=        J 

what  we  have  iu  the  former  chapter  is  only  an  abstract  or  specimen  of  teach  publicly,  would  be  most  absurd. 


IV. 


380  THE  TWO  APOSTLES  EXAMINED  BEFORE  THE  SANHEDRIM. 

SECT,  who  then  bore  that  office,'^  and  John,  and  Alexander,^  and  as  many  as  wei'e  of  the  high  John,  and  Alexander,  and 
8.      priest's  kindred,^  who  came  and  joined  the  council  upon  this  occasion.  dreS'of ^the  hisffp^fe't *were 

And  having  ordered  the  apostles  to  be  brought  before  them,  and  set  them  in  the  midst  of  eathered  together  at  j'erusa- 

ACTS    the  assembly,  (the  place  where  criminals  used  to  stand  to  be  tried  by  their  court,)  they  in-     7  "^nj  ^,hen  they  had  set 
^^  _  guirxd  of  them,  saying,  Declare  to  us  truly,  and  without  reserve,  what  is  the  bottom  of  them  in  the  midst,  they  asked, 
this  affair?  By  what  power,  or  in  the  authority  of  what  name,  have  you  done  this  strange  Sml.'^haveyTdoM  thTs**"** 
work  which  has  been  wrought  on  the  cripple  now  healed  ?     Is  it  by  the  art  of  medicine, 
or  by  magic  ?  Or  do  you  pretend  to  any  prophetic  mission,  in  attestation  of  which  this  is 
done  ? 

8  Then  Peter,  full  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  according  to  the  promise  of  his  now  glorified  th^  ^^JoTy  ^fe '^liid  ^^'o 
Master,  which  was  upon  this  occasion  remarkably  verified,  (compare  Matt.  x.  19,  20.  and  them,  Ye  rulers  of  the  peo- 
Mark  xiii.  11.)  spake  with  the  utmost  freedom,  and  said  unto  them,  O  ye  rulers  of  the  p'e.  and  elders  of  Israel, 

9  people,  and  elders  of  Israel,  before  whom  we  are  now  brougiit  as  malefactors  !  We  are  not  ?  If  we  this  day  be  exa- 
conscious  to  ourselves  that  we  have  done  any  thing  to  deserve  censure  or  punishment;  {'o'the''impptent°manfbywhat 
but  if  we  are  this  day  examined  and  called  to  an  account  as  criminals  about  the  benefit  con-  means  he  is  made  whole ; 

f erred  upon  the  impotent  man,  and  you  would  have  us  to  declare  by  what  7neans  he  is  saved 
from  his  calamitous  state,  and  healed  in  the  manner  which  you  now  see,  we  are  most  free 

10  to  tell  you  what  we  before  have  testified  on  this  occasion.  (Chap.  iii.  16.)  Be  it  known  10  Be  it  known  unto  you 
therefore  to  you  all,  and  to  all  the  people  of  Israel,  that  it  is  by  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  (?f  isrker'^that /by'the^'naml  of 
Nazareth,  lohom  you  a  few  weeks  ago  crucified  with  all  the  marks  of  detestation  and  con-  .lesus'  Christ  of  Nazareth, 
tempt,  as  a  criminal  worthy  of  the  most  infamous  death,  but  ivhom  God  hath  owned,  in  God'"ra?sed  *^from  "the  dead", 
that  he  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead,s  and  received  him  into  glory:  [yc«,]  I  declare  it  ";''".''/  him  doth  this  man 
again,  and  will  abide  by  it,  whatever  be  the  consequence,  that  it  is  by  him,  even  by  that  ^  *"'  *'^*  *  °'^^  ^°"  woe. 
illustrious  name  of  his,  that  this  poor  ?nan,  whom  you  well  know  to  have  been  a  cripple 

11  from  his  mother's  womb,  now  staiids  before  you  perfectly  sound  and  well.     And  give  me     n  This  is  the  stone  which 
leave,  Sirs,  to  tell  you,  that  this  Jesus  is  a  person  with  whom  you  are  all  intimately  con-  J|'^^,^*'  '"hT'^^h'  °^  ^th" 
cerned  ;  for,  as  David  expresses  it,  (Psal.  cxviii.  22.)  "  This  is  the  stone  which  was  con-  head  o?ti^e  comer. ^"^"'"^    * 
temptuously  refused  and  set  at  nought  by  you,  who  by  your  office  should  have  been  builders 
in  the  church  of  God,  that  is  indeed  become  the  very  head  of  the  comer,  to  which  the  whole 

12  building  owes  its  strength,  its  union,  and  its  beauty."    A7id  there  is  really  salvation  and    .12  Neither  is  there  salva- 
healing  in  no  other  but  in  him  ;  neither  is  there  any  other  name  under  heaven  given  out  by  is°'none^fher''*name°'^ under 
God  among  the  children  of  men,  whether  of  patriarch  or  prophet,  or  priest  or  king,  in  which  heaven    given   among   men 
we  must  be  saved  ^nA  recovered  :''  for  though  we  are  not  thus  disabled  and  afflicted  in  body,  ^''"'^^^  "^^  "">*'  ^^  =*^«'^- 
yet  there  are  other  maladies  of  a  much  more  threatening  nature,  for  the  cure  of  which 
you  and  I,  and  all  that  hear  me  this  day,  must,  as  we  value  the  very  lives  of  our  souls, 
apply  to  Jesus,  and  only  to  him. 

13  Now  when  they  of  the  council  saw  the  boldness  of  Peter  and  John,  and  observed  the     ^  Now  when  they  saw  the 
freedom  of  speech  with  which  they  pleaded  their  Master's  cause,  and  the  high  degree  to  anli  perce?ved  that*they"'°ere 
which  they  extolled  him  in  the  presence  of  those  magistrates  who  had  so  lately  condemned  unlearned  and  ignorant  men, 
him  to  the  most  shameful  death  ;  and  understood  at  the  same  time  that  they  were  illiterate  took  k'nowiedge  of  fhem,  that 
men,  and  in  private  stations  of  life,^  they  were  greatly  astonished.     And  upon  further  recol-  "'^y  had  been  with  Jesus, 
lection  too  they  knew  them,  and  remembered  of  these  two  disciples  that  they  had  been  with 
Jesus,  particularly  the  night  that  he  was  taken,  and  had  attended  him  to  the  house  of 
Caiaphas,  where  several  now  in  court  had  been  present  at  his  examination.''   (Compare 

14  John  xviii.  15, 16.)  And  they  would  gladly  have  done  their  utmost  to  confound  a  testimony     14  And  beholding  the  man 
which  bore  so  hard  upon  themselves.     But  seeing  lite  man  that  was  cured,  whom  they  knevv  with'\hent  they'"coufd"'iay 
to  have  been  so  long  lame,  now  standing  with  them  perfectly  recovered,  they  had  nothing  to  nothing  against  it. 
say  against  the  flict,  though  they  were  most  unwilling  to  own  a  doctrine  which  [it'\  tended     i5  But  when  they  had  com- 

SO  strono-lv  tr>  nrnvo  manded  them  to  go  aside  out 

so  strongly  to  prO\e.  ,  ,        ,,  •  ,         ,  ,  of  the  council,  they  conferred 

lo      Jiut  as  they  did  not  choose  the  apostles  should  perceive  they  knew  not  what  to  say,  among  themselves, 

having  ordered  them  to  withdraw  for  a  while  out  of  the  room  where  the  council  was  sitting,  do'^fo^te"^^en'?''for*that  i^- 

16  they  privately  conferred  among  themselves.  Saying,  What  shall  we  do  with  these  men  1  It  deed  a  notable  miracle  hath 
would  be  neither  reasonable  nor  safe  to  |)unish  tliem  now ;  for  that  indeed  a  very  surprising  feuo  au''them''that'd«ri'rTn 
and  signal  miracle  hath  been  wrought  by  them,  is  clearly  man  f est  to  all  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem ;  and  we  cannot 

17  Jerusalem,  and  we  ourselves  cannot  possibly  deny  [it.']     Nevertheless,^  on  the  other  hand,    Tt^buI  that  it  spread  no 

d  Annas  the  high-priest,  and  Caiaphas.l    As  it  seems  evident  that  g   Whom  God  hath  raised  from  the  dead.']    They  knew  in  their  own 

Jr-aiaphas  was  the  high-priest  at  this  time,  it  may  appear  stranae  that  the  consciences  that  it  was  so  ;  and,  though  they  had  hired  tlie  soldiers   to 

title  should  be  given  to  another,  merely  to  siiinify  that  he,  that  is,  the  tell  a  most  senseless  and  incredible  tale  to  the  contrary,  CMatt.  xxviii. 

Annas  spoken  of,  was  that  Annas  who  had  once  borne  that  ofhce  with  12 — 1.5.)  yet  it  is  observable  they  did  not  (so  far  as  we  can  learn)  dare 

great  honour,  and  had  now  most  of  the  authority,  though  his  son-in  law  to  plead  it  before  Peter  and  John. 

Caiaphas  had  the  name. — I  wciuld  submit  it  to  examination,  whether,  h   In  which  we  must  he  saved.]    Dr.  Whitby  and  some  other  later 

placing  a  comma  after  Avi/ai/,  the  following  words  might  not  be  joined,  writers  have  taken  a  great  deal  of  pains  to  prove  that  auDnvai  here  sig- 

Toi/  apxiepea  Kai  Kaia^ni',  and  rendered,  the  high  priest  also,  that  is,  nifies  healing,  and   have  argued  for  it  from  the  connexion,  and  from 

K^ttiapUas  ,■  though  1  confess  the  insertion  of  copulatives  between  each  many  texts,  especially  in  the  evangelists,  where  it  plainly  has  that  sense, 

name  in  the  following  clauses  does  not  favour  such  a  version  :   and  as  it  has  likewise.  Acts  xiv.  9.  where  it  is  translated,  to  be  healed.    (See 

tlieretore  1  rather  incline  to  acquiesce  in  the  former  solution  ;  for  the  Matt.  ix.  21,  22.  Mark  v.  23.  vi.  5fi.  x.  52.  Luke  xvii.  19.  and  compare 

Illustration ot  which,  see  Mr.  Biscoe,  At  Boyle's  Uct.  p.  6-18—6.59.  note  d,  on  Mark  v.  28.  p.  ISS.)     But  it  is  strange  that  any  should  not 

e  John,  and  Alexander.]    It  is  very  evident  these  were  persons  of  great  have  seen,  that  if  the  most  determinate  word  for  healing  had  been  here 

note  among  the  Jews  at  that  time  ;  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  (as  Dr.  used,  fas  yepairei/S.ii'ai,  or  laa^ia.l,^  it  must  have  signified  spiritual -AnA 

JLighttoot  and  otheis  suppose)  the  former  might  be  the  celebrated  Bab-  eternal  salvation,  since  it  is  plain,  that  when  Peter  savs,  tv  u>  &et  iruOt]- 

Dan  .lochanan   Ben  Zaccai,  mentioned  in  the  Talmud,  the  scholar  of  vat  iiu-av,  he  takes  it  for  granted  that  all  who  heard  him  needed  to  apply 

rill  lei,  and   that  the  latter  might  be  the  Alabarch,  or  governor  of  the  to  Clirist  for  this  healing.    Now  there  is  no  reason  to  believe  they  were 

Jews  at  Alex-andria,  brother  to  the  famous  Philo-Judasus.  and  in  great  all  afflicted  with  bodily  maladies,  nor  could   he  have  any  imaginable 

Javour  with  Claudius  Cassar.    Josephus  mentions  him  often,  and  tells  warrant  to   promise   them   all  supernatural  recovery  in   that   case. — 

us,  among  other  things,  that  he  adorned  nine  gates  of  the  temple  with  liaphelius,  in  a  remarkable  note  on  this  text,  (.Ex  Herod,  p.  329— .332.) 

plates  ot  gold  and  silver.    Joseph.  Dell.Jud.lih.w  cap.  5.  [al.vi.6.]  ^3.  endeavours,  among  other  things,  to  prove  that  oi/o»a,  or  the  name  of  a 

.,'  ^-^  nian}/  at  weie  of  the  high  priest's  kindred.]    Or,  as  others  render  person,  was  a  manner  of  speaking  used  in  reference  to  one  regarded  as 

It,  oj  the  pontifical  familp.     Dr.  Hammond  explains  this  of  the  twenty-  God.  and  the  Author  of  salvation. 

tour  members  ot  the  Aaronic  family  who  presided  over  the  twenty-toiir  i  Illiterate  men,  and  in  private  stations  of  life.]    The  original  words, 

courses  :  others  reter  it  to  those  who  were  nearly  related  to  Annas  and  afpuixua-roi  Kai  ,&,wrai,  have  literally  this  signification,  that  they  were 

L-aiaphas  :  but  Crotius  thinks  that  it  includes  the  kindred  of  those  who  not  scholars,  nor  in  any  puilic  rant  of  life,  as  the  priests  and  magistrates 

nad  lately  been  in  the  othce  ot  high  priest,  which  the  says)  made  them  were  ;  but  they  import  no  want  of  natural  good  sense,  or  any  ignorance 

members  ot  the  sanhedrim      Who  were  properly  members  of  that  conn-  of  what  was  then  the  subject  of  debate  :    so  that  our  translation  seems 

cil.  It  is  extremely  diHicult   to  say  ;   but   1   cannot  think,  with  a  late  very  unhappy  here, 

learned  writer,  (Mr.   Biscoe,  ^r  Boi/le's  Lect.  p.  79.)  that  the  presence  k   The!/  knea  them  that  they  had  been  with  Jesus,  particularly  the  night 

ot   Alexander  (though  state.lly  resident  m  Keypti  will   prove  that  this    that  he  was  taken.  &c.]    See  note  g,  on  Luke  xxii.  57.  p.  .32y. Gro- 

was  not  properly  the  sanhedrim,  but  an  extraordinary  council    occa-  tius  justly  observes  also,  that  the  rulers  were  often  i)resent  when  Christ 

sionally  called,  consisting  ot  some  who  were,  and  others  who  were  not,  taught   publicly,  and   so  might  have  seen   Peter  and   John  near  him 

ot  that  court.     It  is  very  evident  they  act  with  authority  as  a  court  of  at  other   times,    as  well   as  on  the  occasion   mentioned  in  the   para- 

judicatuie  here,  and  the  council,  expressly  called  Ivvihpiov  again  and  phrase. 

again   m   the  5tli  chapter,  (ver.  21,  27,  34,  41.)  refer  to  the  acts  of  this  1  Nevertheless.]    Instances  in   which  aXXa  signifies  nevertheless,  are 

assembly  as  their  own.    (Compare  chap.  v.  ver.  27,  2G.)    And  the  same  numerous  in  the  New  Testament  :    and   it  is  often  rendered  so  by  our 

word  IS  likewise  used  here  m  this  chapter,  ver.  15.              ,  translators.    See  Mark  xiv.  36.  John  xi.  15.  Rom.  v.  14.  2  Cor.  xii.  16. 


THE  TWO  APOSTLES  EXAMINED  BEFORE  THE  SANHEDRIM.  381 

further  among  the  people,  let  it  is- equally  plain  that  both  our  credit  and  our  interest  require  us  to  suppress  the  rumour  sect 

tTef  spei\'''henc\U^trto  "Ifo  of  it  as  much  as  we  can  ;  and  therefore,  that  it  may  not  any  further  spread  amona  the  peo-  8.  ' 
man  in  this  name.                 pie,  and  be  a  means  of  raising  discontent,  and  perhaps  of  occasionmo-  some  dan^rerous 


insurrection  among  them,  which  may  throw  the  city  and  nation  into  confusion, '/e<  m    acts 
severely  threaten  them  with  the  most  rigorous  punishment,  in  case  they  persist  in  such  bold      ^^• 
discourses  as  those  we  have  now  been  hearing,  that  so  they  may  not  dare  to  preach  as  they  ^^ 
have  done,  and  from  henceforth  may  speak  no  more  to  any  inan  in  this  obnoxious  name. 

18  And  they  called  them,  And  the  whole  council,  having  agreed  to  this  as  the  most  proper  method  they  could  at  18 
speak*aT  alienor  teach  fn  the  present  take  with  the  apostles,  they  called  them  in  again ;  and  telling  them  how  much  they 
name  of  Jesus.  were  offended  at  the  liberty  they  took,  they  charged  them  in  a  very  strict  and  severe  man- 
ner, that,  upon  pain  of  their  highest  displeasure,  and  as  they  regarded  their  own  safety,  and 
even  their  lives,  they  should  not  presume  on  any  account  whatever  to  speak  any  more,  or  to 
teach  the  people  iti  the  name  of  Jesus  ;'^  if  they  would  not  be  looked  upon  as  seditious 
persons,  and  be  dealt  with  as  incendiaries  and  rebels,  as  their  Master  had  been ;  whom 
they  still  asserted  to  have  deserved  the  punishment  that  he  had  suffered. 

19  But  Peter  and  John  an-      But  Peter  and  John  felt  themselves  animated  in  this  arduous  circumstance  with  a  19 
Whethe^it  be'  right" in'The  couragcous  zeal  which  would  not  permit  them  to  be  silent,  lest  that  silence  should  be  in- 
sight of  God  to  hearken  unto  terpreted  as  a  promise  to  quit  tlieir  ministry;  and  therefore,  answering  them  with  an  un- 
ju°d'(re'yey*     '"*"  "°'°  ^°  '  daunted  freedom,  they  said  before  them  all.  Whether  it  be  a  fit  or  a  righteous  thing  in  the 

sight  of  God,  to  whom  we  are  all  accountable,  to  obey  you  rather  than  God,  judge  ye."   You 
cannot  but  know  in  your  own  consciences  on  which  side  the  superior  obligation  lies ;  and 
^20  For  we  cannot  but  speak  you  must  therefore  expect,  that  we  shall  act  accordingly.     For  though  we  respect  you  as  20 
and  heard.^  "^  *^  ave  seen  ^^^  ^— j  j.yjg^g^  ^^^  ^^q  heartily  Willing  to  yield  all  subjection  to  you  so  far  as  we  lawfully 
can,  yet  since  God  hath  charged  us  with  the  publication  of  this  important  message,  on 
which,  as  we  have  already  testified,  the  eternal  salvation  of  men  depends,  u-e  dare  not  to 
be  silent  in  a  case  of  such  importance,  and  are  free  to  tell  you  that  we  cannot  but  speak  the 
things  which  ive  have  so  often  seen  and  heard,  and  which  God  hath  so  miraculously  em- 
powered us  to  declare,  not  only  in  this  city,  but  throughout  all  the  earth, 
th"'  th  ^t«^°  l^^h  ^^'^  h""^'      ^'"^^  though  the  apostles  spake  with  such  great  freedom,  the  council  were  so  confounded  21 
lef'^them 'go"Hndin|'^'othing  by  the  force  of  truth,  that  they  did  not  think  fit  to  proceed  to  any  further  extremities  at 
because^of'?hl'^'e''"'l'^''f ''^"ii  ^^^^  ^™^ '  ^^^  having  threatened  them  again  in  severer  terms  than  before,  they  dismissed 
meii  glorified  God  for  that  them  ;  finding  nothing  done  by  them  /or  which  they  might  with  any  show  of  reason  punish 
which  was  done.  fhe/n,  and  not  daring  to  proceed  in  so  arbitrary  a  manner  as  they  would  otherwise  have 

done,  because  of  the  people,  whose  resentment  they  feared  -.for  such  was  the  impression  that 
was  made  upon  the  people  by  the  cure  of  the  lame  man,  that  they  had  all  a  high  esteem 
and  mighty  veneration  for  the  apostles,  who  were  publicly  known  to  be  the  instruments  of 
22  For  the  man  was  above  working  it,  and  all  glorified  God  in  raptures  of  astonishment  /or  that  which  ivas  done.    And  22 
mirac?e*^o?healing  wasThew-  indeed  they  well  might  be  affected  with  it,^or  the  man  on  whom  this  miracle  of  healing 
*'*•  was  wrought,  was  more  than  forty  years  old ;  so  that  hardly  any  thing  could  have  appeared 

to  human  judgment  to  be  a  more  desperate  case  than  so  inveterate  and  confirmed  a  lame- 
ness :  and  yet  he  was  (as  we  have  already  related)  in  one  moment  completely  cured  by  the 
word  of  the  apostles,  and  the  power  of  their  divine  Master  operating  with  it. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

We  see,  in  the  instance  before  us,  the  natural  but  detestable  effects  of  a  proud,  bigoted,  over-bearing  temper,  Ver. 
even  where  it  seems  least  excusable.    The  Sadducees  themselves,  though  they  believed  no  future  state  of  retribu-  l — 3 
tion,  yet  persecuted  the  apostles  as  eagerly,  as  if  they,  like  some  other  Jews,  had  expected  to  merit  heaven  by  their 
severity  to  them.    (Compare  John  xvi.  2.) 

On  the  other  side,  it  is  delightful  to  observe  the  zeal  and  courage  with  which  Peter  and  John  defended  the  cause  10,  11 
of  their  crucified  Redeemer,  even  in  the  presence  of  those  by  whom  he  had  so  lately  been  condemned.    Thus  can 
God  give  power  to  the  feeble,  and  increase  the  strenMh  of  them  that  have  no  might.  (Isa.  xl.  29.)    The  testimony  12 
they  bore  is  well  worth  our  regarding.     There  is  salvation  in  no  other,  neither  is  there  any  other  name  under  heaven 
given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved.     Oh  that  the  ends  of  the  earth  misht  hear  and  reverence  that  name  ! 
Oh  that  thousands  to  whom  it  is  yet  unknown,  may  learn  to  build  all  their  hopes  of  salvation  upon  it !  and  may 
we  never  be  ashamed  to  own  it,  never  afraid  to  adhere  to  it !  May  we  speak  of  it  with  such  a  savour,  may  we  defend 
it  with  such  a  zeal,  that  they  who  are  round  about  us  may  take  knoivledge  cftis  that  we  have  been  with  Jesus,  and  13 
trace  the  genuine  effects  of  our  intimate  acquaintance  with  him  ! 

Never  was  there  an  instance  of  a  more  memorable  combat  between  the  force  of  evidence  and  of  prejudice ;  never  16—18 
a  more  impudent  attempt  to  bear  down  the  cause  of  unquestionable  truth  by  brutal  violence.  But  great  is  the 
tnith,  and  it  will  prevail.  May  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  never  want  that  courage  in  the  defence  of  it  which  these 
holy  men  expressed ;  always  judging  it  infinitely  more  reasonable,  more  safe,  and  more  necessary,  to  obey  God 
than  man  !  Never  may  we  be  ashamed  to  profess  our  reverence  and  love  to  him  who  is  our  supreme  Ruler  and 
our  most  bountiful  Friend  ;  and  may  he  give  us  such  an  inward  and  heart-influencing  sense  of  the  worth  and 
sweetness  of  his  gospel,  as  may  effectually  prevent  our  betraying  or  neglecting  it ! 


SECTION  IX. 

Peter  and  John  retunj  to  their  company ;  and  having  told  them  what  had  passed,  they  all  unite  in  an  inspired  prayer,  which  is  attended  with  a 
renewed  effusion  of  the  Spirit,  in  consequence  of  which  they  all  preach  the  gospel  with  new  vigour  and  wonderful  success.  The  number  of 
converts,  and  the  sales  of  estates,  are  greatly  increased.    Acts  iv.  23 — 35. 

ACTS  iv.  23.  Acts  iv.  23.  sect. 

AND  being  let  go,  they  went  PETER  and  John  being  dismissed  from  their  examination  by  the  sanhedrim,  with  a  strict      ^^ 

repoJ?ed  "^i"  thS^th/'chrel-  charge  that  they  should  preach  no  more  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  no  sooner  were  at  liberty  but 

priests  and  elders  had  said  they  came  to  their  own  company,  and  related  all  that  the  chief  priests  and  elders  had  said  to  A^^ 
*™'  them,  and  how  severely  they  Had  threatened  them. 

Gal.  iv.  30.  2  Tim.  i.  12.    And  many  instances  from  profane  writers  As  they  professed  to  believe  the  being  and  infinite  perfections  oj  p.^^' 

are  brought  by  Eisner  in  his  note  here.  they  must,  on  their  own  principles,  easily  see  the  ""["r.   ^T.h  m  pk-pi 

m    Jhei/  charged  l/iem  that  they  should  not  speak  any  more in  the  obedience  to  their  commands  from  good  men  w"?".    ^       "^  nmp  rAem 

name  of  Jesni.'\    The  very  thing  that  men  conscious  of  the  truth  of  the  divinely  commissioned.     Ihere  is  a  passage  which  oears  some  r"""" 

apostles  testmiony,  and  self-condemned,  would  do  :  attempting  by  vio-  blance  to  this,  in  the  apology  of  Socrates  as  recorded  oy  ^^'/IV'' l'  r'j 

lence  to  stop  tl.eir  mouths,  as  thev  knew  they  could  not  answer  them  p.  23.]  which  appears  to  me  among  the  finest  ot  antiauiiv.     V  "I',' ""^J 

any  other  way.  -  "'  were  condemning  him  to  death  for  teachmg  the  people,  he  said.     U  ye 

n  lihether  it  be  righiemis to  obey  you  rattier  than  God,  jitdge  ye.]  Athenians,  1  embrace  and  love  you  ;  but  1  u'tl  obty  Kjou  rainer  in<uL 


382  THE  DESCENT  OF  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT  UPON  THE  APOSTLES. 

SECT.      And  when  they  heard  [it,']  a  divine  inspiration  came  upon  all  that  were  present  in  an  ^^^24  j^"'^,  J^J^^'^j  'Ji^Jj^'j*^^^ 
9.      extraordinary  manner,  so  that  thei/  immediately  lifted  up  their  voice  with  one  accord  to  God^  to  God  with  one  accord,  and 

■ in  the  following  prayer,  which  upon  this  occasion  was  suggested  by  the  Holy  Spirit  to  every  ^au^^^i^  has^'made^heaven^and 

ACTS    one  in  the  assembly ;  and  they  said,  O  thou  sujjreme  Lord  of  universal  nature,  we  humbly  earth,  and  the  sea,  and  all 
^^-     acknowledge  thou  art  the  God  who  didst  inake  heaven  and  earth,  and  the  sea,  and  all  things  t'^^'  ">  "'^'"  '^ ; 

25  that  are  in  them  :  Who  didst  by  thine  Holy  Spirit  say  by  the  mouth  of  thy  servant  David,  25  Who  by  tiie  mouth  of 
(Psal.  ii.  1,  2.)  "  Why  did  the  heathen  nations  rage,  and  the  people  imagine  vain  things,  ^X'^lj'S^lhf  "'hefth^ln'rage; 

26  forming  projects  which  must  certainly  end  in  then  own  disappointment  and  ruin  ?  Why  and  the  people  imagine  vain 
did  the  kings  of  the  earth  enter  into  a  confederacy  to  set  themselves  as  it  were  in  hostile  ^''og'^i^e  kings  of  the  earth 
array,  and  why  were  the  rulers  of  it,  forgetting  their  mutual  differences,  combined  together  stood  up,  and''tiie  rulers  were 
in  one  association  against  the  Lord,  and  against  his  Messiah,  whom  he  hath  anointed  to  loni't'J,d°fgMnst  his  Christ^ 

27  be  the  great  Ruler  of  all?"  We,  O  God,  have  now  seen  the  literal  accomplishment  of  27  For  ot  a  truth,  against 
these  words ;  for  of  a  truth  here  has  been  a  most  audacious  conspiracy  m  this  city  of  thou''°ifast'"  anoi^nted,  ''both 
Jerusalem,  where  we  now  are,  against  thee,  and  against  thine  Holy  Child  Jesus,  whom  thou  H.«rpd  ^nd  Pontius  'Pilate, 
hast  so  visibly  anointed  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  with  power  to  accomplish  the  glorious  pie  ofUraei,  were'^gi'thered 
work  of  erecting  thy  kingdom  among  men  ;  and  both  Herod  the  tetrarch,  and  Pontius  together, 

Pilate  the  Roman  governor,  ivith  the  heathen  and  the  people  of  Israel,  have  combined  in  the 

28  impious  attempt.  But  it  is  our  unspeakable  comfort  to  think,  that  by  their  utmost  rage  28  For  to  do  whatsoever 
they  cannot  break  in  upon  thy  schemes,  or  prevent  the  efficacy  of  an^  of  thy  purposes ;  {^VmS  before Vbedone''''' 
for  we  know  that,  in  the  midst  of  all  this  impious  fury  they  have  shown  against  thy  Son, 

they  have  only  been  able  to  do  tvhat  thine  hand  had  pointed  out  before,  and  what  thy 
unerring  counsel,  to  which  all  future  events  are  obvious,  had  before  determined  that,  for  wise 

29  reasons,  thou  wouldst  permit  to  be  done>  And  as  to  what  now  remains  to  accomplish  C9  And  now.  Lord,  behold 
this  important  scheme  of  raising  thy  church  on  the  sure  foundation  of  his  cross,  we  IIX  thy  UTvan&i  that ^wi"h 
beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  to  regard  these  their  haughty  threatenings,  with  which  they  are  all  boldness  they  'may  speak 
endeavouring  to  discourage  the  chosen  witnesses  of  his  resurrection  ;  ami  to  give  unto  these     ^  ^""^  ' 

thy  servants,  and  to  all  others  that  are  to  join  their  testimony,  to  speak  thy  word  tvith 
all  freedom  and  resolution,":  in  the  midstof  the  most  violent  opposition  that  can  arise  : 

30  especially  whilst  thou  art  animating  them  by  the  performance  of  such  works  of  power  and  so  By  stretching  forth  thine 
mercy,  and  art  stretching  out  thine  ov/n  almighty  hand  for  healing  the  most  incurable  dis-  and^'Jondefs'mayVe'^doDe^by 
tempers ;  and  while  such  astonishing  signs  and  tvonders  as  these  are  done  by  the  name  of  Uie  name  of  thy  holy  ciiiid 
thine  Holy  Child  Jesus  :  which  we  hope  thou  wilt  still  continue  to  perform,  however  the 

rage  of  the  enemy  may  be  excited  by  them. 

31  ^nrf  wAiVe  ^/(ey  were  thus />7-ni/(«o-,  God  was  pleased  miraculously  to  declare  his  gracious  si  And  when  they  had 
acceptance  of  their  petitions  ;  for  the  place  in  which  they  were  assembled  was  shaken  as  the  wTe^re'*\hey'were*aSembled 
upper  room  had  been  on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  (Acts  li.  2.)  and  they  were  all  filed  with  together ;  and  they  were  all 
the  Holy  Spirit  ;<>  and,  being  animated  by  that  strong  impulse  which  through  his  operation  and  they  spike  the'^wSxfof' 
they  felt  upon  their  hearts,  thei/  spake  the  word  of  God  wherever  they  came  with  all  God  with  boldness, 
courageous  //eerfo??/,  and  renewed  their  public  testimony  without  any  appearance  of  fear, 

on  the  very  day  on  which  they  had  been  so  solemnly  forbidden  by  the  sanhedrim  to  preach 
any  more  in  the  name  of  Jesus. 

32  And  that  sacred  Agent  wrought  upon  their  souls  not  only  as  the  Spirit  of  zeal  and  cou-  jjj^^'^jj^f  'belie™ed''wer*e  of 
rage,  but  of  love,  so  that  the  very  heart  and  soul  of  the  whole  multitude  of  believers,  nume-  one  heart  and  of  one  soul : 
rous  as  they  were,  was  all  one :  nor  did  any  one  [of  thenf]  call  any  of  his  possessions  his  own ;  ne"|'f  said  any  of  them  that 

I     .,,.,■  ■'  ,   .,        -7        J      •     1  1       •       i  _i-    ■       ,.        r  .u  ought  ot  the  things  which  he 

but  all  things  were  common  amongst  them,"  and  each  was  as  welcome  to  participate  ot  them  possessed  was  his  own;  but 
as  the  original  proprietor  could  be,  being  in  these  new  bonds  of  christian  fellowship  as  dear  ^''"^^  '•>"*  ='"  "''"ss  common. 

33  to  him  as  himself  And  with  great  power,  that  is,  with  divine  force  of  eloquence  and  of  33  And  with  great  power 
miracles,  did  the  apostles  give  forth  their  important  testimony  (f  the  resurrection  of  the  Lord  fi^e%es'urrect'fo''rotThe*Eord 
Jesus ;  and  great  grace  was  upon  them  all,^  so  that  the  energy  and  sweetness  of  the  gospel  Jesus :  and  great  grace  was 
was  felt  by  the  inward  experience  both  of  speakers  and  hearers,  beyond  what  it  was  pos-  "^'"'^  ^''""  ""• 

sible  for  words  to  express. 

34  Neither  was  there  any  one  indigent  person  among  them,  thougli  many  of  them  were  far  34  Neither  was  there  any 
from  their  habitations,  and  many  others  in  low  circumstances  of  life  :  for  as  many  as  were  as'nmny  as'"wer'eposse^ssorsof 
proprietors  of  lands  or  houses,  sold  them  as  fast  as  tliey  could  find  any  to  purchase  them,  '""f**."'"  h""ses,  sold  them, 

35  and  brought  the  price  of  the  things  they  had  sold,  whether  it  were  more  or  less,  And  laid  [it]  the  things'tilat  were  sold**  ° 
dawn  at  the  feet  of  tile  apostles,  to  he  disposed  of  as  they  should  direct;  who  discharged  ,,,^^^^"4  ',**}''  '^'f'"  '^P^^  "' 
their  trust  with  the  strictest  fidelity,  and  took  care  that  distribution  was  made  to  everi/  one  bution°wi^s^  niMle  unto  every 
according  as  any  hcul  need  for  his  present  relief:  (compare  chap.  ii.  45.)  the  apostles  '^^^"^  according  as  he  had 
esteeming  themselves  sufficiently  happy  while  living  in  the  same  plain  manner  with  their 

brethren,  in  the  opportunity  which  the  divine  goodness  gave  them  of  being  so  helpful  to 
others  both  in  temporals  and  spirituals. 

you;  Wetaouai  3e  -rm  Oea  uaWov  h  vuiv.]  and  if  you  would  dismiss  served  in  note  i,  on  that  text  in  Luke,  p.  297-)  to  explain  this  determi- 

rae  and  spare  my  life,  on  condition  that   1  should  cease  to  teach  my  nation  in  such  a  manner  as  to  make  it  consistent  with  the  free  agency  of 

fellow-citizens,   1  would  rather  die  a  thousand  times  than  accept  the  the  persons  concerned.    When  God's  hand  and   his  counsel  aie  said  to 

proposal."     What  are  ten  thousand  subtilties  of  the  ancient  philoso-  have  determined  these  things,  it  may  signify  God's  having  pointed  out 

phers,  when  compared  with  a  sentiment  like  this !  this  great  event  so  wisely  concerted  in  his  eternal  counsels,  and  marked 

_  a   JV/ien  they  heard  [iV,]  they  immediately  lifted  up  their  voice,  *<•  .1    It  before-hand  as  it  were  all  the  boundaries  of  it.  (as  the  word  wpjupio-e 

IS  strange  any  should  have   imagined  this  was  a   pre-composea  form,  may  well  signify,)  in  the  prophetic  writings.    This  seems  more  natural 

since,  besides  all  the  other  absurdities  of  such  a  supposition,  it  so  ex-  than   to  suppose  (as   Bishop  Pearson   and   Dr.    Hammond  do)  that  it 

pressly  refers  to  the  threatenings  of  the  sanhedrim,  (vtr.  29.)  of  which  alludes  to  the  designation  of  the  Lord's  goat  on  the  day  of  expiation, 

they  had    been  but  just  then   informed  :   and   the  words,   axoun-ai/Te?-  which  was  by  lifting  up  the  lot  on  high,  and  then  laying  it  on  tlie  head 

ouoOvuahov  Tjpav  ipuivriv.   will  not   allow  us  to  iinaaine  any   interval  of  the  animal  to  be  sacrificed.    See  Pearson,  Oh  the  Creed,  p.  185.  and 

between  the 'report  ot  Peter  and  .lohn,  and  this  prayer.    1  conclude  it  Hammond,  in  loc. 

therefore  probable,  that  all  their  voices  might  ioin  by  immediate  inspi-  c  Give  unto  thy  servants  to  speak  thy  word  with  all  freedom.]  Eisner 
ration  ;  which  seems  a  circumstance  graciously  adapted  for  the  encou-  has  shown  here,  by  some  very  happy  quotations,  that  several  of  the  hea- 
ragementot  them  all  to  suffer  the  greatest  extremities  in  this  cause,  and  thens  acknowledged  the  [Trappriina'i  freedom  of  speech,  on  great  and  press- 
answers  the  phrase  here  used  much  better  than  if  we  were  to  suppose  ing  occasions,  to  be  a  divine  gift.  Compare  Prov.  xvi.  ]. 
one  only  to  have  spoken,  and  the  rest  to  have  put  their  cordial  Amen  to  d  They  were  all  filled  with  t/ie  Holy  Spirit.}  I  will  not  assert  that 
it;  which  yet  would  be  a  much  more  tolerable  account  of  the  matter  cloven  tongues  fell  upon  them  again;  but  I  think  it  probable,  with  Dr. 
than  that  which  1  first  mentioned.  Benson,  that  some  visible  symbol  of  the  Spirit's  descent  might  now  be 

b  Have  combined  to  do,  Sfc]    Limborch(7'Aeo%. /I'A.  ii.  cap.  30.  ^  17.)  given, 

contends  strongly  for  a  transposition  of  the  words  thus  :   They  have  com-  c  All  things  were  common  amongst  them.}    See  note  i,  on  chap.  ii.  44. 

hined  against  thine  Holy  Child  Jesus,  rvhom  thou  hast  anointed  to  do  what  p.  375. —  To  have  otie  heart  and  soul  is  a  proverbial  expression  for  the 

thine  hand  and  thy  counsel  had  determined,  Sic.    Butthis  transposition  is  most  intimate  and  endearing  friendship,  as   Eisner  and  others  have 

arbitrary  ;  and  it  is  so  expressly  said  elsewhere  by  Luke,  when  he  was  shown. 

entering  on  his  sufferings,  that  the  Son  of  man  went  as  it  was  determined  i  Great  grace  was  upon  them   all.}    Casaubon,   Grotius,  and   some 

concerning  him,  (Luke  xxii.  22.)  and  it  so  plainly  appears  in  fact  that  others,  understand  this  of  the  favour  they  had  among  the  people  on  ac- 

these  circumstances  were  expressly  determined  or  marked  out  in  the  pro-  count  of  their  charity  and  good  conduct :  but  this  is  by  no  means  the 

phecies  of  the  Old  Testament,  that  I  see  not  what  end  the  admission  of  natural  import  of  this    hrase,  which  is  very  dillerent  from  that  used, 

such  a  transposition  would  answer.    It  is  much  more  rational  (<is  we  ob-  Acts  ii.  47. 


ANANIAS  AND  SAPPHITIA  ATTEMPT  TO  DECEIVE  THE  APOSTLES.  383 

IMPROVEMENT. 

This  was  indeed  the  golden  age  of  the  church  :  and  it  is  impossible  to  trace  the  memoirs  of  it  if  we  love  Sion 
without  a  secret  complacency  and  exultation  of  mind.     How  amiable  and  how  venerable  do  the  apostles  and'  ^^^* 
primitive  converts  appear  in  this  native  simplicity  of  the  christian  character !  and  what  a  glory  did  the  o^race  and 
Spirit  of  God  put  upon  them,  far  beyond  all  that  human  establishments,  splendid  dignities,  or  ample  "revenues     act^ 
could  ever  give  to  those  that  have  succeeded  them  !  While  the  multitude  of  them  had  one  heart  and  one  soul  and'     in 
each  was  ready  to  impart  to  his  brethren  whatever  he  himself  possessed,  hov?  high  a  relish  of  pleasure  did'thev  32 
receive,  and  how  were  their  joys  multiplied  by  each  of  their  number !  ^ 

Thus  does  divine  grace,  when  it  powerfully  enters  into  the  heart,  open  it  in  sentiments  of  generosity  and  love  •^iT  t; 
Thus  does  it  conquer  that  selfish  temper  which  reigns  so  frequently  in  the  minds  of  sinful  men,  and  makes  them 
like  wild  beasts  rather  than  like  brethren  to  each  other.  Providence  does  not  indeed  call  us  entirely  to  o-ive  up 
our  possessions,  or  to  introduce  a  community  of  goods  among  christians,  in  circumstances  so  different  from  those 
which  we  have  now  been  surveying :  yet  surely  it  is  always  our  duty,  and  will  be  our  highest  interest,  to  remem- 
ber that  we  are  not  original  proprietors  of  what  we  possess,  but  stewards,  who  are  to  manage  what  is  intrusted  to 
our  care  for  the  honour  of  our  great  Master,  and  the  good  of  his  family  here  on  earth ;  continually  ready  to  resio-n 
any  part,  or  even  the  whole  of  it,  whenever  these  important  ends  shall  require  such  a  resignation.  ° 

In  the  mean  time,  let  us  frequently  lift  up  our  hearts  to  the  great  and  ever-blessed  God,  who  hath  made  heaven  24 
and  earth,  and  the  sea,  and  all  that  is  in  them,  that  he  would  support  and  extend  the  progress  of  that  gospel  in  the 
world  which  he  hath  so  graciously  begun  to  plant.     Kings  may  still  set  themselves,  and  rulers  take  counsel,  against  25   26 
It ;  but  he  knows  how  to  turn  their  counsels  into  foolishness,  and  their  rage  into  shame.     He  hath  anointed  Jesus      ' 
his  Holy  Child  with  the  oil  of  gladness,  and  placed  him  on  his  throne  in  heaven ;  and  all  the  united  malice  and 
fury  of  his  enemies  can  do  no  more  than  what  shall  make  part  of  his  wise  and  gracious  scheme  for  the  government  29 
of  his  people.     Let  us  pray  that  he  would  give  freedom  of  speech  to  all  employed  in  pleading  his  cause ;  and  that 
he  will  plentifully  anoint  them  with  the  effusion  of  his  Spirit :  and  let  the  signs  and  wonders  which  were  done  by  30   ''I 
the  name  of  Jesus  in  former  ages,  encourage  us  to  hope  that  he  will  never  totally  desert  a  scheme  which  he  once      '  "^ 
so  illustriously  interposed  to  establish ;  and  consequently  let  them  animate  us  to  exert  ourselves  in  its  service 
whatever  labours,  threatenings,  or  dangers  may  meet  us  in  our  way.  ' 


SECTION  X. 

"^livin^  .°L!f  h^l^'  proceeding,  Ananias  and  Sapphira  attempt  fraudulently  to  impose  upon  the  apostles,  and  are  immediately  struck  dead     Tliat 
Acts  iv  i!  to  the  eSJf  r  v.°i-16  ""^""^  '"""'"''"'  """"^^^  ^''°"'  ^^^  =^™^  time,  promotes'^the  increase  of  the  church  still  more  and  more: 

Acts  iv.  36.  AcTS   iv.    36. 

tt?wilurnrmed%arnlCas:  ^MONG  the  rest  of  those  primitive  converts  who  so  generously  contributed  of  their  sub-  sect. 
(which  is,  being  inter)>refed.  Stance  lor  the  refiet  and  subsistence  ot  the  poor  believers  in  so  extraordinary  a  circumstance      10 

L^vitl?"«°/of'thl°count"r^  of  ^^^""^  7^'  One  Joses,  who,  on  account  of  his  great  benevolence  and  usefulness,  was  much - 

Cyprus,  respected  in  the  church,  and  bi/  the  apostles  was  surnamed  Barnabas,  which,  being  inter-    acts 

preted  from  the  Syriac  language,  signifies,  A  son  of  consolation.'^    He  was  a  Levite,  who      IV. 
was  so  far  from  being  prejudiced  against  this  new  religion,  as  it  might  seem  to  oppose  his  ^^ 
temporal  interest,  that  he  gladly  devoted  himself  to  its  service  :  [ajid]  was  a  native  of  an- 
and^  bSt"  tlfe°  monev  and  ^r^^'"  ^°^^^7;  ^^'^g  ^i^  ^"'^^* «  Ct/prian.     And  having  an  estate,  which  was  capable  of  being  37 
laid  it  at  the  apostles'  feet,      alienated  Without  any  transgression  of  the  law,b  he  sold  it,  and  brought  the  money,  as  others 
had  done,  and  laid  it  down  at  the  feet  of  the  apostles,^  desiring  they  would  dispose  of  it  in 
such  a  manner  as  might  be  most  serviceable  to  the  necessities  of  the  saints.    And  the  ad- 
dition which  it  made  to  the  public  stock  was  so  considerable,  that  it  seemed  to  deserve 
this  particular  mention. 

rafn'^^na'^riied  Anini'L^wllh      ^fv'^  J  ^"  ^  ^^""^  different  point  of  light,  and  on  a  very  melancholy  occasion,  that  we    acts 
Sapphira  his  wife,  soid'a  pos-  ^.''^  Obliged  to  mention  another  person  before  we  leave  this  story.    There  was  also  among      v. 
^^'"°">  these  early  professors  of  the  gospel,  a  certain  man  named  Ananias,  who,  luith  the  concur-  1 

the  prke,  hf  Ufe^als^bein".^  ""^v  ^  f  Sapphira  his  xvife.  Sold  an  estate  ;  and  fraudulently  secreted  part  of  the  price,  his  2 
privy  to  it,  and  brought  a  '^'fe  also  being  conscious  [ofif-l  and  bringing  only  a  certain  part  of^it,  he  laid  it  dmvn  at 
apo^tiW«  "'^  '^"*  ""'""  tl^^M  <^ff'>e  apostles,  as  the  rest  did,  pretending  "that  it  was  the  whole  of  the  purchase- 
money  ;  and  consequently  intimating,  that,  having  deposited  his  all  in  their  hands,  he 
should  hope  for  the  future  to  be  taken  care  of  among  the  rest  of  the  brethren, 
why  hath ll'tan'mied^Thine  .■  "^f  "P°"  *'''','  the  Holy  Spirit,  Under  whose  direction  the  apostle  Peter  acted,  imme-  3 
heart  to  lie  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  Ciately  Suggested  to  him  the  fraud,  and  the  awful  manner  in  which  the  Divine  Wisdom 
price  of  the  lan'd'^'"''  °*  ""^  ^^"^  ^^  to  animadvert  upon  it.     In  consequence  of  which  inward  suggestion,    looking 
sternly  upon  him,  he  said,  O  Ananias,  why  hath  Satan,  through  thine  own  wickedness  in 
yielding  to  his  temptations,  filled  thine  heart  with  such  a  degree  of  covetousness,  false- 
hood, folly,  and  presumption,  [that  thou  shnuldst  audaciously  attempt^  to  impose  on  the 
^  .„, .,  ^'^{'J  Spirit  himself,')  under  whose  special  direction  we  are  ;    and  to  secrete  part  of  the 

it  noTtoinlolnJ^^dlfteTIt  ^''"'^  "^ ■  *^"^,  '"'''^  ^''°"  ^^^^  ^°^'^'  '^'^^"  ^hou  pretendest  to  have  brought  the  whole  ?   While  4 
It  remained  unsold,  did  it  not  continue  thine,  notwithstanding  thy  profession  of  faith  in 

<^ommonax^nlx^lin^^^^^^^  Considering  how  Limhorch  Collat.  p.  134.  fand  it  is  one  of  the  weakest  and  meanest  things 

to  conclude    c^^ome  i^a?e  rinnn^h.?  ,hi!  ""•  "'^'h  "T""'  "« J "^^  reason  I  remember  in  his  wiitings.)  that  it  was  no  small  advantage  fo  poSr 

chap    i  "3  as  a  canriiri^tP  fnr^h:.  „ffi   '^?  ^'^  the   loseph   mentioned,  fishermen  to  be  treasurers  of  so  considerable  a  bank.     But  nothing  can 

J,  on  that  left    d    3fiq  f   Nor  /ln°??  °^  ""'  apostle     (Compare  note  be  more  unjust  and  unnatural,  than  to  suspect  that  men  who  we%  so 

Abp.  Wake   (;j£;«    piZw,    7^^r„i  Te^^^,x  ""^.1°"  i'"  ™"<:l"de    with  ready  to  sacrifice  their  lives  to  the  cause  of  truth  and  the  happiness  of 

'm^ofctntoiationl;,  txurtZ\tlf\^\^"\  "^'  *.^>1'  •'"S'll^^  '^^''.eJ  ?  mankind,  should  be  capable  of  falsifying  such  a  trust  as  this  for  thesake 

from  the  sa  e  of  hk  pXtt    ^\l,^^^^^  consolation  the  brethren  received  of  a  little  money.    Their  miraculous  powers  were  joined  with  a  thousand 

traord  narv  abMities  for  th'p  rii^c?*'?'^  ^''^'T  '"'".''7  ^V^^"  t?  ""?  ^^-  ""l^^"-  °f  f^™''"*'  '«  'heir  daily  conduct  to  warrant  such  a  confidence. 

Spiri^Xrebv  he  wa^en/hUH   h^fh'*.'  work    and  to  those  gifts  ot  the  which  was  but  a  natural  token  of  due  respe<:t.    We  see  in  chap,  vi,  2, 

word  also  sf-nih^s  -Mr   FUmin.  r^  to  comfort  and  to  exhort   as  the  3,  4.  how  ready  thev  were  soon  to  transfer  the  management  of  this  affair 

deed,  as  sienSvint'  a  i^.vT^     ,  ^^*  V'  \  ""S^'  honourable  title  m-  to  other  hands ;  and  the  following  story  furnishes  us  witii  an  additional 

HolyGhmt  ^'     "^"^"'^  operation  of  the  Paraclete,  that  is.  of  the  answer  to  this  cavil  which  is  beyond  all  exception. 

b  /Jtt  es^a'/e   wliir-h  „7Q=  ^o„oKio  „f  I,  ■  v       ,  j    .     ■,    tt  ,.        ^  iiHed  thine  heart— to  impoie  on  the  Holy  Spirit ^    The  Hebrews  ex- 

not  haveTold  thlt  whirh  wafhi»  n»lr''^'i""  alienated,  &c.]    He  could  press  a  person's  being  imboldened  to  a  thing,  by  the  phrase  ot/5j..  heart 

this  might   perhaDshp<=nmp  \ll  P^'^™*'  '"heritance  as  a  Levile  ;  but  being  filled.    (Compare  Esth.  vii.  5.  and  Eccles.  viii.  11.)    And  Bos  has 

which  he  might  have  a  titlp  till  ?hf^„°^''"'"K'!^'^  °^  '^1'^  '"  ■'"'''^?'  '?  abundantly  shown  that  xfr6i.,ra^0a<  T,m  signifies  to  Ue  to  a  per  son,  or  to 

in  Cyprus    and  »Irn,!i  the  next  jubilee,  or  perhaps  some  land  impose  upon  him,  (Bos,  Eiercit.  p.  73.  74.)  but  I  cannot  recollect  that  it 

estate  so"d   or  i  of  .^m^pp'i?r'!i"  '"'^"'"jned,  either  as  the  first  foreign  ever  signifies  to  belie  a  person.  J ^r.  Benson  would  here  render  it. 

c  Laid  ti  downL,Zrt^>^?,i'^  T'"f '  ^    u-     -     ■  .      .  H"'-  "f  Chrisdanilv,  vol.  i.  p.  103. 

^  J^"'^  "  aown  at  the  Jeet  of  tlte  apostles.]    Orobio  insinuates, /!/)«</ 


384  A^^ANIAS  AND  SAPPHIRA  ATTEMPT  TO  DECEIVE  THE  APOSTLES. 

SECT  Jesus  ?  And  when  it  was  .old,  was  it  not  still  in  thine  own  power ^  to  have  gjve^  «;;  "^^  give^^  -s^  =°^.;eTf  vi^h^hiTt  'p 
iS  lu  u  b^  L  o„„  r.art  nf  it  into  tlip  treasuvv  of  the  church,  as  thou  shouldst  think  propei  f  eonceived  this  thmg  ia  thine 
10.     the  whole,  or  any  part  ot  it,  into  tne  ireasuiy  ui  uie  i,.i        '  _„,„  „_,j  „„  nrofanelv  to  dis-  heart?  ii.ou  hast  not  lied  unto 

. Whv  then  hast  thou  admitted  this  thing  into  thine  heart  so  meanly  and  so  Fotanely  to  ais    ^^^^  ^^^  ^^^^^  ^^^ 

ACTS    cpmble  on  this  solemn  occasion  ?   Thou  hast  riot  lied  to  men  alone,  to  us,  or  to  the  churcM, 

IV      Xose  treasurer   w^^^^^^^  hast  lied  to  the  blessed  God  himself  who  residing  m  us  by 

4  S  Div  ne  Smrit  is  determined  to  make  thee  a  temble  example  of  his  displeasure  for  an 

aL^  so  diS^evell  d  at  himself,  m  the  midst  of  this  astonishmg  train  of  his  extraordi- 


5 


7 

8  bled. 


10 


nary  operations.  ,      ui    .u„  r.^.,^A  r^fthomw^'i  \9\  in  his  ears,  fell  down    5  And   Ananias  hearing 

And  Ananias,  hearing  these  words,  while  the  sound  ot  them  was  yei  in  uib  *;'*'=''j/'^"  "' "  '  these  words,  fell  down,  anS 
anierpieS7ih.t  by  h^  sad  example  all  might  l-m  how  dang^^^^^^^^^^  ^d'^Jr'la    fe^^-Vri'^of  "alV  ^.^^1? 

Divme'spirit  under  whose  mfl^^^^^^^^^ 

6-fhZ:rmn  loIeVthe  To^gZ  aKSed  men  in  the  assembly  ™«n./  perceiv   JJ^^y^l^^^ 
b  things,     men  ^""^^  "*  """vf      \   the  recovery  of  one  who  was  struck  dead  by  such  an  /„^  out,  and  buried /««. 

circumstance  of  ^0""""?/',  °f  Y-' "f."  ^7  J  ^  ^Z  Sapphiia  «/so,  who  was  absent  when     7  And  it  was  aboutthe  space 
And  after  the  interval  of  about  three  hours,  nis  wije  c5cipp.ii a        '  assem    "f  three  iiours  after,  when  his 

/inu  aji''^''  "^      i,„r,,,mnr  what  was  done,  came  in  to  the  place  in  which  they  were  assem-  ^-^         knowing  what  was 
this  happened,  not  knowing  wnai  "'"•^  «""^  ,    .      ^        ^    y^//  „jg  freely,  Sapphira,  done,  came  in. 

bled      And  Peter,  upon  this  occasion,  said  to  tier  oeiore  uieiu  ctn,  j.ci.„  .    ,      ,  / '. ,   K^  ,   J,    &  And  Peter  answered  unto 
•.u.v,  .      ^XnP«  which  becomes  a  discip  e  of  Jesus,  whether  you  indeed  sold  the  land  ^^    .f^n  ^^  ^^^ether  ye  sold 
with  that  uprightness  wnicn  oecouies  a  yxi=y.  1  Umno-ht  hiihef  naming  the  sum.    And  the  lami  tor  so  much'   And 

nnW  fnr  «n  muck  monev  as  you  know  your  husband  brought  hiiner,  ndmm    uie  ^"'"-    -^      ^,,^  ^3;^  y      f^r  so  much. 
only./or  «"/""i^;  "'""^^, ,  /vactlv  for  so  much.     Then  Peter,  by  an  immediate  impulse  ot     g  .^  ^en  Peter  said  unto  her, 
she  said.  Yes,  it  was  sold  exactly  jo;  *'''"'.',    mid  unto  her  a^ain,  Hoiv  is  it  that  How  is  it  that  ye  have  agreed 
thp  samp  Spirit  which  had  before  so  awfully  interposed,  «««««?»  ae'  ^  <^y  ^^  together  to  tempt  thespintof 

tne  same  apuit  mn^mred  tof ether  to  tempt  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  as  it  you  had  ,he  Lord?  Behold, the  teetot 

you  have  thus  wickedly  coaspiiea  togeine?  'i' J^'"!'''  [  ^   J      ^J  .       j  ^ere  resolved  them  which  iiave  buried  thy 

roailv  «i,«nprted  whether  he  were  capable  of  discernino  the  attair  or  not,  ana  were  lesuiveu  ^^  ^^^  ^       ^^^ 

really  ^^f  ^^^ftXi  ?     Alas  unhappy  woman  '.  it  will  appear  to  be  a  fatal  experiment  to  ,hail  carry  thee  out. 
liS    forVi  thVSt^tlosIwho  have  just  been  blrying  tin,  husband  whom  divine 
S.eance  1^^   alrefdy  st/u  k  "^ead  on  th,s  occasion,  are  even  no^.  at  the  door  upon  their 
Sfn   ::.A4^^«''"forthwa  ,,  ,-,,„  ,,,    ,,,  ,_ 

^n.  ...ec^a^v  upon  ^.^^^^?j^  t:;::':^'^^^^:':^:^:'^ aJt^^rL^^  f^^ir:^^^^^^ 

men,  who  were  just  inen  coming  in,  juaiai  iici   ^  And  crreat  fear  came  umn  all  youw  nien   came    m  and 

1 1  thPv  carried  her  out,  and  buried  her  by  Ananias  her  husband.     And  great  nai  ™'"y'F'"  ""  foumfher dead,  and, carrying 

11  they  carriea  "<f  ''«''"  '       witnesses  of  what  had  passed,  and  upon  all  others  that  heard  the  ,„,  forth,  buried  her  by  her 
the  assembly,  who  were  eye-witnesses  01  wiidi  udu  ^a.==^  ,  h  arknowledee  that  husband. 

rpnnrt  which  was  soon  spread  abroad,  of  these  things  ;  who  could  not  hut  acKnowieugc  uidi     ^^   ^_^^  ^^^^  ^^^ 

report,  vvnicn  was  SUUii  »[  >  o  ^  ^      ^  ^^^^  j^g  ^^^S  just  m  ^^,5  ^„  jhe  church,  and  upon 

it  was  the  immediate  hand  ot  Uod  by  wnicn  uiey  uuui  uicu,  as  many  as  heard  these  things. 

awful  dispensation.  .  „„   ^^r,^   mtmnfr  /A^  n^nn/p  in  the  most      IC  And  by  the  hands  of  the 

10      Ar,r]  rmmi,  Other  stuocudous  signs  and  wonders  were  done  among  tne  peopte  m  uie  luusi  ^    ,„^^  ^^^^e  many  signs  ^d 

12  ^na  wawj/  °^"^'^,'r"f^  1  „/-,i^  „nnc//^<  •  ««//  Mew  cont  nued  in  the  strictest  fellowship  wonders  wrought  among  the 
publ  c  manner,  by  the  hands  oj  the  apostles,  ana  "^.^/""'-'"f''^,,^^,,       ,,  ,,„„„i,„„uslu  to-  People;  (and  they^were  a  i 

mon's  portico,   conversing  together  with   the  "^o^^.^^^r""''     ,  ,^ '1,.:,,:^         vresumed     1;?  And  of  the  rest  durst  no 
1 Q  pndpjirrnpnt      And  none  of  the  rest,  who  were  not  really  converted  to  Christianity,  Ff  ""'f«  ma„  join  himself  to  them  -.  but 

£  ™  e  Jad?'  B»(  Si  *  people  had  a  „,igh,y  «"->-"  f''^''l34''t'hot^^^^ 
„  tl-jt  rSsU>'=eT  "^^"S^"?  ^Ke  dTaKf  KZlSfpy  offenders  ..J-Jj  ^^M'^ 

Lrm?  their  testimony,  were  so  much  ^6  ;«ore  [''^''['"g/.'/]  «  ^^^  v,selv  nferring  fmm  what 

of  their  minds  in  a  matter  of  so  great  importance.  r  ..;„„  w  tbp  manv  gracious     15  insomuch    that    they 

*    J  ♦!         ^,.0  f„rfV.or  nnimntpfl  to  holduess  iH  their  profession  by  the  many  grdcious  brought  forth  the  sick  into  the 

15      And  they  were  further  animated  ^o  DOianess   "  I  .    ,        ,j    ^        f,^    j^ost  public  street,  and  laid  t/.em  on  beds 

miracles  wh  ch  succeeded  to  this  work  of  terror,  imomucii  ami,  au  «"'"e,J    -„,,.^„,  ^.tjen  "nci  couches,  that  at  the  least 

.      ,  ",    ,  L^„„i,f  „,,/  ihp  c/r/-  rtnrf  /«(//  [them^  at  their  doors  07^  beds  and  couches,  wnen        ^,^^j^^^  ^^.  p^,^^  passing 

.-i^reeis,  <//ej/  brought  out  the  sicl,  ana  ""  L' '"  J  .  „  j  ^y  might  by  might  overshadow  some  ot 

they  were  not  able  to  walk  ;  that  at  least  tfie  shadow  oj  -^f '£''/=>  "«  "•"    ,^ ,  ^^  Z^  uZ.\_  them. 

oSsSl  some  or  other  of  Me,«.    And  this  extraordmary  faith  was  rewarded  by  the  heal  ^^^^  ^^^^  ^  ^^^ 

ing  of  many  in  that  circumstance.  multitudes  also  \ouf]  of  the  titude  ^r/rofTI  cities  round 

lfi  ^nrf  as  the  fame  of  these  wonderful  works  spread  abroad,  '""""""f*  "  J-  ironhled  ahout  unto  Jerusalem,  brmg- 
10      yt7(«.  db  "'Y<^'"^        t^,rptht>r  tn  Jcrmalem   brnmnii  the  sick  and  those  that  were  trouoiea  ;,    si^u  folks,  and  them  which 

cities  round  about  came  together  to  Jerusalem,  i^ringing  .       •     .  ■    humble  disciples,  were  vexed   with    unclean 


cities  round  about  came  f%t^'^;'V''"'"''"\;  JEs  woS^inTirh^  humble  disciples,  -^rr'^v^J' ^vith    unclean 
with  unclean  spirits ;  ivho,  by  the  divme  power  of  Jesus  working  in  nis  im  p 


a?p»t'iraSVa   profession  taken  up  on  such   infamous  motives,    e^'sh^d  from  the  people  .nuiuia       ^  ^      ^^.^^  ^^^^^^^  L'Hnfant 


THE  APOSTLES  MIRACULOUSLY  DELIVERED  FROM  PRISON.  385 

spirits :  and  tiiey  were  healed  ^cere  all  hcaled ;  as  persoiis  ill  the  like  circumstances  had  often  been  by  Christ  himself  in  sec  r. 

every  one.                           ^j^g  ^^^^  ^^  j^jg  flesh.     So  that  the  alarm  which  tins  gave  to  the  enemies  "of  the  gospel,  grew  10. 
continually  more  and  more  painful  to  them,  and  occasioned  some  remarkable  proceedings 


against  the  apostles,  which  will  be  related  in  the  following  section.  acts 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Let  us  behold,  with  humble  reverence,  this  awful  instance  of  the  divine  severity,  so  well  calculated  to  impress  Ver.5 
the  minds  of  these  new  converts,  and  to  prevent  any  of  those  frauds  which  the  charity  of  those  who  were  most  11 
zealous  in  their  profession  might  have  occasioned  in  some  others.    Let  us  learn  how  hateful  falsehood  is  to  the  God  4 
of  truth,  and  make  it  our  care  to  avoid  it ;  and  not  only  shun  a  direct  lie,  but  the  taking  undue  advantage  from 
any  ambiguities  of  expression,  and,  in  a  word,  all  recourse  to  the  arts  of  equivocation.    God  only  knows  how  soon  5,  10 
such  treacherous  lips  may  be  sealed  up  in  eternal  silence. 

llow  does  Satan  delude  the  heart  which  he  fills  !  And  how  peculiarly  fatal  is  the  delusion,  when  he  leads  men  3 
to  sins  which  especially  affront  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God.    That  Spirit  rested  on  the  apostles,  and  taught  them  to  dis- 
cover the  hidden  things  of  darkness,  so  that  they  who  tempted  it  fell  in  the  attempt,  and  became  a  sign.     May  9 
integriti/  and  uprightness  ever  preserve  us !   (Psal.  xxv.  21.)     And,  while  we  avoid  all  the  kinds  and  arts  of  dissi- 
mulation, let  us  jieculiarly  detest  those  which  would  offer  a  double  insult  to  the  God  of  heaven,  by  taking  their 
dress  from  the  religion  which  his  own  Son  has  planted. 

The  church  is  never  happier  than  when  the  sons  of  falsehood  are  deterred  from  intruding  into  it.  If  its  mem-  13 
bers  are  less  numerous,  it  is  a  sufficient  balance,  that  it  is  more  pure.  We  see  what  singular  miracles  were  done 
by  the  apostles;  miracles  equal,  and  in  some  respects,  as  it  seems  by  these  instances,  superior,  to  those  which  15,  16 
Christ  performed  in  the  davs  of  his  ministration  here  below.  When  will  the  happy  time  come  in  which  men  shall 
express  as  great  a  concern  for  their  souls  as  they  here  did  for  their  bodies?  When  shall  the  streets  and  assemblies 
be  filled  with  those  who,  from  a  sense  of  their  spiritual  maladies,  shall  apply  to  the  ministers  of  Christ  for  healing? 
Let  it  always  be  remembered,  that  whatever  they  do  for  this  happy  purpose,  it  is  indeed  their  Master  that  does  it 
by  them ;  and  that  all  their  most  assiduous  applications,  separate  from  his  blessing,  can  effect  no  more  than  the 
shadow  of  Peter  could  have  done,  if  the  power  of  Christ  had  not  wrought  on  those  over  whom  it  passed. 


SECTION  XL 

The  apostles  continuing  to  preacli  to  the  people,  are  apprehended  and  imprisoned,  and,  after  a  miraculous  deliverance,  are  brought  before  the 
sanhedrim  the  next  day,  and  scourged  ;  Gamaliel's  advice  prevailing  to  prevent  any  further  extremities.    Acts  v.  17,  to  the  end. 

Acts  V.  17.  ACTS   V.   17. 

THEN  the  high  priest  rose  IT  was  observed  in  the  preceding  section  what  extraordinary  miracles  were  done  by  the  sect. 
w^th^him^'f which  is'the^^se'ct  aposdcs  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  whom  still,  notwithstanding  all  the  menaces  of  their  rulers,     IL 

of  t-he  Sadducees,)  and  were  they  continued  faithfully  to  preach,  and  to  assure  the  people  of  his  resurrection  from  the 

filled  with  indignat.on,  ^^^^^  ^^^  ^j-  etg^nal  life  to  be  obtained  through  him.     But  this,  as  it  might  reasonably  be    acts 

expected,  drew  another  storm  upon  them  :  for  the  high  priest  arising,  as  it  were,  with  -.7^' 
awakened  and  renewed  fury,  and  all  they  that  were  with  him,  ivhich  was  the  sect  of  the  Sad- 
ducees,'^ who  were  especially  devoted  to  his  interest,  and  most  offended  at  the  doctrine  of 
the  resurrection,  were  Jille.d  with  zeal  and  indignation  against  these  men,  who,  as  their 
enemies  affected  to  represent  it,  made  so  dangerous  an  attack  both  on  their  religious  and 
18  -And  laid  their  hands  on  political  establishment.     And,  in  support  of  these  unjust  charges,  they  were  determined  18 
the  common  prison"     '^"' '"  to  bring  them  to  another  trial  before  the  sanhedrim,  and  for  that  purpose  laid  their  hands 
on  the  apostles,  and  put  them  into  the  common  prison,  where  the  vilest  of  malefactors  were 
lodged.'' 
T  '■'i  ^h"'  *'-^.  *"°^'  °C  ^\^      -S"^)  that  God  might  evidently  show  how  impotent  all  their  rage  was  against  those  whom  19 
prison  doorf,  'ancf^'brought  ^6  determined  to  Support,  and  that  they  might  be  imboldened  with  a  becoming  confidence 
them  forth,  and  said,        "     to  bear  their  testimony  in  the  midst  of  oppositions  and  dangers,  an  angel  of  the  Lord  was 
sent  to  them,  who  appearing  in  the  midst  of  them  by  night,  opened  the  doors  of  the  prison, 
and,  without  giving  any  alarm  to  the  keepers,  or  any  of  the  other  prisoners,  bringing  them 
out  of  that  place  of  confinennent,  said,  As  God  hath  thus  miraculously  interposed  for  your 
fhe^tenuJle'tS^thT*^  o'T''  'I'l  deliverance,  neither  flee  nor  fear  ;  but  go,  as  soon  as  the  gates  are  opened,  and,  presenting  20 
the  words  of  this^iiFe*."'^  *  *   yourselves  boldly  in  the  temple,  as  you  did  before  you  were  seized,  (however  disagreeable 
the  doctrine  that  you  preach  may  be  to  those  who  believe  nothing  of  a  future  state,)  speak 
to  the.  people  assembled  there  at  the  hour  of  morning  sacrifice,  all  the  words  of  this  glorious 
gospel  with  which  you  are  charged,  on  which  the  eternal  life  of  men  so  evidently  depends, 
and  by  which  alone  their  final  happiness  can  be  secured.  ' 

21  And  when  they  heard      A7id  the  apostles  hearing  Ithis']  divine  command,  made  no  scruple  immediately  to  obey  21 
'em|)ie  eYriy  ^n^the  nlorning!  i*,  and  were  SO  far  from  being  discouraged  by  the  fear  of  persecution,  that,  with  an  earnest 
and  taught.—  °'  zeal  to  Carry  on  the  work  they  were  engaged  in,  they  went  very  early  into  the  temple,  and 

taught  the  people  with  the  same  freedom  as  before,  who  assembled  there  to  pay  their 
morning  adorations  unto  God. 
—But  the  high  priest  came,      jg^^  in  the  mean  time,  the  high  priest  being  come,  and  they  that  were  with  him,  into  the 

and  they  that  were  with  hun,  ,  ,  ■,  '  °    1/^    1     1  1     ^i  u    i  ,         .1  ■        11    .1  i  c  ji 

and  called  the  council  toge-  room  where  the  couocil  was  usually  held,  they  called  together  all  the  members  ot  the  san- 
ther.aud  all  the  senate  oi  the  fjedrim,  even  (as  we  have  hinted  several  times  before,  that  the  name  signifies)  the  whole 

children  or    Israel,  and   sent  ,        n  ,,        1    i  1  r  t         /    1     •  i-     ..  .1.1  ■    i  .  1  /•  1 1       1 

to  the  prison  to  have  them  Senate  Of  the  children  of  Israel,  being  solicitous  that  there  might  be  as  full  a  house  as  pos- 

'"■°"s'''-  sible  on  so  important  an  occasion.     And  when  they  were  convened,  they  sent  proper 

officers  to  the  common  prison  to  take  charge  of  the  apostles,  and  to  have  them  brought  into 

22  But  when  the  officers  their  presence,  that  the  court  might  proceed  to  their  examination  and  punishment.     But  22 
thrprison.they  retuTned^and  when  the  officers  Came  thither,  to  their  great  surprise  they  found  them  not  in  the  prison ;  and 
'o''''  yet  could  not  discover  what  way  they  had  taken  to  make  their  escape,  considering  the  cir- 
cumstances that  appeared  on  inquiry.     Returning  therefore  to  the  council,  they  made  their 

a  The  sect  of  the  Sadducees^    There  is  no  sulihcient  reason  from  this  directly  opposite  to  the  notions  they  maintained.    See  the  paraphiase  on 

text  to  conclude,  with  Grotius.that  the  high  priest  and  his  kindred  were  Acts  iv.  2.  5  8.  p.  379.                                              ,               u.-ocoovr.rps'sp^ 

Sadducees,  thousih  it  is  probable  they  might  be  so,  as  .losephus  afhrms  b  Into  the  commmi  prison.']    Ihat  this  was, as  the  pa™'^"'?jf„ .j '   uted 

that  some  of  the  hinh  priests  were  of  this  sect,  and  particularly  Ananus,  it,  the  place  where  the  vilest  malefai  tors  were  l"'l-<="-/""" ''  ,hsm    ami 

one  of  the  sons  of  that  Annas  who  was  *ather-iu-lavv  to  Caiaphas.    (See  But  it  is  not  certain  the  apostles  were  actually  thrust  ""'^f  "'^''' •  ^t. 

Mr.  Biscoe,  At  Boyle's  Lea.  chap.  v.  «  4.  p.  110.  111.1     the  Sadducees  I  think  ver.  23.  makes  it  father  more  probable  they  were  in  an  a.Mui 

however  would  be  most  ready  to  exert  themselves  in  persecuting  the  ineiit  by  tlieuiselves. 
apostles,  as  they  were  aiost  exasperated  by  their  doctrjiie,  which  was 

2  c 


386  THE  APOSTLES  EXAMINED  BEFORE  THE  SANHEDRIM. 

SECT,  report,  Saying,  We  found  indeed  the  prison  shut  with  all  possible  safety,  and  the  keepers     23  Saying,  The  prison  truly 
11.     standing  without  as  sentinels  before  the  doors;  but  having  opened  [them,']  and  gone  into  the  and"^he'' ^keep^'eV's  ^l\anding 

place  in  wliich  the  prisoners  had  been  put,  and  where  we  did  not  doubt  but  we  should  without  before  the  doors:  but 

ACTS    find  them,  to  our  great  astonishment  ive  found  no  one  within  of  those  whom  we  sought.      fj^l'"^^  nTman  witlim'.'^'''  "^^ 
^-  Now  ivhen  the  lliigh]  priest,  and  the  captain  of  the  temple,  and  the  other  chief  priests  who     24  Now    when  the    high 

^■*  were  gathered  together,  heard  these  words,  they  doubted  concerning  them,  and  knew  not  t'e"n>ie^and'\}ie'^''c'hTef"prie's^^^ 
what  to  think  of  it  how  this  could  be;  that  is,  whether  they  had  procured  their  liberty  by  heard  these  tilings,  they  doubt- 
corrupting  the  keepers,  or  whether  there  might  not  be  something  miraculous  in  the  deliver-  ^^ouf  j  grow.  "'''^'■*""'°  '"'^ 

25  ance  of  persons  whom  such  extraordinary  circumstances  had  attended.    But  one  who  knew     25  Then  came  «"«  a"<i  »"'<! 
their  disappointment  and  the  uneasiness  it  gave  them,  came  into  the  court,  and  told  them,  men''whom"ye  put  in  prison 
saying.  Behold  the  men  whom  ye  put  yesterday  in  jirison,  are  now  standing  in  the  temple,  are  standing  in  the  temple, 
however  they  came  thither,  and  are  teaching  the  people  assembled  there  with  as  much  free-  ^"    ^'""^  '°^    ^  ''^"^  '^^ 
dom  and  confidence  as  ever ;  which  indeed  does  not  look  like  a  clandestine  escape,  which 

could  only  have  been  made  with  a  view  of  flight  and  concealment. 

26  Then  the  captain  of  the  temple  xvent  with  the  officers  by  the  direction  of  the  sanhedrim,  C6  Then  went  the  captain 
anJ  having  found  tlie  apostles  in  the  temple,  brought  them  away,  but  not  by  violence,  for  tte'^  wi&'woie'lice^for 
they  feared  the  people,  lest,  if  thev  had  offered  any  violence  in  their  presence,  it  might  have  they  feared  the  people,  lest 
so  provoked  them  that  they  should  be  stoned :<=  for  tlie  people  were  so  fully  persuaded  of  ^^^^^^  ^''""''^  ''^^'^  ^"^'^ 
a  divine  power  engaged  with  the  apostles,  that  tliey  held  their  persons  sacred,  and  would 

not  have  borne  any  open  attack  upon  them.  The  apostles,  on  the  other  hand,  were  ready 
cheerfully  to  obey  the  summons,  that  they  miglit  repeat  their  testimony  to  their  divine 

27  Master.  A?id  accordingly  the  captain  and  those  that  attended  him,  when  they  had  brought  27  And  when  they  had 
them  to  the  place  where  the  council  was  sitting,  made  a  report  of  what  they  had  done,  and  t',efor°e'"theTountTf:  'lud'^S^ 
set  them  before  the  sanhedrim.     And  as  soon  as  they  appeared,  the  high  priest,  singling  out  high  priest  asked  them, 

28  Peter  and  John,  who  had  so  lately  been  examined  before  them,  asked  them.  Saying,  Did  os  Saying,  Did  not  we 
we  not  strictly  charge  you  two  in  particular  but  a  very  little  while  ago,  and  so  in  effect  all  ye^slJ^uid"  nort'elithTn  this 
the  rest  of  your  company,  that  you  should  not,  on  pain  of  our  highest  displeasure  and  the  name?  and,  behold,  ye  have 
utmost  rigour  of  the  law,  teach  my  more  in  this  name  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth?  And  behold,  doctrin'e!'and  "intetld'to  ^r°n| 
instead  of  regarding  our  admonition,  or  showing  any  sense  of  the  great  lenity  with  which  this  man's  blood  upon  us. 
the  court  then  treated  you,  you  have  been  more  busy  and  more  daring  than  before  in  your 

seditious  practices,  so  that  you  have  filled  Jerusalem  iviih  your  doctrine ;  and  it  all  centres 
in  this,  that  you  would  bring  the  odium  of  this  man^s  blood  upon  us,  and  would  incense  the 
populace  against  us,  as  if  he  were  an  innocent  person  whom  we  had  murdered  :  so  that  it 
IS  no  thanks  to  you,  if  we  are  not  stoned  or  torn  in  pieces  by  them,  for  that  act  of  neces- 
sary justice,  for  such  it  was,  wliich  we  were  obliged  to  do  upon  him. 

29  But  Peter  and  [the  rest  o/']  the  apostles,  who  were  now  all  before  them,  answered  and  29  Then  Peter  and  the  o/A^r 
said,  O  ye  senate  of  Israel,  you  cannot  but  in  your  own  consciences  know,  as  we  plainly  \\^e  mf^ht  to^b'^^''G"d'  Th''' 
declared  before  this  assembly  when  we  received  the  charge  now  referred  to,  (chap.  iv.  19.)  than  men. 

that  it  h  absolutely  fit  and  necessary  to  obey  the  almighty  and  ever-blessed  God  rather 

30  than  men,  be  they  ever  so  great  and  powerful.  We  assuredly  know,  and  we  testify  it  to  30  The  God  of  our  fathers 
you  as  we  have  been  testifying  to  the  people,  that  the  Cod  of  our  fathers  hath  raised  up  sfe'w'and'hai'Eed^on^''u-ee  ^* 
Jesus  liis  Son,  whom  ye  slew  in  the  most  infamous  manner  that  ye  could  invent,  hanging 

him  crucified  on  a  tree,  as  if  he  had  been  the  meanest  of  slaves  and  the  vilest  of  malefactors. 

31  But  this  very  Person,  notwithstanding  all  the  outrage  with  which  you  treated  him,  hath  n  Him  hath  God  exalted 
God  exalted  at  his  own  right  hand,  [to  be}  a  Prince  and  Saviour  to  his  people,  to  give  re-  pJlnce'and^a'saw'mir  "for'to 

pentance,  or  to  send  terms  of  peace  and  reconciliation  by  him,  even  unto  Israel,^  liy  whom  give  repentance  to  Israel, and 
ne  hath  been  so  ungratefully  insulted  and  abused,  and  to  bestow  on  those  that  shall  repent,  '"""e'^'eness  of  sms. 

32  the  free  and  full  remission  ofM  their  aggravated  sins.  And  we  are  appointed  his  ivitiiesses  of  32  And  we  are  his  witnesses 
these  th>ng<!,  how  incredible  soever  they  may  appear  to  you  ;  and  so  is  the  Holy  Spirit  also,  the'noly  cThosi.^wliom'^God 
whom  God  hath  given  not  only  to  us  the  apostles,  but  also  to  many  others  of  thern  who  h?th  given  to  them  that  obey 
submit  tliemselves  to  his  government,^  most  evidently  attesting  the  same,  and  proving  how    ""' 

absolutely  necessary  it  is  for  every  one,  great  and  small,  to  lay  aside  prejudice  and  oppo- 
sition, and  with  humble  penitence  to  believe  in  Jesus. 

33  And  the  high  priest  and  the  Sadducees,  when  they  heard  [this"]  courageous  testimony  33  when  they  heard  lAai, 
and  faithful  remonstrance,  were  enrag-ed  beyond  all  riieasures  of  patience  and  of  decency,  ^'/took'^counsel'tos'isythem' 
so  that  they  even  grinded  their  teeth  at  them,  like  savage  beasts  that  could  gladly  have 

devoured  them  ;  and  with  hearts  fiill  of  rancour  they  immediately  consulted  how  they  might 
put  them  all  to  death,  either  under  pretence  of  blasphemy,  or  for  sedition  and  rebellion 
against  the  supreme  council  of  the  state. 

34  But  a  certain  celebrated  Pharisee  then  in  the  sanhedrim,  whose  name  xvas  Gamaliel,^  a  .  31  Then  stood  there  up  one 
doctor  of  the  law,  who  trained  up  a  great  number  of  young  students  in  the  most  exact  named  Gamaliel,^  dw^orof 
knowledge  of  it,  and  was  in  great  esteem  among  all  the  people  on  account  of  his  learning,  {=?«•  had  in  reputation  anion" 
wisdom,  and  piety,  rose  up ;  and  as  he  nurposecl  to  S))eak  his  mind  with  great  freedom  on  e"  t%ut''the^'ap"ostles'lonh  a 

35  a  very  tender  point,  he  commanded  the  apostles  to  be  taken  out  for  a  little  while.     And  then  li»ie  space  ; 
addressing  himself  to  his  brethren,  the  other  members  of  the'  court,  he  said  unto  them.  Ye  men  of  is^aeMl'ke  h«d  to 
men  of  Israel,  to  whom  Divine  Providence  has  committed  the  guardianship  of  this  people, 

c  They  fearei  the  people,  lest  they  shovld  be  stonei.]    This  may  seem  a  not  appearing  in  public  after  his  resurrection  :  for,  had  there  been  any 

surprising  change  in  the  people,  considering  the  eagerness  with  which  imposture,  it  had  been  easier  of  the  two  to  have  persuaded  people  at  a 

they  demanded  that  Christ  should  be  crucified.     But  it  is  exceeding  pro-  distance  that  he  had  so  appeared  to  the  Jewish  rulers,  or  even  to  the 

bable,  that  seeing  the  mighty  power  which  wrought  in  the  apostles,  they  multitude,  and  yet  had  been  rejected,  than  that  he  had  given  his  servants 

might  entertain  some  hope  of  obtaining  temporal  deliverance  by  their  such  extraordinary  powers  ;  since,  had  this  assertion  been  false,  every 

means,  Ccompaie  Acts  i.  6.)  of  which  thev  were  so  exceeding  fond,  and  one  might  have  been  a  witness  to  the  falsehood  of  such  a  pretence,  with- 

a  disappointment  in  their  hope  of  which  had  turned  their  Hosannas  into  out  the  trouble  and  expense  of  a  journey  to  Jerusalem,  or  any  other 

the  cry.  Crucify  him,  crucify  him !    See  Dr.  Lardner's  Crediiililt/,  vol.  distant  place. 
1.  p.  179.  f  dnmalie/.]    This  was  the  elder  of  that  name,  a  man  in  so  great 

d  To  give  repentance  unto  Israel.'^    As  repentance  was  not  actually  honour  among  them,  that  Onkelos,  the  author  of  the  Targum,  is  said  to 

wrought  in  Israel  by  the  efficacious  grace  of  Christ,  I  think  it  evident  have  burnt  seventy  pound  weight  of  perfumes  at  his  funeral.    Nay,  it 

that  Aomai  wexavoiai'  here  signifies  to  give  place  or  room  for  lepentance,  is  said  the  honour  of  the  law  failed  with  him.     If  he  were  really,  as  he 

just  as  the  same  phrase  does  in  Josephus,  iAntiq.  lih.  xx.  cap.  8.  (al.  C]  is  reported  to  have  been,  the  author  of  those  prayers  against  christians 

$  7.)  where  he  says,  that  the  Jews  rising  up  at  C'aesarea  in  a  tumultuous  so  long  used  in  the  Jewish  synagogues,  he  must  have  lost  that  moder- 

manner,  the  wiser  people  among  them  went  to  intercede  with  the  gover-  ation  of  temper  which  he  manifested  here  ;  perhaps  exasperated  at  the 

nor,  ioma(  iieravotav  etri  Toit  TTtv pafi/.tvoi'!,  >■  e.  to  publish  a  pardon  growth  of  the  new  sect,  and  the  testimony  so  boldly  borne  by  the  apos- 

to  those  who  should  lay  down  their  arras;  agreeable  to  the  turn  given  ties.     He  was  Paul's  master,  (Acts  xxii.  3.)  anil  no  doubt  he  informed 

to  the  expression  in  the  paraphrase.  that  headstrong  youth  ftor  such  he  then  was)of  what  now  passed,  and  of 

e  The  Holy  Spirit  alto,  aliom  Cod  hath  jrizen  to  them  who  snhmit,  Sfc.'\  many  other  things  which  rendered  his  sin  in  persecuting  the  christians 

The  testimony  arising  from  this  miraculojis  communication  of  the  Spirit  so  much  the  more  aggravated.    See  Wits.  Meletem.  rap    1.  ^  1".  p.  12, 

to  christians  at  that  time,  entirely  remoVes  the  objection  from  Christ's  13.  and  Mr.  Biscoe,  At  Boyle's  Led.  chup.  iii.  ^  9.  p.  "7,  78. 


THE  APOSTLES  SCOURGED  AND  DISMISSED.  387 

yourselves  \yhat  ye  intend  to  and  the  great  care  of  their  public  affairs !    I  think  it  my  duty  on  this  important  occasion,  sect. 
do,  as  tcuchiQg  these  men.      seriously  to  advise  you  to  take  heed  to  yourselves  as  to  what  you  are  about  to  do  to  these     11. 
36  For  before  these  days  men  :   For  vou  cannot  but  know  that  several  remarkable  occurrences  have  lately  happened 


h^mself^to^'lf  "slfraebody ';"to  ^hich  have  awakened  a  great  degree  of  public  expectation  and  regard  ;  and  it  may  not  be    acts 
whom  a  number  of  men,  improper  to  recollcct  some  of  them  at  this  crisis.     You  particularly  remember,  that  some      ^■ 
the°mselve"s^  ""whov-i  ifain*^  ^""^  "g^^  One  Theudtts  arose,?  pretending  himself  to  be  some  extraordinary  person,  to  whom  a  36 
and  all,  as  many  as  obeyeci  number  of  men,  amounting  to  about  four  hundred,  adhered  ;  who,  notwithstanding  this,  was 
broughUo^nought.^'^^'*'    ""**  himself  quickly  slain  by  the  Roman  forces,  and  all  who  hearkened  to  him  were  scattered, 

.37  After  this  man  rose  up  and,  after  all  the  boastmg  promises  of  their  leader,  came  to  nothing.    After  him^^  Judas  the  37 

o "ti?e  t'ax^t','and  drew^alvay  Galilean  arose,'  in  the  days  of  the  late  enrolment,  and  endeavouring,  on  the  principles  of 

much  people  after  him :  he  sacred  liberty,  to  dissuadc  the  Jews  from  o  vning  the  authority  of  the  Romans  in  that  in- 

as'manyarobeyed  htm',  were  Stance,  he  drero  a  multitude  of  people  after  him  ;  and  the  consequence  was,  that  he  also 

dispersed.  himself  was  quickly  destroyed,  and  all  who  had  hearkened  to  him  wei'e  disperted.^    And  38 

Kefrain  frmT these  men.^Xi  therefore,  with  regard  to  the  present  affair,  I  say  unto  you,  and  give  it  as  my  most  serious 

let  them  alone :  for  it^  this  and  deliberate  advice  now  in  the  present  crisis.  Refrain  from  these  men,  and  let  them  alone  to 

men'.^it  wHi  come^to'^nought':  go  on  as  they  Can,  neither  siding  with  them  nor  violently  opposing  them  ;  for  if  this  counsel 

which  they  are  taking,  or  this  work  which  they  have  performed,  be  of  men,  if  it  be  merely 

a  human  contrivance  and  deceit,  which  we  are  not  capable  of  proving  that  it  is,  it  will 

soon  sink  and  come  to  nothing  of  itself;  some  incident  will  arise  to  discredit  it,  and  the 

whole  interest  of  this  Jesus  will  moulder  away,  as  that  of  Theudas  and  of  Judas  did,  which 

.19  But  if  it  be  of  God,  ye  seemed  to  be  much  more  strongly  supported  by  liuman  force.     But,  on  the  other  hand,  i/'39 

hapry'ye^bY'found  even  to  «^  ^^  I'^^'^Y  ^hc  causc  of  God,  which  does  not  ajppear  to  me  impossible,  j/om  cannot  with  all 

tight  against  God.  your  power  and  policy  dissolve  it ;  but,  even  though  these  particular  instruments  should 

be  taken  off,  he  will  undoubtedly  raise  up  others :  And  it  will  certainly  become  you,  in 

regard  to  your  own  safety,  to  be  particularly  cautious,  [and  take  heed'\  lest  you  not  only 

lose  the  benefit  of  any  deliverance  which  may  be  intended  for  Israel,  but  also  be  yourselves 

found  even  fighters  against  the  power  and  providence  of  Almighty  God;  an  undertaking 

which  must  prove  infinitely  fatal  to  all  who  are  so  rash  and  unhappy  as  to  attempt  it. 

40  And  to  him  they  agreed :      And  as  the  council  were  unable  to  elude  the  force  of  what  Gamaliel  said,  they  yielded  to  40 
«ie  apostles  *and  beatln'Mfm''  ^'^^^  acknowledging  that  his  advicc  was  safe  and  wise  :  and  having  colled  in  the  apostles, 
they  commanded  that  they  and  Ordered  them  to  be  scourged  and  beaten  with  rods  in  their  presence,  that  in  some 
ofTelliwnd'lefthem  go'*'"''  measure  they  might  vent  their  indignation,  and  might  expose  them  to  disgrace  and  shame, 

they  strictly  charged  them,  as  they  had  done  before,  (chap.  iv.  18.)  not  to  speak  any  more 
in  the  name  of  Jesus,  if  they  would  not  incur  yet  severer  punishment ;  and,  having  threat- 
ened them  vvith  what  they  must  expect  if  ever  they  were  brought  before  them  for  the  same 
crime  again,  they  dismissed  them  for  that  time. 

41  And  they  departed  from      Thus  were  the  apostles  sent  away  :  and,  far  from  being  terrified  by  all  the  cruel  usage  41 
the  presence  of  the  council,  ^^jjgy  ]^^^  ^g^  ^j^l,   qj,  \^y  (|jg  threatenings  of  their  adversaries,  they  departed  from  the  pre- 

rejoicmg     that     they      were         .'       ^.,  17-  •'...         ,i,,i  1  jxi,  r'j-         re- 

counted  worthy  to    suffer  sence  of  the  sanhedrim,  rejoicing  that  they  were  so  honoured  in  the  course  oi  divine  rrovi- 
shame  for  his  name.  dence  as  to  be  counted  liorthy  to  suffer'for  Christ,  and  to  be  exposed  to  infamy  fur  the  sake 

of  his  venerable  and  sacred  name ;  rightly  judging  that  a  punishment  of  this  kind,  though 
generally  shameful,  became  a  glory  to  them,  wlien  borne  in  so  excellent  a  cause,  and  for 
the  sake  of  him  who,  though  so  divinely  great  and  so  perfectly  happy,  had  submitted  not 

42  And  daily  in  the  temple.  Only  to  stripcs,  but  to  death  for  them.  Instead  therefore  of  obeying  the  order  of  the  rulers,  42 
ce^ed"  nor?o  teach'  and  ^^^Y  ^'^^  s°  much  the  more  courageous  and  diligent  in  spreading  the  gospel :  and  every 
preach  Jesus  Christ.  '  day,  from  morning  to  night,  the}/  ceased  7wt  to  pursue  this  great  work,  but  took  all  oppor- 
tunities to  preach "irt  the  temple,' tho\i'^\\  within  sight  of  the  sanhedrim,  and  among  many  of 
its  chief  members,  who  being  obliged  by  their  office  often  to  resort  thither,  must  frequently 
see  and  hear  them  :  and  at  other  times,  between  the  seasons  of  public  worship,  they  were 
engaged  privately  from  house  to  house ;  and  on  the  whole,  one  way  or  another,  it  was  their 
constant  business  to  teach  and  to  preach  Jesus  as  the  Messiah,  and  to  proclaim  with  un- 
speakable pleasure  the  good  news  of  life  and  salvation  given  to  sinners  by  him :  the  san- 
hedrim, in  the  mean  time,  by  the  special  providence  of  God,  suffering  them  to  go  on,  and 
affecting  to  overlook  them  as  beneath  their  notice,  though  still  witli  a  secret  rancour,  which 

at  length  broke  out  into  the  extremest  violence. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Which  shall  we  survey  vvith  the  greater  surprise,  the  continued  courage  of  the  apostles,  or  the  continued  malice  \  er. 
of  their  persecutors?     Again  they  seize  them,  again  they  imprison  them;  but  how  vainly  do  these  feeble  worms,  17,  H 
amidst  all  the  pride  of  dignity  and  power,  oppose  the  counsels  of  Omnipotence  ! 

The  angel  of  the  Lord  opens  the  door  of  their  prison,  and  leads  forth  his  faithful  servants  to  renewed  liberty  :  1 9 

e  One  Theudas  arose.']  As  the  Theudas  mentioned  by  .Tosephus  others  have  abundantly  proved  that  this  would  quite  overturn  the 
(.Anliq.  lib.  XX.  cap.  5.  [al.  C]  §  1 .)  under  the  character  of  a  false  pro-  chronology  either  of  .St.  Luke  or  of  Josephus,  I  conclude  that  the  very 
phetjtwho  drew  a  great  number  of  people  after  him,  with  a  promise  of  indetermmate  expression,  Trpo  tovtuiv  huepiav.  in  the  preceding  verse, 
dividing  Jordan  before  them,  but  was  defeated  and  behea<led,  most  of  is  most  safely  rendered,  some  time  aqn,  which,  especially  in  an  assembly 
bis  followers  being  also  slain  or  imprisoned,)  appeared  when  Fadus  was  of  aged  men,  Cas  no  doubt  many  of  this  council  were,)  might  well  be 
procurator  of  Judea,  that  is,  according  to  CapeUus,  seven,  or  according  used  in  reference  to  an  affair  which,  though  it  happened  more  than  CD 
to  Dr.  Whitby  at  least  ten,  years  after  this  was  spoken,  there  can  be  no  years  before,  must  be  fresh  in  most  of  their  memories.  (See  Dr.  Lard- 
reference  to  him  here.  1  am  therefore  ready  to  conclude,  with  Dr.  ner's  Credibility,  Part  1.  Book  ii.  chap.  7.)  And  as  Judas  might  arise 
I/ightfoot  and  Basnage,  (whose  opinion  Dr.  Lardner  has  so  leaniedly  after  Theudas,  though  the  same  enrolment  might  (as  is  supposed  in  th(- 
defended,)  that  among  the  many  leaders  who,  as  Josephus  assures  us,  preceding  note)  occasion  the  insurrection  of  both,  I  see  no  need  ot 
^Antiq.  lib.  xvii.  cop.  10.  [al.  11.]  §  4 — 8.)  took  up  anns  in  defence  of  departing  from  the  usual  rendering  of  the  proposition  ^era  in  this  cou- 
the  public  liberties,  when  the  grand' enrolment  and  taxation  were  made  struction,  which  every  body  knows  is  generally  used  to  signify  after.-- 
by  Cyrenius  in  the  days  of  Archelaus,  (see  note  b,  on  Luke  ii.  2.  p.  31.)  To  connect  j«Ta  toutoi'  with  the  preceding  verse,  (as  some  propose.)  is 
there  was  one  called  Theudas,  which  (as  Grotius  observes)  was  a  very  quite  unnatural  in  grammar,  as  well  as  disagreeable  to  tact, 
common  name  among  the  Jews.^ — He  seems  to  have  been  supported  by  i  Jzidas  the  Galilean  arose.]  Josephus's  account  of  this  Judas  "»"'''■ 
smaller  numbers  than  the  second  of  the  name,  and  (as  the  second  after-  nites,  as  he  is  generally  called,  may  be  seen  in  the  beginning  ot  tnc 
wai-ds  did)  perished  in  the  attempt:  but,  as  his  followers  were  dispersed  eighteenth  Book  of  liis  .fJn«!?u«/et.  ,  ;,,,].• 
and  not  slaughtered,  like  those  of  the  second  I'heudas,  survivors  might  k  All  zvAo  had  heartened  to  him  were  dispersed.]  ^''\^^''"-',\'^, 
talk  much  of  him,  and  Gamaliel  might  have  been  particularly  informed  observes  this  does  not  imply  they  were  destroyed,  and  imagines,  iiiai 
of  his  history,  though  Josephus  only  mentions  it  in  general.  Dr.  Lard-  though  Gamaliel  would  not  directly  assert  it,  yethe  insinu?""«  '-" 
ner,  in  his  judicious  remarks  on  this  subject,  has  shown  that  there  were  abl^  to  his  principles  as  a  Pharisee,)  that  perhaps  J  no  as  fne^ 


Josephi__.  _-    

have  happened  before  this  speech  of  Gamaliel. — But  as  Beza  and  many 


383  REFLECTIONS  ON  THE  EXAMINATION  AND  CONDUCT  OF  THE  APOSTLES. 

<F.cr.  an  office  which  this  celestial  spirit  could  not  but  perform  with  delight;  as  it  was,  no  doubt,  with   unutterable 
11-     pleasure  that  lie  gave  them  their  errand,  to  go  and  publish  with  undaunted  freedom  and  zeal  the  words  of  this  life, 

of  this  gospel,  which  enlivens  dead  souls,  and  points  out  the  road  to  an  happy  immortality.     Oh  that  the  folly  of 

ACTS    those  who  have  heard  it  had  never  converted  it  into  a  savour  of  death  ! 

oiL'ofi  ^'^^  behold,  the  council  renewed  the  attack  !  The  same  madness  which  instigated  the  Jews  to  seize  Jesus  when 
they  had  been  struck  to  the  ground  by  his  miraculous  power,  (John  xviii.  6.)  animated  these  wretches  to  contrive 
the  destruction  of  persons  whom  God  himself  had  just  before  rescued  from  their  hands  ;  as  they  had  formerly 
plotted  that  of  Lazarus,  (John  xii.  10.)  who  had,  by  a  yet  more  astonishing  wonder,  been  recalled  from  the  grave. 
To  what  fatal  extravagances  will  not  prejudice  hurry  the  mind  !  Against  what  convincing  evidence  will  it  not 
harden  it ! 

Ye  shall,  says  our  Lord,  be  brought  before  councils  for  my  sake ;  and  it  shall  be  for  a  testimony  against  them. 
29  (Matt.  X.  18.)  And  such  was  this  repeated  admonition  which  these  holy  prisoners  then  at  the  bar  gave  to  the 
30,  31  judges  of  Israel.  Still  they  urge  the  divme  authority  of  their  mission,  still  tliey  proclaim  him  as  head  of  the  church 
and  world,  whom  these  very  men  had  so  lately  crucified  in  so  outrageous  and  contemptuous  a  manner.  They 
point  to  him  whom  these  priests  and  rulers  had  insulted  on  the  cross,  as  now  exalted  at  the  right  hand  of  God, 
and  urge  them  to  seek  repentance  and  remission  of  sin  from  him  to  whom  they  had  denied  the  common  justice 
due  to  the  meanest  of  men,  the  common  humanity  due  to  the  vilest  of  criminals  in  their  dying  moments,  giving 
him  in  the  thirst  of  his  last  agonies  vinegar  mingled  with  gall.     (Matt,  xxvii.  34.) 

Thousands  of  the  people  had  fiillen  under  this  charge,  and  Jesus  the  Prince  had  taken  them  under  his  protection, 
Jesus  the  Saviour  had  washed  them  in  his  blood.     But,  by  what  is  too  frequently  the  fatal  prerogative  of  great- 

33  ness,  these  princes  of  Israel  had  hearts  too  high  for  the  discipline  of  wisdom,  and  were  enraged  against  these 
humble  ministers  of  the  Son  of  God ;  who  nevertheless  addressed  them  with  all  the  respect  which  fidelity  would 
allow,  and  could  gladly  have  poured  forth  their  blood  for  the  salvation  of  those  who  so  cruelly  thirsted  for  it.  They 
gnashed  on  these  faithful  ambassadors  with  their  teeth,  as  if  they  would  have  devoured  them  alive ;  and  justly 
will  gnashing  of  teetli  be  the  eternal  portion  of  those  who  thus  outrageously  rejected  the  counsel  of  God  against 
themselves.    (Luke  vii.  30.) 

34  But  God  raised  up  a  guardian  for  the  apostles  where  perhaps  they  least  expected  it,  and  the  prudence  of 
Gamaliel  for  a  while  checked  the  fury  of  his  brethren  :  so  does  God  sometimes  use  the  natural  good  sense  and 
temper  of  those  who  do  not  themselves  receive  the  gospel,  for  the  protection  of  those  who  are  faithfully  devoted  to 

35—37  its  service.     Gamaliel  had  attentively  observed  former  events;  which  is  indeed  the  way  to  learn  the  surest  lessons 
of  wisdom,  which  are  to  be  learned  any  where  but  from  the  word  of  God.     He  had  seen  some  ruined  by  their 

39  seditious  zeal ;  and  let  those  who  call  themselves  christians,  take  heed  how  they  rashly  rise  up  against  legal  autho- 
rity, lest,  taking  the  sword,  they  perish  by  it.  (Matt.  xxvi.  52.)  Judiciously  does  he  admonish  the  council  (o 
lake  heed  let  they  be  found  fighters  against  God.  May  divine  grace  ever  guard  us  from  that  fatal  error  into  which 
all  who  oppose  the  gospel,  whatever  they  may  imagine,  assuredly  fall !  They  cannot  indeed  dissolve  it,  but  they 
dash  themselves  in  pieces  against  it.  Re  wise  therefore,  O  ye  kings  !  be  instructed,  ye  judges  of  the  earth  !  (Psal. 
ii.  10.) 

40  For  reasons  of  state  the  apostles  were  to  be  scourged,  though  their  judges  were  inwardly  convinced  that  it  was 
at  least  possible  their  message  might  be  divine.  Deliver  us,  O  Lord,  from  that  policy  which  shall  lead  us  to 
imagine  any  evil  so  gi-eat  as  that  which  may  ofl'end  thee !  Tlie  punishment  which  these  excellent  men  suflTered  was 
infamous,  but  the  cause  in  which  they  endured  it  rendered  it  glorious :  nor  could  those  stripes  be  half  so  painful 
to  their  flesh,  as  an  opportunity  of  thus  approving  their  fidelity  to  their  Lord  was  delightful  to  their  pious  souls. 
Well  might  they  triumph  in  bearing  the  scourge  for  him  who  bore  the  cross,  and  died  on  it  for  them.  Let 
us  arm  ourselves  with  the  same  mmd,  if  in  a  severer  sense  than  this  we  should  be  called  for  his  sake  to  resist 
unto  blood. 


SECTION  XII. 

nd,  i 

Acts  vi.   1. 


'the  clioice  of  the  sevpn  deacons.   Stephen  preaches  Christ,  and,  after  disputing  with  some  of  the  .Jewish  societies,  is  hroiight  before  the  sanhedrin^. 

Acts  vi.  1— IC. 


SECT 
1 


Acts  vi.  i. 
:CT.    A'^Oir  in  those  days  of  which  we  have  been  speaking,  and  some  time  after  the  fact  last  and  in  those  days,  when 
12.     recorded  had  fallen  out,  the  number  of  the  disciples  being  multiplied,  there  arose  a  murmur-  ^'^^  Ij^^jriiplied,  liiere^'arosi^a 

ing  of  the  Hellenists  or  Grecians,  that  is,  of  those  converts  to  the  gospel  who,  being  mumiuring  of 'the  Grecians 

ACTS  foreign  Jews,  and  coming  from  the  western  countries,  used  the  Greek  language  in  their  "heir"widow"  werr^iie'^/iected 
^''-  .  synasognes  and  in  tlieir  conversation,"  against  the  Hebrcivs,  who  were  natives  of  Judea,  in  the  daily  ministration. 
and  used  the  Hebrew  or  the  Syriac  tongue  ;  because,  as  they  were  strangers  at  Jerusalem, 
and  had  not  so  much  interest  as  the  natives,  some  of  their  necessitous  widows  were  in 
some  degree  at  least  neglected^  in  the  daily  ministration  of  the  charities  that  were  distri- 
buted to  the  poor  members  of  the  church.  And  as  the  apostles  were  concerned,  though 
not  alone,  in  that  distribution,  (the  money  raised  as  above  by  the  sale  of  estates  having 
been  brought  to  them.)  they  were  solicitous  to  obviate  all  those  reflections  wiiich  might 
fall  upon  them  on  this  occasion,  as  they  might  otlierwise  in  some  measure  have  aflected 
their  usefulness. 

2  And  the  tnrlve  aposths  having  called  the  multitiule  of  the  disciples  together,'^  communicated  s  Then  the  twelve  called 
the  matter  to  them,  and  said,  It^is  by  no  means  proper  or  agreeable  that  we,  who  have  an  office  L'Jfw")A?m."and''s»*icf,  ihs  not 
to  discharge  of  so  much  greater  weight  and  consequence,  should  leave  the  important  care  reason  that  we  should  leave 
of  dispensing  the  word  of  God,  to  attend  the  tables  of  the  poor,  and  see  who  are  served  l^^i^s';"'^  "^  ^'"''  ^""^  '"''' 
there;  and  yet  this  we  mustdo  in  order  to  prevent  these  complaints, unless  some  further  mea- 

3  sures  be  taken  by  common  consent.     Therefore,  brethren,  as  you  easily  see  how  incon-     3  Wherefore,  brethren,  look 

a  Grecians,  ihut  i^, — foreign  Jews,  &c.]  This,  for  reasons  which  may  b  T/ifir  uidnws  were  neglecied.}  The  apostles  undoubtedly  acted  a 
he  seenatlaree  in  Dr.  Benson's  /^».«ory,  appears  to  me  by  far  the  most  very  faithful  part  in  the  distribution  of  money  raised  by  the  sale  of 
probable  of  the  seven  opinions  mentioned  by  Fabncius,i'in  his  Bihlioth.  lands.  (See  note  c,  on  chap.  iv.  ,'!7.  5  ]0.  p.  .3H3.)  But,  as  Lord  Bar- 
Oner,  lib.  iv.  cap.  5.  note  q,  vol.  iii.  p.  2C6.)  as  well  as  that  which  is  rington  well  observes,  iMi.scell.  isacr.  Abstract,  p.  11.)  they  could  not 
eenerally  allowed  by  all  the  best  commentators.  (See  Critic.  Magn.  in  Ho  all  things.  Perhaps  they  intrusted  some  who  had  been  proprietors  of 
/or.)  '1  hat  of  Mons.  Fourmont,  Hist.  -lead.  Roy.  vol.  iii.  p.  105.)  that  the  estates  sold,  who  would  naturally  have  some  peculiar  recard  to  the 
they  were  Syrians,  depends  on  uncertain  and  improbable  conjectures,  necessity  of  their  neighbours  as  beins;  best  acquainted  with  them  ;  anil, 
either  that  the  Acts  were  written  in  Syriac,  or  eXXrinirTni  read  for  if  any  suspicions  aro.se  as  to  the  sincerity  of  their  character,  and  the 
(\t\mai,  persons  belonging  to  Helena,  Queen  iif  the  Adiabeni.  (See  reasonableness  of  their  pretensions,  these  strangers  would  (cateris  pari- 
Wolf.  iH  loc.)    As  there  were  so  many  .tews  who  used  the  Greek  trans-  *i«J  be  least  callable  of  eiving  satisfaction. 

lation  of  the  Bible,  who  might  therefore  very  properly  be  denoted   by  c  Having  called  the  multitude  of  the  disciples  toaeiher.']    Dr.  Whitby 

this  word,  it  is  extremely  probable  their  united   interest  should   be   in  has  solidly  proved  on  this  head,  that  by  these  we  are  to  understand,  not 

question  on  such  an  occasion,  and  not  merely  that  of  those  who  came  (as  !lr.  l^ightfoot  imagined)  the  rest  ot  the  hundred  and  twenty,  but  the 

trom   Syria.— I'.tza  interprets  the  word  as  ileiioting  only  c/VrT'wjrwrf  whole  body  of  christian  converts,  thfv  bein^- the  persons  to  whom  satis- 

proselylet ;  but  I  think  without  an3'  reason.    See  llrus.-  in  Inc.  faction  was  then  I'.uv. 


THE  CHOICE  OF  THE  SEVEN  DEACONS.  389 

ye  out  among  you  seven  men  venient  it  would  be  to  Suffer  this  care  to  lie  upon  us,  and  how  inevitably  it  would  render  SECT. 

Ho'fr  GVost'°'an/"  wi&iom!  "^  incapable  of  attending  to  the  proper  duties  of  our  office,  it  is  our  united  request  to  you,  12. 
may  appoint  over  that  vou  look  out  from  umong  yourselves  seven  men^  of  an  attested  character,  full  of  the  tloli/ 


And  Stephen,  having  for  some  time  discharged  the  office  of  a  deacon  with  great  honour  8 
and  fidelitv,  was  raised  by  divine  Providence  and  grace  to  the  superior  honours  of  an 


tiiis  business.  Spirit  and  o/"  approved  wisdom,  whom  we  mat/  by  common  consent  and  approbation  set  over    acts 

t/iis  affair,^  and  who  may  make  it  their  particular  business  to  attend  to  the  management  of     ^^■ 

4  But  «;e  will  aive  our-  it.    And  We,  in  the  mean  time,  being  freed  from  this  great  encumbrance,  will  constantly  4 
rnd*to'°the'"m'i'mst7y''o?'t1[e  attend  to  prayer  and  to  the  ministry  of  the  word,  which" is  our  grand  business,  and  which 
word.  we  could  be  glad  to  prosecute  without  interruption. 

5  And  the  savin?  pleased      And  the  speech  the  apostles  made  tvus  pleasing  to  all  the  multitude  who  were  called  to-  5 
the  whole  rnultitude:   and  „^^Y[ev  upon  this  occasion ;  a/id  having  deliberated  a  little  upon  the  choice  that  was  to  be 

they    cnose    ?>tepripn,   a  man   ",/,,  ,  lo^rjL  /. 

full  of  faiih  an.i  of  the  Holy  made,  thei/  elected  seven  to  be  set  apart  to  the  office  or  deacons,  whose  names  were  as  fol- 

chmus,''and^''Nic;n''o°'?  ^"d  lows :  There  was  Stephen,  a  man  full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit,^  of  whose  heroic 

'iimon',  ajjd  Paimenas,  and  character  and  glorious  end  we  shall  presently  have  occasion  to  speak ;  and  Philip,  viho 

l^icolas  a  proselyte  ot  Anu-  j^^^  continued  an  ornament  and  blessing  to  the  church,  being  at  length  raised  to  a  yet 

higher  character ;  and  Prochorus,  and  Nicanor,  and  Timon,  and  Parmenas,  and  Nicolas, 

who  was  not  a  Jew  born,  but  a  proselyte  of  Antioch,^  whom  they  were  more  willing  to  fix 

in  this  office,  as  his  peculiar  relation  to  the  Grecians  would  make  hira  especially  careful  to 

6  Whom  they  set  before  the  remedy  any  neglect  of  them  which  might  insensibly  have  prevailed.     Tiiese  were  the  per-  5 
praved^thS''laid''MJi>''Lnds  sons  in  whom  they  cliose  to  repose  this  confidence;  and  accordingly  they  presented  them 
on  tiiem.  before  the  apostles.     And  they  having  prayed  that  a  divine  blessing  might  attend  all  their 

niinistrations  and  care,  laid  [their]  hands  upon  them,  that  so  they  might  not  only  express 
their  solemn  designation  to  the  office,  but  misiht  confer  upon  them  such  extraordinary  gifts 
as  would  qualify  them  yet  more  abundantly  for  the  full  discharge  of  it. 

7  And  the  word  nf  God  in-      And  the  consequence  was,  that  the  matter  of  complaint  bein;;  thus  removed,  and  the  7 
t'hr^dfsciprel  mliUi^plie"  fn  apostles  more  entirely  at  leisure  to  attend  to  tlie  great  and  peculiar  duties  of  their  office, 
Jerusalem   greatly  ;    and    a  /Ae  word  of  God  grew,  and  the  number  of  disciples  in  and  about  Jerusalem  ivas  greatly  mul- 
were'o™eXn'tVthcfeuh!^'*  tiplied ;  fiiid  in  particular,  what  might' seem  very  surprising,  a  great  multitude  of ' priests 

became  obedient  to  the  faith,^^  notwithstanding  all  those  prejudices  which  they  had  imbibed 
against  this  new  doctrine,  from  the  scorn  with  which  the  great  and  the  noble  generally 
treated  it.  and  the  loss  of  those  temporal  advantages  which  they  might  be  called  to  resign 
out  of  regard  to  it. 

8  And  Stephen,  full  of  faith 
and  power,  did  great  wonders 
and     miracles     among     the  _  ,  ,,  . 

people-  evangelist  and  a  martyr,'  and  was  enabled  in  a  very  extraordinary  manner  to  confirm  the 

doctrine  he  taught;  for,  being  full  of  grace  and  of  power,^  and  eminently  qualified  for  thp 
performance  of  wonderful  things,  he  wrought  many  extraordinary  miracles  and  great  si pi$ 
among  the  people. 

9  Then  there  arose  certain      But,  notwithstanding  all  the  miraclcs  that  were  done  by  him,  there  arose  some  of  the  9 
clued'  r/.""S^'J' of  the  synagogue  which  is  called  [that]  of  the  Libertines,  as  having  been  the  children  of  freed-men. 
Libertines,    and  Cyienians,  that  is,  of  emancipated  captives  or  slaves,'  and  [.some]  of  the  Cyrenians  and  Alexandrians, 
tiS'em  of  c'nfclarand  oTAsia!  and  of  them  who  were  natives  of  Cilicia  and  Asia,  who  endeavoured  to  prevent  the  success 
disputing  with  Stephen.        '  of  his  preaching,  bv  disputing  with  Stephen,'"  and  arguine  with  him  concerning  his  doctrine. 

10  And  they  were  not  able  And  thoush  they  had  an  high  opinion  of  their  own  sufficiency  to  manage  the  dispute,  yet  10 
to  resist  'Ij.^j^JiJ*^"'^^^^^  "'^  such  was  the  force  of  his  reasoning,  that  they  were  not  able  to  stand  against  the  wisdom  and 
spin    y  w    L  a  e.       j^j^.^^  with  which  he  spake,  the  divine  Spirit  itself  guiding  his  thoughts  and  animating  his 

expressions,  which  raised  him  far  above  the  strength  of  his  natural  genius,  and  made  him 
indeed  a  wonder  to  all  that  heard  him.  (Compare'Matt.  x.  20.  and  Luke  xxi.  15.) 

d  Seven  men.]    Mr.  Mede  thinks  this  an  allusion  to  the  seven  arch-  quence  of  being  cast  out  of  their  office  :  (as  it  is  not  to  be  imagined,  that 

angels,  whom  he  supposes  the  great  courtiers  of  heaven  ;  and  mauy  other  when  christians  were  cast  out  of  the  synagogues,  they  would  be  retained 

texts   produced  in  support  of  that  rabbinical  opinion,  seem  almost  as  as  temple-ministers:)  but  the  grace  of  God  was  able  to  animate  and 

little  to  the  purpose  as  this.  support  them  against  all.    And  it  is  vcrj'  probable,  the  miracle  of  rend- 

e   Jl7i:'m  we  may  set  over  this  affair. ^    I  apprehend  the  apostles  speak  ing  the  veil  of  the  temple,  and  the  testiinony  of  the  guards  to  tlie  truth 

here  of  what  WHS  to  be  the  joint  act  of  themselves  and  the  whole  church,  of  the  resurrection, 'which  some  of  the  chief  of  that  order  heard,  and 

as,  to  be  sure,  after  they  had  exercised  the  trust  for  a  while,  it  would  might  perhaps  be  whispered  to  some  others,)  mieht  contribute  considcr- 

have  been  most  indecent  to  have  devolveil  it  on  any  but  such  as  they  ably  toward  their  conversion,  in  concurrence  v.itn  the  miraculous  gifts 

should  have  approved. — It  is  a  maxim  with  me  in  this  work,  to  meddle  and  powers  of  the  apostles,  the  most  convincing  proofs  cf  which  they 

as  little  as  possible  with  controversies  about  church  order  and  govern-  saw  before  their  eyes  in   their  own  temple. Some  would  rendei 

ment,  or  any  other  circumstantial  points  tliat  have  unhappily  divided  woXw  ox^or. "  nnnierous  body,  as  if  it  intimated,  that,  after  mutual  con- 

the  Protestant  world.     Vet  I  hope  1  shall  give  no  offence  by  observing,  ferences  with  each  other,  they  acreed  to  ceme  oier  in  a  hndy  ;  which 

that  no  just  argument  can  be  drawn  from  the  actions  of  the  apostles,  with  might  be  the  case  :  but  as  the  original  does  not  determine  that  positively, 

their  extraordinary  powers  and  credentials,  to  the  rights  of  succeeding  1  have  kept  to  what  seemed  a  more  literal  version.    For  which  reason 

ministers  destitute  of  such  powers  and  credentials.     It  would  however  also  1  cannot,  with  Heinsius,  render  ox>^o';  iepewi',  many  priests  of  the 

have  been  happy  for  the  church  in  every  aae,  had  its  ordinary  ministers  loner  rank. 

taken  the  same  care  to  act  in  concert  with  tlie  people  committed  to  their       i   1  he  superior  honours  of  an  evangelist,  iV'c]  It  plainly  appears  from 

charge,  and  to  pay  all  due  deference  to  their  natural  rights,  which  the  the  foregoing  history  of  the  institution  of  the  office,  that  it  was  not  as  a 

apostles  themselves,  extraordinary  as  their  commission  and  office  war,  deacon  that  lie  preached  ;  but  the  extraordinary  gifts  of  the  Spirit  he 

did  on  this  and  other  occasions. —  The  three  grand  canons,  that  all  things  received,  eminently  qualified  him  for  that  work;  and  no  doubt,  many 

should  be  done  rfefenc/i;, /k  f/irtr!?}',  and /o  crf;>fca/!V.n.dulv  attended  to,  christians  not  statedly  devoted   to  the  ministry,  and   whose  furniture 

would  supersede  the  necessity  of  ten  thousand  which  have  been  n^ade  W'as  far  inferior  to  his,  would  be  capable  of  declaring  Christ  and  his 

since,  and  perhaps,  if  rightly  weighed,  would   be  found  absolutely  to  gospel   to  strangers  in  an  edifying  and  useful  manner,  and  would  not 

vacate  a  great  part  of  tliem.  fail  accordingly"  to  do  it,  as  Providence  gave  them  a  call  and  opportu- 

f  Stephen,  a  man  full  of  faith,  <St.]    'S\r.  Fleming  (in  his  Christolopy,  nity. 

vol.  ii.  p.  166.)  endeavours  to  prove  that  Stephen  was  one  of  the  Seventy,  .   k  Fvll  rf  grace  and  of  po-er.l    So  many  valuable  copies  read  xapiror 

but  it  seems  quite  a  precarious  conjecture.    The  termination  of  most  of  instead  of  irwrTeur.  that  1  thought  myself  obliged  to  follov/  them.    See 

these  names  makes  it  probable  they  were  Hellenists;  a  supposition  J^r.  .Mill,!«/«c.  ,  o     ,    ,-       ■ 

which  also  agrees  very  well  with  the  occasion  of  their  election.  1  lAhertines,  as  havine  been  the  children  of  freedm-n.  &:c.1    Grotius, 

g  Nicolas,  a  proselyte  of  Antioch.]    Some  ancient  writers  tell  us  that  Salmasius,  ra.snage,   \itringa,    and    many    other   illustrious  writers, 

he  fell  into  error  in  the  decline  of  life,  and  became  the  founder  of  the  generally  asree  in  the  interpretation  given  in  the  paraphrase;  for  (he 

sect  of  the  Nicolaitans,  mentioned   Kev.  ii.  fi,  1.5.   (See  Vuseb.  Eccles.  illustratfon  of  which,  most  of  them   remind  us  that  great  numbers  of 

Hi.tt.  lib.  iii.  cap.  29.  and  lien.  lib.  i.  cap.Vt.)   But  it  seems  much  more  -lews  taken  captive  by  Pompey,and  carried  into  Italy,  w-ere  (as  Phi'o 

probable  that  the  founder  of  this  sect,  considerins  how  common  the  tells  us,  Uper.  p.  1014.)  Sft  at  liberty,  and  obtained  their  freedom  rroni 

name  was,  might  be  some  other  person  so  called,  or  else  (.13  Mr.  L'En-  their   masters.    Their  children,   therefore,  would   be  libertini,  m  me 

fant  conjectures)  that  some  of  his  words  or  actions,  beine  misinterpret-  proper  sense  of  that  word  :  agreeably  to  thi«.  ihe  .lews  banished  rrom 

ed,might  be  the  occasion  ofseduction  under  the  authoritj- of  so  venerable  Rome  by  1  iberius  (who  are   mentioned   both  by  .losephus.  Wn'?. ''»■ 

a  name  as  his. We  may  observe  bv  the  way,  that  it  is  evident  the  xviii.  cap.  X  [al.  5.]  4  5.  and  Suetonius.  Tiber.  ra,i.  ."6.)  are  ^P°.'^^"'''!i- 

word  proiclyte  here  signifies  one  who  by  circumcision  had  entered  him-  'J'acitus,  Annal.  lib.  ii.  cap.  85.  as  of  the  Libertine  race,  ■"'"""','-'    1    ': 

self  into  the  bodv  of  the  Jewish  people ;  for  none  imasine  i<  icolas  to  constitute  one   of  the  480  synagogues  said  to  have  been  at  ■[^'J^''^^'|J'  • 

ha\e  been  what  is  commonly  called   a  proselyte  of  the  sate,  no  uncir-  (-ee  Dr.  Gardner's  Credibility,  Pa't^i,-  ^o^jf^,'    '  ""       ' 

cumcised  persons  being  3'et  admitted  into  the  christian  churc'  '       '  '     '       ""        ''  '    '*--^' " 

h  A  great  multitude  of  priests,  Sjc.']    We  learn  from  Ezra,  _, 
J6 — 30.  that  four  thousand  two  hundred  and  eighty-nine  priests  i 

from  the  captivity,  the  number  of  which  was  now  probably  n.u^..  ,,.,-  ^j..,.,./  o„,.k-j^^.^  ■«  •■..--  - -  -.- ,.       ■      minion-   a-i'i  mi'  or 

creased. 1  see  no  foundation  in  the  authority  of  any  ancient  copies,  may,  if  he  pleases,  see  a  further  account  ot  llien  "PI"'    ''   j  j,n,|'  ^jr 

tor  reading,  with  Casaubon,  xai  rwv  iepewis  and  explaining  if  as  if  it  some  others,  in  Woltius"s  notes  on  this  vei^e.— I'r.  iiam  ^-     • 

were   Ka<  -rivet  tcov  Upeav,  and  some  ,f  the  priests.    It  is  indeed  wonder-  Biscoe  (chap.  iv.  «  4.  p.  103.)  take  them  to  "^^^^".'-'12,  *"r  '„.,,  .hg  word 

ful  that  a  great  multitude  of  them  should  embrace  the  gospel,  considering  free  citizens  of  Rome:  but  1  do  not  remember  to  naxe  scei. 

what  peculiar  resentments  they  must  expect  from   their  unbelieving  liberiini  used  in  that  sense.  „„c;/l<.i-ahlp  svrauoffues  in 

breUiren,  and  the  great  losses  to  which  the.v  must  be  exposed  in  conse-       m  Di'F^-ting  rcith  Stephen.]    As  the  most  consiaejanie  s^i.-t  s. 


390  STEPHEN  BROUGHT  BEFORE  THE  COUNCIL. 

SECT.       Then,  as  they  iouiid  they  were  incapable  of  defending  themselves  by  fair  argument,  they     ii  Then  they  suborned  men, 
12.     had  recourse  to  a  most  mean  and  dishonest  fraud  ;  for  tfiei/  suborned  men  to  depose  and  ^im'^speak'bias^hemous words 

i,ay.  We  heard  him,  even  this  very  Stephen,  speak  blasphemous  words  against  Moses,  and  against  Moses,  and  against 

ACTS    [agai)ist~\  God  himself,"  the  great  Author  of  that  religion  which  Moses  taught  us  by  com-  ^°'*- 
^'^-     mand  from  him. 

1 2  And  as  the  law  required  that  a  blasphemer  should  be  stoned,  (Lev.  xxiv.  16.)  thei/  stirred  12  And  they  stirred  up  the 
up  the  people,  and  the  elders,  and  the  scribes,  especially  those  who  were  in  stations  of  autho-  ttTe" 'scribes,  and  came^'upon 
ntv,  against  him  ;  and  setting  upon  [him,1  theii  violently  seized  and  drugged  him  away  with  him,  and  caught  him,  and 

,,•        "      I  .  i»  r;.     T    ,     ?i    ^       11-  11  "i  vi-  5^u  brought  Ajm  to  the  council. 

them,  and  brought  \^him\  to  the  sanhedrim,  which  was  then  sitting;  and  there,  in  presence 
of  their  highest  court  of  judicature,  they  prosecuted  the  affair  to  an  issue  which  will  be 
described  in  the  following  sections. 

IMPROVEMENT. 
Ver.  1      ^Ve  see  how  difficult  it  is,  even  for  the  wisest  and  best  of  men,  to  manage  a  great  multitude  of  affairs  without 
2 — 4  inconvenience  and  without  reflection.     It  will  therefore  be  our  prudence  not  to  engross  too  much  business  into 
our  own  hands,  but  to  be  willing  to  divide  it  with  our  brethren,  with  our  inferiors,  allotting  to  each  their  proper 
province,  that  the  whole  may  proceed  with  harmony  and  order. 
1      Let  us  be  solicitous  that  nothing  may  be  done  through  partiality ;  especially  let  those  avoid  it  who  are  intrusted 
with  the  distribution  of  chanties.     It  is  a  solemn  trust,  for  which  their  characters  at  least  are  to  answer  to  the 
world  now,  and  they  themselves  must  ere  long  account  for  it  to  God.     Let  them  therefore  be  willing  to  be  in- 
formed of  the  trutli  of  particular  cases,  willing  to  compare  a  variety  of  them,  and  then  select  such  as  in  their  con- 
sciences they  are  persuaded  it  is  the  will  of  God  they  should  in  present  circumstances  regard,  and  in  such  or  such 
a  proportion  [)refer  to  the  rest. 

3  In  religious  societies  it  may  be  highly  proper  that,  after  the  example  here  given  in  the  apostolic  age,  deacons,  or 
persons  to  perform  this  office,  should  be  elected  by  the  society,  in  concurrence  with  their  ministers.  It  is  their 
business  to  serve  tables.  Happy  those  societies  who  make  choice  of  men  of  an  attested  character,  and  of  those 
who  appear,  by  the  virtues  and  graces  of  the  christian  temper,  to  be  in  that  sense  full  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

While  these  good  men  are  dealing  forth  tlieir  liberal  contributions,  (by  which,  while  Christ  has  any  poor  mem- 

4  hers  remaining,  we  are  still  to  testify  our  love  to  him,)  let  ministers  devote  themselves  with  all  attention  to  prayer 
and  to  tlie  ministry  of  the  word.  Let  those  who  would  administer  the  word  with  comfort  and  success,  remember 
of  how  great  importance  it  is  that  it  be  watered  with  prayer,  falling  upon  it  as  the  former  and  as  the  latter  rain ; 
and  especially  see  to  it,  that,  by  the  constant  exercise  of  lively  devotion  in  secret,  in  their  families,  and  on  other 
propd"  social  occasions,  they  keep  their  graces  vigorous  and  active ;  that,  living  continually  in  such  a  state  of 
nearness  to  (Jod,  they  may  be  qualified  to  speak  in  his  name  with  that  dignity,  tenderness,  and  authority  which 
nothing  but  true  and  elevated  devotion  can  naturally  express,  or  can  long  retain. 

7  Let  us  adore  that  efficacy  of  divine  grace  whereby  a  multitude  of  the  Jewish  priests  were  made  obedient  to  the 
faith  :  and  let  us  heartily  pray,  that  if  there  are  any  who  claim  a  sacred  character,  and  yet,  out  of  regard  to  worldly 
honour  or  interest,  op})ose  the  power  and  purity  of  the  gospel,  they  may  be  convinced  by  the  influence  of  the 
blessed  Spirit,  that  they  can  have  no  interest  in  contradiction  to  the  truth,  and  that  they  are  happy  in  purchasing, 
at  the  highest  price,  that  gospel  which  may  enrich  them  for  ever. 
9  In  whatsoever  station  we  are  fixed,  whether  in  the  world  or  the  church,  let  us  always  remember  our  obligation 
to  plead  the  cause  of  the  gospel,  and  to  render  a  reason  for  the  hope  that  is  in  us.  If  this  engage  us  in  disputa- 
tion with  men  of  corrupt  minds,  we  must  still  hold  fast  the  professio7i  of  our  faith  without  wavering,  knowing  that 
he  is  faithful  that  has  promised.  (Heb.  x.  23.) 
11  The  vilest  charge  may,  as  in  this  instance,  be  fixed  upon  the  most  worthy  men  ;  piety  may  be  defamed  as  blas- 
phemy, and  that  which  is  the  true  love  of  our  country,  as  treason  against  it :  but  tnere  is  one  Supreme  Lawgiver 
and  Judge,  who  will  not  fail,  sooner  or  later,  to  plead  the  cause  of  injured  innocence.  And  when  we  read  of  this 
vile  attack  that  was  made  bv  perjury  on  the  character  and  life  of  Stephen,  we  may  take  occasion  to  adore  that  wise 
and  powerful  Providence  which  so  remarkably  exerts  itself  to  defend  our  reputation  and  our  lives  from  those  false 
and  venomous  tongues  which,  were  it  not  for  that  secret,  invisible  restraint,  might,  like  a  two-edged  sword,  so 
quickly  destroy  both. 


SECTION  XIII. 

.Stephen,  bein?  accused  before  the  sanhedrim  of  blasphemy,  begins  his  vindication  of  himself  from  that  charge.    Acta  vi.  l."5,  to  the  end  ; 

vii.  1-14. 

Acts  vi.  13.  Acts  vi.  1:5. 

SECT.  IT  was  observed  in  the  last  section,  that  those  Jews  who  had  been  confounded  by  the  AND  setup  false  witnesse.i 
13.     force  and  spirit  of  Stephen's  argument  and  address,  had  brought  him  before  the  sanhe-  roV'^\'o'''s%.[k''%T^phlmou 
drim ;  and  while  he  stood  before  them  as  a  prisoner,  thet/  set  up  certain  false  witjiesses  who  words  against  this  holy  plact 
ACTS    said.  This  detestable  man  is  incessanlli/  speaking  blasphemous  words  asuinst  this  holy  place  '"''*  "^'=  '"*■ 
•     in  which  we  now  are,  that  is,  against  Jerusalem  and  the  temple,  and  likewise  against  the 

14  divinely-inspired  law,  as  one  that  has  no  reverence  at  all  for  its  authority.  For  we  our-  \\  For  we  have  heard  idn 
selves  have  heard  him  suyins.,  that  this  same  Jesm  of  Nazareth,  whom  he  celebrates  so  much  say,  That  this  lesus  of  Naza 

'',    ^7  ,  ,..■'.,   T»  *■    1      ,        •        1  •      ^     1         J   reth  sliall  destroy  this  place 

upon  every  occasion  as  the  long-expected  and  desired  Messiah,  having  been  rejected  and  and  shall  change  the  custom-, 
crucified  by  your  authority,  in  concurrence  with  that  of  the  whole  Jewish  people,  shall  '"'hich  Moses  delivered  us. 
nevertheless  destroy  this  city  and  this  holy  place ;  and,  in  consequence  of  that,  shall  entirely 
change  the  rites  and  customs  which  Moses  delivered  to  us,^  and  put  an  end  to  the  whole 
authority  of  his  law. 

15  And,  at  the  very  instant  that  this  heinous  charge  was  advanced  against  Stephen,  all  that  i5  And  all  that  sat  in  th 
were  sitting  in  the  sanhedrim  as  his  ]\xAges, fixing  their  eyes  upon  him,  saw  a  surprising  h?mTsaw°his°facell^u'^had 
radiancy  upon  his  countenance,  so  that  it  appeared  like  the  countenance  of  an  angel  :^  God  been  the  face  of  an  angel. 

.Jerusalem  had  each  a  kind  of  academy  or  college  of  young  students  Gal.  ii.  2.)    This  therefore  seems  to  have  been  the  inference  they  drew 

belonging  to  it,  instruited  under  some  celebrated  rabbi,  it  is  no  wonder  from  what  he  taught  of  the  destruction  he  denounced  on  the  .Tews  if  they 

such  nurseries  should  artbrd  disputants  like  these  spoken  of  here.  continued  in  their  unbelief.     But  it  was  a  very  precarious  inference,  is 

n  Blasphemous  words  against  Moses  and  against  God.]    See  note  a,  on  the  city  and  temple  had  been  destroyed  before  without  any  repeal  of  the 

chap.  vi.  14.  below.  law,  and  therefore  they  were  false  witnesses. 

a  S/iall  change  the  customs  which  Moses  delivered  to  us. 'i    T  see  no  rea-  b  Lite  the  countenance  of  an  angel.]    Grotius,  Brennius,  L'Enfanf, 

son  to  believe  that  Stephen  knew  the  mystery  of  the  abolition  of  the  and  some  others,  interpret  this  as  a  proverbial  expression  of  the  majesty 

Mosaic  law,  wliich  the  apostles  do  not  seem  immediately  to  have  under-  and  beauty  of  his  countenance,  arising  from  a  transport  of  inward  joy, 

stood  ;  and  it  is  much   less  probable  that  he  openly  taught  what  Paul  in  the  consciousness  of  innocence  and  exfiertalion  of  glory,  though  he 

hiinscll  many  years  after  insinuated  with  so  much  caution,    i Compare  had  so  cruel  a  sentence  and  execution  in  view.    (Compare  <jen.  xxxiii. 


STEPHEN'S  VINDICATION  OF  HIMSELF.  391 

being  pleased  to  crown  the  natural  benignity,  sweetness,  and  composure  of  his  aspect,  sect. 

with  a  refulgent  lustre,  like  what  those  celestial  spirits  have  sometimes  worn  when  they  13. 
have  appeared  as  his  messengers  to  men. 


Acu  vii.  1.  Then  said  the      Nevertheless,  the  council  proceeded  against  him,  and  the  high  priest,  without  any  par-    acts 
high  triest,  Are  these  things  titular  notice  of  it,  Said  with  an  affected  calmness,  as  to  a  common  criminal  on  his  trial     "^^I- 
Are  these  things  indeed  thus  as  these  witnesses  have  deposed  ?    Thou  art  permitted  to  make  ^ 
thy  defence,  and  this  is  thy  time  to  speak  ;  if  therefore  thou  hast  any  thing  to  offer  in  thine 
own  vindication  from  this  charge  of  blasphemy,  which  the  witnesses  have  so  expressly 
advanced  against  thee,  plead  it,  and  the  court  will  patiently  attend  to  what  thou  hast  to 
say,  before  it  proceeds  to  sentence. 

2  Aid  he  said,  Men,  bre-      And  upon  this  Stephen  began  a  large  discouvse,<=  in  which,  in  the  softest  and  most  in-  2 
ThrjIJd*  o'f''Xry  appea^reJ  offensive  manner,  he  solemnly  declared  his  frm  persuasion  of  the  divine  authority  of  that 
unto  our  father    Abraha.m  law  which  he  was  charged  with  blaspheming;  and  proved  to  them  from  their  own  Scrip- 
Tefwe'he'd'wdtfn  chaf^an','*'  tures,  that  God's  gracious  regards  to  his  people  were  not  limited  within  the  boundaries  of 

that  land,  nor  appropriated  to  those  who  were  subjected  to  the  Mosaic  ritual ;  at  the  same 
time  reminding  them  of  some  instances  in  which  they  had  ungratefully  rejected  those 
whom  God  had  appointed  for  their  deliverers,  that  they  might  be  cautioned  against  repeat- 
ing the  fault  in  this  instance  to  their  final  ruin.  He  therefore  traced  the  matter  to  its  original, 
and  said,  Men,  brethren,  and  fathers,  I  beseech  you  all,  whether  old  or  young,  whether  of 
greater  or  lower  rank,  to  hearken  to  me  while  I  offer  these  things,  which  may  not  only 
serve  for  my  own  vindication  from  this  unjust  charge,  but  may  likewise  remind  you  of 
some  important  particulars  which  it  is  your  highest  interest  in  present  circumstances 
seriously  to  consider.  It  is  well  known  to  all  of  you,  that  long  before  our  law  was  given, 
or  the  place  in  which  we  stand  had  any  peculiar  sanctity,  the  God  of  glory  appeared  to 
our  father  Abraham,  by  some  resplendent  and  majestic  symbol  of  his  presence,  ^vhile  he 
was' yet  with  his  idolatrous  ancestors  in  Mesopotamia,  (Gen.  xi.  31.)  before  he  dwelt  in 
Charran,  which  for  a  while  he  did,  after  he  had  removed  his  abode  from  Ur  of  the  Chal- 

3  And  said  unto  him,  Get  deans,  which  was  the  land  of  his  nativity.     In  this  idolatrous  land  it  was  that  God  ap-  3 
from  Thy  °kind?ed?an'7iome  peared  and  Said  to  him.  Depart  from  this  'thtj  native  country,  and  from  thy  kindred,  who  are 
into  the  land  wii'ich  I  shall  now  alienated  from  my  worship,  and  come  away  from  this  land,  which  for  so  long  a  time 
shew  thee.  ^^^  \}Q&n  the  Seat  of  thy  family,  into  a  pleasant  and  excellent  land  which  I  ivill  shoiu  thee, 

and  to  which,  by  my  extraordinary  interposition,  I  will  guide  thee,  though  thou  at  present 

4  Then  came  he  out  of  the  dost  not  know  either  its  situation  or  its  product.     Then  Abraham,  strange  as  this  com-  4 
dwelt*\ncLl^ran?'\^nd'frmn  mand  might  Seem,  with  all  submission  readily  obeyed  it;  and  departing  from  Ur  in  the 
thence,  when  his  father  was  land  of  the  Chaldeans,  he  dwelt  for  several  years  in  Charran,  having  been  led  by  divine 
th^  iand,'^w'herela  y^  now  Conduct  hither,  and  not  immediately  receiving  a  signal  to  proceed  any  further :   but,  by 
dwell.  another  call  from  God,  he  was  directed  to  depart  from  Charran ;  and  accordingly  from 

thence,  after  his  father  died,'^  he,  (that  is,  God,)  by  the  singular  interposition  of  his  provi- 
_  5  And  he  gave  him  none  dence.  Caused  him  to  remove  his  habitation  into  this  land  in  which  you  now  dwell.    And  yet  5 
^mufh^^Jf^lo '"et'^his^fooTon"  "pon  his  coniing  into  Canaan,  he  gave  him  no  present  inheritance  in  it,  not  so  much  as  the 
yet  he  promised  that  he  would  dimension  of  his  foot,  ov  a  piece  of  land  which  he  might  cover  with  the  sole  of  it;  for  the 
lid' tV^h^ed'^afte'rl,'™:  I'ttle  portion  of  it  that  he  could  call  his  own,  he  held  by  purchase,  and  not  as  by  any 
vhen  as  yet  he  had  no  child.'  claim  of  divine  donation  :   Nevertheless  he  promised  to  give  it  for  a  lasting  possession  to  him, 
even  to  his  seed  after  him,«  when  [as  yet,']  by  the  way,  he  had  no  child,  and,  humanly  speak- 
ing, it  was  not'  likely  he  ever  should  have  one  :  but  the  faith  of  our  pious  ancestor 
triumphed  over  all  these  seeming  difficulties,  and  joyfully  embraced  the  divine  revelation 
and  promise. 
6  And  God  spake  on  this      And  when  God  had  brought  Abraham  into  this  country,  he  did  not  keep  him  and  his  6 
,'ourn  1^  a^trlnge  ilud ;  and  posterity  here  till  the  time  they  were  to  enter  upon  the  possession  of  it  in  consequence  of 
•hat  tiiey  should  bring 'them  this  divine  grant,  but,  on  the  contrary,  God  spake  [to  him]  thus  in  a  vision,  (Gen.  xv.  13, 
S«m  evil  four'hundred'yea'rl!  14.)  "  Thai  his  seed  should  sojoum  and  be  strangers  in  a  foreign  land,  and  they  among 
whom  they  sojourn  shall  enslave  and  abuse  them  ;  and  these  events,  with  the  circumstances 
preparatory  to  them,  shall  extend  themselves  to  the  full  period  of  four  hundred  yearsS 

10.  1  Sam.  xxix.  9.  Eccles.  viii.l.  andEsth.  [Apoc.]xv.  13.)    And  upon  to  some  error  of  transcribers,   from  which,  as  it  is  plain  from  various 

this  the  translation  of  1727  takes  the  strange  liberty  of  rendering  it,  readings,  even  the  copies  of  the  sacred  books  have  not  always  been 

They  saw  an  air  of  majesty  in  his  aspect.    But,  with  Dr.  Hammond  and    secure,  as  without  a  continued  miracle  it  is  impossible  thej- should. 

Benson,  I  rather  think  there  was  a  supernatural  splendour,  as  on  the  ftut  as  for  what  is  here  urged,  as  if  it  were  inconsistent  with  (ien.  xi. 

countenance  of  Moses,  Exod.  xxxiv.  2t). — It  was  indeed  amost  astonish-  26,  32.   xii.  4.  from  whence  it  is  argued,  that  as  Terah  was  but  70  years 

lag  instance  of  the  incorrigil>le  hardness  and  wickedness  of  their  hearts,  old  when  Abraham  was  born,  and  Abraham   but  75  when  he  departed 

taat  they  could  murder  a  man  on  whom  God  put  such  a  visible  glory,  from  Ilarau,  these  make  no  more  than  145  years  ;  but  I'erali   lived  to 

similar  to  that  of  their  great  legislator :  but  perhaps  they  might  ascribe  be  205,  and   so  must  have  lived  00  years  after  Abraham  left  Haran  ; 

it  to  magic  ;  and  we  know  how  little  they  made  of  other  miracles,  the  whereas  Stephen  affirms  that  Abraham  went  not  from  thence  till  after 

truth  of  which  they  were  compelled  to  acknowledge.    Compare  Acts  his  father  died  ;  in  answer  to  this,  it  is  well  observed  by  Mr.  Biscoe, 

•v.  16.  (chap,  xviii.  p.  b')a — 61KI.')  that  this  obiectiou  is  built  upon  an  unproved 

c  Stephen  began  a  large  discourse.]    Le   Clerc,  with  a  mixture  of  supposition  that  Abraham  was    Terah's  eldest  son,  or  that  he  was  born 

rishness  and  weakness,  into  which  he  frequently  falls  in  his  reflections  in  his  70th  year  ;  not  to  insist  on  the  solution  which  is  offered  to  this 

oi   Scripture,  not  understanding  the  true  scope  of  this  excellent  dis-  difficulty  by  Le  Clerc,  Knatchbull,  Capellus,  and  others,  that,  accord- 

cojrse,  presumes  to  censuie  it  as  containing  many  things  not  to  the  pur-    ingto  the  Samaritan  copy,  I  erali  lived  but  145years. Cladenius's  so- 

pose,  as  well  as  many  slips  of  memory,  thouah  it  is  expressly  said,  (ver.  lution,  built  on  the  distinction  between  KaioiKeiv,  sojourniiiff,  and  mctoi- 

53.;  that  Stephen